Archive for the ‘Cars’ Category

Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?

May 25th, 2013 |

According to the latest statistics, there are approximately 1.5 million people in the United States that drive without any car insurance. That is a staggering number of uninsured drivers on the road. So why is it such a bad idea? Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? You’d better believe it. The law requires that every driver with a car have the minimum required car insurance. It varies from state to state but most require at least liability insurance to protect the other drivers.

So exactly why is it illegal to drive without car insurance? Because driving without car insurance can leave you wide open for a whole set of problems, both legally and financially. It is also irresponsible because you are putting not just yourself and your property at risk but also the other drivers. If you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance, then you have no means of covering any damages or medical costs for yourself and others. If you are still not convinced, check out these questions.

Get a FREE car insurance quote at GEICO.com.

Is It Illegal In Every State?

illegal-car-insurance If you are asking yourself if it is illegal to drive without car insurance in every state in the U.S., the answer is yes. Even though some of the specifics may change such as minimum state requirements, you must be covered in order to legally drive.

Are There Any Fines For Driving Without Insurance?

If you are pulled over by a police officer and you do not have adequate insurance on your car, you are going to be facing a hefty fine. Usually, for no insurance the fine can be anywhere from $500 and up. If you receive a traffic violation for anything else, then you are looking at a pretty significant amount of money you’ll have to pay.

Can I Lose My Drivers License?

If you are caught driving without insurance, for a first time offense you could lose your license but more than likely it will just be a fine. However, if you are caught a second time without proper insurance, then you will definitely have your license and vehicle registration suspended. This could be anywhere from 6 months to a year. Plus, you will have to pay an even bigger fine and your car will likely be impounded.

If I Am Caught, Can I Go To Jail?

Drivers that have multiple violations for not having proper car insurance could be looking at jail time. Besides the suspended license, fines, and vehicle impoundment, you could spend up to a year behind bars. It varies from state to state, but any time spent in jail is going to go on your permanent record and will follow you around for the rest of your life.

If I Am In An Accident, Can The Other Driver Sue Me?

no-car-insurance-fine Probably the worst case scenario for a driver without insurance is to be involved in an auto accident. Because you do not have insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for any damages to the other vehicle, be responsible for any medical costs to the other driver, and have to pay for repairs to your own car. You will also been a likely target for a lawsuit, especially if anyone was hurt.

Do I Need Proof Of Insurance For Anything Else?

As if all of the above is not enough to convince you, proof of car insurance is required for other things. Generally, you need insurance to purchase a car from a dealership. They don’t like to turn drivers loose with a new car that is not covered. Also, you need proof of insurance to renew your driver’s license and your vehicle registration.

Get a FREE car insurance quote at GEICO.com.

Where Can I Get Cheap Car Insurance?

April 4th, 2013 |

Just about everyone wants to find inexpensive
car insurance. In this day and age, it is hard to do. Premiums keep going up every year and because shopping for new insurance can be such a pain, most people avoid the hassle and stick to their current policy. Even though it is easier, it can also cost you several extra hundred dollars a year.

So exactly where can I get cheap car insurance? The fact is there isn’t one definite place that offers the cheapest car insurance along with the best coverage. Some companies may be cheaper depending on certain factors but overall, the best thing to do is shop around and compare prices when you decide to buy car insurance. If you want to know more about where can I get cheap car insurance, here are some questions and suggestions.

Will Raising My Deductible Help?

This is one of the best ways to get cheap car insurance. If you have a low deductible, you are going to pay a higher premium. But you can change that and save some money. Simply check with your insurance carrier about raising the amount of your deductible. Yes, you will have to pay more out of pocket if you get in an accident but the odds are that in the long run, you will save yourself some cash.

Can I Lower My Coverage On My Old Car?

cheap-car-insurance If you drive a car that is at least ten years old or more, you can see about lowering the coverage on the vehicle. This is a good idea if you are carrying collision and comprehensive on it. The reason for lowering the coverage is because as a car gets older, its value decreases. So if your old car is valued at $1000 and you are paying a deductible of $1000, then there is really no point in paying for full collision coverage. You are just wasting your money.

Does My Car Insurance Policy Have Any Extras That I Don’t Need?

You need to read over your policy carefully. Chances are there are some extras on there that you were not aware of that you might not feel you need. For instance, you might be paying for a towing fee for a car that you have never had to have towed. You can calculate how much the towing fee has been costing you versus how many times you have been towed. The average tow truck driver charges about $100 per tow. In three years, the insurance’s tow fee has cost you $225. If you have been towed only once in those three years, then you have paid $225 to cover a $100 tow. Do yourself a favor and drop those extra fees on your policy.

Will My Credit Score Affect My Insurance Premium?

Having a good credit score is a sure way to get cheap car insurance. Insurance companies look at a person’s credit score in order to determine the cost of car insurance premiums. They figure that a person with a low credit score may be more at risk for getting into an accident. So if you have good credit, you are going to get a better deal.

Are There Any Websites I Can Check Out?

The first thing to do is to

get a free car insurance quote from Geico.

If I wanted to know more about where can I get cheap car insurance, I would check out the
Internet. There are several sites that give quotes for car insurance. Progressive.com is one such site. They take your information and give you a quote from several competing companies along with their own quote. This is a great way to see the difference in premiums for each company and allows you to choose the best quote for you.

For more information about where to get cheap car insurance, read:

Really Cheap Auto Insurance

How Do I Know How Much Car I Can Afford?

April 1st, 2013 |

During these rough economic times people need to watch their money a little closer. However, basic needs still arise causing you to fork over more money. With that idea in mind, we would like to go over some basic things to consider when you are making an automobile purchase. There are so many options available when it comes to buying a car now that it is very important you do your homework first. You want to be sure that not only your payment is within your budget, but many other things such as insurance and repairs are as well.

Do Your Homework

When deciding to buy a car it is very important to sit down first and see what you have to set aside for a monthly expense. It is very important to be honest with yourself as you will not want to stretch yourself thin. Life happens and if it is a life lesson involving money you want to be prepared. These are a few things you want to shop around for:

Your new car.

how-car-afford Pick one vehicle and 2-3 backups in case your first choice does not work out. Look for prices and figure out roughly how long you will be paying on it for. Many calculators are available online to help with rates.

Insurance.

Check around for prices on all of your vehicles and make sure to get the price for full coverage if you are going to be making payments.

General Repair.

You need to know what the maintenance schedule is for your list of vehicles so you can have an idea of what it will cost you month to month to have it serviced. Also look at general parts such as alternators, starters, and spark plugs. These are most common to break first and there is a big difference in price for a little car to a full size SUV.

Fuel Costs.

It is not only the MPG you need to be worried about. Look to see how big the gas tank is and if the motor can run on fewer cylinders at normal speed. This can cut down on fuel costs.

The Two Biggest Car Expenses

The two biggest car expenses and most important things to look at when buying a car is the payment and your insurance. This will take up about 80-90% of your budget that was set aside. Insurance will probably be the most important of the two since it varies on so many things such as your age, make/model of the vehicle, sometimes color of the vehicle, and even your credit. All insurance companies are different as to what they use for criteria so be sure shop around.

To demonstrate the difference in insurance, I looked up a few examples on Progressive. The figures I have here should shed some light on what type of vehicle you may want to look for. Please remember that these numbers will vary for everyone, but should stay relatively the same as far as difference in price between each other. These are also just the figures for the collision portion and you will still have to figure in liability, comprehensive, etc…

Car Model	Collision Deductible	6 Month Premium
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1	$500	$2169
Chevrolet Cobalt	$500	$381
Ford Mustang GT 500	$500	$2169
Ford Focus	$500	$398

These figures are a 6 month price, but you can see the significant difference. (This is not the total either, just a piece of what makes the month to month total) Another way to look at it is that the more expensive it is to fix, the more you will pay. That is one big piece of criteria the insurance companies look at. How likely you will wreck it and what it will take to fix it. This is also why it is important to shop around. Not every company uses your credit or cares about color of the car. And each company also has their own statistics they run to come up with their prices. Bottom line, do your research and once you know what you want to buy, shop for insurance first before stepping on the dealership. Once you have your insurance quote, be sure when you buy your car to leave a percentage of your budget aside each month for repairs and regular maintenance.

Repairs, Maintenance, and Fuel Car Costs

Fuel will be something to keep in mind when you buy your vehicle. It should not make as much of a difference as your monthly payment or insurance though. The difference between a couple MPG’s will be noticed only over the long run and most people do not keep track of it. So you just need to decide if you want a big car or little one and go from them. Also, many cars are going “green” nowadays, making it easier to save money and the environment.

Repairs and maintenance will make up the last portion of your budget that you set aside each month. Most month to month maintenance will require washing and topping off fluids. But every so many miles, you will have to take it in for its checkup and some vehicles have longer maintenance lists than others. You will want to talk to the dealership or your family mechanic and check on prices for maintenances needed. It is important to have these routinely done as it preserves the life of your car and keeps the warranty intact. Keeping repairs in mind will matter because the bigger the vehicle, the more money general parts such as alternators, starters, tires, wheels, and brakes cost. Some items will be covered under warranty for a short period of time, but outside of that you are on your own. The difference between a little car and a bigger car can mean a couple hundred dollars in difference in the price of the part. Not to mention that if you decide to have a shop do it, you will have to tack that price on as well.

So when you shop for a car the most important thing you can do is your homework on your selected vehicles. If you research our suggestions above you will have a clear cut idea of what you will spend approximately each month. And when compared to your monthly budget you set aside for your new car, you can then compare the two and know how much car you can afford. Good luck in your search!

Jiffy Lube Coupons

March 13th, 2013 |

Printable Jiffy Lube Coupons for Oil Change

Jiffy Lube is a chain of automotive service stations specializing in quick services like oil changes and (in some cases) state inspections. There are more than 2,000 franchises of Jiffy Lube, all subsidiaries of Shell Oil, based in Houston, TX.

The company has a really colorful history–once a handful of automotive service stations in Utah, the company you know today as Jiffy Lube was bought out by the football coach at Western Maryland University, Jim Hindman. Hindman was a millionaire entrepreneur who was coaching the team for free. One of his players challenged him to make another million dollars and the coach decided to buy this tiny string of small-time gas stations and turn them into an empire. In 1993, Jiffy Lube was purchased by Pennzoil, ensuring the former football coach had met his player’s challenge.

Here’s a few ways to find Jiffy Lube coupons and deals online.

2011 Jiffy Lube Coupons

The first place you should always check for printable coupons online is a site like Retail Me Not. These third-party coupon sites collect promo codes and printable coupons from users around the world and put them in one place. Other third-party coupon sites are 8coupons.com, coupons.com, and groupon.com. As of this writing, Retail Me Not is carrying six “active” printable coupons and promo codes for Jiffy Lube products, like $5 off a standard oil change. Remember to check these sites regularly, as the deals offered change all the time.

Online Deals for Jiffy Lube

When you visit Jiffy Lube’s website you can get a $5 off your next oil change coupon that’s printable right from the site. Just give them your email address and a few other details and take $5 off the price of your next service at Jiffy Lube.

While we’re on the topic of the website–the specific deals and promotions going on at Jiffy Lube depend on the Jiffy Lube store you’re visiting. The website will automatically detect your location and send you to the page detailing your local Jiffy Lube’s deals. Right now, at a Jiffy Lube in Sacramento, there are printable online coupons for $15 off a headlight cleaning service, $5 off a tire rotation service, and a few other deals. The coupons you find for Jiffy Lube depend mostly on your local Jiffy Lube’s coupon offers.

Other Jiffy Lube Coupons Online

One particularly interesting third-party coupon site is Coupon Code Saving. They look at all the deals available for the merchant you’re looking for and tell you what their best deal is, where that store is, and what other deals may exist in your area, all from the same splash page. Really useful tool for online coupon hunters.

Jiffy Lube is one of the largest chains of automotive service shops in the country. Their prices are almost always competitive with any other service station in your area, and some locations perform additional services like inspections and even more advanced engine repair.

See also:

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?

March 7th, 2013 |

You can’t always control what happens on the road. Accidents can happen at any time, even if you are driving a rental car. But if you get involved in an accident while driving a renter, who is financially responsible? You always need auto insurance when driving any car, whether it is your own or one you rented from an agency. Before renting a car, you should ask yourself ‘do I need rental car insurance’? Many people do not often consider purchasing rental car insurance. But one way or another, you have to be protected and the rental agency wants to make sure their property is adequately protected, specially if you fall below a certain car rental age requirement. When filling out the paperwork at a rental agency, they will ask you if you want to purchase rental insurance. If you are not sure about your coverage and need to know do I need rental car insurance, then here are a few questions to ask yourself.

Rental Car Financial Liability

If you are behind the wheel of any car that is involved in an accident, you are financially liable for any damages to yourself, the other driver, and any property involved. Do not assume that since the car is not yours, that you are free and clear of any responsibilities. If you’re involved in a collission and you’re not properly insured you will be soley responsible for the rental car financial liability.

Will My Own Car Insurance Cover Rental Car Damages?

rental-car-insurance If I have my own insurance policy, do I need rental car insurance? Or will my own car insurance cover rental car damages? Well, in many instances, your own insurance policy will cover car rentals. Before you go to a car rental agency, find out how much coverage you have on your own car. Usually, whatever coverage and deductibles you have on your own car are going to also apply to any car that you rent assuming you are using the rental car for recreation and not for business. However, some people drop comprehensive insurance in order to save money. If you do not have either comprehensive or collision on your own car then you will not be covered if your rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident.

