Andrew Mrozinski's Archives

I’ve read, talked and given advice about cars for as long as I can remember. I’ve driven old Beetles and broken Audi’s. When I was a teen, my dad had an Alfa Romeo GTV6. He let me drive it. Once. The sports car bug was already creeping over me but the Alfa cemented it. I’m a car enthusiast, plain and simple.

What to Do if Your Car Will Not Start

October 18, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski

The good news for drivers today is that over the years, modern cars have significantly increased in reliability. However, with so many moving parts involved in today’s vehicles, even the most well-maintained and well-looked after cars are not immune to being temperamental from time to time. For most drivers, a car refusing to start is something that they are likely going to have to deal with at some point during their car’s lifetime, especially for drivers who change vehicles often. Thankfully, the good news is that a car not starting is rarely a sign of a serious mechanical problem and can usually be rectified in a few simple steps.

Here are some of the main things to do if you are dealing with a car that will not start.

#1. Listen to the Car

If your car will not start when you turn the key in the ignition, then the first step to take is to try and diagnose the root cause of the problem. Even if you cannot get your car going, taking the time to listen to any engine hints as to why this is could save you a lot of time and money if you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic. If your car won’t start, the most likely culprit is the battery, especially if you’re finding it more difficult to start the car in cold weather. If you’ve put the key in the ignition and been met only with silence or clicking, then you can determine if it is a battery issue by switching on the lights – if they are dim, then it’s likely that your battery is dying, dead, or has a poor connection.

#2. Jump Start the Car

If all the signs that your car won’t start are pointing to a problem with the battery, then the first thing to try is to jump start the car. You can do this by attaching jump leads as instructed to the battery of a fully functioning vehicle and connect them to your car’s battery. Then, start the engine of the other car – it can help to rev the engine, also. After a few minutes, try the key in the ignition of your car – if it starts, then remove the jump leads and leave your car’s engine running for a while to allow the battery to re-charge.

Bear in mind that if your car battery is jump-started more than three times in the same week, then it’s a good idea to have it replaced since jumpstarting puts a lot of strain on your battery, which can lead to issues in the future. Yuasa batteries are one of the best options you can go far. These are distributed by companies such as Hardwarexpress, whose different batteries can be found by visiting https://www.hardwarexpress.co.uk/car-batteries-351-c.asp.

#3. Bump Starting

If you do not have a second vehicle available with which you can jump start your car, then an alternative method that you may want to try is bump starting the car. However, be aware that this will usually only work on manual vehicles and takes a little more physical effort. To do this, start by turning on the ignition and placing the car in second gear whilst keeping the clutch down. Ask somebody to give the car a push to start building momentum (this method is best done on a downhill slope). Once you have reached around 10mph, lift the clutch – if bump starting works, then your car will start with a jolt. If you are successful, then be sure to leave the engine running for around 20-30 minutes to recharge the battery.

#4. Check for Damage

If jump starting does not work after a few attempts of trying to re-start your car, then it’s time to consider ruling out the battery as a potential cause of the problem. However, bear in mind that it could still be a battery problem – if the battery has failed completely then jump starting may not work and a replacement will be needed. You should also check for any signs of damage to the battery or the battery terminals that could be causing the issue. If all seems well or your battery is fairly new, then you should check for any other signs of damage to your car or car engine that could have resulted in the fault.

#5. See a Professional

If your car will not start and the reason isn’t obvious, then it’s important to see a professional mechanic who can correctly diagnose the problem. If you have tried to jump start your car and nothing is working after a few tries, then a visit to a trained mechanic may be your only answer. Bear in mind that regular maintenance and checks can help to prevent your car from having problems starting.

If your car ever refuses to start, then keep these tips in mind to rectify the issue as quickly as possible.

Ensure Peace Of Mind With Palmer Car Warranties

September 24, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski

Car Service and Maintenance — The powertrain includes expensive components in a car so it makes sense to go for a plan with full protection.

A Palmer Vehicle Service Agreement ensures peace of mind for every vehicle owner. As one of the leading names in the auto protection industry, the company offers top notch service and quality. The company offers a wide basket of auto protection solutions that are ideally suited for every vehicle and budget. Add to it the simple claims processing and friendly customer service, it is not surprising that the company is counted among the preferred choices when it comes to auto protection plans.

Wide array of plans

For those looking for a plan to cover the most important component of their vehicles, i.e., the engine, they need not look beyond Palmer’s ‘Basic Plan’. Ideally suited for older vehicles the plan ensures peace of mind against expensive repair bills.

