Recent Hawaii Shipping News

Jump to section:
Basic info about Kailua, Hawaii
Getting your car there
What to see in Kailua
Conclusion
 

Basic info about Kailua, Hawaii

Kailua, Hawaii is located on the island of Oahu and has no lack of beauty in comparison to any other spot in Hawaii. It has a gorgeous beach that is a hotspot for surfing and kayaking. It has a population of nearly forty thousand people and is currently a popular spot for tourists looking to get away from the crowds of places such as Honolulu.

Lanikai Beach in Kailua is universally considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. However, Kailua’s best characteristic is its lack of big tourist magnets such as huge hotel buildings or giant resorts. Instead, it is known for being a more quiet and serene beach town with lots of bike riders, mom and pop type restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Thus, there is less of a crowd and overwhelming hustle and bustle than places like Honolulu.
 

Getting your car there

If you want to get your car to Kailua instead of taking on the great expense of renting a car or buying a new car, you will need to ship your current car there. Shipping your car to Hawaii is easy, you will just need to make sure that the vehicle is ready for transport by the date of your pickup and you will also have to pick the car up at the port in Hawaii. Other than that, your car shipping company will handle the ret of the shipment.

Unlike Honolulu, Kailua has less traffic and more parking available. It is a smaller beach town. So, having a car there will be a big help, especially if you do decide to check out the other parts of Oahu. You will also need a car to see some of the great sights and places to visit in Kailua.
 

What to see in Kailua

As much as Kailua has one of the world’s very best beaches in Lanikai Beach, it also has so much else to offer. There are ancient ruins you can see, bird sanctuaries, various independent shops and restaurants to eat at, trails, markets and more. There is no lack of things to do in Kailua once you decide that you have had enough of the beach, which likely will not even happen. You can learn more about what you can do and see in Kailua here.
 

Conclusion

Kailua is as beautiful as any other place in Hawaii. It might have the best beach in all of Hawaii. However, it has a ton of other great places to visit and things to do as well. In fact, some people prefer it to bigger tourist attraction type towns such as Honolulu because of how quaint and less crowded it is. It is also a much easier place to have a car than Honolulu. If you want your car shipped to Kailua, you should contact us today at (808) 445-6695!

Jump to section:
How your bumpers will protect your car in Hawaii’s traffic
What you can do to improve your bumpers performance
Final word
 

How your bumpers will protect your car in Hawaii’s traffic

The purpose of the bumpers on your car is pretty straight forward, they protect the important parts of your car in lower speed crashes. So, the bumpers will protect the trunk, hood and grill of the car in front or rear end collisions when the speeds of both vehicles are about thirty miles an hour or less. This might not seem like much protection but “fender benders” are the most common type of car accident.

In Hawaii, traffic can be dense and quite slow in many more populated areas such as Honolulu. This leads to a higher rate of fender benders because people become more easily distracted and the rate of travelling speed is constantly lower. Thus, your bumpers play an important role in keeping the rest of the exterior of your car safe in Hawaii.

This is not important for your own safety but because damage to the front or rear of your car can be much more costly than replacing a bumper. For example, the average cost to replace a bumper is about $500 depending on what kind of car you have. However, if other parts of your car are damaged such as the trunk the cost to fix and/or replace it could easily cost a couple thousand dollars.
 

What you can do to improve your bumpers performance

There is not a whole lot that you can do in order to improve the performance or effectiveness of your car’s bumpers. However, there are a few precautions that you can take in order to protect your bumpers so that you will not need to get them repaired or replaced.
One thing that you can do is to buy a bumper guard for your rear bumper. These or usually foam type pads that can be placed on your rear bumper in order to prevent scratches and chips from contact with another car or object. Depending on the guard you buy, the more heavy-duty versions can absorb shock as well from a low speed impact which helps to prevent dents.

You can also get a bumper guard for the front of your car as well. Unlike some rear bumper guards which can be foam pads, these will almost always plastic bars attached to the front end of the car.
 

Final word

Your bumpers serve an important purpose for your car in that it will protect the important exterior components in the front and rear of your car from damage in the case of a low speed collision. You can always get bumper guards for your front and rear bumpers for an added layer of protection.

