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‘How to Protect Your Appliances from Power Outages: Tips and Tricks’

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Power outages happen more often than you might think. Whether it’s a storm that hits your city, or a tree falling on the power line in front of your home, there are plenty of reasons why our electricity can be cut off unexpectedly. Unfortunately, power outages can be devastating for those who depend on their appliances to live day-to-day – everything from refrigerators and microwaves to coffee makers and electric blankets! In this blog, we’ll share with you some tips and tricks for protecting your most essential appliances from power outages, so you never have to worry about being without them again!

Fit Your Appliances With Surge Protection

When you want to protect your appliances from power outages, the first thing to do is to fit them with surge protection. Surge protectors are devices that give an electrical appliance added defence against strong fluctuations in voltage, protecting it from any damage that may occur due to the outage.

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Consider A Generator For Emergencies

If you want to be sure your appliances are protected from power outages but don’t think a surge protector is quite enough, consider buying an emergency backup generator. A backup generator allows you to hook up all your appliances and still use them even if the electricity cuts off completely.

Get a UPS for Critical Appliances

If you want to ensure your critical appliances are protected from power outages, but a backup generator is not practical, consider buying an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). A UPS system acts as an emergency battery backup that can keep vital components powered up for a short period. This gives the surge protector enough time to kick in and protect any connected equipment from dangerous voltage fluctuations associated with brownouts or blackouts. Some UPS systems can power electronic devices for extended periods. 

Unplug Your Appliances When You Anticipate A Power Outage

Another thing to do if you want to protect your appliances from power outages is to unplug them when you expect a dip or surge in electricity for any reason. You can never be too safe when it comes to electricity! A good rule of thumb is that any appliance which contains a motor should always remain disconnected during a storm or outage because the strong fluctuations in voltage may damage its internal components and render it unusable.

Avoid Overloading Outlets With Extension Cords

Some appliances may require extension cords, but make sure you avoid overloading sockets with multiple plugs. If the additional amperage of plugged-in devices exceeds the capacity of your socket wiring, it can cause problems for both your equipment and yourself! Always check that items are serviced by a fuse box with enough power supply to handle them before plugging them into outlets.

Carry Out Regular Maintenance On Appliances

The last tip for protecting your appliances from power outages is simple – do regular maintenance on all of them, so they don’t develop any issues. For example, many people assume their refrigerator will continue working if there’s a power outage. Still, it’s one of the most likely appliances to break down due to power outages. By checking your fridge regularly for any issues with its compressor, coils or refrigerant piping, you can prevent an outage from damaging it irreparably. The same is true for most of your other appliances. 

In conclusion, power outages can be devastating for your appliances if you don’t know the proper steps to protect them. To learn more about how surge protectors, generators and UPS devices work together to keep appliances protected from power outages, do some research on how you can proactively prevent appliance damage from power outages. 

 

3 Tesla Features We’d Like To See In Other Electric Vehicles

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It’s clear to see that Tesla is far and away the most innovative electric car brand, and for obvious reasons that you probably already know. Not only do they offer supreme handling and driving comfort, but a range of conveniences and features that some might even consider overkill.

As the electric vehicle market is becoming more and more competitive, and brands hope to capture that lighting-in-a-bottle excitement that could quite literally define them as the premier car manufacturer of the next decades, you can expect many different vehicles to take inspiration from Tesla’s output and put their own consideration on the formula.

For instance, as soon as the digital assistant Siri was unveiled, all smartphone manufacturers took less than a decade to develop their own, implemented with all kinds of devices and other products in their line. Some are even so popular that they inhabit the devices of other brands.

Of course, one of the main disadvantages of Teslas is that all of their goods are proprietary, and often they ask you to replace a vehicle rather than repairing it. For anyone who regularly visits an excellent, reliable and affordable local mechanic, that’s a heavy reason not to invest in electric vehicles just yet.  That said, as the EV market gears up for becoming the default car set, we’d like to see some takes on these Tesla features in other vehicles:

Supercharging

Supercharging infrastructure is only in place via Tesla right now, but more and more manufacturers are investing in this technology. The ability to charge your vehicle without having to wait for hours and hours to get started again. Supercharging stations take around 45-55 minutes, and so while this isn’t as quick as filling a vehicle up with fuel, it’s much cheaper, and of course, much better for the environment.