If you are looking for coverage to protect the entire powertrain consisting of the engine, transmission and the braking system, then you can opt for the ‘Powertrain Coverage’ plan from the company. The powertrain consists of some of the costliest components in a vehicle and it therefore makes economic sense to opt for a plan that offers comprehensive protection.

If it is only a select listed parts that you want coverage for, then you choose the ‘Royal Select’ plan. It will offer you coverage for some of the most expensive components in your vehicle. It is ideally suited for those who are looking for plans for their new vehicles.

New car owners can also go in for the ‘Premier Plan’, which is a full coverage policy. This plan offers protection against all components that are likely to need repairs over a period of time.

The company also offers the ‘Classic Plan’, which is once again, a full coverage plans which offers cover for common repairs.

Another popular plan option offered by Palmer is the ‘Elite Exclusionary’ plan which offers full coverage, expect for maintenance and basic wear and tear of certain items such as upholstery, light bulbs and paint.

Used car coverage

Palmer Vehicle Service Agreement also offers warranty protection for used cars too. Whether it is a used car for the family or for a child that is joining college, with Palmer’s auto protection plans you can ensure that you have as much warranty protection for your used car, just as the car with a new car.

Superior service

A wide range of flexible plans and payment options is another key reason for the wide popularity enjoyed by the company. With Palmer, you are assured of an easy claims process and state of the art collection management system. The company has been able to carve a distinct space for itself in this highly competitive field, because of nearly 20 years of experience and knowledgeable customer support.

For further details about Palmer’s services, please visit the url: http://www.palmeradministration.com

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Car

August 29, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski

Buying a car is a big commitment. If you’re looking to get your first car, it could be very daunting, but the process it is actually very simple. You can be in your own car, driving to work, to a friend’s, or to wherever your heart desires in no time at all. You could go to a dealership and come out with a car on the very same day, but that isn’t the best way. If you want to save money, and still get the car of your dreams, you should buy used.

Know Your Budget

Knowing what you can afford is the first step when choosing a car. If you can’t afford it, then there is no way you’ll be able to purchase it and be able to pay the upkeep. The last thing you want to do is buy a car you can’t afford. If anything happens to your financial situation, you will owe thousands in debt and will have to sell your car (at a fraction of the cost from what you bought it for). That is why buying used is so great – you can get a working car with low mileage and a much lower price, that is only a few years old.

Choose Your Car

The car for you depends on what you want the car for, your budget, and your sense of style. A great choice is a used, award-winning Hyundai i20. This car is ideal for those with a budget, or simply those that don’t want to splurge on a car, as it has great safety specifications and plenty of space for your comfort.

Research Beforehand

When you buy from a dealership, you pay extra for the peace of mind that comes with it. Dealerships have a set of standards that they place on all their cars – this comes in handy when it comes to used cars. When you go through a dealership, however, you will want to know the value of the car. Knowing the value (and the financing rates you can get through your bank) is a great leverage point when it comes to negotiating.

Negotiate

Always negotiate the price of the car. A great tip is to buy your car at the end of the month, or, even better, at the end of each quarter. This means buying the car in March, June, September, or December. This is because dealerships have goals, and they will be willing to make deals that are more favorable to you to reach them. The only time this advice won’t be applicable is if the dealership has already reached its goal for the month.

Take Home Your New Car

The last step is the best one – get everything finalized and finally drive home in your new, used, car! There is a whole slew of things you can see and do with the freedom of owning your own vehicle. Enjoy it, and get out there!

Buying a car doesn’t have to be scary. Everyone wants to help you make your purchase. Do your research beforehand so you know what you want, the value of what you want, and get the best deal for you. Then drive!

5 Ways To Protect The Interior Of Your Car

August 24, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski

Whether your car is brand new off the lot or you just like to keep things in good condition, it’s important that you take care of the interior. If you want to preserve the new car smell and protect the inside, then follow these five tips. From custom neosupreme seat covers to parking in the shade, these will ensure a longer life for your vehicle upholstery.

#1 No Food or Drinks

If you spend long hours in the car, then you will invariably try to eat something on the go. However, no matter how careful you are, there will always be something that spills or falls onto the floor. The best thing to do is avoid such messes and designate your car a food-free zone.

#2 Custom Seat Covers

If you know that the “no food” rule will eventually be broken (perhaps you have kids), then you should protect your seats with thick, water-resistant covers. Neosupreme material is the best at repelling stains, but even something like Duraplus seat covers will do an excellent job of maintaining a certain level of cleanliness.

#3 Avoid the Sun

Even if you live in a particularly bright area (such as Southern California), you can still try to minimize the amount of sunlight that comes into your car. Solar reflectors may not do much for the heat, but they will help prevent sun damage and color fading.

