Auto Transport Blog for National Transport LLC

How to Clean Your Engine and Check Your Transmission Fluid

Janelle — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:06 PST

Ever sit at a car dealership or local mechanic as they work on your car and wonder what it is that they’re doing? Even if you don’t want to be the one who has to get under the hood of your vehicle to make repairs and/or perform routine maintenance (after all, this is what mechanics are for), it doesn’t hurt to know what is going on. The more informed you are as to how your vehicle works, the better off you will be in the even that an unscrupulous mechanic tries to sell you a line. Besides this, when something is explained to you, it will feel good to actually know what it is they are talking about besides mindlessly nodding your head in agreement! Check out the following two videos for how to clean your engine as well as how to check your transmission fluid.

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5 Tips on How to Test Drive Used Cars

Janelle — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:16 PST

It’s the beginning of the year, which means that there will be a ton of people in the market to purchase used cars because of the great deals that dealerships often make in an effort to clear their inventory and make room for newer stuff. That being said, in the event that you find yourself really interested in a used car, don’t be shy; take it for a test drive. Here are some things to keep in mind when you do take it out for a spin:

Don’t just go by the brand- Just because you are in LOVE with a particular brand of vehicle and just because it has always received great reviews in the past doesn’t necessarily mean that you should skip out on the test drive. In all actuality, the kind of used car that you purchase will differ in overall handling and quality depending on its previous owner(s).
Test them all! If you are a little unsure about which car you want to purchase or are torn between two different types of vehicles, a test drive will help you get a better feel for how each one handles. For most people, the obvious choice in vehicle is the one that they feel more comfortable driving.
Call a Mechanic- Depending on the dealership that you’re going to, you may want to do a pre-test inspection yourself by looking under the hood of the vehicle and searching for any obvious defects OR you may want to request to bring the vehicle to a local mechanic to have a full inspection done if you’re serious about purchasing the car. It may wind up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run!
Take Notes- It is ok to take notes while you are looking at various cars OR if you are riding in a vehicle as part of a test drive, take note of any subtleties in the handling, etc. For example, when I was recently test driving a vehicle, I noticed that the alignment was off slightly and informed the salesman who then had it fixed.
Don’t Feel Rushed-Remember, the salesperson is always going to try to keep you at the dealership until you purchase a car. However, they want your money, which means that you have the upper hand- not the other way around. If it takes you a week of going to the same dealership every day, then so be it. Don’t let anyone make you feel rushed into a major decision! [source]

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

Nighttime Driving Safety Tips

Janelle — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:20 PST

How many times have you driven at night and had a close call with an animal or other motorist or even a pedestrian simply because you couldn’t see or weren’t paying attention? The following video offers some great tips on how to stay safe when you are driving at night where your vehicle is concerned. Besides the safety advice offered in this video, it is also extremely important to remember that while you are driving at night, you should always be hyper aware of your surroundings. Put away the cell phone and other electronic devices and make sure that you are focused on the roadway.

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

5 Road Trip Must-Haves

Janelle — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:55 PST

According to Joanne Helperin at Edmunds.com, there are several things that you should have with you when preparing to hit the road. The following are five items that she mentions. To read the full article at Edmunds.com, click here.

Cell Phone- Ok- so maybe your parents used to take far more road trips than you currently do, and they did it without the use of a cell phone. However, in today’s modern society, it seems as if everyone and their grandmother has a cell phone (literally). Whenever you go somewhere- especially if you’re planning a long trip, always make sure that you bring your cell phone, cell phone charger and hands-free headset device. It also helps if your cell phone is super stocked up with emergency phone numbers…just in case!
Maps-While having a GPS device may seem like the ‘in’ thing to have, it doesn’t hurt to make sure that you have an updated paper map as well. After all, technology isn’t always perfect.
Food- Nothing sucks more than being stuck in traffic and being hungry. Always make sure that you pack a few non perishable food items such as pretzels, water, juice boxes, crackers, grapes, cheerios or granola bars.
Legal Documentation- It doesn’t hurt to make sure that you have your driver’s license before you head out. Also, double check to make sure that you have a current copy of your car insurance card, complete with roadside assistance info if you need it. Your vehicle registration should also be included in this little pile of documents that you should keep together in one place within your vehicle such as the driver’s side door, glove box or middle console.
Change of Clothing- It’s always a good idea to have an extra change of clothing just in case you have to make an unexpected stay overnight somewhere or one of your kids has an “accident”. Also, if you are traveling from somewhere like Florida to New York, the weather difference may be different and may actually require you to change your clothing mid-trip.

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Car Seats

Janelle — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:54 PST

If you’re thinking of planning a family someday or will soon be expecting an addition to your family, then you may want to take a look at some of your options regarding car seats for your little one. According to Edmunds.com, there are certain key things to look for when you are on the hunt for a car seat. Some of these things include the following:

Deep, Flat Seat-bottom cushions. Because of how the seat is positioned and shaped, it will be easier to have the car seat sit level in your vehicle, making it easier to secure to the seat.
Placement of seatbelts. The placement and angle of the seatbelt hitch and receiver can greatly affect a parent’s ability to get a car seat cinched down to the seat. Always check to make sure thatthe location of the anchor points allow for a snug fit in your vehicle.
The angle of the seat back cushion. Many minivans and sport utility vehicles have a recline feature for the second-row back cushions, allowing you to adjust the seat to a position that is secure and comfortable for your child. If you’re going to buy a car that doesn’t offer this feature, check to see if the angle of the seat back is compatible with your car seat.
Ease of access. The wider your car door opening, the easier it will be to maneuver when trying to install a car seat. The few extra inches offered by sport utility vehicles and minivans can give parents’ backs a break when repeatedly bending over to buckle their child in the car.
Availability of automatic locking retractor (ALR) seatbelts. Most newer cars have automatic locking retractor seatbelts in the backseat, such that when you pull the belt all the way out, it locks as it retracts. This may offer parents a much tighter, safer fit for car seats. [source]

