Tips To Decoding your Car’s VIN Number?

A car's vehicle identification number (VIN) is the automotive equivalent of
human "DNA".

It sets their vehicles apart from the millions of vehicles out there. In later years it is reflected in 17 digit characters. It displays a car's uniqueness and heritage and provides a form of factory to scrap yard identification. It can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage. Each character or digit has a particular purpose.

Tips to understanding your vehicles serial (VIN) number

They are as follows:

• 1^st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured.
  For example: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)
  
• 2^nd character- Identifies the manufacturer. For example; Audi(A),
  BMW(B), Buick(4), Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B),
  Ford(F), GM Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaquar(A), Lincoln(L), Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3), Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V).
  
• 3^rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.
  
• 4^th to 8^th characters- Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.
  
• 9^th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.
  
• 10^th character- Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T),
  1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)
  
• 11^th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.
  
• 12^th to 17^th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production
  as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line.

Understanding the cars vehicle identification number has become very popular with car collectors for new and old vehicles alike. Collectors can confirm a vehicles uniqueness, collectability and date of production. Consider this- owning one of the last cars off the assembly line for a certain year or model or how about owing one of the first 50 of a new model off the assembly line. Car collecting has become an immense world wide hobby/business and knowing how to read and understand a VIN is a very important aspect.

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Vintage , Classic, Collectable Cars

In a sense, insuring a classic auto is like insuring any other kind of antique. You see, a classic car may be often made of irreplaceable parts.

To get an idea of the situation lets look further!

When you need to file or make a claim on your 1993 Cavalier, the claims adjuster has a little book that that tells him how much the car is basically worth. Combine that with calls to some local car dealerships and the estimates for repairs and .............bingo..........you know where you stand! Or pretty close!

But the value of your 1967 Corvette may be a bit harder to determine, especially if you've put a lot of work into the car. That's why it's often best to hire an appraiser when you decide to take out a collectable car policy. Before you do so, though, shop around to see who will provide this kind of policy and even if your car qualifies. Different companies have different standards , rules, conditions and claims procedures. Some will only provide coverage on a special rate for a car over 25 years old. Some may not provide coverage to operators under 25 year old.   Some policies may seriously restrict the use and type of use the vehicle may have. For example- parades, car club activities(if you're a member) yearly mileage

Some insurance companies offer riders or endorsements that let you add the vehicle to your regular policy and and some companies have separate policies.

Ask your broker these questions:

1) How old does my car Have to be?
2) Is this a stated value or agreed upon value?
3) Do I need to hire an Appraiser?
4) Do you need to approve the Appraiser I hire?
5) How often can I use My car?
6) Are their restrictions?

But with all these questions and hard work come some serious advantages!

Price for example.

You'll usually pay less than a regular auto policy with the same value vehicle because the insurance company usually recognizes and expects that you will use the car in a certain manner and care. Every day use is gone. They become good weather , sunny day vehicles. No snow storms! No icy roads! Less risk ------less cost! But quite often the limited use is a key factor. Not driven to work every day regardless of the weather helps keep cost down. The vehicle is usually stored in a locked garage at home and the chance of theft is often reduced this way as well.

At a first glance, it may seem a bit unreasonable for an insurance company to tell you how to use, when to use, and where to store your car. But, most owners of these vehicles take these precautions anyhow.

It seems the last thing they want to do is get damage to their"baby"!

It pays to appraise your car on a regular basis!
A collectable car doesn't depreciate it increases or ..."appreciates" with time!

Ask any owner.....they appreciate....... their beauty!

 

Mini Van Mania Hits Canada!

Say Good bye to the days of the station wagon and hello...............to the minivan!

The all purpose vehicle that revolutionized the auto industry in the mid - 1980's topped a quarter million sales for the first time in Canada last year. The minivan's popularity took off in 1984 with the introduction of a Chrysler model that offered more room but still fit in a garage. It turned into a spectacular success with Canadian sales surpassing 100,000 in 1989 and 200,000 in 1997. Now, more than a dozen models compete in the segment.

