How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely

The vast majority of motorcycle riding that shows up in movies and television shows is far from safe by any standards. Stunt riders can’t afford life insurance policies for a reason. But for the individual who’s just learned how to ride a motorcycle, it’s absolutely essential that you learn to ride safely.

Know the Basics of Motorcycle Riding

You should know how to ride and preferably have a motorcycle license to prove it before hopping onto your own bike. Leaning the rules of the road – both written and unwritten – is extremely important. As a motorcycle rider, you don’t have a half-ton of insurance and steel wrapped around you. If you fail to yield to the right of way, they might be scraping you off the pavement. While learning to ride, learn all that you can and pay attention while driving with others to see how they handle the various obstacles.

Buy the Right Gear

Riding a motorcycle requires the right gear. Beginner motorcycle or not, there are some things you need in a helmet and jacket that you’ll need to pay extra for. If anyone needs extra protection (at likely an extra cost), it is the beginning motorcyclist. Spend your money wisely buying a well rated helmet with mask to protect your head and face as well as clothing of course. A riding jacket, boots, gloves and pants are a good idea as well.

All Gear, All the Time

Once you have the gear, you need to wear it all the time. Every time you get on your motorcycle, you’d better be fully geared up and protected. Always ride in full gear, even if others mock you a bit. It’s far better to have your skin intact than have the pride of showing off your shoulders or six pack while you drive.

Drive Safely When on a Motorcycle

Avoid the urge to drive like a maniac on your motorcycle. It will feel like a toy for a long time, and for men, it is. But having a motorcycle doesn’t give you permission to break or blatantly ignore traffic rules. Always drive safely on your bike – proactively even ready to help others as the need arises.

Easy Step By Step Instructions For Riding a Motorcycle

• Learn the rules of riding a motorcycle, practice and get your motorcycle licenses
• Buy the right gear to wear while riding on the bike
• Wear your protective gear all the time
• Drive your motorcycle safely taking care to watch road and traffic conditions

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions When Riding a Motorcycle

Find friends to ride with on the evenings and weekends. If your new group of friends act as bit crazy on the bike, discourage their behavior make it a point not to do it, too.

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How to Learn to Ride a Motorcycle

If you’re ready to lean to ride a motorcycle, you’ll need to approach the job from two fronts – the visual and the practical. That is, you’ll need to read and watch tutorials and then you’ll need to practice it yourself. Remember that discovering how to ride a motorcycle can be more challenging than you might think, and that it can take time to learn to ride carefully and safely.

Find a Motorcycle to Ride

Simple, yes, but learning to ride a motorcycle will require you to have access to a motorcycle. You might be lucky enough to have the new Yamaha FZ6R out in your garage, but most likely you’re looking at riding a friend’s bike or learning to ride on your dad’s old motorcycle. Regardless of what you use to learn, once you’ve figured out the basics of riding, they will transfer to other bikes as well.

Watch Videos and Tutorials About Riding a Motorcycle

There are specialized programs and tutorial videos designed to show you exactly what to do every step of the way when learning to ride a motorcycle. These might be the same kinds of videos you watched in driver’s education when you were learning to drive a car. The basic traffic laws will be similar, but riding a motorcycle has additional risks thanks to your level of exposure and smaller size than other vehicles on the road. Learning the basics of riding safely is critical.

While you watch the tutorials, you’ll learn about the controls of the motorcycle. Brakes, acceleration, gear shifting and more are done very differently than you might be used to in a car. Of course, if you’ve never driven a car either, it will all be new. You’ll be using your feet and hands to control the engine of the bike. It will also be useful to learn about maintenance and care for your motorcycle. This information will be presented in a video or online video tutorial as well.

Practice Under Supervision

Once you have the basics down, get an experienced friend or family member to help you put them to use on the real machine. Remember that every time you ride a motorcycle, you must be in all of your gear. This includes a practice session going around the block. All it takes is one spill on the concrete and you’ll never forget gloves, jacket or helmet again.

Practicing under a trained eye will help you learn the basics more quickly. You’ll also be able to take advantage of tips and tricks the more experienced rider already knows. Practice as much as you can in the safety of a quiet neighborhood or in an empty parking lot. This will keep you and others safe while you learn. Don’t venture out onto the main roads until you’re certain you have basic riding skills down.

