Category Archives: Car Safety

With No End in Sight, The Chip Crisis Causes Impatience with Customers

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As the chip crisis continues, dealerships are facing the problem of dismal inventory. With very little selection and the inability to restock as quickly, dealerships are met with an overly frustrated client base.

Customers are becoming increasingly frustrated as well as impatient due to the fear produced by little inventory. If a customer doesn’t claim a vehicle, it could be taken from them with no alternative. Consequently, across the nation, there have been tense incidences of customers fighting for the same product.

For instance, an altercation between two customers took place at a South Carolina dealership over an SUV! After one potential buyer saw another looking at the desired SUV, the buyer began to yell. He insisted, the potential buyer, that the other individual had no right to even look at the vehicle since he was set on purchasing it.

Unfortunately, occurrences like these will no doubt continue with little production. Assembly plants report either financial or physical setbacks. While General Motors in only using four of their 14 North America assembly plants, Toyota Motor Corp. is experiencing a costly cutback equivalent to about 360,000 vehicles of global output.

The root of these problems stem from the chip crisis. At first, several automakers and analysts were hopeful the crisis would solve itself out and normalize by the end of 2021. However, with evidence of coronavirus cases increasing, that prediction has been dismissed.

Over the past year or so, the automotive industry has dealt with its fair share of economic setbacks. The chip crisis is not only one of those setbacks, but an increasingly prevalent one. As to how the automotive industry handles as well as survives this crisis… only time will tell.

Common Auto Repair Scams

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Owning a car also means going in for routine maintenance and any repairs. Auto owners typically enter their preferred auto repair shop for a quick oil change, hand over the keys, and wait until their car is done.

 

But often times, these auto owners experience “surprise” problems that are “serious” and need to be taken care of immediately. The bill comes out and it is higher than expected, but it is paid anyway. Here are a few tips to avoid being scammed at the repair shop.

  • Check Owner’s Manual for scheduled maintenance chart. (This gives you an estimated interval, from the manufacturer, when you should get an oil change, get your brakes checked, transmission flush, etc.).
  • If the mechanic is reporting a leak, have mechanic show you exactly where the leak is. Beware: Mechanics can fake leaks as well.
  • Ask for a written estimate before you give the thumbs up for the mechanics to start working on your car.
  • Perform your own background check if you recently acquired a used car, and look over reviews of multiple auto shops.
  • Appear confident. Some mechanics like to scare customers into getting more things done to their car than they really need. They will use terms like “bad brakes”, “common problems”, “unsafe to ride”, etc.

Whether a leased vehicle or financed, Swapalease.com ensures you get the necessary info you need to know, especially if it is a used car.

Headquartered in Cincinnati Ohio, Swapalease.com is an online marketplace that allows drivers to list their current lease and drivers to look for new leases. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

 

A Leased Car and a Holiday Tree

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Having a leased car comes with its perks, but there is the hovering cloud that keeps reminding you to not make any major scratches and dents to the car. We come around the season of the winter holidays and the idea of adding your first large evergreen fir tree to your living room has been on your mind. You might think to yourself, “How can I transport my fir tree without scratching my car?”. Here are a few helpful tips.

  • When you go buy your tree, ask for it to be netted. This will make it easier to manage.
  • Make sure you have enough room in your car if you can put down seats and place heavy blankets to catch any falling tree needles.
  • If you are thinking of having it on top of your car, think about investing in a roof rack so you can tie your tree more securely.
  • Place a tarp, plastic sheet or blanket on the roof of your car before placing the tree to protect your car from getting scratched.
  • Tug on your strings and tree to make sure everything is tight and secured!
  • Drive slowly and carefully, especially if it is your first time carrying something large on top of your car. If you can avoid highways and take steady paced roads, do that instead.

Think you are ready to haul a tree for your festivities? Be sure to use these tips.

Are you also thinking about leasing a newer car, possibly one with a roof rack already installed? Head over to Swapalease.com.

Swapalease.com has a variety of vehicles with that awesome feature! We are the largest online lease transfer marketplace and have vehicles and customers in every state in the continental United States and Canada. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact us at 866-SWAPNOW.

Car Snowed In? Here Is What To Do

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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

But having your car snowed in can be a major bummer when you need to run important errands, like your holiday shopping. Here are helpful tips and tricks to get you out and about.

– Taking Off Snow

The common method people do when they see a heap of snow on their car is to grab any broom they can find or a shovel and beginning clearing the snow. Both these methods get the job done, but they can leave your car with ugly scratches from the rough bristles of the broom and the metal from the shovel.