Statistics Tell The Story!

Statistics show sales and leases of new minivans across the country jumped almost 24,000 or 10.5% to a record 251,673 last year! That outpaced the over-all vehicle market which climbed 8.1% to 1.5 million vehicles leased or sold.

Today, minivans represent 16% of the Canadian market and only 8% of the United States market. The minivan has evolved into more than family vehicles.

For example older people who like to travel and motorists

active in sports and outdoors are active buyers of the   vehicles .What has driven the market also is the competitiveness of manufacturers to get their share of the market. This competition has brought affordable pricing to this vehicle segment. Research shows Canadian households on average own 1.6 vehicles while American households have 2 vehicles. U.S. statistics suggest the popularity of minivans in the U.S. peaked in 1998.

It is believed that new minivan buyers are generally coming from the compact car category and are looking for more room and uses in a vehicle for their families that compacts can't provide.

In fact,

three auto makers produce minivans in Ontario, Canada.

1) Daimler Chrysler produces the Caravan model at the world's biggest minivan plant in Windsor

2) Ford assembles Windstars in Oakville and

3) Honda makes the Odyssey model in Alliston.

Quarter million leased or sold last year!!!

8 Ways to Avoid an Accident

Over 90% of automobile accidents can be avoided. Here are common causes.........avoid them and you may avoid an accident! Intersection Errors..........Over 65% of urban accidents occur at intersections. Look around very carefully. Proceed with caution and don't assume anything. Inattention...............Not maintaining close concentration on your own driving, other drivers, pedestrians, and driving conditions. Following too close...... A generally safe and easy rule is to look at your speed in km and stay at least that many feet behind the vehicle in front. Vehicle Malfunction..... Have regular checkups, particularly of wiper fluid, brakes , and tires, and replace wiper blades whenever they are worn. Maintain your vehicle and you may avoid and accident. Dangerous Roads...Ice, snow, fog, and rain conditions require slower speeds and much greater caution. Unsafe Speeds... Exceeding speed limits, or driving too fast for traffic conditions.Excessive speed reduces reaction time and greatly increases impact and injuries. Improper Lane Changes... Before you change, check all mirrors, and signal long before you change. Also, watch for the other vehicles. These items may seem so simple and standard to drivers, but, in today's hectic driving world they are often overlooked ,forgotten or simply ignored.

 

