Everyone wants to get the best car at the best price – to help you find your next car, we’ve written a list of top tips to help you avoid common problems and find the car right for you.

Shop Around

It is vitally important to compare prices, weather you’re buying privately or from a dealership. It is always important to ensure you are buying a quality product, with no hidden problems or charges. By looking around and seeing what is on the market, this may also change your initial idea of what you wanted, to something better for you, fitting in with your lifestyle. As well as looking around for the best price, it’s also worth looking around for the best review. Reviews are a great way of really finding out what other drivers really think to the car in question.  There are many places online that will help you to find the perfect car, the perfect price and the perfect review – one I would recommend is Reviews of Big Motoring World UK.

When and How to View

When viewing your potential buy for the first time, make sure it is on a clear day. Never view a car in the rain, poor lighting, or at night. If you do, you won’t be able to see the condition of the car correctly. This will mean you can’t check for dents, or scratches. Also, watch out if you were to view a car on a wet or damp day, there is the potential that the person selling the car is keeping a leak or spill i.e. oil or petrol leak from you, by hiding it due to the weather. A leak or spill may not sound like much, but could cause you expensive mechanic bills in the future!

Car History

When buying a used car, try and find as much information as possible out about the car you hope to buy. The more open and honest the seller is with you, the less likely they are to be hiding something, for example if the seller won’t give you certain detail about dents or mechanic bills, they could be trying to cover a previous accident which has damaged the car. Finding out the car’s service history, garage bills and being given its MOT certificates are all things in which you need to know before you buy.

Test Drive

This is an important part of the buying process. By test driving the car, you have made it clear that you are interested, however now is your time to check everything about the cars general mechanical condition, and ask any specific questions you may have. While on your test drive you need to think: Am I confortable? Are all the controls working, in good condition and can be operated easily by myself? Will my family fit in safely? And if you have any tools or sports equipment, will they fit in the boot? This part of the process should help you come to a decision on weather the car is what its meant to be, and is right for you.

Don’t be Pressured into Buying

Never buy a car that you are not satisfied with after the test drive, and do not let the seller pass off engine faults as your own error through driving the car. Don’t let the seller pressure you into buying the car – there are plenty more out there! Many sellers will create sob stories about why they need to sell the car, to try and convince you to buy. It is important that you know when the car is not right for you, and that you need to walk away.

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However, to keep your older vehicle out of the shop, you can follow a few simple tips. It’ll keep your car running smooth and give you time for the more important things in life.

Don’t Overheat

Image via flickr by Steve & Jemma Copley

The main components of a car’s cooling system are the water pump and radiator. So be sure to inspect them on a regular basis. The water pump emanates a pancake syrup smell when it’s about to wear out, so trust your nose if the car starts to smell like an IHOP. Check the radiator for any cracks, too. And most importantly, make sure all the hoses that transport coolant have been replaced in the recent past. These hoses hold scorching hot liquid, so they tend to develop leaks and malfunction faster than the other components.

Keep the Oil Changed

Keeping the oil, the lifeblood of the car changed on a regular basis will keep the vehicle running smoothly. If you are lax on this, the lack of lubrication can cause severe damage to the engine. By adhering to a change every 3,000 miles, your old car will thank you.

Leave it to the Professionals

While many do-it-yourselfers prefer to do all their own maintenance, aging cars suffer from more acute problems. Such problems should be handled by people who are experts in car repair. Though it can be hard to let another person touch your baby, you need to let go. That’s what mechanics are trained to do; fix things beyond your abilities. If you absolutely must do the work yourself, have the proper tools such as a screwdriver, wrench, pliers, and even a few specialty items such as an oil filter wrench or even a low capacity torque sensor to test your car’s performance.

Don’t IgnoreYour Dashboard’s Warning Signs

Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason – to alert you that something is wrong with your car. If you see a check engine light, an oil pressure light, or brake light, pull over immediately. These usually are the problems that pose a safety threat to your engine or to others. The oil pressure light is especially dangerous, as the engine can only run for a few minutes before succumbing to the problem. If you see the warning lights, don’t ignore them.

Fix ProblemsEarly to Avoid Costly Repairs

At the first sign of imminent danger, have your car checked. Rattles, bumpy rides, and other noises are a surefire way of knowing when to take the car into the shop. By fixing the problem at first sign, you can avoid the costly repairs from the problem growing worse. And thus, keep your car running longer.

Exercise When Your Car Isn’t Necessary

Short trips are often hard on older vehicles because the engine doesn’t get up to its full operating temperature, which allows moisture to remain in the engine and exhaust system. This can contribute to rusting. As you know, older vehicles can eventually perish due to this oxidation. So, do something good for yourself and your car. Walk or ride a bike on those trips under 2 miles. Your body and your car will be thankful.

By following just a few simple rules, your car can last as long as you want. Routine maintenance tends to be the key to keeping an older car on the road. So, if you want your car to last as long as you do, don’t be stingy with its care. Its life depends on you as much as you depend on it.

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With a used car, it is pretty much a horse of a whole different color. You’re stepping into a vehicle that was driven, maintained, and owned by somebody else. It makes the buyer wonder: What kind of person owned this car before me?

While used cars can be an economical way to upgrade to a new vehicle, sometimes you can get yourself into a bad situation and stuck with a lemon. But lucky for you, after reading this article the person described in the previous scenario will not be you!

Inspect the Vehicle

This one is a given, however, most people neglect to ever look under the hood. It make sense, 99% of us couldn’t tell that something isn’t right just by looking at it. While you may not be a car expert, it is still good to ensure everything was maintained and nothing looks questionable. If possible, ask a friend who knows about cars to tag along. You might have to buy him or her lunch, but you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money in the long-run.

Test Drive the Car

Another obvious tip. But we aren’t just telling you to test drive the car, we urge you to test-feel the car. Make sure you are comfortable driving the auto if it is a bigger model than your previous car. Also see how it handles turns, how quickly the brakes react, or if it pulls to the right. Most times people are so excited at the thought of owning a new vehicle most of these red flags are overlooked.

Negotiate Price

You are probably thinking that you have heard all of these tips before, and you may have. But it never hurts to reinforce a good point. Negotiating is a key factor in any used car buying process. But remember to keep your cool. Make sure you have your emotions in check and don’t be afraid to be a little aggressive. These salespersons have seen and heard every trick in the book, they won’t be afraid to go head-to-head with you.

Avoid the “Additional Features”

Do you really need the entertainment set in your vehicle? Have you properly researched the undercoating process and found it is truly worth it? Don’t you think you can find a cheaper extended warranty elsewhere? All of these “added features” are oftentimes overpriced and overvalued. For instance: Your dealer will try to sell you the extended warranty and roll it into your payments. This means more interest you will pay over time when you could have gotten a cheaper and more reliable policy from somewhere else. There are many alternatives to buying an auto warranty from the dealer and Warranty Headquarters is one of them.

We could go on and on with suggestions and useful resources but unfortunately we don’t have that kind of time. However, in the meantime, remember to stay focused, stand your ground, and give your purchase the proper time and research before deciding. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your vehicle. Happy buying!

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A complete transformation in car technology occurred and was considered to be the saviour of the environment with a vehicle that has NO emissions: the electric car.

The electric car has divided the motoring world with people either showing full support for the car or being completely against it and having no real belief that it will be a success and fulfill what it is supposed to do.

There are some very real benefits to the electric car but with each benefit there are some real downsides.

Pros

Environmentally Friendly

The electric car relies entirely on electricity and emits no emissions whatsoever. The only thing it requires is regular charging from power points and homes; the only source of fueling is electricity.

Government Support

The Government are in such support of the car that they are offering to provide buyers with a grant towards the cost of the car. The government grant covers 25% of a car costing up to £5000.  The car dealer will even request the grant on your behalf.

Tax Free

Because the car does not emit toxins and gases it is not considered a gas guzzler in any stretch of the imagination and does not need to pay road tax. One less cost for motorists.

Cost

The cost of the electricity used for the car is dramatically less than the cost of refueling a normal car.

Noise

This car is completely silent. No roar of the engine, no whirring of the fans, nothing. You may even wonder if the car is actually on, it is that quiet. This is one of the key benefits to the vehicle.

Cons

Resale

There is absolutely no way of knowing what the future resale value will be of the cars purely because they are so new and still in the developing stages in many ways. People may be buying a car that they will receive very little back on. It is a real risk.

Lack of Charge Points

The plug in points, are few and far between, if you suddenly lose power there are very few places to charge your car. The government doesn’t seem to have any real intention to rectify this at the moment.

Battery Life

The battery life is relatively short on the cars. The car will only last between 200 and 300 miles before it needs to be recharged. So that combined with the lack of power points means long journeys aren’t really possible.

Expensive

They are dramatically more expensive than normal cars to buy.

Limited Styles

As with normal cars you are able to choose from a range of styles and designs, there are very few electric cars available so the choice is quite limited.

Charge Time

12 hours is the standard time to charge the battery completely, it is recommended this take place over night when the demand for electricity is less. It is still a substantial period of time and means you have no car when the battery is flat.

Automotive garages strive to keep up to date with the latest vehicles whether they are environmentally friendly, the most current trends or have the latest mod cons. Garages such as TW White & Sons – Surrey are able to offer a wide range to meet your needs and advice you on the best car possible. They will also be able to offer their expert opinion on things such as the Great Electric Car Debate.

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Now, we all know that classic cars are vulnerable old creatures that were made in times where the technology simply wasn’t available to prepare them for decades of use. But, despite being in the 21^st century, owning a vintage car has surged in popularity and there are still many around – thanks to the foresight of careful owners who know not only how to properly drive and maintain them, but know what to look out for when shipping them.

But, as you’re a vintage car virgin, you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of buying one and bringing it in without too much detailed knowledge of the vehicle’s peculiarities.

Well to help you, here are a few useful tips that will help to make sure that your ‘new’ car gets from A to B in one piece:

Find The Right Shipping Company.

There are shipping and transportation companies, such as uShip car transport, who specialize in this area and it’s important to get to know who they are.

Ask other owners for their own personal recommendations, or search the Internet via specialist vintage car forums or blogs to find the most reliable reputations.

If you like, try and speak to two or three companies about how they will approach handling your vehicle and what special things they do to protect it. Find out from them what vintage cars they have shipped, how far they have taken them and for what owners.

Think About The Container

Take some time to consider what kind of container you’d like your car to be transported to you, after all how your car gets to you is an extremely important consideration.

For example, despite being a cheaper option, open containers are essentially large, open air trailers attached on the back, and because of this that are open to the elects when the transporter is whizzing down the motorway.

Closed containers, however, are essentially mobile garages. Despite being a little more expensive, you can be rest assured that your car is more secure both from the weather, and from prying eyes…

Know How It Should Be Loaded

Securely fastening and loading a vintage car onto a transporting system can take a bit of skill – after all, these vehicles have a whole host of delicate parts that could run the risk of falling off or getting damaged if not treated with the right care.

So, make sure you give your chosen transportation company a clear set of instructions and a list of do’s and don’ts.

Also ask the previous owner if they can carry out a full inventory on the car – preferably with photographs – before they hand the car over the loading company. This will help to make sure that your car doesn’t turn up with any unwanted scratches, dents and dings that weren’t there when you bought it.

It may also be a good idea to leave a careful list of instructions about how to start, stop or drive the vehicle. Old cars have lots of little idiosyncrasies that can make the difference when moving the car safely. The last thing you need is a strange driver taking the matter into his own hands and damaging the vehicle purely by making the wrong decision.

Finally, double check the obvious things; fold back wing mirrors, secure a convertible roof properly, cover hi chrome areas and try and remove things like spoilers which can get damaged when being transported on and off ramps.

Make Sure You’re Properly Insured

Before you sign on the dotted line with any transportation company, make sure your car is fully insured against damage and theft by your car shipping company. It’s important to see a copy of the car shipping company’s insurance coverage before you finalise shipping and check to see if there is any deductible you will be required to pay if there is damage.

It is likely that your personal car insurance policy may cover your vehicle in transit, so contact your insurance company to find out.

Taking Delivery of the Car

When your car arrives, make sure that you do a complete inspection of the vehicle with a copy of the original inspection report. Look for any cosmetic or mechanical damage that was not noted in the original report, in and around the car as well as underneath. Do not accept a vehicle if you cannot clearly inspect it, such as at night in dim lighting.

If there is any damage not on the original inspection report and you believe it occurred during the shipping process, note each incident with pictures and be sure the driver signs it. The car shipping company should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your car.

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Just because the road is wide, open, warm and free, it doesn’t mean you can take your safety eye off the accident prevention ball.

Here are some summer riding tips.

Check your tire pressures

Your motorcycle tires are your only contact with the road and it’s entirely crucial that you give them the very best opportunity to function as perfectly as you can. A tire that is operating in the window in which it was designed to perform well will far out perform a tire that is under-inflated or bursting at the seams.

If the air around you is hot then the chances are that the air in your tires will have taken on the same hotter ambient temperature, especially if it is a very hot day and your bike is parked up on the blistering tarmac.

There is some movement in where the tire pressure should be of course, but if perhaps your tire was a little overinflated to start with, as the air temperature rises, so does the tire pressure, and this increase coupled with an over inflation in the first place could put the tires at a stress point. Using a good quality and accurate tire pressure gauge, it’s worth checking your tires very regularly indeed.

Engine coolant ready to cool?

It makes sense that a hot motorcycle engine will suffer all the more on a hot summer’s day, so special attention should be given to your bike’s coolant level before any big ride out on a potentially very hot day.

A great deal of damage can be done to a bike’s engine if it overheats, so it’s definitely worth checking our bike’s coolant level very regularly over the summer months, to avoid a costly repair bill and several weeks off the road during the most prime biking weather.

