Recent Hawaii Shipping News

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What fog lights do
When you might need them in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

What fog lights do

Fog lights give you the best visibility and proper amount of light in dense conditions such as fog or smog because they have the widest beam of light as well as the lowest. Thus, they illuminate the road right in front of you best in denser conditions. Many cars no longer come equipped with fog lights, but some off-road vehicles will. You can always have fog lights added to many types of vehicles if that is your preference.

The ultimate difference between fog lights and regular headlights and high beams is that regular lights and high beams send light straight into the distance. This light doesn’t do well at all in fog or smog and actually reflects partially off the fog and can cause more harm then good. Fog lights help remedy this by shining their low beams of light towards the ground right in front of your vehicle.
 

When you might need them in Hawaii

You could obviously need to use fog lights in Hawaii in dense foggier conditions. The question is when and where you might encounter these conditions. In Hawaii, you can encounter these denser type of weather conditions when you have volcanic gasses mix with the regular air. This occurs during the semi-frequent minor volcanic emissions. This will lower visibility on the roadways a bit. Thus, fog lights could be pretty useful.

If you are off-roading on higher elevations such as in the mountains or near the volcanoes, this “vog” as it is called, can be even denser. In those cases, you should definitely be sure to use a vehicle equipped with fog lights. This is especially true if you are driving in these areas at night.
 

Conclusion

Fog lights can definitely be quite useful in certain situations in Hawaii. This is particularly true because of the phenomenon called “vog” where air becomes dense and hard to see through due to volcanic emissions. This is fairly typically in many areas in Hawaii. It is also more prevalent and more dense in higher elevation areas such as chain of craters road. A reliable pair of fog lights can easily help you stay safe in Hawaii. If you need any type of vehicle, including a motorcycle, shipped to Hawaii, please give us a call today for a free quote at (808) 445-6695!

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How long will it take to ship your car?
What else affects my shipment duration?
Conclusion
 

How long will it take to ship your car?

The amount of time that it will take to ship a car to or from Hawaii will obviously depend on where you are shipping your vehicle from. The longer the distance the longer the duration of the shipment will be. Shipments to or from Hawaii tend to take a bit longer than shipments within the continental United States because Hawaiian vehicle shipments also involve a trip on a ship in order to get it across the Pacific. Your shipment’s transit time may also be slightly impacted by which island you choose to ship to.

Regardless of your shipping needs, you will be given an estimated time frame when you get your initial quote which will help you plan accordingly. In general, these are a few estimated auto transport transit times when shipping to or from Hawaii:

• Shipping between Hawaii and Maine will take about 14 to 16 days.
• Shipping between Hawaii and New York will take about 11 to 13 days.
• Shipping between Hawaii and Illinois will take about 9 to 10 days.
• Shipping between Hawaii and California will take about 6 to 7 days.

What else affects my shipment duration?

We already know that distance is the biggest factor in your car shipment’s total transit time. However, there are several other factors that can affect the total duration of your shipment. The first is the time of year in which you are shipping your car. If you ship your car during a busier time of the year, your auto transport driver will be spending a maximum amount of time pickup up and loading/unloading other vehicles along with yours. Busier times of the year tend to be May through September as well as close to the holidays.

Other factors that can affect car shipping transit times include weather and traffic. If a major weather event such as a snowstorm occurs along your shipment’s transit route, your car delivery could unfortunately be delayed a bit. If there is a much higher amount of traffic along your shipment’s transit route, this can also cause a delay. Traffic delays are most likely from June through August.
 

Conclusion

When you are shipping a vehicle to or from Hawaii, it will typically take between a week and two and a half weeks. This is highly dependent on several things, the most important of which is the distance of your shipment. However, other things can affect transit time too including the time of year in which you are shipping as well as weather and traffic.

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What causes an engine to flood?
How to avoid a flooded engine
Conclusion
 

What causes an engine to flood?

