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As part of a crackdown on careless driving, there are plans for the police to hand out 60 pounds on-the- spot fines and three points on their licence for motorists responsible for minor accidents. The controversial proposals will also target distracting behaviour on the part of the driver such as drinking, eating, and map-reading whilst at the wheel.

The move drawn up by the Department of Transport is designed to bring the offence of careless driving in line with those for speeding. The plans have triggered fierce criticism from those who think it is nothing more than yet another way of cashing in on the motorist. According to the papers issued by the Department of Transport, all funds raised from on-the-spot fines would go to the Treasury which already takes over 100 million pounds a year from speed cameras.

Under UK law, motorists must stick to the Highway Code which says amongst other things, that drivers must not eat or drink whilst driving or argue with a passenger or listen to loud music. Currently, prosecutions for careless driving are processes through the courts but in recent times the number of convictions has fallen sharply. There are worries that this decline results from the huge paperwork load involved, and the Government believes that on-the-spot fines would ‘increase enforcement action being taken against those demonstrably driving badly’.

Conversely, campaigners against believe that the new system will see motorists fall foul of police officers under pressure to achieve targets and prove their cost-effectiveness. A spokesman for the police said: ‘Police are not daft. Like the rest of us they are human and will take the easiest option. The easier it is for them to meet targets by issuing tickets, the more likely they will do that.’ A spokesman from the TaxPayers’ Alliance retorted: ‘This smacks of trying to make a fast buck out of drivers who are already over taxed.’

The Department for Transport claim that the rules are really focussed on penalising more serious offences, such as colliding with a stationary car or driving on the hard shoulder, rather than just eating a sandwich or playing loud music. In any case drivers will always be able to contest their case in court.

Always remember it’s up to you to disclose any driving offences to your car insurance company. Frequently, people automatically renew their insurance when the renewal form arrives through the door and forget to report to their insurer things have changed since they last renewed. If you do not make sure you report any changes your insurers is quite likely to reject any subsequent claim.

And whilst on this subject, never automatically re-insure with your current insurance company. It is quite possible that their quote is still the cheapest, but unless you check, you’ll never know. Go online and find an independent broker with access to the full insurance market. Then you you will know which is the cheapest insurer for you.Do you have a motoring fine that is affecting your car insurance premiums. Visit Brokers Online to see if we can give you a great deal on Car Insurance . Brokers Online offers articles and information on many types of insurance products. We can provide clients with Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance, Mortgages and Home Insurance plus many more.

Gas and fuel for your vehicle are expensive enough without throwing your hard earned cash after tax out the windows.

A dirty air filter wastes a fair of gas and fuel unnecessarily. Yet an air filter is something few drivers and automobile owners think of. Yet an air filter draws a tremendous amount of air – up to 10,000 gallons of air for each gallon of gasoline that your car uses for you to drive around – whether it be in town, the freeway or on long automobile trip on your vacation. A dirty air filter is like a choked air filter in a vacuum cleaner – it obstructs air flow. Hence less air can get through. More fuel than need be is pulled into your engine resulting in excessive gasoline use and much lower miles per gallon (m.p.g.) for each expensive galloon (or liter) of gasoline fuels that you buy when you fill up your tank.

Not only that but your air filter “filters’ and cleans that vast amount of air that enters into your automotive engine. Less dust and grit in the cleaner air flow will result in not only less gasoline fuel fcsts for you but also smooth running, fewer repairs and ultimately a longer life span for your vehicle, as opposed to running with dirty – not clean air filters.

Just like any home furnace filter, the air filter of our vehicle – be it truck, SUV, car or van – must be replaced with a new clean one when it’s dirty. Preventive maintenance – that is replacing the air filter before it even gets to that point is even better,

The air filter may have a cost to it but overall you will be far ahead of the game with saving in fuel and vehicle running and maintenance as well as potential replacement costs. Some motorists even replace expendable routine items on a planned basis – just like is done in maintaining aircraft. They use their owner’s manual as a general guide as when its time to replace automotive parts figuring that its better to do it this way and after all they are going to have to replace those auto and car parts at some point anyways.