The coolant should be filled to the correct coolant level as specified by the manufacturer, and should be of the correct color and consistency. If it looks like there could be some metal rust or engine oil mixed in with the coolant, then it seems likely that there are greater and unseen problems going on inside the engine, and a deeper investigation should be undertaken.

Hot wires?

Some motorbikes are better wired up than others, and if yours is one of those bikes with a reputation for wobbly wiring, then a hot day and some fast riding will only exacerbate the heated debate going on in the wiring loom of the bike.

A poorly wired bike will make excess electrical heat as it is, so if the air temperature goes through the roof this summer – we can only hope! The smoldering wires will only get further potentially disastrous heat treatment. A hot wiring loom can very quickly catch fire and as it’s buried under the bike’s bodywork it can quickly catch hold and do some serious damage.

The summer months in the UK should be the perfect time for some biking fun, and indeed, with our cracking twisty back lanes, open countryside and friendly biking fraternity; it really should be several months of the best fun. Especially so if you carry these few simple checks.

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Our cars are very technical pieces of equipment, with new and exciting advancements emerging on a near daily basis. Right now, manufacturers are working away at the latest ground-breaking technology; a secret for now but soon to be the latest global phenomenon.

The cars themselves may come in all shapes and sizes and while a Space Wagon, pickup truck and Mini may at first seem to have fairly little in common; in reality, many of the pieces of technology in a vehicle that have become a part of everyday life have stemmed from the same beginning: the sports car.

Quick Start

The days of fumbling about with keys are long gone as many newer car models now start at just the push of a button. With some, the button functions as the only means to ignite the engine; for others a key much be inserted, followed by the use of the button and for others, electronic fobs replace the key altogether; with the car able to sense when it is near; automatically unlocking the doors and then starting the engine once inside. While there are numerous variations of the system, they all come from the sports car, which developed the idea in response to the need to be able to start as quickly as possible.

Tires

The tires are what connect your vehicle to the road, so are evidently a crucial component of any car. If you take the time to look at your tires, you will notice the grooves in them; their purpose being to pass safely through water and mud – That’s why the grooves on off-road vehicles are much deeper, since the terrain they will be handling is much tougher. The inspiration for this of course came from sports cars, since they need to be able to pass over the road as safely and as smoothly as they can.

Materials

Sports car manufacturers design them to be as lightweight yet physically durable as possible, to provide speed and strength. This has led to the implementation of the likes of aluminium and carbon fibre, which have increasingly started to appear on mass production cars. The lighter it is, the better the fuel economy and therefore the greater the appeal to consumers.

Safety

With top speeds and bold driving, there is of course an inherent risk of high impact collisions when racing; this is why the drivers need to be heavily protected. The very framework of a car is designed to absorb shock and reduce the strain put on the driver’s body; with the same principles applying to everyday cars. Even the rear view mirror, established in the 1900s, was originally a tool to allow racers to keep an eye on their competitors; now an integral safety component of any car. From the materials used to the structure of the vehicle itself; any safety improvement made in the world of racing inevitably makes its way into our cars.

Cars like the new Nissan Navara ST-R stem from models known originally for attributes like power and durability but have increasingly benefitted from the likes of the speed and safety improvements of a sports car; creating readily-available, multi-purpose vehicles built to satisfy all of the market. Who knows what other exciting enhancements lay in wait for the future but it seems that keeping an eye on the world of racing could be a good way to find out.

With very different cars aimed at very different segments of the market all sharing many of the same features and design processes, it seems we can expect to continue to see everyday cars doing things we may at first have not expected from them; reaping the benefits of production originally intended for top racers. With sports cars now even being combined with the function of a snow plough, more interesting and unexpected combinations are sure to come.

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With readily available car loans making it that much easier to fund a vehicle these days, hiring one out over the holiday period can be a great option.

There are however, a number of important considerations you should make first to ensure you get the most for your money.

Carefully Consider the Model

When you need a car that is suitable for all your needs, you need to take time to consider the model, make sure it is the right one for you. Does it have enough space to carry your luggage? Does it have a good safety rating? Can it handle the terrain on which you plan to drive it? Does it fit the style you like? Take time to make sure all bases will be covered with your hire car before you agree to a contract.

Check Your Insurance Cover

Make sure the accompanying insurance policy will cover all your needs; say for example, if you plan to take the car abroad. Most will come with adequate cover for major accidents and full-impact collisions but small bumps and scratches will have to be paid for out of your own pocket. These types of mishaps are covered by a policy known as ‘excess insurance’ and this can be found much cheaper from outside sources, rather than taking it from the car lenders themselves.

Avoid Unnecessary Extras

Most car lenders will offer you excessive amounts of extras to try and boost the price tag. Sales patter can be overwhelming at times but learning to say ‘no’ can save you a lot of money. You can avoid other charges by using your own GPS and child seats, as many companies will offer you these perks; but they will come at a hefty price.

Even once the car has been safely returned; monitor your account closely to ensure that no unnecessary extra charges are made.

Go Prepared

You can greatly speed up the hiring process by making sure you go prepared. Take along any relevant insurance documentation, as well as your passport and credit card; as most lenders will require you to make a deposit using a card and some may not even allow you to hire a car without one.

Carefully Inspect the Car

Make the staff carefully inspect the condition of the car with you and either take photographs or note down any scratches, damage or imperfections on the vehicle. This will stop them from being able to try and charge you for any accidents that were not your doing.

Check the Fine Print

Make sure you have read and understood all the terms of your contract; taking note of the date, time and place to which you must return the car, as well as any charges you will incur for being late. Some car lenders will require you to keep all of your fuel receipts and others will specify that the vehicle must be returned with a certain level of fuel in the tank; so make sure all of these and any other relevant specifications are met to avoid an unwanted fine upon your return.

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Some auto insurance policies offer a much higher level of financial protection than others, and in addition, many car insurance policies offer many extra perks and features that can save customers a significant amount of money in the long-term.

The Deductibles

When searching for a new auto insurance policy, it’s vital to consider the deductibles. Lower deductibles can significantly raise a person’s insurance rates; however, lower deductibles can also offer customers increased financial protection in case something happens to their vehicle.

If a person chooses higher deductibles, their insurance rates may be significantly lower, but the insurance company won’t provide as much financial protection in case the vehicle is involved in a collision.

The Level of Coverage

Each state has minimum auto insurance requirements that all car insurance policies in that state must meet or exceed. A car insurance policy that provides much higher levels of protection for both personal liability insurance and property damage liability insurance than the minimum requirements will ensure that a customer is fully covered in any situation.

The Type of Vehicle

A person’s insurance rates may be higher if they are insuring a vehicle that has a relatively powerful engine. In addition, obtaining collision insurance coverage and comprehensive insurance coverage is usually more expensive if a vehicle is worth more money because the insurance company will have to pay a larger amount to the customer if the vehicle is damaged.

The Driving History

A person with few accidents and tickets on their driving record will usually have lower insurance rates. If a person is considering signing up for a new auto insurance policy, they should find out how many points they have on their driver’s license in order to determine how the amount of points that they have may will affect their insurance rates.

Adding People to the Policy

Usually, an auto insurance provider will give customers discounts if there are many people on one insurance policy. A family can usually save a significant amount of money if everyone in the family signs up for one auto insurance policy, and usually, the more people that are on an insurance policy, the more money that each customer will save.

Extra Perks and Features

Many insurance companies offer a wide variety of extra perks and features for their customers. When a customer signs up for a new auto insurance policy, they will usually receive 24/7 roadside assistance, discounts for having their automobile repaired at certain auto repair shops and discounts on various extended auto warranties.

Obtaining A Free Auto Insurance Quote

By signing up for a free auto insurance quote online, such as Aviva a person can easily customize their prospective auto insurance policy, and in addition, they can compare the insurance rates and the coverage options that different insurance companies offer.

When searching for a car insurance policy, there are many things to consider. Some of these include the deductibles, the levels of coverage that the policy provides, the driving history of the customer, adding other people to the policy, extra perks and features and obtaining a free auto insurance quote.

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Of course, there are some unscrupulous individuals that would not only prefer not to pay for their car insurance; they refuse to pay for it altogether.

Unfortunately, these illegal drivers are fairly common:

• In  2011 there were approximately 1.4 million uninsured drivers in the UK
• More recent figures suggest this figure is now close to 2 million

Our Survey Says… Uninsured Driving Is Socially Unacceptable

As we all participate in fierce debates about controversial subjects on a daily basis, it seems that there is one thing that nearly all of us agree on! In a survey carried out by Confused.com we can see that uninsured driving is clearly deemed socially unacceptable:

• 95% agreed that uninsured driving was socially unacceptable
• 83% agreed that not paying council tax was socially unacceptable
• 81% agreed that not taxing your vehicle was socially unacceptable
• 51% agreed that illegally downloading music was socially unacceptable

Uninsured Drivers Can Cost You More than A Few Pennies

Surely the hordes of uninsured drivers on our roads won’t be directly costing you anything, right? Wrong!

• It is estimated that every driver in the UK has to pay an additional £30 a year to make up for the increased costs incurred by insurance companies as a result of uninsured drivers.
• Uninsured drivers are estimated to cost the economy £500 million every year

Unfortunately, uninsured drivers can cost some people much more than that:

• 1 in 10 motorists have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver
• 25% of these motorists or their passengers were physically hurt as a result of the collision
• Uninsured motorists injure 23,000 every year
• Uninsured motorists kill 160 every year

The Top 10 Uninsured Driving Hotspots:

10. South Wales: 4.22%

9. Cleveland: 4.53%

8. South Yorkshire: 4.83%

7. Bedfordshire: 4.99%

6. Lancashire: 5.48%

5. West Midlands: 5.87%

4. West Yorkshire: 6.41%

3. Greater Manchester: 8.26%

2. Merseyside: 9.51%

And the winner is…

1. London: 10.1%

That’s right if you’re driving in the Capital then you can expect 1 in every 10 drivers to be uninsured! The question is: how do they get away with it? If you are caught driving without the correct insurance then you can expect:

• £200 fixed penalty
• 6 points on your licence
• £20 a day for storage if the vehicle is seized
• £150 collection charge

While uninsured drivers can face a fairly substantial fine, it seems that it’s not all that much of a deterrent considering the number of uninsured motorists still on our roads. Unfortunately, these unscrupulous drivers are costing you money every single year.

Remember: you are legally obliged to have car insurance; driving without it is a crime! Get your car insurance sorted, make sure your MOT’s in order, your vehicle is taxed and away you go. Drive safely!

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Although it may seem strange to those that aren’t superstitious, there are a whole host of weird and wonderful driving superstitions about.

The number 13 is only the tip of the iceberg:

Black Cat

This is perhaps one of the most common superstitions and it doesn’t really matter if you’re walking or driving. Strangely, there is a seemingly endless list of different variations on the black cat superstition and nearly everyone has heard something different.

Some people believe that turning anti-clockwise over and over again will undo any bad luck while others will toss salt over their shoulder to rid themselves of the hex. One of the strangest stories about this superstition is of a biker stopping in the road as a black cat passed; after the black cat had gone he scattered pebbles across the road and continued on his way.

There are lots of different myths and superstitions about black cats; some say they’re good luck, some say they’re bad but no one can ever seem to agree on which one’s true!

Night Whistling

There is an odd Japanese superstition that says that if you whistle while driving at night, a snake will appear.

It’s not entirely clear what will happen when the snake appears but it must a very special snake as normal snakes don’t have ears with which to hear a whistle!

Hold Your Breath When Driving Past a Graveyard

Holding your breath when driving past a graveyard is pretty common superstition and it’s supposed to be a sign of respect for the dead.

Common beliefs include that the spirits of the dead will enter your body through your mouth if open while others say that it’s disrespectful to breathe in front of those that cannot.

Throwing Change under the Seat of a New Car

This superstition is a little less strange and could even be practical! The friends and family of a person that has recently bought a new car will throw change onto the floor of the car.

The tradition may have started as a sign of prosperity or good luck but recent interpretations mean that with so many toll booths to go through, if the driver runs out of money they can always reach down and find some extra change.

It’s not the most mystical and magical of superstitions but it’s profitable for the driver!

Scratching or Denting Your Own Car

That’s right: people that believe in this particular superstition believe that when they buy a brand new car, they should scratch or dent the car themselves. So why would you buy a new car just to damage it?!

Lots of people believe that a new car that has not had anything happen to it, is at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident and that causing a small amount of damage to the car when new will reduce the risk.

The question is, why not just buy a used car?

The list of odd, strange, funny and fantastic superstitions and myths goes on forever but don’t let them effect your driving! Holding your breath when driving past a graveyard is fine, but when you start indulging in superstitions like putting your feet on the ceiling when driving under a bridge, you’re putting yourself and other road users in danger! Remember, be safe and if you’re superstitious then you should probably steer clear of buying a new car for a while!

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Buying a car is probably one of the biggest investments many people will go through and so it’s only natural that they look for something that can be part of their personality.

Everything from a brand new stereo system to personalized license Plate Holders, cars can be customized pretty much anyway someone wants them.  What are some of the best and easiest ways to customize a car?

Before you even think about putting a lot of work and effort into your car to make it just how you want it, you should probably make sure the innards work as well as they should.  It’s important to get your car checked out and tuned up to make sure everything is functioning properly before you start going to various stores buying personalized items.  It would be pretty backhanded to spend a lot of money putting a bunch of custom work into a car only to have the brakes give out or the transmission blow a few weeks later.  Worse yet, if you’re on a tight budget you’ll be lamenting the money you put into that customization when it could have been put into fixing up your car.

Theme

Assuming now that your car is in tiptop shape and no work is needed to keep it running for a while, the first thing to consider when trying to customize it is what you’re trying to reflect with it.  Some people want something that shows off their personality while others want a particular theme such as underwater or all black.  It’s important to get a clear image in your head of what it is that you want out of your customizations.  Think of the project as a work of art – you’ll need to do the sketches before you can start doing the painting.

