Tips - How to Avoid Odometer Fraud

A three year old vehicle that's only done 50,000 kilometres? It could be a great deal or it could be a scam. Unfortunately, odometer fraud does happen and dodgy dealers or dishonest private sellers can try to dupe unsuspecting buyers into believing a vehicle has travelled less than it has.
Here are a few ways to guard against odometer fraud:

1. Ask the seller: ask about the kilometres the vehicle has done and how many it had when the seller first acquired the car - ask to see records from the logbook. You can often determine if something suspicious has occurred, for example if the seller gives inconsistent answers.
2. Look for warning lights - is the check engine or check oil light on? These lights come on after the vehicle has done a certain number of kilometres and indicate that the vehicle needs servicing.
3. Check the tyres: examine the tyre treads to see how worn they are. Newer car tyres can last up to 120,000 kilometres before they need to be replaced so if the seller is quoting low kilometres, make sure the tyres live up to those numbers.
4. Get a professional opinion - have a mechanic take a look at the engine and other parts. While not an exact science, a mechanic can look at engine wear to determine mileage. Problems with the suspension or steering will also indicate that the vehicle has done its rounds.
5. Obtain a car history check - a vehicle history report will give you a rundown on any reported accidents the vehicle has been in and will give you an indication of all known odometer readings. You'll also receive a REVs check with your report to verify that the car has a clear title and does not carry any outstanding debt.

In 2009, the Office of Fair Trading received 17 complaints from consumers that claimed their odometers had been tampered with. The office had prosecuted a number of private sellers for misleading buyers about the kilometres on the vehicle. "Consumers who are unaware of a vehicle's background put themselves at risk of expensive repair costs in the future or much worse," the Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Dangerous Car Trouble Warning Signs

Keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition through regular visits to an auto mechanic is the best thing you can do to keep your car safe and to maintain the value of your car. Many of us are happy to leave the safety of our vehicle in the hands of a professional but sometimes we need to add to our skill base and learn to read the signs that our vehicle gives us from time to time so we can avoid expensive repairs.
Sometimes it is simply not enough to only know how to fill her up and start the car! It doesn't take much to put in a bit of effort and learn more about your vehicle so that you can look after it even more and avoid having to visit the service station more often than you have to.
Here are some warning signs that your vehicle may give you which mean that you should plan a visit to the service station sooner rather than later.

• Carbon monoxide emissions are generally hard to detect because this gas is odourless. If you find yourself becoming drowsy or nauseous or even have a ringing in your ears, this could be a sign that there is a carbon monoxide leakage within your vehicle and you should stop immediately.
• When you apply your brakes and your vehicle veers to the left or to the right, it means that your brakes need to be adjusted as soon as possible.
• If the oil warning light comes on intermittently or continuously whilst driving, this is a dangerous sign that your vehicle is low on oil and needs to be topped up or serviced urgently.
• If your brake pedal feels spongy when you apply the brakes or the brake pedal travels almost entirely to the floor, your brakes need to be attended to urgently.
• When you hear squealing noise as you apply the brakes this may mean there is water on the brake pads or the brake pads are dangerously low. In either case you should have a brake expert attend to this as soon as possible.
• If you hear a clunking or clattering noise coming from your engine you should stop driving immediately as this could be a sign that you have blown the head gasket. Stop and have your car towed to a service station as soon as possible.
• Sometimes you might find your car difficult to start and there may even be a clicking sound as you turn the key. This could mean that your alternator is faulty or that your battery is low on power. Either way you should visit the service station as soon as possible or call your motor vehicle association for roadside assistance.

Although these tips are not meant to be exhaustive in any way, they can give you a heads up that your vehicle needs specialist attention. This may mean a quick visit to your mechanic to put things right.