However, you should always pay close attention to the road and to what is in front of you when you are driving. Doing so will help prevent a situation where you might need to rely on your bumpers. You will not be in control of whether or not someone hits the rear of your car but you will at least not be responsible for paying for the damage legally.

How long will shipping my car take?

The auto transport process normally takes anywhere between one and three weeks. However, every car shipment is different, so, you should get a free quote to get the most specific estimate of transit time for your shipment possible.

Generally, shorter shipments like California to Hawaii will take up to a week, possibly less. Longer moves such as a move from Texas to Hawaii can take around a week and a half. Extra-long shipments such as New York to Hawaii can take up to two weeks or slightly more.

All of this is relative as shipping times are always only estimated. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these shipments it is not possible to guarantee a delivery or pick-up date. Things such as weather, traffic and customer delays can affect the length of shipping time.
 

How can I get somewhere when I don’t have my car?

You will be without your car for at least several days. Odds are that you will still need to get around during that time. It is actually easier than you think to get from place to place without a car.

Here are some of the best ways to get somewhere without a car:

• Ride share apps – Probably the most popular form of transportation these days, ride-share apps allow you to get a ride of your choice instantly to your exact location. Check out some of the most popular ride-share apps below.
• Public transportation – Buses and trains can be extremely handy when you need to get somewhere without a car. It is one of the more affordable options on this list too.
• Walking – If the weather is good then why not walk? It’s free and you get the benefit of exercise while you’re at it. Unfortunately, it is not the fastest method of transportation on the list.
• Bike riding – Just like walking, this is weather dependent. It is also free with the exception of buying a bike. It is faster than walking but still not too quick.
• Car rentals – The most expensive option on the list, renting a car is one of the most convenient choices. You can have a car while you don’t have your car.
• Car pooling – You can always hitch a ride with someone who is already traveling in the direction that you need to go in. The cost is generally free because it allows your driver to use the HOV lane thus making their trip easier.

Resources for getting around without a car

• Uber.com – The world’s most popular rideshare app. Download the app then get picked up exactly where you currently are.
• Google – Look up directions by car, train, bus or walking with the world’s most widely used search engine, Google.
• Rent a bicycle online – Rent a bike anywhere in the United States right now with Rent A Bike Now.
• Waze Carpool – The best way to hook up with a convenient car pool on the web, Waze Carpool is an extension of the widely used and successful GPS app.

Conclusion

There are a bunch of great and cost-effective ways to get to your next destination while your car is shipping. It’s up to you which one you choose. Remember that you will only need to use one of these methods for three weeks tops.

If you are only in the stages of considering shipping your car, you should get a free quote with us today!

Jump to section:
The different types of car warranties
Why a car warranty can make a big difference in Hawaii
Tips for dealing with a car warranty
 

The different types of car warranties

When you buy a car, you could end up with one or more of several types of warranties. These warranties are bumper-to-bumper warranties, extended warranties, emissions warranties, powertrain warranties, accessories warranties, battery warranties, corrosion warranties and certified pre-owned warranties.

Bumper-to-bumper warranties are otherwise known as new car warranties. This is the warranty that comes with all new vehicles upon their purchase. These warranties will cover the primary parts of the car should they stop working during the period of the warranty. This means that the warranty will cover things like hoses leaking, air conditioning not working, or windows not rolling down. It also means it will not cover things like routine oil changes or flat tires. These warranties tend to last for a period of three years or thirty-six thousand miles, whatever comes first.

Extended warranties cover you for a long or extended period in comparison to the new car warranties. They also will likely cover additional things like tires. These warranties must be purchased, and they are given from a third-party company rather than an auto manufacturer.

Emissions warranties will cover any car parts that measure or reduce harmful emissions according to federal standards. If these parts do not function your car will not pass inspection. Thus, they must be replaced by at no cost to you as long as they are covered under this warranty.

Certified pre-owned warranties will cover much of the same things as a new car warranty. The reason they exist is that when you buy a pre-owned car, the original warranty often does not transfer. So, used car dealers sometimes offer a certified pre-owned warranty to rectify that.

