Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

Published on: 24 January 2019 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019

If you’ve owned a car for many years, you’ve probably encountered a flashing check engine light at least once. If you haven’t, then you should know that this light indicates trouble. It signifies that there is a problem somewhere in the car.

The trouble is, you don’t know exactly where it is, and with all the technology people have in their cars nowadays, it’s even more challenging to figure out. Thankfully, code readers were invented. A code reader is a portable tool that you can plug into a vehicle, and it shows you precisely what area needs fixing. Sounds incredible, right?

Here are more reasons why you should have a code reader in your car.

Helps You Save Money:

Getting your car into a shop costs money and face it, not all mechanics are honest. Having access to an onboard diagnostic 2 (OBD2) tool like a code reader can be handy when you’re experiencing troubles with your car.

More modern cars have what they call OBD2 ports wherein you can plug your diagnostic devices. This port is found just below the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plugin your code reader into the port and refer to your obd2 scanner guide to check what the light means.

Take, for example, when your gas cap is loose or missing, the check engine light will start to blink. Taking it to a mechanic will cost a few hundred dollars, but with a code reader, you know exactly what you need to do. If it’s loose, you can tighten it. If it’s missing, it’s still a few dollars less than a visit to a mechanic.

Prevents Problem During Cold Weathers:

During extreme cold weathers, your car can experience several problems. You’ve probably experienced sitting several minutes on your driveway waiting for your car to heat up only to find out there’s a problem and you’re stuck in freezing weather.

Here are several things that can happen to your vehicle during cold weathers:

Your car fluids such as your oil, transmission fluid, and even brake fluid can thicken which will make it difficult for your car to run.
Your car battery could fail you during cold weathers because it’s going to exert more effort in starting your car. Be sure to check the health of your car battery even before winter season arrives.
The tire pressure can be significantly affected in freezing temperatures. Fluctuating tire pressures can result in uneven wear and tear of your tire and worst cases, a tire blow out.
Your spark plug becomes unreliable and starting your car can become difficult.

With a code reader handy, you will easily be able to know what’s wrong with your car even during extreme weather conditions. Knowing what needs to be repaired helps you keep your vehicle running safely.

They’re Portable:

More than being able to save money on repair costs and expensive auto-mechanic fees, a code reader is a portable device that can help ease your mind. This is especially true when you frequently use your car on road trips or vacations.

For example, if you have a recreational vehicle that your family uses a couple of times a year, you would want to have a code reader with you during the trip just in case something happens. If a problem is fixable, you can do it on your own and avoid a costly detour to the mechanic.

Moreover, people who like to drive cars are usually keen on taking care of their own vehicles. It gives them that sense of pride when they can fix the problem with their own hands. More importantly, code readers are compatible across many types of vehicle, which means you can buy a single tool for all of your cars.

Keeps You Safe:

You don’t want to be going on a vacation with your family in the car while the check engine light is on, but you also don’t want to be ruining a perfect vacation by immediately taking it to the mechanic.

Having a code scanner in your car will help give you a more reasonable explanation as to what the problem might be. Driving your car without knowing the severity of the problem can cause accidents

Conclusion:

A code reader isn’t just a reasonable investment. It’s a device that can help bring you peace of mind while on the road and will help you save tons of money on repairs and maintenance. What most car owners don’t realize is that some car problems could have been prevented if they were able to spot it immediately. Now, with a code reader finding the problem before it becomes a nuisance is made easier.

