Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be

Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be

By Anders Abadie

Many people have a thorough understanding of how to sell or trade used cars, even if they have never done so themselves. However, the process of donating a vehicle to charity is mostly unknown to most of us. There are many common misunderstandings about the process, which will be cleared up below.

The Truth About Tax Breaks

All over television, billboards, and even on the Internet, there are ads stating that if you donate your used cars to charity, you will receive a tax break. Even though this is technically true, these tax breaks are much smaller than they were in years past. Unfortunately, this is because some people took advantage of the system.

Up until recently, the process was quite easy and straightforward. Taxpayers simply claimed the fair market value of the vehicle on their tax forms. This was easily determined by auto valuation services such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. As a result, many people just donated their used cars to the closest non-profit and simply claimed the applicable tax break.

Then some taxpayers began to claim that their auto donation was worth more than the actual value, so the government was forced to enact strict rules regarding the amounts you could claim subsequent to vehicle donation. Everything now depends on how the charity intends to use the vehicle, which puts taxpayers in an awkward situation. They do not know the exact size of their pending tax deduction at the time that their used cars are donated.

The IRS has a $500 deduction threshold for vehicular gifts. If the auto is valued higher than that, it is valued at the price that the charity eventually sells it for. If the charity decides to use it prior to selling it, you may be entitled to a deduction equal to the full value of the auto if the charity provides you with documentation regarding the sales price and how it was used prior to the sale.

Finding An Appropriate Charity

It is crucial to research your chosen charity before you drop off any used cars. Though there are many philanthropic groups that will gladly accept your donation, only those that are tax-qualified will result in income tax breaks. There are many groups that perform valuable work in the community, but they are not approved charitable organizations in accordance with IRS rules. There are also many con artists around that will take advantage of your good intentions, so always verify that your chosen non-profit is legitimate and reputable.

So, is donating your old automobile the right option for you? Donating a vehicle is a noble undertaking. Though you expect a tax break in the end, you are still doing your part to help your community. Not only will it save you a few bucks at the end of the year, but it will also provide you with a sense of pride, knowing that you did something to help your neighbors and friends in your area.

To learn more about their options for Springfield, IL used cars, residents should visit http://www.freedomautosonline.com/.

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Five Reasons To Buy Used Cars Now

Five Reasons To Buy Used Cars Now

By Anders Abadie

For obvious reasons, pre-owned autos have always been less expensive than brand new ones. As such, they were far more popular with cash-strapped consumers during the Great Recession. However, as demand rose faster than supply during those years, the price of used cars reached an all-time high. Between 2007 and 2013, the cost of the average, secondhand ride surged by 18 percent. That trend continued in 2014, with an increase of 5.1 percent. But now, after seven consecutive years of growth, many experts believe prices will soon fall back down. Here's why.

Improving Economy

When people have money in their pockets, they are far more likely to purchase big-ticket items like cars and homes. With unemployment falling and wages rising (albeit marginally), consumers should invest in new autos at a disproportionate rate. The subsequent decline in demand for used vehicles should lead to lower prices.

Rising Inventory

One of the ways Americans saved during the economic downturn was to lease vehicles rather than buy them. According to industry insiders, a whopping 3.2 million new autos were leased from 2009. Many of these now-secondhand cars and trucks are coming back to dealerships. As a result, sellers should have huge inventories of late model vehicles. Now, even if demand were rising, the increased supply would most likely stabilize prices. However, with the expectation of a fall in demand, perhaps precipitously, costs could come crashing back to earth.

Better Quality

When you lease a vehicle, you must return it to the dealership in excellent condition. That is why most leased cars are in better shaped than those that are owned. With millions of these gently used automobiles returning to sellers in the coming years, the overall quality of the pre-owned fleet will improve.

Younger Fleet

There was a time, not so long ago, when most used car lots offered the dregs of the automotive industry. We're talking about clunkers so past their prime they probably belonged in junkyard. Times have changed! Because of leasing and better longevity, most sellers offer an appealing mix of nearly new and gently used cars. We should also mention that many dealerships now offer certified, pre-owned automobiles. These vehicles are thoroughly tested and inspected before they're put up for sale. They even come complete with extended warranties from their manufacturers.