Data Roaming Updates

Data roaming updates can be applied to Teslas to keep the computer software fully up to date and patched between each trip. This can help Tesla users keep up to date with the latest build patch update of their software, which is ultimately the entire networking suite that runs the car. If EV’s are to become commonplace, this kind of necessity should be key.

Entertainment Streaming

Tesla cars allow you to stream content from providers like Netflix, and only when the car is parked. As more electric vehicles opt for a larger screen in the middle of the dashboard, it’s true to say that these integrations will no doubt come, but we’d like to see the adoption of many different content options such as those offered by smart televisions and other devices. This can make sitting in a parking space waiting to attend an appointment less tiresome, or it might help you pass the time more easily if sat within a ferry or other large transportation provision.

One thing is for certain, the next decade will see the common integration of electric vehicles throughout many manufacturer product design outputs, and so it’ll be interesting to see which features are adopted and which are innovated past the original source.

 

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‘How to Be a Safe and Skilled Driver: Tips for First Time Drivers’

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Did you just buy your first car? Congratulations! Buying a car is a great achievement in life and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Whether you’ve bought your car on credit or paid the whole amount in cash, the real deal is that you now own a car.

 

With all the excitement, you need to know that a car comes with lots of responsibilities. And if you want to be a safe and skilled driver, you must learn the best tips for first-time drivers. These tips below will help keep you on the road!

 

Know That Accidents Do Happen

 

Accidents do happen, but this is no excuse to be reckless. Make sure you are always responsible while behind the wheel of a car! Many small things can make all the difference when it comes to being safe on the road, and there are many tips to help you put your best foot forward as a new driver.

 

First, don’t drive if you feel tired or dizzy. It might seem like common sense advice, but too often, people get into their cars after having barely any sleep or try driving even though they have consumed alcohol earlier in the day. Driving requires 100% focus at all times, so never do it until you are fully rested/sober enough for optimal performance.

 

Another thing drivers should be aware of is the dangers associated with mobile phone usage while behind the wheel. Even if you are sitting in a stationary car at a red light, it can be dangerous to pick up your phone and look at it or type on it.

 

It is essential to understand that accidents happen, and you can’t stop them, but you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others. In case you get into one, be sure to get quality legal services which includes hiring the best car accident lawyer.

Know All the Road Signs and Rules!

 

The best way to do this is by reading the driver’s handbook. If you don’t have a copy, ask your parents or someone who has their license for theirs. Know all the road signs and make sure you understand them.

 

Make sure to ask your instructor if there are any signs you don’t know for the test, and also lookup road signs online before taking your driver’s test so that you can familiarize yourself with what they mean. Knowing the road signs and rules will help you stay safe on the road and your test.

Listening to Music Can Help You Focus

 

While it’s essential to stay focused when driving, everyone has times where they need some extra motivation or inspiration. Music is a great way to do this! It could be inspirational songs that motivate you every time you get in your car or fun upbeat tunes to keep up with traffic and take your mind off of any frustration.

 

Think about what kind of music gets your blood pumping and will make the road seem like less of an obstacle for you. Whether pop-rock or rap, making personal playlists is always a great way to start as a driver.

 

However, it is vital to ensure that you listen to music that does not distract your attention away from the road. For example, if there is a booming section of a song, this can be dangerous because you could miss out on important information like sirens or other traffic signals around you.

Create a Personal Pre-Driving Ritual

 

To prepare yourself for driving, it is essential to create a personal pre-driving ritual. For example, before you get in the car and start driving, do some deep breathing or listen to calming music. This will help you feel confident when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

 

A personal pre-driving ritual can help prepare you for the road. It might also involve something simple like reviewing your route before getting in the car or taking a few minutes to listen to calming music while driving through residential areas instead of busy intersections. The key is to find a ritual that works well for you and to make it a habit.

Follow at a Reasonable Distance

 

This helps you avoid the temptation to tailgate and provides a safe following distance should the vehicle in front of you need to brake suddenly. A reasonable distance behind another car is typically about two seconds or one second if it’s raining.

