Getting the Best Financial Deals When Buying Cars

Buying a car is a big decision in one’s life. This is because after the purchase of a home, the second biggest investment that you would make would be the purchase of your car. When we look at it from that angle, the importance of getting a good financial deal when you purchase your car becomes more crucial.

Finance is a major part of the car purchase, as you would normally need a small amount as down-payment, as well as enough credit credibility to warrant a hire purchase loan from a financial institution to pay for the remainder of the car price. Most of us fall into this category as it is difficult to finance a car on your own unless you have sufficient amounts of cash in abundance.

To get the best of financial deals before purchasing a car, it is best that you scout around all the financial institutions in town to get the best deal possible. There are plenty to choose from, thus you would be spoilt for choice. Select one that gives you the lowest interest rates for a specified loan period so that you get the best deal possible. Some of the local banks that you could consider include EON Bank, RHB Bank, Public Bank, CIMB as well as Maybank. The interest rates would not vary that much, however it is best that you personally go to these institutions and find out the rates yourself. The current agreement at most banks allow you up to 108 months of repayment, at a total loan amount of 90% for new cars and 85% for used cars.

Also remember that you would need a bit of savings from your side to ensure that you are able to place an amount for the car’s down-payment. The down-payment is usually a pre-requisite when you purchase cars, however some of the auto dealers are now promoting new cars without the need for down-payment.

 

Although this could prove helpful for those who do not have cash reserves, in reality, you would end up paying more to the financial institutions as your loan amount would be higher, and you would also pay more in terms of interest to the bank in question. In the long run, you end up saving more if you can come up with a decent down-payment figure when you purchase your car.

Finally, do not forget to negotiate when you buy cars, for both new and used cars. Getting a good financial deal is only complete when you negotiate for your car’s purchase, and get the best price possible from the car dealer. Failing to do this would only mean that you are losing money, and you do not want that now, do you?

Searching Online for a Used Car

When one looks for car to purchase, the first question that comes to mind is whether it is going to be a new car or a second-hand car. If one is looking for a new car, it is easy to obtain the required information online at the respective sites of car manufacturers before heading to a showroom to have a look at the car of your interest.

However, if one is looking for a used car, then there are several ways of finding a car that you need. You could walk into any of the used car dealerships around, or another option would be to go through the newspapers and its classified section to look for the car that you want. There is another way to doing this, which is browsing the internet to locate the car that you want before viewing it.

Remember that when you buy a used car, the price of the car would differ tremendously if you buy directly from the owner compared to if you buy from a used car dealer. Owners would normally sell according to the car’s market value, while dealerships would mark up to make a profit.

 

By browsing online, you can find cars that are being sold directly by the owners themselves, thus you could save a significant amount of money. One would also save time by browsing the sites online while looking for a used-car, imagine the time you would waste having to go to all the different locations to find the owners or car dealerships without online searching capabilities.

There are plenty of car and vehicle advertising websites available on the internet today. These are sites where buyers and sellers communicate with each other to get the best deals possible.

 

Potential buyers can also search for specific vehicles easily since the vehicles are segregated well into sections such as general vehicles, performance vehicles, 4 wheel drives, as well as luxury vehicles. This will make your choice of deciding much easier as you weigh up your options. 

Browsing online for used cars is certainly the way forward for people looking for second hand cars. A word of caution though, although online searching for cars is recommended, it has to be reminded that buying straight from the internet without physically looking at the car is not encouraged. After finding a car that you like online, it is suggested that you make an appointment with the owner or car dealer to view the car. Take the car for a test drive, and only commit to the deal once you are completely satisfied with the car. 

How To Effectively Buy Used Cars out There

Buying a car is a big decision in one’s life, as it represents the second biggest investment that you would be making in your life after the purchase of your home. Although many prefer buying new cars, some opt for used or second hand cars, for the reason that they are reasonably priced and relatively cheaper than new cars. Although they appear less expensive, buying a used car involves a bit of risk, as we are unsure of the previous history of the car, and how good the condition may be. Thus how do we effectively select a used car if we are in the market for one? Let us look at how this can materialize.

Firstly, you should determine the type of car that you are looking for, and set a budget for the purchase. You should also ensure that you know how long you are intending to use the car, as it would determine the age of the car that you want to purchase. Once you know what you are looking for, you should then determine how you are going to look for the car of your dreams. You could do this online, or visit several used car dealers to locate the ideal car for you.

If you choose the online option, you would have plenty of options where you could view the specifications and price of the car before you actually schedule a meeting with the car owner or dealer to view the car. It is advisable that you try to deal directly with the car owners themselves rather than with dealerships, as prices of cars purchased from dealerships would undoubtedly higher than when you buy straight from the previous owner.

