Car crime is falling and statistics show that car criminals are slowly being outwitted by vehicle owners and the police. Car crime fell by 9 percent between 2002/3 and 2003/4 according to police recorded crime statistics, proving that if owners continue to make small changes in their behaviour they will generate a dramatic decline in the number of car insurance claims being made for stolen cars.
Having your car broken into or stolen is a distressing business that leads to emotional upset and financial implications. If your car is stolen you will have the hassle of making a claim on your car insurance policy and you will be seriously inconvenienced until it is replaced. If you have had belongings taken from your car then the chances are you will feel violated, having lost something valuable or irreplaceable. This is a natural response to having someone enter your property or take something that’s yours.
It’s fairly easy to break into a car, windows can be smashed and locks forced. Fortunately however measures can be taken to stop the thieves in their tracks. If every driver follows the thirteen point plan below then insurance premiums might fall and the honest motorist can keep their property to themselves. Keep your no claims bonus and even reduce your car insurance premiums by doing the following:
1. Never leave anything on display in your car. If you leave your bag, stereo, CD’s, wallet or mobile phone lying around in your car, then it is going to become a target for thieves
2. Park your car under a street lamp or in well lit open space if possible. Thieves do not want to work under a spotlight and are more likely to go for a car that is parked in a shady spot
3. Better still put your car in the garage every night if you have one and lock it. It is unlikely that car criminals will try and break into your garage to get to your vehicle
4. It sounds obvious but always remember to lock your car. Often car thieves are given an easy ride by people who leave their cars open
5. Try to park your car in a secure attended car park if you are leaving it anywhere public
6. Have a car alarm fitted by a professional. This will deter a thief like nothing else
7. Invest in a steering lock and use it every time you leave your car
8. Have an immobiliser fitted which prevents the car from starting. This will make sure that even if the thief gains access to your car he/she won’t be able to drive it away
9. Have a tracker fitted so that your car can be traced if it is taken
10. Have your car registration or vehicle identification number etched onto the windows, both windscreens and the headlights. This would deter a thief planning to disguise the identity of your car by changing its appearance
11. Put security markings on your car equipment. It is recommended that you put your vehicle registration on items such as your stereo
12. Never leave vehicle documents in your car as they could help a thief to sell it on
13. Put the aerial down so as not to give vandals temptation
Car crime is falling and people are taking preventative measures like those listed above, but statistics show that a vehicle is stolen every two minutes in the UK, so chances are you could become a victim of car crime at any time. If you have been unlucky enough to have your car broken into or stolen these are the next steps you should take:
• Firstly, let the police know. You don’t need to call 999, just contact your local police station or the non emergency number. The police will want to know as much detail as possible, such as the make, model and registration of the car, so make sure you know this.
• Notify your car insurance company to discuss your claim if you are making one. Letting your insurers know is very important as the thieves may be involved in a car accident and you could be implicated.
• If the car is found your insurers should pay for any repairs. If it is not found and you are going to claim, you should present your purchase documents, registration form and any service records.
Everyone is at risk from car crime. Even if you have protected yourself thieves can find a way to steal your car and belongings. Make sure you have adequate car insurance so that you can make a claim when you need it most.
To get cheap online car insurance visit www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk or call 0808 195 9954.
Editorial notes: Hoot Car Insurance is an online car insurance provider which offers savings on existing premiums and gives the customer the ease of buying online.
By Sophie Evans – http://www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk...
Read more!
Saturday
Is Your Car Finish Being Eaten Away?
Washing Your Car Regularly.. Why?
Aside from the obvious of having a car that looks great, car washing can protect the cars finish. Bird droppings and bug splatter can get to be real relentless at different times. Also air bourne contaminant( some we can't even see), all wage a consistent and prolonged attack on your cars finish.
Bug splatter for instance, have acids and particles in them that can eat away at the clearcoat of your car, making it susceptible to rust.The metallic particles that come off the rotor as well as brake dust with its adhesive properties from the factory, and tar, all do damage to your cars paint.
So how can we stop the culprits right in there track, by washing our vehicles regularly!
