Scan tools have become all the rage these days with vehicles, as more and more people wish to track their vehicles’ ECUs. You may wish to find yourself a bi-directional computer that has programming capabilities to give you greater control over your vehicle’s readings, or be content with basic a ccan tool that can read the codes efficiently, while being capable of programming within a certain limit. The choice often depends on one’s own DIY capabilities.

The OBDLink Bluetooth Scan Tool is one such tool: basic, but a very efficient gadget that can prove to be just the thing you need to monitor and have a certain measure of control over your new car’s performance. Our team received a unit a while ago, and we have a review ready for potential users to base their decision on. So, is this the scan tool to have or should you go for something more expensive that has more features? Does it actually offer everything that it promises to do? Join us after the break to find out.

An overview

OBDLink is available on many online retailers for prices starting $129.95, and comes with its own proprietary software to install into your PC’s. It promises to provide all the useful information directly from your vehicle’s onboard computer, and lets you monitor your vehicle’s performance to ensure that it stays seamless for the entire duration that it’s in your ownership.

Let’s have a look at the key features of this nifty tool, and find out whether they are “just the thing” that an average user would need.

Advantages

• Very compact at just (93 mm x 43 mm)
• An intuitive USB interface
• Bluetooth (Class 1, up to 100 m/330 ft range) and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
• Baud rates ranging from 9600 up to 2M baud
• Offers support for all legislated OBD protocols. Here’s a list:

1. ISO15765-4 (CAN)
2. ISO14230-4 (Keyword Protocol 2000)
3. ISO9141-2 (Asian, European, Chrysler vehicles)
4. J1850 VPW (GM vehicles)
5. J1850 PWM (Ford vehicles)

• Compatible with diversified diagnostic software.
• Enhanced diagnostics can be performed by addition software available separately.
• Receives regular updates that can be installed by the user and are free of additional charges.
• It can be powered from OBD and USB, facilitating firmware updates further.
• Faster screen updates and more graph points available through the increased data throughput.
• More optimized and efficient algorithms for automatic protocol detection.
• The CAN memory buffer ensures that your data limit is not reached easily.
• A keep-alive algorithm allows you to have a stable connection on ISO and KWP vehicles.

Availability

Available in the United States, it focuses its list of compatible vehicles on vehicles manufactured in the United States as well. OBDLink is targeted at a very broad audience, being compatible with all major makes including Ford, GM, Mazda and more. Availability has now been expanded, and so has compatibility. It is now compatible with many European and Asian vehicles too. The list, however, is still monitored by the OBD legislation, which varies from country to country. Therefore, before you whip out your credit card (or cash), it would be best to check whether the manufacturer and model you intend to buy this little scan tool for is compatible with it or not. To do this, all you need to do is to enquire with the manufacturer whether the vehicle is OBD-2 compliant.

In case you got late reading this, you may still have time to return the product for a full refund if you’ve chosen a retailer that offers return policies.

Hands-on

What’s in the box?

The OBDLink scan tool comes with a rather “no-nonsense” box that includes, in addition to the unit itself, a couple of cables (USB and OBD-II, both 6 feet (1.8m) long), a quick-start guide and a CD-ROM with all the necessary software. One nice touch was the 3 year warranty that many are bound to welcome; though of course, the card supplied and the evidence of purchase has to be kept safe for all those years to claim it. Bad luck?

Our experience with the Scan Tool

Upon receiving our unit, we delayed no more, and inserted the CD-ROM into a laptop to get it up and running on it. There were no problems in installation and even the most amateur users will find their way around the installer by a few clicks. If you find yourself stuck somewhere, you can always grab the Quick-Start Guide that comes bundled with the unit itself to find out how to install the supplied proprietary software.

Now, what if you don’t have a laptop? You can’t carry your desktop computer around after all. To address this issue, OBDLink has made available software for iPhone and Android that can enable you to read all the data directly from your vehicle’s on-board computer on your handheld device. With a few tweaks and extra installations, we were able to run the software on both an iPhone and an Android device, with no complaints whatsoever.

The vehicles we tested included one from General Motors and a Ford, and the experience was seamless on both of them, with graphs and codes appearing on our screens without any visible lag or distortion. However, compatibility issues have been reported on many forums with Nissan cars, despite the claims of widespread compatibility. We ran it on a Nissan X-Trail and it certainly showed certain issues like the occasional stutter and lack of clarity in the graphs here and there. This doesn’t quite make it a negative point for the OBDLink, as additional software can be made available online like it is available for Ford, GM and Mazda, but for a little extra charge nevertheless. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for certain Nissan users certainly, but the issue can still be addressed. Our hopes are quite high.

The small tool leaves us quite optimistic with its overall great and intuitive user interface. The desktop software has split-screen viewing enabled, with tabs on the left. Details are displayed for each of them when you click them. There is diagnostics, logs and a dashboard which is customizable to suit your needs. It is very easy to operate, and even an amateur can set up and monitor the vehicle’s readings easily.

For some extra cost, you can get the Pro version of the ScanXL software, or ScanMaster, among other proprietary software made available for the tool online, which enables additional features like access to many of the sensors installed in vehicles; like the ABS, BCM, TCS and PCM modules. Keep in mind that sensors are manufacturer-specific and that’s the reason for the several manufacturer-specific add-ons rather than a one-for-all solution. So regardless of the make and model you use, for around $350, OBDLink can provide a near professional system in your car to monitor its performance, receive data from the on-board computer, and view diagnostics and graphs among a lot of other stuff.

