Category: Miscellaneous

The summer break is a time to enjoy yourself and have fun doing the activities you love. The sun is shining, and you’ll want to get out and about on the road and playing sports with friends and family. This is all very well and good, however, you must remember that the great outdoors is not without its dangers. So, always ensure that you stay as safe as possible and limit the chances you take when driving, motorcycling, enjoying the sun, engaging in sports, and swimming, for example. The summer is bound to encourage you to want to live a little more carefree than usual, but safety is paramount throughout the year so don’t make careless mistakes.

Motorcycling

Hopping onto a motorcycle in summer is great fun, and it makes a change from biking in the cold winter rain and headwinds. Granted, the roads aren’t as slippery and wet during the summer months, but they still hold very real danger. Motorcycles are capable of driving at phenomenal speeds, however, you shouldn’t be exceeding the speed limit whatsoever. Motorcyclists should learn about the biggest dangers they face so that accidents can be avoided. Unfortunately, traffic collisions are common and at speed, a motorcycle can often be very serious and even fatal. Make sure you’re well covered and know who to turn to in the event of an accident while driving a motorcycle. This website can provide you with the answers you need after getting involved in a crash and subsequently being injured.

Refresher Driving Lessons

If you’ve got a road trip or a cross-country adventure on the cards, then think about having some refresher lessons before you set off. If you haven’t been driving for long, then this is advisable and you’ll feel confident before you begin your journey. If you can’t quite remember the last time you drove for such long distances, then these are for you too. You simply cannot be too safe when behind the wheel of a vehicle, so think seriously about booking yourself, or a loved one, a set of refresher driving lessons. The rules of the road do stay relatively the same however small changes do occur over the years, so make sure you’re up to date on your knowledge of the road.

Cycling Proficiency

Stay safe this summer when pedaling with your family. Cycling can be fun for all the family, and setting out on bikes with a picnic is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends or family. Staying safe on the roads is something that needs to be in the forefront of your mind at all times when cycling as roads can get busy, and bikes can be missed if you’re not wearing the correct reflective gear and bright front and backlights. Make sure your kids are confident and proficient enough before you take them on the roads. Having said this, try and stick to country routes while they’re still finding their feet, so to speak. Be sure to carry tire repair kits when you’re headed out on a long journey, as you don’t want to find yourself far from home with a puncture and in the heat of the midday sun, for example.

Stock Up On Sun Cream

The sun is a force to be reckoned with, so avoid playing around when it comes to the sun. Always, always apply sun cream and even sunscreen when you’re out and about in the sun. Sun cream needs to be applied liberally and at regular intervals throughout the day; you shouldn’t be spending more than fifteen minutes in the direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Limit your skin’s exposure to the sun, and wear a hat or cap, cover your arms and chest and be sure to sit in the shade wherever possible. Your kids shouldn’t leave your house without you having spread sun cream on their skin. You can find hypoallergenic creams on the market if you’re worried about allergic reactions, so there’s no excuse not to prepare your young children before the hot day begins.

Protective Sportswear

Summer welcomes with it the season for sports. Sports are a big part of how people enjoy summer whether they’re engaging or watching, so safety plays a significant role also. Some sports can result in nasty injuries, and so protective gear is worn throughout the game. Protective sportswear should be considered in whatever sport you’re thinking of taking part in this summer, even if it’s rollerblading in the park, or swimming at your local pool or in the sea. If you’re running at dusk or at night, then you should be kitted out in the correct reflective gear and supportive sneakers to ensure that you limit the damage to the arches of your feet, your connective tissue, and bones. If you’re taking part in martial arts or in hockey, rugby, or soccer, then it’ll be very wise to get a hold of shin pads and a mouthguard so as to limit the risk of having your teeth smashed inside your mouth.

