You do not have to be a car mechanic in order to perform these simple, DIY car repairs. These convenient tips on repairing your vehicle will help it not only to be safer on the road but it will also hold up better during auto transportation. With Direct Connect Auto Transport, you can move cars easier with these helpful tips that will prevent vehicle failure on the road. Trust Direct Connect Auto to get your vehicle to go wherever it needs to be with safe and efficient open and closed auto transport. With over 20 years of auto transportation, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands – wherever it needs to go!

Replacing Air Filter

If you learn how to replace the air filter to your vehicle, you will be saving a lot of money. This basic maintenance will help to extend the life of your vehicle, without paying a fortune at the mechanic. Learning this DIY task will help you to be more confident in auto repair. Check with the car manufacturer on how long you should go before replacing your vehicle’s air filter – it should typically be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Changing Fluids regularly

Changing fluids in your vehicle is another simple task that can be done by just about anyone. Researching through resources like Youtube on how to change your vehicle’s fluid is another great way to save a bit of cash and broaden your knowledge on cars. The types of fluid that need to be changed with a vehicle are typical: power steering fluid, brake fluid, wiper fluid, motor oil, transmission oil, differential oil and coolant. Even if you learn how to change one of these types of fluid in your vehicle, you are already saving yourself quite a bit of money!

Cleaning Terminals to prevent Electrical problems

When you clean your corroded batteries, this will help to prevent electrical issues with your vehicle. Electrical issues can form when corrosion is formed on your battery terminals, which strains the charging and computer controlled systems. Cleaning the batteries will help to prevent electrical problems, which can end up costing you a pretty penny.
With these quick, easy DIY fixes – why not try them yourself and save annually on car repair bills? Learning to do some of the easy work that a mechanic can do will not only save you money but will help you to be more confident on the road. When you are confident with your vehicle on the road, you can take your car more places without feeling like it may have an issue. Whether you need your vehicle moved to a local place or cross country, you should be confident in your vehicle’s performance and also your auto transporter. You may want to ship car to California or to just the next state over – and you need your vehicle’s performance to be reliable enough to get there. With these above tips, you will feel more confident in your vehicle to go many places without having car issues.

You may have skipped out on upgrades or maintenance for your vehicle in 2018. For the new year in 2019, vow to take better care of your vehicle with whatever it needs – whether it needs vehicle checkups, better auto transportation, car washes or more. Whenever you need your vehicle moved this year whether it is to the next state over or on the other side of the U.S. – don’t drive it yourself and count on Direct Connect Auto Transport to safely deliver it to its new location. The licensed, bonded and insured company will deliver your vehicle safe and secured to wherever you need to go!

Below are the steps to take to better care for your vehicle this year:

Having Your Vehicle Serviced

With every vehicle, it should be checked every few months by a good mechanic. Every vehicle tends to wear down after a while, and parts will not function to their capacity. A mechanic will check everything from tire pressure to oil and even brakes. Oil should be changed about every 5,000 miles, the air filter every 12,000 miles and tires should be rotated every 5,000 – 10,000 miles. You should aim to have your vehicle serviced every 6,000 miles if you drive a lot or every 12,000 miles if you do not use your vehicle as frequently. You are extending the life of your vehicle when you take it for frequent maintenance so you will be able to move cars more efficiently.

Relying on Fast and Reliable Auto Shipment

If you plan on moving due to a job relocation or school, reliable automobile transportation should be on of your top priorities. Each vehicle is a prized possession and should be treated that way from any company that ships your vehicle. Rely on Direct Connect Auto to get you to where you need to be for a reasonable price!

Basic Vehicle Maintenance

Any basic vehicle maintenance from exterior cleaning to the interior organization should be frequently done in order to have your vehicle function at its best. According to most car experts, every two weeks your vehicle should be washed to remove salt and debris that can corrode any metal. If it is the Winter, you may want to consider cleaning your car more frequently since Winter is when salt will build up more frequently, so be sure to make sure it is removed quickly.

This year, make the decision to treat your vehicle better than ever before. Bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance checks, get your vehicle transported by a top auto transporter like Direct Connect Auto and take better care of your vehicle yourself with frequent cleanings and car washes. You will soon observe that your vehicle will be performing at its very best for 2019!

Cars today are improving on all of their features from performance to convenience and even safety. Safety features are becoming a hot ticket item for car buyers such as lane assist, rearview cameras, and automatic braking. Top Car manufacturers this year from Mercedes-Benz to the Lincoln Nautilus are raising the bar for car technology this year. If you are thinking of the perfect gift this year, what’s a better gift to give than a car with updated safety and comfort features? Rely on auto transportation from Direct Connect Auto Transport to get your new car this holiday from point A to point B safely! They have over 20 years of on-road experience, shipping everything from boats to small and large vehicles nationwide and nationally. You do not have to worry about your car being delivered damaged by an experienced auto transport company like Direct Connect Auto.

Below are some of the exciting upcoming features for 2019 vehicles!