The Basics of a Car's Electronic Stability Control

Driver safety is critical, but unfortunately, some aspects will be outside your control when you're on the road. For example, poor weather conditions combined with slippery roads can easily lead to a traffic collision. Fortunately, automakers are designing vehicles with more flexible safety features. Electronic stability control (or ESC) was developed nearly 20 years ago and made its automotive debut in 1992. Following years of research, electronic stability control was created to help drivers compensate during a loss of steering control by braking accordingly.
Overview Of ESC Technology
During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer. By analyzing this information (i.e. yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc.), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate. For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied. What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control.
In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed. With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage.
When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds. Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle's handling limits. In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated. For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly.
How Effective Is It?
ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions. By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32% drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32% drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43%. Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35%.
It's important to note that the technology is not perfect. It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you're driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires.
ESC versus TSC
Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC. First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output - or both. While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions. In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC.
Ideally, you'll never need to rely upon your vehicle's stability control system. However, like most of your car's safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life.

Get more insightful information about Parts and Autos at the http://www.partsandautos.com/ website

Crash! 5 Tips To Help You Avoid The Deadliest Traffic Collisions!

It is true, most drivers believe they are really very good drivers. But what is the criterion that defines what a good driver is?
Some feel strongly that the answer is "a good driver follows all of the rules of the road". Some insist that their ability to weave in and out of traffic at high speed places them in the "above average" club. Others suggest that attention to traffic; risk perception and the application of strategies to reduce their risk of crashing make them better than the average Joe on the road.
It appears that the latter have it right. Most crashes can be avoided by any of the drivers involved, regardless of who was at legal fault. And although I do not have space here to explain every crash risk reducing strategy, there are a few simple things that I will share here today that any driver can do. And these tips will dramatically reduce your chances of dying in a car crash.
Tip #1) When starting up at an intersection on a new green light, pause, and while you take your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, check left, then centre, then right to make sure that any potential cross traffic has stopped.
This is a very important habit. Many drivers see the light change to green and, like they were told all their lives, "green means go." Without a second thought, they press the accelerator only to position their vehicle directly in the path of the driver who ran the red light. As pedestrians, we know better than to step onto the road just because the light changed. As drivers our perception seems to change with the metal cage that surrounds us. Lights are only indicators that tell us which direction of traffic has the legal right to proceed. But can lights stop cars? No. Only drivers can do that. A very large portion of traffic deaths each year could be prevented if this simple habit were adopted by drivers.
Tip #2) Avoid driving in other drivers blind spots.
Not all drivers check their blind spots before making a lane change. It is a smart driving practice to avoid driving in any other vehicles blind spot. How can you tell if you are in a blind spot? Glance into the side view mirror of the car in question. If you can see the driver, the driver can see you. If you can not see the driver, it is likely that the driver can not see you either and that you are in their blind spot. Simply adjust your speed to get out of that position.
Tip #3) Look further ahead as you drive.
The faster you are going, the more distance your vehicle will travel while you perceive a problem ahead, and you continue traveling while you get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. If you are not looking far enough ahead at higher speeds, by the time you see a problem, you could have already hit it. Looking further ahead also gives a driver early warning to construction ahead, busses in the lane or traffic problems. By looking ahead, these can be seen early enough to make lane or route adjustments long before these things become a problem for you. How far ahead should you look? At lower speeds and typical city speeds, a block to a block and a half ahead is a good idea. At faster speeds and freeway speeds, a good kilometer is best. When visibility is restricted, slow down to compensate for the lowered response distance you will have.
Tip #4) Maintain a safe following distance.
We have all heard this one before but few seem to understand why it is important.
The average driver has a perception time of 3/4 of a second. That means that it takes you and me 3/4 of a second to realize there is a problem. The average driver also has a 3/4 of a second reaction time. That means that the average driver takes about 3/4 of a second to get their foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and all of that happens before their car begins to decelerate. How far a car travels in that 1.5 seconds (the time you are perceiving the problem and then getting your foot from the gas to the brake) depends on the speed that the car is traveling. If your car is moving at 30/kmH, your will travel 6m in 3/4 of a second while your brain realizes that a child is running from behind the car, 6m while you get your foot from the gas to the brake and now, you requires an average of 6m to stop the car. Although the car stopped in 6m, we traveled 18m from the time we started to perceive the problem to finish point where the car stopped. When a car is going 100/kmH the perception and reaction times stay the same, but the distances we travel as we go through perception, reaction and stopping changes. You will travel 21m in the 3/4 second you are perceiving, 21m in the 3/4 second you are reacting and then you will require an average of 88m to bring your vehicle to a stop.
When you are traveling behind another vehicle, moving at the same speed, what is your first clue that the vehicle ahead of you is stopping? If you said "their brake lights come on" you are right. (Unless their brake lights do not work, and then it will be the rapid rate at which the space between you is closing that will alert you.) Once the brake lights of the car ahead of you are on, you know that the foot of the driver ahead of you is already on the brake pedal. They are already stopping. You however, have just begun. You have to perceive, and react and stop before you hit the vehicle ahead of you. It is for this reason that drivers are encouraged to follow the 2 second rule. Two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you will ensure that you always have enough time to stop before you hit the person in front. At freeway speeds, it is wise to make that a 3 second rule and in adverse conditions you want to increase it accordingly for the road surface.
Tip#5) Check your mirror every 5-10 seconds and anytime you think you may need to brake. Why? By checking that frequently, you will maintain a mental picture of all the traffic around you. You will know where your best escape routes are if others begin to crash. You will see emergency vehicles early enough to get out of their way before they are on your tail. You will be alert to drivers who are weaving in and out of traffic at high speed so you will not make the mistake of making a lane change into them as they pass you. Most importantly, you will be sure that it is safe to brake before you touch the brake pedal, reducing your risk of being hit from behind.
Almost every driver has areas where he or she could lower their risk of crashing. By taking the initiative to implement new strategies into your driving habits, you will make your travels safer for you and those you travel with.

