Recent Hawaii Shipping News

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Why floor mats are so important in Hawaii
Which type of floor mats are right for you?
Conclusion
 

Why floor mats are so important in Hawaii

Hawaii can have heavy and sudden onslaughts of rain fairly often. The street and sidewalk also have a bunch of sand and dirt that you can track into your car. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see why your car’s carpet could become damaged, stained and worn quickly in a place like Hawaii.

That is why you definitely need to have reliable floor mats in a place like Hawaii. Having a good set of floor mats can help you avoid the massive expense of getting new carpet in your car which can run you several hundred dollars. In some cases, it can even cost over a thousand dollars. It is clear that floor mats are the way to go in Hawaii. However, not all floor mats are created equal.
 

Which type of floor mats are right for you?

There are several different types of floor mats to choose from. While all of them will obviously protect your carpet better than not having them, some will work better in certain circumstances than others. In Hawaii, the primary concern is the rainwater as well as sand and dirt. So, you will want to choose floor mats that are made to best withstand those elements. This might sound like its obvious, but some floor mats are intended more for looks rather than function.

The following are the types of floor mats you can choose from and how they work:

• 3D mats – These mats are the best-looking floor mats that you can get. They are also the most costly. Unfortunately, they serve the least function in terms of protecting your carpets. So, we do not recommend these in Hawaii.
• Fabric mats – Fabric mats are the most affordable of any of the mats mentioned here. However, you get what you pay for so they will not last as long as other floor mats. They do offer better protection than the #D mats.
• Rubber mats – These mats are the standard when it comes to mats that function well in terms of protection. They also last longer than the vast majority of floor mats that you can get for your car. They do not look the best
• All-weather mats – All-weather mats are always your best bet in terms of protecting your car’s floors. They are specifically designed to prevent dirt and rain from impacting your car’s carpet. These mats are a bit more expensive than rubber mats but they are your best bet in Hawaii.

Conclusion

Floor mats provide a crucial protection for your car’s carpets from being damaged in Hawaii. Without them, the water from the rain as well as the sand and dirt that you track into your car can eventually damage your carpet to the point that you would need to get it replaced or at least professionally cleaned. Either way that can cost well over a hundred dollars and replacing it could cost over a thousand dollars. If you get floor mats before this happens, it will likely only cost you about fifty bucks.

How Hawaii’s weather and climate can damage your paint

Hawaii’s climate and weather have nearly no downsides. Unfortunately, one of them is that the sun and precipitation can damage the paint job on your car. Moreover, these things can work together to do even more severe damage to your car’s paint. Being aware of this is the first step in being able to be proactive and take steps to prevent damage to your paint job.

The sun will wreak havoc on your car’s paint by oxidizing the paint which will cause it to fade over time. Oxidation is when a substance combines with oxygen in such a way that causes it to break down. When metal oxidizes, it causes rust.

Rain can hurt your paint job because it is full of contaminants from the air. These substances can attach to your paint and then cause damage after a rainstorm. The same actually goes for the air and salt from the ocean in Hawaii.

The warm temperatures in Hawaii will cause water from the ocean to evaporate, as this happens the air absorbs salt which is then blown with the wind and can often land on your car. This can also lead to harmful effects for your car’s paint finish. So, the question becomes, how can you protect your car from all of this?
 

What you can do to protect your car’s paint

Thankfully, you can avoid damage to your car’s paint from the sun, rain and salt wind of Hawaii by being proactive and doing a few simple things. The first of those things is that you can cover your car when you are not driving it. You can do this by covering it with an actual car cover or by keeping it in a garage.

Next, you should be sure that you get your car washed and waxed regularly. By washing the car, you will be ridding it of any rain or salt particles still attached to it. By getting it waxed, you will not only be adding an extra layer of protection, but you will also be making your car’s surface such that rain beads and rolls off much more easily.

Finally, you should avoid taking your car out during any really bad weather in Hawaii. So, be sure that you keep your eye on the forecast and your car in the garage during any bad rainstorms.
 

Conclusion

Getting a new paint job for your car can cost you thousands of dollars. It is obviously best to protect your car’s original paint. As beautiful as it is, Hawaii’s weather can be terrible for your car’s paint. That is why you need to take the steps necessary to protect it including covering your car and getting it waxed.

Jump to section:
The basics about shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii
Advice for your motorcycle shipment
Conclusion
 

The basics about shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii

There are numerous reasons to have and enjoy a motorcycle in Hawaii. The most popular of those reasons is that Hawaii has the perfect weather for riding your bike. It also has some wonderful sights and riding routes. However, the only issue is that you will only have two options in terms of getting your motorcycle to Hawaii, you can buy a new one or ship an existing motorcycle there.

