Die Cast Auto Parts

Aluminum Die Cast Auto Parts include radiators, carburetors, gas tanks, valve covers, mirrors, air filter adapters, exhaust systems, body and closure panels, door and trunk handles, auto lamp parts, engine brackets, wheels, master cylinders, ornaments and logos among others.

Die casting is the manufacturing procedure of forcefully inserting molten metal, in this case aluminum, into a steel mold or die and making it solidify to form metal parts. Aluminum is one of the top choices in die casting because it is lightweight, malleable or flexible, and has a high electrical and thermal conductivity. Aluminum has a fatigue or endurance limit that is not yet defined as compared to steel. It surely has very high fatigue strength, perfect for constructing materials that will last for long periods of time.

Moreover, the Aluminum Die Cast Auto Parts, also called aluminum castings, are exceptionally durable and highly resistant to corrosion. Thus aluminum castings are even utilized in military equipment and automotive parts. In the military, aircrafts, missiles, torpedo boats, and armored vehicles such as tanks all contain aluminum castings. Aluminum is also used in lighting fixtures, lawnmowers, heat sinks, medical and dental equipment, roofing tile molds, golfing products, amplifiers, hand tools, typewriter frames, and even kitchen paraphernalia.
Everybody knows what aluminum is since it is used in countless materials and products. Aluminum, known for its low density and ductility as well as its durability and corrosion resistance, has become a wonder metal that can be used in so many ways.
Kinetic Die Casting is a die casting company specializing in aluminum and zinc parts. If you would like to request a quote, please visit our website:Kinetic Die Casting Company

Die Casting – Extending its Role on Car Toys Collection

Die Casting – Extending its Role on Car Toys Collection. It is known to all that die casting plays a vital role in numerous types of industries. The procedure is in itself executed to be able to produce the finest quality of metal parts materials that are able to supply the finest kind of surface finishes. One of the industries that usually makes utilize of this procedure is the car industry. In fact, the collection of the die cast cars is one of the top ranking hobbies of both the men and women these days. These miniatures can be enclosed in glass and then be displayed either at the home or workplace. Some crafty individuals use time in constructing the model, framing it, and then making a fortune out of it.

As a hobby, people get occupied in car shows and then later on purchase the mini-me’s of the displayed car models. There are the ordinary kits that are sold so the enthusiasts can work on them. The technique of die casting engages the employ of both the plastic and the metal. Characteristically, the metal which is employed is known as the zamak which is essentially composed of the alloy of aluminum and zinc.

The die casting technique is used on the police cars, trucks, construction equipment, motorcycles, airplanes, buses, trains, and automobiles, to name a few. They may be individually assembled or can be bought all in one piece. Generally, these are not only fun to gather but they do prompt the collector to do work and be crafty at the same time.

Aluminum Auto Parts: Slowly but Surely

Aluminum Auto Parts: Slowly but Surely. Many manufacturers of cars are experimenting on the utilization of aluminum auto parts. Some are also expanding their research to make it possible to utilize aluminum in all other weight-intensive gears of cars

So far, there has been a broad range of parts completed out of aluminum like engine blocks, cylinder heads, manifolds, wheels, and even body structures and closures. Carmakers are confident that soon, hoods, trunks, and other such heavy parts can also be shaped out of aluminum materials. The body alone accounts for about 25% of the whole weight of a vehicle. Using aluminum will considerably diminish the cost and offer enormous savings.

According to the Aluminum Association, Inc., the use of aluminum for automobiles doubled between the years 1991 and 1999. This is estimated to double by early 21st century. So far, aluminum has already exceeded plastic use in vehicles and is now ranking third after iron and steel.

Average weight of aluminum is expected to be one-third that of an equivalent volume of steel. There is about 60% weight reduction with the use of aluminum in vehicles instead of steel and cast iron.

Although there are so many returns in using aluminum, several engineers in car manufacturing are still yet to be persuaded about swapping steel with this metal. They put stress on aluminum being tricky to weld and that this metal has a dissimilar reaction to stress than steel.

Aluminum auto parts are seeing some use and for sure, as technology advances, there will be more use for aluminum in car manufacturing.

