Repair or Replace? How to Know When It’s Time to Scrap Your Car

24 October 2018

The line dividing when to keep or get rid of your car is one of the less appealing aspects of vehicle ownership. Sometimes we just want to be told the answer ahead of time.

If you’re stuck between not knowing if you should take your car to an auto wrecker or to hold off just a little longer, here are a few guidelines that could shed some light on the answer you’re seeking.

Contents

1 Outweighing the Odds:
2 When Old Reliable Is Not So Reliable Anymore:
3 Looks, Matter:
4 Get it While You Can:
5 Making the Right Trade:

Outweighing the Odds:

The first thing to consider is how much your car is actually costing you in repairs on a monthly to yearly basis. Is this quantity more than what it would cost to purchase a new car and pay a monthly payment?

If so, then it’s probably safe to say that you should invest into buying a new vehicle.

Of course, when balancing out these odds you must consider the insurance difference on a new car will be a lot more (with things like collision) than you might be paying currently. For the most part, if you’re already paying a whole bunch to keep it running, why not make the change for the better?

When Old Reliable Is Not So Reliable Anymore:

If your car is reaching the point where it’s peaking at 200,000 miles (125k kilometres) things are getting a little squeaky, and the check engine light isn’t turning off, then that’s a good sign the clock is coming down to the wire on making a new purchase.

Breaking down is no fun when it’s a late night after a long day of work and it’s the last thing you need in your life. And trust me, these things hit you when you least expect them to.

For you, is the main question what you’ll be fixing next? If yes, then your car is past its prime.

With older vehicles, the engine and the transmission are likely to begin causing problems. Therefore, if you want to save yourself the trouble and the late night anxiety then scrapping is the best option here.

Old Reliable

Photo by Dietmar Becker on Unsplash

Looks, Matter:

Sometimes it’s not always about the inside, but the outside too.

With appearances, compromised vehicles are those that show signs of rusting on the exterior. If you don’t mind this, then you should just be concerned about the parts below your car that are showing signs of rust and could become compromised.

Aside from deteriorating metal, some of us actually want to look good when we’re driving around. If you feel like your car isn’t up to your standards, or the bodywork and chasey is beyond repair, why not trade it in for something newer?

Get it While You Can:

Trading in your used vehicle may be the last thing your car will ever give you. Whether it’s a little or a lot is up to you, depending on how long you wait or not.

While your car is still worth something, sometimes it’s better to trade it in than to wait until its worth next to nothing. What you should do at this point is check your incentives and approach certain dealerships to see what they would offer. And if the timing seems right, then so be it!

Making the Right Trade:

All of this information would be useless if you traded in your car for something of the same quality. Therefore, the most useful tip to give is to really consider the car you’re going to purchase in place of your scrapped one!

If you are basing your reasoning on getting a newer vehicle because the payments will be equal to the repairs, then make sure that your new car won’t need any of these same repairs.

Furthermore, if going through a dealership, make sure to have them provide free maintenance and oil changes for the next one or even two years, just to ensure that your trade is going to be worth it.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Guide to Buying HID Headlight Bulbs