Safe Swimming

Safe swimming involves making sure young children wear armbands when in water and are supervised by an appropriate adult at all times. Safe swimming involves swimming where the waters are not rough nor treacherous. Swimming in the outdoors comes with the risk of fast currents and very deep waters. You should be avoiding these places, and only crossing fast waters if you have to and are part of a team when out white water rafting, for example. You should not be approaching such activity without a professional and if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Warn Kids Of Dangers

Be pragmatic in your approach to educating your kids, or young people close to you.  Teach them how to drive safely in all circumstances.  Make sure you’re warned of the dangers involved in popular summer and remind them that the open outdoors poses risks around each corner. Warn kids of the dangers of drinking and driving, and make sure they understand that you, as an adult, will pick them up from parties if they feel unsafe or unsure about getting into a car with a young, or newly qualified driver. Ensure that your kids know never to take risks where their safety, and lives could be at stake. Explain the dangers of taking illegal substances, and be frank and transparent in your approach. If you suspect kids to be taking drugs, then ask them outright and explain to them why you think it’s a bad idea.

Emergency preparation

Emergency prepping is a self-sufficient insurance policy against expected and unexpected emergencies that might come up.  Here are some tips on your safety and what to do in an emergency.  Follow the beginner’s guide to prepping and you should be ready for any disaster that comes your way.

It’s inevitable that your car is going to need to be serviced once in a while and you’ll want a talented mechanic to take care of the work for you. It’s not a good idea to panic in this situation and bring your car to a random shop in the neighborhood.

You’ll feel much better putting your car in the hands of someone you trust and know will do a solid job. You also don’t want to get ripped off and be overcharged for the repairs you’re in need of completing. What you need to do is take the time to understand what it takes to find a good mechanic and follow through and complete your due diligence before hiring someone.

Do your Homework

Do your research well in advance of anything happening to your car, so you’re prepared when disaster strikes. You don’t want to put yourself in a bind and be caught off guard frantically looking for a mechanic. Have a list of options ready to go for when your vehicle needs repairs or someone to diagnose the situation. Before you even take it somewhere do your homework and come up with possibilities for what you think is wrong with it. Also, have dealers in mind for where you can buy a car should yours cost too much to fix or require a replacement altogether. One idea is to head to the Car Corner where they’ll take care of you and get you financed and out the door in a vehicle of your choosing in no time.

Ask for Recommendations

A great idea for finding a trusted mechanic is to ask around to your friends and family members and see who they use. Enquire about how much they cost, why they like working with them and if they’ve had any issues in the past dealing with their services. Call up people who live near you so you can choose a mechanic in your neighborhood who’s easy to access at all times. Ask more than one person you know for their opinion, so you can take an overall vote and get a good idea of who you might want to go with when you’re all done collecting information. You’ll know you’ve found a winner if the same business comes up in conversation several times.

Read Reviews Online

Online reviews are going to give you some of the most honest feedback you can get for which mechanic is worth your time. Research the various locations and people and see what real customers are saying about them. Take your time and read through all of the comments until you’re able to get an overall idea of what it’d be like to work with this person. Make sure to take into account how many reviews have been left and what issues matter most to you as you’re paging through the remarks. If you have any concerns, then take the matter to the shop and ask about it to their face before agreeing to use them if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Meet them in Person & Come Ready with Questions

It’s always a smart idea to go and meet each mechanic who’s in the running for your business in person. This way you can see how they interact with you, take notice of any awards or certificates they have hanging on their wall and get a feel for the overall ambiance of the shop. Tune in to what your gut is telling you at the various locations and as you meet each worker in person. Approach your meeting like an interview and come ready with a list of questions to ask them about their experience and how long they’ve been in business. You never know what you two may have in common or what kind of connection you’ll spark until you have this conversation. Fixing your car is expensive, and you don’t want to give it to just anyone to repair.

Look at your options

While you may fall in love with someone’s repair shop and a particular mechanic right away, don’t let that fool you into giving them your car immediately. A lot of people are sweet talkers and can get you to take action on the spot if you’re not careful. Stand your ground and say you’re in the process of doing your research and will make an appointment and come back if it’s the way you choose to go. Stick to your list of possible mechanics and getting to know each person and shop before you commit to a particular location. You’ll thank yourself for taking your time and doing your due diligence when your car comes out right the first time at a good price.