Get Your Motorcycle License

To ride legally on the streets, you’ll need a motorcycle license. You’ll get this at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV. To qualify for the license, you’ll need to pass a road signs written test about traffic laws and you’ll also need to take a driving test or pass a qualified training class. There are age restrictions on taking the classes as well.

Easy Step By Step Instructions When Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

• Find a motorcycle
• Use videos and online tutorials to learn the basics of traffic safety, motorcycle safety and operating a motorcycle
• Practice under supervision to apply what you’ve learned
• Obtain your motorcycle license to drive the motorcycle legally

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions When Learning to Ride a Motor Bike

It can be tempting to race about or weave through traffic on a motorcycle. Regardless of what your friends might do on a motorcycle, always practice safe driving that protect you and those around you.

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How to Change Your Oil

Changing your own oil can be a cost effective, simple way to maintain your car’s engine.  The highest cost you will endure when changing your own oil comes from the initial investment that must be made for supplies and equipment.  Once you have purchased all the supplies you will need, the only expense comes from purchasing oil and replacement filters for you engine. You should change your oil every 3,000 miles to prevent damage to your engine.
 

Purchase Your Oil Change Supplies

The most important piece of equipment you will need is an oil pan/collector to put the used oil into and properly dispose of.  Most auto supply stores will have a large barrel for recycling oil.  It is important to dispose of oil properly.   Depending on the type of car you drive, you may need to invest in some sort of jack or lift system that will allow you access to the underside of the car where the oil plug is located.  Consult your owner’s manual to determine what type of oil you will need and how much oil your car will take (usually 5 quarts).  Also located in the owner’s manual is the size oil filter you will need. 

 

Drain the Oil

Located underneath you car, usually at the front in the center, is the drain plug that holds the oil in your engine.  Although oil drains more quickly when it is warm, it is much safer to drain the oil after your car has been sitting for a while and has had time to cool.  You may need to use a wrench to remove the plug but remember that when you do, oil will begin to come out of the car so be ready with a container (like your drain pan) to catch the oil and if the car was running recently be very careful not to let the hot oil come in contact with your skin. 

Once the oil has drained from the engine, replace the oil plug before refilling the engine.  Inside the engine is an oil fill cap, not to be confused with the dipstick used to check the oil level.  Once again, consult the owner’s manual to be sure you are putting oil into the right place.  Using a funnel, slowly pour the oil into the engine.  Be sure not to let oil spill onto the engine block or to overfill the engine.

 

How to Replace the Oil Filter

Underneath the car is located the oil filter.  The oil filter filters out oil as it cycles through the engine to prevent build up.  This filter will need to be changed with the oil.  To remove the old filter, turn it counterclockwise.  You may need to use a filter wrench which can be purchased at an auto supply store.  Oil filters, like Fram filters, have a textured bottom and are easier to grab.  Once again watch for dripping oil as you remove the old filter especially if you are changing your oil in your gagage or on your driveway. 

Easy Step By Step Instructions On How To Change Your Oil

• Purchase supplies at your local automotive store 
• Drain the oil from the engine being careful not to spill oil or burn yourself with the hot oil
• Replace the oil filter
• Dispose of used materials and oil properly

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions When Changing Oil

Watch local newspaper ads for oil change specials at automotive shops.  These sales usually provide you will all the supplies you will need at a discounted price saving you time and money.  Be very careful not to get hot oil on your skin, clothing or in your eyes.  If you come into contact with hot oil, rinse the area immediately with cool water and consult a physician.

(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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How To Buy a Used Car Online

Buying a car is always a carefully considered process. Buying a used car should be approached with even greater care. There are many essential facts you should consider before buying a used car online.

Find Quality Used Cars

First, search online used car classifieds and your local newspaper. Try one of the many used car website for your area and across the globe. Also be sure to run a used car history search like the Autocheck 90 Day Unlimited Vehicle History Report on the VIN # before considering a particular car strongly. The Autocheck Report on a used car verifies that there was no previous branding of the title, flooding of the car, odometer rollback, salvaged title, or that is was reported stolen.

Determine Your Price Range for a Used Car

Another important point to consider is what type of used car will fit into your price range. Also, you’ll want to think about buying a reliable make of car like a used Honda Civic. For example, a 2004 used Honda Civic may be more reliable than a newer model car of a different brand. You should also spend time researching the suggested resell price of the car models you’re interested in. Websites such as Edmunds.com can help you in this area.