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Important Terminology In Filing For A Car Accident Claim

In a different post, we’ve mentioned steps you can take in filing for a car accident claim. But in addition to knowing what guidelines to follow during the process, it is vital that you understand legal terms frequently used in claim-filing. Legal matters related to car accidents and filing an accident claim is a rigorous process. Even with legal assistance by your side, you’ll need to know which term means what. In this article, we have listed the most important legal terms you must be familiar with when filing for a car accident claim. From your Kansas City car accident attorney to you, below is terminology you will encounter as you file for, investigate, evaluate, and submit your car accident claim. Car Accident Claim-Filing Terms And Definitions- When filing for a car accident claim, it’s important to check the insurance you already have. However, there are some legal terms and insurance terms you must be familiar with to get through the process easily. 1. Burden Of Proof: “Burden of proof” is the term used to describe the actual task and act of proving yourself innocent in an accident claim. And proving damages wrought and injuries incurred which you believe (and calculate) worthy of the value you specify in your claim. You, being the plaintiff (the person who is stepping forward to present the claim), have the burden of proof as you “prove” to the courts or the party of the defendant your right to said claim. 2. Liability: “Liability” refers to one’s “debt” or “responsibility” in coming up with recompense for the car accident and for causing the car accident in the first place. The party that is liable for the car accident claim is also called the “defendant,” “accused,” “appellant,” and “respondent.” Other categories of crime use the term “suspect” as well. Besides pointing out who the liable persons are in a car accident, this can be established and legally determined through pieces of evidence in the accident scene, police reports and related documentation, vehicular damages, injuries, statements from bystanders and witnesses, traffic violations (via recorded evidence), etc. 3. Claim: A legal claim is a request a person can make for court review, wherein you state evidence-supported reasons at the outset for why the claim is being presented. Technically speaking, a claim falls outside the bounds of a “legal case” and will transition into it only if the claim is denied and/or a settlement is not concluded. 4. Settlement: In law, a settlement is a conclusion, the coming-to-terms, or the agreement of litigants regarding the particulars mentioned in your claim. Reaching a settlement means that the defendant is amenable to it and is willing to provide compensation for the car accident, with the exact value specified in the same claim. When a settlement is reached, you will not have to escalate the claim into a court case. Also, reaching a settlement should be the goal of your claim submission. 5. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Some states in the U.S., Missouri included, require that drivers sign up for UIM or Uninsured Motorist Coverage. A UIM is a kind of insurance that protects drivers in the event that the perpetrator of the accident does not have any insurance coverage. Losses, or portions of it, can be covered by the UIM. The amount in a UIM will depend on your policy’s terms and limits. 6. Actual Cash Value: This is a phrase used to define what the damaged automobile’s market value is. Think of it as what the value or “price” your car would have borne right before the accident took place. 7. Negligence When filing for a car accident claim, it’s important to know about different terms. Negligence is one of them. This term is used when a car accident is caused by the actions or inactions of a driver. Their lack of care can cause harm to another person, making them liable for the damage done. However, to win this lawsuit, the victim has to prove that the driver was negligent. 8. Tort: Tort suggests a wrongful act committed to a person which leads to an injury. This prompts an injured person to damage another person. This makes the injured file for a lawsuit for a remedy in the Civil Court. Someone with tort insurance can sue a person who was responsible for the accident. 9. Adjuster: An adjuster is a professional who works for the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement between the policyholder and the company. They work to reach a mutually beneficial compensation for the loss or damage done due to the accident. They make a proper assessment of the claim and talk to the claimant and other witnesses. The adjuster also has to witness the property in question. It’s also their responsibility to review the relevant documents. 10. First Notification of Loss (FNOL): Here’s the initial notice provided to the insurer by the people holding a policy when the insured faces an unfortunate accident. One can see it as the first important step for filing a claim under the car insurance policy. This application is filed when your insurer gets the first notice of you filing for the damage, loss, or theft. 11. Third-Party Liability Cover: Third-party liability insurance is a type of policy covering a person against any legal liabilities they incur due to accidents. The coverage under this liability insurance is provided when the person under insurance causes harm to another third party. 12. Comprehensive Policy: Here is another insurance-related term one should know to cover themselves from vehicle accidents. This insurance coverage provides all-round protection from uncertainties and risks associated with accidents. It can be due to damage to your vehicle, unforeseen disaster, theft, etc. Conclusion When dealing with car insurance claims, you mustn’t forget all the different terms we have mentioned in this article. While most of them are related to legal matters, some terms are also related to insurance policies and companies. Did you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you for reading. Read Also: 5 Things To Do Immediately After You Get Into A Car Accident 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes Car Insurance: What You Need To Know Before Taking The One! Used car: simple steps for buying from a reliable cars dealership

What Are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist?