Accurate Pricing

Before the advent of the Internet, it was almost impossible to price pre-owned autos; even the dealers weren't sure what they should charge. Today, there are dozens of websites that collect sales information from countless sellers across the country. This data is then used to calculate the average sales price for every make and model vehicle on the road. The prospective buyer just has to search for secondhand autos by zip code to find out what they're going for in his backyard. As you might expect, having access to this vital information makes it easier than ever to negotiate over price.

For all of these reasons and more, now is a great time to buy used cars in America.

To learn more about their options for used cars, Mobile, AL residents should visit http://www.deanmccraryaudi.com/used-inventory/index.htm.

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Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

By Luke Harper

If I name some of the most popular pieces of public safety equipment, the warning lights, siren speakers, push bumpers and grille lights of different types will come to mind. With the increasing rising risks for first responders, the need for these essential items is critical. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of police, fire fighters, and EMS for the safety of the public.

These products are used constantly; all having and meeting the same purpose, public safety. The light and sound systems used by the police and other first responders are a type of safety equipment.

Public safety radio and speakers

All through the hours of an emergency or patrolling, the police are largely dependent on their vehicle's flashing lights, emergency radio systems, sirens, and speakers. These devices are made to comply with and act perfectly during their emergency operations.

Though these devices are often left un-maintained, neglected, and taken for granted, but they indeed are an important utility that should be taken well care of. If these systems would not work properly, first responders and those they serve could be imperiled.

The manufacturers of public safety equipment incorporate unique features that ensure these perform their duties robustly, during the emergency hours.

Power backup - The first blueprint of public safety radio, which are nowadays installed in police vehicles, did not have any provision for power backup. Additionally, it would consume a large amount of energy, which used to affect the operations of the vehicle.

The safety radios and speakers of today come with smart design, which does not consume high levels of power and keeps them on for longer duration of time.

Water resistance - Lighting systems on vehicles are an electronic utility, and just like any other electronic device, they too can get affected with the water, moist and rainy weather conditions. To ensure the safety of lights, speakers and radio systems of the police vehicle, it is a must for them to be water resistant. They are assembled in casings that are watertight.

The feature of water tightness gives them a shield against the moisture occurring due to weather-borne conditions. On vehicles, the water tightness of the lights will have a chief role in the success of police operations, especially during night hours.

Frequent maintenance - Last but not the least, the lights, radio systems, alarms, sirens, and speakers should be properly and routinely checked, and adequate measures should be taken to keep them working and in well-maintained condition. Though the systems of the present generation are usually water-resistant, yet that does not imply that they will be working perfectly well in moist surroundings. They need to be check at frequent intervals, and as some discrepancy is experienced in their operations, they should be sent for service and repair.


Public safety equipment plays a key role in maintaining the safety of people, without any violence such as police sirens, speakers and lights. The article discusses some important points that you should know about these systems.

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Guidelines for Safe Use of Vehicle Recovery Snatch Straps

Guidelines for Safe Use of Vehicle Recovery Snatch Straps

By Alex Stojanovski

GENERAL INFORMATION

Recovery straps are made from 100% nylon webbing that can stretch under load and recoil back to almost its original length. The combination of the recovery vehicle pull and the tension in the strap creates a 'snatching' effect that can pull a stranded vehicle free from being bogged or unable to move under its own power. Always adhere to safe operating procedures and guidelines. When used in accordance with these guidelines, vehicles may be recovered with minimal risk of injury to people or damage to vehicles and equipment.

KEY INFORMATION AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Check the strap and its packaging for the stated Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS).

2. It is recommended that the minimum breaking strength of the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the vehicle's gross vehicle mass (GVM) (the weight of the vehicle and any people, accessories and supplies); and

3. The strap must be suited to the GVM of the lighter of the two vehicles used in the recovery process.

4. Persons intending to use the strap should consider completing a nationally recognised four wheel drive training course or contact a four wheel drive club for comprehensive advice on the proper selection and use of the strap.

5. The strap must not be used for lifting or conventional towing.

6. Persons intending to use the strap must ensure that the strap is not damaged and is in usable condition.

7. The strap's strength and stretch are reduced when the strap is saturated.

8. Something like a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket must be draped over the strap during use to reduce any unintentional rebound of the strap.

9. While the strap is being used, persons situated outside the motor vehicles involved in the recovery process must -

(A) be kept at a safe distance (recommended as at least 1.5 times the length of the unstretched strap) from either of the vehicles involved in the recovery process; and 

(B) never situate themselves within the path of the vehicle performing the recovery.