The powertrain warranty is one of the more critical warranties in that it covers critical parts of the car such as the engine and its parts as well as the transmission. These warranties tend to last much longer and/or further than other warranties.
 

Why a car warranty can make a big difference in Hawaii

It is no secret why car warranties will be a big help when you have a car in Hawaii. Hawaii does have some of the most beautiful weather in the world. However, that perpetually hot and humid weather can cause some damage to important parts of your car. On top of that, Hawaii has some of the worst roads in the entire country which can easily be responsible for damage to critical parts of the car.

If your car is covered by a flimsy warranty or not at all, you will be responsible for covering a hundred percent of the cost of any repairs that you will need. Do whatever you can to ensure that your car is under at least one warranty when you have a vehicle in Hawaii.
 

Tips for dealing with a car warranty

Use the following tips to get the most out of your car’s warranties:

• Shop around – If you are buying a warranty, make sure that you do not jump at the first deal that you get. Consider at least three offers before you commit to one.
• Do your research – Make sure you look up the past history of the companies that you are considering getting a warranty from to make sure that they do not have a negative history with past clients.
• Read the fine print – Make sure you look over the contract very carefully and you read each and every clause of it. There might be something in there that you do not like.

Jump to section:
Car shipping is your only option in Hawaii
How you can prepare for your car shipment during the pandemic
Conclusion
 

Car shipping is your only option in Hawaii

If you need to get your car to Hawaii or you need to get it from Hawaii, you obviously will not be able to drive there or back as Hawaii is a chain of unconnected islands. You technically could buy a new car or rent a car but both of those options will get very expensive and the option of renting a car will leave you with a bunch of restrictions on how and where you can drive.

This means that shipping your car to or from Hawaii is your only practical option. Thankfully, doing so is easy and takes very little effort from yourself. All you really need to do is book your shipment, schedule your shipment and then prepare for your shipment. In 2020 things are more complicated all over the world due to the covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, car shipping is still simple and easy, even during these trying times.
 

How you can prepare for your car shipment during the pandemic

As we have said, shipping your car during the pandemic is still a simple and easy process. You just need to take a few extra precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from the virus. Typically, before your car gets picked up you will just need to remove personal items from the vehicle, get it cleaned and make sure that you have enough gas.

However, during the pandemic you should also make sure that you take the proper precautions during the pickup and drop off of your car. This includes sanitizing your hands and wearing a mask during these quick parts of the shipment.

During the pickup and drop off of your car, your auto transport driver will need to get in your car and drive it onto and off of the car shipping carrier. Rest assured; they will be taking the proper precautions as well. However, you should still consider a thorough cleaning of the inside of your car both before and after it ships. Otherwise, it is business as usual when it comes to shipping your car to or from Hawaii.
 

Conclusion

For many people, car shipping is an essential service, especially when it comes to getting your car to or from Hawaii as there are no other viable options. Auto transport is still an available option. In fact, it is being used as much as ever during these troubled times.

If you do need your car shipped from Hawaii or shipped to Hawaii from anywhere in the United States, Hawaii Car Transport is a name that you can trust to get the job done safely and efficiently during the pandemic. You can book a shipment today by calling (808) 445-6695.

Jump to section:
Why you need to pay attention to fluid leaks
The different types of fluid leaks and how to identify them
Final Word
 

Why you need to pay attention to fluid leaks

When your car is leaking fluid, it is always something that you should pay close attention to because it can lead to serious issues with your vehicle. What complicates things is that there are several different types of fluid leaks. These include transmission fluid, gear fluid, motor oil, coolant, power-steering fluid, brake fluid, fuel, or battery acid.

Some of these are obviously more serious than others. For example, if you are leaking coolant it is important that you get the leak repaired as soon as you can but it is not as critical as if you were leaking fuel or transmission fluid. Regardless of what fluid you are leaking, you should take your car to a mechanic right away when you notice a leak.

You can check for leaks by checking the street or driveway where you leave your car parked for extended periods of time. You simply should park your car for a few hours, move it somewhere close than examine the area where your car was originally parked. If there is a puddle of liquid that is slick in texture and has a color such as red or green, then you have a fluid leak.

