For the people around the globe who live in right hand drive (rhd) areas, finding a left hand drive (lhd) car can be very difficult if not impossible. Some dealers specialize in importing left hand drive cars to sell to consumers but this is quite rare. For the most part a left hand drive car is just an oddity to people who don’t drive them.

In fact, many people only see left hand drive cars in movies that are based in the parts of the world where they are driven. Some car manufactures don’t even make left hand drive cars or if they do, the quantity is very limited or only sold in certain areas. However, companies such as Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lexus and Audi usually produce both left and right hand drive cars for most of their makes and models.

Once you have found a left hand car dealer you will need to do some extensive research into the cars history to ensure quality. Was the car manufactured to be a left hand drive car, or was it converted into one? If it was converted it’s best to question your dealer about the process and inquire about future repairs. Changing a right hand drive car over to the left side doesn’t necessarily mean that the car is somehow defective. Since the car has undergone a major change, it could have a negative impact on the car if it wasn’t done properly.

Just as with any car repair, improper work will only lead to spending more on repairs down the line. Even a brand new car that has been converted may show problems. Technically, the car isn’t even considered brand new any longer once the conversion has taken place. Some cars simply can’t be converted and forcing a conversion is very unethical but this does take place to some degree.

The most important thing is to have the car tested out by a third party mechanic using the standard diagnostic test that normal cars go through. Failing to do so could lead you to purchase a car that is unsafe for the road. The 1993 Jeep Cherokee Utility left hand drives were recalled due to defects and safety concerns and so have many other models.

Other things you need to be aware of when selecting a left hand drive car is the cost of maintaining your car. If your car is an import or contains parts imported, you should be prepared to spend more money on the cars maintenance then you would on regular cars. Just as with anything imported for another area you should be prepared for limited availability, higher cost and possibly extended periods of time for the parts to arrive.

Individuals should select left hand drive cars by first reviewing the car dealer’s website and then researching the cars history, while reading the car owner’s manual. Car manuals give full detailed information and specifications about the car and they normally state clearly if the car was made to be converted.

Whether you plan on importing a left hand drive car or getting a right hand drive car converted, your main concern should be safety. Aside from safety issues you will also have to contend with inflated cost and part availability. The best advice I could give to anyone on this subject would be to thoroughly research everything about the car and the dealer you plan to purchase it from.

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• How To Save On Car Repairs

Owning a car comes with a lot of benefits, and responsibilities as well. As a responsible driver, you must take good care of your car, regularly checking it and going for immediate car repairs when the need arises. No matter how good your car is, there will come a time when some of its parts will bog down due to normal wear and tear.

The different parts of your car are prone to aging, especially if you drive extensively. However, there are things that you can do to avoid a lot of repair expenses, as follows:

• If budget is not a constraint, better purchase a brand new car in the first place. This will usually include warranties for parts and even cover free servicing for a given period of time.

• Expand your car insurance coverage to include collision insurance. Just in case you meet an accident, you won’t need to spend much on repair.

• It would be helpful if you have a car repair manual handy. You can refer to it for some technical information such as wiring diagrams, sensor locations, and many others. The manual is just like a first aid kit; it will help you figure out the trouble and help you fix it if it’s not that complicated.

Car Maintenance Tips

Other than the three general tips mentioned above, one other very important thing you should remember is to observe religious car maintenance. The basics include simple activities like checking the engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, tires, and battery. You can refer to your owner’s manual to properly check these or you can ask the guidance of a professional mechanic.

• Tune-ups and oil changes should be done regularly. Cars should be tuned up every two years or 30,000 miles.

• Oil should be changed at least thrice a year to keep engine parts lubricated.

• Brake pads should also be replaced immediately when they’re worn out to avoid possibilities of accidents.

• Your radiator should be regularly cleaned to remove the solid deposits that cling to it over time. The cooling system should be regularly flushed as well.

• Fuel filters should be replaced immediately when they get clogged.

• The air filter should also be replaced when clogged to save on power and gas. A dirty air filter can retard the function of your air intake system, which is among those that regulate your car’s air-fuel mixture.

• Your air conditioning system should be regularly checked and recharged if necessary.  

These are among the basic maintenance procedures that you should regularly undertake to avoid major car repairs. These can be done even at home to further save on cost. You can refer to websites or manuals that feature DIY car maintenance. Just make that sure you have clamps, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other basic tools at hand.

When you notice anything unusual in your car, immediately find the source of the problem. Attend to minor defects immediately so that they will not build up. If the defect is complicated, bring your car to an accredited repair shop at once. Life is not perfect and so is your car, so car repairs are inevitable. But with the right attitude, these should not be a problem.

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• Learn About Left Hand Drive Car Conversions