Vinyl Car Wrapping Explained

For many race car owners, using adhesive vinyl on their vehicles is always a better decision than spending on paint.

This is primarily because vinyl is significantly a less expensive alternative. On top of that, modern vinyl technology can assure results that are just as amazing as the painted ones.

Yes, the vinyl wrap products we have in our time have greatly improved. For once, bubbles are eliminated because vinyl is made of formable cast. Moreover, factory laminate coating can make the vinyl last longer - even up to a decade.

These days, vinyl wrapping is being used not just for race cars but for other vehicles that want to change colors. Instead of having to paint the car, owners may use a plain-colored vinyl as a substitute.

The process begins by picking the right vinyl wrapping. Generally, this product measures 60 inches in width and 25 feet in length. That's likely everything you will ever need to wrap an entire car. Again, you can purchase a solid color wrap or you may also specify any graphic customizations that you want such as stripes or any images.

In many ways, utilizing this material is a lot like repainting. The process can take about 6 to 8 hours plus the fees required by those who will work on it may vary from one provider to another. Paint cleaners and alcohol will then be used to get rid of rusts and scratches.

As mentioned above, vinyl is particularly popular among race cars and even among vehicles used for various purposes. An example of this is the many delivery cars or vans that require some type of customization in order to display the logo and contact information of certain businesses.

Before application, it will be necessary to remove the mirrors, moldings, and other body parts of the car. This can be a little time-consuming but is definitely worth all the hassle because it will make the task a lot easier. After this, the car will be ready for the transformation. This will involve a lot of sticking and stretching of the adhesive vinyl to get it right. There are installers who use heat guns to help the material stretch. What's important is that burning the vinyl is avoided.

Needless to say, only those with the needed knowledge and skills should handle this job. It is definitely for your best interest to contact local installers in your area.

You can check out vinyl car wrap a



By Lavoy T Collins

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for Long Term Car Hire

There will be a few situations in your life where you may need to consider hiring a car for a long period time. This can be an extremely expensive process if you do not follow the correct procedures. In order to know how much you can expect to pay for long term car hire, you need to figure out exactly what your needs are with regard to the vehicle itself.

There are two different options when hiring a vehicle, short term and long term. Short term car hire is normally associated with holidays or travelling. In these cases, the car will be rented to you at a daily rate. Long term car hire is rented to you at a monthly rate. Depending on your circumstances, you can choose to rent a car between three and twelve months when choosing long term car hire. The number of months that you choose to rent the car for will determine how much it will cost you per month. Different makes of cars will also be more expensive or less expensive to rent. If you only need a car to get around in for a few months, due to circumstances beyond your control, it is not advisable to choose an expensive car to hire.

If you are unable to buy a vehicle outright, you can "rent to own" a one by choosing long term car hire. This is a fantastic way in which to drive the car of your dreams in an instant, instead of waiting and saving for months and months on end. You can get your car straight away and pay for it on a monthly basis until you have the cash on hand to buy it from the dealer. In certain circumstances, you may be able to negotiate the monthly price to accommodate your needs. Just remember that the more money you can put towards your car monthly, the faster the car will be rightly yours.

How much can you expect to pay for a car? Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between R50,000.00 to R250,000.00 for a motorcar. These prices will be determined by the make, year and whether or not the car is second hand. If you choose to purchase a second hand car for long term car hire that is priced at R50,000.00 you can expect to pay R4166.67 per month over a twelve month period. Ultimately, the amount of money that you can expect to pay towards a car will be determined by taking these different elements into account. Prices will also vary according to the company that you deal with.

Do your research before choosing your new car

Before choosing to "rent to own" a car, make sure that you do adequate research. You need to take into account how much you can realistically afford to pay for a car each month, what year model you would ideally prefer, the actual model of the car and whether or not you would be satisfied with a second hand car. Once you have figured all this out, you need to come to the best long term car hire companies.

By Kenneth Nel

Tips For Choosing Replacement Tires For Your Truck And Trailer

No matter how carefully you drive or how cautiously you choose your routes sooner or later you are going to have to replace your existing truck and trailer tires. If you are an owner operator then you know that this is a very costly event and you do need to take time to select just the right type, brand and design of tire that matches your typical driving experience.

The type of tire that you use should be designed for your type of driving. In addition you need to consider the position on the truck or trailer for the tire. Generally there are three positions that are possible and they are designated as an all positions tire, a drive axle or a trailer axle tire. In addition, since these same tires can be used for different types of vehicles they are also rated for long haul, regional, on/off road, urban and off road. Different tire companies may have different designations, but they will equate to the same purpose.