 

In conclusion, driving can be dangerous, but it is also one of the essential skills to have in life. For parents teaching their children how to drive or adults teaching teenagers, these tips should help everyone become a safe and skilled driver on the road.

 

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The Best Gadgets For Your Car That You Need In Your Life

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Modern cars come with some fancy stuff but there always seems to be that little bit extra that we can add. The question is, what extras do you think that your car needs? Here are some ideas that we think you should add to your car.

Lifesaver tool

If you were in a car accident and your car stopped working, but you were trapped inside, what would you do? If you had a Lifesaver tool, you could easily get out. These tools are made with everything you could possibly need to escape a vehicle including a cutter that is designed to cut through seatbelts and a military grade punch point to smash the glass.

 

Camera system

If you spend any time on the road, you will know that people drive like idiots. In order to protect yourself from legal repercussions, you should think about getting a camera fitted to your car. Hopefully, you will never need to employ any professional legal services, but if you do, it helps to have a recording of what happened. You can even get them in the form of a mirror dash so they blend seamlessly with the rest of the car.

 

Tyre monitor

This is another one for the safety category, especially if you have an older car. Nower cars come with build-in tyre monitors, so if there is an issue with the pressure, you will know about it before it gets too flat. This device connects your tyre with your mobile phone and shows you in real time what is happening with the car.

 

Mini vacuum

If you have kids, you will know how annoying it is when they drop crumbs all over the back of the car. Keeping a mini vacuum handy to hoover up those random bits of food that don’t make their mouths can help keep your car a lot cleaner and fresher.

 

Battery pack

For some reason, our car batteries have a habit of dying on us at the strangest times. If you have an older car, investing in a battery pack can be a lifesaver. Not only can you jump start your car without the need of another vehicle, some of them come with a pump to blow up your tyres if you develop a flat.

 

Hand gel dispenser

If there is one thing that we have needed buckets of during the last 18 months, it is hand gel. This antibacterial wonder has been a saviour, and now you can get a specially shaped dispenser for your car. This is a simple design for a simple product, but it has become so essential we can’t see how we can live without it now.

 

Mobile coffee maker

Yes, we know it is easy enough to swing by Starbucks but if you love your coffee and have to have a certain type, you could invest in a mobile coffee maker. These can plug into the car socket and provide you with a fresh brew all day long.

 

Skyroof tent

If you want to take your staycation game up a level, you need to invest in a skyroof tent. This tent folds into a cargo box that fits the top of your car. Depending on the type that you pick, you can easily fit two adults and two children inside to sleep. This is a great way to ensure that your tent never blows away when you are camping.

 

Breathalyzer

We have all been there. You go out for a meal, end up having a couple of drinks and are left wondering if it is still ok for you to drive. You might feel fine, but what would the law say? Having a breathalyzer takes the guesswork out of this for you. Of course, it is better if you don’t drink at all but this is handy when you have had one or two and still want to drink legally.

 

Heads-Up display

A lot of luxury vehicles have heads-up displays as standard now. However, if you don’t have the latest luxury car, you can still have a display. Using a heads-up display can help your eyes from wandering around the dashboard to check your speed and if the fuel light is about to come on.

 

Cargo box

We are heading back to the 1990s and getting some retro vibes with the latest roof cargo box trend. Everyone is enjoying their staycation time and are taking advantage of a cargo box to help to carry all of the luggage a bit easier.

 

The Ways To Look After Your WFH Team

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Covid-19 has changed the way that many people work. More people than ever are now working from home and it looks as though it is something that is going to stick around. Many businesses are now offering working from home as a permanent option, and people are happy about it. 

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From lower business running costs to happier employees with a well maintained work-life balance, remote working provides many benefits. That been said, it does also come with its downsides such as lack of colleague interaction, loneliness, bad work-life balance, and feeling out of the loop. Therefore it is important for you as an employer to ensure working from home is a positive experience for your employees. 

 

From providing the necessary equipment and online training to setting up virtual mailbox services make sure working from home is kept positive. 