#4 Clean Regularly

The best thing to do is to keep a portable handheld vacuum and some cleaning wipes in your car so that you can manage any spills or messes immediately. Dirt and dust will make their way in, so you have to maintain constant upkeep.

#5 Be Wary of Transporting Goods

Whether it’s a bunch of boxes or some other items, you want to make sure that they aren’t going to scrape or gouge your upholstery or anything else in the interior. Take care when loading and unloading, and use plastic or towels to prevent accidents from happening.

In the end, you must get into the mindset of treating your car with the utmost care and respect. If you can do this, then you will keep it in pristine condition for much longer than you expect.

Luftgekühlt 4: A Porsche gathering like none other

May 9, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski

Canepa Motorsport’s ‘Generation-III’ Porsche 959

Even though the sun light was threatened by intermittent clouds and an early morning rain, it did its best to contribute to the mystique of some of the rarest and most unique Porsches in existence.

What is Luftgekühlt? Picture every historically significant air-cooled car from the German manufacturer, even the ones you don’t know about, in and around a harbor warehouse in southern California. Luftgekühlt is, quite simply, a gathering of the Porsche faithful.

Porsche 914 Surfer — Beautiful Porsche 914, complete with a surfboard.

This past weekend was the fourth event in as many years and Porsche enthusiasts turned out in droves. And, we the devoted, have Patrick Long and Howie Idelson to thank. Their dedication to classic Porsches is obvious and contagious. So much so that Luftgekühlt, in a few short years, has attracted the attention of every Porsche fan on the planet. Even if they weren’t among the many that showed up Sunday morning, they watched their Instagram and Twitter feeds for the latest before, during and after the event. With Luftgekühlt we can be confident in knowing air-cooled Porsches aren’t going anywhere.

Anyone traveling to Southern California the day before like I did was not encouraged by the weather. High winds and rain would have anyone worried. But my Sunday morning, the winds subsided, with a light rain dusting the cars. And as the morning went on, the weather continued to improve with the sun peaking out occasionally to help dry the cars outside and support the reverie going on inside.

And the inside was spectacular. Truly mythical race cars from Porsche’s past were scattered throughout the warehouse, mixed in with a historically significant evolutionary line of 911 RS models. A flat-12 powered 1969 917K in Gulf blue dominated, credited as the first 917 to go a full race distance. Not to be outdone was the green Canepa Motorsports ‘Generation-III’ 959, the model any Porschephile might argue was the cornerstone to launch the brand as a technological leader.

Outside, bright green, blue, orange and red 911’s were dotted among some truly pristine silver and gray 356’s. An added treat was the neighboring air-cooled lot, so named for the exclusive use of Porsche owners to park their prize possessions for visitors to walk among and talk about.

To the Porsche faithful, Luftgekühlt simply represents all the cars powered by air-cooled engines. From a historical perspective, it covers everything from the pre-A series 356 to the 993, where production ended in 1998 and represents the last air-cooled car.

But Luftgekühlt represents far more than the cars. Long and Idelson look for it to be as much about the experience as it is the cars. The car culture, the Porsche culture, is very strong and the Luftgekühlt events feed on it, providing fans a venue to walk among some of the greatest Porsches to ever exist. For those that attended, Luftgekühlt 4 will not be soon forgotten.

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Andrew Mrozinski's Archives

What to Do if Your Car Will Not Start

#1. Listen to the Car

#2. Jump Start the Car

#3. Bump Starting

#4. Check for Damage

#5. See a Professional

Ensure Peace Of Mind With Palmer Car Warranties

Wide array of plans

Used car coverage

Superior service

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Car

Know Your Budget

Choose Your Car

Research Beforehand

Negotiate

Take Home Your New Car

5 Ways To Protect The Interior Of Your Car

#1 No Food or Drinks

#2 Custom Seat Covers

#3 Avoid the Sun

#4 Clean Regularly

#5 Be Wary of Transporting Goods

Luftgekühlt 4: A Porsche gathering like none other

Copywriting and Social Media Consulting

Site Archives

Andrew Mrozinski's Archives

#1. Listen to the Car

#2. Jump Start the Car

#3. Bump Starting

#4. Check for Damage

#5. See a Professional

Wide array of plans

Used car coverage

Superior service

Know Your Budget

Choose Your Car

Research Beforehand

Negotiate

Take Home Your New Car

#1 No Food or Drinks

#2 Custom Seat Covers

#3 Avoid the Sun

#4 Clean Regularly

#5 Be Wary of Transporting Goods

Copywriting and Social Media Consulting

Site Archives

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