Monday, April 15, 2013

NJ Drivers: Insuring your New Ford



New Jersey has the unfortunate reputation of being one of the most expensive states in which to live. While it may deter many people from wanting to live here, there have been recent changes that have transformed Jersey car insurance for the better. Now, New Jersey is right up there with every other state in terms of being able to get affordable car insurance. However, our lovely Garden State still has unique requirements by which all drivers need to abide in order to reap these benefits.

Basic liability insurance adheres to the minimum requirements: $10,000 coverage for injury, and $5,000 coverage for property damage. You can upgrade this package to a standard liability policy, which is what most people in our state choose to do. It's got higher rates of coverage: $15,000 for injury and $30,000 for property damage. A person who has an entire fleet of vehicles, perhaps for a business or organization, and need to insure more than 25 have the option to self-insure.

All drivers are expected to choose one of these options because New Jersey has very dire consequences for driving without insurance. First-time offenders will get a fine of up to $300 and will have a suspension on their license. Community service time may also be issued. The fine goes up by a few hundred dollars on subsequent offenses, and the suspension on the offender's license goes from one year to two years. This could also result in doing time in jail.

It's understandable if, for example, you just bought a brand new Ford in South New Jersey and you're excited to get it on the road. But our advice to you is that unless you want to get a fairly expensive fine and have your license suspended so you can't even drive your shiny new vehicle, make sure it's insured by taking it for a joy ride.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

A Truck for Metal Heads



Any driver who loves a vehicle that gets the job done; a truck that looks good but can handle anything; a pickup with a lifted suspension and an attitude most likely already loves Rocky Ridge Lifted Trucks. They're powerful, they're rugged, they're luxurious – it's easy to see why. But now anyone who has a penchant for metal is in for a surprise – Rocky Ridge has created a limited edition vehicle just to suit their chrome-loving needs.

The Rocky Ridge Metal Mulisha is not a model for the faint of heart. It looks as sleek as can be, with a clean, flat, cement gray paint job and chrome-on-black accents. The 20" wheels were designed specifically for this vehicle and feature chrome bolts with a skull logo in the center, giving the truck a steampunk attitude like you've never seen. The rest is decked out with Metal Mulisha logos and skull decals to keep with the theme – even on the adjust steps. If you get the Chevy version, you'll love the color coordinated black metal bowties.

Its performance stands up to its appearance, though. It's got a 6" ProComp suspension lift kit so it can tackle any terrain, paired with a full coil-over high performance racing suspension. It flaunts a dual exhaust with black tips to accent the rest of the aesthetic theme and 35" Extream AT tires.

Go anywhere and do anything in this special edition vehicle, designed specifically for rugged drivers who love a coordinated but intimidating look on a vehicle. Just like many of the Rocky Ridge vehicles, though, this one won't be available for long.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Car Shopping near the Jersey Shore



Everyone knows the Jersey Shore has lots to offer in terms of summer fun. From the beach to the boardwalk, Atlantic City nightlife to outlet shopping, there's a reason there are so many songs about this notorious chunk of the East coast. Along with the fun, though, comes some special conditions for anyone shopping all the used cars for sale in South New Jersey.  Of course, there's the obvious – you want a vehicle that can handle your spontaneous weekend trips, driving on sand and through the woods, and numerous passengers. But what about shopping for and maintaining a vehicle near the shore?


Beware of Rust!
The main thing about living down the shore is the fact that salt air affects metallic surfaces…as in, the surfaces of vehicles. Any amount of rust on a car down the shore is going to spread and weaken much more quickly than anywhere else. When shopping for used cars, make sure to look under the hood, under the carpet, and around the tires – those are the spots most susceptible to rust.

Rust that isn't too far gone is curable. If the metal is super-soft beneath, you're better off not buying the car. But if you already own a car that's got rust spots, brush it away using lots of pressure, then use a grinder to smooth it away and re-paint the surface.

Maintain your Vehicle
Proper care will help your rust-free vehicle stay that way. Washing your car every two weeks is an absolute must when you're storing it in salt air – and don't forget a coat of wax! Don't let any drink or liquid spills sit inside your car, clean them up immediately. Clean your wheel wells with a pressurized hose at least once a week, since these are the most vulnerable areas of the car. Dry off your metal surfaces after cleaning them. And finally, of course, if you're being extra careful, it never hurt anyone to use a can of rust-preventing spray lubricant safe for cars.