Budget

Next you need to decide if you’re trying to go at it on a budget or if you’d rather just go all-out and go for broke on the customizations you want to put into your car.  Both options have their own pros and cons involved.

On one hand, car customization can get quite pricey if you really get into it.  Rims, new upholstery, a brand new stereo, and new lights are just a few examples of custom options that someone has when they’re redoing their car and those can all run up your bill quite quickly if you aren’t careful.  On the other hand however if you really want to do something that will show for years to come, assuming you’ll keep the car for that long, putting the money into quality items and customizations is probably the better bet.  Quality means you’ll spend less time and money replacing things later, which could end up saving you money in the long run even if does seem expensive at first.

Paint

Also decide if you’re planning on painting your car.  This will impact in what order you decide to put the rest of the customizations and you don’t want to do something just to have more work for you later because you damaged the new paint.

There are quite a few things that can go into customizing a car to get it just how you want it, but you’ve got to make sure that the basics of your car is covered before you get into the details.  Making sure the car is in good shape and you’ve got a good plan in place are the biggest things that need to be addressed before you really start getting into the design aspect of it.  Once you’ve got those two things down, the rest will fall into place rather easily.

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Whom Are You Dealing With?

Image via FlAbandoned carickr by DaLee_pl

The safest way to buy a new car is from a reputable dealer, such as Ken Garff Dodge Used Cars, not an individual. Dealers have a reputation to maintain, which usually means they’re willing to do what it takes to satisfy customers. If you’ve never dealt with this dealer, ask around and check their customer reviews online. Look for one who’s proven their commitment to customer service.

What Questions Do You Have?

Image via Flickr by alexanderdrachmann

Take a checklist along with you. Once you meet with the seller and start talking, it’s impossible to remember everything you’re supposed to check. If the seller can’t answer your questions, it may be a warning sign. Here are a few important things to check:

• Fluids
• Funny noises
• Leaks under the vehicle
• Whether the car is sitting level
• Fresh paint (might be concealing rust)
• Identical tire tread and tire wear
• Corrosion around battery connections
• Owner’s manual
• Other tell-tale signs of problems

Don’t hurry. If the seller isn’t willing to let you take your time, move on.

What Do the Fluids Look Like?

Image via Flickr by bradleyolin

If the fluids in the engine and transmission look dirty or are low, this is a warning sign that the car has a leak or hasn’t been properly maintained. However, perfectly clean fluids are also warning signs. Sometimes sellers refill or change fluids to hide problems. If the car is poorly maintained in other areas, but the fluids are bright, clear and full, move on. One such trick is putting in a heavy oil to hide a smoking engine.

How Does It Drive in Varying Conditions?

Image via Flickr by Yuya Tamai

When you test drive, be sure to test all possible driving conditions. How does it handle on a bumpy road or steep grade? How does it break? Does the transmission slip? Keep the radio off so you can hear noises. Test out the windshield wipers, lights, heater and air conditioner. Again, take your time and think through the conditions you’ll experience throughout the year. Test each one methodically.

How Well Have the Interior and Exterior Been Cared for?

Image via Flickr by Hugo90

If the previous owner didn’t take care of the upholstery, windows, doors and paint, they probably didn’t pay much more attention to oil changes, tire rotations and other maintenance. Though there are perfectly running used cars with some faded paint from sitting in the sun, general lack of care for the vehicle’s appearance is often a sign of abuse or neglect.

Can the Owner Provide a Vehicle History Report?

Image via Flickr by .Martin.

A vehicle history report is your last line of defense. It doesn’t guarantee there is or isn’t a problem, but it can make you aware of potential ones. It’s cheap, fast and great peace of mind for buyers who can’t afford to make costly repairs if the car turns out to be a lemon.

The most important thing is to pay attention and heed your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about the seller or the vehicle, there are plenty more to choose from.

References:

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car

http://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/10-Things-You-Need-to-Know-Before-You-Buy-a-Used-Car-165458526.html

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Vehicle decals are are far superior to other things you can do to spruce up your ride. First, they are removable, unlike a new paint job, and second, they are extremely affordable, again, unlike a new paint job

At Signs.com, we can help you create the coolest custom vehicle decals to make your ride stand out. When it comes to decals, you’ve got three options. Let’s discuss them below.

Window Decals

If you’re not ready to decal your entire car, then window decals are a great place to start. Window decals can be as large or as small as you would like and in essence, can be anything your heart desires.

A lot of stores sell pre-made decals for your car, which work for many people, but if you truly want to stand out, you need to go the customized route. As mentioned above, at Signs.com, you can create your own window decals and be the cool kid on the block.

Panel Decals

Panel decals are exactly the same as window decals, except they are placed on your car doors, your trunk, your hood, or even on the roof of your car. These decals are usually a bit larger than those found on your windows and span across several panels of your car.

Again, you can find these at many automotive stores, but to get a customized panel decal, you will need to go online and design one yourself.

Whole Car Wraps

Car wraps are for those daring individuals who are ready to go all in! Car wraps usually cover not only paint, but each window except for the front. Although car wraps are usually purchased by business owners looking to promote their company, they can be purchased by the average individual to truly set your car apart from your peers.

Car wraps generally can’t be purchased at stores, so if this is something that interests you, you will need to visit an online store like Signs.com.

So there you have it. If you’re looking to spruce up your vehicle and stand apart from all the other cars on the road, you’ve got several options. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share in the comments section below.

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Some issues common with VW’s can be watched for, diagnosed, and often times fixed if you are good with engines at all.

Here is some information on common issues, causes, and ways to make the repair.

VW Oil Pressure Problems

Always start by checking the oil level. Too much oil or too little oil will cause high or low pressure. Adding oil may help low pressure temporarily but unless the level is properly maintained, the problem will return. Some small oil consumption is typical, particularly as a vehicle ages, but if adding regularly a more permanent fix should be looked at.

If the engine is leaking oil new gaskets and/or seals are the likely fix. If the engine is burning oil (usually dark exhaust or can small in exhaust) the valve guides and seals are probably worn, but the rings and cylinders may be bad as well. To determine the extent of the repair use a wet compression test and/or leakdown test. It will tell you if it is valve guides or rings and cylinders that need replacing.

The fastest fix in the case of worn guides is new valve guide seals (when possible) without pulling the head. The best fix is to pull the heads and have the guides knurled and reamed for oversized valve stems. Rings and cylinder repair will need a complete overhaul.

VW Water Pump

The main VW water pump is gear-or belt-driven. The pump is operated by a belt. On newer cars this is the timing belt. Older cars the pump and belt run off the main crankshaft pulley with either a “V” or flat belt.

Preventative maintenance of VW water pump is done by drive-belt replacement and tension adjustment on external type pumps. Timing-belt-driven pumps always should be replaced at the same time as scheduled timing belt and tensioner replacement.

VW Starter

The starter is the larger power user of any component in a VW electrical system. VW starters come in varying designs. Gear-reduction are typical in higher torque engines, permanent-magnet types are used to  reduce size and weight in some models, and ordinary old-fashioned heavy starters in most older models.

In older vehicles a slow cranking engine is the first sign of a failing starter. Obviously checking battery and connections or relays and fuses is done prior to changing starter but when the obvious is eliminated it will often be the starter.

To extend the life of your WW starter always turn off major components prior to starting your vehicle. These include things like AC compressor, blower motor and high-powered stereos. This greatly reduces the load on the starter. Some newer models have a lock out that does this for you but it is good practice if you are unsure if your car is so equipped. When a starter is replaced it is always wise to replace the entire unit as opposed to just some components like the bendix.

To save costs in repairs you can Find VW parts online for your car or at local parts stores. Typically this is more affordable than a dealership parts department.

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Purchasing a used car can either be a great money saver or an incredibly expensive mistake depending on the vehicle selected.

Here are some tips on what to look for on the car and how to protect yourself in case of a problem.

 Vehicle History Reports

Do not buy a used vehicle without a vehicle history report. With 10 years’ experience at appraising vehicles I would never consider placing a value on a used car without a VIN check and for somebody that looks at cars once every 3 or 4 years to is simply irresponsible. There are many services available for this to include Carfax, AutoCheck, and Instavin as common ones. Many DMV’s also will do limited history reports for free.

When using a service either purchase and use the report, or do not bother to look. When you put in the VIN for a “free” check it will often say “10 major events – click here to purchase full report”. Many people run at the 10 major events only to find it is listing oil changes or service records. When you find something significant look at the price of the vehicle – if it is $2000 less than all the other similar you saw that “something” has already been taken into account so it is less a matter of negotiation and more simply a decision at that point. If it is not reflected in the price I would tend to decline entirely than attempt to negotiate when the seller started in bad faith.

Drive the Car

Sounds crazy but I have seen endless people purchase vehicles without ever driving them. I do not care what the warranty is – drive the car before any decision. As part of the drive and looking through the vehicle there are some places you should pay extra attention.

Open every door, hood, and the trunk. Look carefully at seems and at the rubber molding around the doors. Even the best body work and paint jobs will leave tell-tale paint overspray or slight color match line in these areas to let you know of accidents not disclosed or found on vehicle history reports.

Warranty

When discussing warranty the most common warranty is labour – they provide free labour but you pay for the parts. In this case clarify if they will allow you to provide the parts or if you must by the parts from them. Offering a labour warranty then marking up the price on parts is an unfortunately common practice.

Purchasing from reputable sources such as Exchange & Mart and adequate investigation before the purchase will make a safer and more enjoyable shopping experience to save you money now and in the future.

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The spring maintenance somehow always gets overlooked. This is a bad practice as hot temperatures to come are just as hard on a vehicle as the cold winter temperatures.

There are some important post winter services to be done on every vehicle to extend life and reduce costs.

Winter Tires

In the next few weeks it will be time to remove winter tires if you use them and return to the standard radials. This is important as it not only preserves tread life of winter tires but typically you get better fuel economy with a less aggressive tread pattern. In some area where studded tires are common remember the calendar and law says they must be removed by a certain date- typically sometime in April.

Alignment

While you are changing or even just rotating tires take a careful look at the tread wear. If it is uneven at all take them in to be spun balanced. Ice and snow has a habit of displacing wheel weights and an off balance wheel will have a bad effect on both tire life and handling.  If the tires balance well or if there was many instances of hitting frozen ice or curbs hidden beneath the snow a wheel alignment may be in order. A simple check for that is to straighten the wheels and check to see if the steering wheel is also oriented perfectly up and down. If not then there is no doubt you need and alignment.

Anti-Freeze

Check the antifreeze again. Remember it is not just antifreeze – its actual purpose is coolant. With hot weather coming it is just as important to ensure it has the correct mixture for efficient cooling of the engine and block. In the winter cooling is helped by always having the heater on- when summer arrives and the heater is off there it is more strain to keep the engine cooled and you may not have noticed that during the cooler months.

Undercarriage Wash

One of the most important things you can do for your car after the last snow is to put it up on jacks and give it a thorough undercarriage wash and spray down. Do not attempt this with a standard jack – it is not safe. Use a quality hydraulic jack (visit the SGS website here for examples) and blocks- the same goes for changing out multiple tires. The accumulated salt and grit from the winter will wreak havoc on your exhaust and all metal surfaces if it is not washed away completely at the end of winter.

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The days of a wheelchair bound individual relying on the rarely scheduled public transportation that was accessible to persons with disabilities is becoming a thing of the past.

Adaptive Technologies

Adaptive technologies are allowing for wheelchair driven and wheelchair accessible vehicles to become a far more common feature on the roads and highways. Hand controls, parking assist to aid for reduced mobility as well as simply parking challenged individuals, and power ramps small enough yet strong enough for purpose are bringing independence to thousands that never experienced it before.

Before deciding if a wheel chair accessible vehicle or wheel chair driven vehicle is best one needs to understand what adaptive technologies are available. An honest assessment of abilities is also needed to determine if available adaptations will allow to operate a car safely. No different than any other new driver, substantial practice and driver training may be required. This is made difficult by the lack of equipped vehicles to practice on to adequately determine ability and improve skills.

Driving Ability

It also needs to be determined that even with assistive devices if the person is able to drive by themselves. Though they may be able to perform all of the functions of driving, it is possible they will still need assistance in entering and exciting the vehicle. This is particularly true when inadequate space is provided in designated parking spots. If the vehicle fits in a spot but the space the ramp requires for entering and exiting the vehicle cannot be used the individual cannot do it by themselves.

Many places specialize in modifying vehicles with adaptive technologies. Disability cars from www.alliedmobility.com are examples of the way progressive companies are making independence available to a whole new segment of the population. With many programs available from manufacturers and advocates to help subsidize the costs, driving and owning a car is a dream that can be realized.

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• How can classic cars be used to secure a loan?

In recent years, there has been a rise in loans being secured through more unusual items, such as classic cars.

If you’re a classic car owner and you’re in need of a short-term financial boost, you can find out all about how this kind of personal asset loan works below.

The valuation process

First things first, let’s take a quick look at the valuation process. It’s important to bear in mind that only classic cars worth over a certain sum can be used to secure a loan – a figure that can vary from one lender to the next. Typically, though, you’re looking at around £15,000.

Even if you’re certain that your vehicle is worth that much, you’ll need to have your car assessed by one of the firm’s specialists, who will take care to ensure an accurate valuation. Among the factors that will be taken into account are the year, make and model of the car, as well as its overall condition.

Your ownership of the car will also need to be verified, while its auction history records will be checked too. Typically, this type of lender does not require a personal credit check, so the overall loan process is still much faster than that of standard bank loans.

How your loan will work

So, how will your loan work? Well, the first part of the process is submitting your application, which you can do online (you can see an example here) and then having your car valued as above.

Provided your car is accepted, you will then be presented with an offer. As a general rule of thumb for classic cars, you can receive up to 50 per cent of their trade value in the form of a loan, while the usual term of the agreement is six months.