L. Goodwin is a former senior instructor for Young Drivers of Canada and Collision Free!(tm). She currently oversees the design of defensive driving rallies and adventure rallies for Rabid Entertainment Inc. Her rallies are used as team building exercises for corporate groups in and around the Calgary area. [http://rabid-entertainment.com]

Car Warning Lights: Is My Car Going to Blow Up? Myths & Facts

Today's vehicles are equipped with an array of warning lights. Of course we're all familiar will the seat belt warning and the door ajar indicator; however, with the automotive industry's technological advancements there are a number of warning lights that can be quite alarming.
Following is a Question and Answer Guide on some of the more common Warning Light concerns.
SRS Light (Supplemental Restraint System): the supplemental restraint system is your Airbag System. It may incorporate a variety of active, passive, and even pre-safe technology depending on the vehicle. Given that the SRS System is a safety system, it is well monitored with numerous sensors and automatic self-tests. The slightest malfunction in this system illuminates the SRS light.

• Can the vehicle be driven with an SRS Light on? Yes, at the owner's risk. There are thousands of vehicles on the road without SRS technology.
• Is the airbag going to blow up? It's unlikely. When the SRS Light is on the system is inoperative.

ABS Lights: The Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light is another common occurrence in today's vehicles. The ABS system helps to keep you from skidding out of control during braking by limiting your wheels from locking up/skidding.

The ABS system is often integrated with traction control and stability systems, all of which are designed to keep you safe during panic stops, wheel slippage, and handling.

• Do I need brakes? You might, but that's not why the ABS Light is on. The ABS Warning System does not monitor disc brake pad or disc brake rotor wear (see the Padlight Warning section below)
• Can the vehicle be driven? Like the SRS system, the vehicle can be driven at the owner's risk as there are many vehicles still on the market without the enhanced safety features of ABS.
• Why is my ABS light on? How do I reset the ABS Light? These are simple questions with a multitude of answers depending on the vehicle in question. For a QUICK and FREE solution, follow the information and guidelines for Resetting Check Engine Light @ http://www.repairtrust.com/check.html, and apply them to your ABS light.

