Talking about my driving experience in Malaysia to some friends. I was relating how much fun it is to drive in Malaysia even though I could only afford a Proton, the national car as imported cars had a tax of up to 300%. At that time petrol cost me less than RM1per litre (approx 20p), though I heard that it has now increased to around RM2 (approx 40p). Compare that with £1.20/ litre in the UK now.
Furthermore, the car insurance was pretty cheap and if you didn't have any accidents, it becomes cheaper every year. Here in the UK, I have no idea why, but the insurance we pay seems to increase very year. It has gone up from around £300 to £700 now. We have had no accidents in the past 4 years and there is no logic but everyone I talked to told me the same thing and the amazing thing is that people grumble but just pay up in the end as they have no choice..
I recall that the insurance companies once increased the car insurance of everyone here in the UK across the board due to the fact that there had been floods the past year and a large number of cars had been damaged. In other words, they just transfer the costs to the customers.
I used to think that privatisation and lack of governmental control would lead to better customer services and a customer friendly industry but apparently this has not happened and probably the Government needs to come in with some customer friendly legislation and regulations.
Anyway, there are still some great insurance deals out there on the net. You just have to look for it. However, this is easier said than done. Click here for the cheapest auto insurance tips . These might help you lower your premium a bit. For example, it might be a good idea to look at the cars targeted the most by the thieves.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
How to reset the service indicator on the Volvo S40
I serviced my car a few weeks back at my favourite garage "MOT Centre Services" in Stoney Stanton Rd which was previously known as Taxi & Car Repairs.
I was about to drive away after the service when I noticed that the service indicator light was still on. This warning light comes on to indicate that it was time to service the car.
They told me that they had not been able to shut it off. Something about not have the proper software or something.
Seeing this warning every time I started the car was really irritating. I was tempted but didn't go to TMS Coventry, the official Volvo dealer in Coventry as I knew that they would charge me a nice "official" price just to reset it and I would probably have to leave the car there for a whole day.
I don't know why but it never occurred to me to look it up on the net. It was only this Monday I suddenly remembered my car and Googled "reset service indicator on volvo s40" and discovered that I could reset the service indicator in just 4 steps:
1. Turn Key to position I (Intermediate position)
2. Push in the tripmeter reset button while turning key to position II (Drive position).
3. Hold down the tripmeter reset button until service reminder starts flashing (about 30 seconds)
4. Release the tripmeter reset button.
I didn't get it to work the first time but after the third try, the indicator light just went off.
I was about to drive away after the service when I noticed that the service indicator light was still on. This warning light comes on to indicate that it was time to service the car.
They told me that they had not been able to shut it off. Something about not have the proper software or something.
Seeing this warning every time I started the car was really irritating. I was tempted but didn't go to TMS Coventry, the official Volvo dealer in Coventry as I knew that they would charge me a nice "official" price just to reset it and I would probably have to leave the car there for a whole day.
I don't know why but it never occurred to me to look it up on the net. It was only this Monday I suddenly remembered my car and Googled "reset service indicator on volvo s40" and discovered that I could reset the service indicator in just 4 steps:
1. Turn Key to position I (Intermediate position)
2. Push in the tripmeter reset button while turning key to position II (Drive position).
3. Hold down the tripmeter reset button until service reminder starts flashing (about 30 seconds)
4. Release the tripmeter reset button.
I didn't get it to work the first time but after the third try, the indicator light just went off.
Tips for a Buying a Used Vauxhall Corsa
When the Vauxhall Corsa hit the British market in 1993 replacing the popular Nova, people who were looking for style, class and power bought it. However, the subsequent years that followed saw heightened competition from other car models and they had to improve on the previous model in 2000. Sales of the car are still high and up to date, the Vauxhall Corsa has the ability to hold attraction and deliver power on the wheel. If you are looking forward to buying a used Vauxhall Corsa , then there are certain things that you have to take into consideration to make an informed choice.