The three options of connectivity that it comes with ensure that you’re never out of touch with your car’s performance, regardless of your monitoring device. The scan tool supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the latest Bluetooth standards (reverse compatible with the previous versions as well) as well as standard and usually more preferred, USB connectivity.

Verdict

After using the Scantool OBDLink for some time and exploring most of its features, we have come to the conclusion that even though it has its fair share of inconveniences, it will prove to be a very handy tool for anyone who picks it up to monitor their vehicle’s performance. With all connectivity options duly covered, and a wide range of additional software available for the scan tool itself, it is not something that can go unnoticed by the masses. One might want to reconsider for older Nissan models, but otherwise, the tool will be handy addition to your collection of gadgets for your car, as monitoring your car’s performance is important to ensure the smooth functioning of it. It earns extra points for its software support too. Even if the price appears too high to some, the software is promising and delivers what it promises to, so you’re unlikely to regret your purchase.

Everyone knows urban driving can be stressful, it just doesn’t compare with being on the open highway or tight mountain roads for enjoyment and relaxation. If traffic jams don’t elevate your pulse, in a bad way, you can bet you’re going to experience being cut off, struggling to find a parking space, the tenseness of someone flipping you the bird, and any number of other road rage or road stress actions. Urban driving is hardly a recipe for a zenlike lifestyle.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) have some tips they recommend all urban drivers pay attention to, you may remember some of them from before you got your license, but a lot of us tend to forget about stressless driving in our rush to get from A to B. The AAA tips don’t necessarily require learning how to drive all over again, they simply take some good manners, add the best techniques of NASCAR, and throw in a bit of technology for a safer more peaceful commute.

Commuting on city bound highways is probably where most road rage originates, usually congestion is caused by an accident ahead, but often is simply due to lack of capacity on off-ramps, or cars failing to merge correctly as they enter the stream.

Using the cruise control installed in your vehicle won’t help in bumper to bumper traffic, but in lighter traffic where you have space to maneuver it’s a real stress killer. Evidence has shown that if more people used cruise control, which avoids speed increases and braking, traffic generally flows more smoothly. Drivers have longer to anticipate what other cars around them are doing, and make appropriate adjustments to avoid stressful situations. Fuel consumption is also reduced, and that can help save a few dollars for each fill of the gastank.

On highways, merging traffic causes blood vessels to pop, in a figurative sense, and if more people would merge correctly, our roads would be safer and probably lead to less congestion. The trick of course is to gauge your speed so that you enter traffic before or after the vehicle in front of you, rather than try to out maneuver them. Professional race drivers know if there is no clear road ahead, overtaking is pointless, it is better to drive in tandem using the car ahead as a wind break until such time as it is safe to pass, and our highways are no different. Less stress really does mean having patience in the merge.

Remember the simple rules you learned in Driver’s Ed, to merge properly, keep some distance between you and the car ahead, don’t be selfish, let other drivers merge in front of you. If congestion occurs and you’re forced to a stop, leave a bit of space ahead, visually seeing road between you and the car ahead helps relax stressed out drivers. Don’t get nasty and reduce the gap between vehicles, let other drivers merge and keep the traffic flowing.

Getting the zen of urban driving isn’t easy, sure we all learn to drive in town, but busy city streets aren’t a walk in the park. When was the last time you saw someone successfully parallel park without blocking two lanes as they backed up? Do other drivers know the rules of who goes first on a 4-way intersection? Any confident driver is going to know how to navigate urban streets, but a lot of drivers seem to have trouble.

Stop signs are a perennial problem as drivers look to their left, but often fail to realize they have right of way, or the person to their left is turning right and is stopped at a give way. Knowing who has precedence, and giving the other driver a few seconds to pass is a surefire way to avoid nasty road rage and the other driver chasing you along several city blocks just to cut you off. Those kinds of drivers are best avoided, and the best way to do that is to let them have some clear road ahead of them. It’s always safer to be behind them and keep your distance, than to have them tail gate your car flashing their lights in your eyes.

As for parallel parking, surveys show some of the worst drivers aren’t women or the elderly, they’re actually the guys who insist on taking a space too small for their car and then have to back in several times before they finally wedge in with inches to spare or give up and accelerate down the street to find the next space. Be aware that these drivers will often get frustrated, can be rude or aggressive toward other drivers, and may encourage you to enter the oncoming lane to pass them. Giving them space to complete their parallel park avoids danger and reduces their overall stress.

Learn to become proficient at navigating car parks, where a significant percentage of dings and car vs pedestrian accidents happen. How many times has a shopping cart or inconsiderate walker nearly caused you to hit another vehicle or obstacle? Most often this occurs because we’re slowly scoping the lot for that sweet spot near the mall entrance, and so is every other driver.

The crazy thing is that is we park further away from the entrance, maybe on the outskirts of the lot, or closer to the exit and then walk we actually get into the mall quicker, and coincidentally avoiding all that stress of losing a park to the car ahead. Mall carparks are typically smaller than your car needs, filled with obstacles or speed humps, and too crowded for comfort says the AAA, so why not plan ahead and head away from the congestion and pedestrians to a quieter part of the lot.