Low Coolant Light: The Low Coolant Light will come on when the coolant drops below the coolant level sensor--generally one to two quarts. If this light is on, there are two primary possibilities. The most common is a coolant leak. The other is an electrical fault in the warning lamp circuit. Have them checked out.

• Can it be driven? If there are no major leaks, the vehicle is not overheating (and does not start to overheat), and there is still some evidence of coolant in the overflow bottle, it can be driven. If you can see coolant leaking on the ground--tow it. When in doubt, always tow it!

Red Oil Light On: Stop driving immediately and shut the engine off! If a Red Oil Warning Light comes on PAY ATTENTION.

The best case scenario is that your engine oil is a little low. The second best case scenario is that there is an electrical issue with the Oil Level Warning System circuit.
First, follow your owners' manual's instructions to check your oil. If low, add as recommended--make sure you don't see it dripping or pouring out on the ground, which would indicate a "major" engine leak.
If the oil is not low and your engine is making ticking, knocking, or unusual noises, Tow it!
If everything appears ok, and you're a bit of a gambler, it may just be an issue with the warning lamp circuit. In this case, get your vehicle checked out at your earliest convenience.
The worst case scenario is internal engine damage.
Note: many of today's vehicles have very sensitive and sophisticated Oil Level Warning Systems. You may be alerted of oil level too high, or oil level too low. Again, refer to your owners' manual's instructions.
So whether it's a 1993 Ford Aerostar Check Oil Light, or a question of "Why does oil light flash in Saab automobile," PAY ATTENTION!
Red Brake Warning Lights: Generally, Red Warning Lights mean DANGER. In the case of a Red Brake Warning Light, there may be a hydraulic brake fluid leak. If the brake pedal feels abnormal or spongy--don't drive--Tow It!

• Can I drive it? If the car is stopping ok, and you're a gambler, go ahead. If the brake pedal feels different than usual, or if the vehicle is not stopping properly, don't drive it!
• Note: make sure that your emergency brake is not on or partially engaged, as this will illuminate a Red Brake Warning Light.

Yellow Brake Warning Light (Padlight): This is an early warning system for brake pad wear. Essentially, as your disc brake pads wear down, at a certain point a sensor is tripped to alert you that you will need brakes soon.

• Can I drive the vehicle, and for how long? Yes, you can continue to drive. How long depends on your driving style. City drivers (city driving is generally harder on brakes due to the constant stop and go) will likely need their brakes addressed before someone who does primarily highway driving.
• Will I do more damage to the brakes? Depending on how long you continue to drive you could conceivably wear your disc brake pads down to the metal backing plate, which could then damage your disc brake rotors and, in rare cases, the disc brake calipers.

However, with many of today's brake systems, the replacement of the disc brake rotors along with the disc brake pads is required or strongly recommended.
Important: It is better to have your brakes checked early to increase the possibility of saving money by not having to replace the rotors. However, many of today's brake disc pads and rotors require replacement not due to wear, but due to rust and corrosion; thus rotor replacement is often necessary anyway. Brake calipers rarely need replacing during regular brake work.
Air Suspension Lights (Airmatic, Air Ride, Hydraulic Suspensions): Suspension Warning Lights illuminate when the suspension's monitoring system has detected a fault. Often there is a leak--either air or hydraulic fluid.

• Can I Drive It? Maybe. But if the suspension is lower than usual, and/or the vehicle just doesn't feel right--Tow It! Extensive damage could result if the suspension drops too low while driving.
• Note: air suspension system repairs are best left to the best, state-of-the-art service center you can find, preferably a dealership.

Tire Pressure Warning Light: This recent technological development causes quite a bit of confusion. Put simply, if your tire is getting low on air, your car lets you know via sensors mounted in various places depending on the model.