A flooded engine is when an overabundance of fuel ends up in a vehicle’s combustion chamber. This throws off the balance of fuel and air which is typically supposed to be about fifteen parts of air for every one part of fuel. When a car’s engine is “flooded” this balance gets thrown way off and there ends up being more fuel than air. This causes engine components that are vital such as the pistons not to work which will prevent the engine from starting altogether.

Engine flooding is much more common with older vehicles that made use of a carburetor. However, it is still within the realm of possibility for modern vehicles with fuel injection engine systems to end up with a flooded engine. So, how can you avoid this from happening to your vehicle in the first place or at least fix it if it does happen?
 

How to avoid a flooded engine

It is not that difficult to avoid flooding your engine, especially when it is fuel injection. If you are just using your car for a few moments, such as moving it to a different parking spot nearby, let it idle for a couple of minutes once you finish. You should be prepared for the possibility of a flooded engine in more extreme weather temperature, whether it be hot or cold out. If your car does not start, never leave the key turned for more than a few seconds. Doing so can take a smaller issue with your engine and turn it into a flooded engine.

If your car’s engine does end up flooded, then there are a few things that you will be able to do. First, you should open your hood and wait at least twenty minutes before trying to start the engine again. Doing this will allow your engine time to dry out. If this fails, you should wait a longer period of about at least two hours and try again. If it is still flooded then, you will need to call a tow truck to take your car to the mechanic in order to fix or replace affected parts such as the spark plugs.
 

Conclusion

When it comes to modern cars with fuel injection systems, the possibility of your engine flooding has become much more remote, but it still is possible. This is why you should do things like letting your car idle for a few minutes after only using it momentarily or avoiding keeping your key turned for an extended period in hopes doing so will finally get your engine started. If you do end up with a flooded engine, let your engine dry out. If that does not work, it may be time to call a tow truck.

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What are interstate highways?
The reasons for interstate highways in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

What are interstate highways?

The United State has a large country-wide system of highways known as interstate highways. Their purpose is to provide the quickest travel both from one state to another as well as within states. This is because speed limits are typically at their maximum on interstate highways with the highest number of lanes and fewest number of exits. Having fewer exits discourages short distance travelers from making use of the roads.

Interstate highways actually serve a few other purposes too. They are primary evacuation routes in all states in the case of an emergency such as a hurricane or terrorist attack. They also serve as main transport routes for military mobilizations. They also make access to areas outside of cities much easier which helps alleviate population densities within the cities themselves by allowing people to easily move to suburbs and rural areas. Finally, in the case of an emergency with an airplane, many parts of interstate highways are wide and long enough they can be shutdown and used as a makeshift runway if airports are too far away.
 

The reasons for interstate highways in Hawaii

You might have wondered, if interstate highways connect different states, how can Hawaii have them since Hawaii is a chain of islands? Well, the name ‘interstate” doesn’t actually refer to the connection of different states that typically occurs with these highways. It refers to the fact that the construction and maintenance of these highways is funded by the federal government. Thus, interstate highways exist in all states in the contiguous United States as well as Hawaii, Alaska and even Puerto Rico.

As we mentioned above, these highways serve so many more purposes than just connecting one states road system to another. In the case of Hawaii, the military aspect of interstate highways is more important than it typically is. This is due to the fact that the United States military has a strong foothold and presence there because it is the closest US soil to countries in the south pacific. So, being able to quickly and easily mobilize the military there is very important.
 

Conclusion

Believe it or not there are several great reasons why Hawaii, a chain of islands, has interstate highways. The word “interstate” only refers to the fact that funding for the highways is not provided by each state but the federal government. Interstate highways provide quicker travel over long distances, they provide reliable evacuation routes and are important for the military which is particularly important in Hawaii.

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Classic cars and the Hawaiian backdrop
Advice for taking care of your classic car in Hawaii
Getting an existing classic car to Hawaii
 

Classic cars and the Hawaiian backdrop

Hawaii is a fantastic place to show off your classic car. The weather is usually perfect or close and the beautiful tropical landscape with lush mountains, palm trees and beaches make for a great picture taking opportunity with the car.