The best option is would be to purchase used cars that are less than three years old, as the car condition would still be almost new, and you could safely use the car for at least a few more years before you opt to look for something else without much maintenance issues. Once you find the car that catches your attention, schedule an appointment with the owner or the car dealership, and take the car for a test drive. Bring along someone that is familiar with car engines to gauge the performance and the condition of the car before you put pen to paper! And in terms of financing, you should scout around for the best deal in the market rather than opting to accept the offer of the dealership that is selling you the car.

Finding cars that have clocked less than 20,000 kilometers on the mileage meter would be exceptionally good buys, thus try finding deals such as these to avoid disappointment when buying used cars! It would be even better if you manage to buy a car from a friend or a family member, as you know how the car has been treated in the past! All the best in finding the best used car out there!

Setting a Price for Your Used Car

When it comes to the time to sell your car, the most important step would be to determine the right price for your vehicle. This step is absolutely crucial so that you can attract the right buyer, and ensure that potential buyers are not put off by a price too steep. It is also important to not under-evaluate your car, so that you would avoid losing too much of money when you actually sell your care.

So how can you set a right price for your car, so that it is not over-evaluated or under-evaluated? The first thing you should do is set a benchmark for the car’s price, and this could be done with some research on the internet through car selling websites. For your information, the price of your car would depend on current condition, year of make, amount of deprecation over the years, type of car and model, mileage as well as other similar factors. As an alternative, you could ask for a car value estimator to provide a valuation for your car. This could serve as a benchmark figure before you eventually set a final price for your car.

Next evaluate the overall condition of your car. This could mean externally (paint work, body work, tires, etc), internally (plastic components, seat condition, etc) as well as engine condition. If the car is free from any forms of major repairs, then you can set a higher price for your car. However if there is work to be done on the body, or if there is any leaks in the engine compartment for example, you should either get the car fixed, or expect to lower your asking price for the car. It is recommended that you make some minor modifications to make your car look good before selling it as you tend to save more overall. Appearance especially is extremely important to determine the price of a car.

Also take note that cars with higher mileage are less appealing compared to those with lower mileage, so you could set a higher price if you have used your car less in the past. Internally, make sure all the seats, carpets and covers are clean, this would definitely increase the value of your car. Ensure that everything within your dashboard (indicators, lights, etc), switches, buttons and knobs is in working condition as well. Ensuring all these would help extensively to set a high price for your vehicle.

The A to Z of Buying Vehicles

Buying a vehicle is no easy task. There are so many things to consider and take into account before you make the final decision of which car you are going to purchase. One usually buys a vehicle based on characteristics such as looks, performance, safety features, the need for the vehicle, running and maintenance costs as well as the price of the vehicle itself. Let us have a look at what needs to be considered before one buys a vehicle, and tips of buying a vehicle smartly.

Firstly, consider your need for the vehicle. Do you need a vehicle for private or business use? Or do you need one for your family, or maybe yourself? There are a whole variety of vehicle types in the market today such as sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, pick-up trucks, MPVs, SUVs as well as several others. Consider your needs carefully before making a choice.

Do not buy your car unless you are fully prepared. Do not be emotional and purchase a car for its looks alone. Cost is an extremely important factor, thus consider carefully if you can afford the car that you are buying (including its running cost, road tax costs, insurance premiums, etc).

 

Take time to compare several cars in the same class, as well as several dealers and financial institutions to make sure that you get the best deal possible. You are also advised to compare insurance rates from different insurance companies to get the best premiums at the most competitive rates for your car. Always negotiate on car prices as well, as the prices are normally not fixed and with some coaxing from your side, you could probably enjoy a few thousand dollars in discounts.

Ensure that you do plenty of background research on the cars that you are interested in. This would provide you plenty of information on the cars themselves, and help you deal with car salesmen that may try to cheat you into buying their cars.

 

The test drive is extremely important to get a feel of the car that you are buying, thus do not skip that part before you purchase a car. Go through the warranty documents and ensure that you understand completely what is contained in them. Try to get as long a warranty as possible for your car, this would leave you with less headaches when you encounter any maintenance problems.

Once you understand the above tips and pointers, implement them when you go looking for a new car to purchase. It would be of tremendous help to avoid you getting short-changed for the price you pay for your car, and assist to make sure you get the best deal possible for your new car.

Cut Costs on All General Automotive Repairs

Owning a car exposes you to a myriad of challenges, not least the maintenance expenses you incur with the ownership of a car. And during these tough economic times, people are constantly on the lookout for ways to cut cost on automotive repairs, thus let us look at ways to accomplish just that.

