When it comes to cars, we all have our own personal preferences. Some people prefer old-school classics like the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, while others are into high-end luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW. Still, others prefer more modern, eco-friendly cars like hybrid vehicles or electric models. When you get right down to it, though, there’s a lot more to learn about cars than just their different variations and styles.
Once you know how to read a car VIN number and understand some of the unique terminology used when discussing them, you can delve even deeper into this fascinating world. Here are some great tips on things you probably didn’t know about cars but might be curious about!
What is a Bluebook?
Bluebook is the term used for the current estimated value of a car. You’ll often see this value listed on sites like Autotrader or Craigslist when someone is selling a car. The Bluebook value is usually based on the car’s condition, how many miles it has on it, how old it is, and other factors. The value is updated by the company that publishes the Bluebook every month, and it’s based on the average sales price of cars in the United States.
Some people take the Bluebook value as an absolute rule of thumb for how much a car is worth. It’s not a bad way to ballpark the value of a car, but you should definitely do your own research too! The Bluebook is an excellent starting point for determining the value of a car, but it’s not always accurate.
Why Are Cars Black When They’re New?
The color black is commonly associated with brand-new cars, and while there are many different theories about why this is, the most likely explanation is simple. Black is a very durable paint color that can withstand the wear and tear of normal use. Since black paint isn’t as difficult or expensive to produce as other colors, black cars are less expensive to manufacture.
Plus, when a new car is black, it doesn’t show dirt or dust as prominently as other car colors. This helps car dealers get a “like-new” look when they sell used cars at a premium price, even though they may have been driven off the lot only a few months earlier.
Does Weather Affect How Long A Car Lasts?
People often wonder if the amount of rain or snow a car is exposed to will have any impact on its longevity. The short answer is no: weather conditions only have a minor impact on how long your car lasts.
The main factors that determine how long your car lasts are how well you care for it, how often you drive it, and how hard you drive it. For example, people who live in snowy areas and drive a lot in the winter are likely to have their cars last a bit longer than people who don’t.
Where Can You Find Out How Many Miles Are on a Car?
The easiest way to find out how many miles are on a car is to ask the owner. If that’s not an option, you can use an odometer reading check method. If the car has a digital odometer that shows numbers, it’s as simple as starting the car and looking at the screen.
If the odometer is a mechanical one that shows a needle, you can shine a light on it and try to read the number. If the car doesn’t have an odometer, you might be able to locate the VIN number and use it to find out how many miles are on the car. Some used car dealerships will tell you this information, but others will not.
What Does GVW Mean?
GVW stands for gross vehicle weight, and it’s a measurement of how much an entire car weighs. The manufacturer will provide a gross vehicle weight for each car model. For example, a Honda Accord V6 has a GVW of 3,274 pounds.
This means that when the car is fully loaded with passengers, it should weigh 3,274 pounds. If you don’t meet this weight, you risk getting a ticket and being fined by law enforcement officers.
What Is the Difference Between Standard and Premium Gas?
Regular, or “standard,” gas is the type recommended by most car manufacturers. Premium gas is higher octane fuel that’s designed to increase performance, but it’s not necessary for most cars. Premium gas is recommended in cars like Mercedes, BMW, and some sports cars that are designed to handle it.
It can also be helpful in cars that have a lot of miles on them and could use an engine tune-up. Premium gas typically costs more than regular gas, but it’s not always necessary to use it.
Which is Better: A 6-Cylinder or an 8-Cylinder Engine?
This one is a bit of a debate among car aficionados, but the general consensus is that a V6 (6-cylinder) engine is a better option than an inline 8-cylinder. This is because inline engines place the cylinders side-by-side, which makes them harder to cool. V6 and V8 engines put two cylinders on each side of the engine to even out the heat. That makes them a bit easier to cool and less likely to overheat.
The other advantage of the V6 is that it puts less strain on the rest of the car. The inline 8-cylinder puts a lot of strain on the crankshaft, but the V6 engine is less taxing on the rest of the car. This makes the V6 a better option for towing and driving in rugged terrain where the car’s crankshaft is more likely to break.
What is CAM Shaft Housing Rotting (CSHR)?
CAM shaft rot is a common issue in older cars, especially older American and Japanese models. The “CAM” part of the acronym stands for crankshaft, camshaft, and mating surfaces, while the “HR” stands for housing. Basically, the crankshaft, camshaft, and two pieces of the engine that connect them are prone to wearing down over time and causing a bit of wear and tear inside the engine.
Eventually, the wear and tear can cause the engine to start leaking. If the leak is minor enough, many mechanics can simply seal it off to keep the engine running. If the leak is too bad, however, the engine will need to be replaced, which can be costly.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about cars and car parts, you can take better care of your vehicle and keep it running smoothly. That means less time at the mechanic and a more enjoyable driving experience. Plus, you’ll save money on gas, insurance, and other car-related expenses!
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