There are more than 6 million car accidents each year in the United States, so you are not alone. Take a deep breath and look around. If you are able to see that you are not seriously wounded, follow this simple procedure that is vital to making your case for the accident report and for insurance purposes.
1)1st pull the car off the road so as not to cause any further accidents.
2)Assess injury for yourself and for the driver of the other vehicle.
3)Call 911 for anyone who is injured or just to file a report.
4)Make sure both parties exchange information such as name, address, phone number, insurance policy number, driver license number, and license plate number. Do not mention that the accident was your fault even if you feel as it was your fault. It is up to the police to determine who’s liable.
5)File an accident report with your local police station. An accident report will help insurance companies determine who will pay for the damages. There is a 10 day window to file the report to DMV so file it quickly!
6)TAKE PICTURES. In an age with camera phones make use of them! Photograph the condition of both vehicles and make sure every detail has been taken down. This may help your case. Buy a disposable camera and keep it in your dashboard just in case.
7)If there were witnesses, make sure you take their name down and contact information so they can help you piece together the claim. Contact them afterwards to get a signed statement of what and how it happened.
Finally, you have the option of whether to pursue the claim through the insurance company or settle the damages privately. Regardless of which method you choose, always follow the procedure above to minimize the risk of unfair claims and serious disputes.
At Basil Resale Center, We offer auto repair services at a very reasonable price, and if you encounter a serious accident, come to Basil Resale Sheridan to find the right replacement.
A Simple Guide to a Do-It-Yourself Hand Car Wash
Spring is in...And with summer just around the corner, it’s time to grab a bucket and some squeegees. Basil is going to give you some tips on how to give your car a do-it-yourself hand car wash.
· If you can, park your car out of direct sunlight. This stops premature drying, which can blemish the paint.
· Fill two buckets with plain water. Add your car wash soap to only one of them. The plain water only bucket is for washing the dirt off of you mitt.
· Quickly rinse off your car with a hose (on a light setting) to loosen the dirt. Make sure you get the dirt off the undercarriage too.
· Soak a large mitt or squeegee with the soap-water and begin to wash your car. Start at the top of the car, and work your way around it slowly moving lower each time around. Scrub in a circular motion.
· After each section is washed, rinse it with the hose before moving to the next section.
· Clean the lower body and wheels last; this is where you will find the most dirt. Use a long wheel brush to get into the spokes of your wheels. Use steel wool soap pads on the tires to get rid of any oxidized rubber.
· Dry your car with fresh terry towels. When drying, open all of the doors and clean down the door jams.
Love your Car? Getting Too Attached Might Cost You...
I have seen this first hand, my father getting way too attached to his car. His car was a 1989 Chevy Caprice Classic, which is a gas guzzler, and with all the problems it was having to most people it wouldn’t be worth fixing, but my dad still was holding on to that car. My family wanted him to get rid of during Cash for Clunkers, but he was reluctant to do so, and took a lot of convincing for him to finally get rid of that car. On the other hand during Cash for Clunkers I jumped on the opportunity to get rid of my 2001 Jeep Cherokee because it was falling apart and I wanted a more fuel efficient car with less maintenance problems. I am sure you know many people like this. Don’t believe me, there are some interesting facts below….
Although Americans parted with nearly 700,000 old vehicles in last year's Cash for Clunkers program, many of them probably had a hard time letting go, say researchers at the University of Michigan. (Phys.org)
Phys.org says that this is to blame on anthropomorphism—the tendency to ascribe human attributes to an inanimate object. The University of Michigan researchers conducted a study to test how anthropomorphic thought affects consumers’ product replacement intentions. One group of participants in the study were asked to describe their car in technical terms (ex. Quiet, reliable etc) and the other group of participants were asked to describe their car in personality terms (ex. Nice, snobbish, considerate etc.) The group who were asked to explain their car in personality terms reported that they were less willing to replace their cars then people who did not.
Why Anthropomorphic can be a problem for consumers and dealers? Scharz a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan explains, "Anthropomorphic beliefs may potentially increase consumers' maintenance costs beyond economically defensible levels while reducing producers' sales.” With more and more consumers using anthropomorphic cues to influence how they think about their cars, dealers are going to have to come up with marketing campaigns to show that their vehicles are alive, to appeal to more consumers.
My Final Opinions:
If your very attached to your car, and don’t want to give it up, why not consider trading it up to a newer year and model? It’s practically the same car, with better features, newer, and hopefully less problems. Or if you need help deciding what the trade in value is worth for your car, and what your options are check out Basil and have one of their friendly and experienced car salesman help you out today!
If you want more information about this go to http://www.physorg.com/news186171125.html. Or if this article made you think about replacing your vehicle check out http://www.basilresale.com/
Courtney Walczak
Although Americans parted with nearly 700,000 old vehicles in last year's Cash for Clunkers program, many of them probably had a hard time letting go, say researchers at the University of Michigan. (Phys.org)
Phys.org says that this is to blame on anthropomorphism—the tendency to ascribe human attributes to an inanimate object. The University of Michigan researchers conducted a study to test how anthropomorphic thought affects consumers’ product replacement intentions. One group of participants in the study were asked to describe their car in technical terms (ex. Quiet, reliable etc) and the other group of participants were asked to describe their car in personality terms (ex. Nice, snobbish, considerate etc.) The group who were asked to explain their car in personality terms reported that they were less willing to replace their cars then people who did not.