Start Small

Start early and start small when looking to find a mechanic who you like. Do your homework and then take your car to your chosen person for a few repairs initially. See how they do, what it costs and if it’s a place you think you’d like to try again. This way you won’t be fully committing to a mechanic right off the bat with a large and costly repair while you hope for the best. You won’t feel as bad if you spend a little money on a mechanic you thought was good but turned out to be the wrong answer for you. Use your next scheduled maintenance chore as a chance to try out someone new. See how they do and if they’re attentive and professional before selecting them for bigger projects.

Conclusion

Cars and repairs are expensive, and you don’t want to hand over your vehicle to just anyone when it requires fixing. Make sure you do your homework and find someone who you trust and know will do an excellent job. Don’t be afraid to switch mechanics or shops if you have a poor experience. Keep looking and doing your research until you’re satisfied and feel happy with the outcome. It’s worth your time and energy upfront if you want to walk away feeling good about your decision.

It’s possible you’ve dabbled in racing in the past as a hobby, but now you’re more interested than ever to learn more about the sport. It’s a good goal to have and one that will take up a lot of your free time if you’re looking for a productive way to fill your schedule.

There are many strategies for making racing a bigger part of your life, but you have to be willing to invest time your time and energy to do so. It’s healthy to have interests and hobbies, so be proud of yourself for wanting to learn more about this activity. You never know where your curiosity will lead you, so stay open-minded as you embark on this new journey.

Get into Gaming

One helpful way to understand racing better and make it a bigger part of your life is to start gaming more often. Find the right system, games and best racing wheel out there that will allow you to engross yourself in action and better know what it feels like to race. It’s a fun activity and one you can do with friends if you’re feeling up for a friendly competition. Work on improving your skills and learning more about the sport all at the same time through gaming.

Wear the Gear

Go out and purchase some attractive gear and jerseys to help you feel more engaged in the sport. Pick out clothing that allows you to represent your favorite drivers and feel like a part of the racing community. Sport it on the weekends and when lounging around the house to get the most use out of it. It can be expensive to collect all of the gear and clothing you desire, so start saving up your money now. It’s also a good conversation starter when you’re out and about in public, and you may learn more about the sport by talking to others who are also passionate about the topic.

Watch on Television & Attend Live Events

Set your television to the right channel and spend your afternoon or evening soaking up all the action in the comfort of your own home. Cheer as loud as you want, get out your favorite snacks and make a day of watching and better understanding the rules and who everyone is. Another idea is to attend live events in your area or travel around to some of the races that NASCAR puts on, which are a bigger deal. These are both excellent ways to make racing a larger part of your life and allow yourself to experience more of the sport and what it all entails.

Study Online

Go online and read blogs and publications that experts are posting about racing. You can vastly increase your knowledge a lot by simply taking in more information and statistics from those who spend their entire lives dedicated to racing. Educate yourself on the various terms, drivers, and events, so you know what to expect going forward. Use your free time to study the sport and get more familiar with what’s going on in the space and any recent news updates. There are a lot of excellent and informative websites out there that will quickly fill you in on the latest headlines and who is going to be appearing at which events.

Follow Updates & Drivers on Social Media

In addition to reading articles, you should familiarize yourself with racing by getting more involved on social media. Follow your favorite drivers and related companies who are posting about racing and sharing their passion for the sport with the world. You can pull up social media on your phone or computer anytime you want and quickly be bombarded with a wide array of hot topics and information regarding the sport and who to be watching out for. Join communities, like related pages and connect with others who are into racing and have valuable knowledge to share.

Hang out with People who Enjoy NASCAR

It may be time to think about making some new friends who share our enthusiasm for the sport if you want to get into a new hobby and take it seriously. The idea is to find people like you who are either already into NASCAR or want to learn more about it and engage with them when you have time. Socializing with those who find the sport as interesting as you do will allow you to not hold back your questions or passion for racing and you’ll feel more in your element. You never know what someone else will teach you or the events they’ll introduce you to when you’re hanging out with the right crowd.