The first step you should take is to check if your vehicle is still under warranty. If it is, then you could look to save quite a lot of money from making use of your warranty. Check if your warranty covers only parts or both parts and labour, and ensure that you read all the terms and conditions within your warranty agreement to make full use of it.

 

Be careful to take your vehicle only to authorized service centres as penned out in the warranty, and not to other workshops that would make you pay more as it is not covered under your warranty. If you car is under warranty, it is advisable to take your car to the manufacturer’s own service centres as this would ensure that your get all the original parts installed as well as personalized attention from experts in the field.

If your car is not under warranty, you now have the option of choosing your own service centre to repair or service your car. To cut costs, you could avoid the manufacturer’s service centres and instead head to any established workshops out there.

You can also make do with OEM parts instead of the original manufacturer’s parts, as they would do the job almost as well, and they would prove to be much cheaper than the originals parts. A point to note before choosing your service centre though, make sure the mechanics are professionals and certified so that you do not get bad service for your car. Experienced mechanics would also be able to advise you on cheaper substitute parts for your cars to cut overall costs of automotive repair.

Another great option is by doing the repair works yourself. Remember not to fiddle with automotive parts and systems that you are not familiar with. This could prove to be extremely costly if something goes wrong. You could probably perform the smaller tasks such as changing the oil filter and changing the engine’s lubricant without having to take the car to a service centre. It would be best to buy a do-it-yourself car service handbook to help with these tasks, or you could also attend a short course on basic maintenance repairs to help enhance your knowledge on this topic.

For more major tasks, it is recommended that you take your car to the professionals, as you do not want to incur extra expenditure if something goes wrong. Follow the tips above to reduce costs on your vehicle’s repairs.

Most Countries Insist On The Importance Of Belting Up Children In Vehicles

The Malaysian Association of Standards in its article which appeared very recently, stated that, according to the Malaysian Automobile Association or M.A.A., some 536,905 new vehicles are expected to be registered in Malaysia this year alone, including passenger and commercial ones.

Although, it is compulsory now for front and rear seat passengers to wear seat belts when driving in Malaysia, there is actually no law which makes it mandatory for children to be strapped down when travelling in vehicles with parents and adults.

Before we proceed any further with this article, a “seat belt” may just only be a piece of cloth but remember, this simple invention, does save lives.

The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention states that more than 1.2 million people die and as many as 50 million people are injured on our roads everyday. It is expected that this figure will rise by about 65% over the next 20 years, if steps are not taken to prevent traffic accidents.

My reading and researches made prior to writing this article, discovered some very interesting and startling facts which I feel should be shared with the blog readers.

Although the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 clearly states that a driver can be charged for non wearing of a seat belt, and can thus be imposed a fine of RM100 (section 119(2)), however, the law is silent on the wearing of a seat belt by children and small babies in Malaysia.

Readers might be surprised, that there are laws, when driving in other countries such as England, Australia, Germany and other European countries, which specifically insists the wearing of seat belts by the young.

In the United Kingdom, seat belts must be worn at all times by front and back passengers. Children under 12, must not sit in front seats. Except for infants or young children in baby or “booster” seats.

In Australia, seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers all the time. In New Zealand, the law says drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. They must be seated at the back. This is the regulation in Belgium.

In Finland, the law there says that seat belts are mandatory both at the front and rear seats. If you should be driving in France, do remember all passengers are mandatorily required to wear seat belts. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the rear with a seat belt tightly fastened.

When driving in Germany, drivers are reminded that seat belts are mandatory for passengers sitting both in front and at the back. There exists a fine, for each person not using a seat belt, on the spot.

The rule regarding seat belts in Portugal requires children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. Unless they are over 150 cm tall. Baby and booster seats are compulsory for children up to 12 years of age.

In Italy, children who are under 4 years of age are not allowed to travel unless they are seated in a child safety seat that has met with safety regulations. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the back safely fastened.

From my reading with regards to seat belts, most countries seem to make it compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Spain, Sweden, Austria, Greece, Ireland and Netherlands, are examples of countries which make it a compulsory ruling to use seat belts.

In my reading on this subject on seat belts, some countries do not seem to mention the use of seat belts in their countries. Most likely, it is therefore assumed that the use of seat belts there, is not compulsory. Countries which fall into this category include China, Indonesia, Israel and Egypt.

Now that you know that most countries make it compulsory for the use of seat belts in vehicles, those in Malaysia, especially the authorities should ponder over this problem very seriously and come up quickly with a ruling to make it mandatory for small children and babies to don seat belts as well.

5 Good Reasons Why You Should Buy A New Car Versus Used Car

There comes a time when a person has to make a decision, to buy a brand new car or a second hand one. Various pros and cons have to be considered. The final decision however will depend solely upon the person who is buying the car himself or herself.