Steer Tires

Steer tires are designed for the tractor and create a smooth ride and easy handling. These are the tires that help you corner and turn while maintaining good traction and grip on the road. Steer tires can actually be used in all positions but they absolutely should be used for those all-important front tractor tires.

The tread design of steer tires is also unique. It is always designed to move water away from the tire in a ribbed type of channel design. This helps with keeping the tire on the road during cornering.

Tracking Undercarriage Wear on Your Excavator

Excavators spend the day carrying out heavy duty tasks such as digging trenches or picking up materials. Demolition is an even more demanding task, although it has the advantage of being stationary in one place, the swing of the machine house and movement of the arm and boom is hard work for the excavator. Tracking what the wear is like on the undercarriage, even though this type of machine sits in one place, is still important in your maintenance plan.

Check the wear on the machine's undercarriage with a daily visual inspection of the tracks. Depending on what your excavator is used for, the tracks may need to be replaced simply because of old age, but it could also be due to a variety of other reasons which will be touched upon in this article.

A daily inspection of the track will prevent failure. The operator should start the working day walking around the machine and examining the track. They should be looking for any cuts or tears on the track and also any indication that steel imbeds are showing. If these things are not spotted quickly, moisture or contamination could get into the track which will lead to failure of the part. If this happens the potential downtime of the machine could be worse than what it originally needed to be. When replacing the part, it is important that you purchase a high quality replacement, so that the machine lasts longer before the wear part needs replacing again.

Another thing the operator should be checking on the track is the tensioning; it should be fitted not too tight and too loose. To find out what is the right tension range, they should refer to the operation and maintenance manual.

As well as the track, the undercarriage components need inspecting. Although, daily inspection is generally too excessive, operators should regularly monitor it so that any problems are identified at an early stage. Components that should be checked include; idlers, sprockets and rollers. Idlers and rollers are permanently sealed making it hard to see any wear. Something to look for is moisture or fluid which may be leaking around the seal indicating a failure. If this happens, then you should replace the damaged wear part. In order to check the wear on the sprocket look at the teeth which should have a rounded end, if it has been worn out it would be more pointed. It is particularly important that you check this as you do not want to fix a new track onto a bad sprocket as it will accelerate the new tracks failure.

For all wear parts, the main thing to remember is to regularly inspect the wear parts. If you do this it will save your machine from a lot of damage which could have been prevented.



By John S Lewis

Vinyl Car Wrapping - Doing It The Right Way

Installing vinyl wrapping on a vehicle really takes knowledge and skill. In most cases, this work is done by several expert individuals. The process involves coming up with appropriate graphic design, preparing the vehicle for the wrapping, and using the best tools to get the job done the right way.

If you are someone passionate about cars and designing, this can be a good business opportunity to explore. As long as you are willing to undergo training, you can learn how to do this properly.

Those who have worked in this industry for years will attest that it is crucial to have images of the vehicle before doing any design. This is important in order to ensure that certain design elements fall in the right places. Most of the time, the vehicle's natural lines are used. Door panels, on the other hand, are best for covering overlaps.

Part of the preparation for the vehicle is to clean it with soap and water. The car should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours. Degreasing the vehicle is another aspect that should not be neglected. Isopropyl alcohol can be used or you may also utilizea fast drying panel wipe.

Solvent printed media, on the other hand, should be allowed at least 48 hours to outgas. It is recommended that the rolls are left standing on a vertical position. When degassing is done correctly, the adhesive will have higher quality and the graphic designs will not be a hassle to fit.

During the lamination process, it is advisable that cold rollers are used. Extreme roller tension is strongly discouraged. Hard squeegee is a good tool especially when applying velvet strip. Changing the velvet often can be helpful in preventing scratches.

When doing the actual vinyl wrapping, experts find it a lot better to begin with the panel's flat parts and then work from side to side. It would be easier to stay consistent the vinyl's level that way. Complicated areas should be handled on the latter part of the installation process.

Spreading the tension on the vinyl itself should be paid attention to. That's the main reason why pulling outwards from the biggest parts of the vinyl is important as you stretch it. The same thing can be said when it comes to using extra heat for the purpose of softening and stretching the wrapping. That way, the graphics remain intact and any form of distortion is prevented.

By Lavoy T Collins

Parking Options Available in Big Cities

The parking situation in many big cities is very complex and more often than not leaves its residents baffled. Nevertheless, there are a lot of parking options available in the city. A few of which are briefed below,

Street parking-

You find street parking facilities in many areas that are a lot less crowded and further downtown. It is easier to find curb space on side streets and not on main roads. It is very easy to be misled and so ensure to read the signs. Anything that resembles street parking might not be actually meant for it. An area that is marked by a yellow curb or any indication of street cleaning happening that day needs to be avoided. Signs indicating that the snow is over a particular depth needs to be considered, when you are trying to park your vehicle. It is mandatory to have a city sticker posted if you are a citizen with local plates. Absence of a city sticker might earn you an orange ticket.