Many classic car owners and enthusiasts take a lot of pride in their rides and not everyone will get the chance to see their cars when they take them out for a ride. So, pictures are important for showing a classic car off. When it comes to a car picture the backdrop can make a significant impact. Most classic car pictures that you will see have been taken in train station or mall parking lots which can serve as a beautiful juxtaposition for a classic ride but do not compliment it well.

However, there are some pictures that you will come across where a classic car such as corvette will have a beautiful backdrop such as a gorgeous mountain ride. Hawaii has multiple options for incredible backgrounds for your classic car photos. You can take it to the beach in some spots and have the ocean in the background, you can park in front of some palm trees and snap a few photos, you can even get some pictures taken of you driving it around a lush mountain ridge.
 

Advice for taking care of your classic car in Hawaii

Unfortunately, there are some unique challenges to having a classic car in Hawaii. This mostly pertains to parking as well as inclement weather. In terms of parking in Hawaii, the streets can get crowded with cars. Parking can be scarce. Even if you do find a spot, you could be risking a scratch. You are better off keeping your classic ride close to home or away from crowded areas where parking is hard to come by such as Honolulu.

Inclement weather can damage your classic car both in the short term and long term. You should get your car waxed so that rain has a minimal effect on your cars finish. You should also consider keeping your car in a garage or covered. This is because the sun in Hawaii is quite strong and can slowly cause damage to the paint and finish. A phenomenon called “salt air” can do the same but much more rapidly. With salt air, the wind picks up condensation from the ocean and blows it inland. Some of this can stick to your car and quickly start corroding the finish.
 

Getting an existing classic car to Hawaii

If you want to get your classic car to Hawaii in order to take advantage of the photo opportunities or you just want to cruise around with the top down and enjoy the beautiful sights and weather, there is only one way for you to do that. You will have to ship your car to Hawaii. Fortunately, doing so is incredibly easy.

All you will have to do is choose a company, book your shipment, prepare for your shipment, make sure that someone is there for the pickup of your cars with your keys, and that you pick the car up at the port in Hawaii when it is dropped off there. You can call us today to learn more or to book your shipment at (808) 445-6695!

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What to do when your car gets scratched
How to avoid scratches on your vehicle
Final word
 

What to do when your car gets scratched

When you get a scratch on your car, the overall look and value can easily diminish a notable amount depending on the severity and location of the scratch. That is why you need to get the scratch repaired. However, many people think that they can wait and do that whenever they want. That is actually not the case because waiting to get a scratch repaired can actually lead to further damage. This is because when your car gets scratched, the clear coating that protects the paint gets removed and then that area is much more susceptible to rust.

Another mistake people make is they try and fix the scratch with touch up paint themselves. The problem with this is that there is a specific process that, if not done correctly, could lead to visible dirt being trapped underneath the touch up paint and/or an uneven look. That is precisely why you should take your car into the auto body shop as soon as you get any scratches.
 

How to avoid scratches on your vehicle

An even better option than getting any scratches on your vehicle repaired right away would be to avoid getting any scratches altogether. This obviously is not always possible as sometimes it will be completely out of your power. However, there are a few simple things you can do to avoid getting any scratches on your car in Hawaii.

First, you should always make sure you park where there is more than enough space next to you for other drivers not to scratch your car by opening their own doors. Next, you should consider skipping driving on dirt or gravel roads. Micro debris such as pebbles can kick up and scratch your car when you do drive on these types of roads. Also, do not park in or near heavily wooded areas because small branches that you might not be able to see as you drive past them can easily cause a scratch. Finally, whenever you can, take the opportunity to park your car in a garage.
 

Final word

Getting a scratch on your car is not the end of the world but it can lower the value and overall look of your vehicle. If you do not get a scratch repaired in a timely enough manner, rust can occur as a result. So, when you do get a scratch or scratches on your car get it repaired right away and do so by taking it to a body shop not by touching it up yourself. Finally, the best way to get a scratch fixed is by not getting any scratches in the first place so do whatever you can to avoid them.