Finally, for added peace while driving, be aware that using a cellphone or listening to loud music can distract you so you don’t notice other vehicles closing that gap or slowing ahead of you. Nobody likes the panic that comes from having to brake suddenly, so let those calls go to message, turn down the volume, and let your road awareness give you a stressfree drive.

In a country with as large a population as China, luxury car manufacturers have in recent years increased their showroom presence and marketing efforts to capture a slice of a growing market that has the potential to dwarf US or European high end vehicle sales, not just amongst China’s many millionaires, but also amongst communist party officials and other government bureaucrats.

With corruption rife and laws that protect party elites from scrutiny, buyers of luxury cars see no reason to curtail their expenditure, with some unofficial estimates saying the Chinese government spent over $15 billion on cars last year, though exact numbers of luxury and high end cars isn’t known.

So prevalent is the purchase of expensive foreign manufactured cars many activists are now photographing excess and uploading pictures of government owned cars to private websites and social media networks in an effort to encourage more accountability from civil servants. At the communist party headquarters in Beijing a frequently seen ultra-luxury vehicle is a chocolate brown Bentley Mulsanne with all gold trim and all the options rumoured to be worth $560,000.

Police in China are not immune from demanding expensive foreign built automobiles, apparently the top officials in the riot and crowd control police in Beijing also have Bentley cars, though theirs are blue, and can be seen entering and leaving the police headquarters building carpark. Shanghai police recently bought 22 BMW 5 series sedans for use during the 2010 World Expo, and Mercedes-Benz SUVs and Porsche Cayennes have been described as highly prized for police officers whose young children need to be transported safely to school rather than risk using overcrowded school buses.

Amongst middle ranking bureaucrats the Audi A6 priced between $50,000 to $100,000 is the most popular car ratcheting up more than 20,000 units sold in the last few years giving the car the reputation for being the unnofficial ‘official car’ of the communist party.

Using government bought luxury cars for official business might be understandable, however critics of the communist party say officials who have been allocated cars see their use as including personal trips to shops, family holidays, and even for use by spouses whilst officials are in the office working.

Whilst the extravagance of the Chinese communist party seems shocking, the habit of supplying officials with better quality things dates back to the 1940s when perks such as nicer houses, cars, lakeside holidays, and tailored clothing were allocated based on seniority. As China has embraced economic reforms, many party officials feel that imported cars, and especially imported luxury cars, allow them to maintain a level of status that competes with private business people.

China’s defence ministry isn’t immune, and is reported to own one or several black Maserati’s which retail for more than $300,000 per car. A popular joke in China is that generals need to be able to get to the frontline in any war quickly, and Italian supercars are the most efficient vehicle of choice. A cynic might comment that etting away from the frontline would be a better use for an unarmed and poorly armored fast car.

Global accounting giant KPMG have released their annual survey of motor industry insiders, summarizing their findings as “The world is moving from car ownership to car usership”, a perhaps not surprising assessment given the general trend to mass public transport, city dwelling, and the rollout of personal public transport as used at major airports.

Citing responses from their survey, KPMG state there is a perception within the auto industry that tomorrow’s drivers won’t want to drive at all, and will be even less interested in owning their vehicle. Prevailing opinion is that drivers will become passengers in self-driven vehicles, thus freeing up time to catch up on emails, read the news, or use the built-in connectivity for video chatting with friends.

If this future eventuates, major carmakers could find themselves facing new competition from IT-based companies that have better access to software developers and mapping tools. Certainly corporations like Google and IBM have been active in testing driverless technology with existing vehicles, but how long will it be until they start designing their own cars.

With changing uses of automobiles, the question will be raised, are traditional carmakers capable of adapting to please the market, or will they need to start partnering with IT companies and smaller niche design workshops to retain their market dominance?

At the same time, designers are asking if internal combustion engines are suitable in cars that will need to be precisely controlled by artificially aware drivers. Future success will likely demand alternative power generation for vehicles from the biggest manufacturers who already have economies of scale.

Electric vehicles are expected to become the dominant form of motoring in the coming decades, and already some major carmakers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda amongst the first to bring a vehicle to dealer showrooms.

Lighter weight bodies and vehicle trim will be required for electric motors, failing which, batteries will remain large and wasteful, thus reducing usefulness as charge times necessarily remain high.Some designers have hoped for hydrogen powered cars, but with faster advances in battery technology and carbon fiber bodies coming into mainstream, electric vehicles seem to be winning the race.

New developments in energy recapture from brakes, and less need for heavy power steering systems as vehicles transition to driverless mode means electric vehicles, or vehicles with electric power trains, will be standard.

Most significantly, the further trend to megacities, higher traffic congestion, and street parking bans is fueling demand, presently unmet except by taxi, for car users to hail and ride, rather than invest in expensive garage places and ongoing vehicle insurance.

Demographically more than 50% of the world’s population now live in cities, this number is rising, and huge megacities such as Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Lagos are making changes to vehicle design an imperative.

However, with traffic congestion being an issue, and too few parking spaces being available, there is some speculation car manufacturers may need to expand their leasing divisions and offer car usership with sharing of vehicles for people not able or willing to buy.