Your next step will be to accept the agreement, provided you are happy with the terms. More often than not, the agreed sum will be transferred to you within the space of a day. You’ll then begin the process of repaying your loan! Once you’ve done so, your car will be returned to you.

Key facts every classic car owner will want to know

Below, I’ve taken a quick look at the burning questions on every classic car owner’s lips. Bear in mind that this is intended as general information, as conditions can always vary from one lender to the next.

Q: How will my car be stored?

A: Your car will be stored in a specialist facility. As well as being secure, this will provide the optimum environment for keeping your car in good condition. For example, it will be kept under a protected cover and in a dehumidified environment.

Q: Will my car be insured during this time?

A: Yes! As soon as you part with your car, it will be covered by the company’s insurance policy, and will continue to be so until you are reunited with it.

Q: What happens if I can’t repay my loan?

A: If you are unable to repay your loan, your classic car will be sold to cover your debt, as well as expenses incurred by the company (for example, auction loans). If there is any surplus, though, this will be returned to you.

Q: Can I extend my loan if needed?

A: This is something that’s assessed on a case by case basis. You’ll discuss it with your account manager and, if a new term is agreed, you’ll need to pay off any interest accrued up until this point before the new agreement can go ahead.

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2013 is set to be a bumper year for new models, with manufacturers working out of flat sales by bringing high value, high economy models to market.

Sure, America and China might gobble up thousands of luxury cars, but in cash strapped Europe, customers are after the kind of frugality that’d make even Scrooge sign on the dotted line. Here’s our guide to this year’s hot models.

Range Rover

The top is a good place to start and you don’t get much more top notch than the new Range Rover. Priced from £80,000 when it goes on sale in the spring, the new Range is around £10,000 more expensive than the model it replaces. That’s why many new Ranges will end up in China and North America, where the brand has seen huge sales increases recently.

The all-aluminium model is built in Britain in a state-of-the-art production facility and sent all over the world, and it’s this aluminium construction that has upped the price, along with even more bespoke comfort on the inside.

The aluminium makes the new Range Rover lighter than the car it replaces, even though it’s bigger all over. And the lighter the car, the faster it can go with better economy and less power needed.

But, fear not, the new Range Rover will still come equipped with some of the most powerful production engines you can buy. How does a 500bhp supercharged V8 sound?

VW Golf

Sitting in the middle, price-wise, of the new car market, and far more real-world than the luxury Range Rover, is the quietly confident new VW Golf, one of the only cars that transcends social classes to be desirable by all. With prices from £15,824, the Golf is achievable new and even more so as a nearly new used car bought with hire purchase.

From the outside, the new Golf looks very similar to the model it replaces, but, as the last car was very well received from a styling point of view, it’s clear that VW designers decided to evolve, rather than revolutionise. The Golf’s lines are clean, sharp and modern, and it’s this understatement that appeals across classes, sexes and age groups, making the Golf a truly top seller.

The new car looks set to continue this success as it’s a little cheaper (yes, really!), bigger, lighter and more economical than the outgoing car. A hot new car for 2013? Oh yes!

Dacia Sandero

All the way back to reality now with what the manufacturer is calling the UK’s most affordable new car. Indeed, the new Dacia Sandero supermini will be priced from just £5,995 when it goes on sale later this month.

The Sandero is a no thrills city nipper along the same lines as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but considerably cheaper and without the aforementioned thrills.

Owned by Renault, the Dacia brand is aimed squarely at the budget end of the new car market, but with the economy refusing to pick up and new car sales not much more than flat, it seems that the peanuts-priced Sandero couldn’t have come to market at a better time.

As long as it doesn’t handle like a deflating dingy and offers good economy, along with the some strong safety credentials, the Sandero budget supermini could do well with the UK’s budget-bashed punters.

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This leads to competition. This results in some great cost-effective prices that are available in this country.

However, before you begin your search, the following five tips will help you to make a wise decision.

Determine Your Price

First, before you ever leave home, you need to determine the final price you want to pay for the used car. Once you have this figure you are then ready to determine the type of car you want as well as the size. If you are a small family, with maybe two people, you will know, in advance, that you can buy something like the Spark; however, if you have a larger family, with seven or eight people, then you will need something larger such as the Toyota Innova.

Research Used Car Prices

Second, one of the keys to being a good shopper is to first research the price of a used car. You will want to pre-determine the resale value as well as the current market value. You will also want to be aware of its reliability and how safe it is.

Research Dealers

Third, when doing your research also check the reviews on different dealers. You probably have narrowed your list of dealers. If you have a group of possibly five dealers, you should then read reviews from various buyers to determine how reliable the dealer is as well as the customer satisfaction. One reviewer might declare that a certain dealer offered outstanding follow-up once s/he purchased a used car. The same person might say that the customer service was outstanding. These are certainly reviews that will lead you to this dealer.

However, if you read a review, or two, that states the dealer did not deliver the services promised, or the dealer did not honor the warranty then these are signs that you want to stay away from this particular dealer.

OK Used Cars (Photo credit: Bill Herndon)

Check Service Records

Fourth, it is very important to check the service records on any used car you are interested in buying. You want to make certain that the odometer has not been tampered with as many stolen cars in India frequently have the odometer changed. You can check this by reviewing the service records. For example, if the car you are interested in is three years old and has 50,000 miles then this is an average amount of mileage; however, if this car has 15,000 miles you will want to do a further investigation.

If you check the first years records and follow the mileage, do the same with the second and third year and the total should indicate the accurate amount of mile and closely match the present number on the odometer.

Have a Mechanic Check Out the Car

Finally, if you have little knowledge about the mechanical aspects of a car it will be worth your time to have your trusted mechanic evaluate the overall condition of the used car you want to buy.

Buying a used car offers a number of obstacles you need to know about before the purchase. The key to making this purchase is to do an adequate amount of research. This includes research about the car as well as the dealer, like this one that sells used cars in Chennai. One of the most important considerations is to make certain the car is in outstanding mechanical condition.

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Perhaps the most important thing you ought to be conscious of is when the changes come into effect. This date is January 19th 2013 (which is a Saturday), so if you’ve got aspirations of taking to the road on two wheels in time for the spring and are yet to arrange your practical test, you’ll need to be conscious of the following changes detailed below.

Motorcycles

If you’re looking to ride a motorbike but yet to actually buy one, I can’t stress enough how important it is to ensure that you get a vehicle that is deemed acceptable for use in a practical test.

With a number of bikes set to be placed in a different category (which will affect the type of licence you require) and several that will no longer be recognised, it’s important that, whether you’re thinking of purchasing a Yamaha motorcycle or another brand, that you get a permitted model.

Among the vehicles that will not be acceptable for use in a test are the Honda Integra, Kawasaki VN900 and Vespa GTV 300, so it’s worth seeking advice from an expert dealer or the Department for Transport (DfT) in advance to make certain the bike you buy is authorised. Attempting to take your test on a bike that doesn’t meet the new standards will not only see your examination cancelled, but you might also not be refunded the fee that you have paid.

Should you wish to be licensed for a category A2 motorcycle, you will need a vehicle that has at least a minimum 395 cc engine and a power output of somewhere between 25 and 35 kW. Those wanting to ride a category A bike, meanwhile, will now need to be at least 24 years of age before they can take their test. Models that fall under this specification are now classed as having a minimum power output of 40 kW and an engine that is 595 cc or above.

Regardless of what kind of motorbike you want to use for your test, the vehicle must also meet the following criteria:

• Have a speedometer that measures speed in mph
• Display L plates (although both L and D plates can be used in Wales) on both the front and rear of the vehicle
• Be insured, taxed and roadworthy
• Have no engine warning lights showing

Mopeds

While the majority of the new rules that are set to come into effect will directly impact motorcyclists, would-be moped riders should also make sure they keep abreast of the changes.

Not only must you ensure that L plates are clearly displayed on both the front and back of your vehicle, but the moped must be properly taxed, insured and be roadworthy. It’s also worth remembering that the vehicle’s maximum speed must not be above 28 mph.

As you can see, there are lots of things that will need to be done prior to the start of your practical test, but if there is anything you’re unclear about it’s worth contacting the DfT as soon as possible for clarification.

If you’re thinking about taking your motorbike test, please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

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The good news is that there’s a lot you can to make driving in the winter safer and more pleasant.

Ok, it still might not be a huge amount of fun (though I suppose it depends what you’re into!), but you can rest safe in the knowledge that should you run into any problems you will be well prepared.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

What you should have in the car

One of the most important things to remember when commuting in the winter is that the car should be well stocked with everything you would need in an emergency. Often, people take care to do this when making one-off long journeys, but when you commute daily it can be easy to let this fall by the wayside.

The key is keep the crucial pieces of kit – such as a hazard warning triangle, de-icer, scraper, torch, blankets and a few extra pieces of warm clothing, like fleeces – in the boot at all times. Then, when you set off each morning, you can add things like a thermos of hot tea (which will be a godsend if you get caught in a long jam in the cold!), a few bottles of water and some snacks.

I’d also make sure you have a good old-fashioned map stowed away somewhere easily accessible too. Even if you have a decent satnav, a paper map can save the day in the event you run out of power and you’re somewhere unfamiliar.

Key things to remember when driving on winter roads

Of course, one of the most obvious issues of driving on winter roads is the fact that conditions are often bad. So, you’ll need to adapt your driving accordingly – for the most part, this involves slowing down, increasing your distance from the car in front and being extra vigilant.

Fog

Fog is perhaps the most hazardous condition. Check your lights are working before you travel and make sure you use them. It’s also a good idea to turn off your music and use your ears to help you detect potential hazards or problems developing up ahead.

Ice or Snow

When it’s icy or snowy, meanwhile, you’ll need to leave plenty of room between you and your fellow drivers, since your stopping distances can be a huge ten times longer than normal. You should also remember not to accelerate suddenly or slam on the brakes – tap them instead to prevent skidding.

Wake up!

I can’t stress enough how important feeling wide awake and alert is. Of course, I know it’s vital when driving no matter what the season, but I find when it’s dark for so long it’s easy to become even sleepier.

So, take regular breaks and maybe bring a nice flask of coffee or tea along with you – that should certainly make the commute more pleasant. It’s also worth considering having an oxygen canister stored in the car too. You can inhale oxygen-enriched air from these – something that can revitalise you and make you feel more awake.

Prevention is better than cure

Lastly, it’s a good idea to put your car in for a full service when winter arrives. This is because things like tyre pressure, tread depth, working lights and brake sensitivity are all the more crucial when tackling bad conditions.

Got any tips for having a safe commute in the winter? Leave a comment and share your wisdom!

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• Preparing for Winter Driving

You can never be too sure of what could happen when you’re on the road, so we’ve decided to list some of the dangers you could face and how you should prepare for them.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Icy roads

Possibly the biggest threat to on-road safety at this time of year, black ice or compacted snow can cause skidding, slips or even collisions with other drivers if not driving carefully. Make sure your tyres have enough grip to cope and that you drive more slowly than usual.

Poor visibility

In heavy snow drifts, fog or mist, it can be hard to see where you’re going. This means you should only go out when absolutely necessary and when driving, have your headlights on at all times.

Adverse weather

Snow and ice can not only harm visibility, but it can also make driving in general difficult. Again, you should only drive when you need to as The AA suggest.

When going out on the road, you’ll need plenty of things with you in case of an emergency. They include:

• A change of clothes
• Your mobile phone and a charger
• A blanket
• A flask containing a hot drink
• A torch
• A spare set of tyres for winter weather
• De-icer and a scraper for your car windows
• Spare transmission fluid
• The number of a rescue service in case you’re involved in an accident
• Gloves

Once you have all that, you’ll be prepared for the worst, but in case of an accident, contacting car expert specialists such as first4lawyers.com could be useful. Their guide on how to prepare for winter driving should put you in a good position to know what you can do when the worst happens.

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If you really want to make your ride sparkle with that just-off-the-lot look, you’re going to have to either fork over some serious cash for a professional detailing, or you’ll have to buy a few supplies, roll up your sleeves and use a little elbow grease to get your gently used car looking its best.

Fortunately, the supplies shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg – and they should last you through several detailing sessions. But just what are these supplies and how should you use them? Read on!

Air compressor

Most DIY-ers have one, but you may not have realized that you can use an air compressor to spiff up your car. By powering it up, and aiming it toward all the nooks and crannies before doing any of the real cleaning, you can clear out some debris and loosen some of the more stubborn bits of grit. Just be sure to remove the floor mats before you use the air compressor. Once complete, then rake a stiff brush over the carpets and the mats, then use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the mess before moving onto the next phase of your work.

Degreaser & Tire Dressing

Working your way from the ground up, start the actual cleaning by tackling your wheels and tires. Use the degreaser on your wheels, then wipe down your tires with a sponge and plain water. Afterwards, apply a tire dressing to make them shine.

Soft Sponge, Car Wash Solution & Silicone Squeegee

Although most people use dishwashing liquid to clean their cars, it can strip your vehicle of beneficial waxes and finishes, so it’s best to use a specially formulated car wash solution – and a soft sponge to apply it, per the instructions. Once complete, rinse the vehicle with plain water and wipe down the entire car using the squeegee – which will help remove minerals and dirt left behind by the water.

Paint Cleaner

To remove tough stains, like bird dung residue, tree sap, or even environmental pollutants, use a paint cleaner – like a block of paint-cleaning clay that has been lubricated with a liquid cleaner wax. Just follow the instructions on the packaging and you’ll be good to go.

Car Polish/Wax Combo

Because a polish will smooth the surface of your paint – and a wax will protect it and make it shine – it’s best to get a combination product. If you have an oscillating buffer, use it now. If not, use a soft cloth or sponge and work in small sections until the car looks showroom ready (at least on the outside).