How and Where To Start
I don't know if you knew this or not, but most of the swirl marks we see on our car is from washing the car. I know you have seen one of those dark colored cars that look real good at a 30000 ft view. However when you get up close it is riddled with swirl marks. They kinda look like cookies.
Why this knowledge is important is that it helps us all to realize, that even though washing a car seems so simple, What is often overlooked is that there is a right and a wrong way to do it. That is the first place to start is with this understanding.
I like to start out by finding products that will not scratch the paint. I use a chenille wash mitt, or a microfiber one. They both do a great job at pulling the dirt away from the paint and holding it in there fibers so that it does not scratch the paint.
Please don,t use dish washing liquid to wash your car with, why? Dish detergent has properties in it that strip the paint of the oils it needs to keep from drying out. So use a good car wash shampoo to wash the car with. I use Meguiars Soft Gel, its ph balanced with no detergents, and has lubricants in it that bring out the gloss in the paint finish.
Washing the Car
Because I do not want those swirl marks on my car, or any car I work on. I use more than one bucket to do my car washing. I recommend to do it that way if you can, cause after you make a pass with the wash mitt its gona be dirty. Instead of constantly washing with the water hose, just dip it in the bucket of fresh water to remove the dirt then back in the soapy water.
With that said, as always I like to wet down the car real good with water to remove what I can before I start car washing and you should too, it gets of some the dirt that I would otherwise have to.(I know call me lazy) Also before you suds away, this is a good time to remove any bugs and tar using a bug and tar remover. Gold Class Bug and Tar Remover is the way to go here.
Then begin by cleaning and doing the Wheels and Tires. I have written an article on that for you, so if you want to start with the article before moving on.
Using a soapy sponge, and with the car wet down apply the bug and tar remover going over the car until you get all those unsitely trouble spots. After you are finished, rinse area with water.
Starting at the Top of the vehicle go ahead start to wash the car, taking a moment between passes to rinse the car off, as you work your way down from the top to the moldings.
Remember clean the wash mit often in order to keep as much dirt as possible, from being introduced back on to the paint. While car washing be sure to get the door jams, the area outlining the trunk and up under the hood in that hood pocket outlining the engine.
Its important to wash the car completely from top down, as the bottom is alway the dirtiest, as well as under the hood area so do those last. Preferably with a different Wash mit either way remember not to introduce a dirty wash mit back on to the paint.
Drying The Car
I like to use a Dual Pile Microfiber towel to dry the car with. Starting with the windows first, go ahead and dry the car off. Then after you get the windows. Start drying from top down like you washed the car. Do the door jams, and Trunk lid, and under the hood, after you have dried all the other panels of the car like we talked about.
That way we continually eliminate the chance for scratches and swirl marks while you are car washing. If washing the car in the sunlight try not to let the water dry on you, or it will leave water spots. So do the car washing out of direct sunlight if at all possible.
You want more great car detailing secrets? Come visit us at Auto-Detailings.com for all your car care needs....
Read more!
Aside from the obvious of having a car that looks great, car washing can protect the cars finish. Bird droppings and bug splatter can get to be real relentless at different times. Also air bourne contaminant( some we can't even see), all wage a consistent and prolonged attack on your cars finish.
Bug splatter for instance, have acids and particles in them that can eat away at the clearcoat of your car, making it susceptible to rust.The metallic particles that come off the rotor as well as brake dust with its adhesive properties from the factory, and tar, all do damage to your cars paint.
So how can we stop the culprits right in there track, by washing our vehicles regularly!
How and Where To Start
I don't know if you knew this or not, but most of the swirl marks we see on our car is from washing the car. I know you have seen one of those dark colored cars that look real good at a 30000 ft view. However when you get up close it is riddled with swirl marks. They kinda look like cookies.
Why this knowledge is important is that it helps us all to realize, that even though washing a car seems so simple, What is often overlooked is that there is a right and a wrong way to do it. That is the first place to start is with this understanding.