While you are checking with your insurance provider, find out whether your policy pays for administrative fees, loss of use or towing charges. Some insurance companies may provide a rider that will cover some of these costs. It is definitely less expensive than purchasing coverage through the rental car company.

Will My Credit Card Company Cover Any Damages?

Most credit card companies offer some form of insurance. The benefits offered will vary depending on which bank or institute issued the card as well as by the level of credit card used (such as gold versus platinum cards).

Credit cards will usually only cover damages to the rented vehicle. Credit card insurance will not cover damages to other cars, drivers or personal property of others. Some credit card companies will provide coverage for towing, but many may not provide for diminished value or administrative fees. To know exactly what type of insurance you have, contact your credit card company before you go out and rent a car using that specific card. However, in most cases, credit card benefits will be secondary to either your own personal insurance policy or the insurance offered by the rental car company.

If My Insurance Does Not Cover Rental Cars, What Can I Do?

If your own insurance policy does not cover rental cars, and your credit card does not have adequate protection, then you will need to purchase rental insurance from the rental agency. The cost will vary depending on what state, or even country, that you are renting in. There are several types of insurance you can purchase that cover different things such as Loss Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, and Personal Effects Coverage.

Where Are Pontiac Cars Built?

February 15th, 2013 |

Pontiac cars are all about style and the driving experience. They are, for the most part, performance cars and sporty SUVs. Pontiac has historically manufactured a wide range of coupes, sedans, and wagons. The brand of car is known for its red ‘V’ symbol. Pontiac produced the world’s first ‘muscle car’ when it introduced the now classic GTO back in 1964. Since then Pontiac has continued to create big engine sports cars that have remained popular with car enthusiasts.

So with all this history, where are Pontiac cars built? How did they get their name? Does someone else manufacture them? Here are some of the more popular questions concerning Pontiac cars.

Who Makes Pontiac Cars?

The first thing to know about where are Pontiac cars built is to know who makes them. Pontiac cars were founded back in 1907 by Edward Murphy and the company was known as the Oakland Car Company. The company was then bought out two years later in 1909 by General Motors who continues to manufacture the Pontiac brand. They changed the name from the Oakland Car Company to the current name of Pontiac back in 1926.

Where Are Pontiac Cars Made?

So where are Pontiac cars built? Right here in the good old U.S. of A. You can go up to Detroit, Michigan, home of General Motors (which is the second largest automaker in the world) and see the plant. Detroit has long been the home ground of automakers in the United States. But Pontiac cars were originally manufactured in Pontiac, Michigan before they were bought by GM.

Where Does The Name Pontiac Come From?

where-pontiact-built The Pontiac name was first used back in 1906 by the Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works Company which merged with the Oakland Car Company to produce their first line of automobiles. The Pontiac name is actually a reference to the 18th century chief of the Ottowa Indians who led an unsuccessful uprising against the British. After GM bought out Oakland and their cars started selling well, they changed the name of the line to Pontiac.

When Did The First Pontiac Car Appear?

The first Pontiac car premiered at the New York Auto Show in 1926. It was called the “Chief of the Sixes” because it ran on a six-cylinder engine and was marketed to compete against competitor cars that only ran on four cylinders.

How Are Pontiac Cars Marketed?

Pontiac cars are marketed as sport vehicles with a lot of performance capabilities. Back in the 1990’s the line suffered in sales but in the past few years Pontiac has revamped their image. Their cars have distinctive styling that makes them different from other GM models. Today many Pontiac cars are used by car hobbyists to make classic muscle cars.

What Are Some Of The New Pontiac Models?

Pontiac has been continuously changing its lineup. Some of the current models on the market today are the affordable Pontiac G6, the sporty Pontiac G8, the 260 hp Pontiac Solstice convertible, the SUV Torrent, and the wagon-style Pontiac Vibe.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car?

February 6th, 2013 |

Rental cars are definitely handy to have around because when you need one, you really need one. There are car rental companies all across the globe. You can find them near airports, in areas with a large tourist industry, and in every major city. Car rental is a business that is in high demand for vacationers, professionals on a business trip, or for anyone who is stranded. But there are some requirements for renting a car. For instance, you need to have a valid driver’s license and a
credit card. Most companies will not rent out a vehicle unless you have a card. Payment methods vary. Some companies accept cash or personal checks while others only take credit or debit cards. Another requirement for renting a car is age. So the question is just how old do you have to be to rent a car? The answer: depends.

See Winning Rental Car bids in Top Cities from $12/day!

What Is The Minimum Age For Renting A Car?

There is an industry standard in how old do you have to be to rent a car. At almost every rental agency, the minimum age requirement to rent a car is 25. There is some variance, however. Depending on the region and the country, the minimum age for the driver could be between 21 and 24 years old. Be aware, though, that you will have to pay additional fees because of it.

Do Other Companies Rent To Younger Drivers?

how-old-rent-car There are some companies that will rent to younger drivers. The age range is anywhere from 18 years old to 21 years old. But these companies are going to charge much higher fees at the counter because they consider that age group to be a higher liability.

Why Is There A Minimum Age Requirement for Auto Rentals?

So now that you know how old do you have to be to rent a car, the next question is why a minimum age requirement? Officially, rental agencies are trying to protect their cars by not allowing customers with poor records to be able to rent the company’s property. But there is moe to it than that. The real reason is because every rental agency is covered by an
car rental insurance group. The insurance company that covers a rental agency is going to charge a lot more if the agency rents to a high volume of younger drivers. Since rental agencies already have a lot of liability that they have to pay for, to keep costs down they rent to customer who are at least 25 or above. Sometimes you will find companies that rent to those who are 21 years old but the extra fees that they charge are just to try to re-coupe some of the costs associated with higher insurance premiums. The principles behind all of this are the same as your own personal insurance. Younger drivers cost more to insure but when the driver turns 25 years old, the premiums are lowered.

Can You Rent Any Car Despite Age?

No matter what rental company you use, there are no restrictions for renting a car based on age. Even if you only meet the minimum requirement, you can still rent any available car on their lot as long as you can pay for it.

See Winning Rental Car bids in Top Cities from $12/day!

Additional information related to car rentals and age requirements can be found at:

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

January 28th, 2013 |

p>Anyone with a bike will tell you that there is nothing like being out on the open road. Call it freedom, call it a thrill, or maybe just cheap transportation, a motorcycle is a true joy to drive. But like any other vehicle, you have to have insurance to drive it.

Motorcycle insurance is there to cover you, your bike, and the property of others. There are state minimums for motorcycle insurance but you can also get additional coverage. However, not all insurance agencies offer insurance for motorcycles, considering them to be too much of a high risk.

Provided that you find an agency that offers coverage, how much does motorcycle insurance cost? Well, there are a lot of factors involved but motorcycle insurance can run you anywhere from $50 a month to $400 a month. Those are the most extreme numbers. You are probably looking at an average spread of $150 to $250 a month. So why such a big difference? What are some of the factors involved? Before you go out and buy the first insurance policy you find, here are some things to consider.

Factors For Motorcycle Insurance

The truth is there is not one set price for motorcycle insurance. There are simply too many factors that affect the price. For instance, a big factor is the age of the driver. The younger the driver, the more expensive the premiums. Young drivers have less experience and tend to drive faster, especially on a motorcycle.

motorcycle-insurance-cost Another factor is the make and model of a motorcycle. If the motorcycle is an older model, say a Honda CRF, then the premium will probably be lower. But if the bike is a brand new street bike like a Yamaha YZF-R1 then the premiums will be higher. Just like sports cars that are designed to go fast, a high performance street bike is going to be more expensive.

The state that you live in can also be a factor when trying to find the best motorcycle insurance. States have different laws and requirements for vehicle insurance which can affect prices on different policies. Your insurance agent should be aware of state requirements but it isn’t a bad idea to do a little research yourself to find out what is required.

Your driving record and your credit history play a big role in determining your insurance rates. Naturally, if you have been involved in several accidents or have a collection of traffic tickets, you are going to be considered a higher risk. This means that your rates will be higher. The same applies for your credit history. If you have bed credit, you will be a risk because insurance companies will think that you can’t pay your bills on time.

The Basic Requirements of Motorcycle Insurance

The minimum requirement for motorcycle insurance in any state is a liability coverage. Liability insurance is designed to cover any damages or injuries to another person or their property in case of an accident that is deemed to be your fault. The importance of liability is to not only cover the expense of an accident, but also to protect your assets from a lawsuit. Liability coverage will not protect you or your motorcycle but it is cheaper that comprehensive (or full) coverage.

Additional Insurance For Motorcycles

If you want to protect yourself and damages to your motorcycle, you need to get additional insurance coverage. Depending on the insurance company, comprehensive coverage can usually be customized to fit each motorcycle owner’s specific needs. Comprehensive insurance costs more than liability but offers more protection.

Comprehensive collision can protect your bike from damages it may receive from an automobile accident, vandalism, or bad weather. It also covers your bike in case someone steals it.

Uninsured motorist coverage is an additional policy that can help you out if you are involved in an accident that was the fault of an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical costs for you as well as pay for damages to your bike.

Guest passenger liability coverage is another useful (and recommended) policy. You see people riding bikes all the time and there is someone sitting behind them. Guest passenger liability can help protect anyone riding with you by paying for medical costs if they get into an accident.

Tips Before You Purchase Insurance

average-rates Before you go out and sign up for the first policy you find, here are some tips for getting the best rates.

The most important thing is to shop around. First try your insurance agent that covers your house and any other vehicles you might own. See if they offer motorcycle coverage and if so, how much is the premiums. If they do not, then you need to look elsewhere.

If you are considering buying a new motorcycle but have not made the deal yet, you need to think the expenses of insurance and what you can afford. Scooters and older bikes may not be as cool as a Harley but they are cheaper to cover. The more expensive the bike, the faster it goes, the higher the insurance is going to cost you.

Once you have your bike, make sure you get enough insurance to cover the extras. Regular insurance policies will only cover the original factory parts. If your bike is a custom job, additional chrome parts, or has a fancy paint job, take that into consideration when purchasing your insurance.

Before you buy insurance, ask the people who regularly ride motorcycles who they have their policies with. If you buy your motorcycle from a dealer, you can ask them where to get insurance. If there is a motorcycle club in your area, go talk to the guys (or girls) who are members. They should know where to get the best policies. You might even join the club if they have any group discounts.

If your motorcycle is considered a classic model, check with the insurance company to see if they have appropriate insurance. Policies for classic bikes are sometimes cheaper because owners usually take good care of the bikes.

Who Offers Coverage For Motorcycles

There are many insurance companies out there who offer coverage for motorcycles. Your best option will probably be with a national insurance company such as

Geico, American Modern Insurance Group, Nationwide, Esurance, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive Auto Insurance. You can get quotes from each company and decide which has the best policy for you.

Cars Questions & Answers

December 28th, 2012 |

At one point or another most everyone has experience a problem with their car which is why we created a “Cars Questions & Answers” section.

Our goal is to provide quality cars advice and car tips to help you get the best out of car, find a good deal at a dealership, learn about car insurance and more. If you have a car question or would like to offer some car advice please send us an email to questions [at] askdeb.com.

Car Advice

Providing the best car advice on the internet is our goal. Below is a list of car articles that were specifically written to address the questions submitted by our readers.

Recent Car Related Blog Posts

The following are recent car related blog post we feel are relevant to our readers.

cars-questions-answers

Where To Find Mobile Homes For Sale

Where To Find Cheap Cars For Sale

It is a fact of life that cars are expensive. You pay so much money for a product that will only last a limited amount of miles, even with proper care and maintenance. No one wants to drive a clunker but some new cars are just way out of a person’s price range.

What Is The Difference Between 10, 13, and 18 Speed Transmissions?

Is Diesel Fuel And Fuel Oil The Same Thing?

How Do I Ship My Car?

How Can I Beat a Speeding Ticket?

Some people have reported beating over 30 speeding tickets by using specific methods aimed at making the police officer feel at ease.

Where To Find Driving Schools

How Do Electric Cars Work?

No longer the stuff of science fiction, electric cars are becoming a reality. How do electric cars work? To put it simply, electric cars run on electric motors rather than gasoline or ethanol powered motors.

What is a High Performance Car?

A high performance car is typically a car that was stock at some point, meaning original from factory, but has had many components upgraded.

What’s the Best Way to Fix a Dent in Your Car?

How Do I Know How Much Car I Can Afford?

During these rough economic times people need to watch their money a little closer. However, basic needs still arise causing you to fork over more money.

How Do I Fight Rust on My Car?

How to Get the Most Money When Selling Your Car?

What New Cars are Coming to 2010?

For all of you car enthusiasts out there it is time to start drooling. There are some great cars coming out in 2009-2010 and we thought you would like a sneak peak.

How Can You Get Auto Insurance Online?

Shopping around for the best car insurance can be a good way to induce a headache. It is time-consuming and about as fun as getting a root canal. Well, maybe not that bad but it is still no picnic.

What Is No Win No Fee Accident Compensation?

Do I Need A DUI Attorney?

Let’s say you have been to a party or a bar and had a few drinks. You feel okay so you decide to drive yourself home.

What Is The Difference Between A DUI and A DWI?

The terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are both terms used to describe drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What Is A DUI?

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

Anyone with a bike will tell you that there is nothing like being out on the open road. Call it freedom, call it a thrill, or maybe just cheap transportation, a motorcycle is a true joy to drive.