Car companies would in effect become both manufacturers and service providers. KPMG coin the phrase “intelligent mobility services”, which would include a driverless vehicle leased for a time slot, internet connectivity suitable for video streaming and browsing, and journey planning.

Driverless vehicles bring their own challenges and opportunities, not least is where to store them and how to hail them, with smartphone apps or partnerships with mobile phone companies being the two obvious solutions, leading to KPMG speculating that demand from motor companies for prime curbside real estate for short term parking or pickup and drop-off points.

Executives in the automotive industry have begun to realize that with or without driverless vehicles, more people are demanding ‘always on’ connectivity, and as vehicles enter production with more safety features such as road ahead awareness, available parking spots, traffic adjusted speed etc we can expect integrated passenger connectivity to be provided as well.

All of this implies more complex industries, the question is will automakers become vertically integrated corporations buying up niche suppliers to compete against each other, or will they prefer partnerships that are more fluid?

What will happen to barriers of entry into the automotive market, will smaller niche manufacturers be able to stay independent, or could a new paradigm evolve where smaller manufacturers, property investors, and software designers partner up? A raft of new players are poised to enter the market, notably from developing countries like China and India.

Globally these manufacturers haven’t yet flexed their muscles and are known for producing cars based on older western models, but as happened with Eastern European manufacturers, so too will it happen with developing world producers, they will begin to employ their own designers, and compete in the same space as American, Japanese, and European carmakers.

To date the bigger existing carmakers have kept new technology development in-house, buying in expertise when needed or employing graduate engineers and training them up, particularly when it comes to emissions, noise, monocoque design, brakes, steering. It seems reasonable to assume established carmakers would prefer to continue in-house development.

Exactly what this means for the industry in the next few decades is a matter of opinion, yet it can’t be denied innovative approaches to motoring are being seen outside of traditional carmaking. Suppliers and inventors of technologies needed for electric cars for example carbon fiber and battery technology are also realizing that close partnerships with larger corporations may in fact not be in their best interests.

Expect to see more cooperation between design or engineering studios and carmakers and spare parts suppliers. In this new urban reality, carmakers are discovering old paradigms no longer work as well as they did, and a younger generation is more comfortable with an iphone in their hand than a steering wheel.

Industry executives have a steep learning curve ahead of them if they aim to keep their companies relevant in the 21st century, and for the first time, some may face serious tests of viability as they rush to introduce electric or alternatively powered vehicles to a market hungry for change.

It would seem logical that roads with the highest flow of traffic would offer the highest risk of serious accident or fatality to motorists.  In actual fact this couldn’t be further from the truth; by far the most dangerous stretches of road in the UK are the many A roads that crisscross the country in a hazardous network offering up sharp corners, concealed junctions and poor road surfaces for the unsuspecting motorist.

Car insurance premiums continue to rise each year, in part, due to the ever increasing cost of claims settlement; made worse by the compensation nation in which we find ourselves.  Coupled with increases on insurance tax it makes the use of comparison sites ever more important when searching for car insurance quotes at renewal time.

Some motorway networks can of course also carry increased risks over others and this is an area that Scotland seems to do less well in.  Due in main to many highways being remote with steep falls and stone walls in places which present many hazards to a motorist unfamiliar with the roads.

Focussing on the top 10 most dangerous A roads in the UK, ranked by accidents per km stretch of road, the following make the top 10 (information sourced and adapted from a survey by the Road Safety Foundation):

Road crashes currently cost the country around £18bn each year, the high cost coming from the deployment of emergency services and post-crash healthcare.  Yet a large percentage of this could be saved by instigating a few simple measures on the worst offending road stretches.

Adding better signage, improved road markings and anti-skid coating have all been proven to dramatically decrease the risk of accident on some of the UK’s worst stretches of road but this has only been implemented in a very small number of cases.

If any of this has shocked you or you happen to travel on one of the above roads on a regular basis then don’t worry, these simple measures can make all the difference to your safety; Moderate your speed and stick to signed limits, double-check your mirrors several times before making a manoeuvre or leaving a junction and – above all – treat every other road user as a potential hazard.

Nano coating for car glass is available at specialized stores as well as online but it greatly varies in quality and durability from manufacturer to manufacturer. Unfortunately, nano coating for car glass has a shelf life and after a certain time period you need to apply a new protective coating. Durability of nano coatings greatly varies and typically lasts between 4 months and 1 year depending on frequency of driving.

Before applying nano protective coating to your car glass you need to clean all glass surfaces very well. Sometimes nano coating comes with a special cleaning cloth which removes dirt and even oil with cold water only. If not, you are highly recommended to get one because cleaning with chemical agents might decrease the effect of nano coating as well as its durability.

Reputation

Reputation is the first thing you want to check, and then you have checked the cost, equipment and method. If the company does not have a highly regarded reputation, you do not want to ship your vehicle with that company. You can ask for references and call the Department of Transportation, which keeps files on all licensed shipping companies. If the car delivery service has a license, the DOT will have a file on the company. If any complaints are filed, this is where you will find out that information. After the companies pass this test, you can then check the method and inspect the equipment.