Permit parking-

Another very common practice is permit parking, however you need to keep a watchful eye on the signs that will indicate to you who, where and when. Some areas have 24 hours of restricted parking whereas some others restrict parking only at particular times of the day. Events that take place across the city may also affect the hours posted in different areas. It is mandatory that you will qualify for a permit in a particular area as there are numerous permit zones. This qualification requires you to meet certain criteria. It is also a possibility for permit holders to purchase parking passes that are temporary for use by visitors

Metered parking-

Though this type of facility is very often available, it is essential that you read everything that is on the meter, even the fine prints as they might have a lot of restrictions indicated.

Commercial lots-

Though these commercial lots and garages are easily available they might prove to be very expensive. The fine prints are usually close to invisible and so you might be led to thinking that the rates mentioned are genuine. However, you might miss a few terms that indicate that the rates are for a certain specified time alone. So ensure to read the fine prints so that you can avoid paying exorbitant amounts for a few hours of parking.

Renting a garage-

When options dry out you can always rent space in a garage that is situated close to your residence. Though the rates for this type of parking space may be huge you can be sure to find space for your vehicle close to where you live. There are many ways to find parking space like from popular classified sites or you can even find an agent who has multiple listing service access who would be able to find parking for you.





By Dhivya Rateesh Nair

Buying a Trailer? Informed Buyers Are the Best Buyers

Buying a box trailer might seem an easy job. After all, all you need to do is to search for one that is cheap and durable, right? However, durability for one, is a quality confined to trailers that are made from galvanized steel. To put in another way, galvanized steel trailers aren't available that cheap as painted ones that rust fast.

It's a simple thing. Painted trailers are always cheaper than galvanized trailers for the sole reason that galvanized steel costs more. Unless you get a really great deal and discount offer that makes the price of a galvanized trailer lower than a painted one, it is always the other side.

What is it for?

Talking of buying a trailer, you need to first know what you are buying your trailer for. Is it for odd jobs like gardening or is it going on the back of your small family car as a car carrier? Are you going to use it t carry a golf cart or on a boat? Depending on your needs, you need to buy a trailer.

Getting the right size

Box trailers after all, vary in sizes. If you are buying a trailer for a boat or a golf cart, you need to buy a bigger sized trailer that is at least 6X 4 in size though you might want a 7 X 5 one as well. If you are buying a trailer for gardening, you might want to buy one that is at least 7 x 5 in size. Ensure that you have good tyres for your trailers - that's really important!

The load capacity

Always ensure that your trailers' load capacity is known to you. The load capacity, measured by ATM or Aggregate Trailer Mass, states the total or maximum capacity of the trailer. So, if the ATM of a trailer is 600 kilogram, you can put a 410-kilogram weight on it easily. However, you cannot put a 700-kilogram weight on it and expect the trailer not to give away.

Maintenance

Let's make this simple. Your trailer will not look as new one year down the line. While the life of a car trailer is of utmost importance to you, maintaining it well will just uplift its shelf life. If you have not bought a galvanized trailer, you need to clean it regularly to ensure that the paint does not go away. More, you need to keep your painted trailer under cover nearly always to protect it from weather elements. Sometimes, the paint might wear off - you can easily paint it yourselves then.

Galvanized trailers are easier to keep and maintain and rusting is not an issue with this type of trailer. Galvanized trailers can withstand weather elements a lot better as well. Most of these trailers come with LED lights and full checker plate.

Apart from these, you might need to register your trailer especially if you are using it for business purposes.





By Larry Luther

Things to Watch Out for When Buying a Used Car

Given the expensiveness of new cars and the accelerating rate of depreciation of new vehicles, buying an old car can prove to be an excellent solution. After all, you get to save money as well as drive a good vehicle. How much more could you ask for? However, buying a used car is not easy. You need to keep your eyes peeled in order to ensure that you are making the right purchase and also avoid getting duped. In simple terms, we are just asking you to invest time and effort to choose a good model even when you are buying a used car. After all, the last thing that you want is to spend money on a non-functional vehicle.

For those of you who are planning to buy a used car, here are a few tips:

Research

Prior to buying any used car, it is important to do a proper research. This research has to involve the type of models, their popularity and the best possible deals that you can get. Thanks to the era of internet connectivity, this research can start through the online medium itself. However, you need to strengthen the research by talking to dealers, visiting showrooms, etc. in order to be able to arrive at a concrete conclusion.