Learn more about Cars

Racing is all about cars, and if you don’t know much about them, then this is a good time to better understand more. Do your own research, take a class on cars or talk to those who work with cars for a living to educate yourself on automobiles and what the professionals are driving on the track. You may find you truly like the topic of cars and start to spend more of your time involving yourself in the purchasing and fixing process. This way you yourself can start to possess the facts and knowledge, and won’t have to rely on others when it comes to buying a new car or repairing the vehicle you have.

Conclusion

Be glad you found a positive hobby that has sparked your interest and is stirring up some passion in you. Embrace this new adventure you’re embarking on and allow it to open your mind to new people, places, and subject matters. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the expert sharing your knowledge with the world. Remain patient with yourself as you learn and grow because it can be frustrating to be the new kid on the block. Enjoy this shift in your interests and have fun exploring all there is to know about racing.

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know much about cars because you’re not the only one. There are a lot of people out there who wish they knew more, especially when they find themselves stranded somewhere or have a problem with their current vehicle.

What you shouldn’t do is give up hope on yourself and assume that you can’t educate yourself and learn more. All it takes is you being proactive and having a positive attitude as you embark on this journey to becoming more of a car enthusiast. Take it slow and don’t beat yourself up if there are areas you don’t understand as well as others.

Educate yourself

Your first order of business is to learn and educate yourself on all there is to know. Start by getting curious and actively seeking out information that’s new to you. Visit your public library or search online for various blogs and topics that cover all you need to understand about cars. Watch television shows related to cars and read books and publications that will quickly inform you on the major areas you should know about first.

Buy your own Car & Review the Manual

One way to truly dive into learning more about cars is to buy one yourself. This is an entire process that you’ll want to take seriously and understand more in depth before you go out and purchase one on a whim. You’ll want to approach a dealership having a good idea of what make, model and color you’re interested in buying. Be patient and don’t jump at the first deal or car that comes your way. Once you do land your dream vehicle, it’s a smart idea to read the entire manual and better understand what you need to do to maintain it properly.

Take Care of Finding A Repair Shop yourself

If your car does become problematic or you get in an accident and need repairs then take it upon yourself to lookup car frame shops in your area who can fix the issue. In the past maybe you’d had your spouse or father take care of this problem for you, but it’s a good idea to step up and learn the process for taking your car in and getting it evaluated and repaired yourself. It’s a good idea to get several estimates before you commit to going through with the repairs at the first shop you stop in.

Follow Racing

Another great idea for learning more about cars is to take up a new hobby like following racing. Check out NASCAR events on television or go see the races live if possible. Learn more about the sport by reading online publications and searching for new events that pop up. Start to follow some of the big-name drivers and learn more about them and why they’re so passionate about cars and driving. If you’re feeling super ambitious, you can go to a local go-kart facility and see for yourself how much fun it is to speed around the track.

Talk to an Expert

The only way to learn any new subject matter is to talk to an expert who is experienced in their trade or industry. Either you can find a mechanic who wouldn’t mind chatting with you or take the initiative to search for car experts in your area. It’s likely you’ll quickly find someone who’s passionate about cars and racing if you simply look and ask around. Maybe you have a family member or friend who is an expert, and you didn’t even know it until you opened up and started asking questions. See if they’ll meet with you to discuss cars further and brainstorm a list of questions ahead of time you can ask during your conversation.

Join Communities on Social Media

Social media is the perfect spot for you to learn about a new topic or hobby that intrigues you. There are online groups for just about any kind of activity or interest. Start reading and chatting with those who are into cars and know what they’re talking about. Follow people on social media who have a passion for cars and consistently share related content. It’s easy to check your accounts wherever you are so you can always keep on top of your new hobby. This is a great place to ask questions and not feel silly about how little knowledge you have.