Generally most cars need a new air filter once a year or every 15, 00 miles (24,000 km). It’s always best to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual as your best reference. Of course if you are driving in very dusty areas or areas with a lot of grime, chemicals or grit in the air you should change the air filter more often. Ditto that for certain seasons if you are involved in a given industry where more dust may be seasonal. For example during fall harvest time those in the farming communities may encounter more dust in the air than the rest of the year. The recommendations listed in the owner’s manual have been derived with a great amount of expertise and experience by technical staff that is most qualified to know the vehicle and recommend with great experience. It may be said that the manufacturer of the vehicle is there to sell parts to their motorists and err on the side of caution. That is true. Yet it never hurts to be conservative and play it safe. In the case of replacing an air filter or an oil change these are generally not costly repair costs.

All in all it can be said that a dirty air filter costs you money in fuel costs and maintenance costs for your vehicle. Make it a point to change your air filter of your vehicle early and often.Harold Stoffman Winnipeg Auto Dealer Winnipeg Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta Western Canada Auto Financing Winnipeg Auto Leader Auto Car Blogs http://www.blogdirectorybid.com/

Summer time is coming. Summer is just around the corner. So will be summer heat and breakdowns of automotive air conditioning systems – perhaps either yours or those of other motorists and vehicle owners.

It’s not just as easy to work on an automotive air conditioning system as “opening the fridge”. What basic steps and precautions should and must be employed when it comes to being around as well as working on these automotive air conditions be it car, truck, van or S.U.V.

First of all avoid contact with charged refrigeration systems, even when working on another part of the vehicles air conditioning system or vehicle. For example if a heavy tool comes into contact with a section of copper tubing or a heat exchanger it can easily cause the relatively soft and even fragile material to rupture. This is especially and evens more true and an inherent danger if the part or component is under direct pressure.

Next when it comes necessary to apply force to a fitting which contains refrigerant, such as when checking and verifying that all securely tightened , be sure to make it a practice and indeed habit to use a solid wrench on both parts of the fitting involved, well at least to how much is both practical in the situation or possible. It can be said by doing so, that this will best avoid putting “torque” on the refrigerant tubing. On top of that, it is advisable if at all possible to use either tube or line wrenches when tightening “flare “nut fittings.

It is always best and wise practice and now indeed not allowed and illegal according to the rules of most states and regions not to ever discharge an air conditioning system merely by loosening a fitting or removing service valves. To do so is to risk large fines, your mechanics license and accreditation and of course your reputation and livelihood. What used to be standard practice years and years ago in the automotive trade is now simply not allowed and illegal on top of that.

When working on systems make it a practice never to start a system without first verifying that both service valves are back seated. If so equipped and that all fittings throughout the system are snugly connected. As well avoid applying heat to any refrigerant line or storage container. Charging may be aided and assisted by using water heated to 125 degrees F ( that is equivalent to 52 degrees Celsius) to warm the refrigerant container or containers. However never ever allow a refrigerant storage container to sit out in the sun, much like you are careful never to leave over inflated tires in a similar situation. Or near any other source of heat – such as an auto radiator.

Lastly two points. First of all even though it may be in the hot dead of summer always remember that frost bite from rapidly deflated liquid refrigerant is always a safety concern and danger inherent in this field of auto repair. It’s no accident that often the work of repair of auto air conditioners is left to highly trained specialists. If frostbite does occur, it should be treated by first warming the area with cool water, and then gently applying petroleum jelly. A physician should be consulted.

Finally make it a solid point always to wear protective goggles when working on an air conditioning system. Accidents can happen in a flash when working on air conditioning systems. Your eyes are a most precious gift, resource and tool to anyone working on and working with automotive vehicles Always wear eye protection when working with and on auto air conditioning systems.

This way both you and your customers will be happily and safely driving down the roads and highways in cool air conditioned comfort.Winnipeg Pre Owned Chryslers Wpg Gauthier http://www.winnipegcarsinfo.com Auto Trader Brandon Gimli Selkirk The Pas Thompson Flin Flon Manitoba Automotive Financing Car Sales  

Fluid leaks on automobiles – whether it is your new car, SUV truck or van can be downright frustrating and costly. Few problems on modern vehicles can be downright as pesky and expensive – whether it the alarm and concern that fluid leaks can create to many novice and first time buyers , the unsightliness and damage it may do to the concrete and paving of your driveway or present health risks to family and pets.