Buying headlights can be a little hard if you don’t know which one to buy, or if the model of your car is compatible with the model you were looking for. Of course, this can be solved with a little research, but there are other factors that you should consider before buying HID headlight bulbs, and the most important one is the installation process. An HID light bulb can enhance your car’s lighting performance at night, with intense brightness, a wider light, and a more durable lifetime, in comparison to your standard halogen light bulb. But not everything is perfect about them, and you should consider other options too, light LED bulbs, which in some cases, might be a better option. HID bulbs are good when the installation is done properly. The installation process of an HID headlight can be rather difficult, and conversion kits of this type of bulbs are forbidden in some places. When that’s the case, you’ll have to hire a professional to install them for you, which can be quite expensive in comparison to your regular halogen or LED headlight. On the other hand, knowing which model to buy is something you should add to the mix. Not all models can be a perfect fit for your car and your needs. That’s why, in this very article, I’m going to show you some HID headlight models you should consider to buy, the disadvantages of this type of bulb, and why you should consider other options as well. LED Light Street HIDs is a good place to get them, just in case you were wondering. In my opinion, you should always think about your needs when deciding which one to buy. And a good piece of advice: always check if your car model is compatible with the headlights you are buying. HID Headlight Bulbs To understand why you should buy a new type of light bulb for your car, you should understand how a standard halogen light bulb works. The first thing that comes to mind is light quality. A regular halogen bulb is known for providing a yellowish light, which is usually weaker than an HID or LED light bulb. They are well known for consuming up to 85% more energy and being less durable, with a lifetime usually reaching a maximum of 800 hours. Of course, halogen bulbs are the cheapest option in the market, and that’s the reason why they have been the standard headlight for most cars in the market for over 20 years. The installation process is rather simple, and replacing them is cheap as well. To be honest, if you are not someone who drives at night quite often, sticking with halogen light bulbs may be a wise choice. Of course, you can always change them if you are looking to have better-looking HID headlight bulbs, with a higher quality of light. You won’t enjoy the benefits as much, though. On the other hand, if you are someone who drives at night constantly, changing to HID headlight bulbs is a really good choice. This type of light can last from 2,000 to 8,000 hours, provide a more intense light, with a wider area of effect, and an overall improvement in performance. If you are aiming to avoid car accidents as you drive at night and be at ease as you do it, this is a really good option. Thing is - The installation process. As I mentioned earlier, due to how HID, or High-Intensity Discharge, works, they can be a little complicated and dangerous. You should check if you can buy a conversion kit in your region, and find yourself a guide to install them. If not, you’ll have to hire someone. Overall, HID light bulbs can be expensive, but you should consider it a long-term investment, even more, if you are someone who drives at night on a regular basis. If you were wondering about which models to buy, you should check this site. LEDs, Another Good Option LED headlights are another great option if you are a night driver. Likewise, if you are not someone who drives at night regularly, you might as well stick to halogen bulbs. Still, what’s so great about led headlights? Well, their performance is very similar to HID headlights, but they have something that makes them better. And that’s their useful lifetime. A really good LED headlight can last up to 45,000 hours. Another good thing about LED headlights is the installation process, which can be quite simple. If you buy a conversion kit and have some experience installing them, you’ll do great on your own. If not, you can find a simple guide or video online to help you out. Conclusion: If you end up having a hard time deciding, there’s more information about both types of lights. Both of them are good choices, really. Their performance is pretty similar, but there’s something you have to consider: LED bulbs produce a lot of heat. That’s why some models come with a cooling system. If your car is a heating machine, you might want to think twice before buying this type of light bulb. Read Also: Unique Military Hardware Concept Integrated into Lumitact Flashlights Las Vegas Electricians Share Fun Lighting Ideas for Your Home

How does it Feel Like Riding a Bike as your Passenger?