Today, I will put forward various pros and cons that favour the buying a new vehicle and that of buying a second hand vehicle. You have to weigh both the pros and cons before you arrive at a decision.

Reasons to support your buying a brand new car:-

1) A new car provides you with pride and prestige.

A brand new vehicle obviously will bring you a certain amount of pride and prestige. You will certainly be the proud owner of a new car as compared to a second hand one.

And especially if you are owning a model such as a Mercedes, Volvo or a BMW vehicle. A salesman, who owns one of the above cars, will find that his business will be in a way affected by the type of vehicle be owns.

2) Better service and performance.

New cars obviously tend to provide you better service and performance as compared to a second hand one. Without a doubt, a new car or vehicle will tend to provide you with a better performance or better service all round.

They can, as they say, provide you with reliable services, and fewer breakdowns. Therefore with new cars, you can rely on your new vehicles to provide you with the confidence that you expect from them!

3) Vehicle warranty.

New cars have warranty to cater for breakdowns as compared to vehicles which are slowly undergoing deterioration.

Most new vehicles possess a warranty period of approximately 5 years. If within a 5 year period, a new vehicle should breakdown, then the warranty calls for the agents or distributors to be responsible for repairs and upkeep of the new vehicle.

4) Better fuel efficiency.

New cars are more fuel efficient as compared to older second hand cars. New vehicles are said to be able to give the owner better fuel consumption. This means a new vehicle will be able to provide lesser costs of maintenance to the owner.

5) Better resale value.

New vehicles have a higher resale value. Where resale value of cars are concerned, it is believed that new cars possess a higher resale value as compared to a second hand car.

Buying Second Hand Car Guide

Check Car History It's important to check the used car history record to protecting yourself against buying it with costly hidden problems. Give the seller a call. Prepare a list of questions to ask the seller, and make notes while speaking to them. 1. How long have they owned the car? 2. What condition is the car in? 3 .Why are they selling it? 4 .Has the car been involved in an accident? 5. Has the car got any outstanding finance? 5 .What features does the car have? 6 .Is it in full working order? Though you're not likely to get an honest answer to your questions, the manner in which your questions are answered should give you clues of the seller's honesty. Was he dodging questions? Did she hesitate uncomfortably when you question her on accidents? Contact JPJ and Polis Diraja Malaysia to find out important information like car severe accident, number of owners etc. JABATAN PENGANGKUTAN JALAN MALAYSIA (JPJ) HOTLINE : 03 88884244 Tel : 03 88866400 Faks : 03 88889645 www.jpj.gov.my Polis Diraja Malaysia Tel: 03-22626222 Fax: 03-2273 9602 www.rmp.gov.my
Get Loan & Finance Advice You can then use Payment Calculator to estimate what your monthly payment might be or to find a financing company through whom you can obtain an auto loan. Consider other potential costs such as registration, title transfer, and road tax. Click to calculate the car road tax. Another point to note is that any outstanding amount from the seller's loan must be settled in full first, before the bank would approve any loans for your used car. Banks are also less inclined to issue loans for used vehicles, with interest rates increase with age. As a rule, cars more than 10 years old do not get loans, and cars approaching that landmark will only get short tenure loans. With these difficulties in mind, the buyer is advised to apply for loans from multiple banks.
Insurance & Road Tax Get your insurance quotation from various agencies. You may also consider applying online. Remember that the insurance policy of a car is attached to the owner's name. An official transfer of ownership requires the buyer to purchase a new insurance policy to take over the car's coverage from the preceding one. For road tax, no such restrictions apply. If the previous owner had paid for the car's road tax, it remains valid until the stipulated expiry date.
Contact Seller for Checking & Test Drive Meet the seller to check the car thoroughly and take a test drive. Ensure you see the original Car Registration Card. Ask for any service/maintenance logbook and inspection record the seller may have one. Have a trusted mechanic to inspect the car, and note the contact details of the workshops listed in the car's service booklet. Speak to their representatives to find out more on the car's maintenance history. On another note, please arrange for viewing of the car in a safe public place. Exercise precaution as you do not know the seller. You may request the seller to have the car inspected by a third-party service. AAM (Automobile Association of Malaysia) offers such services. - Phone: 03-2162 5777 - Email: mru@aam.org.my - Website: http://www.aam.org.my However, current regulations mandate that any vehicle must be inspected by PUSPAKOM SDN BHD (Formerly known as Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer) before JPJ would approve of the ownership transfer. Inspection fee is RM30 if you go personally. Expect dealers and runners to charge you more (you gotta let those guys make a living). - Phone: 1800 88 6927, 03-2052 7474 - Email: customerservice@puspakom.com.my - Website: www.puspakom.com.my
Ownership Transfer and Payment  Follow below procedure: General JPJ transfer car ownership. (both seller and buyer must be there) 1. Get the forms ready for transfer. You can download the forms from JPJ website. Forms you need are as follow: JPJK3, TM-1, TM-AB (photocopy both buyer/seller IC). 2. After completing, go to JPJ and submit all the forms together with the original Car Registration Card and also new buyer insurance cover note. 3. Pay RM100 (you can buy postal order from JPJ itself). 4. Wait for the transfer name to complete and collect back the transferred ownership of car registration card. *PUSPAKOM also offers car ownership transfer service, click to find out more. The Payment Bank Loan: 1. Buyer and seller need to be at the bank with the car registration document in order to apply the loan. If buyer is from outstation, then seller needs to fax over the car registration. 2. Upon approval, the bank will issue an undertaking letter and after that the seller need to transfer the car ownership to the buyer's name. 3. Upon completion, bank will release the fund to the seller. 4. Any additional fees in loan/transfer ownership shall be paid by buyer. Cash Deal: Ask the seller to write two receipts stating the date, amount paid, make, model and registration number, along with the names, addresses and signatures of both parties.

