5 Recommended Truck Mods for Off-Road Enthusiasts

The adrenaline rush offered by conquering uncharted territories has no parallel, which explains the ever-increasing number of off-roading enthusiasts. It is, however, essential to make sure your vehicle is equipped with all that it may need to bear the harsh conditions of off-roading. Continuing on the subject, in this post, we discuss five mods that will certainly make your truck an off-roading beast. Read on.

Lift Kit

Off-road trails are uneven and unpredictable. It is therefore important to have a high quality lift kit for seamless offroad performance. Especially if your truck has a low ground clearance, the fitment would be essential for off-road rides. Search the web and go for a heavy-duty lift kit to increase ground clearance of your truck. With an increased ground clearance, your truck will be better equipped to take on rough, unwelcoming terrains.

High-Performance Tires

Most trucks are equipped with highway tires that offer for a smooth and quiet on-road drive. However, when it comes to off-road driving, it is essential to have appropriate tires that have hard sidewalls and significant tread patterns. Stock tires are easily damaged and scratched by rocks or branches, making them a bad choice for off-roading. It is, therefore, advisable to upgrade your truck with high performance tires before taking it off-road.

Heavy-Duty Shocks

Stock shocks, similar to stock tires, are usually suitable for city and highway driving. Upgrading shocks to advanced aftermarket units helps ensure you enjoy a safe and comfortable ride even on the most unwelcoming roads. Aftermarket shocks are usually bigger than stock shocks installed in trucks, and help in dissipating heat faster. Another option available in the market are remote-reservoir shocks. Search the web and pick a shock upgrade that suits your needs.

Fog Lights

Although factory headlights may seem to be doing an okay job on city roads, it is always advisable to install aftermarket fog lights to make your truck ready for off-roading expeditions. Whether you drive on-highway or off, adding fog lights to our truck gives you a clear vision of what lies ahead, making your drive safer. Aftermarket fog lights come in a variety of options, ranging from HID to LED. Weigh the pros and cons before finalizing your pick.

Locking Differential

Most trucks come with an open differential that may result in a hangup leaving one wheel useless spinning, this is because an open differential will place power to the wheel with least resistance. As the power is uneven, the truck will struggle with traction off road, which is why it is advisable to go for locking differential. Install a locking differential in your truck improves your rigs performance. Locking differentials come in two types – automatic and manual. Do some research to check which option better suits your requirements.

Wrap Up

Offroading enthusiasts need to remember the upgrades mentioned in this blog to make their trucks ready for off-reading. If you are looking to buy a used truck, make sure you run a truck VIN check before finalizing your decision. ClearVIN.com provides you with reliable and accurate truck VIN history with ease and convenience. We provide buyers with all the information they need, such as detailed damage and ownership history of a vehicle, in order to make informed buying decisions. If you have any questions, simply call +1-844-268-5991 or write to us at info@clearvin.com.

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Used Cars Buying Scams

Buying a used car is definitely an ideal proposition for buyers who are shopping on a budget, but you need to know your way around the pitfalls of the used car market in order to land a good deal. Whether you are buying a car from an online auction or a local dealer, it is important know about the various scams prevalent in the used auto market to keep yourself from falling for any of them. Although a VIN check at ClearVIN.com would give you detailed information about any vehicle, it is also important to know about the unforeseeable troubles out there. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the most common car buying scams to avoid when purchasing a used car.

Title Washing

Title washing is a clever way to hide the ‘salvage’ title of the salvaged vehicle. Generally, vehicles that have undergone extensive repairs after accidents or natural disasters are declared as “total loss” and granted a salvage title by the insurer. While not all salvage title vehicles are lemons, buyers need to be sure about where they put their money.

Lowball Pricing

Lowball price scam is another common trick used by fraudulent sellers. The seller initially pitches a very low price, but increases it during a back and forth negotiation. The closed deal may seem like a victory to you, but in reality, you may have paid more than the actual value of the car. To avoid being victim to such scams, check at multiple dealers to find out the true value of the car.

Open Recall

Unless it’s about some serious safety issues, sellers are often legally allowed to sell vehicles with open recalls. Any recall on a used vehicle, which you didn’t know at the time of purchase, can cost dearly. Therefore, before purchasing a used car, research for open recalls, which you can do by conducting a VIN check at ClearVIN.com, and accordingly negotiate the price with the seller.

VIN Cloning

VIN cloning refers to selling a stolen car by replacing its actual VIN number with some other vehicle’s VIN number. One way to avoid falling for VIN cloning is matching the VIN number provided in different places such as dashboard, steering column, and registration and title documents. In addition, be wary of private sellers with no disclosed addresses.