Checking the Shipping Method and Equipment

Check with the car delivery service to see what type of shipping method that they use. Then you should inspect the equipment to make sure it looks sound for travel. You can check a few different companies, because the next thing you want to do is check the cost and time it will take for the shipment to arrive at its destination. After you have inspected the equipment and have a few companies in mind, you can then discuss the cost of shipping.

Cost of Shipping

Check with each car delivery service to see what method of shipment you could use and how much it will cost. Make sure to ask questions about any costs that may occur that are not listed on the contract. You do not want to sign a contract for a specific cost and fine out later that there are some hidden costs associated with the shipping upon arrival. Make sure that you have everything in writing and that the cost is what you can afford. After you have this information, you can decide which company to use for shipping your vehicle.

Before you decide what car delivery service to use, you have to do some checking to make sure that the company is reputable and can give you the lowest cost. You should never take the first company you see because you want to compare and make sure that the equipment is up to standards. Take your time and find out all the necessary information before you decide on a car transport company. In the end, you will be happy that you did. Your shipment is important and it takes time to find the right company.

The Interior of the Car

The interior of the car should be the first place that you inspect. You will want to make note of anything that is wrong inside. You should note if there is nothing wrong with the interior as well. It is always a good idea to take pictures so that you have documented proof of the condition. You should also remove or secure any belonging in the car. If you have a radar protector, loose speakers or any other items that are not mount and secured, they should be removed. This is not just for your own protection, but it deters theft if the objects are not easy to grab.

The Exterior

Make a note of any issues on the exterior of the car. Take picture of any damage. If there is no damage, take pictures of each side, the front and the back of the car. Keep these pictures with any notes that you take. If you have expensive tires and rims on the car, you should take pictures of these as well.

Inexpensive automobile transporters are not going to steal or damage the car, but there are times when the car made be out of their view. This is what you should note the condition of the car. If something would happen, you will have documentation of the condition. This is also needed for any potential insurance claims you might file.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If something would happen to the car, you will have notes and pictures of the condition of the car before it left your possession. This is important if you have to file a claim and the inexpensive automobile transporters or the expensive car delivery service disputes that claims. You will be able to show proof of the cars condition. Then if the insurance company has any questions, you can produce the pictures of the condition of the car.

If you are planning to use inexpensive automobile transporters or even expensive car delivery services, you should document the condition of the car before it leaves your possession. This will be your proof of the condition of the car if you need to file an insurance claim. If any disputes arise, you will have the proof. Always take personal belongings out of the car and secure any items, which could be removed easily. This information is only to protect you in the event something would happen in shipping of the vehicle.

Car Dollies

Car dollies are one way to move cars a short distance. If you are moving a car and you have no special requirements, this might be one way to move a car, but you do risk potential damage from the road and the elements. Most car transporters do not recommend this method of transportation. This would also be the cheap car delivery service, but the potential for damage is higher.

Containers

The enclosed containers are more for cars that are high end or collectors. They are also for cars that are moving to other countries. These containers are used to secure the cars and make it easier for importing and exporting. The containers are sealed before leaving port and are not open until they arrive in the scheduled destination. One way you can ensure a safe transport of your auto is by using an enclosed container. This method may be more expensive, but it is well worth the cost to protect your vehicle.

Rack Truck Transporters

Rack trucks can transport cars around the country on trucks that haul from one to eight cars at a time. The rack trucks are inexpensive automobile transporters because the car is not contained, but is not on the road as it is with a car dolly. You can find many companies that offer this type of service from city to city or state to state.

Flat Trucks

If you have a car to move and you are looking for car transporters, you might consider a company that moves vehicles on a flat truck. This method of transportation may be more expensive than another method because usually only one vehicle is move at a time. Some trucks are large enough to move two vehicles if that is your need. Rarely does a flat truck move multiple own autos unless specified by both owners.

When the time comes to move a vehicle, you want to choose car transporters that have the right method of movement that fits your needs. If you are moving a vehicle out of the country, a container is the most secure way. If you are moving within your country, you might consider the car dollies, rack truck or a flat truck. Every situation is different and even if you choose the most inexpensive car transporters, you still have to consider the other issues such as insurance and the time it takes to move the automobile to the destination you select.

The Price

The cost is a factor when you are deciding which car transporters to use. You wan the best service, but you also need something that you can afford. It is possible to find inexpensive auto transporters that can move you auto to a new town state or country. The way they ship your car is where the cost plays a part as well as where you are shipping the car. The best way to find the cheapest car delivery service is to check with as many services as you can find. Also, consider the method of shipping and insurance when considering the cost.

The Method

How your car is transported will play into the cost of shipping. You should always choose the correct car transporters to minimize damage. If you have a corvette, you are going to want to ship that car in an enclosed container or one that will protect it from the elements. If you have a every day car that just needs to get from one point to another, you may not need a enclosed container, but rather a car dolly or truck transporter that transports more than one car at a time. If there are more cars going your way on one truck, this could result in a discount for shipping.

The Insurance

Always have the insurance on your car. The car transporters should have insurance in the event that something would happen to your car. This is on top of your own auto insurance. If they have problems or your car is damaged, you need there insurance to cover the damage not your insurance. You need to talk with the car delivery service to find out what insurance they have and if the cost of that insurance is passed into you. If it is, then you may need to check other companies to see how they handle the cost of the insurance.