Aluminum Auto Parts Now. Entire Car Soon.

Aluminum Auto Parts Now. Entire Car Soon. Pop quiz: What does James Bond and metal aluminum have in common? The answer is that well-known sports car brand Aston Martin. One of the cars that have been utilized in the movie featured aluminum exterior body panels and flooring. These aluminum auto parts manufactured the hero zoom his way on the road like the wind.

Yes, most of the gadgets we have seen in the older Bond movies may be fictional, but cars like the Aston Martin Vanquish are not. In truth, more and more automobile manufacturers have started utilizing aluminum in manufacturing vehicles like the Audi A8 and the Honda Insight.

There was a time when these carmakers avoided utilizing aluminum because of problems of cost and safety. Nonetheless, with progression in technology, aluminum is becoming a reasonable and secure choice for manufacturing of car parts. Since some companies are in a wait-and-see mode, construction of such aluminum vehicles is still moderately low.

These producers are still quite traditional about mass producing cars out of aluminum because of so many technological reasons that they want to be advanced first. There are many rewards to utilizing steel that have not been answered by aluminum yet. This is why research is endlessly being carried out to expand methods and techniques that can sustain the aluminum revolution in car manufacturing.

Many components though, are being experimented upon like engine blocks, cylinder heads, wheels, panels, and body structures. There is also a growing use for aluminum auto parts that are weight-intensive like hoods, trunks, and others.

How are Aluminum Automotive Parts Used?

How are Aluminum Automotive Parts Used? The use of aluminum has already invaded even the automotive industry these days. Its strength, price, weight, and flexibility are some of the reasons why it is being constantly used and developed as parts of any vehicle in the market.

Aside from the basic characteristics of aluminum itself, it becomes widely used for vehicles to achieve its goal of conserving fuel mileage. Some of the most common automobile parts that are made of aluminum are alloy wheels, valve covers, brackets, handles, carburetors, flooring, light fixtures, and a lot more. Being recyclable and durable in its very essence, these parts are also corrosion resistant. It follows that using aluminum parts, the life of automobiles are preserved to stand the test of time as well.

Moreover, being resistant to corrosion, it is becoming more practical to use aluminum in car parts rather than plastic. Considering that plastic does not have the characteristics of strength, it is not a good material for vehicles especially that it is not environment-friendly and budget-friendly.

In total, aluminum automotive parts are indeed durable, cheap, recyclable, and lightweight. Though basically cheap, its durability and benefits to vehicles and people are definitely endless. Good thing that the automotive industry is constantly making ways to make use of this material.

To get a price for aluminum die casting parts or die casting tooling, call toll free 800-524-8083 and ask for sales. Or email us at sales@kineticdc.com for a fast response on a price quote.

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Where do you find Aluminum Automotive Parts?

Where do you find Aluminum Automotive Parts? Where do you find Aluminum Automotive Parts? They should actually be found anywhere at your nearest available auto shop. You basically need such automotive parts for wheels, engine blocks, mirrors, impellers and clutch parts, etc. You could also inquire from your preferred companies, whether it be Toyota, Chevy, Nissan, Honda, or and Jeep parts from Auto Parts Train.

There are now also world auto parts suppliers that are expanding in the USA. They are looking for more consumers as well to test the quality of their automotive parts. Despite the recent economic struggles of North America, companies such as Mexico City’s Grupo Bocar are willing to compete in its open market.

Aluminum Auto Parts have become increasingly popular in the midst of car manufacturers all over the country. After all, it has been proven many times that is better compared to other types of metal such as steel because of its several properties. Aluminum can just be as strong and durable as the other metals. You could also try researching from the web for more information on the brands and companies. Some properties of aluminum are it can be cast net shape. It has good thermal properties. Plus they look good but cost less.

To get a price for aluminum die casting parts or die casting tooling, call toll free 800-524-8083 and ask for sales. Or email us at sales@kineticdc.com for a fast response on a price quote.