Ignoring a slow leak – as many motorists often do – means that for sure that some point that the leak will become inevitably worse. In late model vehicles repairs that were a hop skip and a jump to repair are now crammed into hard to reach, if not inaccessible places on your engine. That means expensive repairs – especially with labor rates at good shops with experienced mechanic help being what they are at most garages now a days. Not only that leave that leak alone and it will not be the repair to the leak itself but you may well be in for additional repairs both within that particular system of your car but also other components and systems as well. For example ignoring a simple fluid leak may result in damage to the radiator pump – an internal expensive to replace device , and as well to the entire engine itself as a result of that radiator fluid getting into the engine oil resulting in poor lubrication to the engine itself and a damaged or seized motor. As a result of ignoring a simple radiator leak you may well be looking to purchase or finance a brand new automotive product.

What to do? Make it a systematic practice – almost a ritual – done on a regular and ongoing basis to make it a practice to periodically inspect the underside of the car as well as the pavement over which the car or other type of vehicle is usually parked. This will provide you both with an early guide to leaks.

Next in the say manner always have your fluid levels checked on a regular basis. It used to be easy. A motorist simply went to his favorite service station for gas or fuel. The attendant would simply ask, or often just proceed, to check the fluids levels routinely. Generally tire pressures would be checked and verified as well. Not so today. In most cases people go to self service gas stations where all most do, or know what to do is to fill up the tank. Sometimes when the auto is at the dealers though an overall check of fluids level is done. This assumes that first the motorist has read and follows the service routine suggested by the manufacturer in the auto service manual and its recommendations. Or it may be that the vehicle is at the service bay at the dealership for major repairs already to negligence in checking fluid levels or investigating fluid leaks long ago, before the damage was done to the vehicle.

If the vehicle is that of another member of the family – say a teenage daughter or son, university student or wife you might well take the maintenance routine as well as overall vehicle inspection duties and responsibilities on yourself as your own personal responsibility. Overall it may well be a cost saving of auto ownership to you both in terms of time, money and distress.

In the end taking the time to check for leaks in your vehicle may well say you the earlier cost of purchasing or financing another or new vehicle down the road.Brandon Selkirk Thompson , the Pas , Alberta   Saskatchewan Auto Sales Wpg SUV Financing Winnipeg Used Cars Info http://www.autowestwinnipeg.com  

Many millions of insurance renewal, bills will be sent out over the next two weeks, you should consider if it’s a good idea to just accept the quote. On the other hand, maybe you should shop around to see if you could find a better deal.

Huge numbers of motorists will be in severe shock when they discover how much their premium will have risen since paying their insurance a year ago.

In the UK, new number plates are issued during the month of March; it is also the month with the highest number of car sales. So obviously, as a side effect is also the month, the highest amount of car insurance policies arranged.

So for many millions March will be the happy anniversary of the purchase of their brand spanking new car. Unfortunately, it will also be the anniversary of taking out their new insurance policy.

Renewal time is an excellent opportunity to look over your policy, and consider, could you get the same cover and pay less money?

A good place to start is by going through all the boring terms and conditions. You may find that in your rush to get into your new motor last year. You did not consider exactly what insurance conditions you needed for you and your vehicle.

You may find that their are some conditions that don’t apply to you what you no longer need, removing small pieces of cover can significantly reduce your insurance premium.

The floods last summer had a huge effect on the cost of renewing household insurance because of the massive number of claims. People do not realise that huge numbers of cars were also damaged or destroyed by the floods, which have contributed to an increase in car insurance costs.

The AA has released its latest index of quarterly insurance costs. The survey concludes that there’s been a large increase in the number of personal injury claimants on motor insurance companies. The knock-on effect of this has been a 2.5% increase in the cost of insurance cover. The index covers quotes from more than 80 large and small insurers, and found that the average comprehensive insurance premium is now nearly

It is important for motorists to be fully aware of the terms and conditions of their motor insurance policies, it has been suggested.

Research carried out by swiftcover reveals that a significant number of British drivers could be unwittingly putting themselves under financial pressure due to a lack of comprehension about what is and what is not covered by their insurance.

