Blocking out sound in your car doors is a way to level-up any ride. By soundproofing your vehicle, you immediately increase the quality of your car. Not only will it guarantee a better music and vocal quality inside your car, it will also block out any noise from the road and traffic.

Even though car doors are tricky to apply sound deadening materials to, if you go through the effort you will get rid of a wide variety of unwanted noises. Car doors have loads of different parts that rattles and moves. By using a variety of sound blocking techniques and materials, you will be able to block out these unwanted noises.

There’s a list of materials you need and then you can DIY soundproof your own car. To help you soundproof your car doors we’ve created The Ultimate Guide to Sound Deadening Car Doors | Step-by-Step.

WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED?

First, you need to figure out how you are going to pull your car doors apart without using a crowbar. Go through the manual or do some research online about your specific car model. Then acquire the tools you need to remove the doors from the body, and remove the panels from the car.

There’s a variety of soundproof materials for cars available on the market. Here are a few that we recommend:

• Tools such as utility knife, a roller, gloves, small pick, screwdrivers, and drills, that will help you that the door apart
• Cloth or washing cloth
• Rust remover and an alcohol cleaner
• A thick sound deadening mat with insulation
• Insulation tape
• Glue
• Other sound deadening materials like a liquid coat, rubber insulation, or vibration blocking foams

Make sure you buy high-quality materials. Materials that are cheaper, usually don’t have a high-quality. Cheaper, means thinner and the results won’t be as effective.

Buying cheap will cost you more in the future. If you are deciding to take the doors of your vehicle apart, then you might as well invest in higher quality and more expensive sound deadening materials.

STEP-BY-STEP

1. Remove Car Door Parts

When you have all your materials and tools ready, you can start. Don’t be too rushed during this process. Be calm and take your time. Focus on not damaging door parts. You might have to wear old clothes and other protective gear like gloves and eye goggles.

Use a flat screwdriver or a small picker to remove parts from the door. You don’t have to take the whole door off of the body of the car, if your car model doesn’t allow it. Only remove the parts that aren’t screwed to the body. Most car model doors don’t need any brute force to be removed. So, if you read the manual, you’ll be able to do this part quite easily.

Continue on to remove screws. Don’t forget where you take each screw from, to make the re-application process easier. Also, be aware of screws falling back into the panel of the door. 

After you’ve removed all the screws you will be able to pry open the top panel of the door. Use a flat screw or a pick to help you with this process. Also remove speaker wires and speakers that might get in the way.

Underneath the panel, you will find another protective layer, usually made from fiber or foam. Typically, this layer is glued on, so make sure that you remove it carefully in order not to rip or tear it. You want to attach this back later.

For a visual guideline on how to remove car panels, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X9WXBAUx8I

2. Clean It Up

Use rubbing alcohol the clean the inside of the car door. It’s important that this area gets a proper rub down, before you start applying anything else. Dust and dirt will prevent sound blocking materials to stay in place.

Use smaller cleaning tools, even a toothbrush or bottle cleaner, to clean hard-to-reach areas.

3. Measure

Use a utility knife to cut foam and insulation mats to fit inside the frame. You will notice that insulation foam and mats usually have a double-sided self-adhesive glue. This glue is very sticky, wear gloves to avoid the strong layer to get onto your fingers.

Rather cut smaller pieces from the mat, than cutting it too small and having to glue them back together. Measuring is an important part of the process. Your pieces can be in different shaped cuts, no need to cut out perfect rectangles.

4. Applying the Pieces

After measuring and cutting your foam and areas that you’d like to cover. It’s time to apply the pieces. Start with the most accessible part in the frame. Peel the sticky layer off of the mats and stick it onto the surface.

Use a roller or your hand to apply pressure onto the mat, to make sure it sticks in place. Try to cover most open areas. Add extra layers of foam, vinyl, and insulation tape. Remove air bubbles from underneath the mats.

For more tips on how to sound deafen your car doors – cheap, click here.

5. Re-attach the Doors

Sit inside your car and ask someone to knock on the door from the outside. When you are happy with the effect the sound deadening materials are having, then it’s time to put everything back.

Make sure to use the right screws and do everything backwards, step-by-step. Apply the panels and all other unscrew-able bits.

After repeating this process on all four your doors, you’ll have a sound proof and higher quality ride for life.

No one goes to buy a car with the mindset of reselling it. However, after a few years of use, the question of ‘how long should I keep my car?’ starts popping in your head.

A new car loses up to 20% of its value when you buy it and drive it off the lot. There’s no specific length of time to sell your car; however, there are indications that signify the ideal time to get that car into the market. Here are some clues that let you know when to sell your car.