Buying Vehicle Guide

Finding The Car 

The process of buying a car starts with you deciding that you need / want to buy one. The first step then, is to do what they call, 'survey the market'. You have many options for this.

Through our considerable amount of resources, in the form of used car postings, forums and test drive reports, you can gather a great deal of information regarding the car of your choice. Through us, you have the means do your research on cars of various make, model, and year of the manufacture.

On top of that, you can use our Affordablity Calculator to evaluate your own spending power in the car market, and see if your preferred car is within your means.

However, if you have already decided what to buy, use our search tool to find the car you want (by car make/model or price range) and this searching will bring you straight to used car listings where you can find the best deal, see the car asking price in your area, make the selection and contact the seller .

Check for the car's market price

Car prices vary and here is how / what you can do to find out what your car is worth.

1) Search for similar car based on Make, Model, Year and Transmission and do own estimation on your car price. 

2) Buy an independent valuation report from Redbook.

3) Research offline (newspaper, magazines, calls to dealer) to enquire. 

4 x 4 Driving Tips

4 x 4 Driving Tips

• Routinely check your tyres
• Slow down
• Become a good night-time driver
• Be aware of your physical condition
• Pay attention to any special seasonal driving requirements
• Be extra alert when driving in the city.

Routinely check your tyres

Make sure you do the following routine maintenance: Keep your tyres properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tyres is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door-post, and glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual. The number listed on the side of the tyre is not the recommended air pressure for your tyre -- it is the maximum air pressure for the tyre. You should check your tyre's air pressure at least once a month. Check the tyre's tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids, aquaplaning and blowouts.

Slow down

Watch your speed.

Become a good night-time driver

Night driving can be a pleasure if you are aware of the special alertness demanded by low visibility. A few fundamentals: Keep your headlights and tail lights on for the entire period between sunset and sunrise. Put your headlights on low-beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres, or when driving behind another vehicle. If your car breaks down at night, make sure other drivers can see your car and stop in time. Turn on the hazard warning lights. If possible, pull off the road. Avoid stopping just over a hill or just around a curve. Take good notice of roadside reflectors and any other helpful visual signals to stay on the road at night.

Be aware of your physical condition

Cities and urban areas have the highest concentrations and varieties of traffic, from pedestrians, trams and bicycles to utility vehicles like street sweepers and refuse lorries. There is twice as much to watch out for, and you must pay great attention to what is going on in front, to the sides and behind your vehicle.

Pay attention to any special seasonal driving requirements

You don't only have to prepare your car and tyres well in advance for winter, but also for other seasons. Fog, excessive rainfall and glare and heat all bring specific kinds of adjustments and maintenance. Look at the 'Maintaining a tyre' section here in the site for more information. And consult your Goodyear dealer, too!

Be extra alert when driving in the city.

Cities and urban areas have the highest concentrations and varieties of traffic, from pedestrians, trams and bicycles to utility vehicles like street sweepers and garbage trucks. There is twice as much to watch out for, compared to driving off-road. You have to pay more attention to what is going on in front, to the sides and behind your vehicle.

How to Fix a Flat Tire on Your Bike?

There are numerous causes to flat tires, which can be easily dealt with. The causes can range from a leaky valve to a massive blowout.

Step 1: Remove the Wheel

It's easier to fix a flat when you remove the wheel from your bike. Wheel removal involves 2 steps:


(1) Release Your Brakes
Generally, brake assemblies sit very close to your wheel rims and use a quick-release system to disconnect and reconnect them easily. The exact location and design of these release systems depend on what kind of brakes you have.