If you choose to buy a new motorcycle, you should realize it is exponentially more expensive than shipping a motorcycle there. The cost of a new motorcycle will usually be somewhere between five and ten thousand dollars. If you choose to buy a used motorcycle, it will still likely cost several thousand dollars. However, if you ship your motorcycle to Hawaii it will likely only cost you between one and two thousand dollars.

If you do choose to ship a motorcycle to Hawaii, you should know the process is pretty simple. First, your motorcycle will be picked up at your door wherever it is in the United States. After that, your bike will ship for between about ten days and three weeks, depending on where you are shipping it from. Finally, you will need to pick the bike up at the port on the island that you shipped it to but that is as simple as getting to the port during the appropriate hours of operation.

You will need to do a bit of preparation for your shipment but that is as easy as making sure that the motorcycle is clean, you remove any personal items or parts that could come off the bike during shipping and that you have only a quarter tank of gas. The reason the bike needs to be clean is that there will be a visual inspection for preexisting damage prior to shipping and if it is dirty, that will take much longer. Personal items will not be covered by the shipping insurance if they are lost or damaged thus the need to remove them. Finally, it is against fire code to have more than a quarter tank of gas before your bike ships.
 

Advice for your motorcycle shipment

As we have already mentioned, shipping your motorcycle is easy and simple. However, the more prepared and knowledgeable that you are prior to shipping your bike, the better off you will be. First, you should plan ahead. You do not want to give yourself less than a month of total time from your decision to ship until you need your bike in Hawaii. Remember, the actual shipment could take up to three weeks’ time.

Odds are that your bike is not your only method of getting around, but if it is, you should be prepared to be without it for a few weeks before it is picked up for shipping. Make use of ride-share apps and public transportation while you wait.

Finally, avoid the temptation of shipping your motorcycle by air. Doing so will be considerably quicker than shipping by a combination of land and sea but it will also be much more expensive. In general, shipping your motorcycle by air will be at least twice as expensive. So, if your shipment would have run about $1,500 normally, shipping the same motorcycle by air will cost at least $3,000.
 

Conclusion

Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii is your only option for having a bike there other than buying a new or used motorcycle as you obviously cannot ride to Hawaii. When you do choose to ship your bike to Hawaii, the process is simple, you just need to prepare for the shipment correctly. If you are considering shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii, you can get a quote here.

Jump to section:
Car trade-in 101
Hawaii trade-in mistakes
Final word
 

Car trade-in 101

Trading in your car is a great way to get a new car at a much more affordable cost. When you trade in your car, you get the current value of the car you are trading in subtracted from the price you will pay for a new vehicle. However, if you do not know what you are doing and do not do your due diligence, you can end up losing out on a lot of money that you could have saved.

The first thing that you will need to do when you have decided to trade your car in is to research your vehicle and its current trade in value. By doing this, you will ensure that you know your car’s current worth and that you do not get taken advantage of and end up losing out on money. You can figure out your car’s current value by using online tools. Be sure to use tools from reputable sources such as edmunds.com or kbb.com.

Next, you will need to get your vehicle officially appraised. In order to do this, you will either go to a dealership or go online and get it appraised on a website like Edmunds.com. When you are getting your car appraised you are getting an actual offer for your car. If you choose to go with getting your car appraised at a dealership, make sure that you research each dealership that you are considering and that past customer reviews state that they are fair and easy to deal with when it comes to appraisals. You should always get several appraisals so that you have a few options to compare.

After that you will need to decide if you want to accept any of the appraisals that you received as they stand, if you want to try and negotiate a slightly better value for your car, or if you want to walk away. You should try and negotiate each one of your appraisals then go with the one that is offering the highest value for your car.
 

Hawaii trade-in mistakes

When people trade-in their car in Hawaii, there are several common mistakes which people make that you should be aware of and avoid.

• Do not try and hide anything about the car – Plain and simple, dealers are not stupid. You will not get away with trying to conceal anything negative about the car. Best case scenario, you end up wasting your time and effort doing this. Worst case, you end up nullifying what could have been a good deal for you.
• Over preparing the vehicle – You should obviously get the car cleaned and ready before you get it appraised. However, you should not worry about fixing dents or scratches before you trade it in. Doing so will add value but the value that it adds will be less than it cost you to fix those flaws. Remember, the dealer can fix these things at cost, so you will only get that value back.
• Not managing expectations – Almost everyone loves their car. When someone gets a trade-in estimate or appraisal, they often are shocked it is not worth more. Do not get hung up on the actual value of your trade-in. It is what it is and there is not much you can do to change it.

Final word

Trading in your car in Hawaii is a very good way to defray the cost of a new or used car that you are interested in buying. With that in mind, you need to be aware of what you are doing before you jump into the trade-in process. Always make sure that you are not overpreparing your car for its trade in and that you manage your expectation for your car’s appraisal value. If you decide that you would rather ship a car to or from Hawaii, give us a ring today at (808) 445-6695.