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Getting a newly purchased vehicle registered
Renewing your registration
Conclusion
 

Getting a newly purchased vehicle registered

If you buy a new car in Hawaii from a dealer, there is a very good chance that all of the work will be done, and that the car will already have the registration ready to go. If not, they will give you all the paperwork you need as well as any instructions you need in order to get your new car registered. You will need to do that within four weeks of the official purchase date.

If you buy your car from a private seller you will need to do all of the legwork for getting the title and registration transferred. So, you will need to take a trip to your local Hawaiian DMV and you will need to bring the previous registration (from the previous owner), the signed-over vehicle title, a filled out “application for registration” form, the safety inspection report and cash or credit card for payment of associated fees.

If you are getting a car registered that you shipped to Hawaii from another state you will need to go to the DMV and bring the following: the most up-to-date out of state registration, proof of vehicle weight, the vehicle title, a filled out “application for registration” form, the safety inspection report and cash or credit card for payment of associated fees. If you do not want to do this right away, you can also apply for an out of state permit as well. Whether you get your car registered or get the out of state permit, you will need to do both in person and within thirty days of arriving in Hawaii.
 

Renewing your registration

Thankfully, renewing your registration will be much easier. You will not even need to take a trip to the DMV to complete this as you will be able to do so online. In order to renew your vehicle’s registration in Hawaii, you will just need to find your specific counties’ registration website and go from there. There will be fees associated with the renewal which you can pay online with a credit card. You can also renew your registration by mail with a check. Another positive facet to renewing your registration in Hawaii will be that you will not even need to remember to renew your registration as the DMV will send you a reminder, by mail, about forty-five days before your current registration expires.
 

Conclusion

What you will need to do in order to get your car registered in Hawaii will depend on whether you are registering a car you just bought from a dealer, a car you just bought from a private seller, a car you shipped to Hawaii or you are renewing your current registration. If you are registering a car that you shipped here or bought from a private seller, there will be a bit more work to do in order to complete the registration process. Regardless, be sure you always get your registration in a timely manner in order to avoid a costly ticket.

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Using your headrests for comfort and safety
Adjusting your headrest
Conclusion
 

Using your headrests for comfort and safety

The headrests in your car provide crucial safety and comfort as you drive. Without your headrests in your car or without them properly adjusted, you risk pain, chronic issues and, in the case of an accident, potentially life-threatening injuries. When it comes to comfort, your headrests will support your head which is the foundation of a good posture. Good posture and proper support for your head will prevent any straining or aching that could have otherwise been easily avoided. Your headrest will also help to prevent excess head movement when driving over a rough road and/or braking.

In terms of safety, all of the benefits in regards to comfort also qualify as benefits for safety in terms of the possible prevention of chronic issues. However, the safety that your headrest will provide goes far beyond preventing long term neck and shoulder pain. In the case of a collision, your headrest will limit the range of motion that your head will instantly experience. This can prevent fractures, whiplash, paralysis and even death. This is why driving without your headrest is illegal and can result in a pricey ticket.
 

Adjusting your headrest

It is not just enough to have your headrest in the car, you must make sure that it is adjusted properly in combination with your seat, specific to your particular needs. As a rule of thumb, your headrest should always reach the top of your head or, at the very least, the top of your ears. Also, there should never be more than four or five inches of space between your head and the headrest at any time as you drive. If you find physical discomfort with any of this, try adjusting the angle of the upper portion of your seat and/or the distance of the seat from the pedals. You will not need to adjust your headrest each time you get in your car, once you get it correct you can keep it in that position.
 

Conclusion

Your car’s headrest is a much larger part of your overall comfort and safety than it might initially seem. The headrest will support your head and neck which will prevent pain and discomfort. Your headrest will also provide tremendous safety for you in case you are involved in an accident. Without a headrest, you are at much higher risk during a car accident of getting whiplash, fractures, paralysis or even worse. Always drive with your headrest installed and properly adjusted.

