Car rentals have become a significant part of our daily lives due to their numerous advantages. Car renting is often required when you want to travel to a place where the benefit of transit is not available or if you are traveling to any destination and it is somewhere outside the city. It is considered as one of the significant and a pocket-friendly ways of transporting to places for corporate or personal uses. Therefore, it is preferred by most of the people as it not only saves you a lot of money but also helps you avoid hassle of depending upon the unpredictable schedule of the public taxis and buses.

However, there are a few things are important to keep in mind while opting for car rentals as there are a lot of important terms and conditions which you should know before getting the service.

Use credit cards
It is important to make sure that you are using a credit card at the time of renting. You might use a debit card for renting the car, but you will have to pay an authorization charge and a considerable extra amount will be added to the cost too. Most car rental companies check credit score to see if you can pay any charges. This policy is no longer valid, and the big rental companies have already left behind those policies. In case if you want to use a debit card for renting a car then, it is best to know about all the elaborate policy of the company from where you want to take the service. This will help you in avoiding any issue of hold on funds.

Costs are if you’re younger
Most car rental services consider those under 25 as a liability to their cars and their goods. So, if you are between 20 and 25, you can rent a car but you will have to pay extra charges. Traveling with someone who is under the age of 25 is not considered as an additional driver by most of the car rentals; thus, it is not necessary to pay any extra charges.

Avoid renting a car at the airport
While looking for car rentals, it is important to understand that renting a car is not possible from everywhere. It is easy to pick a car while at the airport, but this can cause you to pay a premium for selecting the car right after getting off the plane. Most car rental companies are compelled to pay surcharges, and it is unavoidable in case you rent a car from the airport. To avoid such hassles, simply book a cab and get to the car rental service which is away from the airport grounds.

Don’t return the car with an empty tank
When returning the car, don’t forget to fill the tank as it comes under one of the policies of car rental companies. The rental services can refuel the car but it’s the responsibility of the person who booked for the service.

Pay for extra drivers
It is important to keep the number of drivers as low as possible as this is one of the most significant ways to avoid the hassle of paying for extra drivers. Most car rentals charge a daily fee even when the car isn’t driven during the renting period. Several times, the car renting companies mostly waive the spouse or corporate rentals; don’t forget to check the car rental company’s policies since the rules vary.

Drive on paved roads
This is one of the most significant details that most of the people miss out while going through the company policies. It is extremely important to understand that most of the car renting services do not allow taking the car to off roads or unpaved roads. If you think that you want to take the car off road, then it is best if you get collision damage or car rental insurance. It is better if you remain on the paved roads while you are driving a rented car unless you want to pay extra for taking the car to off roads.

These are some of the things which are important to consider if you want to opt for car renting services. You can now enjoy the services of car rental by avoiding unexpected amounts. 

Truck rentals will help you to relax when you are relocating from one place to another. There are various factors you need to keep in mind while renting a truck. It is also essential to take care of your items when renting a truck.

You need to create a packing plan which will help you to determine the type of truck you might need for the purpose. In this article, you will go through some important tips which will help you to choose the right truck rental service for your next move.

The right size
The truck should be able to accommodate all your belongings but should not end up utilizing your entire garage space. Most rental companies offer a wide variety of truck sizes so it is important to choose the right size for your truck rentals. Truck rental companies offer you easy solutions when it comes to choosing the right size of the truck you require for your purpose. There are also several online truck size estimator sites which will help you determine the correct size of the truck you need. If you make a mistake regarding the size of your truck it can result in an additional loss of money.

Estimate your cost and compare rates
You need to conduct a personal survey to estimate the prevailing market rate for your truck rentals. You should also confirm whether the gasoline charges are included in the rental offer and then negotiate your paying terms. Rental companies typically charge by the hour and you need to pay extra if you go the extra mile. Different rental companies charge varying rates for trucks which are dependent on several factors. It is also important to estimate the money you are willing to shell out while opting for truck rental services. It will be easy to arrive at a definite budget if you calculate your cost factors well in advance.

Book early to avoid extra costs
You can get a much better deal if you book your truck well in advance. So, if you are planning to move, it is wiser to start looking for rental companies well in advance for your truck rentals. Timing your move is also important because rental truck rates tend to be high during the summer, that is, from May to September. You might be able to get a far better bargain if you plan to move during offseason.

Verify the reputation of your truck company
It is wiser to do thorough background research about the company you are about to zero in for your truck rentals. Check out the agency’s credentials on various platforms to see whether they have any complaints registered against them. Most reputed rental companies will offer you a detailed testimonial for their services which will help you judge the stature of your moving agency.