How Do You Ride A Motorcycle?

Ever since Marlon Brando wowed us with his rebellious ways in The Wild One, we have been fascinated with motorcycles. Few machines generate such coolness-factor or an image of freedom.

Should I Buy A Used Rental Car?

When out shopping for a car, not everyone can afford a brand new car fresh off the dealer showroom. It seems like new cars get more expensive every year.

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?

Where Can I Buy a Collector Car?

If you go to car shows to ogle all that chrome and the fancy paint jobs on all the classics, sooner or later you are going to want a collector car.

How Do I Start A Collector Car Club?

How Do I Know How Much My Collector Car Is Worth?

Car enthusiasts love their automobiles. From the curve of the body to the shine of the chrome, a car can have both sentimental as well as monetary value.

What Makes A Classic or Collector Car?

Classic collector’s cars have been a part of American culture for decades. There is just something nostalgic about them, reminiscent of a time when cars were manufactured to a high standard like a work of art.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?

People love to drive. We love our cars and getting out on the open road and just driving somewhere. What we don’t love is car insurance but it is one of the necessities of owning a car.

Why Do I Need Car Insurance?

How to Buy Car Insurance?

Where Can I Get Cheap Car Insurance?

Just about everyone wants to find inexpensive car insurance. In this day and age, it is hard to do. Premiums keep going up every year and because shopping for new insurance can be such a pain, most people avoid the hassle and stick to their current policy.

Who Invented Car Insurance?

Some people have often wondered how car insurance came about. Did we really need car insurance? Exactly when did people have to start carrying car insurance?

Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?

According to the latest statistics, there are approximately 1.5 million people in the United States that drive without any car insurance. That is a staggering number of uninsured drivers on the road.

How Do I Sell My Car?

People rarely keep their cars throughout their entire adult life. You drive them, you love them, and then for various reasons you sell them.

Where Can I Sell My Car?

How Much Should I Sell My Car For?

Selling your car and knowing how much to ask for it can be pretty tricky. There are so many factors involved and many times, an accurate appraisal can be vague.

Should I Trade In My Car In Or Sell It?

How Do I Sell My Car on Ebay?

Ebay is one of the most popular auction sites on the internet. It has thousands of buyers and sellers who visit the site daily.

How Do I Find New Car Prices?

Finding new car prices is really pretty easy. Car dealers and manufacturers advertise in just about every medium because they want to draw in business.

How Can I Get The Best Price For A New Car?

Buying a new car can be a major headache. Not every dealership is always willing to work with you on the price. They are trying to make money, remember?

How Do I Know Which New Car Is Right For Me?

Where Are Pontiac Cars Built?

Are Pontiac Cars Reliable?

Pontiac’s sporty cars have been around for decades. Since they first introduced the GTO back in 1964, Pontiac has been synonymous with performance sport vehicles.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent a Car?

Rental cars are definitely handy to have around because when you need one, you really need one. There are car rental companies all across the globe.

Where can I rent a car?

Car Tips

The car tips listed here are meant to answer the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

I need to buy a car. How do I research a car on the Internet?

Here are some very good resources for you to locate the best price on a new or used car.

Where can I find information about racing De Loreans?

Here’s a De Lorean link click here and another good resource on auto racing below.

What Is The Difference Between 10, 13, and 18 Speed Transmissions?

December 28th, 2012 |

Truck driving is more than just sitting and following a map. Driving a diesel truck takes experience and a lot of concentration. You have to watch the road as well as the other drivers. You also need to know your gears. Not every truck has the same number of gears and drivers have to know how to shift the different speed transmissions.

The most common transmission in trucks today are 10, 13, and 18 speed. There use to be trucks with a 15 speed transmission back in the 1970’s but 18-speed replaced it because it was easier to shift. So what is the difference between 10, 13, and 18 speed transmission? How do you drive and shift an 18-wheeler? I am not an experienced truck driver but here are the basics in the different transmissions.

What Are The Differences

difference-between-transmissions 10, 13, and 18 speed transmissions refer to the number of gears each manual transmission has. So a truck driver with a rig that has a 10-speed transmission will have to go through 10 different gears. The shifter does not necessarily have ten different slots to be shifted into. The basic shift pattern for any truck is in the form of an H.

All the gears are broken down into hi gears and low gears. So the 1st gear will have both a low gear and a high gear. You start out in the low and then switch to high. This applies to both the 13 and 18 speed transmissions.

The reason for different gears is for different toque and pulling power. The more gears you have, the bigger the engine and the more power. In an engine like and 18-speed transmission, the gears are close together. That means that each gear is another small increment of added power. It is not a big jump between each gear. A truck with fewer gears means that the steps between each gear are bigger.

What this boils down to is when you have a transmission with large gaps between each gear, you have to run your RPMs higher before you can shift. Having gears that are closer together saves time and is more fuel efficient. Having more gears gives you more options when hauling. You may have an 18-speed transmission but if you don’t have to go through all of the gears. You can use it like a 13-speed and skip some gears.

How Do You Drive an 18-Wheeler

Basically, an eighteen wheeler is a nine speed with nine auxiliary gears. With an 18-speed transmission, the gear shift has two switches. One switch is for high and low versions of each gear and the other switch is for Direct Drive and Over Drive. You can flip the switches back and forth to go through each gear. You start out in 1st gear low and flip the switch to 1st gear high. Then you shift gears and go to 2nd low before flipping the switch and going to 2nd high. You can go through the lower gears normally by not flipping the switch but only if you are not loaded heavily. If you want to learn how to properly drive a big rig, you need to go to truck driving school and get certified to take your driver’s test.

Should I Trade My Car In Or Sell It Myself?

December 28th, 2012 |

When the time comes to get a new car, you have to decide what to do with the old one. Unless you have given it over to another member of the family (such as your son who just got his driver’s license), then you will most likely get rid of it. Without a doubt, you will get more for your car if you sell it privately to another individual. To figure out what it is worth, simply check Kelly’s Blue Book and go from there. But what if you need a good trade-in on a new car? What if you still owe money on the old car? So the question is should I trade my car in or sell my car it myself?

Will The Dealership Give Me More Than The Blue Book Value?

If you are going to trade in your car at a dealership on a brand new car, then do not expect them to give you more than the bare bones blue book minimum. The dealership can take your old car and resell it at a higher price than what they gave you for it. They are trying to make a profit, after all. So they will take into consideration every aspect of the car when giving you a trade in value for it.

What If I Still Owe Money On My Old Car?

If you still owe money on your old car, then trying to sell it privately is going to be something of a problem. Basically, you can’t sell the car while there is a lien on it. The finance company that has possession of the lien has the title to the car and they are not going to release it until the loan is paid.

If you still owe on the car, you have two options for getting rid of it. You can go ahead and trade it in on a new car and the difference from the old car will be added to the new car. You’ll get that new car but the end price will be more which means a higher monthly payment. The other option is to contact your loan company that holds the title and discuss with them what you can do to get payments transferred. But don’t hold your breath. Some companies have been known to do it but most companies will not.

Are There Any Advantages to Trading In My Car?

car-trade If you are pondering whether I should trade my old car in or sell it myself, there is an advantage to trading it in. The main advantage to trading in your old car is that it is quick, you can do it in a day, and you get to drive home a brand new car that has that new car smell. There is also a tax advantage you can get from trading in your old car on a new one. If you get $5,000 trade in value on your old car that is deducted from the price of a $20,000 new car, then you will only be paying taxes on $15,000.

Is It Easier To Sell Or Trade My Car?

One of the main things to consider when thinking about whether I should trade my old car in or sell it myself is which is easier. Well, trading your car in is without a doubt much easier. Most people don’t want to be hassled with trying to sell their car. Even though they can make more money by selling it, to many people it is just not worth the trouble. It can take weeks or months to sell a car and you still might only get the same amount the dealership is offering.

What Do I Have to Do To Sell My Car?

If you are determined to try to get as much as possible for your old car, selling it privately is your best option. First, you will need possession of the car’s title. Next, make sure the car is in good condition. If it needs some work or some cleaning, fix it up. Spend a little money if you need to and make sure you ask enough to cover those expenses. When the car is ready, try advertising online and in newspapers. You don’t have to take any offers that you are not happy with. Once you finally sell the car, you will need to sign your name on the line for Seller on the title in order to transfer it to the new owner. Some states require the title to be notarized so check with your state’s DMV to be sure.

How Can I Beat a Speeding Ticket?

December 28th, 2012 |

Some people have reported beating over 30 speeding tickets by using specific methods aimed at making the police officer feel at ease. You can beat a speeding ticket too by following these simple techniques. There are also things you can do after the ticket is issued that can help you keep a clean driving record and avoid speeding fines.

At the Scene

Chances are, if you are reading this, you have already gotten a speeding ticket and it’s too late to tell you what to do when you are pulled over. Still, if it ever happens again, you will want to know. So, when you first see those whirling blue lights, pull over right away and take a moment to center yourself. It is important to remain calm.

Eliminate Confrontation

Policemen like to know you are not a threat. Remember, these people risk their lives every day while issuing traffic tickets. After you come to a stop, roll down the window and turn off the car. Make sure the officer can see your hands by putting them on the wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock. If you have a hat or sunglasses on, take them off so the officer can see you. If it is nighttime, put on the interior light of the car to show you have nothing to hide. Two things you should never do: do not take off your seat belt and do not get out of the car.

Admit Nothing

beat-speeding-ticket First, you cannot admit what you did wrong because it can be used against you in court. Still, it is important to be respectful. When the officer asks if you know why you were pulled over, politely ask if your answer could cause problems for you in court. This tells the officer that you know your rights, but you are not looking for any confrontation. It will often open up a dialogue and rapport with the officer that can help you later. Be pleasant, easy-going, and remembered as a nice average Joe in the officer’s mind.

Be Polite, Sincere and Cooperative

The officer will ask you for some information, like your driver’s license and registration, so have them ready before he or she asks. Cooperate fully and do everything the officer asks. Do not speak to the officer unless you are asked a direct question and avoid begging him or her not to write you a ticket. Only after you have given your information should you politely ask if you could talk a moment about the violation.

Ask Nicely

Now that you have exchanged information, you should have a rapport going with the officer. This is the time to politely ask that he or she let you off. Be sincere and tell the officer how important it is to you that you keep a clean driving record. Ask humbly and sincerely, but do not beg. One of two things will happen. Either you will still get a ticket, or the officer will let you go.

After the Ticket

Not everyone realizes that you do not have to wait for a court setting to try to get out of the ticket. The officer has the power to drop the ticket at any time. You can call the officer at the police station and ask to arrange for a meeting so that you can talk about the ticket you recently were given. Most officers will meet with you willingly. If you take this approach, be sure you have a good reason. In asking the officer to trade some of his or her time, be sure you at least have a compelling, personal story to tell in exchange. Have a good reason why the officer should make an exception for you.

After your meeting, write a thank you note to the officer, whether you were let off or not. If the officer would not drop the ticket, take a moment to sincerely restate your case in the letter. Otherwise, simply thank the officer and let him or her know the ticket was a very big deal to you, and the officer taking time to meet with you meant a lot as well.

In Court

In some jurisdictions, delayed adjudication is an option. This is a process where you admit what you did wrong, but are forgiven the offense as long as you keep your nose clean for a certain period of time. This is a common procedure in Texas. In Rhode Island, if you can show that you have a clean record, you are automatically forgiven your first offense.

If you cannot use delayed adjudication, just use delay. By putting off your court appearance, you increase the chance that the officer will not appear. When that happens, the case is dismissed. Because the courts are backed up, even asking for one postponement can put the hearing back a year or more.

File a Discovery Request

While you are waiting for your new court date, file a discovery request. This will give you important information about the evidence against you. The information will include the type of radar used, where the patrol car was at the time your speed was clocked and other information. Look for inconsistencies you can use to defend your case when the hearing finally takes place.

Pleading your Case

In most cases, if you were issued a ticket, you were doing something wrong. You should plea either “No Contest” or “Guilty”. With “No Contest” pleas, you are not saying you are guilty, only that you are not saying whether you did it or not. Most cases will be continued without a finding if you have a clean record. A “Guilty” plea will often result in a reduced fine. “Not Guilty” pleas will often give you more trouble than they are worth.

In the end, you are best served not to speed at all. If you do get caught speeding, do everything you can to avoid court. If you do go to court, you will have to pay some sort of fine, but follow these tips and you have a good chance at getting it reduced.

How Do I Ship My Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

A good deal on a car is not always going to be locally convenient. Many times auto collectors will find the right car but it may be hundreds of miles away (or even across an ocean). The car is either the right price or is exactly what you are looking for. The question is, how do you get the car from where it is now to you? Well, you could always drive it if the car is in good driving condition (and not across an ocean). But that just may end up putting unnecessary miles on the car you just bought. Then what do you do if the car is not drivable? What if it is a project car that needs some work? One of the things you can do to get the car home is to ship it.

Find Some Auto Shipping Companies

When shipping a car, what you are looking for is an auto shipping and carrier company. These companies are the ones responsible for getting vehicles from Point A to Point B. There are many carriers nationwide so one thing you can do to find one is do a search online. If they have a website, read up on their guidelines and what kind of vehicles they transport. Get as Much information as you can from them. If they do not have a website, find their number in the phone book and call them up. You will need to tell them what kind of vehicle it is that you want moved along with where it is being shipped from and its destination.