Begin Used Car Negotiations

Once you find the car you want, you will need to negotiate with the seller. There’s lots of data you need before you can properly negotiate the price of the car, so when you talk to the seller, ask these basic questions:

- Why are you selling the car? If they hesitate, they have something to hide. The usual reasons a person sells a car is because they bought a new one or they can no longer afford the car payment.

- How many miles are on the car? The standard is 12,000 a year. If there’s more than that, the price should be considerably reduced.

- Do they have all the maintenance records, proof of tune ups, and oil change receipts? They probably won’t have all the paperwork, but ask for it anyway.

- Have them describe the interior of the car. Ask about the seats, dash, paint, tires, A/C compressor, if the A/C runs cool or cold. Are there any known issues or needed repairs that you should know about?

Check for Problems with the Used Car

If you visit the seller to test drive the car and they don’t let you drive it, leave immediately. Not allowing you to drive the car tells you that there is something very wrong with it.

Check the pavement underneath the car for signs of fluid leaks. Rust colored stains indicate a leaking radiator. Black or brown stains may mean there’s an oil leak. Purple stains indicate transmission fluid leaks.

Finalize the Used Car Sale

Once you’ve agreed on the price, make sure to get it in writing. Do not pay the seller until the title is in your hands. It is best to get a bank draft with the name of the seller listed as payee. With a bank draft, you have a record that you paid the seller in case there are any problems later.

Easy Step By Step

• Find sources of quality used cars in your area
• Research cars and check for known issues
• Determine the price you’re willing to pay
• Speak to the seller
• Inspect the car
• Negotiate a sale

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Before you buy, be sure:

- The 17 digit VIN# on the door, hood, dashboard and engine match exactly.
- The title doesn’t still show a lien holder with no stamp on it. This means they still owe the bank.
- The seller has no title or registration. The car could be stolen.

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How To Repair Dents on Your Car

When you wind up with a dent on your car, the frustration can be intense, especially when you take it a body shop to get a quote for repair. Most dents, even the smallest ones, require hundreds of dollars to repair – and that’s primarily labor. Doing the labor yourself can save you considerably.

Bang it Out

Many minor dents can be hammered back out with nobody the wiser. To hammer out a dent, you’ll need a dolly, or rounded metal piece and a body hammer. Ideally you have several of each to have a variety on hand for every dent project.

Get to the Back of the Dent

You’ll need to be able to access the back of the dented area as well as the front. Remove a panel if necessary and then examine the dent from both sides. Select the dolly and hammer that fit the curvature of the sheet metal the best and get ready to hit.

Hitting Out the Dent

Line up the dolly on the outside of the dent to give the hammer hits the right shape. Then use your hammer to gently tap on the indented side of the metal. If the hits aren’t doing the job, gradually increase your pressure until they are. A series of hits should pop the dent back out.

Cover Up Paint as Needed

If your dent involved scratched paint, you’ll want to apply cover up paint as quickly as possible to keep the affected area from rusting.

Replacing the Body Parts

If you have a large dent, you might have to actually replace the section that is severely dented. If you drove a Celica, for example, you can find Toyota Celica parts in a wide variety of locations, including online. Search for the right Celica body kits and buy the piece you need. Unless you are very handy, it would probably be best at this point to bring your new body piece to a professional for installation and paint.

Easy Step By Step

• Arrange body hammers and dollies
• Examine the dent to select the right tools for the job.
• Remove the paneling from the inside of the car so that you can see the dent from both sides.
• Hold a dolly on one side of the dent and hit the side where the dent is sticking out in order to pop it back through.
• If a dent is too large to be handled easily, consider buying a replacement part.

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Everything is negotiable, especially labor charges. Be sure to haggle over rates if you do wind up needing the help of a professional.

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How to Rent a Convertible

When you head to a fun destination such as Hawaii or Florida, part of the adventure can simply be getting from one place to another. Renting a convertible can bring an extra sense of excitement to your travels as well as letting you enjoy the warm sun and the ocean views. Here’s how to rent a convertible.

Choose a Proper Location

If you head to a sunny location such as Miami where the sun shines almost all year, a convertible makes wonderful sense. If you’re traveling to Fargo or Seattle with the high likelihood of cold or rain, a convertible might be a bit overly enthusiastic although you might luck out with bright sunny days.