• What is the low tire pressure warning light reset procedure? Sometimes the reset procedure is as simple as pressing a button. Other times one has to set the tire pressures, recalibrate the on-board computer, genuflect and cross two fingers. Check your owners' manual or call a specialist or dealer.
• Note: Local shops and franchises (for the most part) lack familiarity with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems given that this is a fairly recent technological development. You can refer to How to Reset Check Engine Light, and follow the tips, and suggestions for getting it reset.

Emission Warning Light: This light is similar to the Check Engine Light. Many European models such as Volvos have this type of Warning System. It's essentially letting you know that an emissions component has failed or detected a fault. Again, follow the Check Engine Light information and tips to address this particular warning light.

Resetting Oil Lights (Oil Change Warning Lamps): Whether it's a Toyota Oil Light Procedure, an Oil Change Warning Light Reset 2005 GMC Envoy, or the process to Reset 1999 M3 Oil Service Light, all require a specific course of action.

Most owners' manuals have this information. You should find it under maintenance or oil service. You can also call your local mechanic, who reset oil service, engine, srs, airbag lights etc everyday on a variety of models with vehicle diagnostic equipment.
Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
http://repairtrust.com/

How Do I Check for Problems With the Car's Computers, the Engine Control Unit

While computers (also called "Engine Control Units" or ECU's) are a relatively new addition to the world of automobiles - pre-2000 models typically have none - but they have now become an integral part of every modern car. As a matter of fact, insurance companies consider cars to be totaled if their ECU's gets busted. Computers in cars today do all sorts of things - regulate the all wheel drive or 4x4 system, the fuel injection, airbags and many more.
Thus, a car with faulty electronics does not only consume fuel inefficiently but also exposes the passengers to a greater risk for accidents. Unfortunately, fixing a car's computer can be a very expensive endeavor. Many car manufacturers do not disclose the source code of the programs that are inside their car's computers.
Thus, it is immensely difficult for car mechanics to fix the computer problems. Hence, a car computer in its prime is an essential criterion for judging the overall health of a vehicle. But how do we know that it is indeed in good condition? Here are the most common signs of a faulty car computer.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is a signal that should turn on as soon as the driver attempts to start the engine. This light indicates that the car's ECU has already started and is ready to assist the driver with running the car. However, there are instances where it simply won't come on.
There are many possibilities example, is a minor problem with the electrical wiring of the check engine light. However, it is equally possible that the computer is broken too. One might be willing to give the seller the benefit of the doubt, but remember that it is his or her car, not yours. Let them fix it and walk away to the car that's next on the list.
Anti-Lock Braking System
The anti-lock breaking system (ABS) controls the rate at which a car accelerates or decelerates. This has become one of the most important innovations of all time in the automobile industry, as it has drastically increased driving safety by optimizing the braking power of cars. And yes, it's controlled by computers.
One can see if the ABS works by feeling a pulsating movement when stepping on the brakes. This is basically the ABS in action as it adjusts the pressure of the brakes - which fluctuate over time. Thus, when test driving a car, make sure to test it in an open, unpopulated area that will allow you to step on the brakes a lot, and see if they work well.
Emission Tests
Most cars today have a catalytic converter that breaks down harmful engine emissions into environment friendly gases. However, this device may not be able to keep up with the amount of exhaust if the fuel injection computers are broken. The ECU regulates the rate at which fuel is injected to the engine, thereby aiding the catalytic converter in controlling the amount of harmful gases that the engine emits.
If a car spews out blue or black smoke, then you should simply walk away. Moreover, a car that fails an emission test is a car that may have serious problems with its computers. Using such a car is not only environmentally irresponsible but also very expensive. Cars like these gobble up fuel at a higher rate, and their engines wear out faster because of increased carbon buildup.
There are many other symptoms of problematic ECU's and their detection is best done by a trained car mechanic because sophisticated diagnostic equipment is necessary for a comprehensive examination.