The Bottom Line

When buying a used car, in addition to trusting your instincts, you have to keep your guards high to avoid being scammed by fraudulent sellers. One of the simplest ways to do so is getting a detailed vehicle history report through VIN check. A vehicle history report gives you information about recalls (if any), accident history, and damages caused by natural disasters, helping ensure you do not end up investing in a lemon. For a quick VIN recall check, click here. For more assistance on VIN, feel free to reach us at +1 (844) 268-5991, or fill out the contact form and one of our representatives will get back with you, shortly.

The Definitive Guide to Vehicle History Check

If you are planning to buy a used car, knowing the history of the vehicle helps you make the right purchase. Conducting a VIN check gives you a detailed history of the vehicle, including whether it was involved in any accidents or had major repairs. Having the information handy helps you decide whether a car is worth the investment. If you are new to the concept of VIN number information, go through this blog post to understand the various key aspects related to VIN check, and how it helps you make an informed buying decision.

What is a VIN?

The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identification code assigned to every vehicle by its manufacturer. It is a 17 characters alphanumeric code that entails information about car’s features, specifications and the manufacturer. Checking VIN number information prior to purchasing a used car helps you track recalls, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage claims of a vehicle.

How to Decode a VIN?

The VIN is divided into three parts: WMI, VDS, and VIS.

  • World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – The first three characters of the code that specify the manufacturer.

  • Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) – The next six characters (4 through 9) providing a description of the model in a sequence selected by the manufacturer.

  • Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) – 8 characters ( 10 through 17) is a unique auto identifier in which last 4 characters are usually numbers that tells you about the year of production and the manufacturing plant.

    Where to locate VIN?

    The VIN is usually written on the dashboard along the seam where it meets with the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle. If you are unable to locate it on the dashboard then look for it on the door post of the driver’s side door. Other places to look for the VIN are insurance card, firewall of the vehicle, steering column, and vehicle title and registration.

    How to run a VIN check?

    You can easily obtain VIN number information at ClearVIN.com. Simply enter the VIN of the vehicle in the VIN check box on the homepage. The search would provide you with some basic information about the vehicle to help you shortlist your options. If you want a detailed history report, click on ‘Get Your History Report’.

    The Bottom Line

    Checking vehicle history is one of the most critical tasks you need to do before investing your money in any of the deals on the table. Though it goes without saying that the used car market has countless gems to offer, you need to keep in mind that not all that glitters is gold. To help ensure you never have to find yourself at the receiving end of a lemon, or worse, a vehicle involved in illegal activities, make it a point to get detailed VIN number information from a reputable source such as ClearVIN.com. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us at +1 (844) 268 – 5991 or fill out our contact form and we will take it from there.

4 Reasons VIN Check is a Must for Used Car Buyers

Although buying a used car may help you save a significant amount of money, compared to what you would spend if you go for a new model; you couldn’t be too careful. As a used car buyer, you need to stay clear of a number of pitfalls that can make all the difference between a deal of a lifetime and a lemon! That’s the reason it is essential for used car buyers to lookup car details by VIN, before signing on the dotted line. Continuing on the subject, in this post, we discuss five undeniable reasons that make car VIN check an integral part of used car buying journey. Read on.

1. Avoid Legally Troubled Vehicles

When buying a used car, the last thing you would want is to put your money into a vehicle that has been involved in a legal hassle. By checking a car’s VIN history, you can find out all the details about its past, including any instances where it was found to be at the wrong side of the law. This would help you avoid buying stolen and other vehicles with a legal case.

2. Check Maintenance History

What good is buying a used car if you cannot get your money’s worth from it, in the long run, and if it keeps demanding frequent repairs. To make sure you buy a reliable vehicle that doesn’t demand a fortune for maintenance, lookup the VIN history of the options you consider to get an overview of the maintenance they have received from their past owners.

3. Find Out Past Accidents

Thanks to advancements in body repair technologies, it has become almost impossible to identify whether a vehicle has been involved in any accident. This is another concern addressed by checking the VIN history. To get detailed info about past accidents, you can simply lookup the VIN of the car you consider buying through a trusted platform such as ClearVIN.com.

4. Stay Clear of Odometer Frauds

Odometer tampering is one of the most common scams prevalent in used auto markets. Many sellers, in a bid to claim a higher value for their vehicle, reverse the odometer reading, making their vehicles appear younger than they are. Checking the VIN history of a car helps you avoid such scams and get a reliable figure for the miles covered by a car.