 

Stuck on ideas on how to keep it positive? Have a look at some ideas below: 

Keep Them In The Loop 

Many working from home employees report feeling as though they are left out of the loop, especially when there is still a team of people working in an office too. If anything it would be better for your working from home employees to be more in the loop. It is essential for them to have all updated information and know exactly where they stand. Whether it’s a quick morning meeting, a mandatory once a month in-office visit or a bulletin board where they can find all the latest updates, make sure they are in the know, just like they would be if they were working in the office. 

Be Flexible 

One of the more positive parts of working from home is the flexibility that it can provide, however, it won’t be flexible unless you offer it as a flexible position. If you are too strict with your working times you risk losing out on productivity and positivity. Therefore you need to make sure you are as flexible as possible. For example, you may have working parents who want to work split shift days so they can spend time with their kids during the day. If you want to be flexible but still want to make sure all the hours are covered, have a discussion with each colleague and come to a decision together with the working hours that are best and productive. 

Have Frequent Check In’s

When you have a working from home team it is very more important for you to have frequent check in’s. Not necessarily to check up on the work they are doing, but instead, to check in on how they are finding working from home. Are they being as predictive as they can be? Do they have a good work-life balance? Do they have everything they need to do their job role? 

 

These three areas are all important if you want to have a positive working from home team and keep them positive. Is there anything else that should be added to the list? Please add some of them in the comments below. 

Volkswagen ID.3: VW Goes Full Electric

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New cars get released all the time, so it’s hard to get really excited about new offerings. However, with the electric car market experiencing a boom, we’re seeing a few new cars that sort of break the mold and make a huge impact on the market. The Volkswagen ID.3 is one of those releases, causing a massive wave in not just the electric vehicle scene, but the small hatchback scene as well. 

About the ID.3

The ID.3 is VW’s first electric car based on a bespoke electric platform. They have released electric cars in the past – the eGolf being one – but this is the first one that’s had a brand new electric platform made for it. It has also replaced the eGolf as the brand’s family hatchback option for people that want a green vehicle. 

Perhaps most interestingly, the ID.3 is named as such because VW sees it as one of the most iconic and important releases the company has ever produced. The 3 in the name basically means that is the third biggest launch the company has ever had – the first two being the original VW Beetle and the first Golf. Already, it’s a car to get excited about, but when you take a deeper look at it, you soon realize that it more than lives up to the hype. 

ID.3 battery

One of the most impressive things about this car is its electric motor and battery. Firstly, the motor itself sits at the back of the car and powers the rear two wheels. The battery is under the floor, improving the center of the car of gravity – which works wonders for the handling and cornering. 

In terms of battery power, you have three different sizes to choose from:

  • 45kWh battery: 148 bhp, 217 miles max
  • 58kWh battery (Pro Version): 143bhp, 263 miles max
  • 58kWh battery (Pro Performance Version): 201bhp, 263 miles max
  • 77kWh battery: 201bhp, 336 miles max

As you can see, you have some fantastic options with excellent ranges. For a car this size, to get 336 miles on one charge is absolutely ridiculous. At the same time, you still have a powerful car that doesn’t feel slow to drive and can easily handle motorway journeys and overtakes. 

ID.3 handling

We have to mention the handling as it is one of the best we have seen in any car. A mere 10.2m turning circle, combined with light steering, means it is super easy for you to move this car around. It can fit through tight spots and park in the weirdest of places without causing you any trouble. You don’t get a thrilling driving experience, but that’s not really the point of this car! It’s supposed to be easy to drive as you use it every single day. 

ID.3 safety

Volkswagen has been keen to make this car as safe as it possibly can be. They’ve done an excellent job, so much so that it was named the safest car of the year earlier in the year. This is thanks to its incredible performance in standard safety testing, partially down to the structural design and technology inside. 

The ID.3 boasts automatic emergency braking, meaning the car will stop itself if it feels like you won’t react quick enough. This prevents accidents from happening, meaning there’s less chance of someone getting hurt or the car getting damaged. It also has a driver fatigue alert system, which detects if you are tiring and plays a loud alert to jolt you back to reality. If you talk to any trustworthy car accident lawyers, they’ll tell you that most car accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Many cases involve tired drivers, which is why this feature can be so handy in waking you up and telling you that it’s time to pull over and have a rest. 