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Janelle — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:50 PST

For many of us who spend a great deal of time in our vehicles driving to work, visiting family or simply running errands, safety is always of the utmost importance- especially when it comes to driving on the roads during the winter time. The following video provides some helpful tips for driving in winter weather:

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

10 Vehicles to Avoid in 2010

Janelle — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:15 PST

It’s a brand new year, and everywhere people are making a brand new start. The last thing that you want to do is make a bad decision regarding the kind of car you buy. But how do you know which cars to steer clear from? According to an article published in Yahoo News, the following are ten vehicles to avoid when seeking a new ride:

Kia Spectra-While this vehicle may seem like a steal at $14k, it is scheduled to be discontinued. Additionally, it seems that the Spectra didn’t score quite as well as some other subcompact vehicles in terms of its overall design and handling.
Saab 9-7x- Priced at around $40k, this sport utility vehicle was compared to a failed attempt at an upgraded Chevy Trailblazer and wasn’t able to compete with other similar vehicles such as the Lexus, Acura, BMW and Volvo.
Chrysler PT Cruiser- Priced at around $19k, Chyrsler is planning to can this vehicle due to a weak product line.
Mercury Grand Marquis- At around $30k, this vehicle is known to appeal to older folks who like A LOT of room inside their cars. However, driving a boat has lost a lot of its appeal.
Hyundai Azera- Priced at around $25k, it is unclear as to whether or not this sedan will stand the test of time due to its lackluster performance when compared to other similar vehicles.
Dodge Durango- At around $28k, it seems like everyone had a Durango at one point a few years back. However, due to the economic crunch and a lack of updating, these SUVs are collecting dust at the dealership and may well be on their way out.
Lincoln Town Car-For around $48k, this vehicle is huge and comfortable; however, it doesn’t even come close when compared to its peers such as the BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
Pontiac G6- Priced at around $21k, Pontiac is on its way out. However, those who are stuck with one will still be able to hold on to their warranties and servicing.
Saturn Vue- At around $24k, and despite the fact that Saturn is no longer in business, you can still purchase a Vue. However, keep in mind that the Saturn Vue is not as reliable as other vehicles in its class such as the Chevy Equinox.
Cadillac STS- Priced at around $46k, this large-sized sedan is ranked last among large luxury vehicles in U.S. News’s new car ratings. Steer clear! [source]

For more information about Auto Transport or Car Shipping, contact National Transport LLC today!

How to Travel With a Cat

Janelle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Traveling with animals isn’t easy. Animals can become car sick just like people, and other animals become increasingly agitated the longer they are out of a familiar environment. The bumps, sounds and frequent stopping can really stress an animal out when you are traveling with them by car; and with no other animal is this more true than with cats.

I remember traveling from North Carolina to New York with a cat when I was in college, and all I can say is that it was the LONGEST 10 hours of my life. On subsequent trips, the cat (which belonged to my roommate at the time) wound up having to be given a mild sedative just prior to departure by the vet. Keeping all of this in mind, it is important to treat our furry friends just as we would any small child. Suffice it to say, when you travel with an animal, for their safety as well as yours, ALWAYS make sure that they are secured in a crate or a section of your vehicle where they will not have access to the front of the car (because you are supposed to be focused on driving). Expert Village offers the following tips for traveling with a cat in the following video(s):

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How to Jump Start Your Car, and More

Janelle — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:25 PST

I have never had the occasion to use jumper cables to start my car; and quite frankly, the idea of using jumper cables makes me incredibly nervous. However, knowing how to jump start your car is always a good idea. Even if you don’t have a problem with your vehicle, you may come across someone who needs your help, and wouldn’t it be nice to be able to offer it? That being said, the following video provides excellent automotive advice in easy-to-understand terms:

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5 Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Janelle — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:46 PST

Wear a Helmet: Some states do not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet. However, it is in the best interest of a motorcyclist to protect their head while riding in the event that they fall off of their bike.
Wear Protective Gear: When you are riding on a motorcycle, your entire body is exposed to whatever debris may fly up at you from other motorists or because of the weather, etc. This is why it is important to wear high-quality riding gear. Additionally, proper riding gear may protect you in the event that you fall or are involved in a collision.
Use Your Lights: Most motorcycle collisions occur between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Riding with your lights on can help to increase your visibility to other drivers. Additionally, wearing bright or reflective clothing can also do the trick.
Be Wary of Intersections: The vast majority of motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. Therefore, don’t ever assume that other drivers can see you. It is much easier to see a big vehicle versus a tiny motorcycle. When making a right turn, angle your motorcycle across the lane in such a way as to create a larger blocking position. This will prevent other vehicles from sharing the lane or getting too close to you. Approach intersections cautiously and be aware of lurking in other drivers’ blind spots.
Communicate With Other Drivers: In most accidents that occur between motorcyclists and other motorists, the motorist is usually at fault. Other drivers need to see you and know if you are planning to change lanes or make a turn. In addition to using turn signals, make eye contact with other drivers, check over your shoulder frequently, use your horn if necessary and use hand signals.

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