Watch YouTube Videos

You can learn anything you want on YouTube and some people find it easier to watch videos than to read information. Go nuts learning and experimenting as you explore and take in valuable tidbits you can use in your own life. These visuals will allow you to even fix your own car by yourself if you get comfortable enough to do go through with them on your own. The only roadblock is that if you have questions, you’ll have to find someone you know or post a question to an online forum.

Take A Class at your Local Community College

Go out and truly learn more about cars by getting your hands dirty and receiving education from a pro. Take a local class and better understand how cars work and the process for making common repairs. You may even feel like going out to buy an old beater and bringing it back to life after completing your car classes. You’ll also likely meet new people who are also interested in learning more about cars, and you can exchange knowledge and questions with each other.

Conclusion

It’s not as difficult as you may think to learn more about cars. These are all excellent starting points for you in your journey to educate yourself on the subject matter. Go slow and be patient with yourself as you discover, search and experiment in your downtime. You may realize it’s not a hobby you care for, or become truly passionate about cars and want to make them a bigger part of your life.

No doubt it is complicated to buy a used car rather buy a new one. People are mostly concerned about the condition like what is fixed and what can broke. Another important concern people have is the warranty of the car or its parts. Most of the cars today are sold in the as is condition which can seem to be quite risky and so once you sign the paper, you will be left with a car and yes, lots of problems!

This does not mean that buying a used car is a bad idea on the contrary, it can be wisest decision you will be making. In case you are living on a limited budget you will be better off with a used car. In case you are not planning to finance the car you will have to get the liability insurance. Again, unlike the new car there will not be any added fees for you to pay.

We all know that buying a new car gives us peace and the used one comes at a risk. You are sure that the former one has not hit the road and so is safe. In case anything goes wrong, everything will be covered under warranty. In case of a used car these assurances are not present. Knowing the right place to buy a used car and which car to buy can relieve your stress and tension to a great extent. There are a few things you should consider when buying the wheel of dreams.

Simply answer these questions…

How much can you afford?

Before buying the car and getting a good deal you need to be sure about a few things. How you plan to use the car? What is the purpose? What is your budget? What facilities you want?

What car to buy?

Based on your needs and lifestyle you need to decide the car that well-suits you. As you will be using the car for the coming years you need to anticipate your future a bit and gauze the lifestyle changes. You can easily buy mid-size cars today as you will easily find a good deal on them. It can sometimes be difficult to zero down on the car model as there are good numbers of options available for used cars. You can talk to your friend or check for Dealerreviews.co.uk online. In case you are looking for Ford models, you will easily get answers here.

How old the car is?

In case you are considering the budget and looking for one which will last long with less expenses then you should look for a smaller car which is not much old rather than going for an older, bigger car. This is because the former one will be expensive due to the fuel and maintenance costs. You should look for a car which is just couple of years old. You will easily find a model as many people have the habit to buy a new one frequently.

How much you should spend on the car?

Chances are more that people end up overspending the saved budget and here are the tips to avoid it.

• Do some research

You may be ready with the money and set a budget but do you know you are having realistic numbers? You can provide the details of the car and get valuation. You will get approximate value of the car. You should give yourself some time and test drive it. You should also ask a mechanic to go through the engine and other important parts. Make sure you check the car and avoid doing it at night or when it is raining.

• Take a test drive

This is definitely an important process and you should carry it out on different types of road. You should check for unwanted noises or vibrations from the car and ensure it starts right away. You should check each and every feature of the car right from the brakes, wiper and what not!

• Examine the exterior and interior

You should check for dent or rust in any body part. You should also check for leaks and any kind of damage to the external parts. When checking the interior you should check the seatbelts, oil level and see if it is dirty, check for the doors and locks.

Buying a used car is not a small thing and so you need to be sure that you are getting what you are spending. Checking out these tips and tricks will help you make the right deal.

Did you know that owning a car can cost you close to $9,000 each month, that’s around $800 a month on overall car upkeep and maintenance. The costs of owning a car do not just stop the minute that you drive your new wheels off the dealer’s forecourt, in fact, you now need to commit to keeping to a strict car maintenance schedule to ensure that you keep your passengers safe and secure while you are out and about. Luckily, there are now several ways that you can make sure you keep those costs in hand, from saving on fuel to keeping your tires sufficiently full of air, make sure you follow these tips and tricks to help you cut down on your car maintenance costs.