Car Transporters can be inexpensive if you choose the right company. What you do not want to do is give up reputation and satisfaction for a savings. This could result in problems for you when the car is delivered. If you need inexpensive car transporters, you have to compare the different companies and ask about the price, method of movement and the insurance. Once you have all the information, you can decide which company to use. Then you will have piece of mind when transporting a car with a car delivery service.

Inspect the Equipment

Before deciding if the car transporters are right for you needs, you need to inspect the equipment that will ship your vehicle. Whether this is a container, truck or car dolly, you need to make sure that the equipment in good condition. You can check the containers for holes and even dents. Although dents can come from shipping on boats and in shipping yards, you still want to know the possibilities. If the containers have holes, this might be a way for the elements to get inside or something else.

The trucks that move your car should be inspected for any flaws. This might include tires, rack sturdiness and overall condition. You do not want to ship your car in or on something that does not look like it could make the trip anywhere. Car dollies should be checked for overall condition.

Check References

Before deciding on the right car transporter and you have checked the equipment, ask for references. Most companies will have a few numbers that you can check with before committing to their service. When you check the references, be sure to find out if the shipment was on time and if not, why? Then ask for the overall satisfaction with the company and if the person would use this car delivery service again. Then ask if the car arrived without damage. This is the big one.

After you have all the answers for the companies that you are considering, you can choose the car transporters by cost. The price might be a determining factor in whether you use the specific company or not. If the equipment passes inspection and the references check out, you can easily decide on which company to use for sure. Then you can judge by the pricing. One company may be more expensive, but another company might be the inexpensive auto transporter that meets your requirements.

Just remember that before deciding on car transporters for your needs, you should check the references, method of transportation and price. You should also find out the condition of the equipment used to move your car. Take your time and do not rush into a decision unless you have covered all the basics. You will be happier when your car arrives at its destination if it is in one piece with no damage. That is what a reputable car transporter does when you use their services.

Type of Insurance Coverage

It is important to know what the insurance covers. The insurance should cover loss in the event of a fire or accident, damage no matter how small it may be and if your car is lost, it must cover replacement. These are important factors to consider when you are shipping a car anywhere. In the event an accident would occur and you car would be damaged, the company must have insurance to cover it. Read the insurance policy very carefully before signing any papers.

Licenses and Insurance

A reputable company that operates a car transport service must have a license to do so. This means that they must have insurance as required by the specific state. They also must have a license and insurance to transport out of the state and the country. If you do not see any insurance or a license, you may want to look for another car delivery service for your shipping needs.

Many insurance companies only provide the basic insurance. You must make sure that you know what that insurance covers. Some companies also require you to buy additional insurance on your car while in shipping. This does not have to be expensive, but could be depending on what the car transporter provides upfront.

In some cases, you can have a rider attached to your current car insurance policy that will cover any damages during shipping. This will cost you a little more money, but in some cases, it may be cheaper than buying insurance through the car delivery service insurance provider. You need to make sure that you know what type of coverage it is that you are getting and from where before signing any contracts. This is the most important aspect of shipping a car that will be out of your sight until delivery.

A car transport service can come in handy when you need to ship a car. The only thing that you need to remember is to check the insurance coverage after you have checked everything else. Make sure that you know exactly what is covered and what is not covered before signing any papers. You want to make sure that your vehicle is covered for anything no matter how small it may be or how large. The car transport company you choose will have to supply you a copy of the insurance as well. Keep this with you at all times until you have delivery of the car and inspect it.

Securing the Car for Transport

Because the car is going to be exposed to the elements and there is no security that you would have with an enclosed container, you will have to make sure that all of you belongings all out of the car. Any GPS units, radar detectors or visible speakers should be removed for the trip. This is just a precautionary measure and may not be required by the auto transporters. You also have to give the keys to the driver, which should include a door and ignition key. Make sure that you document any damage inside and outside of the car if any before it is loaded on the truck.

Insurance for Transport

The auto transporter will have insurance for the car transport, but you should also have insurance from the company in case something would happen in transport. There could be rocks thrown up, or hail storms along the way or maybe an accident. You have to make sure that your automobile transporter will cover any damage or loss in the event something happens. You will more than likely have to buy the additional insurance from the car delivery service that you are using unless you can get a rider on your current car insurance.

Flat Bed Auto Transporters

If you have just one or two cars to move, you might be able to use a flat bed truck for shipping. This will be a little more expensive that a rack truck, but it will always be just your cars on the truck until delivery. This is a way to ship from city to city or even out of state. You do have to make sure that the truck that will transport the car or cars is in good condition. You should also find out what the policy is for damage.

If you are moving a car and need a quick way to transport it, you can use this method of shipping. Auto transporters have various methods for shipping cars, but this method may be inexpensive compared to a container. Make sure the insurance is right for coverage, do an inspection before, and after you receive delivery. You want to have documentation for any flaws in the car before it leaves and then check it when you receive it. Always make sure to remove valuables from the car so that there is not possibility for theft or damage.

Displaying the License

The car transport service must display the licenses required by the state and the federal government in order to run a business. They must have a state tax stamp, federal Identification number and an operator’s license for International shipping. They must also have any licenses required by their local government. You should always make sure that the company you are dealing with has the proper licenses and insurance. The two go together where a car delivery service is concerned.