I like to start out by finding products that will not scratch the paint. I use a chenille wash mitt, or a microfiber one. They both do a great job at pulling the dirt away from the paint and holding it in there fibers so that it does not scratch the paint.
Please don,t use dish washing liquid to wash your car with, why? Dish detergent has properties in it that strip the paint of the oils it needs to keep from drying out. So use a good car wash shampoo to wash the car with. I use Meguiars Soft Gel, its ph balanced with no detergents, and has lubricants in it that bring out the gloss in the paint finish.
Washing the Car
Because I do not want those swirl marks on my car, or any car I work on. I use more than one bucket to do my car washing. I recommend to do it that way if you can, cause after you make a pass with the wash mitt its gona be dirty. Instead of constantly washing with the water hose, just dip it in the bucket of fresh water to remove the dirt then back in the soapy water.
With that said, as always I like to wet down the car real good with water to remove what I can before I start car washing and you should too, it gets of some the dirt that I would otherwise have to.(I know call me lazy) Also before you suds away, this is a good time to remove any bugs and tar using a bug and tar remover. Gold Class Bug and Tar Remover is the way to go here.
Then begin by cleaning and doing the Wheels and Tires. I have written an article on that for you, so if you want to start with the article before moving on.
Using a soapy sponge, and with the car wet down apply the bug and tar remover going over the car until you get all those unsitely trouble spots. After you are finished, rinse area with water.
Starting at the Top of the vehicle go ahead start to wash the car, taking a moment between passes to rinse the car off, as you work your way down from the top to the moldings.
Remember clean the wash mit often in order to keep as much dirt as possible, from being introduced back on to the paint. While car washing be sure to get the door jams, the area outlining the trunk and up under the hood in that hood pocket outlining the engine.
Its important to wash the car completely from top down, as the bottom is alway the dirtiest, as well as under the hood area so do those last. Preferably with a different Wash mit either way remember not to introduce a dirty wash mit back on to the paint.
Drying The Car
I like to use a Dual Pile Microfiber towel to dry the car with. Starting with the windows first, go ahead and dry the car off. Then after you get the windows. Start drying from top down like you washed the car. Do the door jams, and Trunk lid, and under the hood, after you have dried all the other panels of the car like we talked about.
That way we continually eliminate the chance for scratches and swirl marks while you are car washing. If washing the car in the sunlight try not to let the water dry on you, or it will leave water spots. So do the car washing out of direct sunlight if at all possible.
You want more great car detailing secrets? Come visit us at Auto-Detailings.com for all your car care needs....
Read more!
Friday
How To Keep Your Car Gleaming New... Always!
Buying a new car is a great feeling. The smell of fresh
leather as you The fresh smell of leather as you enter the
car. The paintwork is gleaming and waxy smooth. You might
even catch yourself stealing a glance at the reflection of
your pride and joy as you drive it out your house.
Skip ahead by 12 months and see how your car looks now. Is
it still gleaming new or does the paintwork look tired, dull
and "old"? How can some cars look brand new even though they
are already 3 years old? Why do others look "old" when it
just rolled out the showroom 12 months ago?
The secret is in how you care for your car. It is easy to
keep your car like new if you know how.
1) A Wash A Week Keeps Your Car Clean & Slick
Much as you wish that your car will remain clean by itself,
it just won’t happen. Dust will accumulate even if you just
keep it in your garage. There’s only one thing to do. Wash
your car! It’s very important that you wash your car
especially after you’ve driven in the rain. If you let the
water droplets dry naturally, especially under the hot sun,
there will be tough-to-remove watermark stains on your
paintwork.
The first thing you need to wash your car is a clean and
soft terry cloth. Alternatively, you can use cloth diapers
as well. You can get these easily at the baby’s section in
your local departmental store. They’re cheap and it works.
Of course, if you want to be posh, then get the Ultimate
Wipe cloth from Meguiar’s
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-1.htm). You’ll need a
good car shampoo next. I personally use Meguiar’s NXT
Generation Car Wash
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-2.htm). It’s reasonably
priced and a 64oz bottle will last you quite a while.