In the company’s study more than a third of motorists were shown to be unaware of the effects of underrating their mileage in an attempt to reduce insurance costs. Some 25.8 per cent of respondents reported to be unaware whether driving beyond their stated amount of miles would have an impact on their insurance cover, with 16.1 per cent claiming that it would not have an effect. However, it was stated that a failing to contact their supplier upon exceeding their mileage may result in motorists invalidating their cover. As such, consumers were urged to constantly check their mileage and to get in touch with their insurance provider should they notice something is awry or their circumstances change.

Further research showed that more than a fifth of motorists are unaware whether or not they will be covered should they have an accident while smoking or eating at the same time as driving. This figure comes despite just under two-thirds (65 per cent) of respondent stating that they consume while on road, with over one in three choosing to smoke.

The financial services firm pointed out that although eating or smoking while driving is not a criminal offence outright, should they suffer an accident while doing on these things than they could be accused of being negligence. It was purported that motorists’ reaction times can be up to 50 per cent slower should they be talking on the phone or having a cigarette or snack. Meanwhile, swiftcover stated the Highway Code recently listed smoking and eating as dangerous distractions when behind the wheel.

Following on from being forced to dip into their own pockets and purses, it may be possible that those drivers with inadequate levels of insurance might find that their ability to manage other demands on their spending. Such areas could well include loan, credit and store cards, utility bills and mortgage or rent repayments.

In addition, the study indicated 29 per cent of drivers think that their policy will automatically cover them should they get behind the wheel of a friend or partner’s automobile.

Tina Shortle, spokesperson for swiftcover, said: “While choosing the lowest price car insurance policy is most people’s objective, it is also important to know exactly what is and isn’t covered. Drivers make a lot of assumptions about their policies, so it’s best to read all terms and conditions carefully and to regularly review the terms.”

Consumers looking to buy a new car over the coming months might wish to consider taking out a secured loan to finance their purchase. In selecting this type of loan, borrowers may be able to select a top-of-the-range model quickly and effectively, in addition to being left with enough spare cash to help get a comprehensive insurance policy.

A secured loan could also be recommended for those wishing to meet the cost of damage to a sailboat. In a study conducted by Saga in April it was shown that hitting an underwater object while on the sea will cost the typical consumer 2,419 pounds. Meanwhile, the average burglary claim stands at 1,820 pounds.Mark Dawson writes for the the Loan Arrangers where you can apply online for low cost loans, you can also compare secured loans online, and apply for poor credit loans.

Motorists may well see the financial burden having a car places on them increase in the coming months, it has been suggested.

The news comes as research released by Deloitte reveals that the cost of third party car insurance has risen by ten per cent over the last 12 months. In August 2006, the average cost of such a premium stood at 473 pounds. However, a year later the typical policy now amounts to some 519 pounds – with such an increase potentially squeezing drivers’ abilities to meet other monetary demands attached to their vehicle such as MOT, tax and fuel, not to mention areas such as credit cards and personal loans.

Meanwhile, the cost of comprehensive car insurance has also risen over the last 12 months – up from 441 pounds to 458 pounds – a growth of some four per cent. Overall, premiums have increased in nine of the past 12 months – the first period of “sustained increases” the firm claims to have taken place since 2003. The news comes despite reports that price comparison websites have helped to curb growth in insurance costs over recent months.

Commenting on the findings, Catherine Barton, insurance partner at Deloitte, said: “The key reason for the increase is insurers seeking to improve profitability. In the past several years, the underlying motor insurance market performance has been deteriorating with insurers’ results being buoyed by releases from their reserves. This situation is not sustainable in the long term and, combined with the impact of major events such as the 2007 floods, rates were going to have to go up. We believe premiums will continue to rise for a few months yet.”

As a result, Ms Barton recommended that despite rising insurance costs, those who take the time to scour the market should still be able to find a competitively-priced policy. She added that those who fail to shop around are “likely to have seen bigger increases” on how much they are paying for premiums, which in turn may impact upon their ability to service debts accrued via secured loans, overdrafts and credit cards.