 

Sensible fuel usage

If you usually opt for premium fuel, then think again. Your engine may not even be designed for higher-octane fuel types – you could even be damaging your motor in the long run too. If you are not sure about the type of engine that your car has, then make sure that you visit your local garage or dealer to ensure that you can understand which type of fuel your car is designed for. Regular fuel may even improve the overall performance of your car. If you are spending a small fortune on fuel, then you can get savvy and start using apps or sites such as Gas Buddy to enable you to shop around before filling up. If you are trying to save on your fuel consumption, then you also need to give your driving style some attention also. If you are a self-confessed speed junky, then your aggressive driving could be costing you some serious bucks – slowing down could even see you save around 33 percent of your overall gas mileage on the highways. Try sticking to around 50 mph and set your cruise control to ensure that you get the most out of each tank. Even if you are cautious and stop well in advance for each and every red light, then you could also be saving on your fuel while idling. Turn off your cars’ engine to cut your overall consumption, rather than leaving the engine on a low rev speed.  By following these easy tips, you are sure to notice that you need to fill up your car even less than you currently do so, cutting your car maintenance costs.

 

Get religious about car maintenance

While you may usually change your car oil frequently, you could be spending more than you need to – when another brand of oil designed for extended use will enable you to keep your car in full running order for a longer period of time. If you think you need to change your car’s motor oil before 5,000 miles then this is not the case, as some brands of oil can even last you are far as 20,000 miles before you even need to change them. When you are changing your car engine oil, make sure to review other essential fluids such as the brake fluid, transmission oil, and the radiator also – keep tabs on your last car maintenance check, so that you can ensure you schedule this in your diary for the next few months. If you are dead set on getting religious about your car maintenance, then you will also need to invest in a mechanic that is trustworthy and reasonably priced. Make sure that you shop around and follow recommendations when choosing a car mechanic. Many smaller, local businesses will be able to keep track of your car service history, and you can save yourself some dollars over time by signing up to offers and loyalty schemes that most local businesses now provide. You could even choose to complete some of the maintenance work yourself at home. Easy fixes such as checking your oil and tire pressure are simple enough for you to complete. While, if you are ever unsure about any other essential maintenance, then make sure you book in to see your mechanic – rather than attempting to do this yourself.

 

Shop around

If your much-loved motor is costing you more to maintain than you can afford, then it may be time to say goodbye and invest in a new motor. If you are looking to replace your car, then you do not necessarily need to buy the most expensive and latest model on the market. Be sure to check what is on offer in your state, and work out which option is best for you and your household. If you are keen to buy a new car, then most dealers offer a range of seasonal discounts and offers, meaning that you are not required to pay straight away, or even offer you several months of insurance included in the initial cost price. You should be sure to book in for a test drive at your local dealership if you are interested in models such as Suzuki Vitara. This will enable you to feel how it drives and responds while you are out and about on the roads. Take your time and do not feel pressured by pushy salesmen. Remember that this is a long-term investment; so be sure that you choose the best option for you and your household.

 

If you are spending a small fortune on your car maintenance costs, then there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to help you to save your dollars. Make sure that you start using some sensible driving techniques to reduce your overall fuel expenditure. Make sure that you are knowledgeable about your car maintenance and do be sure to invest in a trustworthy local mechanic so that you can offer the latest deals and loyalty schemes to ensure that you cut costs and earn rewards. Finally, if you need to invest in a new motor, then it is worth shopping around and taking your time so that you make the best choice for you and your family. Car ownership is expensive, but these handy hacks will help you to cut down those maintenance costs.