There's nothing quite as amazing as the open road and fantastic scenery provided while riding a motorcycle. For anyone thinking about becoming a true, blue motorcyclist, there are a few tips that can make this possible. When it comes to riding though, becoming a part of the "club" may seem a bit difficult at first. To get started, use the tips found here. Here are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist: 1. Riding Style When it comes to riding a motorcycle, there is more information at cleanharleys.com. However, before buying a bike, it's necessary to figure out the style of riding a person wants to do. This is a step that is completely dependent on the rider(Motorcyclist). To figure this out, think about the style of bikes that are attractive. For example, a person should consider if they migrate toward the cruisers, or if the neo-retro bikes turn their heads. Even if a person can't decide, there are options. Take some time to test out several options to find the ones that work. 2. Visit a Local Motorcycle Shop or Dealership Riding a motorcycle is as much about being part of a community as it is about actually riding. Once a person begins riding, they will find even more motorcyclists to talk to and hang out with. A great way to meet these people is by going to a few local shops and dealerships. One of the best ways to use these dealerships is by visiting the ones that have the models that are appealing. Take some time to talk to the salespeople and don't be afraid to ask questions that seem basic. 3. Do Research on the Potential Purchases In the past, buying a motorcycle was restricted to visiting local dealerships and reading magazines and newspapers. However, today, it's possible to find out as much as possible about motorcycles online. There are even forums completely dedicated to buying a bike and becoming a motorcyclist. Virtually any forum that is purchased will have a few members who are interested in helping out a new rider. Another thing that can be learned through a forum is whether there are common issues with the bike being purchased. Reviews are also smart for learning how a motorcycle really works, so keep this in mind. 4. Get to Know the Licensing Requirements Before a person starts riding, they need to have the proper motorcycle license. An unlicensed rider is one of the most common victims of accidents. With a license, a person's odds of being involved in this type of mishap can be avoided. Remember, though, each state is going to have different rules regarding motorcycle requirements. It's possible for a rider to find out what is needed and required by their state by going to the DMV website. Here a person can learn everything they need to know about the motorcycle license. They can also learn about any motorcycle-specific laws they need to be aware of in the state where they are going to ride. 5. Sign Up for a Motorcycle Safety Course As a new rider, one of the first things a person should understand is that motorcycling can be a dangerous sport. If a person isn't careful and doesn't learn the rules of the road, they can actually die while riding. With the stakes so high, it's important to learn basic riding skills along with tips for avoiding accidents. For these classes, training bikes are often provided. This class is also a great way to do a bit of riding before making a costly purchase. There are some people who may even decide that riding isn't the right thing for them after taking this class. The truth is, riding a motorcycle isn't right for everyone. At a very basic level, riders have four appendages for operating five different controls. While ABS brakes are becoming more common on bikes it can take a while for a rider to become proficient in the driving process. This means that attending this safety class and practicing all the skills that are taught will go far when it comes to reducing the likelihood of an accident. 6. Build a Riding Community and Keep Riding There's no question that riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun. Riding a bike and hanging out with other riders while sharing stories with other enthusiasts is much more fun. A person should consider going to their local bike night to figure out where most motorcyclists will ride in the local area. Not only is it fun to hang out with other riders, and all the trips that people can take together, a new rider can learn from experienced riders. The fact is, becoming a real motorcyclist will take some time. The best way to really get the hang of it is to start riding and not stopping. It's a good idea to ride as much as possible to keep the skills fresh. It's also a good idea to maintain the study of motorcycle techniques. The truth is, the learning curve to ride a bike can be quite steep; however, the payoffs are real. Additionally, motorcycle riding will provide a lifetime of learning, along with all the adventures that a person can have. Riding a Bike: A Fun and Thrilling Past Time Riding a motorcycle is a great way to have fun and enjoy the open road. It's also fun to ride with others and enjoy the stories and adventures that can be had with one another. Remember, though, to become a true rider, there are more than a few factors that need to be considered. Be sure to keep this information in mind to make the right decisions and avoid being involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle.invest in the best training to Just remember, buying a bike is a big investment. It's also a dangerous one if a person doesn't take the time to learn how to operate and drive it properly. By taking the right steps, enjoying everything the biking culture offers will be possible. Read Also: Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle How To Get An Accurate Valuation Of Your Motorcycle When Selling The Decline Of Cars Sales Has Led To An Increase Of Motorcycles In The UK