Be Qualified To Rent a Car

Your next step as you rent your convertible would be to check that you meet the eligibility of the Miami car rental agency. There are often surcharges for drivers under the age of twenty-five and you must have a valid driver’s license. Be sure to check the insurance requirements of the agency as well.

Plan Ahead

In popular destinations such as Miami or LA, the number of convertibles available may be low to nonexistent without an advance reservation. Reserve a convertible through the agency’s website or over the phone as far in advance as possible. That way your car should be waiting for you when you arrive.

You Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car

You often can’t rent a car without a credit card, so be sure you have one in the driver’s name when you go to pick up the car. As convertibles are easy to break into, also consider taking out extra insurance just in case a vandal decides to slice the top to reach your items inside. You can put this insurance payment on the credit card as well.

Bring a Hat

Finally, once you have your paperwork arranged and keys in hand, throw the luggage in the back and climb in. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect you from the sun as you’re now completely exposed. Then, don your hat and head off on your own adventure.
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How To Rent a Car in Europe

Renting a car is slightly different around the globe. The requirements for car rentals in the United States and Canada differ from Car Hire Spain or Car Hire France. Even the phrasing and common names for the service are different!

To rent a car in Europe, you should take the following steps.

Be sure your driver’s license is current. In Western Europe a national license from other Western nations will be accepted almost anywhere, but in Eastern Europe, you should have an international driver’s license. This is something to take care of before you leave on your trip.

Work with a travel agent or through a respected company to reserve a rental car weeks ahead of time. Many car rental agencies in the United States and Canada have European branches, so you might be able to compare prices and availability online using the same websites you normally use. You can probably book your car online as well.

Reserve the car you want bearing in mind that most cars are standard transmissions. Automatic transmissions may be available, but don’t assume you are getting one unless it is specified. Reserve the car at a location you will be able to pick it up and ideally drop it off again. It is possible to pick up a car at one place and drop it at another, but this can result in large fees.

Make a deposit using a credit card, and be sure to bring the same card with your to the country on your travels, or bring one that is comparable. The charge will be large thanks to fees and taxes, so be sure your card is not near its limit.

Before your trip you also should review driving rules and tips for the countries you will be driving in. European countries have a much higher fatality rate than the United States, so defensive driving is critical, especially as you may be unfamiliar with the style of transmission, car, and even the side of the road.

Also remember to pack lightly since European cars are small, and plan on paying more than you are used to for the privilege of renting. Car rentals are taxed in Europe up to 33% and insurance can be up to $20 per day. Gas is expensive as well.

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How To Get a Car Loan

There are many kinds of loans, and for most consumers, a car loan is the first major foray into the wide world of investments and secured loans. When you’re ready for your first set of wheels or rather, the first set you’re paying for yourself, here’s how to get a car loan.

Do the Math

The first step in securing a car loan has little to do with the bank, it has more to do with your actual income. Before rushing out to buy your dream car, you need to consider your level of income and your other expenses. In short, how much can you really afford to pay every month on a car loan?

A car loan is generally not more than twenty percent of your net income. That means if $2000 comes through your door every month after taxes, you can afford to spend $400 of that on a car provided you are not overspending in any other area of your budget. A car is a depreciating asset, not an investment, so don’t take money away from savings to try and justify a more expensive car.

Get Approved For Your Loan

Even before you start shopping for cars, you might consider getting pre approval for a purchase. If you know you’ll be working with your local credit union or bank, meet with a banker and discuss your plans. They bank can run your credit for an estimated amount and you’ll be set up even before you buy.

Shop For a Loan!

Once you know your limits, it’s time to shop. Of course, your first shopping stop shouldn’t be the sales lot. You should start by working online or in a car guide to see what models fall into your budget. Salesmen are trained to make you leave your wise budgeting behind, so starting your purchase online is a good way to keep yourself in check.

Research cars or trucks you like and look at pictures. Then find out the MSRP and invoice for the vehicle using a website like Edmunds.com. Finally, armed with your knowledge and intentions, head to the sales lot.

Be Assertive

A salesman will almost always try to talk you up to the next level of vehicle. It’s their job after all. You should know your limits and then you should stick to them. And not only are you focused on the MSRP of the vehicle, you should be ready to negotiate price down to 1% over invoice. Be strong and stick to your guns. If you falter, the salesman and his manager will walk all over you.