Check out the insurance policies
While renting a truck you should have adequate insurance coverage in addition to your renters and homeowners insurances. Your home and auto insurance might provide you some protection but it is essential to look for additional insurance coverage alternatives. There are various kinds of insurance services like damage waivers, liability insurance, and auto-towing protection which you might need for your truck rentals. Your truck company might also offer you some additional insurance coverage to protect your truck from damage. This insurance coverage depends upon the value of your goods you want to move, the weight of the goods and the distance you are likely to travel. So, it is better to ask for various insurance options available from your truck rental company.

Loading and unloading your truck
It is not possible to load and unload your packages all by yourself and thus it is better to ask for professional help for this service. Your truck rentals agency might provide expert loaders or you might have to arrange it yourself. You should also make sure that your truck has enough space for all your items to fit in without squeezing the materials. Pack your items in smaller numbers so that your belongings remain intact and in place. Most rental companies charge a cleaning fee for maintaining your truck and it is important to check it out with your rental agency before signing the agreement papers.

Return options calculations
There are some points that need consideration before choosing truck rentals. You need to check the amount of fuel filled in your truck because you will have to return the truck with the same amount of fuel otherwise you might be penalized. Also, some rental companies offer a refund for early returns of the truck; if you are done with your cargo unloading well before your estimated return, return the truck to get some discounts.

Renting a truck for moving your shipment is a tricky business because there are many parameters you need to consider. These pointers might help you to decide on the type of truck you should rent before shifting your goods.

Automotive lifts, also known as car lifts, are one of the most useful tools used by mechanics at a maintenance or repair shop because most of the work is done underneath the car. Automotive lifts can make your work easier, especially if you are working on brakes and on power train or engines. When thinking about installing automotive lifts, you need to know which type will work best for your vehicles as you need to consider the garage space and the vehicle type, and, of course, the budget.

Here are the factors you need to consider before buying an automotive lift:

Type of vehicle
It is necessary to choose an automotive lift based on the type of vehicle and its weight. Every automotive lift comes with weight limitations. Buy a heavy-duty automotive lift if you own a commercial auto garage or a two-post automotive lift for household garages.

Number of posts
You can choose an automotive lift based on space availability and the intended use. As discussed above, heavier lifts are recommended for commercial purposes and single or two-post automotive lifts for motorcycles, hatchbacks, and sedans. Four posts can be used for pickup trucks and if you have a commercial auto garage, consider installing in-ground automotive lifts as they can be hidden in the shop floors when not in use.

Garage slab considerations
Once you have determined the type of automotive lifts based on your vehicle, you also need to consider the slab thickness. Experts suggest that a garage slab should have at least five inches of thickness to support the weight of the automotive lift when it is in use. You also need to consider the height of the workshop and ensure that the lift can be hoisted without any interruptions.

Ask a specialist
If you are still not sure about the type of automotive lift for your personal or commercial garage, it’s best to consult a specialist or a mechanic. There are many brands such as Triumph, Atlas, BendPak, and Danmar, among others, that manufacture automotive lifts of different types based on the types of vehicles and their intended use. Read their customer reviews before deciding to buy an automotive lift for your vehicle.

Automotive lifts come in all shapes and sizes. The one that matches your requirement depends on your work, circumstances, and location. If you are running a home repair auto shop to fix cars, automotive lifts will vary on the basis of the grade of the equipment, maintenance requirements, the capacity, and the cost. Based on these factors, here are the most common types of automotive lifts you should know about:

Four-post automotive lifts
These are also known as alignment lifts, and they are most commonly used by the automotive repair companies and are mostly used for wheel balancing or alignment. Some four-post home automotive lifts require no anchorage to the floor and hence they can be moved relatively easily when needed using supplied casters.

Two-post automotive lifts
Also called “frame-engaging” lifts, they are available in two types, symmetric and asymmetric automotive lifts. They work great for small a “drive-through” garage where you drive in your vehicle, lift it, fix it, and drive out. If you are using the symmetric two-post automotive lift, ensure that your car does not bump into the posts because of the space constriction. Asymmetric posts are rotated to 30-degree angles and the front arms are shorter than the back arms for a well-balanced weight distribution.

Automotive scissor lifts
They are named as scissor lifts because they lift vehicles with an accordion-like mechanism. The automotive lifts have a metal frame of an “x” shape that is joined to raise the platform. Scissor lifts come in a variety of heights, making them suitable for both home and professional auto repair shops. They can be used for both frame and wheel engaging models.

Portable automotive lifts
These lifts are of big advantage for garages with space constraints as they can be packed and stored in the same garage when not in use. However, portable automotive lifts cannot be used for heavier vehicles such as pickup trucks.