Upholstery Cleaner

Buy an upholstery cleaner that’s suited for your vehicle seats, as well as one that’s designed for fabric areas, like your door panels. Use as directed.

Vent Duster, Cotton Swabs, Vinyl/Plastic Cleaning Solution & Trim Dressing

Because you’ve already used the air compressor and vacuum on the interior of the car, all you have left to do is dust and polish. Start by using a vent duster (or stock up on many cotton swabs) to clean the vents, then use cotton swabs to clean around each individual control and along any seams or hard-to-reach areas. Finally, use the vinyl/plastic cleaner as directed. Once that’s complete, apply trim dressing.

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• Spring Cleaning: Exterior Make-over
• The Right Supplies Your Car Detailing Business Needs

This is why knowing what to do after an accident is SO critical and everyone should stay sharp on what they should do if you or someone else is put into a car accident situation.

The infographic below helps us do exactly that. Here are the Top 9 Things to Do After a Car Accident. Read them, memorize them as they could help the individual down the road and even save a life.

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You always want to make the shipment is on time and the driver is able to make it to the desired location before anything is due or before a meeting is set to take place.

This is why the concept of business fleet management is so important.

Photo credit: sansumbrella

Importance of Fleet Management

The fleet management service is going to ensure you are always able to know where the vehicles are and what vehicles need specific maintenance. Without constant maintenance the vehicles are going to break down, but when different individuals drive the different vehicles, you are not always able to stay on top of what vehicles need which service. With business fleet management, you are now able to do so.

Business fleet management is able to do a wide variety of services for you. For starters, there is often a GPS tracking service available, so you can follow where all of the vehicles are traveling in real time. This way, should one vehicle venture off of the route you are able to see why this is happening and contact the driver. There might be an accident or other situation on the road that wasn’t planned for, which gives you the heads up and allows you to contact the client or other individual in order to let them know what is taking place and when they can expect the drive to arrive.

The business fleet management service is also able to track mileages, oil change, engine performance and other features of the vehicle in order to let you know when a set vehicle needs to have maintenance performed on it. This way, you don’t have to worry about the vehicle breaking down on you or another driver due to it not receive maintenance or other services required. This way, the business fleet management is able to pay for itself as your cost of repairs drastically drops down and the efficiency of the drivers and vehicles improves greatly.

It is important to know everything taking place regarding your business and what it is going to be doing. Although you don’t always need to micro-manage everything you do need to make sure everything is on schedule and running smoothly. With the concept of business fleet management this is possible, and you are going to make sure the driver is always on time and the vehicles are always receiving the necessary maintenance of the vehicle.

No matter what size of your feet or where you are driving, this is going to save you money and a considerable amount of service time.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Importance of Business Car Leasing

Getting any type of vehicle business started is touch simply because of the overhead and investing one has JUST getting started – well, business car leasing helps solve that problem. Whether you need a small fleet or something larger, car leasing for your business could be what you’re looking for to take it to the next level or even get it off the ground.

The idea is that you want to combine your car leasing service with a fleet management service to ensure you’re performing and managing the business as optimal as possible.

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Love The Beast

2009 | Documentary

Follow comedian, actor and director Eric Bana in this introspective documentary as Bana asks the question why do we Love the Beast? Eric examines how cars become part of our lives, members of our families, part of our heritage and how they can mean so much to us.

Primarily we follow Eric as he shares with us his own car lover story – but he really is a stand in for every car-guy out there. It’s as if he’s telling our story. That is if you happen to be one of the few people who have bested the treacherous Targa Tasmania race in one of car-guy-dom’s most beloved cars the Ford XB Falcon Coupe (think Mad Max).

It moves a little slow for some audiences, but the familiar passion framed in Bana’s voice over keeps you gripped and invested as the film unfolds. It’s a definite must-see for car guys everywhere – but wait until you’re not in a hurry and you’re free to share the triumph and tragedy.

Watch Love the Beast on Netflix Instant

PRO: Bana’s beast is a Ford XB Falcon Coupe he’s had since he could first drive. The whole movie centers around that complex bond between a hard core car-guy and his car.

CON: It feels a little self important and overly artistic at first moving quite slowly at the onset. Given time the documentary does a great job of rooting itself, and shedding its initial stiffness.

Love The Beast Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Boys of Bonneville

2011 | Documentary

This documentary takes the watcher on an epic journey celebrating the incredible vision & stamina of endurance land-speed pioneer Ab Jenkins. Transporting us back to a by-gone era the documentary begins with a history lesson of sorts painting a strong contrasting context for the narrative. Little by little you come to understand the incredible prowess of the Boys of Bonneville, in particular the man who put the Salt Flat on the map – Ab Jenkins.

As the film progresses your awe quickly becomes respect, which congeals into admiration. Through-out the process the watcher becomes both educated and entertained as the tale unfolds.

This incredible story is beautifully narrated thanks to Patrick Dempsey who lent his voice to the film. In the end you’re left with a sense of awe in the accomplishments of our fore bearers and an appreciation of the rich history we share as car-guys.

Watch Boys of Bonneville on Netflix Instant

PRO: The documentary is masterfully crafted with a strong sense of story and an easy, steady flow. While it’s heavily history oriented, it feels more like experiencing a great biography than enduring a textbook.

CON: Action seekers will find the pace grueling. For the unprepared the emotional journey may induce an emotional response. You have been warned.

Boys of Bonneville Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Revenge of the Electric Car

2011

A very watchable, very honest peek at the major players in the emerging electric car market, Revenge of the Electric Car is one car documentary you should definitely add to your instant queue. This is a glance into the story that is still unfolding and will be remembered as a pivotal time in automobile form, function and industry in general.

The film takes us on a bit of a fact finding journey much deeper behind the scenes than you’re expecting giving us a much more complete and honest view of the industries workings than you might expect.

Candid conversations with GM & Nissan’s top brass, a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the inner workings of Tesla and more. This is definitely worth the watch.

Watch Revenge of the Electric Car on Netflix Instant

PRO: A very well crafted narrative told through direct, candid conversations with the key decision makes in the industry and external perspective form the industries biggest fans and smartest critics.

CON: As a documentary it’s a great film – it lacks the pomp, flash, drama and preachiness one might expect from a documentary on such a hot-button subject. Viewers with a strong, passionate perspective on this issue may feel it doesn’t have a strong message – personally i felt this was one of the films saving graces and brightest features.

Revenge of the Electric Car Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Great Robot Race

2006 | Documentary

Less than a decade later we barely give a second glance at reports of unmanned vehicles and the laws recently passed to permit them on the road legally. This documentary is a peek back at the process that gave way to the headlines of the last few months and weeks.

The film follows several teams as they design. build and field autonomous vehicles in the DARPA issued Grand Challenge. The teams entering the 200+ mile challenge course compete not only for the $2 million purse, but for the prestige of meeting the daunting challenge.

Watch Great Robot Race on Netflix Instant

PRO: Although several years old, the style still feels quite fresh and the content proves to be very relevant.

CON: Although a bit heavy on the scientific spin (it is a NOVA documentary after all) there are no real detractions.

A&E Cars That Changed the Industry

2006 (1999) | Documentary

At first I was surprised at how dated the feel of this film felt, although the content remains mostly relevant. After a little digging I found that Cars That Changed The Industry is from 1999, rather than the 2006 date listed on Netflix. The premise of this documentary is a top ten list of cars that had significant impact on the automotive industry ordered by their significance.

For the most part I tend to agree with the list, although I might rearrange the order and trade in a few nominees of my own. The manner in which each vehicle impacted the industry is identified and justified in a fairly comprehensive, but entertaining narrative. Each ‘change’ is clearly stated, framed in historical context and allowed to reflect on current (or at least current in 1999) industry practices.

It’s interesting to take a look back at this list of industry impacting vehicles and see that hybrid & electric vehicles had not yet been identified as a critical shift in the industry.

Watch Cars That Changed the Industry on Netflix Instant

PRO: The list is pretty spot on. Plenty of effort went into not only crafting the list but in supporting each choice, and showing the impact of each vehicle.

CON: Being a few years old don’t expect this film to say much about hybrids or electric cars, as they were still very much a novelty at the time.

What did we miss? Share your choices in the comments below!

• 12 Days of Documentaries on Netflix
• Netflix competitor Redbox Instant to reportedly offer video streaming for just $6 per month
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• The Green Monster

According to the department of commerce report on the auto parts industry, in the year 2011 the auto parts suppliers incurred heavy debts and were pushed against the wall due to production cuts by major auto manufacturers. According to the same report over fifty suppliers filed for protection in 2009 and almost two hundred were liquidated.

The auto mobile sector is a significant contributor to the Nation’s GDP representing an overall contribution of five percent and employs an estimated six hundred and fifty thousand employees in the US.

Chinese Production

China being the current largest automobile producer in the world enjoyed a comfortable and steady growth over the period between 2007 and 2009.  The production grew by almost ninety seven percent during the same period.  Analysts confer that the success of Chinese producers stems primarily from the inability of global consumers to afford comparatively expensive European and American vehicles.

In the year 2010 China topped with an eighteen million units produced domestically with US on the second place producing eight and a half million units. Producers in China afford the luxury of lavish subsidies and tariff relaxations from the government. The Chinese government has agreed to lower the tariff on imported auto parts to 10%. The government also provided 27.5 billion dollars worth in direct subsidies.

China also has the advantage of having a dominating control over the supply of rare earth metals. These metals are used in the production of Hybrid vehicles.  Chinese manufacturers take advantage of the manipulation of the domestic currency which reduces cost of imported parts by an additional twenty five to thirty percent.

US Production

The year 2010 proved to be a consolation for the US suppliers. This was primarily due to the fact that the effects of global downturn were wearing off. Government measures led suppliers to live through the monstrosity of the credit crunch.

The dark ages however are not over yet and the sword of Chinese takeover is still hanging over the heads of international producers. Since 2000 Chinese auto parts exports have aggrandized by nine hundred percent.

According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute the US lost more than four hundred thousand jobs between the year 2000 and 2011.  The US industry has manifested amelioration over the last couple of years by gaining almost sixty thousand jobs since the dip in 2009. It still needs to consolidate and improve the momentum of reclamation.

The UK automotive industry also has an aggregate capacity in excess of two million units annually. The demand however is only about one half of the capacity. Analysts argue that the US auto makers need to benefit from the stabilizing trend in global markets by adopting a dynamic marketing approach in the Asian markets. Expanding production facilities in Asian countries can cut direct costs of production significantly. As part of this strategy GM is planning to sell Chinese made vehicles in the US. It intends to increase the magnitude of sales to fifty thousand units annually by the year 2014.

Photo credits: www.roadtrafficsigns.com

There is a reason that they call car accidents “accidents.” There is no way that anyone would crash a car to put their personal and financial health in danger on purpose. By definition, these types of “accidents” are always unexpected, and they always cost more than any party involved thinks that they will.

The financial responsibilities of a car accident are nothing to joke around with. Cars are the second largest asset that most people will invest in during their entire lives. Below are a few of the steps that everyone should take to prepare themselves for the financial responsibilities of a car accident.

Make Sure that You Have the Proper Insurance

There are many different kinds of car insurance on the market today, and many of them do not adequately cover a driver. Although many laws in many states have made it illegal to drive without insurance, many people have simply compensated by purchasing the lowest priced, most inadequate insurance that the law will allow.

This is simply one of the worst investments that anyone could make in their livelihood.

Saving a few dollars each month will mean nothing if the property damage and medical costs of an accident override those savings, and they most likely will if your car insurance is inadequate.

If you find that your insurance is inadequate after an accident and you do not have the appropriate funds to cover your end of the accident, you may want to consider car accident settlement loans to maintain your financial leverage.

Photo credit: S@Z

Make Sure to Exchange All Information and Keep Good Notes

In order to determine the true nature of the accident and who owes what, records will have to be consulted. There may be a court case. No matter what happens, it is very important that you keep your side of the story in as much detail as possible.

As soon as you can, provide yourself with a detailed explanation of the accident written down to the best of your ability. Sign and date the correspondence. The sooner to the actual accident that you write it, the more leverage that it will give you in court.

If it is determined that you owe more money than you were able to provide for yourself through savings or if going to court will earn you some extra cash, you will definitely want to look into car accident lawsuit loans from AnyLawSuits in order to keep an accident from ruining you financially. Lawsuit loans can help give you the money you need to fund a lawsuit that will earn you extra cash down the road.

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The 2012 year models are shaping up to be a big departure from this trend, however, as the C250 Sport Sedan, E350 Coupe, and GLK350 are putting the “cool” back into the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

1) 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

Only slightly larger than Honda’s Civic, Mercedes’ C250 is anything but a mundane entry-level sedan. The styling is simultaneously classy and edgy: aggressively sloping headlamps surround the large tri-spoke emblem; panels gracefully slant from bumper to bumper; the slope of the trunk lid evoking a feeling of movement even when parked.

The 1.8 liter turbocharged engine under the hood churns out 201 horsepower, giving the C250 all the pep and acceleration one would expect while maintaining 31 highway miles to the gallon. Inside, drivers find sporty takes on the typical Mercedes trappings like top-tier stereo systems with iPod connectivity, electronic everything, and clean, German lines.

With a starting price of only a little over $34,000, this is one luxurious, sporty little car.

2) 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Leveling up from the C-Class is the E-Class, a full-sized vehicle with sports car pedigree. The E350 Coupe is definitely the stand-out as it is both sexy and powerful.

Mercedes perfected the vehicle’s exterior proportions by elongating the front doors into the space where the rear doors had been and rounding off the 4-door model’s sharper edges. Four average adults can comfortably sail down the freeway in refined luxury: swaddled in plush leather, comforted by the zone-specific climate control, and jamming out to the Harman/Kardon sound system.