Import/Export Licenses

If the car transport imports or exports cars, they must have the license to do so. The only way your shipment can ship out or into a country is by a company that meets the necessary requirements. It is not possible for a company to ship an automobile out or into a company with the proper license. Keep this in mind if you are shipping internationally. They also must follow the strict guidelines for imports and exports.

Cars that are imported or exported must meet the requirements of the specific country. The car transport company should have a list of requirements for you so that you can make sure the car meets all the requirements. Some countries will require special mechanical requirements as well as insurance. The car delivery services should be able to help you with these issues.

Before you ship a car, you must make sure that it meets all the requirements of the state or country before the car arrives. If you are buying a car somewhere else and having it shipped to you, you can request the help of a local car transport if they have the license to work with imports and exports. This can help you if you do not know the specific laws pertaining to imports.

Just a few things to remember when you need a car transport company are to check for insurance, check for all the specific licenses and make sure that they know the import and export requirements before trying to ship your car. This information will avoid any delays in the arrival of your car. If you need help making sure the car is ready for importing and exporting, ask the car delivery service for the requirements for the specific location. As always, make sure the company has a good reputation dealing with car transports and any issues that may arise.

Inspect the Interior

Before the car leaves you, make sure to inspect the interior. You want to note anything inside the car that is damaged or flawed in any way. The last thing you want to do is blame a car transporter company for something that was already done. You should check the seats, dashboard and the floor. You should also check the trunk and not what is in the trunk such as a tire iron, spare tire and anything else that should remain with the car.

Check the Exterior

Walk around the car and check the body. Make notes of any scratches, dents and other flaws. Look underneath the car and inspect the exhaust, transmission and the overall condition. Then check the tires and the rims. Make sure you note the size of the tires and the type of rims you have.

Videos and Pictures

Before you get the car ready to ship, take a video and some pictures so that if anything would happen to the car in transport, you have a record of what the car looked like before shipping. This can be important if the company or the insurance company would debate the damage that may have occurred. This is not always the cases, but it is better to safe and have everything documented.

Reporting Any Problems

When you use a car transport company, it is important that you inspect the car before releasing the car delivery service. This is something that you can do with the operator standing by. It is important that you note any problems and report it to the delivery operator before he or she leaves. The operator should write down any issues you have and you should do the same. This information should be document on the delivery receipt and signed by both parties.

After you note any issues, you and the company will report it to the insurance company. The car transport should have given you a copy of the insurance policy with the name and telephone number of the company. This company will talk with the car transport and decide if the issues are payable or not. This is where the videos and pictures can in handy. You will be able to proof if any damage existed before the car was in shipping. You will have everything you need to show watch issues arose in shipment and the condition of the car before it left your sight. This is very important.

Special Conditions

If you need a shipping container with something special such a plastic sheet and carpeting down on the floor of the container, you can discuss this with the auto transporters. For the most part, they will be able to accommodate you, but you may have to supply the plastic and the carpet. Many collectors and owners of high end cars will request this service because of the condition of the car. If you have a car in mint condition, you wan to make sure that the shipping process is done with no damage or moisture getting on the car.

Sealing the Container

The container should be sealed in your presence if possible. This will ensure that your car and the container are leaving your sight as it was when you watched the car being loaded. The auto transporters will then close and secure the doors of the container. A seal is put on the doors, usually through two latches, one from each door that meet in the middle. The seal number is written on the shipping bill. Make sure that the number matches when you receive your copy of the bill.

Unsealing the Container

The container should remain sealed at all times. The only time that the seal should be removed is when you or another person responsible for the shipment is present. You should have you copy of the bill handy so that you can compare the seal number.

If the number is different, report this to the auto transporters and the operator that is releasing the shipment. Then make sure to inspect the shipment thoroughly. At this time, you can see if there are any problems with the car and report them to the operator. All issues must be reported before you sign off on the bill of lading.

Auto transporters can ship your cars in style or in normal conditions. You are the one that can choose which way is the best for your specific needs. Make sure that you see the seal being applied and removed. If there is any confusion, make sure that you report the problems right away before signing any other papers.

Use reputable auto transporters and you should have no problems with any shipments that you send anywhere in the world as long as they are licensed to move your property to that area. Look for a car delivery service that will make sure everything is done professionally.

Container Shipping

The container is a train car or cargo box. This method is used for international shipping and in some cases, point to point shipping within the country. The cargo box is a sealed container that protects your vehicle while it is in transport. The auto transporter company will seal the container and make necessary arrangements for import and export papers if the shipment is shipping overseas. Car collectors or people that own expensive vehicles often use this method.

Rack Trucking

Many auto transporter companies offer transport on a rack truck. This type of truck can hold about eight vehicles. This type of shipping method is usually done within the country and may offer a lower price if the company has many deliveries along the way to your destination. Each vehicle is loaded according to the drop off location and time. As many as eight cars or as few as two cars can be transported at a time.

Flat Bed Trucks and Car Dollies

This method is used by an auto transport company when a customer wants to get a vehicle somewhere within the country fast. The car is usually the only one on the truck and is driven straight through to the destination. This is great for someone that needs a quick delivery. The flat bed trucks could possibly haul to vehicles on the same truck depending the make and size of the vehicles.