Updated Convenience Features

Artificial intelligence is being utilized in the Jaguar iPace to anticipate the driver’s needs from seat position and radio stations to news and learning the driver’s preferences. Comfort and luxury features like heated armrests and massaging seats, as seen in the newer Mercedes-Benz models, help to relax the driver. The 2019 Subaru Ascent has an e-bird function that tells drivers of bird sightings through crowdsourced data. It also features 8 USB charging stations and 19 cup holders.

Improved Safety Mechanisms

Among the top selling points of new cars, safety is a major aspect. Technology to avoid accidents is improving year after year. In newer models like the 2019 Audi A8, it doesn’t just offer auto-braking but also prevents cross-traffic collisions at intersections and raises the car 3.5 inches for a side impact collision to minimize damage. Evasive steering with models like the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus and 2019 Ford Edge Cross Overuse cameras to analyze slow moving traffic and steer around its path to avoid accidents. Another impressive new feature, from the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe moves the front seat passengers to the side in an accident to reduce passenger injury.

If you looking for a new car to drive into 2019, the newer models above have advanced features that make the perfect gift for this holiday season. With Direct Connect Auto, you can move cars seamlessly into the new years, with no hassle to you! They focus on everything from large vehicle shipping to compact hybrids or even vintage cars. Everything is done by the professional auto transportation, so you can have a new car this season, right at your doorstep!

As always, with anything you buy you have to watch out for scams. According to Direct Connect Auto Transport, This is unfortunately no different with purchasing cars, and many people who do not research common scams are usually the ones who are left with a bad deal! The auto transporter, Direct Connect Auto, is a reliable car source with over 20 years of automobile transportation services. They know the ins and outs of both auto transportation and auto dealerships. Make sure you always research the car and car dealership before deciding on purchasing a car. The finance guys at car dealerships have a reputation of not only being pushy but also trying to make a quick sale – even if it means leaving out some vital information.

Below are some of the Top Scams Seen From a Car Finance Guy:

1. Title Washing – Title washing means the title of the car was “washed” with the transfer of the car to another state that didn’t notice the salvage brand. Many vehicles are salvaged that were in previous natural disasters like hurricanes, where the car ended up being salvaged with major flood damage. This could be very dangerous for the buyer, especially if the vehicle is not functioning correctly.
2. Finance Guy Gives False Lowball Price – The dealer will give you the lowest price and ask if you can find the price elsewhere at other dealers (who cannot match it that low.) The finance guy will say he just has to talk to his manager, who will end up not being able to approve of the low price. This is when they will get you into the store to pressure you into purchasing the car at a higher price.
3. Unnecessary Add-ons – A lot of finance guys will try to include add-ons that you do not need. These are often very profitable for the dealer, but the car buyer actually does not need them at all. These add-ons commonly include: fabric protection, paint protection, rust proofing, undercoating and VIN etching.
4. Not Including Equipment That Was In The Contract – The dealership could have made an error, but this is another common scam that helps them save money. Whether the contract included car mats, navigation systems or keyless entry – you should have every add-on that was said to be included.

When you have decided on a car to purchase after doing much-needed research, you can have Direct Connect Auto move cars to your desired location, whether it is close or 1,000 miles away! They provide both open and enclosed auto transportation services based on your individual needs. So when purchasing a new car, be aware of the possible dealership tricks and rely on Direct Connect Auto for small to large vehicle shipping.  

As electric cars are becoming more and more prevalent in the modern-day auto industry, there are still many auto carriers who do not transport electric and hybrid cars. At Direct Connect Auto Transport, we are proud to be able to meet your electric and hybrid car transport needs with our closed or open vehicle transporters.

The Challenges Companies Often Face

Since carriers are used to shipping cars with gasoline engines, there can be many challenges that they can face with electric car engines. Many carriers are slow to adjust to new changes in the auto industry. Direct Connect Auto always keeps up with the latest-and-greatest in the auto industry and are passionate about advances in technology. With that said, below are the potential challenges based on an article from Automotive News that may go along with shipping an electric car:

• Lithium-Ion Batteries add weight
• Some Carriers charge extra
• Lithium-Ion Batteries have potential danger with fires

The added weight from Lithium-Ion batteries, as opposed to regular car batteries, has forced some car transport companies to charge extra for electric car transport services. Extra equipment is not necessary, so the same equipment can be used for both gasoline cars and electric run cars. Electric cars are not free from hazards, and although rare, may pose a potential a fire threat from the use of lithium-Ion batteries.

Reasons to Ship Your Electric Car with Direct Connect
Ship your electric or hybrid car with a reliable automobile transportation company like Direct Connect Auto. They have been working the auto industry for over 20 years and have the experience to deliver your car safely to your desired destination. They have an A+ BBB rating with vehicle tracking to know where your car is at all times. They are fully licensed, bonded and insured to deliver you a positive car transport experience, guaranteed!

When selling a vehicle you have to think of what the customer wants: great appearance, reliable condition, reasonable prices, and low mileage. Of course, many people are brand savvy and want to know the model and make of the car. However, if the car is not in great working condition, your chances of selling it are low.