When It No Longer Meet Your Needs

Several life situations alter your vehicle needs. It could be marriage, kids, or even a change of environment. While a convertible would be suitable for you when single, it may not meet your needs as a parent. Likewise, the car you use when in the city may not suit life in the countryside. That is a cue that it is time to sell the vehicle. Sell it and buy another car that will suit your needs.

When It Is No Longer in Use 

Lots of people make the mistake of keeping their cars covered in the garage when it’s not in use. Stop wasting money on insurance and registration. Unless you intend to keep the car as a collection, it’s time you sell it or find out how much you can get for a title loan. Cars depreciate quickly when not in use, so instead of parking the vehicle, you can at least lease it out to keep the engine running,

Consider the Season

The demand for cars increases during the spring and summer, making it the best time to cash in on your vehicle. Families’ go on holidays, picnics and other activities and need a car to move around effectively. People are less inclined to buy cars in the winter, as they spend more time indoors.

While it is not essential to selling your car during the winter or summer, it is also necessary to consider demand and supply. When too many sellers list their car for sale during this period, there will be a surplus, and the prices may drop.

When It Start Incurring Excessive Repair Expenses

As you continue to use a car, the repair frequency, and costs increases. If you are faced with significant repairs and excessive parts replacement, then that is just the sign to sell. If your car can’t go a few weeks without requiring a major repair, then it’s time to put it on the market. Repair bills accumulate slowly, and you may not realize how much you spend. Selling off the car and investing the money into a new one may be the ideal thing to do.

Before It Loses Value Due to High Mileage

Every mile you drive costs you money in terms of the value of your car. Buyers always check the mileage on a vehicle before purchasing it. Some buyers make a big deal about it and may reduce the amount they are willing to pay for the vehicle.

The value of the car drops as the mileage increases. This makes it essential to sell your car before it clocks a high mileage point. Probably when it reaches the 40,000 to the 50,000-mile mark. 

When Everything Is Still Working

It is easier to convince buyers to pay good money for your car when everything is still working. If you notice things are falling off your car, then you should consider selling. A buyer will access the level of damage to a vehicle before making a bid. Having a broken mirror or headlight can even turn off a potential buyer.

Allowing the car to depreciate further may cost you money as the buyer will likely deduct the cost of fixing those items. The more parts that need replacement, the lower the amount you will receive for the car.

When It No Longer Meets Your Status

While several people may disagree, the car a person drives should suit their level in society. In this modern day, you aren’t just treated based on how you dress, but also what you drive. If you get a promotion or get a new job where most of the people use high-tech cars, then you need an upgrade. Also, as an entrepreneur, you should change your vehicle if your current one doesn’t suit your position. While it is essential not to be extravagant, you need a car that matches your status.

Before the Market Value Drops Remarkably

The truth about cars is that its value drops quickly. As newer car models are introduced into the market, the previous models become cheaper and less appealing.

Market forces of demand and supply determine the value of a car, and with more buyers opting for new cars, the demand and prices of used vehicles diminish. If you have a 2015 model, then probably about three new models would have emerged after yours.

The value will continue to decline each passing year, and if you intend to get top money for it, then you should make the sale now.

Overall Condition

It’s best to sell your car when the interior and exterior are still in shape. Not when the car door is already faulty or when you have huge holes under the car. The surface of the car is a significant determinant of the amount you will receive for the vehicle. The condition can be improved upon before selling to ensure you get optimum value.

We all use different car brands and drive on different roads, so there is no universal formula in determining how long to keep a car before selling. However, paying attention to the vehicle and the local market can give you all the cues you need to know when to sell.

With lots of auto repair shops in your area, how can you find one that will ensure you get value for your money? Here are some basic tips from car repair center to help you find the right auto repair shop that will give you reliable instruction and honest quotes.

Research auto repair shops

A trip to the auto repair shop to fix your car can be a cause of concern because you may not be prepared for any additional unexpected problems that may occur. When you have minimal knowledge of how a car works, you will need to find an honest, reliable auto repair mechanic to help you.

Research is the first step and this is very important. Ask your family and friends if they can recommend a reputable car repair shop in your neighborhood.  If your friends own similar autos like yours then they will be able to give you some trustworthy advice.

Online searches are great sources for finding auto repair shops. As you investigate, take note of the reviews and any complaints you find. Accept reviews with some reservations because expectations often differ with individuals. The AG office in your state will have a database of complaints against auto repair shops in your locale. Check online and find out if the auto repair shop, you’re considering is reliable.  Just in case you can’t find any information on the AG office, check out the consumer protection agency in your state to find out if it has a database on the auto mechanics in your region.

