Things to Consider When Buying Cars for Engineering Firms

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I work for an Engineering Consulting firm which caters to government and private clients. We have various projects on detailed design and construction supervision of roads, bridges, flyovers and related projects. As these projects entails frequent site visits for surveys and field investigations we’re required to provide several cars for ease of access to site and fast tracking of work progress. As such we always have a need to designate vehicles to every project according to our client’s requirements. Since my work pertains to administrative works I’m very much aware of how the company chooses the vehicle for every contracted project.

There are things to consider when buying cars for our projects which became our main criteria also whenever we need to purchase when a project starts.

Budget. It should not be too expensive as the company will need more vehicles for operations. There are vehicles that are suited for field work and heavy loads which will not hurt your budget. Company vehicles for field work need not be as glamorous as it will only be used for work. 

Size and Capacity. These two are very important when you need a car for location work because the car needs to carry equipment and gadgets to remote site. It will also carry a group of staff to do the work. It will have to carry it all in one round as travel is usually a long trip for site workers.

Safety Features. As in every field and walks of life protection should be ensured so we need to choose vehicles that have the best secured features and capabilities to take our Engineers to their site location safely without worries. Make sure that before purchasing your desired car it should undergo hands-on tests of its safety features.

For help in choosing the perfect car for our company’s need we can check out online sites like cars.com  for the cars that we need if we don’t have time to go around car dealers on foot. It’s easier and we can compare brands and prices easily.

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How to Prepare Your Car for a Winter Road Trip

Travelling in winter is completely different to any other season. The snowy roads and bitterly cold weather make driving a challenge, and getting stuck on the side of the road is something all winter road trippers dread. Luckily, there are some simply checks and preparations you can carry out to make sure your car is up for the challenge. By following these easy strategies, you can relax knowing your car is prepared for the wintery road trip ahead.

Check Your Battery Your battery can lose as much as 60% of its power when the temperature drops to freezing. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road in the snow with a dead battery! Get your battery power checked, and if it’s more than two years old, consider replacing it with a new one.

Pack Jumper Cables

These should be in your car at all times, but they are especially important for your winter road trip. If your battery does die mid-trip, these will be a life saver. And even if you don’t end up needing them yourself, you might come across a fellow traveller in need of a jump start. So make sure you have these packed.

Check Your Antifreeze

Antifreeze (or coolant) will keep your engine’s fuel from freezing so your car can start. It also protects the engine from rust and corrosion more than plain water does. Make sure you’re topped up with antifreeze and if possible, try and buy a non-toxic variety. This will protect the wildlife on your travels.

Consider All-Weather Tires

It’s essential to check your tire tread is in good shape before going on your winter road trip. If you tread is looking worn, it’s important to change your tires before you go. If you can afford it, consider switching to all-weather tires. These will give you noticeably better traction in the snow and ice, which you will almost certainly face on your winter trip. Make sure you also know the proper technique for driving in the snow and ice to keep your family safe.

Protect Your Paint Job

Road salt can seriously ruin your car’s paint job, and even lead to corrosion. Luckily, you can buy a paint-on sealant which will protect your car from salt and grit during your road trip. Ask your local mechanic for their best recommendation for your specific car model.

Important Final Checks

Before you and your family set off on your winter road trip, carry out these final checks to make sure your car is in tip-top shape:

• Indicator fluid 
• Brake fluid 
• Transmission fluid 
• Windshield wiper fluid 
• Power steering fluid 

A winter road trip can be a great adventure for the whole family. Make sure you make the most out of it by fully preparing your car for the journey. For more useful tips on how to prepare your car for your road trip, as well as essential information on planning and driving techniques, check out this in-depth post.

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