You need to get a quote from the carrier. Be aware that the larger the vehicle, the more expensive it will be to ship because the vehicle weighs more and takes up more room on the truck. You need to get a quote in writing if at all possible. If the carrier has an email address, get them to email you a quote.

Research And Compare Quotes

how-ship-car When choosing the right carrier to ship you vehicle, you need to check them out. An auto transportation company needs top be licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask the carrier if they have a list of references that you can check out. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau for your state and see if any complaints have ever been lodged with the carrier. You need to look at a contract before you sign it to make sure there are no hidden fees.

Get quotes from several different companies and compare them. The cheapest may not always be the best option. You want someone that you can afford that can deliver the vehicle in a timely manner. A week or two is usually adequate time to ship a car so make sure they can get it to you in that amount of time.

Make Sure They Have Insurance

You need to know that all auto transportation companies are required to have insurance in case something happens to your vehicle during transport. However, watch out for carriers that give you a quote with and without insurance. These companies are usually self-insured which means they pay for claims against them out of their own pocket. This is risky because these kinds of carriers have a bad track record for paying claims against them. If something happens to your vehicle while they are transporting it, you could have just spent a lot of money and have no car to show for it.

When to Pay

After a driver has been assigned, you will need to pay a deposit over the phone or in person to the company. Do not pay a deposit before a driver has been assigned. The remainder of the payment is usually cash payment upon delivery. However, if you can find a carrier that does not require a deposit, so much the better. They likely won’t dither around getting your vehicle to you. A lot of companies think that once you’ve given a deposit, they know you aren’t going to find another carrier.

Book It And Get Confirmation

Once you find the right company that meets your needs, book a slot and get a confirmation on the pick-up date and delivery date. Make sure you get it in writing along with the terms and conditions. Check and see what would happen if the carrier does not deliver on time. You might be able to score a discount if that happens.

What To Do Before The Car Is Shipped

The carrier will not just drive up, load up the car, and drive away. There are some things that you have to do (if you are the shipper) to make sure the car is safe to transport. These are your responsibility, not the shippers, so check the car out thoroughly before it gets loaded on the carrier.

The vehicle must have no leaks.
The battery needs to be secure in the engine so that it does not slip around.
The vehicle must pass an inspection and needs to be clean.
The vehicle needs to have no more than a tank of gas that is ¼ full and no less than 1/8 full.
All alarm systems need to be turned off.
All antennas need to be retracted.
Exterior spare tire and covers need to be removed.
All non-permanent racks must be removed.
All personal items must be removed from the interior. They are not covered by the insurance.
The driver must be provided with a complete set of keys for the car.

You May Have To Meet Them

Depending on where you live, the carrier may not be able to get to your home. If you live too far off the main highway or there are too many power lines and trees in the way, you may have to meet the carrier truck somewhere like a parking lot. Be sure to set this up beforehand. Also, some carriers only go to major cities. It may be necessary to meet the carrier at the nearest city to pick up your vehicle.

Inspect The Vehicle After Delivery

Before you sign that you received the vehicle, inspect the vehicle. You should have a copy of the carrier’s inspection form that was filled out at the time of pick-up. Look over the paperwork and inspect the vehicle to make sure that there is no damage or problems that wasn’t listed. Once you sign off on the vehicle when you pick it up, it will make it very difficult to file a claim if you notice something wrong later. Be sure the vehicle is in the exact condition that you expected it to be.

How to Get the Most Money When Selling Your Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

When selling your car, do you know how to get the most money out of it? If you think it consists of only cleaning the garbage out of the backseat and giving it a quick bath then you may not be making the maximum potential on your sale. But do not worry, we have compiled a quick check list that will ensure you get the most out of your car. Following all of these tips can possibly mean the difference of several thousands dollars or in other words, a down payment on a new car!

Increase Your Car’s Value with a Wash and Detail

Washing and detailing your car is single handedly the most important thing you can do. Why? Because the first impression is the most important and before the buyer asks to take it on a test drive, they will look the exterior and interior over and make sure it is up to their standards. This is a great way to increase you car’s value. Now, this does not mean you pull the car out of the garage and rinse it with the garden hose. Oh no, that will not work. There are many areas on your vehicle that has been more than likely over looked over the years and will stand out like a sore thumb to potential buyers. Here is a task list of things to wash and or detail. If all else fails, hire a professional! These items will get you the most money for your car, possibly thousands!

Wash the body of the car including wheels, tires, wheel wells, all trim and emblems, windows, and molding. For all plastic or rubber be sure to use a chemical that will not eat at the plastic or rubber. Be sure to use some kind of dressing for tires and wheel wells to keep them shiny.
Steam clean or pressure wash the engine compartment. Be sure not to force water into the engine compartment. Be sure to get everywhere. Any kind of plastic piece can be dressed for a shinier look as well as parts that do not get extremely hot. Parts that get hot will smoke when dressed and give the idea that something is wrong.
Clean the door jamb. This gets neglected when you take your car to the car wash or if you do it at home. From my experience as a detailer, some cars almost require a chisel to get the crud off. Try to use a chemical such as Simple Green and soak this area for a little bit. It will take a few attempts to wipe it all down, but this will give a great first impression when the door is first opened! Be sure to clean all of the Simple Green or other chemical entirely off.
Vacuum your interior and seats. Do this very well. If you can not get everything off your floor or seat, try some duct tape. Do not vacuum your headliner! This will damage it.
Wipe all moldings and dash. Get inside the vents, ashtray, between the seats, and inside any compartments available. This is the time to break out the toothbrush if needed.
Clean the inside windows.

Making Repairs Prior to Selling Your Car

When it comes to making repairs prior to selling your car, it can get slightly tricky and not to mention expensive. This can cut into your profits. As we did above, here is a list of what to fix or how to make the decision on what to fix.

Replace the headliner. For the do it yourselfer this is a easy task and may take a couple hours. The project for this should cost under $100 depending on the vehicle and may require 2 people at certain times. But overall this is a sound investment. Who wants to sit for a test drive and be bothered by sagging material?
Change your oil. Give the new owner 3,000 miles of carefree worry.
This could be mentioned with bullet 2 but take your car in and have it mildly serviced. Somewhere like Jiffy Lube can do a service for maybe $50 and they will top off your fluids, change your oil, and put air in your tires.
Replace burnt out light bulbs and windshield wipers. These are both cheap and prove that your car is well maintained.
Make sure you have decent tires and brakes. This is a safety issue and if you were to keep the car, you would fix it for yourself anyway. Prevent any liability and make sure there is at least 20% brakes and enough tread to get the owner through the next few months.

This is about as complete list as it gets. If you run into other items that cost $5 or $10, replace them. If you have many items to replace, check out your local junkyard. Most things that may need to be replaced are not a specific color and many makes or model will be interchangeable ( meaning one model’s parts will work on another car, like a firebird’s parts will work on a camaro or a Chevy ½ ton pick ups hood will work on a suburban of similar years).

Something to keep in mind though is the cost of what may need to be replaced and what kind of car you are selling. If you have a cracked windshield on a 1995 Honda Civic, leave it for the new owner to worry about. If you are selling a 2008 Mercedes and you have a cracked windshield, replace it as this car is much more sought after. You will really have to look at those kind of factors to see if it will make or break your profit. Not only that, but it can make the difference whether or not the car sells quickly as well. But we said we would make it easy so a quick rule of thumb would be to fix anything safety related and the more new and expensive the car is, the more inclined you should be to fix it.

That pretty much sums it up as far as trying to get the most value out of your car when you sell it. If at all possible, sell your car privately and do not trade it in. You may have to wait longer but you will get more for sure. Also, shop around for the price of your car at other dealerships and see what the going rate is. You may not be able to sell it for as much, but it will be a good starting point as you will get bargained down. And be sure to keep all parts that may have been swapped for nicer or higher performance parts as well as receipts for all repairs done. If you do all of these things listed above you are sure to get a nice return on your car and will be able to afford a nice down payment on next years model!

How Much Should I Sell My Car For?

December 28th, 2012 |

Selling your car and knowing how much to ask for it can be pretty tricky. There are so many factors involved and many times, an accurate appraisal can be vague. Some people may think your car is worth less than you are asking. Others may actually think it is worth more. Figuring out how much I should sell my car for takes a little research and a bit of honesty. You can’t advertise a car with high mileage as in excellent condition. You also need to know if the car’s options add any value to it. Another factor you should consider is where to sell your car.

As you consider how much I should sell my car for, there is one source that can give you a close estimate. Kelly’s Blue Book has been around for a long time and has listings for just about every car ever made from the past 50 years. You can find it in a book format or you can go online to kbb.com and enter in your car’s information to get the blue book price. This doesn’t mean this is the price you have to ask for. You can raise it or lower it as you see fit. If you want to figure out how much I should sell my car for, there are some questions you should consider asking yourself.

How Many Miles Does It Have On It?

A car’s mileage is going to affect the price of your car. If the car was one of those that was kept in the garage and only driven on weekends, then it is likely only going to have few miles and the price should be higher than the blue book value. If the car has a lot of miles on it, then you should consider lowering the price. If you ask yourself why, then think about this. Even if you have taken good care of the engine and changed the oil regularly, there is still going to be wear and tear on a lot of different parts that the new owner will probably have to replace.

Is It In Good Condition?

car-sell-price When trying to estimate how much I should sell my car for, you really need to be honest with yourself about the car’s condition. Are there any dents, scrapes, or cracks in the body? Is the paint chipped? Are the seats clean and free of stains? How does the interior carpet look? Does the engine run smoothly or not? Are there any cracks in the windshield? These are just some of the questions to ask yourself when estimating the price of the car.

Is It A Collector’s Car?

Collector cars generally bring a lot more than your average used car. Collector cars are prized by certain collectors for their classic style and their uniqueness. If your car is a classic, even if it is not in excellent shape, it can still bring a larger sum than if it was just an old junker. Get on the web and check out what some other collector cars are bringing.

The drawback to having a collector’s car that you are trying to sell is that the buyer’s market is smaller. In other words, there are fewer buyers for classic collector cars so you may have a longer wait as you try to sell it.

What Are Cars Similar To Yours In The Area Bringing?

Once you have checked the blue book value and considered the condition of the car, you should see what other cars that are similar to yours are bringing within your area. You can check out the local newspapers, shoppers, or even go online to websites like AutoTrader.com. It is true that you can get a better price in different areas, depending on the competition. If you happen to live in an area that has a lot of used cars exactly like yours, you may have to lower your price in order to sell it. However, if you live in an area that has few cars like yours and there are some interested buyers, then you can ask for a higher price.

How Long Should I Wait Before Lowering My Car Price?

This is a tough question because it all depends on how patient you are. You can’t expect a car to immediately sell once it hits the market. It does happen occasionally but not often. Usually, most sellers can expect to wait anywhere from two weeks to two months to sell their car. If you get tired of waiting and haven’t had any serious offers, then you might consider lowering the price.

Where Can I Sell My Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

Whether you have a customized collectible or an old sedan with a lot of mileage, at some point you may decide to sell your car. You will need to find the blue book value or even try to get the car appraised. You will need to write up a description that lists the basics of the car. When you get all of that done, your next question will be “Where can I sell my car”? and “How do I sell my car?” The market is much wider today than it used to be. The internet allows you to increase your buyer area and thus have a better probability of selling your car for the price that you want.

When you finally make the decision to sell and you are pondering where I can sell my car, you want to keep a few things in mind. Ideally, no matter where you sell your car you want to reach as large of an audience as possible and you want to sell your car as quickly as possible. The longer your car is on the market, the more likely you will have to settle on a lower price. When choosing where I can sell my car, you have things to think about.

Should I Sell My Car To An Individual Or Trade It In?

By all means, you definitely want to sell your car privately and directly to another individual. You will get a much better price than if you traded it in at a dealership for another car. Dealerships only give you the current book value minus any defects. If you sell it to an individual, you can usually get more cash for the car. The drawback is that it is harder work but also gives the bigger return.

Should I Get Someone To Sell It For Me?

You can get someone else to sell your car for you, especially if you are busy. However, unless they are a good friend willing to do it for free, you will probably have to pay them a small commission fee for selling the car.

Can I Sell It At Auction?

where-sell-car This is not always common practice but you can try selling your car at an auction. You will have to pay an entry fee for the car regardless if it sells or not. Auctions can be a lot like gambling. You can never be sure of the price you are going to get. If the auction has a big turnout, chances are that there will be some competition among the buyers which could drive the price up. If the turnout is small, expect a lower price. But do yourself a favor and put a minimum sale price on the car. That way if no one offers at least the minimum, you don’t have to sell it.

Should I Advertise in Newspapers and Local Shoppers?

One of the best and tried-and-true methods of selling a car is to advertise in the local newspaper or the local shopper. The classifieds section will contain listings for all available used cars in the area. Of course, there is an advertising fee that you will have to pay for every week that the newspaper or shopper carries the ad but it can be worth it for the number of readers.

Are Internet Sites A Good Place to Sell a Car?

Over the past few years, the internet has become the most popular place to advertise to sell a car. There are so many websites available and a lot of them are free. It is easy enough to advertise on multiple sites and you will definitely increase your chances of someone becoming interested in the ad. All you have to do is fill out the form with the correct information and submit it. You can even upload up to several photos showing different angles of the car. Some of the more popular sites to sell a car on are Craigslist, Lemonfree.com, Uno Car Dealers, Lycos, Yahoo, Web Cosmo, MySpace, and Ebay.