Jump to section:
How driving in Hawaii can sometimes be dangerous
The most dangerous roads in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

How driving in Hawaii can sometimes be dangerous

Driving on some roads in Hawaii can be more dangerous than others. It can also make for more dangerous driving in Hawaii if you end up driving during inclement weather. Many roads in the area have potholes and cracks which can lead to direct damage to your car or even a loss of control which can obviously lead to an accident.

A lot of the danger of driving in Hawaii can be mitigated by making sure that you are prepared to drive in the rain and the slick conditions that it creates. You can do so by making sure you have all-weather tires and are both defensive and cautious when driving in the rain. This will include driving at reduced speeds, keeping more distance between you and the car in front of you and giving yourself more time to come to a gradual stop.
 

The most dangerous roads in Hawaii

There are some roads in Hawaii that you should try and avoid if possible. Common factors that make these roads more difficult to traverse safely are the potential for falling rocks, lower visibility, frequent curves in the road, poor service for cell phones & gps, slick roads, tons of traffic and a lack of signage and reflectors.

The following are the roads in various areas in Hawaii that have been the most dangerous over the years:

• Pali Highway – Pali Highway in Oahu is the first of these roads you should avoid if possible. It has a long and windy path with a simultaneously steep incline. The road also has several unexpected rockslides per year.
• Kahekili Highway – Next, you should take a detour from Kahekili Highway in Maui. First and foremost, its reputation precedes itself as it is known as “death highway.” Secondly, this road has low visibility, bad or non-existing lighting at points and also has no guard rails.
• Route 200 – You should also avoid taking a trip on Hawaii Route 200. This road gets quite step at points, has extreme cases of fogs throughout the year and has a bunch of one lane bridges which can lead to head-on collisions.
• Ka’ena Point – Finally, you should plan on missing Ka’ena Point. All you need to know about how dangerous this road can be is that you are only allowed to use authorized vehicles on the road and need a permit because of how treacherous the road can be.

Conclusion

Driving around in Hawaii is a wonderful experience that we recommend all licensed drivers try at least once in their lifetimes. However, certain areas and weather can actually make driving in Hawaii quite dangerous at times. This is why you should always drive with caution, make sure that you have all-weather tires and that you do your best to avoid the roads that we mentioned above.

Jump to section:
The potential for a flat tire in Hawaii
How you can fix your flat tire in Hawaii
Final Word
 

The potential for a flat tire in Hawaii

The potential for a flat tire exists no matter where you go. However, in areas such as Hawaii where the roads can be rough in certain spots, that potential is considerably higher. The roads in Hawaii have a higher number of cracks and potholes than they do in most other states. That is because of fairly frequent and sudden bursts of rain that occur throughout the year across the state.

This can sometimes lead to flash flooding. All of this precipitation can easily cause cracks and potholes. So, as much as Hawaii has been pretty vigilant, especially in recent years, in terms of fixing potholes and cracks, new ones popup pretty frequently.

Regardless of whether or not you are on a Hawaiian road that has potholes, you should always know how to change a flat tire just in case you ever need to. Hawaii, like most places, has some more remote locations where help is quite a distance away and cell service will be at a minimum. Thus, you should not have to rely on someone else to change your tire for you.
 

How you can fix your flat tire in Hawaii

Once you have the hang of it, fixing your own flat tire will be pretty simple. However, doing so for the first time can definitely seem intimidating. Also, keep in mind that the process will differ at least slightly for different types of vehicles so, be sure that you always have your owner’s manual handy.

The first thing that you should do if you have a flat is to find a safe place to pull over and check it out. If you have access to a roadside assistance program such as AAA, you should try to take advantage of it in this situation because doing so will take all the work out of it for you. If not, you will likely need to change your own tire. In order to do so you will need a few things including a spare tire or at least a donut, a jack, a lug wrench, a wheel lock, alignment studs and wheel wedges.

Next, you should employ the parking brake and put the wheel wedges beneath the other tires of the car to make sure that it does not start moving as you are repairing the flat tire. After this you can take off the hubcap.

After that you should undo up the lug nuts and then you should securely put the jack under the car. You can then elevate the car using the jack. Once you have completed this, you should take off the lug nuts entirely and then remove the flat.

After that has been completed you can put the spare tire or donut onto the lug bolts. Then you must place the lug nuts back on and tighten them up. You then can incrementally drop the car by using the jack again. Once that is completed, check the lug nuts to be sure that they are totally tight. Finally, put the hubcap back in place.
 

Final Word

In Hawaii, because of the conditions of some of the roads, there is a higher possibility of getting a flat. For this reason, you really should know what you are doing when it comes to changing your tire. Be sure that you get your tires changed and/or rotated when the time comes and always check your tire pressure on a regular basis.

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.