The car dolly is a tow behind type of shipment. The car’s front wheels are off the ground and the back tires are rotating during transport. This can be a less expensive way to ship, but the chances of damage are higher than other methods of shipping. An auto company does rent these car dollies to those that wish to tow there own vehicles behind a truck or another vehicle.

If you are looking for an auto transport company, you should examine each method of shipping before deciding which one will meet your needs. If you are shipping internationally, you will definitely need to use a container. However, local shipping within the same country could mean that you can use any of these methods of shipping. You have to weigh the options and think about the time that you need the vehicle delivered within. There are a few other things to consider including insurance when you are shipping a vehicle anywhere. You want your vehicle to arrive undamaged and on time as well.

Secure Shipping

If you are moving a car overseas, you will want to ship it in a container. This not only insures that the car gets to the location without any damage. It is also ready to pass import and export requirements. You can almost bet that the car will be in perfect condition when it arrives at the destination. The company that transports the car will be licensed and insured. You will also have to buy your own insurance, but the company has insurance in case something happens that is beyond their control. This insurance is normally liability. You may need to purchase separate insurance to protect the car in case of theft or something else.

Sealed Containers

The auto transporters know the requirements and laws regarding international shipping. This is a plus if you are not familiar with import and export laws. They can get the shipment ready and deal with the paperwork that is necessary to transport to another country. They can also advise you as to the regulations for cars entering into other countries. Some countries have special requirements for cars before they can be delivery to that specific country. Car delivery services have to know the countries they ship to and the regulations. They also know what documents are needed and if there will be any import or export tax.

The auto transporters will make sure that any way you choose to ship you car, it will be the best way to get it there without incident. You can rely on the company to make sure that the car delivery is on time and if a delay is expected, they will take the time to notify you ahead of time. They take pride in their work and offer discounts for some of their services. They can pack your container shipment or they can arrange a place for storage if you need it. They take their business seriously and always want to do what the customer needs.

If you are planning to ship your car with auto transporters, you should use a service that has references and a reputation for excellence. If you need to ship something fast, you should always find out what company can ship your car the quickest. Remember that there are reputable inexpensive auto transporters that can ship your car with no problems. Take your time and make the right decision before deciding which company to use. Also check their policies for delivery as far as who has to be present and you will have a good experience.

Conditions of Shipping

You need to know if there are any special instructions for shipping your car with the specific company. It is possible that some auto transporter services will not take collector cars or high-end cars. They might not take vans or trucks. You need to find out which company can transport your specific vehicle. You also must know if there are any hidden costs at the time of delivery. This can be a problem if you think you have paid everything in full at the time of shipping. Check all the terms and conditions of a bill of lading before agreeing to anything.

Time Delays

Find out what type of policy the auto transporter has for delayed shipments. Sometimes things happen that no one could possibly have control over. Then there could be times when the operator is just late because of his own reasons. You need to know how the company handles time delays when you are expecting your shipment on time and it does not arrive. Make sure that you understand the policies and what you should do if your delivery is late. See if the company has any discounts for late shipment arrivals. You need to cover every angle when you are using a car delivery service.

Drivers for Trucks

If you are sending your car on a truck, you want to make sure that the driver has a good driving record and is responsible. This sounds a little out there, but the truth is that some companies can operate a little under radar. Make sure that you use only a company with displayed licenses for both local and state-to-state transport. A company that has all the correct licenses should have reputable drivers. Just make sure that you ask for references and take the time to call them as well.

If you have a need to use an auto transporter for, then you want to make sure that the company has a good reputation and the licenses that are required by law. The inexpensive auto transporters will be just as good as the more expensive companies as long as they pass your inspection. Make sure to always check the shipping and receiving procedures and what the policies are for delayed deliveries. You can find a good auto transporter as long as you ask questions and no what to expect from them and what they expect from you as well.

Insurance

The auto transporter should have insurance. This insurance will cover the vehicle if something would happen while shipping. This insurance in most cases does not cover the vehicle in a way that protects you in the event the vehicle becomes totaled. You will want to have additional insurance that will cover you. The auto transporters should be able to set up an additional coverage plan for you or you might find it cheaper to set up through your own auto insurance company. In any case, you want to make sure that in the event that something would happen, your vehicle is covered fully.

Licenses

Check the licenses of the auto transport company before you do anything. The company should have all necessary licenses to ship in a manner that you need. If you are shipping out of state, the company must have that particular license. If you are shipping internationally, make sure that the company has that particular license. They should also have the necessary import/export documents and the necessary insurance to cover the shipment. Always make sure that the company that you use has a god record as well.

Check the Department of Transportation

Before you decide on an auto transporter, make sure that the DOT does not have any grievances on file against the shipping company. This can save you a lot of aggravation. If the company has a file, you will want to know the reasons and what has been done. To check the credentials of a car delivery company is free to a potential customer. This information can tell you about the driving records and any complaints file against a company. You need to know this information before selecting a company to transport your vehicle.

If you are looking for an auto transport company, you should remember that the cost is not the only consideration. You must check the available shipping methods and the companies insurance and licenses. Then check the DOT for any activity on a specific company. This can save you future aggravation and protect your cargo as well. You want to make sure that everything is on the up and up when you are giving your vehicle to a company to ship. They need to have all the necessary licenses and insurance. After that, you can make a decision about the cost of shipping your vehicle to its destination.