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Using Craiglist Cars And Trucks By Owner Section

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I am sure you have heard of the website Craigslist by now. This guy named Craig started it as a way to share information with people in the San Francisco area. Long story short, 15 years later the site has established itself in about 700 cities in over 70 countries. It is one of the top 50 visited websites on the internet. It is a pretty good resource to find used equipment, baseball cards, real estate, you name it. One of the better resources is its cars+truck section and this is what we are going to focus on.

#1 Go to the Craigslist website
You will reach a pretty generic page with a list of 100’s of cities and states. If your closest metro area is listed, choose it. If not, pick your state and it will give you a list of areas to choose from.

#2 The ‘For Sale’ section
Under the ‘for sale’ section you will find a listing that says ‘cars+trucks’. This is where you can find almost an unlimited amount of listings. Some listings will be by private owners and some will be from the dealership. Either one is fine and can turn into a great deal for you.

#3 Bring someone with you when dealing with a private owner
When at all possible, have your mechanic friend go with you. Sometimes these guys can get a really good feel for what the car is worth just by starting, looking under the hood at the hoses and what not, and checking underneath for leaks. I can’t stress this enough. It would be worth setting up all your car appointments in one day, buy the mechanic lunch and check out the cars. Most people are honest, but just cover your bases.

#4 Dealer vs. By Owner
There are two people to buy from on this site: dealer or by owner. Buying from a dealership can be good because the dealership has a reputation and a standing in the community. They don’t want you to be unsatisfied, so hopefully they will represent the car in a true fashion. The price from the dealership may be a little bit higher though. The private owner on the other hand could be anything. They could be a con artist or a great person just trying to get a fair price for their car.

#5 Do your research
Pick the cars you are interested in and do some comparison online. It doesn’t take long to find out if what they are asking is too much too little, or just right.

Bottom line: a) go to the site; b) go to the car section; c) pick the cars you want to research; d) do some online research; and e) go check out the car with your mechanic if you can.

The research and the mechanic part are the most important. Try not to skip them.

Car Inspection (puspakom)

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Puspakom is a Malaysian body in charge of performing inspection services. Incorporated in 1994, the body is a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM, and is Malaysias first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company authorized by the Malaysian Government. Their inspection basically serves to determine vehicle compliance with regard to the Construction and Use Rule 1959, and also roadworthiness status of the vehicle prior to registration with the Road Transport Department, or before transfer of ownership for commercial vehicles, such as when a car is sold out or transferred to another person.
Basically, the main sort of service that Puspakom Malaysia provides is a 10-step vehicle inspection process which includes engine and chassis number identification check, above carriage check for defects, particle density check via emission test, brake efficiency test, side-slip test to check for lateral movement, suspension system check, speedometer accuracy test, headlight test for intensity and projection, undercarriage check and tinted glass check.
By regular inspection of your car or vehicle, any mechanical problems that may jeopardize your vehicles roadworthiness will be caught in time and will be able to be nipped in the bud, before it becomes a more serious issue which might endanger you or your family. This regular inspection also will make sure vehicles do not pollute the environment by emitting excessive amounts of emissions and noxious gases, as well as ensure the legality of your vehicle in all aspects under the Road Transport Act 1987. This comprehensive and thorough inspection will put your mind at ease and give you a greater sense of confidence that your vehicle is functioning in optimal condition.
With Puspakom Malaysia, you can be assured that you are getting a fair and unbiased inspection of your car as it is a government regulated body, and also because they have nothing to gain or lose by giving you a straight forward evaluation of your vehicle, as compared to untrustworthy mechanics or workshops who might exaggerate minor issues in order to convince you to perform repairs. Fees are standardized based on the type of vehicle, and is also fairly reasonable, ranging from RM80 to RM160 only. So far, customer reviews have been mostly positive. Puspakom is based in the DRB-HICOM headquarters in Shah Alam and has 6 regional offices in Malaysia, covering the Northern, Southern, Central and Eastern regions of Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak. It has inspection offices all over Malaysia, with a minimum of one in each state.
Therefore, you now know that before you can enjoy your ride after buying it from sites such as CarList.my, you and our vehicle would first have to head on over to Puspakom.