•    A knob at the end of the pull-cable that catches on a notch in the caliper arm: Squeeze the brake arms together to release the cable.

•    A quick-release lever, just like on your axle, which can be opened to release the brakes.

•    If your bike has disc brakes, be careful not to touch the rotor when opening the quick-release mechanism. The rotor is located very close to the quick-release lever and can become hot enough to burn you.

(2) Release Your Wheel

 
Even though your brake assembly has been disengaged, your wheel is still held to the frame or fork (depending on if it's the front or rear wheel) by the wheel axle. To release the axle, check to see if you have a quick-release (lever) axle or a bolt-on (nut) axle. Then, proceed with the steps below:

Quick-release Axles:
Front wheel: To remove a front wheel, merely open the quick-release lever to release the tension holding the wheel in place. Assuming your brakes have been disengaged, your front wheel will probably drop straight out.

Note: Some bicycles have retention devices designed to hold a wheel in place even when its quick-release lever is open. If your wheel doesn't pop out after you open the quick-release lever, check the owner's manual for details on its particular release-and-retention system.

Rear wheel: Removing the rear wheel is just as easy as removing the front wheel, just be watchful of the chain!

Before you remove your rear wheel, shift your chain onto the smallest rear cog. To do so, adjust the shifter up then raise your bike and spin its wheels until the gear-shift is complete. Then, turn the bike upside down and turn the rear axle quick-release lever until it's fully open. You may need to unscrew the nut slightly on the opposite side. Pull back on your rear derailleur to give yourself a little slack, then lift out the wheel with your other hand. The wheel should pop free without getting tangled in your chain. If your wheel stays put, it's likely there's a retention device holding it in place. (See "Note" above.)

Bolt-on Axles:

These axels work almost like the quick-release axles, except they must be loosened with a wrench instead of a lever, and so it might take a little longer.

To loosen a bolt-on axle, simply grab both ends of the axle with 2 good-fitting wrenches and turn both wrenches a couple of full turns. If you only have one wrench, alternate between ends of the axle bolt, loosening each a half turn or so at a time.

If you're removing a bolted rear wheel, follow the procedure described above to avoid getting it hung up in your chain.

Step 2: Check for Damage

It's important to find the cause of your flat tire. It may have been a nail, which has left you with a hole in your tube and tire. Or, it may be a thorn or a piece of glass that is still stuck in the tire and could damage your newly repaired or replaced tube.

When searching for the cause of a flat, begin on the outside and work your way in.

•    First, check the outer surface of the tire for any signs of damage or wear—things like foreign objects lodged in the tread, cuts or tears in the tread or tire sidewall, or worn/cracked tread patterns.

•    Next, get inside the tire (see below) and check both the inner tube and the inside surface of the tire for similar damage.

Getting Inside Your Tire

Most bike tires are held inside the rims with a combination of physical grip and air pressure. The grip comes from the edge—or "bead"—of the tire interlocking with the edge of the rim. The pressure comes from the inflated tube pressing the tire against the rim.

First, release all of the remaining air from your flat tire by depressing the small plunger in the center of your tire valve (Presta valves must be opened first. To do so, remove the valve cap and turn the valve counterclockwise.) Next, unseat your tire bead using the following procedure:

•    Attempt to unseat your tire by hand by pushing one bead edge in toward the center of the rim. If this doesn't work, use tire levers to get some additional leverage.

•    When using tire levers, start on the section of your tire opposite the valve (to avoid damage to the valve stem). Use the longer end of one tire lever to pry the bead of the tire up and over the edge of the rim.

•    If you can't unseat the tire with just one lever, place a second one in a similar manner, 2 or 3 spokes to either side of the first. (Tires levers come with a handy notch that can be secured against a spoke, keeping the lever in place.) Some tire manufacturers suggest sliding the second lever along the rim away from the first to unseat more of the tire. Others suggest using a third tire lever instead to avoid possible tire and/or rim damage.

Once a section of the tire bead is free, you should be able to unseat the rest of the bead with your fingers. Remove the inflatable tube from beneath the tire by pulling the valve stem out through the rim first. The rest of the tube slide out easily when pulled. Be careful when pulling the valve out through the rim, as its sharp edge could damage the valve.

Finding the Cause of Your Flat

Tube damage can be difficult to spot. If you don't see any obvious punctures or blowouts, try inflating the tube so you can check for escaping air. To find very small leaks, pass the tube close to your eye or submerge it in water and look for bubbles.

Tip: Leave the tire in its same location on the wheel so you can check for tire damage once the tube leak is discovered.