Start off by hosing down your car to remove any dirt, mud or
grime. Then mix 3 caps-full of shampoo with around 20oz (a
small bucket) of water. Apply the shampoo mixture to your
car using the cloth/diaper. Hose off the shampoo once you’ve
finished shampooing the car. Use your cloth under running
water to wipe off any remaining shampoo residue. It is VERY
important that you wipe your car dry with another clean
terry cloth/diaper. Make sure your entire car is wiped dry.
Next, clean your rims. Brake dust normally accumulates there
and cleaning it will make a huge difference in how your car
looks. It’s pointless to have clean paintwork you’re your
rims are dirty. It’s also advisable to vacuum the inside of
your car every week or every other week. You spend your time
inside the car, so cleaning the interior just makes sense.
2) A Monthly Wax Keeps The Shine To The Max
Waxing your car will keep your paintwork gleaming new. You
can either send it to an auto detailer or do it yourself.
It’s actually not that difficult to wax your car. If you
have an hour or so of spare time, then try waxing your car
yourself.
It’s important that you wash and wipe dry your car before
waxing. NEVER wax your car before washing/drying it! It’s
best to park your car under in a shady area when waxing. It
makes sense to use a good carnauba wax like Meguiar’s NXT
Generation Tech Wax
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-3.htm). Use the
included sponge and apply the wax in a small circular
motion. Wax your car one section at a time, remembering
which section you started with. Finish applying wax on the
entire car.
Wipe off the excess wax using a soft terry cloth/cloth
diaper. Start with the first panel that you applied the wax
and continue from there. You’ll find the wax residue
accumulating on your cloth. Shake it off periodically and
continue to remove excess wax until you’ve finished all
panels.
Look carefully and check for remaining wax residue. Use your
cloth to clean any remaining residue.
To prepare your cloth for your next wax, wash it with a
liquid softener. It’s fine to use the liquid softener that
you use for your clothes. This guarantees there isn’t any
remaining dirt/grime that may scratch your car during your
next waxing session.
3) Wax Your Tyre Next O’ Sire
For that shiny, wet look, wax your tyres after every
wash/wax. Use Meguiar’s Hot Shine High Gloss Tyre Spray
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-4.htm). The trigger
spray makes it easy to apply. You literally need less than 5
minutes for this but applying tyre spray/wax makes a big
difference.
4) Condition That Leather To Help It Fight The Weather
Make sure you clean and condition your leather seats at
least once every 2 months if you car comes with leather
seats. Use Meguiar’s Medallion Premium Leather Care
conditioner (http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-5.htm).
Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth/cloth diaper, leave
for 15 minutes and wipe off excess conditioner. Your leather
will look and smell like new if you do this every month.
While you’re at it, clean any vinyl surface of your car
using Meguiar’s Vinyl & Leather Cleaner/Conditioner
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-6.htm). This
maintains the interior looking like new.
5) Your Car’s Now Shiny So You Can Be Happy
Your car will look like it’s brand new if you follow this
routine. An hour or so every week pays huge dividends.
Friends and family will think you’ve just bought a new car
even though it’s 3 years old. The best thing is when it
comes time to sell your car. A car with gleaming new
paintwork and a clean interior makes a strong impression and
will automatically raise the selling price of your car!
P.S. The writer does not work for Meguiar’s and only
recommends the products as a satisfied customer....
Read more!
leather as you The fresh smell of leather as you enter the
car. The paintwork is gleaming and waxy smooth. You might
even catch yourself stealing a glance at the reflection of
your pride and joy as you drive it out your house.
Skip ahead by 12 months and see how your car looks now. Is
it still gleaming new or does the paintwork look tired, dull
and "old"? How can some cars look brand new even though they
are already 3 years old? Why do others look "old" when it
just rolled out the showroom 12 months ago?
The secret is in how you care for your car. It is easy to
keep your car like new if you know how.
1) A Wash A Week Keeps Your Car Clean & Slick
Much as you wish that your car will remain clean by itself,
it just won’t happen. Dust will accumulate even if you just
keep it in your garage. There’s only one thing to do. Wash
your car! It’s very important that you wash your car
especially after you’ve driven in the rain. If you let the
water droplets dry naturally, especially under the hot sun,
there will be tough-to-remove watermark stains on your
paintwork.