The first thing that you'll have to look for is the petrol engine mainly because they come in different versions and while there are those that run effectively, some are prone to producing unnecessary noise. Engine capacity of 1.4 would be suitable for any level of speed while those with 1.0 to 1.2 are weak and when driving at high speed susceptible to emitting noise. Some of the best used Vauxhall Corsa models include the SRi and the VXR which have a high capacity petrol engine.
The second thing that you have to check when buying a used Vauxhall Corsa is the petrol costs you are going to incur in the long run. While the 1.4 and above petrol engines are the best at ensuring that the car is powerful and not noisy, it’s the 1.3 petrol engines which use less diesel averaging to 63 mpg and fall in VED band B, on the other hand, others like the 1.0 to 1.2 use 50.4 and 45.6mpg and fall in the VED band C category. This is why you have to weigh your options carefully before buying a Vauxhall Corsa to establish if a specific model’s cons outweigh the pros or not.
You'll also have to consider the source you intend to buy the used Vauxhall Corsa from. While most people tend to settle for individual sellers, the truth is that if you are able to get franchised sellers, then the price will be cheaper. To ensure that you are not paying too much for your Corsa, check the model of the car. For instance, it is important to note that 5 door models are more expensive than 3 doors and this roughly amounts to £350.
The first thing that you'll have to look for is the petrol engine mainly because they come in different versions and while there are those that run effectively, some are prone to producing unnecessary noise. Engine capacity of 1.4 would be suitable for any level of speed while those with 1.0 to 1.2 are weak and when driving at high speed susceptible to emitting noise. Some of the best used Vauxhall Corsa models include the SRi and the VXR which have a high capacity petrol engine.
The second thing that you have to check when buying a used Vauxhall Corsa is the petrol costs you are going to incur in the long run. While the 1.4 and above petrol engines are the best at ensuring that the car is powerful and not noisy, it’s the 1.3 petrol engines which use less diesel averaging to 63 mpg and fall in VED band B, on the other hand, others like the 1.0 to 1.2 use 50.4 and 45.6mpg and fall in the VED band C category. This is why you have to weigh your options carefully before buying a Vauxhall Corsa to establish if a specific model’s cons outweigh the pros or not.
You'll also have to consider the source you intend to buy the used Vauxhall Corsa from. While most people tend to settle for individual sellers, the truth is that if you are able to get franchised sellers, then the price will be cheaper. To ensure that you are not paying too much for your Corsa, check the model of the car. For instance, it is important to note that 5 door models are more expensive than 3 doors and this roughly amounts to £350.
Finding the Best Car Insurance Deals Online
It is amazing how much of our lives are dependent on technology today. Just a little over a decade ago, we were only becoming slowly accustomed to the Internet, what was famously referred to as the Information Superhighway. Today, we don’t just have email accounts, we have social networking accounts, YouTube, Amazon, and Google Earth. You can just as effectively shop online as you would at the mall, and all it takes are a few clicks. You can employ the same method, whether your purchase is small or big, cheap or expensive. Shopping around for the best car insurance deals is no exception.
The Web is teeming with online car insurance companies offering their services and so many to choose from. The challenge, however, lies in sifting through all of them and finding the one which is ideal for you.
You should compare quotes from different vehicle insurers, and this can be done by filling out forms on their websites and/or using a comparison website. You might be asked to provide information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history, as these details will help determine the level of coverage you can be offered, hence determining the quote you will be given.
Apart from getting quotes from individual insurers, you should definitely research the companies that interest you. Geico, GMAC, Progressive, AIG, Liberty Mutial, and All State, are among the most reputable auto insurance companies in the US, but remember that bigger is not necessarily better, so an insurance giant might not necessarily be your perfect match. Browse through insurers’ websites and go through car insurance reviews and testimonials of insurance experts and other insurance coverage seekers like you. Find out what discounts they offer on their insurance policies because you might be eligible for the good driver, safe vehicle, good student, senior, low mileage, rural, occupational, auto club or professional organization membership discounts.