Visual Condition

The condition of a vehicle is the first thing car buyers notice. If the car is run down from the outside and has a lot of damage, the buyer will likely turn away. If you have dings or scuffs, you may want to invest some money to fix the minor damages. Buyers will pay more for a vehicle that looks pristine from the outside. Without fixing these minor scuffs or paint chips, you may have to be willing to go for a lower offer on the vehicle. When a car is visually appealing, it will sell much faster. If you do end up getting an offer and decide to accept, you need to make arrangements for vehicle pickup. The vehicle can either be picked up in person or shipped with reliable automobile transport from Direct Connect Auto Transport if the buyer decides to have it shipped. With over 20 years of positive shipping experience in the U.S. and internationally, Direct Connect Auto can help you to get your vehicle safely where it needs to be.

Reliable Condition

You should have your vehicle inspected by a reliable mechanic. Everything from the oil to the battery should be checked to ensure they are in proper condition to be sold. Your engine should run well without stalling or breaking down. Just the basic mechanics of the car being in reliable condition will be a great selling point for any potential buyer. After all, buyers do not want to put in work the minute they purchase a used vehicle.

Price Point

Research prices of what your vehicle make and model is selling for online. These people likely did the needed research for their vehicle before they put up an offer. Your vehicle should be around the price that other sellers online price their car with the same vehicle. However, if you installed new upgrades like a new engine – your car price will be higher than the other offers. If your car needs something new like tires, make note of that in the vehicle description and have an open mind to lower your price below the asking price. If you are not selling your vehicle as quickly as you would like, you may want to offer a price cut.

Selling a vehicle quickly requires the best price to be set for the current condition of the vehicle. Whether you decide to invest money to improve the vehicle to sell for a higher price or offer a lower price letting the buyer know the vehicle will need improvements – the vehicle can likely be sold within a short amount of time. You need to be a reliable seller and have a used vehicle in great, driving condition. Once your vehicle is sold, if the vehicle needs to be shipped to a far away destination – Direct Connect Auto Transport can move cars to where it needs to be!

Car Safety features that are put in the new cars are saving lives, but it comes with a price! Unfortunately, these new safety features are often doubling the price of repair bills. These advanced safety features, many known as ADAS, are available in reduced cost packages and are rated high in safety ratings. They can reduce the risk of accidents, and are highly effective at keeping passengers in the vehicle safe. Our automobile transport experts at Direct Connect Auto Transport value the safety features in new vehicles as they can prevent many expensive on-road incidents.

Certain car features like blind-spot detection can cost as much as $3,000 in repair bills. These advanced safety features are more common today like lane departure warning, collision warning, and automatic braking just to name a few. If a person is in a minor fender bender or the mirror is destroyed, according to AAA, destroying a sensor from ADAS technology can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,300. This is not a very affordable option for car owners and can put many people into a financial burden.

Drivers can experience car safety in a new car – but at a steep price. Many new car buyers are passing up on these features only because they are expensive. As more people start to purchase these new features, we should see the price go down. Drivers should still feel as safe as they can in their own car. Some of the new car features are not as necessary like voice controls or backup cameras. Some of the backup cameras provide a cloudy view anyway, and drivers are advised to turn their heads before relying on the backup camera. If you purchase a new car with the top safety features, reliable enclosed auto transport is a small price to pay for the additional vehicle safety from Direct Connect.

As technology changes, we will begin to see more people adopting these features into cars which will make the prices drop. However, features like automatic braking and collision warnings top the list of safety features that should be in every car. Although they are not yet legally required to be in cars, we may see changes within the next few years regarding safety features. With reliable auto transport services from Direct Connect Auto, you can have your new car shipped to your location and have reliable new safety features for safer driving.

The Auto transport industry is a growing industry right now, with an improving U.S. economy and plenty of work to transport cars from one state to another. Becoming an auto transport broker is a field with a growing demand. Broker jobs have increased by 14% since 2014, and the industry offers great opportunities and benefits as the field continues to modernize.

Get Ready to Have a Steady Income

With many brokerage jobs available, the average brokerage jobs offer decent pay. The pay will depend on if you want to work full-time or part-time, for auto transport companies or for yourself. For full-time brokers, the median salary ranges from $40,000 to $100,000 a year. You can decide how much work you want to do and how much you want to earn.

Broker income varies greatly, according to the three top salary sites below:

• Glassdoor – The minimum salary is $31,000 while the average national salary is $37,592. A high-earning salary can be about $49,000.
• Payscale – The lowest paid brokers earn about $30,177, while the median pay is $41,571. Higher salaries are usually in larger cities at a pay of about $73,500.
• Indeed –  Listings on indeed show an average of $54,000 to $92,000 a year. The broker agents can earn an average of $76,000 annually.

Understanding the Industry

The more you understand just how the industry works, the more money you can earn for yourself. Auto shippers often want to see an experienced broker when they move cars, to avoid potential issues down the road. It always helps to have plenty of experience in the auto shipping industry, but you can learn plenty of auto brokerage with the right books and courses. You can understand how to earn the most money from the top shippers, and earn even more commission. The experienced, reliable auto transport shippers and brokers from Direct Connect Auto Transport earn a terrific wage in this increasing economy.