  • Instead, have a foam brush handy or a pair of thick leather gloves. Pull, not push, snow off in a straight-forward motion.
  • Start from the roof and begin working your way down to your windows and doors, your hood, trunk, and front and rear lights.
  • Be sure to clear any snow in the exhaust as well.

– Taking Off Ice

  • As you take off snow from your car, you might come across sheets of ice that have frozen onto your car. The worst thing you can do is leave it on your car, even snow, for it to just fly off while driving. This creates a danger to others around you as well.
  • Avoid pouring warm water on the ice. This can cause the glass to crack as well as just freeze the additional water you add on.
  • Take an empty spray bottle and fill with two ingredients, 70% rubbing alcohol and tap water. Spray your mixture onto the ice and let it settle for a few minutes, then take a plastic scraper and begin removing the ice.

Whether the winter wrath has begun piling snow onto your car or you have yet to experience it but still found these tips helpful, it is great to apply these to your car, especially if it is a leased car.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Swapalease.com is the world’s largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer in facilitating lease transfers online. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

 

Car Hacks To Consider Using

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Do you find yourself wondering how you can tidy up and improve your daily ride?  Here are a few creative low budget ideas to create awesome car hacks that can help you out!

  • Plastic Cereal Container: Buy a plastic cereal container and put in a plastic bag for a quick and easy trash bin.
  • Cupcake Holders: Avoid coins sticking to the bottom from drink residue with cupcake paper holders to safeguard your cup holders.
  • Multi-File Folder: Put your registration and other important documents in an organization folder for quick access when you reach for your glove box.
  • Fabric Softener Sheets:  Place scented fabric softener sheets in your car to eliminate unwanted odors.
  • DIY First-Aid Kit: By a plastic container and fill with dollar store medical items.
  • Plastic Bag Dispenser: Take an empty tissue box and fill it with plastic bags for emergencies of any kind.
  • Bungee Cord: Have a long bungee cord handy in your trunk. Made a trip to the grocer? Attach one hook of the bungee to one side of your net holder and run the cord through the handles of your bag. The other end hooks to the other side and bam! No more tossed bags.
  • Noodle Safety: Having trouble with opening your door in your garage without hitting the wall? Cut pool noodles in half and stick/nail them to the walls where your doors usually hit.
  • Ping-Pong Parking: Need assistance parking as you enter your garage? Avoid hitting any items in front of you or the front wall by hanging a ping-pong ball on a string right in front of your windshield. Place it where you have enough room in front of your car.
  • Mirror Parking: Another garage hack! Place a couple mirrors, big or small, to act as a guide for pulling in and out of your garage.

With these awesome hacks, you can avoid any dings, dents, and trash collecting in your car, especially if it is a leased car! Swapalease.com, the largest online lease transfer marketplace, carries inventories from these same brands and similar models? Swapalease.com is the online marketplace with vehicles and customers in every state in the continental United States and Canada. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

 

DIY Engine Oil Check

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Taking your car to get your oil checked is a routine you should get used to. You are probably familiar with what to do when you want your oil checked. You take your car at a local mechanic or at the dealership where you purchased your car and in a jiffy, they will let you know your oil level. This has probably left you thinking, “Can I do it myself?”. Here is a DIY guide to checking your engine’s oil.

Step 1: Warm Engine 

Turn on your car to warm up your engine, not too hot or you can hurt. Once your car is turned off, open your car’s hood and find the oil dipstick (you can pull this from the engine).

Step 2: Using Dipstick To Check Oil

Once you pull dipstick from the engine, wipe off the oil from it. Once you have a clean dipstick, insert it back into the tube it came from and push it all the way in.

Step 3: Reading Your Dipstick

Pull out the dipstick and observe both sides of the dipstick to check where the oil has stopped. There are various indications that can help you determine your oil level. You can either have to pinholes, two markings reading “L” (Low) and “H”(High), two marking reading “Min” and “Max”, or crosshatching.

Step 4: Inspect Oil Color

Typically, the oil in your engine should be brown or black, or in between the two. If you pull out the dipstick and the oil seems light and milky, more than likely the coolant has leaked into the engine. This can be fixed at an auto service shop where they can drain the oil properly.

Step 5: Figuring Out The Oil You Need

If your oil is low, refer to your owner’s manual to inform yourself on which grade of oil you should be using. Your designated oil should look something like “OW-20” or “5W-30”. You can visit your local auto part store or any store that sells engine oil. If you want to buy a bundle, buy them in quarts for that is usually almost the amount you need every time you refill your engine oil.