The study from Deloitte follows findings by the RAC that running costs for vehicles run into thousands of pounds. Carried out last month, the findings highlighted that it costs some 5,627 pounds to keep the average family car on the road every year, with fuel, tax, maintenance and insurance expenses accounting for just under 2,000 pounds. And with depreciation costs also rising, those looking either to sell or purchase an automobile should do so with care as otherwise they may find themselves on a “one-way road to debt”.

Meanwhile, consumers aiming on purchasing a car may be well advised to apply for a personal loan as Brian Spinks, head of lending for the firm, suggested that in doing so they could be left with more “bargaining power” at the showroom. He added that those looking to take out a loan to fund the purchase of a vehicle should not only ensure that they will be in a position to meet monthly demands for payment, but also that they can afford to cover the day-to-day running costs. The study also showed that the average loan taken out for a vehicle purchase stands at just below 10,000 pounds.Steve Smith writes for 1 stop finance shop where visitors can apply for UK debt consolidation loans and also focuses on cheap personal loans and bad credit secured loans for UK residents.

We all would like more affordable car insurance. You will find several budget car insurance companies attracting customers with promises of low monthly rates and ridiculously low deductibles. You should know that the type of coverage they are offering you for these low rates is insufficient coverage and will mean more out of pocket cost to you when filing a claim.

Most of the insurance companies that are offering budget car insurance will only supply you with the legal amount required by your state. This coverage amount usually involved the insured being the one who foots the bill for repairs in the event of an accident.

The state minimum is considered liability insurance and this means that if you are involved in an accident that is considered to be your fault any of the repair costs to your vehicle as well as any injuries you suffer will be your financial problem not theirs. If others are hurt in the accident the insurance may not be adequate to pay for their medical bills and you will be required to pay the excess.

You will be left holding the bill for any damages that occur to your vehicle that are not your fault such as hail, wind storms, or vandalism. The liability insurance will not pay for any portion of damage to your vehicle for any reason. This means that traveling down that icy road in the winter could be very costly to you if you swerve and hit a tree or guard rail.

There are too many drivers on the road who have budget insurance and this means if you are insured with the same type of insurance coverage and are hit by them that any repairs or medical costs their insurance will not pay for you will be liable for on your own. You will have no protection for underinsured motorists or uninsured motorists with these lower priced policies. Any type of accident, your fault or someone elses could end up costing you thousands of dollars and put all your assets at risk.

If you vehicle is stolen you will receive no coverage for your loss. In most cases you will never recover the vehicle and replacing it will be your responsibility. If you are able to recover the vehicle you will be responsible for the repairs from any damage it may have suffered.

That low deductible you were given is nothing more than a scam. No type of claim will require a deductible to be paid since you are responsible for all the damage that occurs to your vehicle. That low deductible amount is just used as a tactic to make you believe you are receiving an awesome policy when in fact you actually receiving nothing for your hard earned cash.

You have to have insurance to drive legally in any state and this is what the budget insurance companies are using to their advantage. They offer the minimum requirement to keep you legal but they do not offer anything to keep you safe.Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Car Insurance provider. For more information visit: http://car.insurance123.co.za/

As the days become longer and warmer temperatures arrive it may be perhaps unsurprising that some motorists want to feel the wind blowing in their faces while out on the road.

However, those looking to purchase a convertible car should first take the time to purchase a comprehensive motor insurance policy.

Such is the claim of Confused where a recent piece of research revealed that the average insurance policy for a soft-top model is slightly more expensive than that for a non-convertible car. The lowest-price difference between the types of vehicle was indicated as standing at 11 pounds per year, although this rises to 32 pounds for the typical insurance policy.

However, those consumers who lack a comprehensive policy might find that they have to shell out of their own pockets to help with replacing items or funding repairs should they have an accident or be the victim of crime. In turn this may have an impact to meet other demands on their finances in areas such as loan repayments, council tax bills, mortgages and credit and store cards.

Meanwhile, those looking to enjoy the good weather in a flashy new convertible were given a gentle reminder that Britain sees an average of 55 days of sunshine per year.

Citing the need for motorists to get comprehensive insurance, the price comparison site pointed towards “horror stories” of soft-top roofs being slashed and items being stolen out of easily-accessible glove compartments in convertible cars. And although the reality of this actually happening may not be as likely as some drivers may think, given the reflection in differences between non-convertible and convertible vehicles, Confused still urged drivers to take out adequate insurance.