 Check credentials

You have to ask about certifications and accreditations. Are they members of the auto repair licensing organizations? Look to see if their technicians have AAA or the Automotive Service Excellence  (ASE) seal or other recognized certification. Technicians with ASE certification are trained to work on different parts of a car for example, brakes and transmission. Ensure that the technician assigned to work on your car is qualified to do so.

Never take your car to mobile operators who offer you discounted rates. If they do a sloppy job you will not be able to get any recourse because they are operating outside of the state’s licensing authority.

Ask for documentation

Documentation is key. Ensure the repair shop has a policy that provides written documents for every stage of the transaction. Your first concern must be documented and you should receive written reports of estimates and any inspections done before the work begins. This documentation should have different line items for labor, parts, fees and taxes. Parts should be identified as used, new, remanufactured or rebuilt. Similarly, if warranty is offered it should either be printed on or fixed firmly to the invoice. The usual minimum warranty is 3,000 miles or 3 months.

A reputable repair shop should have a return policy, which allows for replacement of parts or they should allow customers to inspect the parts. For example, if you replace all four tires you would certainly want to see them before they get shipped off to recycling.  This will assure you that the parts were removed and replaced by new ones.

 In-person visit

Never take your car to a repair shop without first going there in person to check out the shop. If the shop looks unprofessional or it is cluttered, then don’t hire this shop. A professional repair shop must always show signs of professionalism. Read here for more auto repair information.

Low-costs

Taking your car to a repair shop should never be expensive.  Here are some things to bear in mind as you shop around for a mechanic:

• The recommendation in the owner’s manual are important.  Most manuals have a complete maintenance plan that if you follow will keep your car running efficiently with nominal repairs and costs.
• Find a repair center that is owned independently or a small chain of shops because this can save you money over time. If your vehicle is not covered by warranty then usually the cost will be less there than what the dealership charges. You may even get discounted costs on routine oil changes or preferred appointment times because of your loyalty.
• A local dealership may offer free repairs if there is a recall.  Before booking an appointment at the service center ensure you check the manufacturer’s website for any recall notices.

While your car may need the immediate attention of a good mechanic, never forget regular maintenance because this will keep your car in top condition.

If you are in the business of running a car wash, then keeping the conveyor belt going is a very important thing. When needing to keep a car wash operating at maximum efficiency and output, there are some tips and tricks that you adhere to so that everything can run as smoothly as possible. Here they are from the experts.

1. Anybody who is working around the conveyor belt must ensure that they are familiar with all safety procedures, especially lock-out/tag-out procedures, as prescribed in their manual. Before any repairs are started, it is crucial that the power is turned off, this includes the air pressure going to any parts of the conveyor. Not only does the power shut off to apply to the repair phase but it should also be shut off when the problem is initially being investigated.

2. NO matter how minor the repair procedure may seem, it should always be performed by an employee who is trained o ho to perform the repair. This goes a long way into reducing the injury rate of workers and in avoiding any damage to the equipment itself.

3. Not every malfunction or cause for car wash repair services will require more than one worker. However, this concept is a good one to adhere to anyways because it builds a team camaraderie and a sense of accountability within the workforce.

4. Make sure to use all required safety clothing and gear when attempting any sort of repair. This includes NOT wearing clothing which is inappropriate or which could cause a danger within the working environment.

As you can see, these expert tips are very easy to both remember and to follow. By staying on the path to safety, you can easily ensure that the repairs run as smoothly as possible.

Maybe you’re new to the industry. Maybe you’ve been here for awhile, but you’re always interested in learning new tips. If you own and operate a car dealership, here are just three ways to make sure that business is always booming!

1. Advertise Your Sales

This might sound obvious, but if your sales aren’t being advertised in blinking neon letters that are raised 40 feet in the air, you aren’t doing a good enough job. Car dealerships are so visually “busy” that it takes a lot to attract the attention of potential customers driving by. If you want them to know about your deals and discounts, you have to go the extra mile to get your signage noticed. Don’t be afraid of getting aggressive. It’s an aggressive business.

2. Track Your Spending

It’s easy for money to disappear in a car dealership. Since you’re handling such large sums whenever someone purchases a vehicle, the smaller transactions tend to be ignored or forgotten. You’ll need to break yourself of this habit to properly balance your books. Start tracking every single transaction made within your car dealership, and have someone on your staff organize all of your receipts, invoices, expense reports and order forms. Don’t let money vanish into thin air. Even small amounts can add up over time, and there might come a day when you need that money.

3. Hire a Professional Cleaning Crew

A good cleaning service Florida can help you with both the interior and exterior appearance of your car dealership. In addition to sweeping your parking lots and emptying your garbage cans, they can also make sure that your cars always look good against the landscape or show room floor. Some companies will even offer non-toxic, eco-friendly services to ensure that no damage is done to your vehicles as they clean.