The great advantage to purchasing your car insurance online is not just the ease by which you can accomplish this, but also the fact that you may get a discount with your insurer just because you made your purchase online. You may get money off your yearly premium, no claims discounts, or free breakdown assistance. The web is indeed the best place to search for the best auto insurance deals.
The Web is teeming with online car insurance companies offering their services and so many to choose from. The challenge, however, lies in sifting through all of them and finding the one which is ideal for you.
You should compare quotes from different vehicle insurers, and this can be done by filling out forms on their websites and/or using a comparison website. You might be asked to provide information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history, as these details will help determine the level of coverage you can be offered, hence determining the quote you will be given.
Apart from getting quotes from individual insurers, you should definitely research the companies that interest you. Geico, GMAC, Progressive, AIG, Liberty Mutial, and All State, are among the most reputable auto insurance companies in the US, but remember that bigger is not necessarily better, so an insurance giant might not necessarily be your perfect match. Browse through insurers’ websites and go through car insurance reviews and testimonials of insurance experts and other insurance coverage seekers like you. Find out what discounts they offer on their insurance policies because you might be eligible for the good driver, safe vehicle, good student, senior, low mileage, rural, occupational, auto club or professional organization membership discounts.
The great advantage to purchasing your car insurance online is not just the ease by which you can accomplish this, but also the fact that you may get a discount with your insurer just because you made your purchase online. You may get money off your yearly premium, no claims discounts, or free breakdown assistance. The web is indeed the best place to search for the best auto insurance deals.
Being well groomed will take you places
How often have we heard the saying "the first impression is the last impression". Well, a survey commissioned by Gillette and conducted by Harris Interactive, confirms that it is true.
One of the most critical grooming cue for making a good first impression was having a clean-shaven face. Other no nos include body odour or sweat stains. Also make sure you wear good fitting, nicely pressed and and appropriate clothing as well.
Apparently it's not just the first impression that matters. Being well groomed may very well help you in your career and get the sports car of your dreams. I am not joking. According to the survey, most HR professionals agreed that well-groomed employees do better in the corporate race as compared to those who don't take care of how they look.
So if you are one of those who never bothered to look in the mirror while going to work, you should be worried. Especially in these bad economic times.
However, hope is on the way. You may not only keep your job but get that Ferrari as well. Gillette has launched Gillette Career Advantage on their website and you can get expert advice from career expert Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren.
Brett Fahlgren
On the site, you can take the Gillette career quiz and find out what HR professionals really think.
For more information of what Gillette has to offer for you and to read the survey findings, visit the Gillette Resource Center. Loads of other useful resources as well.
One of the most critical grooming cue for making a good first impression was having a clean-shaven face. Other no nos include body odour or sweat stains. Also make sure you wear good fitting, nicely pressed and and appropriate clothing as well.
Apparently it's not just the first impression that matters. Being well groomed may very well help you in your career and get the sports car of your dreams. I am not joking. According to the survey, most HR professionals agreed that well-groomed employees do better in the corporate race as compared to those who don't take care of how they look.
So if you are one of those who never bothered to look in the mirror while going to work, you should be worried. Especially in these bad economic times.
However, hope is on the way. You may not only keep your job but get that Ferrari as well. Gillette has launched Gillette Career Advantage on their website and you can get expert advice from career expert Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren.
Brett Fahlgren
On the site, you can take the Gillette career quiz and find out what HR professionals really think.
For more information of what Gillette has to offer for you and to read the survey findings, visit the Gillette Resource Center. Loads of other useful resources as well.
Buying a used car - my experience 1
Buying a used car is a tiring and frustrating task. I have learnt that over the course of thiese few day. Ever since my car broke down along the A14 and I found out that repairing the engine would cost me more than the value of the car, I have been looking for a good used car.