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How to Inspect a Used Car Before Buying

It is very hard to deny the fact that buying a used car always involves some sort of risks. In fact, you may not be very sure whether the car is accident-free or mileage mentioned is real or not. Adding to this, you may also be not very sure about the maintenance of the car. The chances are very high that there may have some hidden problems or areas of concern that you need to know, but due to lack of negligence you may never identify them. Therefore, you need to be concerned about previous body damage or service problems. It is because of these reasons you must go for a comprehensive inspection of any used car seriously that you are looking forward to buy. Here are few simple yet most essential tips or steps that can help you in having the proper inspection and buy a proper used car:
Tip. No.1- Examine the exterior of the used car- The external appearance of a car always matters. In fact, it is only the exterior appearance that grabs the first impression and so you have to very sure about it. This is the most basic level of inspection and here are few essential factors that you must examine before buying a used car:

1. Look at the door latches and hinges for signs of rust or even any sort of damage.
2. Also have an inspection of the gas cap and ensure whether you have any difficulty to open it or not.
3. Check the paint from different angles. If you find one of the panels appearing shinier than the rest of the car then there are chances that it might be painted recently.
4. Check for scratches. The chances are very high that you may find scratches that may be normal, deep. However, you must note that deep scratches are a signal for potential rust.

Tip. No.2- Examine the condition of tyres - Walk around and try to pay close attention to the condition of the car tyres. You have to be very sure about the condition of car tyres, like you must be very sure whether there is any uneven wear. Any uneven wear is a major signal of alignment problems. Though it is an old trick from the Shell answer man, but still holds the major importance. Also, after inspection if you find out that there is any mechanical defect such as cuts then ensure to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Tip.No.3- Check the interior of the used car also- The interior of the used car is another good indicator and prime element that may further help you in knowing how well the car has been taken care of. You need to check the interior of car for tears in upholstery and general appearance. Perhaps some of the few areas that you can or must examine are:

1. Look at the driver's seat and try to find out whether it is excessively worn or not.
2. Examine the seat belts particularly to the one at the driver's seat.
3. Also check the electrical features of interior electrical accessories.
4. Perform the test operation of power windows locks and other features.
5. Try to check the function of test wipers and windshield washer as well.

Tip.No.4 - Try to examine the condition of the engine as well- Lift the hood and check the condition of engine. Try to have a look at the engine's overall sanitation. In fact, you must examine very closely for any sort of rust on the exhaust manifold and oil leaks around the valve cover or even head gasket.
There are various other things as well under the hood that can too help you in finding the maintenance of the car as well, like burnt smell of oil under the hood or even poorly corroded battery terminals are few other signs of poor maintenance. Moreover, the condition of engine oil is yet another factor that can also help you in knowing the condition of engine. You can easily examine the oil on the dipstick by rubbing it against your thumb. Now in case, if you feel some sort of small particles in the oil, the chances are that engine may be worn or have any other problems.
Tip.No.5- Take the used car for a test drive- Finally you must go for a test drive. This is the most vital step and may help you in making a correct decision of whether you need to buy the used car or not. However, there are few important areas that you must take care while performing a test drive, like:

1. The used car should start easily even if it's cold.
2. The car shouldn't shake or even make extreme noise and smoke.
3. The steering should be very responsive and easy to handle
4. The car must not make creaking sounds when driving over bumps.
5. The car must be able to hold a straight direction even steering out of center.
6. The car brakes must be very effective. It shouldn't squeal and must be capable to bring the car to a stop in a sufficiently short distance.

The list could be endless, but following few of the most essential points and tips as mentioned above can help you a lot in inspecting a used car easily. You may be buying a used car, but it still involves substantial money investment and so you must not ignore inspecting it properly. An inspection is not always an assurance that your car will never have problems, but can be considered a major step in overcoming car maintenance problems that you may face afterward.

Find a huge range of cheap cars or used cars for sale of any make or model from car brokers, private sellers and car dealers at AutoMarket.com.au. Choose the best car for you according to your budget and buy your dream car at best affordable prices.