'WARNING - Always follow product instructions. It is important to correctly attach the motor vehicle recovery strap to a motor vehicle. A standard tow ball or vehicle tie-down point is not designed for this purpose and may result in the strap or a vehicle component detaching from a motor vehicle and striking and seriously injuring or killing a person. Only attach the strap to a vehicle recovery point or device that is suitably rated for use with the strap. Incorrect use has previously resulted in serious injury and death.'

IMPORTANT NOTE

1. Never attempt to recover a vehicle without all the necessary equipment. 

2. Only use equipment that is properly rated for the particular situation. If in doubt, don't use it. 

3. Never exceed the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of the strap or the Working Load Limit (WLL) of shackles. 

4. Check your vehicle manufacturer's hand book for recovery point locations.

SELECTING THE RIGHT RECOVERY STRAP

It is very important the correctly rated strap is used. A strap with a 'too light' breaking strength may break under load. A strap with 'too heavy' a breaking strength may not stretch properly and more stress will be placed on the recovery points, possibly causing damage or injury. The Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of the lighter of the two vehicles used in the recovery process. Be aware that the recovery strap will be under greater load if the vehicle is bogged in mud, sand or heavily loaded. If the GVM is not stated on the identification plate of a vehicle or its registration certificate it could be available from the owner's handbook or from the vehicle manufacturer.

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE

Only the persons involved in the recovery should be in either of the vehicles. Ensure bystanders stay a safe distance away of at least 1.5 times the length of the unstretched strap in the opposite direction. NEVER stand between vehicles connected by a recovery strap.

PREPARING FOR THE RECOVERY

Carefully assess the circumstances of the stranded vehicle. If it has bottomed out, clear under the vehicle body so it rests on its wheels. The recovery vehicle should be placed in line (no more than 10° off the straight line) with the stranded vehicle, for either a forward or reverse recovery operation. Distance between vehicles should be 2-3 metres less than the unstretched length of the recovery strap. Establish agreed signals between the vehicle drivers, by radio (preferably), hand signals or vehicle horn.

CONNECTING THE RECOVERY STRAP

Carefully inspect the recovery strap to determine that it is in good condition. If the strap is wet, dirty, cut or chaffed, it will not perform properly. A wet strap may be 20% under strength, a damaged strap may break. Do not allow the strap to come into with contact hot surfaces or sharp edges. Roll the strap out between the vehicles, making sure there are no twists or knots. Leave about 2-3 metres slack between the vehicles. The joining of straps should be avoided wherever possible (Retailers carry varying lengths of straps). NEVER USE A METAL OBJECT to join two straps together - if the strap breaks it can become a lethal missile and cause damage or injury.

Check your vehicle manufacturer's hand book for recovery point locations, or use correctly rated and fitted aftermarket recovery points. DO NOT CONNECT TO A TOW BALL OR TIE DOWN POINT. Connect recovery strap to recovery point; for any recovery point requiring the use of a shackle to attach the strap, use only load rated shackles. Only connect to correctly rated recovery points on the vehicles, with only 'Load Rated' shackles. Load ratings are marked on shackles as WLL (Working Load Limit). Bow Shackles are suitable for this purpose and should be rated at least 3.25t. To correctly tighten shackle pins, screw the pin until it seats then back off about ½ to 1 turn. Over tightening may lead to seized pins, due to the force exerted during recovery operations. To reduce the risk of a vehicle being damaged and person injured, hang a suitable recovery damper blanket over the recovery strap approximately midway to absorb the recoil action of a strap should it break.

REMINDER: Check all connections again and clear bystanders to a safe distance (at least 1.5 times the length of the unstretched strap) to the side of the recovery operation and NEVER in the line of recovery.

PERFORMING THE RECOVERY

1. Before the recovery operation drivers must agree on the point to which the stranded vehicle is to be recovered and the signal (radio, hand signal or horn blast) when that point is reached.

2. With communications maintained between both vehicles, and recovery strap secure, the recovery vehicle should gently accelerate, taking up the slack and proceeding at no faster than 10-12kph. For best results the stranded vehicle should be in 1st gear (or 2nd Low), and the driver should assist the recovery by trying to drive out approximately 3 seconds from when the recovery vehicle moves off.

3. If the vehicle is not recovered on the first attempt, check under the stranded vehicle, again, for obstacles, reset the slack in the recovery strap and try a little more speed by the recovery vehicle.