Besides looking at the newspapers (where I didn't find anything I liked) I also went to the Auto Trader site. Initially I looked for private sellers listing their Toyota Avensis but all the good ones (read best prices) had already been sold. It's amazing how popular this model is here in the UK. My next choice was the Nissan Primera because of the good review. I usually refer to Honest John which lists1200 comprehensive car reviews. Coming back to the Nissan Primera, it was my choice because it receives quite favourable reviews. However, every single one I liked on the Auto Trader site was beyond my budget (which is not really much to start with).
A relative living in Birmingham gave me some leads around Birmingham. My friend Ishan kindly consented to drive me around. My first car was a Nissan Primera at a car dealer in Solihul. I didn't like the car the first time I laid my eyes on it. It was in a really bad shape and when I gave it a test drive, it had a really unbearable odour inside. I don't need to tell you my decision.
NeXt was a 1.8 Turbo Diesel in Birmingham. I really liked it but the guy who wa selling it really talked a lot and it was really suspicious because the price was too cheap. He seemed over eager to get rid of the car as well. Never-the-less I decided to buy the car and gave him £70 as deposit after agreeing on a price. However, I just couldn't get rid of this nagging feeling. I had passed over the details of the car to my wife and I didn't know it but she had done a check on the car's history on the RAC site. You have to pay £5 but you get to learn some important details about the car. In this case, she discovered that the car had previously been involved in an accident and had been recorder as a total loss by the insurance company. It was listed as a category D "Vehicle damaged but repairable - the insurer decided not to repair". Not all category D cars are bad but I was not willing to take the chance and turned back at once. The guy agreed to give me back my deposit and he looked really miserable and I pitied him, but I had no choice.
Now it was back to the Auto Trader site and I widened up my option. I started looking for Ford Mondeos, VW Passats, etc.
To be continued in next post...
Besides looking at the newspapers (where I didn't find anything I liked) I also went to the Auto Trader site. Initially I looked for private sellers listing their Toyota Avensis but all the good ones (read best prices) had already been sold. It's amazing how popular this model is here in the UK. My next choice was the Nissan Primera because of the good review. I usually refer to Honest John which lists1200 comprehensive car reviews. Coming back to the Nissan Primera, it was my choice because it receives quite favourable reviews. However, every single one I liked on the Auto Trader site was beyond my budget (which is not really much to start with).
A relative living in Birmingham gave me some leads around Birmingham. My friend Ishan kindly consented to drive me around. My first car was a Nissan Primera at a car dealer in Solihul. I didn't like the car the first time I laid my eyes on it. It was in a really bad shape and when I gave it a test drive, it had a really unbearable odour inside. I don't need to tell you my decision.
NeXt was a 1.8 Turbo Diesel in Birmingham. I really liked it but the guy who wa selling it really talked a lot and it was really suspicious because the price was too cheap. He seemed over eager to get rid of the car as well. Never-the-less I decided to buy the car and gave him £70 as deposit after agreeing on a price. However, I just couldn't get rid of this nagging feeling. I had passed over the details of the car to my wife and I didn't know it but she had done a check on the car's history on the RAC site. You have to pay £5 but you get to learn some important details about the car. In this case, she discovered that the car had previously been involved in an accident and had been recorder as a total loss by the insurance company. It was listed as a category D "Vehicle damaged but repairable - the insurer decided not to repair". Not all category D cars are bad but I was not willing to take the chance and turned back at once. The guy agreed to give me back my deposit and he looked really miserable and I pitied him, but I had no choice.
Now it was back to the Auto Trader site and I widened up my option. I started looking for Ford Mondeos, VW Passats, etc.
To be continued in next post...
Turn your car into a workstation
Do you want to find how you can turn your car into a mobile workstation check out this article on the Bootstraper blog. The article by Christina Laun lists 15 gadgets.
The only thing I have from the list, is a TomTom sat nav.
The only thing I have from the list, is a TomTom sat nav.
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