If you can't find any tube damage, check the valve. If the valve stem or base is cut, cracked, or severely worn, it may be leaking. If so, the entire tube will have to be replaced.

If the valve is in good condition, check the thin strip along the inside of your rim. Look for protruding spoke ends or areas where the strip may have come free and pinched the tube against the rim surface.

Once the tube damage has been located, check your tire for damage as well. Use the valve stem to relocate the tube so you can find the same location on the tire. Look for any embedded objects in the outside tread. Then turn the tire inside out and do a full visual inspection of the inner surface, making your way slowly around the tire. If you find any cuts, squeeze them to pull apart the rubber and look for anything embedded in the tire. Use a pair of tweezers to remove any foreign debris.

Step 3: Repair/Replace the Tube

If your tire has sustained little or no permanent damage (as is often the case), your decision will be whether to repair your tube or replace it.

Repair: Repairing a bike tube is easy once you get the hang of it, and it is more inexpensive as well. Most commercial patching kits contain everything you need to create an effective patch in the field, including step-by-step instructions. However, patching a tube should be considered an emergency repair. For maximum reliability and safety, replace a patched tube as soon as possible.

Replacement: This is the best and, in some situations, the only solution to a flat tire. You must replace your tube any time the damage is too extensive or severe to patch, or when a patch job fails to hold.

Note: Replacing tubes is almost always more expensive than patching them. However, the resulting tire/tube combination is generally stronger and longer lasting than a patch job. Bike shops do not, as a rule, patch tubes because the labor cost actually makes the patch more expensive than a new tube and with a less durable result. To repair a bike tube, follow the instructions included in the tube-repair kit that you use. Kits use different methods and materials, so read the entire instruction page before beginning.

Typical Patching Steps

•    Find the damaged area.
•    Clean and dry the damaged area.
•    Rough up the surface of the damaged area with sandpaper (to help the glue set).
•    Spread the glue (vulcanizing fluid) and allow it to set until tacky.
•    Apply the tube patch and hold it in place with pressure.
•    Apply talc to repaired area once the glue has bonded to make the tube easier to reinstall. Talc should also be applied to the inside of your tire.

Replacing a tube is simply a matter of using the right size. Size information is available on the tube itself, on the sidewall of your tire or in your bike owner's manual.

Putting Your Tube and Tire Back On

•    Make sure the rim strip is seated properly.

•    Partially inflate your new or repaired tube to give it shape and ensure it holds air.

•    Then place the tube inside the tire.

•    Starting with the valve stem, place the tube and tire onto the wheel.

•    Reseat one edge (or "bead") of the tire completely.

•    Beginning close to the valve, reseat the other tire bead inside the rim. Check that the valve stem is straight and not at an angle.

•    Proceed around the wheel (in both directions at the same time), reseating more of the tire bead. This will get harder as you go.

•    Pinch both sides of the tire in towards the center of the rim to make things easier, or carefully use a tire lever to complete the job.

•    Once the tire and valve are in place, check along its edges to make sure that the tube is not caught between the rim and the tire bead. This could cause another flat.
Now inflate your tire slowly, checking both sides of the rim to make sure that the tire bead stays firmly seated. Double-check the valve as you go to ensure it remains straight. To make sure your tube doesn't get caught between your tire and the rim, go around the whole tire once and pinch both sides of the tire inward.

Inflate the tire to its recommended pressure (printed on the tire itself or in your owner's manual). If you don't have a gauge, use your thumb as a guide. If your thumb presses in easily, keep pumping.

Step 4: Reinstall the Wheel

Simply reverse the procedure you used to remove it. Reattach the wheel to your frame dropouts, holding the derailleur out of the way if you're reinstalling the rear wheel.

If a bolt-on axle holds the wheel in place, you must tighten it securely. If a quick-release mechanism is involved:

•    Make sure the quick-release lever is open before reinstalling the tire in the frame dropouts.

•    Make sure that the wheel is installed evenly, centered in the dropouts.

•    Turn the quick-release lever to the fully open position, then turn the adjusting nut on the opposite side of the axle clockwise until it resists turning (don't use a tool to tighten this nut).

•    Close the quick-release lever. Resistance should begin when the lever is sticking out perpendicular to the bicycle frame, then build until it is fully closed and pointing towards the rear of the bike.

Finally, flip the bike right-side-up and be sure to reattach your brakes before riding!

Be Prepared

• Carry a spare tube: It's always wise to carry an extra tube. Just make sure you have the right size. Your tube size is indicated on the sidewall of your tires and in your owner's manual. Also note whether it uses a Schraeder or Presta valve.
• Carry a patch kit: This is a compact and economical alternative to a new tube. The downsides? They are more hassle and offer a somewhat less durable solution.
• Carry tire levers: These easily fit into even a small underseat bike bag.
• Carry a pump: Some flats can be avoided by simply riding on tires that are properly inflated. Check your air pressure before every ride.