Another key safety feature is the swerve support function, which provides you with better steering inputs if you are swerving out of the way of something. It’s designed to help you swerve quicker and wider, avoiding collisions or things in the middle of the road. 

In summary, the Volkswagen ID.3 is sure to be a car that we look back on as the start of something special. It is a significant moment for the brand, stating its commitment to electric vehicles and being the first of many in this range. The car more than competes with its rivals in the electric family hatchback category, and it is one of the safest cars money can buy right now. We love, you’ll love it, and the environment will love it too. 

 

Improve Your Road Safety With This Tech

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Car safety technology can come a long way since airbags and ABS. There are now all kinds of gadgets that can help you to drive more safely. Below are just some of the modern forms of car safety tech that could be worth investing in. 

Hands-free Bluetooth/voice command

Using a phone while driving can be extremely dangerous. But what if you need to make/receive an important call while on the road? Hands-free technology is the safest solution. Such technology can allow you to make calls and answer the phone without having to use your hands.

Many modern cars are able to use bluetooth technology to link up with your phone. This can allow you to receive calls through your car speakers while speaking back into a microphone (usually in-built within the car). Using voice command features on your phone, it’s also possible to conduct many other functions hands-free. This includes setting a GPS location and even composing and sending texts. This reduces the need to touch your phone while driving. 

Breathalyers

If you’ve been drinking alcohol, having a breathalyser in your car could be handy, helping you to determine whether you are over the limit. You can buy digital breathalysers online that can give you an accurate idea of whether you are fit to drive. Some can also be used in conjunction with an app and may be able to offer advice such as how long you should wait before driving.

Parking sensors

Parking sensors can bleep to let you know if you are too close to another vehicle or object. This can be useful when parking vehicles that may have blindspots such as vans.

Some modern vehicles have parking sensors already fitted. For vehicles that don’t, it’s possible to install parking sensors. Stats show that parking sensors can be effective at reducing accidents – including injuries and fatalities that may be caused by reversing into a child or cyclist. 

Cameras

Front-facing and rear-facing cameras can assist when parking by helping you to see around blind spots. They can be particularly useful for vans and trucks. These cameras come in-built in some modern vehicles or can be fitted as extras.

On top of helping to prevent accidents, cameras can help you to prove who was at fault when getting into an accident. If you are on a motorcycle and a car pulls out in front of you, having a camera fitted to your helmet could be a huge help – with the help of dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys, you’ll be able to prove that the other driver was at fault. Cameras may also be able to record footage of other dangerous drivers on the road so that you can give evidence to police if necessary.

Emergency brake assist

Emergency brake assist is a technology that is able to increase braking pressure in an emergency. This can allow you to stop more quickly (studies have found that it can reduce stopping distances by an average of 20%).

Brake assist can be found in many modern cars. It’s possible to fit it into older cars, but can be quite expensive. Other modern brake technologies include autonomous emergency braking and collision avoidance systems – such technology can automatically brake your car when another object is detected to be close. 

Intelligent speed assist

Intelligent speed assist (ISA) uses cameras and GPS technology to limit the speed of a vehicle to the road that it is driving on. This can prevent drivers going over the speed limit and reduce the risk of accidents caused by speeding.

Some countries already have plans to make ISA technology compulsory in all modern vehicles. If you have a bad past track record of speeding, intelligent speed assist technology could be worth fitting in your car. Similar devices include telematics ‘black box’ devices – these record your driving performance and are able to adjust your insurance rates based on how much you speed, encouraging you to stick to the speed limit. 

Automated parking system

An automated parking system (APS) could enable your car to park itself. Such systems use a combination of sensors, cameras and automation to steer your car into a chosen parking space. For many new drivers, this can reduce the risk of accidents caused while parking. 

This technology is still relatively new, but fairly reliable and has helped pave the way for driverless cars. Many cars that have this technology also incorporate technology such as automated braking so they can abandon a parking maneuver if a pedestrian or other vehicle suddenly moves in the way. Automated parking systems are pretty difficult to install in older cars and you are better off buying a modern car that already has this technology fitted. 

 

4 Car Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

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Thorough car maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your car and ensure its reliability. However, you may have developed some bad habits after using your car for lengthy periods. These habits may be so bad they can cost you loads of cash one day. That said, there are some car maintenance mistakes you can avoid to prolong the life of your car and save money from costly repairs.