These are just a few tips for running a car dealership. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel confident in the decisions you make. That should be your ultimate goal as a small business owner.

For American children under the age of 18, car accidents are the leading cause of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many of these child fatalities can be prevented by using proper safety restraints when transporting children in your car.

Using proper child safety restraints in your car can protect your child in a car accident and reduce their risk of serious injury and/or death. All types of restraints such as seat belts, booster seats, and car seats must be appropriate for your child’s size, weight and age. When it comes to motor vehicle child safety restraints, one size does not fit all. An auto accident attorney Portland Oregon often sees severe injuries when restraints are not properly fitted to the child.

* Seat Belts – If your child is eight years old or older, factory installed car seat belts are recommended for safety. When your child rides in the back seat and stays buckled into their seat belt while driving, car accident injuries and fatalities are reduced by as much as 50 percent.

* Booster Seats – Booster seats are recommended by NHTSA for children between the ages of four and eight. Children in this age group are often too small in size and weight to be properly protected by seat belts. They often slip out of a seat belt in a high-impact car accident.

* Infant Car Seats – Infants under one-year of age or under 20 pounds should always ride in an infant car seat placed in the back seat. For maximum protection from injury, the car seat should be installed so the child faces the back windshield, not the front of the car.

In 2014, more than 600 children under the age of 12 died in car accidents in America, and another 121,000 children were seriously injured. According to NHTSA studies, more than 600,000 children under the age of 12 commonly travel in motor vehicles without using any type of safety restraints at all. Accident statistics show that approximately 40 percent of children who die in car accidents are not properly restrained or not wearing any type of safety restraint.

If you have one or more used cars to sell you need to consider the best way to do so as there are numerous different options for putting vehicles up for sale nowadays. From selling privately to running a small car business, you need to consider what works best for you.

If you have outstanding finance on your cars, or no tax and MOT, there are issues you need to know about and understand before you can sell them on so read on to find out all the things which you need to take into consideration when planning to sell your used cars.

The first step when selling any used car is to find out what it’s worth. You can use online car valuation sites to get a really good idea of the value of your car before you start looking at ways to sell it.

Generally, the most lucrative option for selling a used car is to sell it privately as you are likely to gain at least 10 per cent more that way than if you had tried selling it directly to a car dealer as they will always negotiate the price down.

However, if you are selling privately you will need to pay for advertising the car and will have to arrange test drives, viewings and answer all of the questions and inquiries about the car yourself. You can avoid this hassle if you sell to a car dealer.

If you are looking to sell to a car dealer there a number of things to consider – you can either sell it outright or you can part exchange your used car for a new car from them if that’s what you are looking to do.

When selling your car part-exchange, the value is likely to be the same as the price you would be offered trade, when selling your car directly to the dealer but there is likely to be less room for negotiation. You might be able to negotiate a deal on the new car you are buying though.

If you sell your used car on to a garage or dealer, outright, it is probably the simplest way to sell your car. You will get a price based on the car’s condition, along with its predicted value so it is unlikely to  be as good a price as you’d maybe get selling privately.

Talk to respected car dealers about part exchange options. This can also be a good route to buying a used car. When looking to buy, the range from bigmotoringworld.co.uk is extensive.

The other way you can sell your used cars is by using the online car buying sites which have sprung up recently, where they guarantee to buy your car from you at a certain price. You just go to a site like webuyanycar.com, or something similar, and enter the details of your car into the site to get a quote.

The quote is generally going to be around the trade price but they will give you a final quote after inspecting the car physically so it might well be lower if your car has some wear and tear which is evident, and you are also likely to need to pay some kind of admin fee for using the service so there is a cost involved.

You could also look at selling your car at an auction, which can be a quick way to pass it on to a new owner, but there is no guarantee you will reach your ideal price for it and might not even sell at all so there is no guarantee. You are also likely to have to pay fees and commission on this type of sale.

If your car has outstanding finance on it, you cannot legally sell it without telling the new owner so if you have this situation, then you must tell your finance company. You need to request a settlement figure to end the finance deal.

Once you have the figure, you need to pay it off before you sell the car on to someone else. It is actually almost impossible to sell on a car which has outstanding finance as that will all be registered so when someone else tries to register the car as the new owner, the issue will be flagged up on the system.

Another thing to think about, when trying to sell on your used cars, is the season – which might sound a bit strange but certain types of vehicle sell better in different months. For example, a 4 x 4 type car will sell better during poor weather conditions, whereas a convertible will sell better in the summer when people want to put the top down.

If you are going for a part-exchange with a dealer, the best time is to pick a time when their trading will be lower, for example, December, January, March and August – these are the months people are least likely to buy cars so you will get a better deal.