Why Anthropomorphic can be a problem for consumers and dealers? Scharz a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan explains, "Anthropomorphic beliefs may potentially increase consumers' maintenance costs beyond economically defensible levels while reducing producers' sales.” With more and more consumers using anthropomorphic cues to influence how they think about their cars, dealers are going to have to come up with marketing campaigns to show that their vehicles are alive, to appeal to more consumers.
My Final Opinions:
If your very attached to your car, and don’t want to give it up, why not consider trading it up to a newer year and model? It’s practically the same car, with better features, newer, and hopefully less problems. Or if you need help deciding what the trade in value is worth for your car, and what your options are check out Basil and have one of their friendly and experienced car salesman help you out today!
If you want more information about this go to http://www.physorg.com/news186171125.html. Or if this article made you think about replacing your vehicle check out http://www.basilresale.com/
Courtney Walczak
Hypermiling Saves on Gas...Who Knew?
Let’s be honest, you probably never heard of hypermiling, but you have been doing it your entire driving career. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, hypermiling is that act of using different driving techniques to maximize fuel economy. It was even named “word of the year” by the dictionary.
Hypermilers attempt to exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel efficiency for their vehicles by employing a variety of driving habits. It has even become a cult sport, as contests have been held to see who can get the best miles per gallon with a vehicle on a selected course.
With today’s economy, and the steady rise of gas prices, we can all learn to become hypermilers. Here are some of the techniques used by hypermilers.
• Hypermilers use an anticipatory driving method for efficiently maintaining speed. Basically, drivers will accelerate slowly, and coast for as long as possible before using their brake. This technique is often called the “pulse and glide” method. By using this technique, drivers are minimizing fuel consumption while in motion.
• Stay back from other vehicles so you don’t have to brake as often. Make sure you do so within reason, you don’t want to cause an accident.
• By properly inflating your car’s tires, you can save approximately 1-2 miles per gallon and extend the life of your tires.
• Always make sure your gas cap is tightly closed after fueling up. Once it’s closed, turn it FOUR more times to ensure no gas evaporates from an otherwise insecure cap.
• Always make sure to purchase the correct fuel for your car. Check your car’s manual for its required fuel octane level. This will ensure your car maximizes the use of fuel.
• Reduce your resistance while driving; remove any luggage or ski racks from your car while they are not in use.
Hypermilers have come under attack for using unsafe and sometimes aggressive driving practices. We recommend you follow the preceding techniques with caution and with an active concern for your safety, as well as the safety of drivers around you. Compare techniques and automobile performances at Fuelly, a social network completely for hypermilers. And be sure to check out the fuel economy of our vehicles at Basil Resale Center on Sheridan.
Matt Shapiro
Inexpensive and Easy things you can do yourself to get your Car ready for Spring & Summer
Inexpensive and Easy things you can do yourself to get your Car ready for Spring & Summer
1. Get rid of road salt on the undercarriage. Road salt can damage your vehicle by eating away at its undercarriage. Use a garden hose with as much water pressure as your system can collect to undo winter grime and salt.
2. Check the tires. Tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees change in temperature, so it's important to check tire pressure after winter is over.
3. Check wiper blades. Your wipers work hard all winter long removing salt and other winter grime. Since the life of a wiper blade is six months to a year, check that the blades have not dried out. Do not wait for a heavy spring or summer rainstorm to discover your blades are not performing properly. Also, refill the wiper fluid if needed.
4. Clean the cabin. First you should remove the floor mats to vacuum or wash outside the car. Second open the trunk, remove the spare tire and jack and vacuum here, too. After vacuuming everything use a cleaner and a soft cloth on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, and seats to get off dust, stains and fingerprints.
5. Wash and wax. Putting regular dish washing liquid in a bucket of water and a clean, sponge will do the trick for the washing, using a different sponge for the body and the tire rims. Then dry the car to make it shine in the spring or summer sunshine. If needed apply a coat of protective wax.
Courtney Walczak
1. Get rid of road salt on the undercarriage. Road salt can damage your vehicle by eating away at its undercarriage. Use a garden hose with as much water pressure as your system can collect to undo winter grime and salt.
2. Check the tires. Tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees change in temperature, so it's important to check tire pressure after winter is over.
3. Check wiper blades. Your wipers work hard all winter long removing salt and other winter grime. Since the life of a wiper blade is six months to a year, check that the blades have not dried out. Do not wait for a heavy spring or summer rainstorm to discover your blades are not performing properly. Also, refill the wiper fluid if needed.
4. Clean the cabin. First you should remove the floor mats to vacuum or wash outside the car. Second open the trunk, remove the spare tire and jack and vacuum here, too. After vacuuming everything use a cleaner and a soft cloth on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, and seats to get off dust, stains and fingerprints.