 

  • Not Staying On Top Of Routine Service

 

Having a car comes with the duty of ensuring it is in excellent working order. Once you purchase any car, it comes with an owner’s manual. The manual gives instructions on standard maintenance routines your car needs. Routine maintenance checks are important in regulating the health of your car. During such checks, you could identify significant damages and, in effect, save money. Therefore, be sure to always show up when it is time to see your mechanic. Your mechanic will periodically suggest which parts of your car need repair or replacement. Regardless of whether it’s Toyota or Ford car parts, your mechanic will be the best person to advise of the fixes required to keep your car in top working order.

 

  • Choosing DIY Instead Of Professional Assistance

 

Car maintenance can be a DIY project. Changing the taillights, changing your car tyres, or making your homemade windshield washer are all car maintenance routines you do on your own. However, you need ample knowledge before you go ahead. Suppose you own a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, in that case, without adequate training on how to fix a part of your car, you can damage it beyond repair, or rather, unfortunately, you may end up getting hurt.

The best thing to do when you decide to DIY with your car maintenance, you need to have in-depth knowledge about it before you start. To be on the safe side, you always need to have your mechanics’ number somewhere nearby so you can easily reach out for assistance when you develop a fault along the way.

 

  • Ignoring Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System

 

Most modern cars have a TPMS warning light which reminds you of when your tire is overinflated or underinflated. Generally, on the road, the tire pressure monitoring system will give you periodic warnings. When you see such warning lights from the TPMS, please pay attention to it and get your tire’s pressure checked. Moving with an underinflated tire uses more fuel than the properly inflated tire does. 

Sometimes, if you ignore these warning signs, your car’s tire may not only cause more fuel consumption but also burst. Now you will spend more on fuel and also get a new tire.

 

  • Overlooking Brake Pads

 

Brake pads in every car give an improved driving experience. Therefore, when the brake pads are faulty, you need not overlook them. A faulty brake pad may eventually end you in an accident. When your car takes a longer distance before it eventually stops, it has developed high pedal force due to subjecting your brake to undue stress causing it to be inefficient. Sometimes, you observe your brake pedal being spongy and almost touching the floor after you step on it. It appears to have lost its firmness; this is a sign to get your brake pads looked at.

You can save a lot of your maintenance money to avoid some of these basic maintenance errors.

 

To Paint or Wrap The Pros and Cons

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Are you tired of the same old car colour? Has the brightness of your car faded away, and now it’s looking a bit sorry for itself? Perhaps you feel like a change, and a new colour will give your car that brand new feel again. Well, whatever your reason, you have a couple of options to choose from: the traditional painting method or the newer vinyl wrapping method. Wrapping was invented in the 1950s. But it was very expensive and was only used on costly, top-end vehicles. However, the price has dropped significantly, and now it is usually cheaper to wrap your car as opposed to painting it. However, both methods have their good and bad points, and today we will have a look at some of those.   

Image from Pixabay

What is a Car Wrap?

First things first, for those of you who are not entirely sure what a car wrap is, it is a method that allows you to protect the cars body without having to give it a paint job. A thin layer of vinyl film is basically stuck to the body of with car with an adhesive. This is done via a heat treatment applied to the wrap, which activates the adhesive on the vinyl. There is now a huge variety of vinyl wrap colours, patterns, designs, and decals you can choose from. By wrapping this way, you can completely transform your vehicle. Wrapping is a popular option for businesses who want a logo printed on every vehicle in their fleet.

What About a Paint Job?

OK, so you probably think you know what a paint job is, but just to be sure: A paint job completely restores the old paintwork on your car. Or, it can be used to change the colour, if you so wish. To do this, the body is cleaned and degreased. Then it is sanded down to ensure there are no imperfections. Then it is sprayed with a specially created machine to ensure an even finish. After all, coats are applied, a layer of transparent paint is coated on top to give it that brand new look. Painting is the option of choice for collector vehicles and cars that wish to maintain their original look. Clearly, painting a car requires more work than wrapping. Also, it is the more time lengthy option. However, it is possible to spray your car yourself, but you risk making it look worse than it did initially.