However, in the summer, it is possible that you have a puddle of condensation from use of the car’s air conditioner. Therefore, it is important to check after your car has been parked for several hours. After a few hours, any condensation puddles will likely have dried and/or evaporated. In Hawaii, you will likely be using your car’s air conditioning often, so it is important to be aware of this.
 

The different types of fluid leaks and how to identify them

As we mentioned above, there are several different types of fluid leaks all of which you should be on the lookout for and get repaired if they occur. You can even tell the difference between these leaks if you know what to look for.

If the liquid is dark and smells like fuel than you can bet that is what it is. If this is the case avoid smoking anywhere near your vehicle, do not pump any more gas and get to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Clear fluids could be condensation from the air conditioner as we mentioned. However, it also could be brake fluid. The main way to tell the difference is if there is a stain left after the liquid dries. Condensation will dry and leave no stain whereas brake fluid will leave a stain. Like any other fluid leak, get this repair as soon as you can.

If the liquid is black or dark brown and does not smell like fuel it is likely an oil leak. Oil leaks will always be located under the engine and need to be addressed and repaired promptly.

A fluid leak that has a red or pink color to it is probably transmission fluid. You can confirm this by checking the transmission fluid level by looking at the dipstick under the hood. Whether you confirm it or suspect it, get to a mechanic to get it repaired.

If you find a leak that is green, blue or even yellow in color it might be coolant. The variety of colors that this leak can be can make it difficult to identify for sure. But you can bet that you do have some sort of fluid leak so go get it checked out.

Finally, if you find a leak that has an odor similar to spoiled eggs, it is likely a battery acid leak. Be sure that you do not touch this leak because it can burn and injure you. With that in mind, you should never touch any fluid leak. Just use color, appearance and odor to identify leaks.
 

Final word

Fluid leaking from your vehicle is something to take quite seriously. If you ignore a fluid leak for too long your car could stop running or even become dangerous to drive. That is why as soon as you find something that you think might be a fluid leak, you should seek a mechanics help as soon as possible. Be aware that a fluid leak can turn out to be condensation from the car’s air conditioner. There is a high possibility of this being the case because of how often you will likely be using your car’s A/C in Hawaii. Regardless, if you are not sure whether you have a leak or not, seek the help of a mechanic.

Jump to section:
After-market parts versus new parts
How you can get after-market parts
Conclusion
 

After-market parts versus new parts

At some point, everyone needs some repairs done on their car. This is no different in Hawaii. Occasionally during a repair, your car will need a part to get replaced. If this is the case it can get expensive quickly. Sometimes, you can get your mechanic to consider an aftermarket part instead of a new factory part sometimes referred to as an OEM part (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

Aftermarket parts have two distinct advantages. The first and most obvious is that they are considerably cheaper than new factory parts. The other advantage is that there are more aftermarket parts available on the market thus your mechanic will be able to find them more easily and quicker which will make getting your repair take less time.

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to aftermarket parts as well. The first is that the quality of these parts varies. So, you could end up getting stuck with a part that you will soon need to replace again. The other primary disadvantage with aftermarket parts is that they will not have a warranty. So, if they fail, you will be stuck covering one hundred percent of the cost.
 

How you can get after-market parts

If you choose to go with an aftermarket part, there are two primary ways you can go about getting them. You yourself can look for one. This is not recommended as there are two big issues that can occur. First, you might not know what you are looking for. This means you might not find anything, or you could possibly end up buying the wrong part.

You could also buy a part that your mechanic feels is not a good fit thus it will not end up getting used. This is why you should ask your mechanic to look into the aftermarket parts you need for you which is the other and safer way you can go about getting your aftermarket parts for your vehicle in Hawaii.

However, if you do decide to go find your own aftermarket parts for your car, there are a few ways that you can do that. You can find aftermarket parts at a store like AutoZone. This is advisable if you are not going through your mechanic and are not too car savvy. You will be able to talk to a store employee and ask them the questions that you need to.

You can also go online and find aftermarket parts on a website like carparts.com. Sites like this will have a much better variety and availability of parts than an individual store but you likely will not get much help if you have a question about a particular part.
 