Wrap Up

Whether you are planning to buy a used vehicle for the first time, or have been a frequent customer, it is essential to lookup car details by VIN to make sure you land a worthwhile deal. All you need to do is enter the VIN of the vehicles you consider buying and we will take care of the rest. ClearVIN.com provides an easy way for you to lookup car VIN details without having to run from pillar to post. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about car VIN check, feel free to reach us at +1 (844) 268 – 5991 . You can also fill out our contact form and we will take it from there.

Looking to Buy a Used Car? Here are 4 Reasons to Go for Mazda3

If you are looking to buy a used car from online auto auctions, Mazda3 deserves your consideration. The most popular model from the Mazda family, Mazda 3 is one of the most powerful and practical compact cars available on the market. When buying a used car, make sure the car has a clean vehicle history. To get a detailed vehicle history report, check the VIN on www.clearvin.com Continuing the discussion, this blog covers four reasons why Mazda3 is worth your money.

Performance

Mazda3 is a fuel-efficient vehicle; thanks to Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology. The base model of Mazda3 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 29 mpg on city roads and 41 on highways. The upgraded model is powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 184 horsepower, which is 29 hp more than the engine of the base model.

Styling

The introduction of Mazda3 to the Mazda family was considered a welcome addition by customers and industry observers alike. If you are looking for an affordable car with sporty styling, Mazda3 would be a viable choice. Be it the car’s sharply styled headlights or its unmistakably long hood, every part of the car is synonymous with elegance.

Drive Quality

Although superior models from the Mazda family, such as Mazda6, are widely acclaimed for exceptional drive quality, Mazda3 isn’t too far behind either. A responsive steering and firm suspension system come together to offer a delightful driving experience. The car can do 0-60 in just 7.4 seconds, and is tamed by a solid braking system that keeps you in complete control.

Safety

The Mazda3 is one of the safest cars in its segment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it a 5-star rating for safety. When going for a used car, however, it is essential to check the VIN number and make sure that the car has a clear history, to avoid future problems.

Wrap Up

Mazda3, with an array of cutting-edge features, such as Radar Cruise Control and Smart City Brake Support, is one of the most reliable and stylish cars available on the market. However, before you put your money down on a Mazda3 or any other used car, check the vehicle’s history on a reputed VIN check website such as ClearVIN.com With a detailed VIN history to your aid, you will be better positioned to make an informed buying decision.

4 Businesses that Can’t Do without VIN History Reports

The ability to quickly access complete and accurate information about vehicles is highly valued in the automobile and allied industries, which explains the increasing number of people leveraging VIN history reports. VIN check offers an easy way to decode a vehicle’s specs and history, which is much faster and more convenient than going through vehicle manuals or OEM websites. Continuing on the subject, in this blog post, we list some businesses that particularly benefit from identifying vehicle specs through VIN history reports. Take a look.

Used Auto Retailers

Used auto dealers need to check the details of the vehicles they receive for sale. For them, identification of vehicle specifications by VIN is valuable as it supports them in inventory management, advertising, and selling vehicles. Some of the common specs auto sellers can identify using VIN include manufacturing, operation, and performance, which they need to provide to customers. The more detailed information a vehicle has, the sooner it is likely to get sold.

Body Shops

Vehicle maintenance and repair businesses, such as body shops, also require vehicle specs and other details. Easy access to specs like vehicle dimensions, color codes, and engine and transmission details by VIN saves a lot of time for them. Using the right parts and spares is necessary to establish customer trust and drive repeat business. VIN history reports allow such businesses to easily get all the details about the vehicles they service. Most of the top vehicle servicing shops in the U.S. rely on VIN decoding.

Auto Insurance Companies

VIN history reports enables insurance companies to assess the risk involved in insurance requests. Moreover, insurance companies also need VIN history reports to underwrite insurance policies. VIN history reports help ensure the underwriters utilize accurate and complete vehicle information. This is especially helpful when to find out whether a vehicle has certain safety features, such as blind spot detection and autonomous braking, as such features may reduce the insurance premium.

Vehicle Transporters

Vehicle shipping is another industry that uses VIN history reports. The physical specifications of a vehicle, such as its weight and dimension are necessary for auto shipment to create plan of action to ship it to its destination. VIN history reports also come in handy when choosing a mode of transportation for a vehicle and load balance. Identification of vehicle specs by VIN also allows shipping companies to provide accurate shipment quote and insurance coverage.

Wrap Up

Many businesses in and related to the automobile industry can streamline their day-to-day operations by identifying vehicle specifications with the help of a VIN check. All they need to do is obtain a VIN history report from a reliable vehicle history provider such as ClearVin.com. We help take the mystery out of a vehicle’s condition by providing detailed information about its past through its VIN history report. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us at +1-844-268-5991, or send a message and we will take it from there.