5. Wash and wax. Putting regular dish washing liquid in a bucket of water and a clean, sponge will do the trick for the washing, using a different sponge for the body and the tire rims. Then dry the car to make it shine in the spring or summer sunshine. If needed apply a coat of protective wax.
Courtney Walczak
Some Fun Car Facts
Trivia and factoids originally found on the Automopedia blog
It’s rumored the Chevy Nova sold poorly in Mexico because the word “Nova” is close to the Spanish phrase “doesn’t go.”
Only FOUR automobiles were registered in the United States in 1895. I guess everybody had to learn to share!
Toll Booths on The Garden State Parkway in New Jersey were supposed to remain until initial construction was paid off, sometime back in the late 1950’s.
Over 90% of car owners admit to singing while behind the wheel.
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
In 1960, you could purchase a brand new Buick La Sabre for under $3000. With that you basically got two-doors, a (manual) steering wheel and an engine.
Early Ford vehicles contained Dodge engines. Some 1980’s Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouths contain Mitsubishi Engines.
Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper in 1905 after she noticed snow and rain gathering on the fronts of trolley cars and automobile windows.
In 1898, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists.
Japan produced the most passenger vehicles/most total vehicles worldwide in 2006.
The World’s Oldest Car was built in France in 1884 for French Count De Dion.
In 2009, New York and New Jersey were surveyed as having the Worst Drivers in America.
Feeling like you want to check out a car yet? Just head to www.basilresale.com!
It’s rumored the Chevy Nova sold poorly in Mexico because the word “Nova” is close to the Spanish phrase “doesn’t go.”
Only FOUR automobiles were registered in the United States in 1895. I guess everybody had to learn to share!
Toll Booths on The Garden State Parkway in New Jersey were supposed to remain until initial construction was paid off, sometime back in the late 1950’s.
Over 90% of car owners admit to singing while behind the wheel.
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
In 1960, you could purchase a brand new Buick La Sabre for under $3000. With that you basically got two-doors, a (manual) steering wheel and an engine.
Early Ford vehicles contained Dodge engines. Some 1980’s Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouths contain Mitsubishi Engines.
Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper in 1905 after she noticed snow and rain gathering on the fronts of trolley cars and automobile windows.
In 1898, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists.
Japan produced the most passenger vehicles/most total vehicles worldwide in 2006.
The World’s Oldest Car was built in France in 1884 for French Count De Dion.
In 2009, New York and New Jersey were surveyed as having the Worst Drivers in America.
Feeling like you want to check out a car yet? Just head to www.basilresale.com!
Tips for Winter Driving and Maintenance
If you are the type of person who is truly uncomfortable driving in the snow or on ice, don’t. Take the bus, call a cab, or get a ride. But for those who choose to brave the weather, here are a few good tips for driving on the Buffalo winter roads.
In Motion
- Get snow tires, drive slowly. Buying snow tires is one of the best investments you can make. It’s the difference between driving up a snowy hill, and spinning your tires while people pass you. Always check to see that your tires have the proper amount of air in them. Make sure you balance and rotate your tires regularly.
- Be aware of the other drivers around you so you can maneuver away from them if they (or you) lose control. Keep your distance from other cars. Drive twice the distance you normally would from vehicles in front of you
- Begin to brake earlier than you would under normal weather. Relax and don’t panic. If you start to slide, pump the brakes (or let your car’s Anti-lock Brake System kick in), and remember that you can still steer your car to some degree while sliding.
- Turn your lights on. Even if it’s daylight and you can see in front of you just fine. Those lights are for everyone else to see you.
- Stay off your cell phone and pay attention to what you’re doing.
- Use your emergency parking brake when you park (even when not on an angle).
Maintenance and Emergency Supplies
- Keep your car well-maintained. Make sure you have adequate fluid levels (oil, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid etc.) Make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid because you will be clearing your windshield more than normal.
- Keep your gas tank near full as much as you can. Trying to start a car with a near-empty tank in cold weather is asking for trouble.
- Keep emergency supplies in your trunk or back seat in case something happens. At a minimum, keep warm blankets, dry socks, gloves, hat etc. in your car for every person. You don’t want to be stuck out in the cold unprepared. Also keep a supply of fresh water, and candy/ energy bars.
- Keep a shovel and some basic tools handy. Buy a set of long wood blocks (2x4) to wedge under your tires if they can’t get any traction.
- Keep something heavy in your trunk during the winter months to get better traction. Kitty litter is inexpensive and adds a good amount of weight to the car.
Snow Removal
- Use a wide push-broom brush/ice scraper with softer bristles for quicker snow removal. Be sure to clean off your windshield, lights, windows, exhaust and intake at a minimum.
- Be considerate to the drivers around you by removing snow/ice from your roof as well (you don’t want the snow from your roof to let loose on the driver behind you).
- Start your car 10 to 15 minutes before you plan on leaving to ensure the engine/car has warmed up properly.
- When you park your car for the day, leave your wiper blades flipped out. It might look silly, but a big snow dump won’t leave them covered in ice when you return.
Matt Shapiro
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