Importance Of A Car Diagnostic Check

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There are so many different parts in a car that sometimes when something goes wrong it can be hard for the driver to determine exactly what has malfunctioned. Some things are easy like running out of gas or a flat tire because they are generally obvious. There are also helpful indicators to warn people when they are getting low on gas. Other problems such as those that may be affecting the engine or one of the computers composed in the car are less obvious.

Car diagnostics have become very popular in the auto world. Some car companies recommend that customers have a routine car diagnostic check. A car diagnostic check is also a good idea to perform if a car is not working properly. Car diagnostic checks are helpful because in most cases they can help the dealership to see where the car is experiencing trouble. Many times people come in for one problem but the car diagnostic check may reveal other potential problems. Car diagnostic checks are also a great way for consumers to save some money because they do not waste time and money trying to figure out what is wrong with the vehicle. They simply receive the results from their check and get the necessary repairs completed.

Generally, auto service shops perform car diagnostic checks. Many repair shops even perform complimentary car diagnostic checks when customers get their vehicles serviced. The car diagnostic check can pick up a variety of problems. The test checks the ignition, air and coolant temperature, timing issues and more. It may be a good idea for individuals to inquire about a routine check each time they service their vehicle. This is a great way to notice potential problems early. The car diagnostic check will notice problems with the vehicle and suggest how and what needs to be corrected. If requested each customer may receive a customized computer printout detailing the results of their car diagnostic check. In many cases customers may want the repair shop to perform the needed operations but if not customers can hold on to the printout for future reference. One of the service personnel will answer any questions and explain the results in detail to any customer who wants help.

Repair shops and garages are equipped with the right equipment to handle the car diagnostic checks. Car owners should make sure that the repair shop they go to is capable of preparing a diagnostic report for their vehicle. Repair shops should update their equipment regularly in order to be able to perform car diagnostic checks. Newer model cars are so complex and are made of so many different computer components that it is important that repair shops keep up with the changing times.

A car diagnostic check may help to discover major auto problems before something goes wrong. Many people depend on their vehicle for transportation so it can be a major inconvenience when something goes wrong. Car diagnostic checks help to ensure that the problem is found quickly and handled right away.

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Car Struts And Car Shocks The Suspension Team!

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Car struts and car shocks are two of the three most critical components of the suspension system. Together with the car axles, they must work together in harmony to ensure that your vehicle operates safely. Many drivers are surprised to learn that these are just as important as brakes and tires when driving!

A vehicle in motion is more than just four (or more) wheels rolling down the road. The suspension system is in a dynamic state of balance, with the car struts and car shocks continuously compensating and adjusting for changing driving conditions. The car axles are connected to the wheels and bear the weight of your entire vehicle.

Car struts, car shocks, and car axles, perform six basic functions for the optimum drivability of your vehicle:
1.Help maintain the appropriate vehicle ride height
2.Reduce the effect of shock forces on bumpy roads
3.Help maintain correct wheel alignment
4.Support the weight of the vehicle
5.Keep the tires rolling down the road efficiently
6.Control the direction of travel as the wheels turn

If any one of these three components of the suspension team is worn out, the performance of other components (especially the braking system) is significantly decreased. Don’t go out on the road with a worn out suspension system, as the distance it takes to brake and come to a complete stop significantly increases. Don’t let your vehicle be the cause of a serious accident.

Remember: For a comfortable and safe drive, make sure the suspension team of car axles, car struts, and car shocks, is working in harmony with the other systems of your vehicle, such as the braking system!

For an inspection of car struts and car shocks, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision auto repair shop today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT

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Car Battery Trickle Charger

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You want to store your car, or RV, but you know that when you go to start your vehicle after it’s been sitting for a few weeks or months, that your battery will be dead.

The car battery trickle charger is specifically designed for the maintenance of 12 Volt batteries that are used periodically or kept in storage for extended periods.

The normal self-discharge of a battery is prevented when using a car battery trickle charger. In addition, the life of rechargeable 12 volt batteries is extended by providing a minimum current, regulated output.