Don't forget to check reviews!



Once you get a basic idea about the type of used car models that fit your requirements, check for user reviews. Ideally, people don't hesitate to share their reviews on any subject including using pre-owned cars. Analyzing these reviews can give you a good idea about the utility of the used car model that you are keen to buy. Also, some of these review sites allow you to talk to the customers as well to get a better idea.

Do the leak test!

Even if the used car model that you are considering looks beautiful on the outside, you need to do a thorough analysis on the inside. Whilst analyzing the internal body components, we would strongly recommend you to check for any possibility of leaks. From tanks to radiators, any type of leakage is risky and clearly indicates the need to get the car repaired. Whilst buying pre-owned cars, refrain from investing in such models else you could get duped.

Get a mechanic to inspect it!

Once you are done with the analysis, don't rush into making the purchase. In fact, get a good mechanic to thoroughly examine the model and certify its condition. This is a simple measure to ensure that you are putting your money in the right place.



By Urvi Tandon

Some Tips on Buying Used Cars

If a new car seems expensive, settling for an older model in the used car section will comfortably be within the budget and still help you get a really awesome automobile. Used cars are popularly known as pre-owned cars and are made available to the customers at a relatively lower price than the brand new cars. However, buying a used car is not a cakewalk. You have to scrutinize the models against several factors prior to making the final purchase. As far as the availability of used cars is concerned, you get a chance to choose from several dealers through physically visiting showrooms as well as exploring the options on the internet. However, choosing a used car requires you to invest diligent effort.

For those of you planning to make the purchase, here are a few tips on buying used cars.

Check the engine!

The engine is like the heart of your car and if the heart is healthy, your car will give you excellent on-road performance. In simple terms, observe the health of the engine. Do a detailed check in terms of understanding the different parts that help in the working of the engine. In fact, prior to making the final purchase, you should get the engine examined by a reputed mechanic to ensure that you are not paying for a faulty model. We would recommend you to proceed with the buying only if everything seems okay.

Maintained car!

Even when you are buying a used car, you have to opt for a well maintained model. If possible, ask the seller about the recent history of repairs. In case, this conversation revolves around getting rid of dents and scratches, you don't have anything to worry about. But, if you come to know about the replacement of any part, ask for a detailed explanation in order to understand whether or not the change has affected the performance of the car.

Document check!

Now that you are comfortable with the choice of the used car, it's time to go ahead and get the documentation right. From the pollution under control certification to the Registration booklet as well as insurance, check all the papers of the car before you buy it. Additionally, insist on the name transfer in all of these documents to avoid any regrets in the future.

These are just some of the necessary pre-requisites that help you choose the right model when it comes to buying used cars.



By Urvi Tandon

Home at Site - Trailers Give Workers Some Bliss Time

Who said trailers were only for the purpose of transporting goods safely? The variety of uses of huge trailers is dynamic. From transporting furniture in bulk, to a mobile shop, a makeshift office to a moving laboratory, the alternative uses of trailers are endless.

On the same note, these trailers have been super useful for workers on construction sites. Those who work outdoors in the field in rough conditions, far away from home, are sometimes deprived of the comforts of their homes. However, trailers have been brilliant to give the workers a home at site.

New or used trailers can be transformed into mobile homes in a very short time. From a standard trailer used to transport goods, to a comfortable luxury home, these mobiles can be the ultimate relaxing spot for workers after a tough day at work site.

Providing Mobile Homes for Workers Can Bring Big Bucks to the Business

The comfortable mobile homes are not only beneficial for the workers, but are indirectly a big advantage source for the business itself. Workers are able to rest in the comfort of a mobile home after work, which helps them to be more productive, efficient and effective at worksite. Without a doubt, a productive and efficient laborer can be a profitable asset for the business.

Why Use Trailers as Mobile Homes for Field Workers?

Most trailers from top manufacturing brands are of high quality, durable, weatherproof, fire resistant and some are even pest resistant too. These high quality trailers therefore can survive tough weather conditions; whether it's freezing cold or unbearably hot. The characteristics of these units means that they can be durable and long-lasting and can be transformed into a small makeshift home for field workers, construction workers or laborers who have to stay on site for days at end until the project is complete.

What Goes into these Temporary Homes?

Even though mobile homes are small in size, most can accommodate all the basic provisions of a home. A bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom with all necessary furnishings can easily fit in a trailer home The interior of the trailer gives a complete home-like feel, and doesn't feel like the inside of a typical trailer or truck.