Powered by a 305 horsepower engine that manages a surprisingly economical 29 miles to the gallon on the highway, the E350 coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 in a nimble 6.1 seconds. The end result is a stunning exterior that maintains a spacious, elegant interior and a $49,800 price tag.

3) 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

For the driver looking for a uniquely styled, off-road Mercedes with sizable cargo capacity, look no further than the GLK350. The elevated stance, squared body angles, and sizable hatch let everyone know that it is an SUV. The sumptuous interior, 268 horsepower engine, and a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 6.5 seconds lets them know its a Mercedes.

With a touch over 23 cubic feet of cargo space, it has room for everything from golf clubs to genuine Mercedes parts for the enthusiast’s vehicle rehabilitation project. With off-road capabilities the C250 and E350 could only dream of, this SUV is perfect for the urban adventurer who values performance as well as style.

Mercedes, long famous for luxurious interiors and high-performing engines, has some of the coolest cars of 2012 in the C250, E350, and GLK350 models. In artfully demonstrating how performance, luxury, and style can be embodied by one vehicle, these Mercedes-Benz’s are sure to be owner favorites for years to come. Starting Price: $35,880.

Cool Enough To Keep What You Have?

As cool as these new Mercedes are, many of you out there still love the one you own today – is there anything wrong with that? Nope! Saving yourself from debt IS cool and generally buying that one part to fix what you have is generally the best way to go.

If you find yourself in that type of situation, my best recommendation is to try out Eckler’s MBZ Parts (http://www.ecklersmbzparts.com/). They offer some of the best Mercedes parts around and stock performance upgrades as well.

With so many automobile makes & models available it can be hard to decide on the one that’s wight for you. While most vehicles have a lot in common, each model has it’s own unique set of features and attributes that set it apart from the others. Depending on your particular style and preferences, there are certain things you’ll want to watch out for before you purchase your vehicle. Sometimes it is difficult to find out everything about a vehicle just by seeing it on the lot or even test driving it down the street for a little while. The only way you can be confident that a specific car fits your particular lifestyle is by giving it a real test drive.

The best way to really test drive the model you’re interested in is to rent one, and try it before you buy it.

When you rent a type of car first, you will be able to try everything out for a long enough period of time to make an informed decision. There is so much to think about when buying a vehicle and most things cannot be described on paper or even felt for the first few hours. The most informed car buying decision comes after at least a few days driving a vehicle to get a feel of all the features and the overall way it drives and handles on the road.

The aspects that you need to watch out for when renting a car that you might consider buying are how the seats feel; do they feel comfortable during long car trips? Is the back rest tall enough? How does the head rest feel? Do you like the material on the seats? Would you rather have a different material? Along with the seats, make sure you check out all the features of the car like the radio. Is the radio easily accessible from the drive’s seat? Do you have problems changing the station or turning up and down the volume? These aspects might seem small, but they will make a huge difference if you would have found out they didn’t work out for you after purchasing the car.

Lastly, make sure to really pay attention to how the car hugs the road. Pay attention to how the car breaks and how the tires feel when braking. Try and drive the car in different weather conditions if possible to get an idea of how it handles during rain, snow, etc.

When you rent a car before you purchase it, you will be able to make a much more informed decision about the vehicle you want to buy and renting will help to ensure your success with your desired purchase.

Some mothers like jewelry, others prefer new clothes but our favorites mom’s are crazy about their cars. Most moms spend a great amount of time in their vehicle transporting kids back and forth between school and various activities.  For the car-loving mom’s here are a few gift ideas that are sure to make her day.

Clean Up Crew

What Mom will notice first is a clean vehicle. It is an inexpensive way to show her that time was taken to make her ride look nice. A cute gift for the back of the car would be a personalized or novelty license plate. If she likes a certain character or activity, there is probably a bumper sticker or other decal that she would enjoy for the car.

Go Go Gadgets

On the inside of the car, there is a wide range of things that can be done to make driving easier. Two helpful devices that every car should have is a GPS and a radar detector. A GPS will keep Mom where she wants to be and a radar detector will make sure she gets there without a costly speeding ticket.

If she talks on the phone a lot or likes to listen to music, it may be a nice idea to install an auxillary port to play an iPhone or purchase her a hands free Bluetooth headset.

Prepaid Service & Fuel

There are gifts to give Mom that can also help her car under the hood. Perhaps it would be a nice sentiment to buy her a prepaid oil change or gas cards. If she has an older vehicle, it may be nice to treat her to an entire tuneup.

It is always nice to be able to give Mom something that she will enjoy. If she likes her car, there are numerous things that will make great gifts. On the practical side, there are modern devices like radar detectors and GPS units that will make traveling much easier. If money is super tight, a simple car wash will do just as well.

It is the thought that counts and moms deserve a little something for all that they do.

Lastly, drivers who go hybrid do not have to pay too much more to own a hybrid than it costs to purchase a traditional car.

1) Save Money on Gas

Image via Wikipedia

One of the most obvious reasons why it pays to go hybrid is people who drive hybrids save money on gas. Although there are a few electric-only hybrid cars on the market, traditional hybrid cars that operate on gas and electricity use much less gas in comparison to owners of traditional cars.

This is one of the main reasons why drivers should buy a hybrid.

2) Save Money on Car Insurance

Another reason you should consider going hybrid is that owners of hybrids save money on car insurance. Insurance companies like drivers who own hybrids. As such, owners of hybrids usually pay less for car insurance in comparison to owners of traditional cars. That is because insurance companies feel that owners of hybrids present less of a risk than owners of traditional cars.

3) Owners of Hybrids May be Eligible to Receive Tax Credits From The Government

In addition to saving money on gas and car insurance, individuals who purchase a hybrid may qualify for a federal and local tax credit worth thousands of dollars. Although some tax credits are no longer available, there are new tax credits that are available to original owners who purchase certain types of hybrids.

People who buy certain types of hybrids can use these tax credits to save additional money. Tax credits are definitely another reason to go hybrid.

4) Hybrids Help Save The Environment

Another top reason for going hybrid is that these cars help save the environment. Drivers who would like to help improve the environment and are interested in going green should go hybrid because they will be making a very significant contribution to the environment.

5) Hybrids Are Affordable

Image via Wikipedia

In addition to all the other benefits of owning a hybrid, another reason to go hybrid is that the price tag of a hybrid is not much more than a traditional car. That is great for people who do not want to pay too much more than a non-hybrid car.

Drivers who are considering purchasing a car, should considering buying a hybrid over a traditional car. In addition to saving money at the gas pump, saving money on car insurance, tax credits and helping the environment, these cars do not cost much more than traditional cars. For owners who are interested in saving a tremendous amount of money and improving the environment, buying a hybrid is a step in the right direction.

Environmental factors such as coastal salt air or salt that is used on roads in areas that get snow and ice can result in causing rust on a cars undercarriage. With these types of environmental factors, it is especially important to be vigilant in protecting your car from rust.

All cars are susceptible to rust, since the body is made up of steel. When left unprotected rust can start and once it does, it is hard to stop. Rust is a major concern with most car owners, since it can happen to any car, anywhere there is moisture and oxygen present. However, rust can be treated and prevented. Protecting your car from rust can prevent serious damage and maintain the value and looks of your car.

Manufacturers realized that the best way to protect the metal on automobiles from oxidizing was to paint them. While many individuals see the color of a car as a fashion statement, the paint color actually seals the metal from moisture, stopping rust. The paint protects the car.

While modern techniques in manufacturing do an excellent job protecting cars from rust, improper care can make your car more vulnerable to deterioration from rust. Here are some simple ways to protect your car from rusting.

1. Wash Your Car Frequently

It is especially important to wash your car often, if you are in an area where the car is exposed to salty roads or air to remove the salty film, because salt accelerates rust. However, weather is not the only problem. Failing to keep your car clean can accelerate and promote rust.

Where there is dirt there is moisture and eventually it will wear down the protective paint barrier to the metal. At this point it does not take long for rust to form. A clean car is essential in the fight against rust. An additional tip to prevent rust is always open the car doors to allow any accumulated water to drain after washing.

2. Touch-Ups

Besides keeping your car clean, you should protect the paint by repairing chips. To minimize rust, repair chips in the paint while they are small. Fix problems quickly. Touching up small paint chips prevents the paint from peeling and therefore, prevents rust.

3. Wax Your Car

Waxing your car protects the finish and is a great step in protecting your car from rust. Using a good protective wax will prevent the paint from cracking and fading. Additionally, keeping your wheels and tires clean, polished and free from moisture will help prevent rust.

4. Store Your Car Indoors

Although this may not be an option for everyone, storing your car in a garage is an excellent way to protect it from rust. Precipitation, extreme temperatures and sun exposure, all weaken cars paint over time and eventually rust will start to take hold. Furthermore, scratches and small dings become more susceptible to rust when left exposed to daily weather elements.

5. Check for Rust Often and Fix Any Damage Immediately

Image via Wikipedia

There are three major areas to look for rust, the undercarriage, the external paint, and the engine and trunk. If rust is spotted, it will need to be removed. There are treatments available that do this. Treat any rust immediately. Bare metal will quickly rust. Repair any damage quickly. This makes it possible to just repair the damage opposed to having to replace a whole panel due to corrosion.

Remember that rust is much easier to prevent than it is to remove.

Citroen are extremely good at creating concept cars, and they plough a lot of money into the cause every year.

They are all beautifully designed inside and out, and Citroen claim that their production cars take huge inspiration from the concepts. We only have to look at the new Citroen DS3i to know they mean this. The DS3i is receiving acclaim around Europe for its pricing and cutting edge design. The styling is both retro and futuristic at the same time, and a perfect alternative to something obvious like a Peugeot 307 or Ford Focus. Getting hold of one of these models is easier than ever too, with fantastic Citroen lease deals available across the range.

If we look at the range of concept cars in 2011, we can see that Citroen are still hot on the game. With the success of their DS3i, it’s more important than ever to maintain a following of design aficionados. There are currently nine concept cars in their armoury, all with a slightly different look and potential market. Here is the rundown of 5 of the best:

Tubik Concept

This is a van which most likely will become a people carrier of some sort. It looks futuristic and funky, and almost appears as a modern version of the classic VW Camper.

The striking bodywork will set it apart from other vans or larger vehicles in its category and I personally think it’s a sweet looking van! If I had to had a van, I think this may be my choice.

Hypnos Concept

This model is a crossover urban sports car that resembles a Nissan Juke.

The styling for a concept car here is relatively reserved which suggests production of a similar design is very possible based on previous form by Citroen.

Survolt Concept

This sports model resembles a Nissan 370Z, although it appears far more aggressive and menacing.

This could become reality, but not with the huge alloy rims and small windows that the current design sports.

GTByCitroen Concept

The GT is the new racing concept which possibly hints to the return of motor racing for the brand. The looks are bold, striking and the car sits low on the ground. The interior is just as wacky. This shows their potential racing edge, but is likely to become reality.

Metropolis Concept

This is the large executive saloon that screams luxury but at the same time appears extremely sleek and handsome. It is reminiscent of the VW Phaeton, but much prettier. I’m hoping this model goes into production, because its time the large executive saloon market gets shaken up a bit.

There are a handful of companies that deal in conversion of diesel-cars to hybrid vehicles. The initial costs incurred in this conversion, they say, are easily covered by the benefits of using a hybrid vehicle over a period of time. Converting your car to a hybrid vehicle would mean you need to change major components of the car.

This means that the regular engine needs to move out in place of electric motors. A high-voltage battery pack powers the electric motors; the battery pack being a rechargeable one. A smaller engine is used, rather than the bigger engine. Its role is to get the electric motors moving and provide the thrust to the vehicle.

All this could cost well over three thousand dollars. Now considering this, would you rather buy a used car instead? But wait. Consider the positive of hybrid cars. A lot of people are seriously considering this alternative. Nobody trusts the fate of gasoline anymore. Fuel extinction is a possibility. Given this fact, it makes sense to go for something that gives benefits on the long term.

Not just that, you are essentially reducing your carbon footprint and setting a good example. But people are still skeptical about converting their cars into a hybrid car. With any new technology there are some rumors. Here are some of them.

1. Hybrid cars lack speed

Previously hybrid cars relied on the weight of the battery-pack to power them. But now the situation has changed. Advanced battery engineering has bridged this gap. So you need not worry. You will attain the same speed after converting your car to hybrid.

2. Hybrid cars are expensive

Hybrid cars are expensive at the beginning. But over a period of time, you save on gasoline. Your trips to the gasoline station are reduced. So it pretty much evens out the extra cost. Considering how gasoline prices are increasing the cost associated with converting your car to hybrid and maintaining it is negligible. You can easily transition your car with a conversion kit. You can either turn your car into an electrical car hybrid or an H2O hybrid.

3. Hybrid cars need constant plug-ins

This was before, but not now. Electric cars now are charged automatically as you drive. Charging pads on the road induct charge into electric cars. The charging-pad technology is yet to be implemented on a large scale, but will soon be an omnipresent reality.

Conclusion

Now understand the benefits of converting your car to hybrid. There are several companies that could help you turn you car into a hybrid car. Check the specifics. Choose the type of hybrid technology you would like to go for.

Amanda is gadget freak and loves to write about all things related to technology. You can read more of her work as a contributing editor on tech games and Urban Design.

BMW has unveiled its Vision Efficient Dynamics or the Vision ED concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car has a hybrid drivetrain and bears the typical design features of any BMW creations.

From all angles the Vision ED looks spectacular and quite futuristic. From the look of the vehicle, it is pretty evident that the primary consideration that the company had in mind while designing the vehicle was aerodynamic efficiency.

With the Vision ED BMW might have given birth to another masterpiece.

As already mentioned, the Vision ED is a hybrid concept from BMW, meaning it will be powered by both fossil fuel as well as electricity. The powertrain of the Vision ED includes a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine along with two electric motors fitted on both the front and the rear axle of the vehicle. Combined output of these systems is 262 kW (356 HP) and combined maximum torque of the powertrains is 800 Nm (590 lb-ft).