4. NOTE: Excessive speed or continual jerking action whilst using a recovery strap may result in damage to the recovery point, chassis and drive line of both vehicles.

5. When the stranded vehicle reaches the agreed point the driver should advise and the recovery vehicle should stop, then the stranded vehicle should stop.

6. Where proper use of a Recovery strap is unsuccessful, use an appropriate sized recovery winch.

7. Do not attempt to remove the strap until both vehicles are stationary and secured.

NOTE: Recovery straps require rest periods between use to return to their original length and capacity. Excessive pulls over a short period of time can cause build-up of heat and possible failure.

CAUTION: Always follow the recovery strap Guidelines for safe use.

GENERAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE

1. Never allow your strap to rub against sharp or hot surfaces. 

2. Avoid twists & kinks in the webbing. 

3. Always coil your strap during storage. 

4. Clean your strap in warm water with a mild detergent and allow to thoroughly dry before storage. 

5. Foreign material such as sand and grit can permanently damage the strap fibres. 

6. Be aware that a strap can lose up to 20% of its strength when wet. 

7. Inspect the entire length of any straps for nicks and cuts before and after use. If damaged, straps should be replaced. 

8. Never use the strap as a lifting device. 

9. Inspect shackles for damage. Pins that are hard to turn suggest that the shackle has been overstressed and should be replaced.

Visit our store to view our range of recovery straps at https://www.hulk4x4.com

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Connected Cars Offer Something For Everyone to Like

Connected Cars Offer Something For Everyone to Like

By Ernest B Bray

And Worry About.

The smart money is betting that sales of smart cars will explode, but concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, average sticker price and embedded vs. smart phone connectivity are also growing as connected cars move from the realm of science fiction to everyday fact.

Although most drivers can't afford the $55,000 average cost of today's connected car, many analysts believe prices will fall significantly in the next few years. As a result, Gartner predicts that 250 million connected cars will be rolling on the world's roads by 2020, while a BI Intelligence report forecasts that 75 percent of the 92 million cars shipped globally in 2020 will be built with internet connection hardware.

IHS Automotive predicted that in 2015 nearly twenty percent of all cars sold globally will include some connectivity.

Despite the higher price, consumers are already sold on the benefits of cars with in-vehicle technology. Thirty-nine percent of car buyers say such technology is a top selling point, according to a study by Accenture. This is more than twice the number (14 percent) who say "traditional" performance measures such as power and speed are their top priority.

For now, the technology connecting smart cars to the Internet (and often Wi-Fi) is split between systems embedded by the auto manufacturers and those driven by devices such as smart phones. Most analysts believe embedded connectivity will eventually dominate, especially as prices decline, because it will let automakers and insurers collect key performance, safety and driving data. In the short term, however, many consumers will probably rely on smartphones to access features and functions that include infotainment, remote door unlocking, navigation systems, weather and traffic alerts and problem-diagnosis tools.

Despite widespread optimism about the enhanced safety and convenience promised by connected cars, the federal government and some consumer groups worry that the vast amounts of data collected and transmitted between various parties could threaten individual privacy and even safety.

Recently, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee issued letters to 17 carmakers and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration requesting details of the cybersecurity measures they plan to take to prevent hackers from accessing smart cars' safety and communications systems. In addition to fears that hackers could collect personal information stored in the cars, some people worry that criminals could actually wrest control of smart cars, disabling critical systems such as brakes and steering.

Although these fears might sound like something invented by a Hollywood screenwriter, researchers affiliated with the Center for Automotive Embedded Systems demonstrated in 2010 that it's possible to take over all of a car's vital systems. In 2011, the same researchers showed how to remotely take control of a vehicle through its telematics systems. Just this past Friday, Fiat Chrysler announced it will recall 1.4 million cars and trucks to protect them from hacking after Wired magazine did a piece on how hackers could remotely hijack a Jeep over the internet.

In response to concerns about the unregulated collection and sharing of sensitive personal data by legitimate companies, Triple A has proposed a sort of Bill of Consumer Rights to the Federal Transportation Commission. They proposed that consumers receive the right to know what information is collected and how it's used, the right to decide whether to share certain data, and the right to expect that their vehicles' data systems are protected against unauthorized access.

This is definitely a topic that will see quite of bit of action and we should all stay tuned in.

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