Under the Lens: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure

The 2018 RAV4 Adventure is a testament of Toyota’s determination to capture the minds and hearts of outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Engineered for those who itch to get away from the chaotic city life as frequently as possible, the RAV4 is propelled by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. Continue reading to find out what’s in store for car lovers in this all-wheel drive compact SUV.

Interior Features

  • 6.1-inch touchscreen with Entune infotainment system
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • LED headlights
  • 4.2-inch, multi-information display
  • Power-sliding sunroof
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats
  • Premium upholstery
  • Rearview camera
  • Safety Sense P with pre-collision pedestrian detection system
  • Lane-keeping assist

Interior

Large cargo space and all-weather floor mats clearly make the statement that the RAV4 is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. Measuring more than 73 cubic feet, the cargo space is enormous for a vehicle in this category. Similar to the RAV4 XLE, the interiors of RAV4 are simple and purposeful. The interiors primarily include easy-to-clean plastic surfaces that are ideal for off-road enthusiasts who like to take on uncharted territories.

Engine

The 2018 RAV4, like all RAV4s, is powered by a 2.5-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine pumping out 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. torque. The powertrain is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that makes the RAV4 a dream to drive in even in extreme conditions. The power is transmitted to the wheels through an electronically controlled automatic gearbox that is largely responsible for the car’s exceptional drive quality.

Drive

Be it navigating city streets or cruising the highways, the RAV4 faces no trouble. The only soft spot in the cars performance is in high altitutdes while being fully loaded with cargo and passengers. Toyota, however, says the Adventure has enough mechanical power to pull up to 3,500 lbs. Another distinction of the RAV4 is that it can plough through snow with remarkable ease.

The Takeaway

To sum up, the 2018 RAV4 Adventure is a perfect vehicle for anyone who is looking for a high-performance compact SUV. Moreover, with roomy interiors for passengers and cargo, it is a true family car, too. In case you’re buying a pre-owned model, remember to perform a vehicle VIN check at ClearVIN.com. We arm vehicles buyers with the right information when they are in the used car market looking for a good deal. Do a Toyota VIN check with us and obtain the history report to make sure you’re buying the right vehicle. Get a sample report here. For more info on our services, call +1-844-268-5991 or write to us at info@clearvin.com.

4 Must-have Safety Features for Your Motorcycle

When it comes to designing motorcycles, rider safety is always a key concern. That is the reason all leading manufacturers are constantly embracing new technologies to equip their motorcycles with better safety features. Whether you are planning to buy a motorcycle or already own one, it is important to ensure that your ride has certain safety features. If you buying a used motorcycle, remember to perform a VIN check at ClearVin. A VIN check will give you necessary information about the motorcycle’s history and help you make an informed decision. Continuing the discussion, we list four must-have safety features for your motorcycle. Read on.

LED Lights

LED lights play a key role in increasing visibility on the road, especially in unfavorable conditions with low visibility. However, before installing LED lights on your motorcycle, make sure that the colors of the lights comply with the laws in your state. Manufacturers are now also making helmets with LED lights that improve visibility.

Anti-lock Braking System

Inspired by the advantages of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in cars and trucks, all leading motorcycle manufacturers have started offering anti-lock braking system in motorcycles too. ABS helps ensure controlled retardation of motorcycles on all types of surfaces and also helps the rider avoid overturning or collision if they hit the brakes in spontaneity.

Stability Control

While anti-lock braking system can be a boon to bring the motorcycle to a halt, but they may not be enough if your motorcycle is leaning at an angle just before you need to stop. This is when you need stability control. The feature plays a significant role by reining in the bike and providing the maximum braking force it can handle at any given angle of inclination.

Airbags

Airbags are not limited to cars anymore. Many motorcycle accidents involve the rider crashing into tall windshields found in cruisers, snow bikes, quad bikes, and other motorcycles. This is the reason manufacturers are equipping motorcycles with windshield airbags and also suggesting the riders buy airbag vests to reduce the impact in an accident.

Wrap Up

Safety is always a major concern when riding a motorcycle. If you are upgrading to a better motorcycle or buying your maiden ride, make sure the vehicle has all the safety features mentioned in this blog. If you are unable to find all the features within your budget, you can buy a preowned high performance motorcycle at an affordable price. However, before closing a deal, locate the motorcycle’s VIN, and perform a VIN check on ClearVin.com. Whether you are buying a Honda, Yamaha, or any other brand, simply register, enter your VIN, and get a detailed vehicle history to make an informed decision. To learn more about our VIN check services, fill out our contact form or call +1 (844) 268-5991.