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Doing some spot cleaning yourself
Detailing and other cleaning services
Conclusion
 

Doing some spot cleaning yourself

If you have stains on your car’s upholstery, you should get the stains cleaned and removed because it can affect the resale value of your vehicle as well as make your passengers feel less comfortable. If the stain is small and fairly recent, you should consider cleaning it yourself. This will be both cheaper and quicker.

In order to attempt to clean your own upholstery, you should start by identifying whether your car has cloth or leather seats. For leather seats, you will have a few options. You can use nail polish remover on a rag and blot the stain until it dissipates. Then use warm water and dish soap to get rid of the excess nail polish remover. Another option for cleaning a leather seat would be to put some non-gel toothpaste on a new toothbrush then carefully and gently scrub the stain.

If you have cloth seats your first option for cleaning a stain yourself will be to use laundry detergent with hot water and apply that mixture to a cloth. Then, use the cloth to make the stained area damp. Then, after a bit use a towel with cold water to remove the mixture. You can also use a baking soda solution that is baking soda mixed with warm water. Apply the solution to the stains using a clean toothbrush and let it sit for about a half an hour. Then, wipe off the excess with a cloth.
 

Detailing and other cleaning services

If cleaning your car’s upholstery, yourself does not work, or you just want to skip that effort altogether, you can always take your car in to get the stains professionally removed. This will take more time and definitely cost more but it is easily the most effective option. Typically, when you get your car detailed, it will take an hour or two and will cost between seventy-five and two hundred dollars depending on what is included in the detailing and the size of your vehicle. Obviously, larger vehicles such as SUVs will cost more. Most car washes offer a detailing service of some kind.
 

Conclusion

Getting your car’s upholstery cleaned will entail you either putting in some elbow grease yourself or spending some money to get it detailed. Attempting to remove any stains yourself will be quicker and be much less costly but it is typically less effective than getting your car detailed. Do your very best to prevent stains on your car’s interior in the first place but if you do end up with stains on your upholstery, you still have a few options.

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How your brake pads work
How to know when to replace them
Final word
 

How your brake pads work

Brake pads are a critically component of your car’s braking system. If they are not working and/or are too worn out this can cause your brakes not to work as efficiently or even to fail completely. Without your brakes working correctly, you are at a great risk of a catastrophic accident that could cost you your life.

Your brake pads work by making contact with and applying pressure to your brake’s rotors. Your brake rotors are the visible discs that, when pressure is applied, slow your wheel down. Your brake pads apply this pressure to your brake rotors via friction. This happens thousands of times in the life of your brake pads before they become too worn.

There are three types of brake pads not including the special types used for trucks and motorcycles. These are organic brake pads, ceramic brake pads and metallic brake pads. The difference between these brake pads is obviously the material they are made of. They function the same but depending on the material, they might wear more quickly or make more noise. For example, organic brake pads wear faster because they are softer and made of plastic, but they also tend to make the least noise of any of the three types of pads.
 

How to know when to replace them

Because your brake pads are so important to your car’s function and overall safety, knowing when to get them replaced is just as important. There are several signs that will not take much to notice that the time has come to replace your vehicle’s brake pads.

The first of these signs is that you will hear noise such as squeaking or grinding coming from your car as you brake. The next is that you will notice your car is taking noticeably longer to come to a complete stop when braking. Another sign is that your car will vibrate when you are braking. Finally, the most obvious sign will be your brake pad indicator light will come on. If you experience any of these, be sure to get your car to a mechanic in order to replace your brake pads right away.
 

Final word

Your brakes can not function correctly without reliable brake pads. Without your brakes working correctly, you are risking your life every time that you get behind the wheel of your car. At the first sign that your brake pads are too worn or not working, get them looked at and replaced immediately. Telltale signs that your brake pads might be overworn include noise coming from your car when braking, vibration in the car when braking and your brake pad indicator light coming on.