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Examples of Aluminum Automotive Parts

Examples of Aluminum Automotive Parts. You love cars, because of the speed and the boost on your moral that you get whenever you are riding your favorite vehicle. You may declare your love for your cars, but do you know them well? Can you easily give examples of aluminum automotive parts? Now don't begin inspecting the insides of the vehicle because you can still learn about the matter if you will look it over at various resources.

Auto or car parts that are made of aluminum are about 1/3 the weight of the parts made of steel. Examples of aluminum automotive parts are being produced by hundreds to thousands every day. To save cost in the production and wasted materials, these parts are manufactured using the net shape, plus the savings that owners will get from getting rid of the additional cost that may be incurred from machining or getting addition labor. These parts are produced along with the mounting holes.

There are many companies that sell examples of aluminum automotive parts. You should learn about your choices and find out vital details about these before you proceed in any kinds of purchase. To find out more about this subject, you can browse over the sites that produce and market these products and read the description about the parts that you are interested into.

To get a price for aluminum die casting parts or die casting tooling, call toll free 800-524-8083 and ask for sales. Or email us at sales@kineticdc.com for a fast response on a price quote.

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Maintain your Battery

Maintain your Battery and check your charging system!

9 times out of 10 the reason why your bike won't start is usually because of the battery condition or loose connections. A charging system failure is less likely but is still possible.

I will talk about both of them here.

First look at your battery connections. Check for obvious and easiest to fix problems first. A loose connection, poor ground etc. will likely cause intermittent operation of the starting and charging systems. If you find a loose connection and/or corrosion, clean the connections with a wire brush.

Before re-attaching apply a little grease to the contact points. The grease helps to prevent any of the white corrosion residues building up around the battery terminals.

Try and start her up now. You still have a problem? Go down to the mall and buy yourself a small electronic multimeter. (Make sure it has both AC and DC volt functions, as well as a continuity (or OHMS)function. Pull out the battery and set it on a counter. Set your multimeter to DC volts. Measure the Battery voltage by placing the red lead on the positive and the Black on the negative.

The voltage read should be around 12.5 volts (higher is OK) If the voltage is less than this it may indicate a poor battery. Notice I say, "may" here because the bike's charging system might be at fault. In this case the battery will most likely be OK.

Confirm that the electrolyte level in each cell of the battery is good. Add distilled water only to cell's with a low level. (Obviously you cannot add water to a maintenance free battery) Charge the battery overnight with a slow charger only. Motorcycle batteries cannot handle a fast charge. Make sure the charger only charges at a rate of 2 amps or less.

Install the battery and try and start her again. If she still won't go buy a new battery and your problem will likely be fixed. If she starts and runs like a charm, then you have to find out why the battery went dead. You need to check the charging system.

With the engine running, place the multimeter leads on the battery. Rev the engine a little. The system voltage should rise with engine RPM. A voltage of around 13.5 to about 14.5 should be displayed. If the voltage stays constant and/or is slowly decreasing, or if the voltage rises above 14.7 volts the charging system is not functioning.

What do you do now? You have to check two things. The Stator and the Regulator. The stator creates an AC voltage. The regulator changes the AC to DC voltage and also maintains that voltage at the proper level.

The Stator can be checked with the Ohms function on your meter. Locate and remove the plug for the stator on the front of the engine block. You will see two or three pins inside.

Set the meter for low Ohms, and measure the continuity between these pins. 5 Ohms or less is what you are looking for here. Set the meter to the highest setting. With 1 lead attached to a metal part of bike check for continuity to each pin. You meter should read infinite, or no continuity. If these tests check out then your stator is fine. If there is a fault in any of these tests, then see your dealer

The regulator is the easiest of all to check. The regulator is made of solid state electronics and can't be opened. Replace the regulator if everything else on the charging system checks out or if there is an overcharging situation.

On most Harley's you will not know if the charging system is beginning to fail. The evidence shows up when you have dim lights or she just won't start. There are aftermarket accessories that you can install on your bike that will tell you the current state of the charging system.

Save yourself some bucks here!! With a simple multimeter available from any Electronics parts store you can troubleshoot your charging system and check your battery and most likely repair any problems yourself.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.

The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.

In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side doorjamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.

Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.

Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.