The performance that the Vision ED comes with is no less stunning than its looks. It will probably have a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Acceleration of the Vision ED is also spectacular as it can reach the speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.8 seconds.

As it is a hybrid vehicle, it will be greener when compared to the vehicles plying on the road today. It has a CO2 emission rate of 99 grams/km. Fuel efficiency of the vehicle has also been proven in EU test cycles where it had a fuel consumption rate of 3.76 liters/100 km.

As a plug-in drive concept vehicle, the Vision ED is capable of covering the entire fuel consumption drive cycle depending solely on electric power. It has an extremely efficient concept of Brake Energy Regeneration which enables the vehicle to generate electric power without the minutest increase in fuel consumption. The generated electricity gets stored in 98 lithium-polymer cells that the vehicle has been fitted with. On electric mode alone the vehicle is capable of galloping for 31 miles (50 km).

As far as the design of the vehicle is concerned, it bears all the hallmark of being a truly great BMW car. The body of the Vision ED is aerodynamically shaped and has been made using lightweight materials. Drag has been reduced significantly using Formula 1 CX drag coefficient technique.

The car can accommodate four people including the driver and provides all-round comfort and luxury to the passengers. The Vision ED comes with gullwing doors that open up on the sides. The doors and roof of the vehicle have been fitted with polycarbonate glass that becomes automatically darker to protect the people sitting inside from the raging sun.

Overall, the Vision ED truly demonstrates BMW’s plan for the future. It is a wonderfully designed vehicle from both in and out. Hybrid powertrain makes it friendlier for the environment and also gives it the performance that a car of the future should have. The look of the vehicle is spectacular, something we have come to expect from each and every creations of BMW. If the Vision ED is something to go by, then BMW has some great things to offer to the world as far as the future of automobile technology is concerned.

BMW Vision ED Image Gallery

Amanda is an editor at both AutoMotto.com where she writes about eco friendly vehicles and at Styleguru.com were her recent post on a diamond studded bikini swimsuits is getting a lot of attention.

For most consumers, purchasing a used car is a better economic choice than buying a brand new model. The value of new cars depreciates over a short period; yet, you must pay the full cost, which also includes expensive financing. If you are one of many feeling the pinch of the current economic climate, financing a used car may prove to be a favorable solution.

Cash is not the only option for purchasing a used car. There are several auto financing options that you can explore. You want to save money with a used car purchase. High interest rates and fees can defeat that goal unless you investigate what various lenders offer. Understanding the various financing options can become a complicated task.

The following information simplifies the auto financing process of three possible options: car loan, credit card and a payday loan.

1. Get a Car Loan

Most auto financing loans come from a local bank, credit union or car dealer – known as a buy here-pay here option. You should obtain a copy of your credit report before applying for a loan. Review the report for mistakes or outstanding bills that might hinder your chances for loan approval. Improving your credit report can strengthen your negotiating position for the best interest rate.

In most cases, credit unions have the lowest interest rates for used cars. Certain rates reflect offers for consumers with high credit scores. Lower credit scores often receive higher interest rates, which is another reason to clean up any issues on your credit report.

Additionally, you should select the type of used car you want to buy. Research prices, safety issues and other features that typically determine the purchase price. This information may also affect the cost of insurance, which you will need to have before driving away with your new, used vehicle.

2. Use Your Credit Cards

Some people may frown upon the idea of using a credit card to purchase a used car. However, this can be a viable financing option if you use the card to your advantage. This is especially true if you have a credit card with a low interest rate, which can be much less than the typical finance charges for a three to five year bank loan.

In some cases, the minimum credit card payment is much less than a regular car payment with a auto finance company. The payments are fixed for the duration of the loan term. If you are late or unable to make a full payment, you jeopardize your credit history and ability to keep the car.

Generally, a credit card purchase is unsecured. Therefore, if something occurs that prevents you from making a credit card payment, the credit card company will not repossess the car. Loans from the bank or credit union are secured, using the car as collateral for default.

Not having to wait for approval is another good reason to use a credit card. There is no need to discuss finance rates and applications. To the dealer, your credit card is the same as cash. For this same reason, financing a used car with a credit card also increases your bargaining power. You are making an outright purchase of the vehicle.

3. Use Online Payday Loans

Another unconventional way to finance a used car is with a online payday loan. Bad credit issues may prevent approval for a bank loan or having a high credit card limit. Payday loans often have a higher interest rate than any other option; however, it can solve the immediate issue of not having transportation.

Regardless to which auto financing option you select, make sure it is one that is manageable and solves your transportation needs. Keep in mind with both the credit card and payday loan option that you can get yourself in big trouble if you don’t know for sure you can pay them off within a reasonable amount of time! We do not recommend them if you don’t plan on paying them off soon and rack up sometimes several hundreds of dollars in interest and fees.

Have thoughts to add?

Know of any other options or thoughts to the ones we’ve provided? Please comment below!

It’s hot outside, and the mercury is going to keep climbing as the summer goes on. Being able to stay inside and enjoy the cool comfort of an air conditioner in your vehicle is one of the greatest blessings of modern life. It can also be a literal lifesaver for babies, the medically fragile and the elderly, who can’t take the heat as well as most people can.

But now your AC has broken down. You need an emergency repair, and fast. You call the repairman and get an estimate of several hundred dollars. Unfortunately, you’re all out of money until payday. What do you do?

This isn’t a hypothetical question. Lots of people have their ACs go out every day, especially in July and August when the units are already working overtime. A fan breaks, a belt snaps or the compressor burns out – it could be any number of things, but when it happens you have to either figure out how to come up with the money to fix it, or burn up in the heat. If you are in this situation and are dead broke, don’t panic. You do have some options, each of which has its own pros and cons.

Option One: Charge It

If you have a card with a high enough limit, this might be a good option for you. Whipping out the plastic will quickly get your AC humming again.

Pros – This is the method that will get your AC working again in the shortest amount of time. You can hand the repairman the card, he will run it through the machine and then get to work. A short time later your unit will be fixed.

Cons – Well, first the obvious: you have to have a credit card. You also need to have a limit high enough to charge several hundred dollars at once. Many people don’t, and this may or may not be the case for you. Read on if this option won’t help you.

Option Two: Call Mom and Dad

Or you can call your grandparents, or your Aunt Becky, or your Uncle Bobby, or your best friend. A personal loan from a family member or friend is the option many people first turn to when they need quick cash for an emergency like this.

Pros – Mom will rarely turn you down, particularly in an emergency. The same is true for other family members and close friends.

Cons- Do you really want to be in debt to your family? These kinds of things have a way of becoming ugly. Plus, your parents may not have it to spare, especially if they are older. It may also take you a few days to get the money. In the meantime you’ll have to continue to deal with the heat.

Option Three: Take Out a Online Payday Loan

If you’ll have the money come payday anyhow, why not take out a online payday loan? It will get your AC working again right now and keep you from burning up until the check comes in.

Pros – It’s simple, fast and easy to get a payday loan. You’ll get the money quickly, usually on the same day, and can get the repairman over to get started. It will also keep you from borrowing money from you family.

Cons – You will have to pay more in interest and fees than you would if you took out a loan from the Bank or Mom and Dad.

These are just a few options for financing an emergency car AC repair. Can you think of anymore? If so, please post them in the comments. And please feel free to discuss these options, as well!

How many times have you heard or said – “No matter how affordable SUVs get, they’re still gas-guzzler’s!” – for the most part it’s true and continues to be a major roadblock to purchase, especially with gas edging back up over $3.50 a gallon! However, car companies are doing their very best to offer affordable SUV solutions not only from a ‘base price’ perspective but also from a fuel economy perspective – which may be ‘just enough’ for some SUV lovers like myself.

Due to some recent car problems, I told my wife that we should at least ‘look’ into buying a new vehicle – I figured we’d buy a smaller, affordable SUV to replace our Honda Accord but learned that my wife wanted yet another Honda sedan.

To make a long story short, I’m whipped and I’ll admit so we obviously went with what she wanted. However, in the interim I did do a lot of research on today’s SUVs and would like to share with you  the top 10 most affordable SUVs in 2011 which hopefully will be helpful for those interested in buying a new car within a set price range. Ready? Let’s rock n’ roll…

1. 2011 Jeep Patriot – $15,595

The most affordable SUV, the Patriot packs a punch for its price. The Patriot hearkens back to its off-road beginnings, while providing for on-road driving pleasure.

With twenty-three cubic feet of cargo space and seating for five, the Patriot is the perfect camping vehicle. Cargo space increases to fifty-four cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

2. 2011 Kia Sportage – $18,295

The Sportage is one of the most affordable SUVs, and one of the safest, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Equipped with Bluetooth technology and a USB port as standard equipment, the Sportage keeps its owners in touch even when off-road.

3. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – $18,495

The Outlander Sport was named the US News and World Report’s 2011 Best Compact Crossover for the Money.

Excellent fuel economy and ample passenger and storage room are two factors in US News and World Report’s decision.

4. 2011 Hyundai Tucson – $18,895

The Tucson boasts Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design, ensuring a beautiful exterior. Comfortable seating for the driver and passengers bring the SUV’s fluidity into the Tucson’s interior.

The Tucson’s sporty handling is an added bonus for one of the most affordable SUVs.

5. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara – $19,199

The Vitara comes with a standard navigational system and one of the longest warranties in its class. Its rugged exterior makes it an impressive vehicle on or off the road.

Its well-designed interior makes it a joy to drive, with automatic climate control, a tilt steering wheel with stereo controls, and keyless entry and start as standard features.

6. 2011 Ford Escape – $21,215

The Escape provides more than thirty-one cubic feet of storage. The storage expands to sixty-eight cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Escape’s 2.5-litre engine comes with a five-speed manual transmission for a sporty driving experience or a six-speed automatic transmission for a more luxurious driving experience.

7. 2011 Toyota RAV4 – $22,025

The RAV4 offers comfortable seating for seven and ample cargo room with a solid, beautiful interior that anyone can enjoy.

The SUV that launched the market for SUVs, the RAV4 ranks high for its solid and substantial feel and its versatility.

8. 2011 Chevrolet Equinox – $22,475

This compact SUV boasts the size of a mid-sized SUV and the fuel efficiency of a sedan.

Its organizational compartments and cargo storage provide ample room for running errands. Its smooth handling ensures a quiet, comfortable ride.

9. 2011 Volkswagon Tiguan – $23,720

Bluetooth technology and that famous German engineering combine to create an SUV that can keep up with its owner’s busy life. Combines great design, comfort and reliability expected from the VW brand.

The only German vehicle in its class, the Tiguan is truly in a class by itself.

10. 2011 GMC Terrain – $24,250

The angular styling of the Terrain sets it apart from its rounded counterparts with a super sharp design in this new 2011 SUV!

Fuel efficient and roomy, the Terrain offers a really sweet sliding rear seat, creating extra legroom for passengers and even opening the opportunity to haul weird shaped items.

Wrapping it up…

Well, there we go guys, 10 of the most affordable 2011 SUVs on the market today. Keep in mind that these are base prices and will go up as you add on all the bells & whistles (obviously). However, if your looking to buy an SUV, there has never been a better time with all the great deals that auto dealers are offering to boost both their business and the economy. Happy hunting

But…hold on a minute! Finding a great used car in 2011 is doable if you follow some simple and easy rules – play the game, don’t let the game play you. With that said, let’s dive right into epicaauto’s 3 keys to finding a great used car in 2011 – you’ll want to write these down.

Know your budget, don’t overspend!

Probably one of the most valuable key when trying to find that great used car is to know your budget! So many times people start looking for a car knowing what they can and cannot afford and end up over-spending, only to regret their decision later on down the road.

Bells and whistles are fun but they always come at a bigger price that you may not be able to swing – so keep in mind that at the end of the month, your the one that has to pay the bill and feel good about it.

Don’t settle, hold out for the right one

Buying a car in general can be much fun and something you should be able to enjoy and not be rushed into. No matter if your buying from a car dealership, off craiglist or from a small car lot – never let someone talk you into a car that you know you will not enjoy later on.

The best way to avoid falling into the common sales pitch is to write down your must haves & wants before even starting to do research and hold out until you find something that fits those wants and needs. There are TONS of cars and sellers out there, so unless your in a bind and need a car now, be sure to take your time and find that one car that you’ll be happy with for the long haul.

Don’t let your eyes glaze over, do the proper research

One key you must remember when buying that perfect used car is to remember your looking at ‘used cars’, not new. Every used car obviously has a past and in a LOT of cases, not good ones. So many people abuse their cars, don’t take care of them, trash them and push the leftovers to someone else.

So many times we find that ‘perfect’ car, it has everything we want and is absoultly beautiful and we let our eyes glaze over the most important parts of a car – is the car mechanically sound? Car repairs can be costly so we recommend doing several of the things below to ensure that beautiful used car fits the bill all the way around…

• Start & test drive the car – get your mind off that nice GPS and listen to the transmission, engine and such
• Visually look at the engine and truck – a lot can be said about how a car was treated by how the engine and truck looks. If they look trash, more than likely they were.
• Get a carfax report – this is something that can be annoying because it takes some effort but nowadays taking someones word for it is not enough. Ensure there is not water damage to the car and how many people owned it previously.
• Take some time – after you have done the things above, be sure you walk away and give it some thought before making an offer. Go to lunch, drive down the street, go anywhere but give yourself some time to see the whole picture – not just those fancy wheels.

Finding a great used car is doable

Buying a car is fun but can become a headache especially when you go by the rule book because finding that perfect car is tough but remember this – it is doable! If your patient and willing to give it some time you can find a great used car that is within your budget.