Goodyear Tyre Safety Tips

Take the time to study this guide and learn how to best prepare your tyres for the road. With just a little of your time, you can add years to the life of your tyres while helping to ensure a safer drive for you and your family.

• Proper Inflation
• Balance & Alignment
• Regular Rotation
• Visual Inspection
• Repairs

Proper Inflation

Maintaining proper air pressure is the single most important thing drivers can do for their tyres. In the space of just one month, a tyre can lose 10 pounds of air pressure. It is important to check your air pressure regularly, to make sure your tyres are neither under- nor over-inflated.

Under-inflation is the worst enemy your tyre can have. It causes increased tread wear on the outside edges (or shoulders) of the tyre. It also generates excessive heat, which reduces tyre durability. Finally, it reduces your fuel economy by increasing rolling resistance - soft tyres make your vehicle work harder.

Over-inflation is also detrimental to the tyre. Too much air pressure causes the centre of the tread to bear the majority of the car's weight, which leads to faster deterioration and uneven wear. Any kind of uneven wear will shorten the lifespan of your tyres.

To find the proper air pressure for your tyres, look in the vehicle owner's manual, on the driver's side door jamb or in the glove box. And if you buy new tyres, be sure to learn the correct pressure from your dealer. Check your pressure at least once a month, and use a good quality air gauge. Or, stop by your local Goodyear dealer and have your air pressure checked and corrected for free.

Balance & Alignment

Having your tyres balanced and your vehicle properly aligned is important not only to the longevity of the tyre, but to the safety of the driver and to the performance of the car.

Unbalanced tyres cause road vibration, which leads to driver fatigue, premature tyre wear (also known as cupping or dipping) and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. tyres should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after a repair. They should be rebalanced at the first sign of a vibration or shimmy, and should be balanced at least once a year, regardless.

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tyre wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering can indicate misalignment.

The cost of keeping your tyres balanced and your vehicle properly aligned will more than pay for itself in tyre mileage, performance and comfort. Your local Goodyear dealer will be happy to make an appointment for you.

Regular Rotation

The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed to all four tyres. Therefore, regular rotation is necessary to maintain even tread wear and get the most out of your tyres.

There are several methods of rotation. For all-season tyres and most vehicles on the road, tyres from the rear axle are moved to the drive axle and crossed to opposite sides of the vehicle. The tyres from the front axle are moved to the rear, but remain on the same sides. This is known as the 'modified X' pattern.

Tyres with 'directional design, such as Goodyear's Eagle F1, are rotated differently. In this case, all tyres remain on the same side of the vehicle and are rotated straight forward and straight back.

For four-wheel drive vehicles, it is recommended to switch all four tyres, both from side-to-side and in axle position.

Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tyres should be adjusted every 10,000 km's. Four-wheel drive vehicles may require rotation as soon as every 4,000 km's. The first rotation of your tyres is the most important, and be sure to remember to adjust inflation pressures to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations after every rotation. Your local Goodyear dealer can schedule a rotation for your vehicle at any time.

Visual Inspection

Often, discovering potential problems for your tyres is as simple as giving them a good visual once-over. The next time you check your air pressure, scan your treads for any sharp objects that may have punctured your tyres. Even if the puncture is not deep enough to flatten the tyres immediately, the cracking and pitting caused by smaller punctures can eventually worsen and lead to problems down the road.

Check the wear patterns on your treads as well. Excessive shoulder wear can indicate under-inflation, while wear to the centre of the tread can mean over-inflation.

Many tyres have tread wear indicator bars moulded into the tread. When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace your tyre.

At any sign of potential problems, or if you feel you are ready for new tyres, be sure to take your vehicle to the Goodyear retailer nearest you.

Repairs

It is crucial to know when it is okay to have a tyre repaired and when a tyre should be replaced. If a tyre loses its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it is not damaged. tyres that are run even a short distance while flat are often damaged beyond repair.

Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to 1/4 inch can be repaired by trained technicians as long as the damage is confined to the tread. DO NOT repair tyres with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch, or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tyres which are worn below 1/16 inch of tread depth.

Most tyre repairs should be handled by trained professionals. Quick-fix flat tyre remedies are okay to get you to safety, but for the most part, your best bet is to keep a good spare tyre in your trunk. Be sure that the spare is inflated to the proper pressure and looks to be in good shape.

When any problems with your tyres occur, head to the nearest Goodyear retailer immediately for expert service from our trained technicians