Low quality chargers will produce a strong, rapid charge that often will decay electrodes and boil out liquids. We strongly recommend purchasing a charger that; once your battery has been fully charged, it will automatically shut-off and then resume charging as your battery level drops. Also, check to make sure the charger you buy is specifically designed for longterm use. You want to be able to safely leave it connected to your battery for days, weeks, months, even years!

More important tips for vehicle storage:

Gas up

Air carries moisture with it and that will result in condensation in the tank. To reduce this as much as possible make sure the tank is as full as it can be. This will reduce the condensation and considerably lessen the amount of water in the gas and the injection system. Get a gasoline stabilizer such as Stabil and put this in before filling the tank. You will need to run the engine for a while to ensure that the stabilized gas has penetrated the entire injection system.

Change the oil filter and the oil

The contaminants in old oil will corrode the insides of your engine so it’s important to put fresh oil and a new filter in the car.

Over-inflate Tires

Inflate automobile tire to approximately 40 or 45 psi. Modern radial tires aren’t known to have problems with flat spotting from storage. Still, some people suggest that you roll the car a little every 2 weeks or so. It is strongly recommended that you don’t jack the vehicle up and rotate the tires because when you lower the car the suspension will be loaded up. Try and check the pressure of the tires every few weeks or so and watch for slow leaks.

Some say that the suspension will sag by putting the car up on jacks. Letting it sit on the ground for the few months shouldn’t lead to any problems.

Clean the vehicles interior

When it comes time to take your vehicle out of storage you won’t clean it. You may not want to clean it before you put it in storage but when you take it out you simply won’t do it. So, take some time and get everything really clean. Clean the carpets. Clean the glass, inside and out. Clean behind the pedal cluster. Clean and condition the leather. You’ll be surprised at the dirt you’ll find. Clean all the nooks and crannies. Also, don’t forget to also clean the trunk, etc. There is a full season of dirt and junk in the vehicle that you’re not going to want to carry into the next season. Moth balls and a bag or two of the silica gel inside the car (which absorbs any moisture in the air) are excellent preventative measures.

Wash the vehicle

Dust and dirt are corrosive to any paint job so to ensure a longer life it’s important when storing to not leave those elements on the vehicle, but take care not to put it away wet. This can be challenging if you want to use the vehicle right up to wet or snow season. You should never put your car away wet because rust will form everywhere the water collects. You’ll want to try anticipating the weather and cleaning the car and driving it a little to dry it out before storage. Then it will be necessary to get the dust off before storing it with a wipe down with wet/damp towels followed drying it with towels. Another option is one of the “quick detailer sprays” available at many auto parts stores.

Wax car

This is recommended but it may be difficult to get in a good waxing of the car depending on the temperature when you are preparing to store it. A good quality of wax will be too difficult to apply in low temperatures.

Condition the rubber parts

Many of the brand name products for treating rubber put on greasy coatings of silicon (Silicon isn’t good for paint) or tend to build up over time and actually make the trim look worse. Use a good rubber conditioner to preserve all the trim.

Clean the wheels

Brake dust is highly corrosive and it’s not good to have it sitting on your wheels for weeks or months at a time. To do the most thorough job remove the wheels from the car, clean them on the outside and inside.

Cover Openings

Sealing up the exhaust tips will help to prevent rust inside the exhaust system. Close the heater vents and any other openings. Every 2 weeks or so, it’s probably a good idea to make a periodic inspection. Check if any leaks developed or if any mice are nesting.

Engine Storage

Spray WD 40 into cylinders
Take out spark plugs
Spray WD 40 into air intakes
Turn over the engine by hand with wrench a couple of times
Every three months repeat this (except the spark plugs which will no longer be in the engine)
To change the wheel bearing position, every three months turn wheels, or move car into different location
And for manual transmissions shift into one gear and move gear box internal around
Every six months drive the vehicle.

Starting the vehicle

There are differing views on whether starting a vehicle periodically while it is in storage is a good idea. Starting the engine puts considerable thermal stress on parts which are often in cold temperatures. The majority of engine wear occurs in the first few minutes when a car has been started because the oil is still in the oil pan and not lubricating the engine. In cold weather the engine may not get hot enough to burn off the moisture, acids, etc. the car is creating while running. This contaminates the clean oil. If you are going to store your car for a really long time then it needs to be run periodically to keep it operable.