The first thing you need to wash your car is a clean and
soft terry cloth. Alternatively, you can use cloth diapers
as well. You can get these easily at the baby’s section in
your local departmental store. They’re cheap and it works.
Of course, if you want to be posh, then get the Ultimate
Wipe cloth from Meguiar’s
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-1.htm). You’ll need a
good car shampoo next. I personally use Meguiar’s NXT
Generation Car Wash
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-2.htm). It’s reasonably
priced and a 64oz bottle will last you quite a while.
Start off by hosing down your car to remove any dirt, mud or
grime. Then mix 3 caps-full of shampoo with around 20oz (a
small bucket) of water. Apply the shampoo mixture to your
car using the cloth/diaper. Hose off the shampoo once you’ve
finished shampooing the car. Use your cloth under running
water to wipe off any remaining shampoo residue. It is VERY
important that you wipe your car dry with another clean
terry cloth/diaper. Make sure your entire car is wiped dry.
Next, clean your rims. Brake dust normally accumulates there
and cleaning it will make a huge difference in how your car
looks. It’s pointless to have clean paintwork you’re your
rims are dirty. It’s also advisable to vacuum the inside of
your car every week or every other week. You spend your time
inside the car, so cleaning the interior just makes sense.
2) A Monthly Wax Keeps The Shine To The Max
Waxing your car will keep your paintwork gleaming new. You
can either send it to an auto detailer or do it yourself.
It’s actually not that difficult to wax your car. If you
have an hour or so of spare time, then try waxing your car
yourself.
It’s important that you wash and wipe dry your car before
waxing. NEVER wax your car before washing/drying it! It’s
best to park your car under in a shady area when waxing. It
makes sense to use a good carnauba wax like Meguiar’s NXT
Generation Tech Wax
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-3.htm). Use the
included sponge and apply the wax in a small circular
motion. Wax your car one section at a time, remembering
which section you started with. Finish applying wax on the
entire car.
Wipe off the excess wax using a soft terry cloth/cloth
diaper. Start with the first panel that you applied the wax
and continue from there. You’ll find the wax residue
accumulating on your cloth. Shake it off periodically and
continue to remove excess wax until you’ve finished all
panels.
Look carefully and check for remaining wax residue. Use your
cloth to clean any remaining residue.
To prepare your cloth for your next wax, wash it with a
liquid softener. It’s fine to use the liquid softener that
you use for your clothes. This guarantees there isn’t any
remaining dirt/grime that may scratch your car during your
next waxing session.
3) Wax Your Tyre Next O’ Sire
For that shiny, wet look, wax your tyres after every
wash/wax. Use Meguiar’s Hot Shine High Gloss Tyre Spray
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-4.htm). The trigger
spray makes it easy to apply. You literally need less than 5
minutes for this but applying tyre spray/wax makes a big
difference.
4) Condition That Leather To Help It Fight The Weather
Make sure you clean and condition your leather seats at
least once every 2 months if you car comes with leather
seats. Use Meguiar’s Medallion Premium Leather Care
conditioner (http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-5.htm).
Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth/cloth diaper, leave
for 15 minutes and wipe off excess conditioner. Your leather
will look and smell like new if you do this every month.
While you’re at it, clean any vinyl surface of your car
using Meguiar’s Vinyl & Leather Cleaner/Conditioner
(http://www.fdcars.com/newsletter/n2-6.htm). This
maintains the interior looking like new.
5) Your Car’s Now Shiny So You Can Be Happy
Your car will look like it’s brand new if you follow this
routine. An hour or so every week pays huge dividends.
Friends and family will think you’ve just bought a new car
even though it’s 3 years old. The best thing is when it
comes time to sell your car. A car with gleaming new
paintwork and a clean interior makes a strong impression and
will automatically raise the selling price of your car!
P.S. The writer does not work for Meguiar’s and only
recommends the products as a satisfied customer....
Read more!
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