Companies that invest in site homes for their workers have better retention rate than other companies. Also, their workers are productive, efficient, and motivated to perform well at work. One of the best ways to save money and give the best to the workers, companies can buy or rent used truck or trailers and create a win-win situation for the company; better workforce at low investment.





By Stella Finn

What ROI Does IVMS / GPS Tracking / Telematics Offer?

Firstly, what is IVMS?



An In Vehicle Management System (IVMS), also known as GPS Tracking or Telematics, is an electronic device that is installed in a vehicle or mobile machine, that enables the owner, or authorised third party, to collect, monitor and analyse vehicle data.

What Return on Investment does IVMS Offer Users?
Over 90% of vehicle accidents are attributed to driver behaviour. This is has led to many companies adopting an In Vehicle Management System (IVMS) to provide stakeholders with a 360° view of their fleet and drivers.



IVMS provides small to large businesses the insight needed to effectively manage fleets and to increase profit margins. Your business operations and bottom-line profits will see immediate and ongoing benefits through improved safety, increased productivity, and compliance monitoring.

Improved Safety and Risk Management Track the whereabouts of your vehicles and employees, monitor driving patterns, reconstruct accidents, and identify at risk driving behaviour. Fleet Managers are able to determine and manage allowable speeds within defined zones, monitor entry and exit, and record breaches of entry in restricted zones for added safety and risk management.
Increase Fleet Productivity & Improve Operational Control The IVMS Mobile Resource Management platform incorporates job creation, allocation, best route mapping, scheduling and analysis, enabling your organisation to benefit from optimised delivery routes, and to quickly identify and dynamically respond to problems.
Improved Asset Condition and Lifespan Monitor and address harsh braking, excessive acceleration, speeding, over-revving, freewheeling, and tyre pressure through IVMS to improve the lifespan of your assets.
Theft Prevention Unauthorised vehicle use can be tracked geographically and in real time to assist with swift asset recovery.
Easily Calculate Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Running costs are tracked and calculated through use of our IVMS mobile app, to enable accurate calculation of vehicle running costs for FBT purposes.
Monitor Fuel Consumption Highlighting and addressing incidents of speeding, over-revving and unauthorised vehicle use, and utilising best route mapping will aid you in significantly improving your fleet fuel consumption.
Accurate Driver Identification Compatible with several forms of driver identification devices, our IVMS system can utilise Dallas Keys, RFID or CARDAX cards, or your existing employee swipe card system.
In Vehicle Management Systems have been found to offer clients the following return on investment:

15 - 25% accident reduction
10 - 15% fuel savings
10 - 25% maintenance cost savings
5 - 20% productivity improvement
5 - 15% reduction in unauthorised personal use




By Harmony Sanderson

Practical Seatbelt Maintenance and Care Tips

Just like all features of your car, the seatbelts require proper care. They are not difficult to keep in good condition. At the same time, with proper maintenance you will achieve a high level of safety for you and your family. Get some helpful advice on how to care for the safety belts of your vehicle.

Webbing Cleaning

It is a fact that the seatbelt webbing is most prone to wear and tear and to stains and dirt accumulations. You cannot do much about the natural wear and tear, but you can remove the dirt and stains. For the purpose, you should use warm soapy water and a sponge. You should choose a mild soap used for hand washing. You must avoid strong detergents and bleaches as they may weaken the webbing and cause rust and corrosion to the latch and buckle.

You should clean the webbing regularly, preferably every time you wash your car. If it gets dirty very quickly, you should wash it more often. You should not let stains and dirt linger on as they may cause more serious trouble as time passes.

Buckle, Latch and Loop Care

If you drink and eat in the car chances are high that crumbs, soda and coffee can get inside the seatbelt buckle. If this happens, you should clean the dirt immediately. Crumbs can be removed with a thin pointed object like a toothpick. You can use a metal equivalent such as a flat-blade screwdriver but you have to be careful not to cause any damage. In any case, you should remove the crumbs gently.

If the buckle is sticky because of a spilled drink, you should use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or pour a little bit of alcohol inside. Alcohol is safe for metal while cleaning it perfectly. Besides, it dries quickly so the buckle will be as good as new in no time.

The latch can be cleaned with a little bit of alcohol as well. Any dirt which has got accumulated in the slot can be removed with a flat-blade screwdriver. You should clean the top loop as well to ensure that the seatbelt will retract properly. Remove any sticky dirt with the screwdriver and clean it with some alcohol. You can spray a little bit of silicone spray on the loop after cleaning it to ensure that the belt will retract smoothly.

Finally, you must inspect all car seatbelts on a regular basis. If you notice any disturbing signs of damage or malfunctioning, you must have the belts replaced immediately.



By Celine Potrov