How Do I Sell My Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

People rarely keep their cars throughout their entire adult life. You drive them, you love them, and then for various reasons you sell them. If you have never done it before, selling your car can be a tricky business. You need to know how much the car is worth, where is the best place to sell it, who is likely to buy my car, and basically how do I sell my car.

So if you have a car that you need to get rid of, you may be wondering “how do I sell my car”? Luckily, it is a lot easier than it use to be. Before the internet, the only advertising was in the newspapers or word of mouth. Nowadays, there are several car websites where you can advertise (see how to advertise on the internet). And what is more is that you can do it for free. Before you give up selling your car as hopeless, consider these things.

What Do I Need To Do First?

The first step in learning how do I sell my car is to look up the blue book value. The blue book contains appraisal information based on year, make, and model of a car. You can get the actual book at ay bookstore or order it online. There are also some websites that give appraisal listings.

Once you have figured out how much your car is worth, you need to write up a short description to post in any advertisements. The information should be very basic. It should include the year, make, and model of the automobile along with mileage, color, condition of the body, the engine, and the interior. Keep it short because anyone interested will want to look at it in person anyway. You are also going to need a photo of your car and contact information.

Can I Advertise In The Newspapers?

how-sell-car Advertising your care for sale in your local newspaper is a good place to start. The classifieds section has a category for used vehicles. The ads are pretty small, very short, and usually don’t include a photograph. The cost isn’t much and the benefit is the car is local and easy for buyers to access.

Are There Any Journals Or Magazines Where I Can Advertise?

There are several newsstand publications such as automobile trader journals and car magazines where you can sell your car. I would recommend the journals before the magazines. The journals are specifically for buyers looking for a car and you can include a photo.

What Are Some Good Websites For Selling My Car?

There are so many websites out there for posting an ad to sell your car. Some are free and some are not. Ebay, while a popular site, will take a percentage of whatever you sell on their site and it costs to advertise. Many times, the automobiles on Ebay are collectibles and have a higher asking price. There is also Autotrader which has a website and a popular magazine. Paying for advertising on these sites is fine because they do have a high number of visitors to their sites every day. You can advertise on the internet for free by using sites like Craigslist, Classifiedsforfree.com, MySpace, and Lemonfree.com.

If Someone Is Interested, What Should I Do?

When you finally get an interested buyer, you will want to set up an appointment for them to drop by and take a look at the car. Let them take it for a spin (assuming that it runs) but make sure that you go with them. Write down their name, contact information, and how much they are offering. You do not have to sell the car right away. Get some other interested buyers and see which one will give you the most money for the car. Once you find one that has the best offer, take it.

Where To Find Cheap Cars For Sale

December 28th, 2012 |

There are cheap cars out there that are reliable and affordable. But to find them you may have to do a little hunting to track them down. You don’t want to buy the first cheap car you come across, either. You need to know what you are buying and if it is the right car for you.

Previously Owned

It is a no-brainer that the cheaper cars on the market are going to be previously owned. Any car that already has some miles on it along with the usual wear-and-tear from being driven is going to cost less that a brand new car. Don’t even bother going and looking at the new ones.

Previously owned cars can be financed just like new cars. The drawback to previously owned cars is, of course, that they have more miles and there is more of a chance that something may go wrong down the road and it could need some mechanic work done. This brings up our next point about cheap cars.

Is There Any Work Needed

cheap-cars-sale Before you buy any cheap car, you need to have it checked out for possible repairs. If you don’t have any mechanical inclinations, have a mechanic look at the car. Make a note of things that could use some work. This could be a possible negotiating point when discussing price later.

When buying a cheap car, consider what is an acceptable level of defects or wear. You don’t want to buy a car that you may have to sink a lot of money into just to keep it running. Most car dealers sell used cars with an “as is” clause and no warranty. This means if the car breaks down the next day after you bought it, the dealer is not liable for it.

I should note that some car buyers like cars that they can fix up. If that is your intent, then price is everything. Find the cheapest car you can and buy it.

Newspaper Classifieds

Your local newspaper is usually full of car ads from area dealers as well as private sellers. When looking at ads from car dealers, be careful not to take some of them as gospel. Often those ads can be misleading with wording like “As Low As…” and “With Approved Credit”. These are not quotes that are set in stone and can vary.

Car dealers will often have a used car section listed and you can get a good idea of what kind of used cars they have available. They may not be able to list every used car they have in one ad but if you like their prices, you can check them out and see what else they have.

The good thing about newspaper ads is that you can use them to help negotiate with other car dealers and sellers. If you find a car at one dealer that you like but another dealer has a better price, you can show them the ad to see if they will come down and match their competitor’s price.

Used Car Dealers

Most car dealerships, even though they are full of bright, shiny new cars, will have a lot full of used cars. This is a great spot to check out for a cheaper car. However, new car lots do most of their business selling new cars. If you go there looking for a cheap car, many dealers will try to talk you into a new car. Why? It means more money in their pocket. When looking at car dealers, don’t disregard the smaller used car dealers.

Small, used car dealers are a good place to shop because the cars on a small used lot will often have higher mileage which brings their price down more. Used car salesmen are generally more interested in making a sale at any price and are often (but not always) more willing to negotiate. Plus, used car lots are a good place for buyers who have bad credit.

Private Sellers

An alternative to shopping at car dealers is to find a private seller. This is an individual who is selling their own car. It may be an older vehicle that they are trying to get rid of or a leased vehicle and they are looking for someone to pick up the lease.

Private sellers are easier to negotiate with because you only have one person to negotiate with, not a salesperson plus their supervisor and financial agent. Cars from private sellers have the best prices but unlike a dealership, the car may be in any kind of condition. Dealerships at least make sure the car can be driven off the lot and are relatively safe.

If the owner is leasing the vehicle, you can pick up the lease without a down payment. The monthly payments are usually lower than if you were buying it and all it takes is a small transfer fee.

Car Rentals

Car rental companies such as Enterprise and Alamo Rent-A-Car keep their vehicles in pristine shape. The cars are fiercely maintained and kept in top condition. However, when rental cars reach a certain mileage or age, the rental companies pull them from the fleet and sell them. Most of the cars are immediately bought up by dealerships. However, some rental companies sell directly to the public. Check at your nearest rental company for information on what they may have.

Auctions

Public auctions are everything from wholesale auctions, government auctions with seized cars, auctions with vehicles that have been repossessed by the bank, salvage vehicles, police-seized vehicles, and theft-recovered vehicles. These types of auctions have vehicles at wholesale prices or less. Some even have financing available on site.

While cars at auctions are probably some of the cheapest that you can find, you should realize that the cars are not under warranty and come in a variety of conditions. Not all conditions may be readily apparent. So be careful what you buy.

The Internet

With today’s information technology, you can find a lot of bargains on the internet at online auction sites such as Ebay and used car sites. There are numerous sites for used car listings. Some encompass local or state listings while others are from all over the U.S. The way some of these sites work is you enter your zip code and the site searches for used cars listed in your area. If you want to know what some used car sites are, do an online search for used cars and see what comes up for your area.

How Do I Fight Rust on My Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

Now that you have bought your new car it is now time you learn how to protect it. As the years go by your car takes a beating from many things including the weather, debris, potentially yourself and others, and rust. Rust?? Yes, rust. Although you just bought your new car, there are many areas that go simply unprotected or see more abuse than other areas of your car. I speak of areas such as your trunk, engine compartment, under carriage or frame of your car, and if applicable, your wheels. Many other areas rust as well, but we are assuming you have a newer car and these areas can be maintained by anyone quite easily.

Just so you know what you are up against, here is a quick definition of rust: Rust is formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of air and/or water. As you can see, rust is virtually unavoidable unless you live somewhere without oxygen or water.

Prevent Rus From Forming

Since that is not possible, there are several things you can do to prevent rust from forming as quickly. Listed below, we have compiled a checklist for you.

Wash your car regularly

Dust and dirt can scratch your car, leaving bare metal exposed
Allows you to see areas that may need touch up paint
Wash underneath your car frequently, especially during the winter. Road salt eats metal aggressively.
Apply wax after each wash, this will apply another layer of protection against the elements.
Wash your wheels regularly especially areas hard to get into. Cars do not use steel wheels as much as they used to. Now you will find an alloy or aluminum wheel. These will not rust like steel but you will find whitish pitting.
Do all of the above much more frequently if you leave near a ocean or other body of salt water.

Touch Up Minor Dings/Scratches with Paint

Exact match paint can be found. Look for the paint code inside the door jamb on the drivers side.
If at all possible, use a primer, base coat, and clear coat. This will give you the most protection possible and if done right, will blend better with your current paint. Make sure to read the instructions and allow proper time for the paint to dry.

Fix Major Damage as Soon as Possible

Bare metal rusts fasts
If fixed soon, it is possible to repair the damage versus having to replace it due to corrosion.

It is very important to remember that rust is much easier to prevent then it is to remove. A few minutes of your time here and there is much better than the cost and time needed to cut out rust spots along the body or worse, repair or replace a whole panel. There are a few other areas that could use your attention as well. There is a plug in your trunk that is supposed to drain water. This is generally in the lowest part of your trunk, most times underneath your spare tire. Be sure to keep this clear of any debris so it can drain properly. Some will need to be manually removed to drain water. Just be sure to check your trunk and see if it has water in it.

Having mentioned that, be sure to check all rubber moldings around your doors and trunk and make sure they seal properly. A fun way to do this is to have someone get into the trunk with a flashlight and have some one trickle, not spray, water on the trunk to see if there is a leak. You can do the same thing to your doors as well. A few other quick tips would be to grease pivot points such as your door and trunk hinges. Anything that needs to move or pivot should be greased often.

How to Remove Rust From Your Car

As I mentioned above, rust is much easier prevented than it is removed. The most important tip to give you here is to make sure you do not paint over rust and if you are removing it, you need to get down to clean and bare metal. And once you have, it is important to move quickly. If you let it sit too long, maybe a couple hours, you will notice light rust start to form. Many methods can be used to remove rust depending on severity. If it is just surface rust you can use a baking soda and water mixture. This will neutralize the chemical reaction that happens when air and/or water meets steel. A fine steel wool will work well for surface rust. For bigger projects you may need to use a 4 ½ grinder with soft sanding disc or wire wheel.

Whichever method you choose, you need to be sure that the rust is completely gone and even if it is only temporary, you need to apply some sort of primer to prevent more rust from forming. It should also be mentioned that paint and rust particles can be extremely harmful to your health and you should always wear a face mask or respirator when performing these tasks.

In short, even though rust is unavoidable in most cases, most times with the proper attention it can be prevented and treated. It is very important to wash your car frequently, maybe once a month in the summer and twice a month during the winter. The $5 you spend on a carwash can save you a couple hundred, even a couple thousand, later on in the future. Not to mention that the tips above require more of an investment of time then money.

Should I Buy A Used Rental Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

When out shopping for a car, not everyone can afford a brand new car fresh off the dealer showroom. It seems like new car prices get more expensive every year. Used cars are the way to go for many people. But can you trust every used car? They have seen a lot of miles and you never know about what kind of maintenance they have received in the past.

When shopping around for a used car, you should ask yourself “should I buy a used rental car”? Consider this: Car rental agencies remove cars from their fleet after a few years of service. They have locations all over the country and a wide selection of cars. Before you go down to Uncle Al’s Used Car Lot, you might consider a used rental car.

Reliability of Used Rental Cars

When you are considering “should I buy a used rental car”, there is one main selling point: the reliability of used rental cars. First of all, while the car is part of a company’s fleet, it is usually well-maintained. It goes through continuous comprehensive testing to keep it on the road. When the car is retired, it goes to the central office where it undergoes a thorough inspection and appraisal. The best cars are kept to be sold off the company’s own lot. The rest of the cars are sent to dealerships or to auctions.

Another point about maintenance is this. Most used cars were privately owned. So you really don’t know what the maintenance history on a privately owned used car is. There is simply no telling what the previous owner did or did not do for their car. If the used car comes from a rental company, you are at least guaranteed that the car was well maintained.

Is There A Type Of Rental Car I Should Buy?

buy-rental-car Any of the used cars from a rental company should be in decent shape to buy. However, don’t forget to do your homework. Try looking up the car on CARFAX to check out its history. Inspect the car yourself. Take it for a test drive and if possible, get a trusted mechanic that you know to take a look at it. But here is a bit of trivia that you might not have been aware of. Sometimes the sedans and luxury cars are going to be in better shape than the compacts. Why? Because rental companies have stricter age and credit requirements when renting out those types of cars. This means the luxury cars and sedans probably won’t have been driven by a 21 year-old with a heavy foot.

Buying Directly From a Car Rental Company

Buying directly from a car rental company will typically get you the best maintained car. They will also be the most expensive from the cars that they retire. You can probably get a better deal at a used car dealership but the car may not be in as good a shape as one the company kept.

What Are Some Reliable Companies That Put Their Cars Up For Sale?

By now the question of whether I should buy a used rental car has been answered. So if you are interested in buying a used rental car, you might want to know some of the companies that frequently put their used cars up for sale. These companies have offices and agencies located all across the country so you can do a search online or in the phone book to see what is in your area. Some of the better companies to buy from are Hertz, Enterprise, Thrifty, Avis, National, and Budget.

Where Can I Rent A Car

December 28th, 2012 |

Few things compare to being stranded somewhere without a car. Unless you are a big fan of “walking the earth”, you need a car. It doesn’t matter if you have to be at a business meeting by a certain time or you are on a leisurely vacation around the world. When you need a set of wheels, you need them now. Car rental companies conveniently fill that need. There are numerous companies, both large and small, where you can rent a means of transportation to get where you are going. But where can I rent a car?