Arrange Financing

A car loan is a secured loan meaning the loan is tied to the car itself. This keeps interest rates reasonable. If you opted for pre approval, the purchase of the vehicle is simple. Contact your bank and finalize your loan paperwork. Get a check for the negotiated amount and your work is done.

If you opt for financing through the dealer, be sure to research current dealer promotions and typical terms so you can properly negotiate for suitable rates and payment amounts. Be sure to negotiate the price of your purchase first. Then negotiate interest rates and terms. The monthly payment will follow. Avoid adding on any of the extras that dealers create to pad the price of a vehicle.

Finally, when all terms are in line, sign on the many dotted lines and drive away the owner of your very own car…and your very own car loan.

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How To Buy Insurance for a Classic Car

Classic cars are more than just another set of wheels on the road. They are powerful machines with a sense of style and grace that is all their own. Unfortunately, classic cars do come with a potential fly in the proverbial ointment. Classic car insurancecan be tricky to find at reasonable rates. Here’s how to buy classic car insurance.

Find Classic Car Dealers

The first step in buying classic car insurance is finding a reputable dealer. If you are driving a collectible car, you might first start with the brand of the car. An enthusiast club for Jaguar, for example, has arranged classic car insurance policies for Jags. The same may be true for your own vehicle. There are other dealers or clubs who offer insurance on all manners of classic cars including kits and antique motorcycles.

Get a Insurance Quote

The second option is to get a quote for the coverage of your particular vehicle. Your car and you, the driver, may have to meet certain requirements such as age, driving experience and storage conditions for your vehicle. Get as many quotes a possible to have a basis of comparison without overwhelming yourself.

Examine the Quotes

Next you must examine the quoted rates. Be mindful that different companies include different features in their plans. Classic cars are investments and tend to appreciate over time. Does each plan cover appreciation? Is there a premium for the amount of time you actually drive the car? Are you even allowed to drive the car more than a few miles?

Make an Insurance Choice

When you’ve made a list of pros and cons of each plan, carefully consider your options along with your lifestyle. Then, choose the plan that is best for you. It may not be the cheapest. Remember, a classic car is a true investment of time and energy. It is most likely your passion and should be treated, and protected, as such.

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How To Find Cheap Auto Insurance

Most of us are looking for the best auto insurance for the cheapest price. We see commercials, newspaper ads and flyers on how to get the best rates for your cars. But, sifting through all the hype can be daunting and quite confusing. So, how do you make sense of it all, avoid the auto insurance scams, and still find the best rate? Believe it or not, it’s quite simple; All you have to do is “Shop and Compare.” You can find cheap auto insurance with a

Use your computer

Instead of going from office to office & asking each agent how you qualify and what rates you can get, you can jump on your computer and save all of that travel time and hassle. There are many sites that will make you fill out extensive forms and what not. However, there are some great sites that also get you through the process very quickly. Your goal is to get a quote, not a life survey. By shopping online for an auto insurance rate, you can compare rates very quickly to see where you stand.

When you go online to a insurance quote site, you will be asked to answer a few questions. These questions are to help understand your situation and to get you the best insurance quote available from the listed “Class-A” companies.

You can further reduce your rates and find the cheapest auto insurance by:

1. Lowering your collision and comprehensive coverage – If you have an older car that you don’t care much for, you may want to drop your comprehensive or collision coverage. If your annual premium for collision and comprehensive is 10% of the cars value, you should lower the coverage.
2. Raise your deductible – The more you raise your deductible, the less money you have to pay. This means that instead of paying the first $250 for an accident, you would pay the first $500.
3. Add a security device – Many insurance companies give great discounts for installing anti-theft devices and auto alarms. You increase your chances of having your car stay safe and unharmed when you install these items.
4. Checking your credit – Credit checks are almost a standard in the car insurance industry these days. In fact, you can have a perfect driving record and still get rates worse that someone with dozens of accidents, all because of a low credit score. If you find that you seem to be paying a lot more for insurance that you expected, chances are your credit is playing a big factor. Increase your credit score and you will lower your insurance rates a lot!
5. Combine polices – Often you can combine your home insurance and auto insurance policies. Doing so will give you a combined insurance discount and can lower your rates by several hundred dollars.

As always, ask around to your friends and family to see who likes their coverage and why. Most importantly however, “shop and compare”. Never assume that the first deal you see is the bet you can find. If you want cheap auto insurance, you have to find it.

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