Step 6: Pouring In The Oil

On top of the engine, you should be able to see your oil filler cap. Remove the cap and take a quart bottle of oil that you have purchased. With a funnel in hand, pour in your oil from your quart bottle a little at a time. Avoid overpouring, for this is not good for your engine. once you have added half a quart, let the oil settle and check the oil level with your dipstick (pr3eferably wiped off beforehand). Keep pouring small amounts at a time until your engine is full. Half a quart should do, but if you are still low or have just reached the minimum fill level, go ahead and use the rest of the quart. When you are filled, put the oil filler cap back on and make sure it is closed correctly.

Needing a Second Quart?

If your engine happened to be on empty in the beginning of the oil fill process and the first quart wasn’t enough, go ahead and add the second quart. Be sure to add a little as you go, stopping in between to check levels.

Checking your oil at home seems pretty easy right? Remeber, changing and checking your oil are two different worlds. If you do not know how to change and drain your engine’s oil, take it to an auto service shop.

 

Head over to Swapalease.com and check out all the of great lease vehicles they have to offer. Swapalease.com is an online marketplace that allows drivers to list their current lease and helps match them with buyers looking to take over the remainder of that lease. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

 

 

Summer Sun Can Be Not So Fun

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The sun is beaming outside, and it is the perfect day to head to the beach and catch some rays. After you have had enough you can’t wait to get to your car to get away from the sun. But you take one step in your car and the heat is unbearable! Want to avoid getting into a not-so-hot car during these summer months? Here are a few things to consider to help you out.

Hide From The Sun

Depending on where you are, it can sometimes be difficult to not park in the sun. Here is what to look for before you park your car:

  • A parking garage if you are lucky
  • A shady area with trees or shade from a building
  • No shady area or garage? Face your car away from the sun, better to have the rear of your car catch the heat than the front where you will be

Avoid Your Car From Absorbing Hot Rays

Getting in your car after a hot day can be painful. Your body gets in contact with a hot seat, hot steering wheel, and a hot seatbelt. Try these quick hacks to keep your interior cool:

  • Cover steering wheel with a hand towel
  • Throw blankets over your seats that you or your occupants are going to use
  • Invest in a large window visor for your front and/or rear window and also small suction shades for all your window
  • Invest in tinting your windows 

Cooling Off 

No matter what hack you go through, there will be some level of unbearable heat in the car that you wish you can escape from. Once you are in your car and ready to go, here are some tips to help the heat escape from your car:

  • Blast your A/C and roll your windows down slightly. The hot air in your car will rise and escape through the slight openings while the cooler air circulates within your car.
  • Be sure to have the car moving while you blast the A/C. Your A/C needs air flow in order to turn the hot air into cold air.
  • Tip: Keep your windows slightly cracked so at least some hot air can escape while your car is parked.

Take this hacks and tips into consideration next time you go out for some summer fun. Did you know that dark interior and exterior cars absorb the most heat? If you are interested in a car that doesn’t get so hot, try a lighter colored car with lighter interior. Check out Swapalease.com, a large online marketplace for your next summer ride. Lease anywhere across the United States! For more information visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

 

Summer Road Trip Car Care Tips

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Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than taking a road trip with friends and family! Pack your bags and drive to your perfect getaway, but first, have you considered if your car can handle the trip? Many vacationers who use their car for road trips fail to prepare their car for the drive. Here are some hot tips to keep in mind for your summer ride!

Engine

Summer brings in the heat that we can’t seem to bare, neither can your car. The combination of hot temperatures and your coolant levels can cause a disaster. Especially if you are driving in the middle of nowhere. Low coolant levels increase the risk of your engine overheating and your A/C working double-time.

Check your coolant level yourself or at an auto shop and top it off if it is too low. If you are completely empty, make sure you don’t have any leaks.

If you are on the road, check your temperature gauge from time to time, check for any warning lights, and most noticeable, steam coming from the hood of your car. If any of these things happen, safely pull over and turn off your engine. Give your engine 30 minutes to cool down before opening your hood. Add coolant if needed. If you are all out of coolant, better call a tow truck.

Also, be sure to get a proper oil change before your trip!

Tires

During the hot summer months, tires are more prone to blowouts. You should make sure to check your tires at a gas station or an auto shop. Under-inflated tires, lack of air pressure, puts your tires’ components under greater strain, putting you at a higher risk of a blowout. Over-inflated tires could put you at risk of hydroplaning if you get stuck in rain during your trip.