Motorcycles first appeared in 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was the first company to produce these machines on a bigger scale. First bikes weren’t as impressive as you might think, so before you overemphasize and let yourself get carried away, I will shatter any false visions. Imagine a large bicycle with a small, cylindrical engine and fuel tank - don’t forget two simply looking handlebars! And that is it! A pretty ordinary looking machine. Thankfully the 19th and 20th century were the eras of constant advancements, motorcycles included. Ever since 2014 Honda, Yamaha and Hero MotoCorp are graded to be the largest global producers of the little, steel ponies. Some even prefer them to cars! The feelings: I want you to think about, how you feel when you get on your bike. What thoughts run through your head when the engine comes to life and purrs ever so softly? Do you feel the excitement? And then your body vibrates, in sync with the power coming from the insides on your machine. As you pick up speed, your life has a whole new rhythm and the wind in your hair reminds you, that now you and your shining pony are one. And there is nothing in this world, that could stop you! But hey, what about your riding buddy in the back? And I don’t mean your best friend with hands full of beer from the local liquor store. I’ve prepared a true treat for those, who wonder what do woman feel like when they get on a bike. Surely being the female passenger must feel different. Daniela and this really good looking guy: I knew Daniela had a very interesting summer in Brazil, somewhere in the suburbs of Rio, to be more specific – that’s why I decided to ask her about her experience with motorcycles. I guess I was a thrill seeker for a little while. I got bored of my dull life and duties of a daughter, sister, and a student. My aunt and uncle have a chain of souvenir stores in Rio de Janeiro. They promised to take me in for a few months, so I’d see more of the world or something. God knows how she ended up on the streets of Rio, with a bunch of strangers and about to participate in a street motorcycle race. Daniela couldn’t really process what was going on, somebody gave her a leather belt and she was told to let her blond curls loose from her ponytail. I chose to ride with this really a good looking guy, with raven black hair and ice blue, pinning look in his eyes. He shouted something over his shoulder and approached his bike. Maybe he offered her his name. Daniela wasn’t certain what would make her feel more comfortable and not so out of place. The bikes made their way to the race line and she hurryingly grabbed a cool looking helmet from an unattended pile of those safety features. They had no female motorcycle helmets and once I put men’s on, I could barely see a thing. So I took it off and mindlessly placed it on my hip. Her biker finally stopped playing around with his machine and gave her a funny look – ‘You know we need to sit back to back, si?’ I was excited and utterly terrified at the same time -she recalls as we sit in my living room with warm socks on our feet and large mugs of hot cocoa. And the wind outside picks up, we can hear it howl somewhere in the attic. It’s warm in the house but for some odd reason we both shiver – probably for two distant reasons. Illegal street racing: When the time came, Daniela wrapped the belt around herself and offered the side with the buckle to the handsome guy. Some viewer, a small girl with red stockings and a pair of heavy looking boots - surely no older the Daniela - ran it their direction pointing at whatever my dear friend had with her. Once Red Stockings got closer, she shouted something in Spanish. Darn, I should have paid attention in class! At that moment I had no idea what to say. Before my friend started panicking about her inability to speak Spanish, the girl pointed at the helmet and said ‘Casco, no.’ – and took it from her hands with a toothy grin. And then they unexpectedly took off. All Daniela could hear was her own screams, she shut her eyelids closed and as they picked up speed the chilly night air hit her face. I swear, all I could hear was the roaring engine and the cheering crowds. She has never ridden a motorcycle, let alone back to back in a most likely illegal street race! Daniela squeezed her hands tighter around the guy’s waist and waited for it to end. There were 5 labs in the opening race and she remained in that uncomfortable position. We got off the bikes for a ten-minute break, I was shaking like crazy and blood pulsed in my ears. But something made me go again, and again, and again. Daniela was a passenger on a street race motorcycle every week, for a few months during her time in Brazil. The Need for Speed: What attracts these people to do such crazy things? I will never know because speed makes me nervous. I enjoyed Daniela’s story and hopefully, you did too! But remember, we are only people – really fragile beings and sometimes we do before we think. So don’t go experimenting with motorcycles and speed in a street race the first time you try. If your a biker with greater experience, please remember that there is something like adrenaline addiction – and this is a dangerous thing to be hooked on. Helmets up, speedometers down and be careful! If you really want to woo your girl with the help of your steel pony take her for a ride, not a race – stargazing and dinner recommended. Read Also: Tips For Buying A Beginner Mountain Bike How To Get An Accurate Valuation Of Your Motorcycle When Selling

What Are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist?