Conclusion

Aftermarket car parts can help you avoid breaking the bank during a car repair in Hawaii. Choosing aftermarket parts can also help speed up the repair process as they have much better availability than factory parts. Aftermarket parts also have their downsides such as not having a warranty. Your best course of action is to always talk to your mechanic first and get their opinion on any repairs and/or parts.

Jump to section:
The temperature in Hawaii and your vehicle
How to keep your car as cool as possible in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

The temperature in Hawaii and your vehicle

The weather in Hawaii is always quite warm. This is great for visiting the beach or even driving around in a convertible. However, If you are driving around in Hawaii in a car without a top that goes down, the ride can get hot and uncomfortable quick.

So, one of your options is to open the window and get some fresh yet warm air circulating throughout the car. Another option is to use your air conditioning instead. Unless you have a convertible, your air conditioning will end up playing an important role unless you have a convertible.

Thus, it is important that you keep your A/C in good, running condition at all times in Hawaii. On average Hawaii’s weather consists of humidity between sixty and eighty percent as well as temperatures between high sixties and high eighties.

In order to keep your air conditioning running well you should get your car serviced at least a few times a year. When you do, make sure they check your air conditioning in order to make sure there are not any outstanding issues such as leaks. You should also get your air filters changed at least once every year. Finally, you should be sure that you run your A/C for at least a couple of minutes each week of the year including during the winter.
 

How to keep your car as cool as possible in Hawaii

Obviously, air conditioning will get your car nice and cool. It will also do so quickly. Although, it will end up burning a considerable amount of fuel if you use it for too frequently or for extended periods of time. This will definitely increase the amount of money that you end up spending on gas during the hot summer months.

So, you should do what you can to keep your car cool without over-using your air conditioning. There are a few ways that you can minimize the use of your car’s A/C while still keeping your car cool in Hawaii’s warm weather.

First, you should do whatever you can in order to minimize the amount of the amount of heat that enters the car. There are two main things you can do to prevent that. The first and most obvious is to keep your car in a garage as often as you can. If you cannot do that at least try and keep it in the shade if possible. You should also keep a window visor when you have your car parked out in the sun.

Next you should do what it is in your power to keep the heat of of the various surfaces of your car. This will include your dashboard, wheel, and seats. You should keep these things covered when you are not in the vehicle. For your dashboard, you should buy a special cover. For your wheel, you can just use a smaller towel. In terms of your seats, you can purchase seat covers that will keep you cool because leather seats can become especially hot.

Finally, you should let some of the heat out of your car before you start driving by opening your doors and keeping them open for a few minutes before you start the car. When you do this you will still need to use the A/C to cool the car down but you will not need to do so for as long.
 

Conclusion

Hawaii’s weather is always warm and is often hot and humid. The air conditioner in your car will play a big role in your comfort while you are driving throughout the year. With that in mind, you should get your car serviced a few times every year and be sure to ask your mechanic specifically to check your air conditioning for any outstanding issues.

Jump to section:
The importance of paying attention to your dashboard indicators in Hawaii
The different types of indicators you need to know
Conclusion
 

The importance of paying attention to your dashboard indicators in Hawaii

Ignoring the idicators that light up on your dashboard are often the subject of many memes online because it is such common place behavior. However, it is an extremely dangerous game to play. Doing this can cause a ton of damage to your car and can put you in a very unsafe position on the road.

Specifically, in Hawaii, you are always at the risk of dealing with sudden rain as well as frequently dealing with potholes and cracks in the roads. So, if your dashboard lights are informing you that something is wrong and you ignore it when you are driving in Hawaii, you could end up with a tire blowout or something much worse. The worst part of the situation will be that you will know how easily you could have prevented the situation if you just had payed attention in the first place.
 