Be sure to check the tread on all your tires. A simple hack to this is taking one penny. Make sure Lincoln’s heads-side is facing you and his head is downward. Place him into your tire groove, if you can see the top of his head, it is likely you need new tires.

If you are planning a big summer trip in advance, be sure to have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles

Interior and Exterior

The blazing sun without a doubt is getting you to put on some long sleeves during the ride and sunglasses. But what about your car? Too much UV rays can damage your dashboard, interior, and exterior paint. Before taking your car on a trip, wash and wax your car with a UV protecting polish to reduce sun damage and paint fading.

If your road trip requires numerous stops, try to park in a shaded area to protect your interior and exterior. It is suggested to also have a windshield cover to protect your interior and keep the car cool.

Steering wheel too hot to touch? Next time, turn your wheel 180 degrees before getting out so when you come back in, rotate your wheel back and you will have the hot spots at the bottom now!

With these summer tips, you should be able to enjoy your summer road trip with no worries. Do you find yourself needing that summer road trip car for your family? Swapalease.com is the largest online lease transfer marketplace. The online marketplace has vehicles and customers in every state in the continental United States and Canada. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.

Driver Safety Tips For Crazy Weather

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Summer is here and for some states, it is as hot and bright out as ever! But some states are experiencing heavy rain. Dangerous conditions on the road can lead to dangerous accidents, but by following some tips while driving through crazy weather, you can reach your destination more safely. Here are some driver safety tips while driving in the rain and why not throw in some snow tips as well!

Driving In The Rain

  • Driving through heavy rain can be nerve-racking. Take your time and try not to rush to your destination. Driving too fast can cause you to lose control and hydroplane, especially if you hit an oil spill.
  • Be sure to not tailgate! Tailgating is often the cause of rear-end accidents and through the rain, it is harder to stop as quickly as if the roads were dry. Keep your distance.Even if it is bright as it can be outside. Because rain impairs the vision of many drivers, having your headlights on and rear lights on helps drivers see you more easily, especially in heavy rain where visibility is almost non-existent.
  • Even if it is bright as it can be outside, have your lights on in the rain. Because rain impairs the vision of many drivers, having your headlights on and rear lights on helps drivers see you more easily, especially in heavy rain where visibility is almost non-existent.

Driving In The Snow

  • Like driving through the rain, you also have the chance of sliding in snow or ice patches on the road. Drive slow and keep a good ten-second distant from cars. Cars tend to react more slowly in the snow so be sure to keep a steady pace. When you are coming up to a stop light, turn, and hills, keep the steady pace and do not rush. Slow down and safely stop when needed.
  • Be sure to check your tires. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, which can lead to a blowout or a flat tire while on the road.
  • Check your tailpipe! Because of how heavy snow can fall and build on the ground, it can get inside your tailpipe and get stuck. Compacted snow in your tailpipe can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in the car. So before you go anywhere, check and clear out your tailpipe.

Remember, do regular checkups on your car’s maintenance to ensure that no matter what weather condition you are driving through, you will get there safely. If you need to upgrade your ride, check out the selection on Swapalease.com

Swapalease.com is the largest online lease transfer marketplace and has vehicles and customers in every state in the continental United States and Canada. For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW

Totaled Your Leased Car?

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So you are driving your leased car and a thought crosses your mind. “What happens if I total my leased car in an accident?” As you know, when you first signed your lease agreement, there were all sorts of coverages that you and the leasing agent went over. However, whether you have a leased car or thinking of having a leased car, here are a few things to know when it comes to a possible future accident in your leased car.

What Is Considered A Totaled Leased Car?

When you total a leased car, it is referred to as a “total loss”. That is when the damages done to the car require repair that costs more than 70% of the car’s value.

Notify the company that leased the car and explain that the car has been totaled, and ask what the current payout is for the car. You should be able to determine this information from your leasing contract as well, but you will want to confirm the exact number with the lien holder.

GAP Insurance

Gap insurance or Guaranteed Auto Protection insurance is an optional insurance plan for some companies that can be added to your comprehension and collision insurance, but it is better to have it just in case.  Without GAP, you become responsible for the difference in what the insurance pays and the terms of your lease and if the amount the car is worth is less than the amount the lien holder requires, you are required to pay the difference to the lien holder.

If the total loss was caused by an accident, fire, hurricane, theft, tornado or vandalism, and you have comprehension and collision insurance, you are covered by your insurance company.

If you need help finding the right car and the right insurance for it, help us help us help you! For more information on finding the best car lease deals or to learn how you can have a successful car lease trade, visit Swapalease.com or contact them at 866-SWAPNOW.