There's nothing quite as amazing as the open road and fantastic scenery provided while riding a motorcycle. For anyone thinking about becoming a true, blue motorcyclist, there are a few tips that can make this possible. When it comes to riding though, becoming a part of the "club" may seem a bit difficult at first. To get started, use the tips found here. Here are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist: 1. Riding Style When it comes to riding a motorcycle, there is more information at cleanharleys.com. However, before buying a bike, it's necessary to figure out the style of riding a person wants to do. This is a step that is completely dependent on the rider(Motorcyclist). To figure this out, think about the style of bikes that are attractive. For example, a person should consider if they migrate toward the cruisers, or if the neo-retro bikes turn their heads. Even if a person can't decide, there are options. Take some time to test out several options to find the ones that work. 2. Visit a Local Motorcycle Shop or Dealership Riding a motorcycle is as much about being part of a community as it is about actually riding. Once a person begins riding, they will find even more motorcyclists to talk to and hang out with. A great way to meet these people is by going to a few local shops and dealerships. One of the best ways to use these dealerships is by visiting the ones that have the models that are appealing. Take some time to talk to the salespeople and don't be afraid to ask questions that seem basic. 3. Do Research on the Potential Purchases In the past, buying a motorcycle was restricted to visiting local dealerships and reading magazines and newspapers. However, today, it's possible to find out as much as possible about motorcycles online. There are even forums completely dedicated to buying a bike and becoming a motorcyclist. Virtually any forum that is purchased will have a few members who are interested in helping out a new rider. Another thing that can be learned through a forum is whether there are common issues with the bike being purchased. Reviews are also smart for learning how a motorcycle really works, so keep this in mind. 4. Get to Know the Licensing Requirements Before a person starts riding, they need to have the proper motorcycle license. An unlicensed rider is one of the most common victims of accidents. With a license, a person's odds of being involved in this type of mishap can be avoided. Remember, though, each state is going to have different rules regarding motorcycle requirements. It's possible for a rider to find out what is needed and required by their state by going to the DMV website. Here a person can learn everything they need to know about the motorcycle license. They can also learn about any motorcycle-specific laws they need to be aware of in the state where they are going to ride. 5. Sign Up for a Motorcycle Safety Course As a new rider, one of the first things a person should understand is that motorcycling can be a dangerous sport. If a person isn't careful and doesn't learn the rules of the road, they can actually die while riding. With the stakes so high, it's important to learn basic riding skills along with tips for avoiding accidents. For these classes, training bikes are often provided. This class is also a great way to do a bit of riding before making a costly purchase. There are some people who may even decide that riding isn't the right thing for them after taking this class. The truth is, riding a motorcycle isn't right for everyone. At a very basic level, riders have four appendages for operating five different controls. While ABS brakes are becoming more common on bikes it can take a while for a rider to become proficient in the driving process. This means that attending this safety class and practicing all the skills that are taught will go far when it comes to reducing the likelihood of an accident. 6. Build a Riding Community and Keep Riding There's no question that riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun. Riding a bike and hanging out with other riders while sharing stories with other enthusiasts is much more fun. A person should consider going to their local bike night to figure out where most motorcyclists will ride in the local area. Not only is it fun to hang out with other riders, and all the trips that people can take together, a new rider can learn from experienced riders. The fact is, becoming a real motorcyclist will take some time. The best way to really get the hang of it is to start riding and not stopping. It's a good idea to ride as much as possible to keep the skills fresh. It's also a good idea to maintain the study of motorcycle techniques. The truth is, the learning curve to ride a bike can be quite steep; however, the payoffs are real. Additionally, motorcycle riding will provide a lifetime of learning, along with all the adventures that a person can have. Riding a Bike: A Fun and Thrilling Past Time Riding a motorcycle is a great way to have fun and enjoy the open road. It's also fun to ride with others and enjoy the stories and adventures that can be had with one another. Remember, though, to become a true rider, there are more than a few factors that need to be considered. Be sure to keep this information in mind to make the right decisions and avoid being involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle.invest in the best training to Just remember, buying a bike is a big investment. It's also a dangerous one if a person doesn't take the time to learn how to operate and drive it properly. By taking the right steps, enjoying everything the biking culture offers will be possible. Read Also: Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle How To Get An Accurate Valuation Of Your Motorcycle When Selling The Decline Of Cars Sales Has Led To An Increase Of Motorcycles In The UK