Young Car Drivers

Young people as we all know are very energetic, fun-loving and yes, these days, they are very independent and audacious. They’d love to try anything new and anything “cool” and anything “in.” Oftentimes, the moral, ethical and safety concerns are set aside for the sake of fun. Hence, many times they get caught up in troublesome situations.

Getting behind the wheels the first time is one of the most anticipated things among teenagers. The way his teenager drives is one of those areas a parent should look closely into because young drivers are more prone to accidents. Knowing this, Auto Parts encourages parents to educate teen drivers the importance of driving safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, this leading auto parts dealer emphasizes among young adults the need to learn the basics of car repair, car maintenance and car part replacement. Through the store’s updated, complete and comprehensive Auto Parts Information section, one can learn a great deal about anything that concerns automobiles and driving.

Change a Car Tire

Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.

In order to change a tire you should make sure you have parked your car at the side of the road and following all the safety rules that correspond to the case. You must apply the parking brake and place the shift in first gear. Then, you should look for the spare tire, the lug wrench and the jack. If you do not know where the spare tire is, you can look for it in the car owner's manual.

Once you have found all you need, you should start by taking off the hubcap of the tire you wish to remove. You should do this with the help of a screwdriver or the end of the lug wrench. Then you should loosen the lug nuts with only one turn, do not completely loosen them until you have lifted the car.

Next you should lift the car with the jack. If you do not know how to do this, you can find instructions in your car owner's manual on where to place the jack as well as the jack itself might bring some directions too. You should lift the car until the tire you wish to change is some inches away from the ground. Then finish removing the lug nuts and remove the tire.

Once you have removed the old tire, you should place the spare one in the correct place aligning the holes. Then, you should place the lug nuts and tighten them until they feel secure. Once you have done this, you must lower the car back to the ground and take the jack away from it. Then, you should have the flat tire repaired and change it back as soon as you can.

Fall Car Care Month

October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance. This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the car’s old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and components checked or get the car properly serviced by a mechanic.

Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles, especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of time. As early as now, work on your car’s problems, even the minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and stress-free.

By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield, trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might break as you drive through bumpy roads.

Summer Time and Your Car

We always seem to make sure our cars are ready for the winter. But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced. Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine. Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed? Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown. Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later. The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended. Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive. Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year. Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low. Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so. Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it! Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills. If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away. Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left! Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working. Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone. There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer. Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!

Selling Your Used Car

You can get the best price for your used car only when a new care of the same model is being sold at the highest price. If a manufacturer gives discounted prices for a new car of the same model, you can’t sell your car at the best price. In other words, the best time to sell your used car is when the prices for the model you have are at the highest. Hence the important factor that affects the price of a used car is the price of a new car of that model you own. So it is better to wait until the price of a new car of your model goes up rather than selling it when the manufacturer gives discounts for a new car of your model.

Preparing your car for selling it is a must. You have to consider what the potential buyer thinks of your car. So you have to maintain the interior and the exteriors of your car properly. If your car is not clean inside and out, the potential buyer may not think positively about your car. This simple issue might make you lose a possible deal. Therefore proper maintenance of your car is essential to fetch a good price for your used car. Some people might overlook some serious problems in the car if the car looks shiny and glowing. Touch up scratches on the exterior and interior. Make up the small dents in it. Balance the tires properly. Clean inside and out. This might fetch you a profitable deal.

The price of your car should take into consideration the mileage and the condition of the car. You might also consider the demand for that model. Cars that have run for more miles are often not preferred and they are considered ‘used up’. Hence most of the people prefer cars that have run for fewer miles per year. Usually a potential buyer would consider the price that you have fixed for your car as the asking price and he would negotiate the price. It is always better to have a margin of 5f the price that you want to sell so that your can negotiate that 5

Take care of your car

Your automobile sits outside 24/7, 365 days a year in all extremes of weather. You routinely drive it at speeds that exceed 70 mph. You stop, start, stop, start through city traffic. You sit idling in traffic jams day after day. Yet, you expect your automobile to start every time you get into it and turn the key.