Feel we missed something? Please share some of your keys to finding a great used car below in the comments…

Terms to remember when purchasing an auto insurance policy

There are a lot of terms in an auto insurance policy. But there are some important ones that you need to remember. Take a look at the important terms to remember:

1) Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This is one of the most important terms that can help you understand the basic coverage you get. As the name suggests, this covers the bodily injury of another person’s accidental death or injury that you have caused. The other party may file a lawsuit against you in a court of law and you may have to pay from your pockets if you don’t have this coverage. This is coverage for the injury of another person and not your vehicle. The coverage pays for the medial costs, damage due to income loss, pain and other damages. You must have this in abundance as it may come to a lot of amount and can put you in financial troubles.

2) Property Damage Coverage

This is another term that you must remember. It covers for the property damage of the other party by your car. This pays for the damage caused to the vehicle and not the person. Since, it is property damage coverage; it also pays for the damage to a house, fence or any other property. The amount of coverage that you must carry depends upon the law and policy of your state and you must abide by it. The above mentioned point and this coverage both are made mandatory by most of te states.

3) Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Both are different in some slight ways. Both of the coverage is important. Comprehensive coverage covers your car and other’s car (minimally) if they get damaged by environmental problems, such as fire, flood, earthquake and others. It also pays for theft and vandalism. But for collision coverage, you get covered for the damages caused to your car or other’s due to your mistake or someone else’s.

Apart from these three terms, there are a lot of other terms to remember. But these 3 are very important to know and if you know them, you’ll also be on the safe side.

It is very important to take good care of your vehicle as it not only saves you from expensive repairs, but also reduces the possibility of getting stranded on the road.

Here are a few simple, easy to follow, effective auto maintenance tips that will ensure that your car is in good shape;

Tip 1: Keep Tire Pressure Up

Your tires bear the weight of your car and the brunt of the roads. Regular usage causes them to lose air pressure which needs to be checked periodically. Lesser pressure equals more resistance resulting in loss in mileage and faster wearing out of the tires.

Tip 2: Change the Engine Oil Often

Oil is the blood of your engine. Keep checking it for color and viscosity. Impurities in the oil over a period of time can lead to malfunctioning of the engine which can prove to be a very expensive fix.

Tip 3: Get the Engine Tuned

The engine light is there for a reason. Many times we tend to ignore it or put it on the backburner because the car ‘seems fine’. Would it make sense for the light to go on just before a total break down? Auto maintenance tips given by the gurus also emphasize on the engine tuning and checkup.

Tip 4: Check all Engine Fluids Often

There’s more to fluids than just engine oil. Brakes, power steering, transmissions all have lubricants which need to be checked for proper functioning. Don’t forget the antifreeze. Constant running of the vehicle cause dirt and debris to accumulate leading to internal corrosion. Fluids remove the corroding particles and maintain the internal temperature within acceptable range.

Tip 5: Check & Clean Battery Cables

Regular clean-up and check for corrosion and splitting will add years to your battery cables and to the health of the battery itself.

Tip 6: Check & Change Belts When Needed

A broken belt will stall your vehicle; this is how important they are. Have them checked for tears and signs of aging. Even if they don’t stop your vehicle, a poorly maintained set of belts can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%.

Tip 7: Keep Air Filters Changed

Filters serve the purpose of keeping dust and dirt out of your engine. Having them cleaned regularly increases your gas mileage and keeps the engine healthy.

Tip 8: Keep the Windshield Wiper Blades Fresh

You may not use them as often, all the more reason to check them and keep them ready for use. If the rubber wears out, the wiper may break and scratch your windscreen permanently.

Tip 9: Don’t Forget Seasonal Requirements

Even if you live in tropical weather all year round, you need to frequent the garage for tune ups. If you reside in places where the summers are radically different than the winters then you absolutely must have your car spruced up before the change of a season. For example, while you do not need antifreeze during summer, you will still need to check on the coolant.

Finally, Tip 10: Keep that Car in a Garage

It’s not storage; you can use it for that purpose as long as you can fit your car there as well. Keeping you car housed in the garage prevents extreme outside temperatures from affecting it; you save on air conditioning and defrosting. It also keeps the car safe from possible accidents such as falling tree branches and things hitting your car when kids play.

Auto maintenance tips are only as effective as you want them to be. You have to include them in your schedule and follow them diligently for best results.

The first thing you should think about when buying or driving a car is the insurance. Most of us today are car owners and with the auto industry growing at a phenomenal rate, the chances that there is at least one car in every household is very high. Insurance is an absolute must for every car as it insures you, your family, your car and others that may be affected in case of an accident.

But you don’t have to spend big bucks on it; cheaper auto insurance is not a dream. Read these highly effective tips on how you can get an affordable policy for yourself.

Dive into the details of the quote

There are several different providers to choose auto insurance from; one of the main criteria is your specific car details and the type of insurance you want on it. When you get quotes, don’t be vague about these details. Your zip code also plays an important role as companies get their information on statistics regarding vandalism and accidents based on zip codes. Give the right details to get a more accurate quote and also to steer clear of any discounts that don’t apply to your situation.

You should think about payment details including the amount of deductible you are willing to shell out in case of a mishap. Deductible is the amount you would have to pay before you can claim the remainder of the expense to the insurance company. Higher deductible equals lower premiums. While this may not be beneficial for small dents and scratches, they can reduce your monthly premiums by up to 25%.

Everything from the distance you drive to the miles on your car to the number of members in your family plays a part in the calculation of your premium. Keep in mind that getting quotes that will not hold valid when you provide more information are in essence, useless.

Ask about special discounts & memberships

If you have more than one car, it is always better to couple the cars and have only one insurance provider. This simple step can effectively reduce your premium as you’re doing more business to the same provider. If you own a house and have home insurance, ask your provider for deals, this will open doors for cheaper auto insurance instantly.

Use any existing memberships that you may have. AAA, senior citizens and some credit cards also offer you incentives for getting lower insurance premiums. Ask the customer service agent if there are any applicable discounts or if you can take some memberships (with reasonable one time fees) to offer you cheaper premiums in the long run.

Don’t rush, shop around

Insurance is a competitive business and there are many players in the market vying for your business. This makes getting cheaper auto insurance easy, but you have to put in the effort. Sales agents will try to sell you their policy at all costs, but if you ask for different quotes and play one insurance provider against another, you can get lower premiums, more benefits and even free gifts. Why give them away?

That’s a wrap…

In summary, take your time and try to club together the many types of insurance that you need. This will also help in payments as you have to keep track of just a single consolidated bill every month. And just in case you think there’s something better in the market, it’s easier to pick up all your business and move it to the cheaper provider.

Below we have outlined ten effective fuel saving tips that are proven to save you money on fuel consumption.

10 Fuel Saving Tips

Tip 1: Don’t speed

Remember your mother telling you this safety measure? This must-follow advice is helpful in reducing fuel consumption too. Every time you accelerate and slow down, your engine drinks a lot more fuel than if you hadn’t changed speeds. Wind resistance also increases at higher speeds, resulting in lower mileage.

Tip 2: Check your tire pressure regularly

This needs to be regularly checked for your car. Tires lose air over a period of time and under-pressured tires have greater resistance; more resistance, more fuel consumption. Know the correct pressure for your tires and ensure that you maintain them accordingly.

Tip 3: Maintenance the engine

The engine light is there for a reason. If it were to only go on only just before a complete standstill, it would be meaningless. There are dozen of sensors and valves that could cause the light to go on. You stand to save miles lost due to faulty parts and also avoid the possibility of getting stuck in the middle of no where due to a misbehaving engine.

Tip 4: Drive with the windows down & A/C off

Fresh air is great for health and for reducing fuel consumption as well. Unless you are on the highway where lowering windows would increase resistance, try driving the streets with windows down.

Tip 5: Avoid rough & windy roads

Roads that need repair are a hazard to the body parts of your car and also need more fuel to power your way through. Change course to straight through roads when possible to avoid traffic lights and constant changing of gears. This reduces fuel consumption significantly.

Tip 6: Sleek is in, place cargo inside the vehicle

Aerodynamics is one of the basic factors when considering fuel usage. When placing cargo in cars try to fit it inside so as to reduce air resistance and increase aero dynamicity. In case you have a convertible, you can see a significant increase in mileage when driving with the top up.

Tip 7: Clean the inside & outside of your car

In this case clean out your car, removing any unnecessary cargo that adds weight to the car. It may seem small but an additional 40 lbs can shave off miles from a gallon. During winters shave off the icicles before driving, it doesn’t take many icy tubes to add 50 lbs. It pays to be organized.

Tip 8: Don’t be afraid to turn it off

Analysis has shown that if you plan to halt anywhere for over 30 seconds, you are benefited by turning your car off. Long traffic lights, quick ATM stops, grocery/laundry pickups can quickly add up.

Tip 9: Avoid big gas guzzlers

Big cars are fun but are gas guzzlers too. Invest in cars that meet your needs. Smaller cars cost less and give more mileage.

Tip 10: Simply, limit your driving

Probably the best fuel saving tip yet. With traffic jams and road rage addicts, car pooling and public transport are a great way to reduce stress while reducing fuel consumption. A perfect win-win situation.

Fuel saving is a state of mind, incorporate these fuel saving tips in your daily life and the benefits will range from cash savings to safety and lower stress levels.

It is important that you don’t resort to fortune cookies to make your purchase. You should feel empowered to make the decisions during the process. Here are a few highly effective new car buying tips when buying a new car to help you on your way;

Tip 1: Know When to Buy

You make the wisest of decisions under pressure; do you? No. The best time to buy a car is when you anticipate the need for a car in the near future. Desperation is never good, make sure that you have sufficient time to plan and research what your requirements are before you make the commitment.

Tip 2: Know Your Budget

We all love the Ferrari’s and Silver Ghosts, but it may not be the best move for your budget. Your initial step in the process should be to take stock of your finances and know your budget before stepping on the show room floor. If you want to make a cash down payment, how much do you have; if you need financing, know how much you will qualify for. Answer these question before you talk to a salesmen to ensure tip number 1 of followed.

Tip 3: Search for a Car That Fits You

Do not buy a car because the commercial has Paris Hilton or because it is on sale. While these can aid your decision (still not the Hilton commercial) you must decide for yourself what your specific usage of the vehicle would be. Everything from phones, laptops to hotel lodging comes with features that one may never use. No use paying for functionality that brings you no benefit. Narrow down your options to the make, model and version of cars that fit you best.

Tip 4: Make Them Earn It!

Auto sales may be at the peak or at rock bottom levels; it is an industry that works on commissions. Use that to your advantage. Do extensive research for agents in your neighborhood and look for online quotes and deals. Sometimes looking a few miles away from home can get you to a bigger dealership with bigger incentives, use knowledge to negotiate with dealers and have them compete for your business.

Tip 5: Devil in the Details

Extra fees, commissions, surcharges, taxes, accessory costs, service and maintenance fees, insurance…the list of additional costs can pile up significantly. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions; if you need financing, clarity on the terms of payment is a must. Customers are enticed by clever dealers with low costs only to realize later that the on-the-road cost is much higher than the initial quote.

Tip 6: Follow the Brain NOT the Heart

Shower your car with all your love after you make the payment, but until then keep your emotions well hidden. If you’ve followed our suggestions, you’ve already done the research and know what to buy and for how much. There is no cure for emotional attachment, a weakness that all car salesmen will exploit. You should always give an ‘I have other options’ feel to get the best deal.

More New Car Buying Tips

• AOL’s Car Buying Tips
• FTC Buying a New Car
• 10 Useful New Car Buying Tips
• 10 Car Buying Tips for Women

Follow these new car buying tips to make buying your car of your dreams an enjoyable process and to ensure that the years to follow are a pleasant ride.

New hybrid cars, soon to come

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

The makers of this BMW hybrid version of the 7 Series sedan call it an “intelligent combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine”. Estimated to hit the roads in early 2011, this powerful and fuel efficient luxury car is loaded with technology.

It hits the pocket hard, even more than the BMW 750 Series, but the Hybrid ensures that it does not compromise on class and gives 17% greater fuel efficiency and about 13% more power that the 7 Series.

BMW Active Specifications:

Kia Optima Hybrid

In late September this year, Kia released a statement that the hybrid version of the midsized sedan – Optima will be available in 2011 and would be unveiled at the Auto Show in Los Angeles in November. The car is stated to be operable in an electric-only driving mode.

Kia Optima Hybrid Specifications:

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Industry buzz has it that the Korean company took its time in analyzing the US hybrid market before deciding to release its first Eco-friendly incarnation.

The new kid on the block, but it’s not a follower,” was how Hyundai CEO, John Krafcik, described it.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Specifications:

Honda CR-Z

The first hybrid from Honda, CR-Z is said to be released in a 2 seat version in the US. Other locations would see it in the 4 seat avatar.

It’s about the driving experience”, said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co. and went on to add that with this car Honda has “lit the fuse on hybrids.

Honda CR-Z Specifications:

Toyota Prius Alpha MPV

A five seat version is set to reach showrooms in 2011 and a seven seat option is presently being tested. The five seater is said to be similar in looks to the 2007 Hybrid-X concept and as in the current Prius, the Alpha will also have nickel-metal hydride batteries. The seven seater is expected to be about a foot longer.

It is reported by DailyTech that post the launch of the Prius MPV, General Motors will follow suit with a hybrid version of its very own Chevrolet Volt.

Toyota Prius Alpha Specifications:

More new hybrid cars

• http://www.hybridcars.com/cars.html
• http://www.automotive.com/new-cars/27/hybrid/index.html
• http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/27/hybrid_cars/index.html
• http://www.automobilemag.com/new_cars/27/hybrid_cars/index.html
• http://www.internetautoguide.com/new-cars/27-int/hybrid-cars/index.html

That’s a wrap…

With so many new hybrid cars coming, things are looking up in the hybrid world for consumers. Look out for these exciting new hybrids and prepare yourself to save money on gas and save the environment at the same time!