If you’re a fan of motorsport and are looking to get into racing or are a seasoned professional ready for your next event, heading out onto the track is something that gives you the ultimate adrenaline rush. Track days are one of the best ways to get behind the wheel and realize those dreams of becoming a racing driver, even if it is just for the day. There are many elements when preparing for a track day event and thinking about your safety and others around you is paramount to making it a successful racing day. If you’ve been hit with track fever, take a look at some of the essential gear to take with you when heading out onto the track.

Getting your vehicle safely to the raceway

Getting the vehicle prepped and safely transported to your track day is vital to ensure it arrives without any hassles. If your car is being trailered to the event, be sure to do checks while securing the vehicle to the trailer. Taking trailer accessories and spares is also a great idea, as getting a flat on the way there could end the day before it begins, putting you in last place.

Helmet

Choosing the right protection for your racing experience is important for extra peace of mind. It’s common sense to research the best options and cheaper is not going to be better in this instance. Many race days and track events require drivers to have Snell-rated helmets that are in a good and safe condition. These ratings change regularly due to rigorous testing procedures so be sure to check this before heading out.

The right clothing

Getting your clothing right for track days is essential to ensure safety. Some locations, especially in the blistering heats of Southern California, still require drivers to wear long sleeve shirts and pants made from natural fibers. Its imperative to wear cotton as this material burns whereas polyester melts and can lead to painful and nasty burns if the worst should happen.

Tire pressure gauge

Tires come under immense stresses and pressures during track events so ensuring you have a trusty tire pressure gauge is vital to keep them in top condition. While you are driving, tires become hot, and pressure can increase significantly. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in grip while you drive around the track and could affect drive times.

Handy essentials

There are so many things to remember to take on a track day; you sometimes forget the little things. Items such as masking tape, duct tape, and zip ties are great for attaching car numbers unless of course they are emblazoned on the side of the car or to cover bumpers and headlights if you want to avoid chips and track rash.

These simple yet effective items could help to make or break your track day experience. Be sure to select the best tools and equipment for the job and do your research to ensure your ultimate safety on the track.

Buying a car can be one of the best times in your life especially if it’s the model you’ve always envisaged yourself driving. Feeling the wind in your hair whilst you whizz along open roads and discovering the enjoyment of total freedom in a powerful sports car is the dream for many people. Of course, owning a sports car isn’t always a fantasy experience, and there are many things to consider if you are taking the leap and investing in a beautiful car with a hefty price tag. These cars put the fun back into motoring, and there is something out there for everyone.

Take a look at some of the things you should consider when looking to buy your dream car.

 

Will it fit your lifestyle?

Ok so this may not be a huge concern if this purchase is the second car for weekend driving but if you are looking at purchasing a sports car for more frequent trips, will it actually fit your lifestyle? Many sports cars are smaller on the inside than traditional cars so you won’t have as much boot space or interior room as you might expect. Many models are also built for just two people, so family days out are generally a no go. There are options for four-seater coupes, but they often have very little head or foot space so make anything other than a short journey uncomfortable for passengers. If you live in the city too, you may want to consider how much space you have for parking or storing the car. Some sports cars can be wider and longer than traditional cars to may be a squeeze in those tight parking lots.

 

Determine your budget

It’s no surprise that sports cars can be expensive and generally if you are purchasing one, you have considered all the expenses beforehand. If this is something you are looking at, there are many areas that compare differently to standard cars. It’s not just the price tag that can be hefty, you may have higher repair bills, larger fuel consumption and higher insurance costs but there is also a plus side, as whilst modern cars generally depreciate quickly, sports cars and, in particular, vintage sports car hold their value well.

 

Will you choose convertible or coupe?

If you live in an area that sees a frequent amount of sunshine then riding around with the top down may become the norm. That said, it is all a matter of taste, and there are two choices which come with some clear advantages and disadvantages. For sun lovers, it could preferred to go for a convertible sports car option, which still has factors to consider. This is great for feeling the wind in your hair, but it does have some downsides if you’re willing to appreciate them. In convertibles, when the roof is up, you may be able to hear more road noise than traditional coupes as it is made from fabric or lighter material. They can also be compromised more easily due to this feature.