Reporting An Accident Here's a checklist of 9 items of information to record in the event of a accident: 1) Policy number, insurance company and name of the person the policy is in with addresses and phone numbers of the vehicle owner 2) If the driver is not registered owner then get drivers name, address, drivers license and telephone number 3) Date and time of the accident 4) Location of accident 5) Year, make & model, color and license plate number 6) Number & Name of Passengers in each car with telephone numbers and home addresses 7) Name of responding police -fire-ambulance and report number 8) Road conditions -diagram of road, weather, traffic flow, signs, etc. 9) Witness- get names ,addresses, telephone numbers   8 Steps To Take If Involved In An Accident If you are involved in an auto accident, take the following steps: 1) Don't leave the scene 2) Call for medical assistance if there are injuries. 3) Call the police- The Ontario Highway Traffic Act was revised as of January 1, 1998 and accidents over $1,000 must be reported to the police. This is not per car ,but, for the entire accident and all vehicles involved. 4) Drivers involved in a collision must now exchange drivers license numbers and pertinent insurance information in writing, as well as, license plate number and registered owner information.- Please consider this simple tip----------Keep paper and a pencil in the vehicle for this reason. 5) All collision with personal injury must be reported to the police and insurance company immediately. Do not make statements to the other insurance company involved until you have talked to your own insurance company and adjuster. 6) If the collision doesn't involve personal injuries police may direct motorists to a Collision Reporting Center or local police station. Report to that Center and provide all necessary details and get a copy of the report for your records and your brokers records. 7) Never pay cash for a claim -to the other person involved in the accident at the scene. Don't pay cash to the tow truck driver without a receipt (you may be reimbursed by the insurance company) 8) Look for witnesses. Record the names of any witnesses who saw what happened. These people are very important if your participation in the accident is questioned at a later date. Preferably look for people that are not in your car, but, were situated near the accident scene at the time and saw what happened. Tips For Safe Driving in Ontario in Winter You can drive safer! Here are some general tips for safe driving in Ontario (Canada) winter weather. Watch for ice! Shaded areas, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first and stay frozen long after the sun starts to shine. If you see or detect a thin layer of shiny "black ice" ,as its often referred to , ahead then carefully slow down and drive smoothly and steadily trying not to brake suddenly. Hard packed snow can often be as slippery as ice. In such conditions, slow down and avoid sudden stops, braking or acceleration which might cause a skid. When hit by blowing snow or whiteout conditions, slow down and make sure there ......lots of space or distance between you and the vehicle in front. It often makes sense to get off the road totally and enjoy a cup of coffee or drink and wait awhile to hit the road. This allows the emergency vehicles to properly plow the road, sand or salt it, or perhaps to let the wind reduce down to safer driving conditions. This is obviously the most safe position but, unfortunately not usually the most thought of. But if you must travel on always use low beam headlights when snow is falling, as it is believed that high beams reflect back off the flakes and hamper vision. Always leave trucks with lots of space. A heavily loaded tractor trailer truck may have better traction but can cause havoc if it has to brake or swerve suddenly to avoid smaller cars that try to squeeze into its path while overtaking or merging. Remember also to look out for hydroplaning when roads are wet with slushy puddles. It is wise to check your vehicle as often as possible and to clear the mess or guck out of the wheel wells and fender areas which may help you steer better. Always take the time before starting out on a trip or a drive around the corner to properly clear ice and snow off your car windows, hood and roof. Don't forget to clean your lights as dirty lights can reduce illumination of the roadway by half. You won't be able to see as well and the other traffic won't be able to see you. To combat moisture buildup on windows, open a window slightly giving enough room for air to circulate. Still use the heat blowers and defoggers to clear. Good winter tires give 50% better traction over what is referred to as all-season tires. This may mean 50% better handling and braking. Follow your car manufacturer's tire air pressure recommendations exactly and check pressures regularly outside. Avoid checking them in a warm garage as it may affect the results. Under inflation is very hard on tire life and reduces control of the car while over inflation reduces contact with the road and creates a safety hazard, especially in rain or snow. A drop of 11 degrees C reduces tire pressure apparently by 2 psi. One of the most common winter accidents is sliding into another car because there just wasn't enough room to stop. So space your distance from other vehicles generously. Allow for extra time to get to your destination. One of the most common causes for accidents are believed to be the desire to rush to make it on "time". Poor weather driving conditions while extremely dangerous to whether you even make it to your destination "alive" means you should allow generously for time. Live earlier and don't worry if you arrive late. People will understand why your late! What they won't understand is why you were rushing and got in an accident and got hurt. Allow for lots of extra time in bad weather. It's better to be safe.......... than sorry! Also Consider This! * Let your windows fully defrost before your drive. People are becoming more aware of idling engines and their hazards on the environment and usage of gas but sometimes personal safety must come first. If you warm up your car before you drive, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide build-up. * Keep towels in the car to wipe off headlights when they become dirty and snow covered. But remember never to pull off on the shoulder on busy roads to clear the dirt. Instead, carefully drive to a safe and spacious spot ( garage/gas station, restaurant) to avoid collisions with other drivers and severe personal injury. * Maintenance checks- Coolant- make sure it is properly mixed and will not freeze-Engine oil- use lighter weight oil to ensure easier starts-Washer Fluid- make sure it has an antifreeze, smear, agent in it and keep extra fluid in the vehicle- Battery- have it tested and replace it if it is not at peak performance as cold weather wreaks havoc on batteries *Remain vigilant even though your car has ABS brakes and traction control-pumping the brakes on cars equipped with ABS will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. Refer to your owners manual for specific instructions on your vehicles's braking system.