Car rental companies are often strategically located in places where there is a high volume of travelers. You can generally rent any type of car you need (remember that you meent the car rental age requirement). So with all of these options, you still need to know where can I rent a car? Here are some questions to help you find out.

What Are Some Good Locations for Car Rental Companies?

Like every business, you need to know where your target audience is located. This is going to be in places where you have a lot of people traveling who are going to need a car. The number one place to find a car rental company is the airport. You have so many people coming through there every day, many on business, who are going to need a car. You can also find car rental companies in areas with a lot of tourists. Sometimes you have to drive to see all of the sites and if there are no means of public transportation, the only way to do it is to rent a car.

Are There Car Rental Companies In Every City?

where-rent-car Every major city within the United States is going to have at least a few car rental locations. The larger the city, the more locations you are likely to find. Not everyone in the city has a car and sometimes people just want to save on mileage on their own car. Besides the major cities, you can also find a car rental location in many smaller communities, particularly if they have an airport that services smaller aircraft. It all really depends on how much traffic comes through the town. It may be a small town but if it lies near a major interstate highway, there just might be a car rental office in that area.

Can I rent a car in other countries?

If you travel to another country, either on business or vacation, you may still need a car. You might want to learn how to say “where can I find a car” in the local language. Nearly every country that is involved in either international business or tourism has car rental companies. You may end up doing most of your traveling by public transportation (think train, taxi, or rickshaw) but not all areas are accessible by public transport. If you want to get out and see the countryside, you will need a car.

What are some of the better known car rental companies?

There are car rental companies both big and small. Some may be a single location with only three cars. Others may be national chains that you can find anywhere. When looking for a reliable car rental agency, some of the more popular ones are Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise, National, and Hertz.

Are Pontiac Cars Reliable?

December 28th, 2012 |

Pontiac’s sporty cars have been around for decades. Since they first introduced the GTO back in 1964, Pontiac has been synonymous with performance sport vehicles. But although they are popular, you may ask yourself are Pontiac cars reliable? Do they meet industry standards? How often do they break down? Buying a car is an investment of a lot of money so you want to know if the product is worth the price. No one wants to throw down money on a vehicle that is not going to perform well.

Pontiac cars are definitely beautiful to look at and many of them have an impressive amount of horsepower for a factory engine. So are Pontiac cars reliable? Let’s take a look at some of the top consumer questions.

Where Can I Find Reviews Of Pontiac Cars?

The Internet is probably the best place to find reviews of Pontiac cars. There are numerous consumer and car review sites that can give you as much detail as you want about any car, no matter the make and model. If you want to find out are Pontiac cars reliable, never go to the manufacturer’s homepage. It’s just going to be filled with advertising telling you how great their cars are. You want an unbiased opinion that is going to give you the nitty-gritty. Some of the best websites to find reviews on Pontiac cars are The Truth About cars, Car and Driver, Edmunds, Motor Trend (home of the magazine), and Car Review.

Have Any Pontiac Models Made Consumer Magazine’s Top Reliable Cars?

pontiac-reliable Making it onto Consumer Magazine’s list is like making the Dean’s List in college. Everyone wants to make it but only a few actually do. Out of all of the Pontiac line-up, the only model to make Consumer Magazines list of Top Reliable Cars is the Pontiac Vibe wagon. The Vibe has gotten good reviews as an affordable and reliable car, suited for today’s lagging economy. The car’s handling has performed great and it gets very good gas mileage. No other Pontiac car has made the recent list for Consumer Magazine. That doesn’t mean there are not some good cars in the Pontiac line. They just didn’t make the list.

Who Manufactures Pontiac Parts?

General Motors owns and manufactures the Pontiac line of cars so all parts are American-made GM parts. The majority of Pontiac cars are built in Detroit, Michigan. GM parts have a history as being reliable but remember, they are the same parts that make up the cars that do not get good performance ratings. The good news about GM parts is they are easy to acquire. Most of your auto parts stores keep them in stock or can order them and have them there in a day. Foreign parts can sometimes take longer to order.

Are There Any Pontiac Cars That Are More Reliable Than Others?

Besides the economically-friendly Vibe, another Pontiac car to get good reviews is the Pontiac G8 GT. This car got good ratings on both performance and looks. The interior is roomy and comfortable and the car is reported as having excellent handling. On average, most reviewers agree that it is one of Pontiac’s better cars in several years.

Which Pontiac Cars Are The Least Reliable?

All the reviewers seem unanimous on this one. The Pontiac Solstice has gotten bad reviews across the board. I know, it is beautiful to look at and you want to love it. On the outside it almost looks like an affordable Mazda Miata. But as they say, beauty is not everything. The Solstice handles poorly, has a convertible top that is torture to lower, has no extra space, and is difficult for the average person to drive. You wanna love it but you just can’t.

What is a High Performance Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

A high performance car is typically a car that was stock at some point, meaning original from factory, but has had many components upgraded. Most import tuners could possibly fall under this category as well as the newer American cars like the Mustang, Charger, or Camaro. The term “High Performance” can be loosely thrown around and most people tend to not know the difference between that and others. Most cars from the 60-70′s were known as Muscle cars and cars overseas are generally referred to as Exotics or Luxury. And as mentioned above, most of the cars that come from Asia such as Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi, and Toyota are also referred to as Imports. We have included a list of things that typically make up a high performance car. These parts are on all cars already, but are upgraded to “higher performing” parts. Please be aware that whenever you upgrade your car you need to be aware of local laws. Some areas have horse power restrictions or noise restrictions that need to be followed. If anything else, it is much safer to drive a performance car on a drag strip or actual race track.

High Performance Car Engines

The first two components that are normally upgraded is your exhaust and air intake. Generally the rule of thumb here is “bigger the better” or “more is better.” The more air and fuel you can put into a motor the more potential for power you have. And the bigger exhaust you have the more can be emptied from the motor, thus allowing more air and fuel to enter again. Obviously this is a simplified explanation as there is many other components involved. Anytime you make a change such as that, you will want to increase the amount of fuel going into the motor. You can normally do this by installing a special computer chip that can allow you to tune your car to your specifications. There are many applications available and each one does something a bit different.

high-performance-car Other things you can do to the motor would be a port and polish. This is a simple and cheap way to get horsepower. The casting from factory is normally pretty rough restricting airflow so by cleaning up the casting near the valves, you will allow for more air and fuel to get through. At this time they will normally match the intake valve port to the exhaust as well. When you have upgraded your car a bit you can also add Nitrous which is a minor shot into the motor giving you an extra boost of power.

Aerodynamic Body

Depending on the application, there is not a lot you would do here. Aerodynamics are really effective for cars going in excessive speeds to reduce wind drag. You will also see upgraded shocks and stabilizers as well.

Performance Tires & Breaks

This will depend on your application as well and will be determined by what you are driving on. Tires are either hard or soft and their wear varies. Brakes are great to upgrade because it is nice to be able to stop safely. Many cars come with brakes that have 2 pistons that operate the brakes but can normally be upgraded to a 4 piston set up. This will allow for evenly applied pressure and much more of it.

These are just a few things that make up a “high performance car” and will depend greatly on the year, make, and model. Just be sure that before you make any additions such as these that you check and make you are compliant with local laws and you are not voiding and warranty you may have on the vehicle. If you have any questions be sure to ask a qualified tech as well before making any additions to your car.

How Do I Know Which New Car Is Right For Me?

December 28th, 2012 |

There are so many different types of cars available on the market today. You’ve got cars for single people, families, for vacationing or hauling goods, for luxury, and for affordable transportation. You can even get a car that runs on fossil fuels or electricity. People need cars for different reasons and lifestyles. So with all these options available, how do I know which new car is right for me?

Just about every car manufacturer makes at least one model of every type of car. Whether it is Ford, GM, Cadillac, or a foreign make such as Honda, each company produces their own version or compacts, sedans, sport utility, and luxury cars. When thinking how do I know which new car is right for me, consider your needs.

How Much Can I Afford on a New Car?

The number one question when trying to buy a new car is how much you can afford. There is no point in buying something that you think makes you look really cool if you cannot make the payments on it. The new car that you choose needs to fit within your budget. Get some estimates on how much the monthly payments would be and do some number crunching at home. If you can’t afford the price of brand new car straight off the lot, then consider buying a previously owned vehicle, you may also consider buying a used rental car. You can still find a good deal which will give you payments that are more affordable. Check out our article on the best car prices to find out more.

What Do I Need The Car For?

new-car-shopping A major factor in figuring out how do I know which new car is right for me is to consider what the new car is to be used for. If you need something to haul large objects around like furniture, appliances, or building materials, you are going to need a pick-up truck. If you make a long commute to work every day, you should probably consider something with good gas mileage. Your needs should determine what you buy.

Should I Go For A Car With Luxury?

Luxury cars are more expensive than compacts so if you are going to buy one you will have to shell out more money. However, if you can afford a luxury car without putting pressure on your finances then by all means get one. Luxury cars are often a status symbol. Some people prefer them because they are a sign of wealth and prestige. Business executives all seem to drive them. But sometimes people just like them for their smooth ride and comfortable leather seats. They come with a lot of really useful options and once you own one, it is hard to drive anything else.

What If I Have a Family With Kids?

Do not go out and buy that cool sports car you’ve always wanted and expect to carry a family of four around in it. If you have a family with several kids, you are going to need more room. Kids like to carry their stuff with them wherever they go. If you go on a family vacation, you need to have enough trunk space for luggage. Also, if the kids start screaming, you want them as far back as possible, not right behind your seat.

What If I Am Environmentally Conscious?

Drivers today are more conscious about the environment than ever before. Just a few years ago, you didn’t any choice about what kind of fuel your new car ran on. Now you can buy a hybrid car which runs on both gas and electricity. They are far more environmentally friendly, they are not that expensive, and the technology is very reliable and safe.

How Do I Find New Car Prices?

December 28th, 2012 |

Finding new car prices is really pretty easy. Car dealers and manufacturers advertise in just about every medium (including internet advertising) because they want to draw in business. In the new car industry which is very competitive, advertising is the key. If you are wondering how do I find new car prices, you have to do some looking. You also have to be aware of misleading advertising. Many times a car with a certain price will be advertised but when you go to a dealership to inquire about it, the last car of that type was ‘conveniently’ just sold. So some of those advertised prices are just lures to get you into the dealership.

People who are shopping around for a new car often wonder how do I find new car prices? and where can i find the best price for a new car?Anyone can do it but you need to understand that depending on where you look, those new prices may vary.

Can I Look On The Internet To Find New Car Prices?

These days, the best place to find new car prices is the internet. There are tons of sites with current prices on new makes and models. These sites may also list discounts, financing options, and availability within your area. Make sure you check out the options for the car that you are interested in. Options such as upgrades, limited editions, or more features can increase the price of a new car. You can find any type of car or vehicle by just doing a quick search.

What Are Some Good Sites To Find New Car Prices?

new-car-prices There are a lot of sites with new car prices but you need to be careful. Not all of them are going to be accurate or fair. So exactly how do I find new car prices on the internet? Here are some popular sites.

Kelly Blue Book – This is the source for finding the price for any year, make, or model of car. The blue book has been used by dealerships and car buyers for years. You can check out their website at kbb.com for prices.

Nada Guides – A good site that gives information on everything from new car prices, specs, reviews, and dealership prices. You can look up any style of car you are interested in and read up on it.

Yahoo Autos – Part of the Yahoo pages, this section is very helpful because not only can you look up any car you want, you can also access the Kelly Blue Book from this site, you can use it to get quotes, and it can link to other car sites.

Edmunds.com – Edmunds has become increasingly popular in the recent years and was the first car information site on the web. It is a great source for finding all sorts of information for new cars.

Automart.com – Another good site for looking up any type of car. They don’t have any customer reviews of new cars but you can use the site to find a dealer in your area and to get information in insurance rates and financing.

Where Do Dealerships Normally Advertise?

Local dealerships may have a different price than what you find online. If you want to know how much the dealerships are asking, check out their advertising. They generally advertise in local newspapers and have big ads featuring several styles of cars. You might also see if the dealership has a website that lists their current inventory. You can always go down to the dealership but you will likely get cornered by a salesman. If you don’t have a lot of time and are in a hurry, you might want to try the other options first.

How Can I Get The Best Price For A New Car?

December 28th, 2012 |

Buying a new car can be a major headache. Not every dealership is always willing to work with you on the price. They are trying to make money, remember? And unless you have cash in your pocket, not every dealership offers the best financing. This can be frustrating if you find just the right car and you can’t negotiate the right price.

Yet buying a new car can also be exciting and rewarding, especially if you fell you got a good deal on a car. It is a huge investment, after all so no one wants to spend more than they have to. When shopping around, many people ask themselves how do I get the best price for a new car? Is there anything I can do to lower the price? What factors are involved in getting a good price? Check out the questions below for some helpful advice.

Should I Shop Online For A Car?

If you are considering the question “how can I get the best price on a new car”, then the first place you need to check out is the internet. Do your research. There are plenty of websites with information about new cars, their options, and prices. One place to check out is Edmunds.com. They will give you customer reviews, available discounts, car descriptions, and market price. Use the research to help you to decide what kind of car you want.

You can buy a car online at sites like Ebay, Craigslist, or Lemonfree but most people will have to go to a dealership for a brand new car and to get the financing. You can take the information you found online and compare prices. Don’t be afraid to tell the dealership that you are shopping around at other competitors and what their prices are for the same car.