In-ground automotive lifts
The best feature of in-ground automotive lifts is that they can be kept on a level with the ground. They are the best options for truck lifting and are generally more expensive than the conventional automotive lifts as they require stronger hydraulic systems to lift trucks.

Parking lifts
These types of lifts are beneficial for both public and private parking spaces as they give enough parking space vertically. They generally occupy two cars and are smaller than four-post automotive lifts.

A shiny new ATV positively begs to be taken out on a rough trail hike. But for a number of reasons, most of the people tend to overlook the maintenance routine it requires, despite it being a sizeable investment. Although these machines look rugged and durable, they need as much care as a luxury sedan. Considering its exposure to harsh and hostile environments of off-road trials and the rough rides they are subjected to, it is easy to see why. Read the following article as it mentions some of the most important maintenance tips to keep your newly bought ATV in good condition.

Dried mud
It is one of the most prevalent mistakes ATV owners make- failing to clean their ATVs after an adventurous off-roading trip. Riding around a mud-laden ATV not only deepens the dirt into its crevices, but it also harms the shelf life of individual ATV components. The dirt also gets sucked into the fluid and air intake, which reduces its performance. Hence it is necessary to clean your ATV if it is caked with mud. Use a water jet spray to clean the unreachable crevices of the quad and make sure to wipe it dry to avoid rusting of the parts.

Unchanged fluids and filters
Keep an eye on brake fluids and engine oil levels before taking out your ATV for a spin. Oils used in the ATV experience dirt buildup of small particles and debris. This can wreak havoc on your engine and spoil its components. This buildup is reduced using an oil filter. Hence, it is necessary to check the oil filter and clean once every week. Air filters require the same cleaning regimen as riding through mud can clog air intake, thereby reducing engine performance.

Failure to replace the fuel
Gasoline or fuel can degrade or eat the ATV engine inside out if left in intake lines for long periods. If you are storing your ATV for more than 15 days, then add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down or otherwise simply drain the fuel tank.

Low tires and loose bolts
The rough roads can be unforgiving for any vehicle in the long run, and an ATV is no different. The vibration from the rough roads can loosen the bolts and decrease the air pressure in the ATV tires. Hence, before you decide to ride your ATV again check all the components- especially the suspension and steering arrangements to avoid any chances of accidents.

Here’s a statistical fact for you! ATV sales make up for almost 1/3^rd of motorcycle sales in the automobile industry. Although they were initially manufactured to tow heavy payloads through an off-road trail, ATVs quickly gained popularity among recreational riders who love to hit the harsh bumpy off roads for their share of an adrenaline rush. These four-wheeled automobiles are durable, rugged and fun to operate. With technological modifications and revamped looks every year, top automobile companies have created their own line of ATVs where one seems to be better than the other. The following article highlights some of the best ATVs that you should definitely take for a spin before choosing the one that best suits your needs. Read on to find out more:

Can-Am DS 250
The sporty 250cc ATV has a four-stroke, single powered, liquid cooled machine. You can ride the ATV without worrying about shifting gears as it comes with an automatic transmission. It has a front dual A-arm suspension with preload adjustable shocks, resulting in minimum impact even on the bumpiest roads. The DS 250 has an even impressive wheelbase of 47” that come in handy for the steepest turns on the trails. The ATV is roughly priced at $4200.

Honda TRX 250X
Competing with the Canadian-born Can-Am is the only sports ATV under the 250cc range. With a total displacement of 299cc the, TRX 250X has a single-cylinder four-stroke engine that was paired with Honda’s iconic SportCluch technology. It lets you enjoy yourself with the manual and automatic transmission and has a wheelbase of 44,” making it suitable to ride on challenging curves. The ATV has a single A-arm suspension system for comfortable rides. It is costlier than its counterpart Can-Am DS 250 as the showroom price of TRX 250X is around $4700.

Polaris Scrambler XP 1000/850
The All- American ATV manufacturers offer this beast of an ATV for the retail price range of $10k to $13k. It is one of those few 750-pound 4×4 sports ATV with a liquid-cooled, twin four-stroke engine that churns out a galloping horsepower of 90. Scrambler XP comes with two displacement options- 850cc and 1000cc. The dual A-arm suspension and adjustable shocks and disc brakes ensure a comfortable and safe off-roading.

Yamaha Raptor 700
The ATV has got the biggest engine in the two-wheel-drive segment of Quads in the market. It has a single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC plus 4-stroke engine that pumps out a behemoth of a torque. It has high ground-clearance of 4.4”, single rear shock absorber of10.1,” and dual A-arm shock absorbers of 9.1”. The Japanese automobile giants offer a special edition of the ATV in red, white and black color scheme, all hauled up with GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) performance parts. The original version is priced around $8000 whereas, the special edition ATV can be bought for approximately $9100.