The best thing that you can do to extend the life of your automobile, and to potentially save yourself a bundle of money, is to have your automobile serviced on a routine basis. All automobile manufacturers have a schedule of recommended services for each vehicle they sell. Follow this schedule. The best place to have work done on a new vehicle that is still under warranty is the dealership.

It's a bit different when you have an older, out of warranty automobile. At this point you can make a decision to continue to use the dealer for service, or find yourself a local mechanic. The first rule of thumb is to have the oil in your automobile changed every 3,000 miles. This is the simplest and most important part of routine maintenance for your automobile. At that time, whether you go to a "speedy" oil change business or to your mechanic, the technician will take a look at the overall condition of your engine. They'll check belts and hoses and fluid levels of your transmission and brakes. They'll check your air cleaner and the condition of your tires. Some of these drive through services also offer add on's such as engine cleaning and radiator flushes. If they think they see something that could become potentially serious they will tell you about it and suggest you take your automobile to a mechanic. autos have really changed over the years and most technicians use computers to diagnose problems. You'll need to be able to describe the problem to the mechanic. They'll need to know things such as when you first noticed the problem and exactly under what condition it happens. Does it happen when the automobile is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen when you're at an idle or when your accelerating? If you don't use the same mechanic have a copy of your automobile's service record with you so that the new mechanic can see what maintenance been done in the past. It's best to find a mechanic you're comfortable with and stay with him. Knowing your automobile's history can go a long way towards helping him diagnose and fix a problem.

Learn to listen to your automobile. If you hear an unusual noise, notice a change in it's performance or handling take it to your mechanic.

Driving Safely in the Dark

Safety is a primary concern for all drivers, especially at night. Although there are fewer cars on the road, most fatal car accidents happen at night than any other time of the day. Our ability to see the road ahead is seriously impaired at night. Darkness can dramatically alter the driver's ability to cope with even the most normal driving conditions. As we are more vulnerable to dangerous road situations at night or in low visibility, we should double our preparedness, alertness and common sense when driving at night. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from potentially dangerous situations on the road. Here are some of the most important points to consider when driving in the dark.

The most important difference in night driving is visibility. At night, we become completely dependent on artificial sources of light to help us see and show us where we are going. Highway signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles are more difficult to see at night. Thus, lights, mirrors, and windows are doubly important at night. We should maintain clear, clean and scratch-free mirrors and windows. They should not be clouded by steam, frost, water droplets or tarnished by cracks or scratches.

Driving Safely in the Dark
Your entire car's lighting equipments must be in good condition to ensure safety when driving in the dark. Headlights, Tail Lights, Corner Lights , signal lamps, license plate lights and others all play a big role in your safety when driving at night. Your lights should be turned on during the night especially during periods of rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog. Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Have it checked by a professional to make sure that all the lights work. Keep your headlights and your windshields clean. Remember that your lights are your only communication with other drivers on the road. Make sure that your windshield is clean, clear and unobstructed so that you can see what's ahead of you. One of the most hazardous habits that that drivers do during the night is "overdriving" the headlights of their vehicles.

Headlights as well as other lights, mirrors, windows, windshields all play an important role in keeping you safe when driving at night. Thus, these auto parts must be maintained in good condition or replaced as soon as they get damaged or defective. Fortunately, you can easily get replacement GMC Parts including GMC Headlights, GMC Mirrors, GMC Window regulators and others. However, you should carefully choose the auto parts you are going to purchase. A good tip is to stick with a reliable and trusted auto parts store. If you want to shop for GMC auto parts the fast and easy way, then online auto parts stores are an excellent choice.

Auto Parts is known as an excellent source of quality, relevant auto information. Now, Inner Auto Parts offers high quality and affordable replacement parts that are manufactured by the best auto parts makers in the industry. GMC Parts from Inner Auto Parts are guaranteed to be durable, high quality and comes at very affordable prices. GMC Parts such as GMC Fenders, GMC Fog Lights, GMC Radiators, GMC Spoilers and others are readily available. You can surely find the best GMC Headlights, taillights and other GMC lights here at Inner Auto Parts.

Buying a Used Car

I have always purchased my cars used. And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree. There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.

Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.

Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Are you going to purchase from an individual?

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!