Bad Paint Job?

If you are thinking of using a wrap to cover a bad paint job or dings and scratches, think again. The vehicle’s body needs to be smooth so that the vinyl will actually attach to the car properly. Otherwise, the wrap will look like a mess.

What is the Cost?

If you go for an inexpensive paint job, it will usually be cheaper than a wrap. If you want a paint job with many layers, it is more expensive than a wrap—anything up to around $10,000. A decent wrap is usually cheaper than a good paint job, especially if you are looking for something with a pattern. The wrap price depends on the shape and size of your vehicle, plus the wrap design. It can cost anywhere between $2900 to $5100. High-end cars with a specific matte or chrome finish, for example, can cost a bit more. In a nutshell, vinyl wraps are created to do the job of traditional paintwork but at a lower price. Sidenote: always remember to tell your insurer if you change the car colour. Otherwise, you may not be covered. Imagine dinging that newly wrapped Audi and having no insurance! 

Durability

There is no issue when it comes to the durability of a wrap as opposed to painting. In fact, it actually protects the paintwork underneath it. Some companies will call a wrap paint protection film Brisbane. A wrap can usually take a little more wear and tear than paint. A stone being thrown at it, may not show on the body like it would on paintwork. However, wraps can rip, and the Sun will take its toll too. It is advisable to replace a wrap every two to ten years.

What about removing the colour?

Say you’re bored of that wrap and want to go back to the original paintwork. No problem. A wrap is easy to take off and will not destroy the protected paintwork underneath. Unlike paint which is permanent and has to be sanded off then repainted or wrapped.

What’s the Resale Value?

If you have repainted your car a different colour, this will usually result in depreciation in value. If it has been touched up, it should not affect the sale price. On the other hand, wraps can actually increase the resale price. This is because the wrap is preserving the paintwork beneath.

Buying A Car In 2021: A Primer

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Everything has been a bit weird recently because of the pandemic, and that includes buying a car! After all, we haven’t been able to head to the dealership and get a test drive for a while. The good news is that things are (cautiously) beginning to get back to normal, something that means it’s a great time for folks that are considering investing in a new vehicle. However, before you make this momentous decision, be sure to carefully consider the factors below. 

 

Do remember that the pandemic can have both positive and negative influences 

 

Yes, the pandemic has made viewing, testing driving, and finding the perfect car difficult. Indeed, some dealerships have had to close down completely over lockdown. However, many have some robust systems in place that will allow you to visit and take a peek at the vehicles they have on offer. Some are even offering to deliver your car directly to your home after it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected that is! 

 

Despite the challenges for car lovers during the pandemic, there are some upsides to consider as well. One of the most important of these is that the dip in car sales means getting a better deal for either a used or new vehicle is much more likely. Indeed, if you have the knack for negotiation you can save yourself a considerable amount of money right now. 

 

Don’t forget to check the tech specs

 

In 2021 tech is everywhere, and our vehicles are no exception to this rule. Of course, this means that it’s vital to research and thoroughly check the tech of any car we are thinking about buying. In particular, making sure diagnostics have been run on any electrical and tech systems is crucial. After all, you don’t want to end up with a car that won’t switch on, connect to your smartphone, or that has problems running your GPS. 

 

 

Diagnostics are also important when it comes to the safety features in your vehicles such as ABS, collision warning, and detection, and automatic crash alert system all have a technological element,  and this needs to be correctly functioning if you are to benefit from them. 

Do make smart financial decisions 

 

While it may be possible to get a good deal on the car you want because of the pandemic, it’s still likely to be a pretty significant investment. What this means is it’s crucial that you are up to date on the financial options 2021 has to provide. 

 

For example, it may make more sense to choose a new car on PCP than to buy it outright. However, if you are opting for a used vehicle, choosing to part exchange can help you significantly reduce the costs involved, Something that will allow you to get the car you want without breaking the bank. 

 

Don’t forget a warranty 

 

Whether you choose to buy new or used, finance, PCP, or even outright, opting for a warranty is one of the best things you can do in 2021. This is because, if an accident or fault does occur the parts, labor and repairs will be covered, and you won’t need to worry about finding the money to pay for them on top of the cost of the car.