Used Car Buying – How To Do It Right.

Used cars tend to be the most popular amongst UK drivers and it can be easy to see why. Second-hand cars have a lower purchase price, suffer from less depreciation and there is an endless amount of choice! The main disadvantage of buying a used car is the lack of knowledge regarding its history. When you buy a new car, you will be the first owner and don’t have to second guess how the car’s been treated or if it’s been involved in an accident. Reduce the risk of something going wrong with your next used car purchase by following these top tips below for safe car buying. Know your affordability. Before you make any large purchase, you should know how much you can afford to pay for it. This can speed up the buying process if you only shop for cars within your budget. Your budget may be one lump sum to pay for a car with cash or spread the cost into monthly payments with finance. Whichever way you choose to buy your next used car, you should try not to stray from your budget as you may get into a deal that you can’t afford to pay back. Check the market value. Once you know how much you can spend on a used car, it’s time to see which cars you could buy. A quick internet search of local, trusted dealerships can help you to find used cars you can afford. It also gives you an idea of how much the cars you like would cost. For example, if you’re striving for a used BMW on finance, knowing how much it would cost to buy one can give you an idea of how much your monthly budget could be. Knowing the market value of the cars you want to buy also helps if you’re buying with cash and wanting to negotiate the price. If there’s a similar model from a dealer down the road but with a lower price, you could use this as leverage or get a better deal. Check credit score for finance. No matter if you’re looking for finance for a Volkswagen or a Porsche, the first thing you should do is to check your credit score. Your credit score can affect your ability to get approved for finance and not knowing where you fall on the credit scale can be costly. A low credit score can make it harder to get approved if your low score is due to missed or late payments in the past or a lack of credit history. This is because you are seen as more of a risk to lenders and are more likely to default on future loans too. If you need to improve your credit score you should do so before applying for finance. Check insurance rates. If you’re buying your first car, insurance rates can be some of the highest around. Newly qualified drivers are more likely to have a road accident in their first year of driving which bumps up the premium. Searching around for cheaper cars to insure and in your budget could help you save money. buying a used car isn’t just about the initial purchase price but also about being able to afford the running cost too. Use a reputable dealership. You can buy a second-hand car from a dealer or private seller but to help protect your purchase, you should consider buying your car from a reputable and trusted dealer in the UK. Buying from a dealer gives you an added layer of protection and means you are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This act means you are entitled to a full refund, repair, or replacement if the car is not as described or fit for purpose. Check the status of the dealer with the FCA and read verified reviews of other customers before committing to the sale. Check the history of the car. Used cars run the risk of having a hidden history but you can check the history of a car you are interested in buying for free. You can check the tax and MOT status of a car and get more information by simply entering the registration number into the DVLA website. You can also make a one-off payment of around £10 with a trusted Car History Check website to see if the car has been stolen, previously written off or still has existing finance on it. Test drive and check the vehicle. Before you commit to buying a used car, you should always test drive it first to see how you like it. Take the car out for at least 30 minutes, drive it on different types of roads, and perform maneuvers to get a feel of how it drives. Also, take this opportunity to park up somewhere and check over the vehicle for any imperfections or damage. Read Also: Beginners Guide To Buying A Classic Car Buying a Used Car? Few Negotiating tips, you can use Used car: simple steps for buying from a reliable cars dealership