Do The Dealerships Mark Up The Price?

best-price-car Yes they do. As you walk around the dealership’s lot looking at all the shiny new cars, you will see the sticker on the window that has the suggested retail price. This is the price that the dealership would like to get. But that is not the car’s real price. To figure that out, take the invoice and subtract 3% from it if the car is a domestic. If it is a foreign car, subtract 2%. Then subtract another $400 to $800 for the kick-back that the dealership receives from the manufacturer for selling a minimum number of cars. The end result is the actual price of the car and that is what you should be negotiating for.

Will My Credit Affect The Price?

Every dealership is going to check your credit record because it will affect your financing. New car buyers with a good credit score will have an easier time getting financing and be able to negotiate a lower interest rate. Unfortunately, if you have a low credit score, financing will be more difficult. Some companies will not finance buyers with bad credit. If they do, you can expect to get a high interest rate.

Should I Sign Right Away After I Find A Car I Like?

If you visit a dealership and find a car that you like, the salesman will try to get you back in their office and get you to sign right away. Never, ever do this. You won’t get the best price. After showing interest in the car, leave. Do some more research and call back to the dealership in a day or two if they have not called you first. Try to get them to come down on the price by telling them what you have found online. You can even make them sweat by telling them about this nice car you found at another dealership. In a few days they might come down on the price again.

Is There A Good Time To Purchase A New Car?

The last factor in how can I get the best price for a new car is timing. Usually at the end of the month is a good time to buy a new car. Dealerships will usually be trying to make monthly quota around that time. Also, the winter months are usually slower. Everyone wants to buy a new car in the spring and summer when it is warm and when most people take vacations. Another good time is at the end of the model year when the new models come out. You will find a lot of dealers giving discounts on the older models to make room for the newer ones.

How Do You Ride A Motorcycle?

December 28th, 2012 |

Ever since Marlon Brando wowed us with his rebellious ways in The Wild One, we have been fascinated with motorcycles. Few machines generate such coolness-factor or an image of freedom. From serious bikers to weekend riders, the motorcycle is all about breaking boundaries and being your own person. Even if you have never ridden one, you can still have an appreciation for them. But what if you want to ride them? At some point the appreciation may actually lead to an urge to get on one of those road travelers. If that happens, how do you ride a motorcycle?

Some people say that learning to ride a motorcycle is just like riding a bicycle (except you don’t have to peddle). If you ever want to feel the wind in your face as you cruise down the road on your chopper, here a tutorial on how to do it.

Pick the Right Bike For You

The most important decision that you can make before you learn to ride a motorcycle is choosing the right bike for you. More so than a car, a motorcycle is a personal statement and symbol. You won’t see a biker in leather chaps and a bandana scooting along on a street bike. You also won’t see a grandmother in a pink jumpsuit riding a custom chopper with ape-hanger handle bars. Well…maybe. The point is there is a right bike for you.

Before you get a motorcycle, shop around at some different dealerships and sit on the bikes to know how they feel. You don’t want to ride down the road on a bike that is uncomfortable for you. Try out a Harley or two, a street bike, a touring bike, cruisers, sport bikes, and just every different style to find what kind you like the best. Remember, it need sot be comfortable and it need to represent you.

Steps To Learning How To Ride a Bike

how-ride-motorcycle First thing you need to do is to get some protective gear. Most states require a motorcycle helmet and it is a smart thing to wear anyway, even if it is not required. Even though there are padded riding suits designed for motorcycles, you can get by with a pair of jeans, a heavy jacket, and gloves. When first learning to ride, wearing some heavy protection is a good idea. If you fall on a motorcycle, it is going to hurt. You can get by wearing tennis shoes but some heavy boots would be better. Besides, think of the image.

To ride a bike, you start out by throwing a leg over the seat. This can be tricky depending on the difference between the height of the bike and you. By holding onto the handle bars, balance on your left leg and swing your right leg over the seat and straddle it.

Next step is to turn on the key and start the motorcycle. Older motorcycles and dirt bikes will have a kick start on the right side. Newer bikes such as cruisers will have an electric button to push. Flip the kill switch to the ‘on’ position. If it is in the ‘off’ position, the bike won’t start no matter what you do to it. Make sure the bike is in neutral and start the engine by pressing the start button. If it has a kick start, you may have to jump on it a few times before the engine cranks.

On a motorcycle, the right handlebar is responsible for two things: acceleration and the front brakes. The right foot is responsible for the rear brakes. Front brakes are more useful for stopping a motorcycle as rear brakes are usefully for low speed maneuvers. The left handlebar is responsible for the clutch to change gears while you use your left foot to do the actual gear changing.

Once the bike is started and you are familiar with where everything is, it is time to move out. Flip up the kick stand with your foot, otherwise you are going to be scraping metal as you go down the road. Hold down the clutch with your left hand and put the bike in first gear using your left foot. When in gear, ease up off the clutch and give the bike a little gas with the right hand. You should start rolling forward. Use the accelerator on the right to move faster.

As the bike builds up speed, engage the clutch with your left hand and change gears. Otherwise, you risk burning up your bike by running it too fast in a low gear. You should release the throttle slightly when you change gears. After you change gears, release the clutch.

As you ride the bike, you want to lean in the direction that you want to turn. Leaning helps stabilize the bike and keeps you from having to turn the handlebars so far. When it comes time to stop the bike, engage the clutch with your left hand and apply the brakes using both your right hand and right foot. You will need to switch back to first gear before starting again or you can kick it into neutral. Once you are done riding, drop the kick stand down and kill the engine.

You should contact your state DMV to get your motorcycle license. All states require you to take a driving test through a course. You can pick up some information on the test along with safety guidelines. You will need to do some studying before you get your license.

How Do You Get Started Motorcycle Riding

There are motorcycle clubs in practically every corner of every state. A good place to start motorcycle riding is joining up with one of the clubs and learning from the people already riding. They can tell you about the best motorcycles for different types of riding and give you tips and pointers.

Most motorcycle riders are self-trained. A lot of them grew up riding bikes so it is second nature to them. However, if you have never been on a bike before, it is necessary to take a course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or a school that uses their criteria. These courses usually last a few days and cover everything from field instruction to classroom work. You don’t need a motorcycle as they are provided.

Where To Find Mobile Homes For Sale

December 28th, 2012 |

Anyone who has shopped for houses knows how expensive they are. A custom home can cost anywhere from under $100,000 up to…well, the sky is the limit actually. Some custom homes can cost millions of dollars. But even the homes whose prices are closer to earth can still be out of reach for some. This doesn’t take into account the time spent waiting for the home to be built or the fact that once it is built, it is permanently there. An alternative to expensive custom homes is mobile homes.

Mobile homes have several advantages. One is that they are less expensive than custom homes. They are also easier financed, even with bad credit. Mobile homes are already built and just have to be moved onto the owner’s property. Setting up a mobile home can take several days to a week but is still much faster than waiting for a custom home to be built.

Mobile homes are a good option for many families. But where to find mobile homes for sale? If you are in the market, here is a list of places you can look.

New Or Used Mobile Homes

mobile-homes-sale One thing to consider before buying a mobile home is if you want to buy a new one or a used one. The obvious difference is price. A new one will be more expensive than a used one. Also, used mobile home may need some work to get it back in good condition.

If you already own property, mobile homes (whether new or used) will have to be moved onto your property and set up. This can cost extra but is included with the sale price. Electricity, plumbing, and leveling will all have to be done before you can move in.

However, if you do not already own property, you can look for used mobile homes that are already set up on a track of land. Depending on the condition of the home, you might be able to buy the home and the property for the same price as a brand new mobile home.

The Internet

When looking around for mobile homes for sale, there are several places to shop. One of the easiest and most convenient is the internet. Tons of websites are available where you can search through mobile home listings to find exactly what you are looking for. The sites list information such as size, condition, price, and contact numbers. There is also a photo. Some of the homes may be set up on a property or may be waiting to be moved to a new location.

Mobile home websites lets you browse for listings in each state. You can even enter your zip code to find the ones closest to you. The best part about the internet is you can look through dozens of listings and never have to leave your home. It also makes it easier to comparison shop relatively quickly.

Newspaper Ads

Your local newspaper will have mobile home sales listed under their own category in the real estate section in the classifieds. The listing gives the information such as number of bedrooms, location, size, phone number to contact the seller, and price.

Newspaper ads are fairly up-to-date. You can guarantee that the listings are new and the prices current. The drawback to newspaper ads is that they do not have a photo for most of the mobile homes. This means that you have to drive to the location to get a look at it. If the mobile home is in bad shape, then it is a wasted trip.

Trades And Publications

The newsstands are full of trades for automobiles, boats, real estate, and, for the mobile home buyer, mobile homes for sale. These trades are similar to the information listed in newspapers except they include private sellers, large dealerships, and small independent dealers.

Each mobile home listing has all of the information that you would find in a classified newspaper ad. Plus, each listing includes a photo so you can see the condition of the home. Trades are full of used homes and are a good place to find a bargain price.

Mobile Home Dealers

If used mobile homes are not your thing and you want to check out homes that don’t have any wear and tear, mobile home dealers are the place to look. Dealer lots are full of new mobile homes, from single-wides to double and triple-wides. Depending on the dealer you can find just about any home to suit your needs.

Mobile home dealers also provide financing. With approved credit, you can practically buy a new home in a single day.

Many mobile home dealers also have used mobile homes for sale. These homes will often be cleaned and repaired from use from their former owners. In good condition, these homes will be much cheaper than a new one.

Mobile Home Auctions

Public auctions are a great place to pick up a real bargain. Mobile homes that appear at auctions either be homes repossessed by the bank, seized by the government or police, or sold by a private seller. Conditions vary as all will be used.

Some mobile homes that appear at auction could show some real damage. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, you could get a real bargain at an auction. Mobile homes can be fixed up and repaired just like a regular custom home. If you have the time and funds to do it yourself, you could really come out ahead.

Before You Buy a Mobile Home

Before you shell out the cash for a mobile home, new or used, there are some things you need to know. Mobile homes are convenient because they are already built and they can be moved from location to location. However, there are some drawbacks.

Even though mobile homes are advertised as ‘mobile’ the more you move them, the more damage it causes to the structure. The stress of being hauled around can cause the home’s structural integrity to weaken.

Another drawback is the materials used in a mobile home. Unlike a custom home, the materials are not the best quality. Everything from lumber to paneling is lower in quality which is why mobile homes are cheaper. Mobile homes do not last as long as custom homes, even with proper care and maintenance.

When buying a mobile home, be aware of what you are buying and that it will require consistent maintenance. But if you take care of your mobile home, it can be just as comfortable as a regular home.

Why Do I Need Car Insurance?

December 25th, 2012 |

Car insurance can be expensive. It gets ranked up there as one of our major monthly bills. If you are a driver with a list of accidents that you have been involved in, the insurance rates can be out of sight. Even if you are a careful driver who has never had so much as a tiny fender bender, it still isn’t cheap. Eventually you may get tired of the rates and ask yourself why do I need car insurance? Well, before you go and drop your car insurance, here are some questions to consider.

Can I Legally Drive Without Insurance?

NO. If you are asking yourself why do I need car insurance, this is the number one reason. It is illegal to drive a car without at least liability insurance. The law wants to make sure that you are properly protected while you are out on the road. They also want to make sure that other people are protected from you. Accidents can happen to anyone, even careful drivers. If you get caught driving without proper insurance coverage, it can result in large fines, a suspended drivers license, and even time behind bars.

If you don’t already have car insurance, then the first thing you
should do is

visit Geico for a free car insurance quote right now.

Will Insurance Pay For Any Collision Repairs?

As long as you pay your deductible, yes. This is the whole reasoning behind car insurance in the first place. Since an accident can happen at any time, you pay for car insurance because repairs can be expensive. If you get involved in an accident, your insurance provider will pay to fix your car and possibly the other car, too, if the accident was your fault. They may even pay for a loaner while your car is in the shop.

Can I Get Insurance to Pay For Any Personal Injuries to Myself?

need-car-insurance This is an important thing to consider for the question on why do I need car insurance. There are types of auto insurance that you can get that will pay for the treatment of any injuries caused to you or any passengers in your car during an accident. It’s called personal injury protection and this type of insurance might pay your medical bills or even cover any wages you might have lost if you are unable to work due to an accident.

Can I Get Sued For Not Having Car Insurance?

You’d better believe it. Driving without car insurance is a great way to set yourself up for a lawsuit. Imagine that you are driving without insurance and you hit another car, sending that driver to the hospital with serious injuries. When they find out that you don’t have insurance, and they will, there is a good chance you will end up in court. Luckily, there is a type of insurance, bodily injury liability, which covers any medical treatment of anyone that you injured while driving. If you get this type of insurance, it is important to get enough coverage in case you are the subject of a lawsuit for causing any injuries.

Will Insurance Pay For Any Non-Collision Repairs?

Another good reason on why I need car insurance is that sometimes things go wrong with your car and you need to send it to the shop for repairs. In some cases, your insurance will pay to fix it. You will, of course, have to pay the deductible, but as long as you can do that the insurance will cover the rest. Some examples of things that can happen that insurance will pay for is broken windshields, mirrors, and body work.

Is Comprehensive Required For a Car That Is Paid For?

Comprehensive insurance is only required for a car that you are still paying for. By law, auto loan companies require you to have full coverage to make sure that their investment is properly protected. However, if your car is paid for and you don’t owe anything on it, you can get just liability insurance. Be aware that this only protects other drivers in case of an accident. It will not pay for any repairs to your car.