Top 5 Affordable Trucks to Consider Buying Used

When looking to buy an affordable used truck, you need to consider a number of factors, such as damage type, estimated value, and cost of repairs, also check the VIN history of the options you shortlist. Running a truck VIN check provides a detailed history of a vehicle and helps you make an informed decision. If you have been unable to make up your mind regarding the model you should go for, you have come to the right place. To help, this blog brings to you a list of top five affordable options to consider when searching for a used truck. Let’s take a look.

Ford F-150

Equipped with a 3.5 liter 282hp V6 engine, the Ford F-150 is a recommendable option for your shortlist, when looking for affordable and fuel efficient used trucks. Loaded with advanced safety features and automatic transmission, the Ford F-150 is a great choice if you are searching for a wallet-friendly, all-in-one package.

Nissan Frontier

A top choice when it comes to affordability, the Nissan Frontier is equipped with a 2.5 liter 152 hp I4 engine. It comes with all standard safety features and driveline traction control. The truck is known for exceptional performance and reliability, which make it another great choice to have in your shortlist when when looking to buy a used truck.

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet, a brand known to offer reliable and reasonably priced vehicles, is another name to consider when looking to buy a truck. The Chevrolet Silverado includes an impressive 4.3 liter 285hp EcoTec3 V6 engine, complemented by majestic exteriors, making it a must-have on your used truck bidding list.

2017 Toyota Tundra

The 2017 Toyota Tundra is another exceptional vehicle to have on your list of considerations. The engine specifications on this mammoth include a iForce 4.6 liter V8 with 310 hp. The truck has 18” steel wheels, that are an inch larger than the rest of the used trucks we have mentioned in this blog.

Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is propelled by an impressive 3.5 liter V6 engine pumping out 280 hp. This model also comes with 18” wheels, but unlike the Tundra – that has steel wheels – the wheels on the Ridgeline are made of aluminium. If you’re looking for a used truck that offers a great ride quality, the Ridgeline can be an ideal option.

Wrap Up

When choosing to buy a used truck, it is important to run a VIN check to gain access to and analyze a detailed history of the vehicle you plan to buy. ClearVin.com offers you an easy way to check a truck’s VIN history and brings you a step closer to finalizing a deal on a used truck aligned with your prerequisites. If you have any questions, call +1 (844) 268 5991 or write to us at info@clearvin.com.

11 Things You Can Know Through a VIN Check

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is indispensable when buying a used car. VIN is a unique, 17-character, alphanumeric code in vehicles. It’s just like the DNA in human beings. Discerning used cars buyers check VIN in order to find out the history of the vehicles they consider buying, and determine whether they are investing in a worthwhile option. Continuing on the subject, we give you a list of nearly a dozen things you can find out through a VIN check.

  1.  A VIN check tells you the year the car was purchased, and whether it was used for personal or business purposes.

  2. You come to know through VIN record whether the car has been involved in a collision recently or in the distant past. Sometimes the damage is not evident on a visual inspection of the vehicle. In such cases, VIN check is the only definitive way to know it.

  3. Closely related to the first point, a VIN check reveals the exact nature and extent of accident damage that the vehicle may have sustained.

  4. It also denotes on a VIN check whether the car has been a victim of natural calamities such as hurricane, which can cause extensive damage at times.

  5. Used car buyers can ascertain the last reported mileage with a quick VIN lookup. They can also determine whether there has been any tampering with the odometer.

  6. A vehicle’s VIN also tells whether the automaker has ever recalled it in the past and if yes, what was the type of recall.

  7. The number of owners the vehicle has changed hands over the years is also clear from VIN. This is important as you wouldn’t want to buy a 2012 car that has been driven by 10 people.

  8. The VIN tells what title the car had, whether it was a clean title, salvage, or rebuilt.

  9. If the vehicle in question has had any history of being stolen and exported, the VIN report will reflect that. This will save buyers from buying an illegal car.

  10. It provides information on the geographical location the vehicle was used in, e.g., state, province, USA, Europe, or Canada.

  11. Service history of the vehicle such as oil change, brake check, and tyre replacement is another vital piece of information that used car buyers can extract from VIN.

    Wrap Up

    VIN check is too important to be sidelined at the time of buying a used car. Make sure you look up the VIN of the car you are planning to buy, and obtain a VIN report before closing the deal. ClearVin.com helps you make an informed decision by providing accurate vehicle specifications and history, which has made us one of the most trusted sources for vehicle information. Look up VIN with us and do a Chevrolet or Ford VIN check any time. If you have any questions, simply call +1-844-268-5991 or write to us at info@clearvin.com.