Coupes are another choice and for obvious reasons give you more protection from break-ins than their convertible counterparts. They, of course, don’t give you the choice to remove the roof to enjoy the sunshine but if you were eager for this option with the added security, there are some solid metal convertible roof options available, but when the roof is down they eat into any storage space, you might need.

 

Adapt your driving skills

If you are buying a sports car for the first time, you’ll notice the driving experience is quite different from conventional cars. Due to their precision engineering and need for quick reactions, this may mean the car feels jerkier if you make sudden and uncontrolled movements. The speed is another serious factor to consider, as sports cars tend to bring out the need to test the limits of a new purchase and can make driving unsafe if not controlled in the right manner. Yes, these cars can go fast but if this is something you are not used to, perhaps opt for a driving course to get you used to the capabilities of your car is the best option. This will help you control the driving experience and keep you and others safe at all times.

 

Long-term affordability

It’s not just the initial outlay for the car that needs to be considered; it is also the upkeep of this high-performance vehicle. Keeping your car in tiptop condition and ensuring it gets the best maintenance will help it to retain its value and keep it running smoothly and with impeccable precision. Compared to conventional cars, this may cost considerably more due to parts and labor, but it is worth considering for the long-term investment of any high-performance vehicle to ensure its safety and performance on the road. There are many specialists that can help and advise on particular models such as Micks Automotive.

 

Choose a classic

It’s very easy to get caught up in the moment and choose a fashionable sports car because everyone else is driving it. Being savvy with your purchase and selecting something that is already a classic or is a potential classic (according to reviews) gives you greater scope for resale and future value. If you’re looking for a true classic, these are certainly harder to find, but you’ll notice certain models hold their value and become collector’s items.  If you’re able to afford this type of car, then it is a great option for a fantastic driving experience and also a long-term investment.

There are so many things to consider when choosing a new sports car. The look and aesthetic are important factors for many people but researching a little deeper could open up a world of unique options with the chance to incorporate your personality into your driving. Most of all when you make your choice, remember that driving should be a fun and safe experience and make your selection based on these two factors will give you the ultimate driving experience.

No matter what you do with your car, it is your pride and joy. Some people use theirs to drive to the store, and others use it as part of their blooming career. Making a living out of driving your car can take its toll on it, and while you can take it to see an expert every now and then, that doesn’t mean you can be relaxed in how you take care of it every day. Luckily, it doesn’t have to take too much time out of your week to ensure it is at its strongest self, and that it will be along for the ride in years to come.

Check your wheels often

Your wheels are arguably the most important part of your car if you use it to race around a track every day. This means that while some cars need their wheels checking regularly, your wheels must be checked much more often. This can be to watch out for anything such as punctures, deflation, or the metal body of the wheel. Though sometimes it’s wise to replace your wheel with a new one, if your vehicle is heavier and built for endurance, then it’s always a good idea to invest in wheel nut indicators, which will help keep the body of the wheel together.

Replace parts of the body

Having heavy driving stints can affect the overall skeleton of the car. This means that it isn’t just your wheels that are put at risk, and it may be that there are parts of the outer body which have come to the end of its life. Though you may be tempted to write it off completely, you can keep your car going by taking it to get parts replaced. You could even ask the mechanic to put stronger metal parts on, to save you from having to take regular trips there or do some of the bodywork yourself.

Take care of the engine

A car is nothing without its engine, which is the beating heart of any vehicle. When you are driving your car at high speeds every day, this will eventually take its toll on the health of your engine. If slowing down isn’t an option, then it’s a good idea to clean parts of your engine to prevent a build-up of grime, and to check the fluid levels regularly. If you are worried about it overheating, choosing a good coolant to put in your car will help ensure it stays cool.

Store it the right way

A lot of making your car strong comes from working on the body of the car, but if you don’t store it in a safe place, it is unlikely that it can survive extreme elements. If you don’t have a garage, an easy place to start is by buying a cover for your car, which you can pull over it to prevent ice from getting inside. Such shelter will also stop animals from ruining the outside body of your vehicle.