Commenting on the data, Debra Williams, managing director of Confused, stated: “Like most of life’s pleasures, many drivers will find that the desire to own a swanky new car will outweigh the practical concerns and perceived costs involved. However, car insurance is becoming increasingly competitive so whether you are insuring an old banger or a sleek sports car, it is vital to shop around for the best deal in order to make sure that you aren’t paying over the odds for your car insurance.”

Ms Williams went on to report that it is important for motorists to “take precautions”. As such, she advised drivers to make sure their vehicle is parked in a secure location and that valuable items are not left in a car. She added that as long as consumers use common sense then there is no reason as to why they will not be able to “enjoy the benefits of cheaper car insurance when buying a convertible”.

For those looking for an effective way in which to purchase a vehicle, taking out a personal loan could be of help. In doing so, consumers may find that they are able to buy the car of their dreams quickly and have an affordable level of repayments to make each month.

Furthermore, the financial assistance that a loan provides could help motorists to purchase comprehensive car insurance cover. This might prove to be of particular assistance to those planning a European roadtrip after a recent study by uSwitch showed that the average cost of extending an insurance policy to cover consumers when driving on the continent can set consumers back by as much as 510 pounds.Mark Dawson writes for the the Loan Arrangers where you can apply online for low cost loans, you can also compare secured loans online, and apply for poor credit loans.

As if the British public have not suffered enough in the credit crunch, we now learn that car insurance premiums are expected to soar by a record 20 per cent this year. The rising tide of of personal injury claims coupled with the increasing cost of fraud are fuelling increases for the Britain’s 33 million motorists.

These rises could push the average premium for a motorist with a full no-claims bonus from around 400 to 480 pounds. Even the most conservative commentators estimate rises of at least of 10 per cent. The insurers warn that despite doing their best to hold down car insurance premiums there may be no alternative to this happening.

Speaking recently, a senior executive of a major UK brokerage group, said: ‘My understanding is that car insurance premiums are 20 per cent lower than they should be. That means thay are seriously adrift. It is inevitable that within the next 12 months there will be a significant correction’. This will be a major blow to many motorists especially following on top of the increases we have seen in pertol and diesel.

The growing cost of insurance payouts – higher medical costs, higher repair costs, more no-win, no-fee claims pursued by ‘ambulance chasing’ lawyers – was fuelling dearer premiums. The Automobile Association has also warned of rises but put the figure nearer 10 or 11 per cent over the coming year.

Their spokesman said: “It is certain is that the average premium will rise, but the question is by how much? Some suggest a rise of 20 per cent over the next year and certainly, a rise of that magnitude will be required if the motor insurance industry is to achieve a profit on underwriting. At the moment, for every 100 pounds spent on premiums, insurers are paying out approximately 105 pounds.”

Fraud costs have risen by about 17 per cent over the past year and that aspect alone costs around 30 pounds for every private car insurance policy in force. A further 30 pounds pays the costs of accidents involving uninsured drivers, although police are beginning to make inroads into that problem halting this blight on honest motorists. At least that is encouraging news.

Industry sources put the number of people that claimed for whiplash injury last year at 430,000. And the total compensation bill of 1.9 billion pounds is equivalent to about 66 pounds on every policy. Whiplash accounts for about 66 per cent of all personal injury claims in Britain – that is 40 per cent higher than the European average.

According to a survey of over 80 insurers, during the last year, the average ’shop-around’ premium for a comprehensive policy has risen by 8.7 per cent to 486.45 pounds. But the car insurance market remains fiercely competitive. Online applications and price comparison sites have encouraged customers to shop around when their renewal date arrives and insurers are trying to keep premium increases as low as possible to avoid losing customers.

We can only repeat our the advice to shop around – get online and find an independent site which has access to virtually the entire insurance market. Then you can be as sure as you ever can, that you will get the right deal at the right price.Because of the credit crunch car insurance is rising. However Brokers Online can offer great deals on cheap Car Insurance. Visit Brokers Online for fantastic offers on many types of insurance products. We can provide clients with Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance, Mortgages and Home Insurance plus many more.