The different types of indicators you need to know

There are several different dashboard indicator lights that you need to make sure you pay attention to and do something about immediately if they light up:

• Tire pressure light indicator – Your tire pressure indicator is of higher importance in Hawaii than it is in most places. That is because of the potential for blowouts with potholes and cracks on the roads. If your tire is underinflated and you do not do anything about it, it could spell disaster if you hit a pothole.
• Brake light indicator – Obviously your brake light indicator is extremely important. Without your brakes functioning completely correctly your ability to stop your vehicle correctly will be compromised. This can easily be the difference between life and death.
• Check engine light indicator – This has the potential to be as serious as any other indicator on your dashboard. It could mean any number of things which can include potentially extremely important and crucial engine components. Do not ignore this light thinking that it is not serious.
• Oil light indicator – As you might expect, your oil light indicator obviously means that it is time to get your oil changed. However, you should be keeping track of this yourself without the help of your dashboard light and get your oil changed every three thousand miles or so regardless.
• Battery light indicator – Your battery light indicator is also quite serious. This means that you are in danger of your car not being able to start or, possibly, turning off suddenly as you are driving which is outrageously dangerous. Get your battery serviced as soon as you see this indicator light up.

Conclusion

Not paying attention to the indicator lights on your dashboard is not just irresponsible, it is plain out dangerous. In Hawaii in particular, the potential for sudden rainy weather and/or potholes on some roads in Hawaii are more than enough reason to make sure your car is constantly in its best and safest condition possible. If you need to ship a car from Hawaii or to Hawaii, you can always rely on us. Give us a call anytime at (808) 445-6695.

Jump to section:
Car mirror 101
The way traffic moves in Hawaii
Pro tips for using your mirrors
Conclusion
 

Car mirror 101

Your mirrors are crucial to your safety on the road. They obviously allow you to keep your eyes on the road in front of you while you are simultaneously able to check what is behind you and to the side of you. However, you need to make sure that you always have your mirrors correctly positioned so that you always have maximum visibility.

This means you should check your mirrors every time that you get into your car and then adjust them accordingly. If you have mirrors that are power adjusted by controls in your car, be sure that they are functioning each time that you get in your car. If they are not, get them fixed as soon as you can.

Take time each week to make sure that your mirrors are clear and clean. Smudges, dirt and grime are constantly possible in Hawaii due to due to bugs, humid weather, pollen and breezy weather.

Be aware that objects in your mirrors might be closer than they actually appear. So, if you look into one of your side mirrors and it seems like you are far enough in front of a car behind you to merge into another lane, be sure you turn your head quickly to check and make sure you actually do have enough room to safely merge.

Finally, your sideview mirrors are particularly prone to fog up in certain weather. Do not start driving until you are able to de-fog them. Driving without the use of your side mirrors is very dangerous and illegal as well.
&nbsp

The way traffic moves in Hawaii

Traffic in Hawaii moves much more slowly than most places. This leads to congestion and higher rates of traffic jams. This means that maneuvering in traffic will be much more difficult and you will be at a higher risk of an accident when you are on a congested road.

Fortunately, drivers in Hawaii are also much more polite and friendly. So, the odds of someone allowing you to merge in front of you as a courtesy are high. Although, you should always keep alert and use your mirrors when you are performing any maneuver with a lot of other cars around.
 

Pro tips for using your mirrors

Most people are aware of the general use of their mirrors while driving. However, you can get the most safety out of your mirrors by using these pro tips:

• Side mirrors are equally important when opening your door – People tend to open their doors blindly. Doing so is a large danger to your door, yourself, bicyclists and other drivers. Always take a quick peek in your mirror and at your blind spot before opening your driver-side door.
• The adjustment matters – Exactly how you adjust your rear-review and side-view mirrors will depend entirely on your height, seat adjustment and vision. With that in mind, be sure that you can see the areas of the road closest to your car without cutting off any of the mirror’s view with any of your vehicle itself.
• Quickly check your blind spot – Checking your blind spot may be the most well-known rule when using your mirrors to merge. However, some people take way too long checking their blind spots. Do a quick turn of your head to ensure there are no cars in your blind spots, but if you linger with your eyes off the road for too long, you could get into an accident with the traffic that is in front of you.

Conclusion

Mirrors are an important and necessary part of a car’s safety. This is definitely the case in Hawaii where traffic can get bad in seemingly random situations. So, you should always be ready to maneuver your car with a lot of other slow-moving vehicles around. Stay safe and always use your mirrors in traffic in Hawaii.