No matter what kind of car insurance needs you have, you can almost
always save money by getting a

free car insurance quote from Geico.com.

Who Invented Car Insurance?

December 25th, 2012 |

Some people have often wondered how car insurance came about. Did we really need car insurance? Exactly when did people have to start carrying car insurance? Who invented car insurance? Despite what we might like to think, there was not one person or one company who suddenly had the brainstorm to make money by insuring people’s cars. Basically, car insurance came about from the need to protect drivers and pedestrians because of the increasing usage of the new invention known as the automobile. You might say that car insurance naturally evolved. But if you want to know who invented car insurance, there are some other questions you need to answer first.

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote from Geico.com

Who Invented The Car?

You can’t look at who invented car insurance and why without first knowing who invented the car. Why is it important? Because of the timeline. The automobile did not come into wide usage until the early 1900’s and it was soon afterwards that car insurance followed. Car insurance might not have come into being unless there was an abundance of automobiles trafficking down the roads and city streets. After all, if there were not that many cars on the road, why insure them?

The inventor credited with the first vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine was a German inventor named Karl Benz (who later went on to form Mercedes-Benz). In 1893, Frank and Charles Duryea became the first American manufacturers of the automobile. However, it was not until 1913 when Henry Ford set up an assembly plant to effectively mass produce the automobile that the vehicle came to be widely available to the consumer. The automobile was now affordable, anyone could afford one, and the way that roads operated were suddenly and drastically changed.

How Did Car Insurance Get Started?

invented-car-insurance At the beginning of the automobile usage, there were no regulations or laws to dictate how drivers operated on the road. There were, however, private agreements between drivers and companies that would cover any claims to a motor vehicle. Once it was deemed that owning and driving a vehicle was a ‘privilege’ then laws were enacted to protect pedestrians, animals, and other property from damages caused by a vehicle. These private companies were some of the first insurance companies.

Car insurance polices actually evolved from maritime insurance hundreds of years earlier. The policies were to cover any losses and damages that might occur to property that was transported by ship. When the automobile was invented, these marine policies acted as a blueprint for car insurance. The first car insurance policy offered only liability coverage to protect any property that might be damaged by a motor vehicle. This first policy was written by an English insurance company back in 1895. In the U.S., the first liability car insurance policy was not written until 1898 and the first policy holder was a Dr. Truman J. Martin. It wasn’t until 1927 that Massachusetts became the first state in the U.S. to pass the first mandatory insurance law.

Once cars were in mass production and Henry Ford’s methods were used in plants all across the world, the car became the most popular method of travel. This led to the need for more laws to govern how drivers could behave on the road. The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to instigate these new laws. In 1930, they created the Road Traffic Act which included provisions for third party insurers.

Early Car Insurance Policies

When the first insurance laws were finally enacted they legally bound all motor vehicle owners to obtain auto insurance. With the growing popularity of the automobile, this gave birth to a thriving auto insurance business that literally came into being overnight. Some of those first companies offered policies that were quite expensive. However, as more companies entered the industry, it created more competition which lowered premiums. The addition of more insurance companies also allowed for different types of policies which covered different conditions. It was not long before car insurance became affordable for everyone.
(To see just how affordable car insurance can be,

visit Geico for a free car insurance quote.)

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?

December 25th, 2012 |

People love to drive. We love our cars and getting out on the open road and just driving somewhere. What we don’t love is

car insurance, however, car insurance is a necessity of owning a car. You have to have it in case of accidents. It is legally required and if you get caught driving without it, you can wind up with a big fine.

So how much does car insurance cost? There are many factors that affect car insurance premiums. You can get cheaper car insurance at some insurance providers but the deductible (how much you are required to pay in case something happens to the car) may be higher. If you want to know how much does car insurance cost, you will need to answer the following questions.

Where Do You Live?

Location can be a factor in determining how much car insurance costs. Some areas of the United States, for instance, have higher premiums than other areas which translates into higher monthly payments. Generally, urban areas such as cities with a high congestion of traffic are going to be higher than rural areas where there is less traffic.

How Old Are You?

car-insurance-cost Age is very important when determining the price of car insurance. As a basic rule of thumb, the younger you are, the higher your car insurance. The reasoning is that young drivers just don’t have enough experience behind the wheel. Between the ages of 30 to 60 are the best insurance rates for drivers. After 60, your insurance may start to go up again. Providers calculate factors such as slow reflexes and poor eyesight when determining rates.

What Kind of Car Is It?

This is a big factor. That bright red sports car with the 300 horsepower engine was not meant to be driven slow. Insurance providers are going to figure that sports cars are going to be driven at higher speeds which increase the risk for an accident. Also, the more expensive the car is, the higher the insurance rates. Expensive cars are going to cost more to repair if they get into an accident. If you an inexpensive drive a compact car, you are probably going to get better rates.

How Often Do You Drive?

Insurance providers are going to look at how often you drive your car. If you drive your car on that a long commute to work everyday, your insurance rates are going to be higher than if your car was parked most of the time because you took the train. If you don’t use your car very much, your rates will be a little cheaper.

Have You Been In Any Previous Accidents?

This is sort of like your driving resume when it comes to insurance rates. If you are a driver who has not been involved in any accidents and you have a clean driving record, you are going to get good rates because the insurance providers consider you to be less of a risk. If you have driven your way through one bang up after another, you are going to be considered a higher risk and your rates will be higher as well.

What Is the Average Insurance Price?

The quickest way to get a real answer to the question is to

get a free car insurance quote from Geico online.

So after all of those considerations, just how much does car insurance cost? Well, the average driver in America can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 a month for car insurance. That works out to a premium of anywhere from $1440 a year to $3600 a year. You can always shop around for the best rates or even consider dropping from comprehensive to liability insurance (but only if your car is paid for).

How To Buy Car Insurance?

December 25th, 2012 |

Buying
car insurance is not a walk in the park. Despite the ads on television claiming that you can find quotes with one click of the mouse, you really have to do some careful shopping to find the best rates. What makes it so hard is that there is no blue book that gives a list of rates. There are so many factors involved that the price for car insurance coverage is pretty broad. Also, with so many companies offering car insurance, the field can be competitive, which works in your favor. The downside to that is the companies each have different criteria for calculating rates so it can get confusing. So it is no wonder that people have a hard time figuring out how to buy car insurance. If you are in the market, here are some things you need to know.

What Do I Need Before I Start Shopping for Car Insurance?

Before you start seriously looking at other insurance companies, you are going to need a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Insurance companies will not insure your car if you don’t have both of these.

You also need to have a copy of your current insurance policy so you can compare the rates. First time drivers who have not had any previous car insurance may have difficulty in acquiring an insurance provider because some companies do not offer insurance unless you are already covered.

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote from GEICO

Should I Cancel My Old Policy First?

One of the most important rules about how to buy car insurance is do NOT cancel your existing car insurance before you purchase a new policy. You do not know how long it is going to take to get new coverage for your car and you may not find a better deal than the one you already have. Also, as mentioned above, some companies will not offer to carry you if you do not already have a policy.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

buy-car-insurance Every state in the U.S. has a minimum amount of coverage required for car insurance. Usually, your insurance carrier will know what that amount is but it is always a good idea to check it out for yourself. When scouting out car insurance coverage, it is recommended that you get more than the state’s minimum. Even better, make sure that you get enough liability insurance to cover your assets. If you have a lot of assets, get additional coverage. If you don’t have excessive assets, you really don’t need additional coverage (you still, however, need insurance).

Does My Driving Record Affect My Rates?

In understanding how to buy car insurance, you need to know that your driving record is going to affect your rates. A bad driving record is going to raise those insurance rates just like a good driving record is going to lower them. You should know how many recent traffic violations you have had and how many accidents. If you can’t remember exactly, check with your states Department of Motor vehicles for a copy of your record.

Should I Get Quotes From Different Companies?

Absolutely. Just like shopping for anything else, you want to compare prices and get quotes from different companies. A good place to start is to go to online quote sites like Progressive and type in all of your information. They can respond back with quotes from different companies.

Do Insurance Companies Offer Discounts?

If you like a company’s policy but before you make that final decision, ask them if they offer any discounts. Some companies
(like

Geico) offer discounts to customers with good driving records, certain occupations, credit scores, and specific safety equipment. You are basically considered less of a risk so you might be able to save some money.

How Can You Get Auto Insurance Online?

December 25th, 2012 |

Shopping around for the best
car insurance can be a good way to induce a headache. It is time-consuming and about as fun as getting a root canal. Well, maybe not that bad but it is still no picnic. There are so many companies that all offer different policies. It can be hard figuring out which one to go with. Thankfully, the power of the internet makes it a lot easier.

With most companies offering online sites, it is much more convenient to check on types of policies and rates. Before the internet, you had to call up the auto insurance companies and talk to an agent and listen to them try to sell you a policy. Just one phone call could take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour. But with the internet, you can get quotes from several different companies in a matter of minutes. This gives you more time to decide which is the best company for you. Online auto insurance is more than just convenient. It can save you money because with the growth of online auto insurance, the prices are much more competitive. So how can you get auto insurance online? Here are some tips on how to go about it.

Research Auto Insurance Online

Get a FREE car insurance quote at GEICO.com.

You don’t buy the first car you see when shopping for a new one, do you? The same thing applies to auto insurance. You first need to do some shopping around at some of the auto insurance sites online. Just about all of them offer free quotes and you can see if they have discounts for having more than one car, for installing anti-theft devices, or for taking driver safety courses. You can also check and see if the companies offer other services for potential policy holders. Using the internet to buy car insurance online gives you the opportunity to compare shop and find the right company with the best policy that fits you. One of th4e advantages is that you can do it at anytime because the web is open 24/7.

Get An Online Quote For Auto Insurance

auto-insurance-online How can you get an online quote for auto insurance? It is pretty simple. Just about all the best or more popular sites offer free quotes. When you go to one of the insurance company sites, there will be a link to get your free quote. Just click on that and you will be taken to an online form. It only takes a couple of minutes to fill it out and submit it. The forms will ask for personal information about yourself such as age and the state you live in (or just your zip code). The form will also ask about the year, make, and model of your vehicle plus mileage, and use of vehicle. There will be a section in there related to your accident history. It is important to fill this part out carefully in order to get an accurate quote. Depending on how the form is set up, you can submit it more than once for different types of policies and different cars. So if you are considering buying a new car, this come sin handy because you can check on insurance rates before you buy. Once you submit the form for your free quote, you might get results as soon as six minutes. Other sites may take a little longer.

Websites For Online Car Insurance

There are many websites for online car insurance. When choosing one, you should be careful to go with a company that is reliable enough to be able to cover your vehicle. Here are some of the larger sites with a reliable reputation and satisfactory customer remarks:

Geico, Esurance, Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and Travelers.

How Do Electric Cars Work?

December 25th, 2012 |

When you lift the hood of a standard gasoline or fuel-powered automobile, you’ll see all sorts of hoses, making a typical fuel-driven engine appear like a large complicated piece of plumbing. In place of a standard engine’s coolant lines, fuel pumps, intake manifold, and exhaust system, an electric car will have a controller, an electric motor, and a large rechargeable battery. Think of an electric motor as a giant piece of electric work.

The one thing most people notice first about an electric car is that it runs nearly silently. At startup, most electric cars interior noises (beeps signalling the driver to put on their seatbelt, the radio, etc) are much louder than any noise coming from the engine. Think of this ‘silent run” as the most obvious evidence of these electric cars environmental friendliness — there’s no exhaust, as these cars are usually powered by “fuel cells”, which leave behind only heat and water, whereas gasoline powered cars release more pollutants than is possible to list here.

How Electric Vehicles Work

Getting back to how electric electric vehicles actually “work” — the most basic definition would be that an electric car draws power from an onboard source of electricity.

how-electric-cars An electric car stores its energy on board the vehicle — typically this is done in batteries, but the electric energy could easily be stored alternatively with capacitors or flywheel storage devices. Another popular possibility — electric cars may generate energy using a generator or onboard fuel cell. A fuel cell is a specialized type of battery that mixes hydrogen with oxygen resulting in a chemical reaction that produces electricity and water vapor. Unlike an electric cell or battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging — it operates as long as the fuel source and some type of fuel “oxidizer” are supplied continuously from a source outside the cell. Most versions of electric cars use a combination of these energy sources. “Pure” electric cars, as we understand them, run only on batteries, and require a charger to replenish the battery’s power from an electrical outlet. That’s right — you can plug in your car like you would plug in a hairdryer.

Most electric cars use “lead-acid batteries”, but all new types of batteries are becoming more common. These new types of batters include zinc-chlorine, nickel metal hydride, and sodium-sulfur. As battery technology improves, so does the electric car itself. The conventional HEV uses a nickel metal hydride battery, while some automakers are currently considering using lithium-ion batteries. General Motors in particular has made big noise about using lithium-ion batteries in their hybrid electric vehicle known as the Volt. The motor of an electric car controls the battery’s electrical energy by converting it into what is known as “kinetic” (or “movement”) energy. The driver of the electric car simply switches on the power, selects “Forward” or “Reverse” with another switch, and steps on the accelerator pedal. Driving an electric car is arguably easier than driving a standard fuel-driven vehicle.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

In contrast, the hybrid electric vehicle (or HEV) uses both an electric motor and a gasoline or diesel engine to extend the car’s range, boost the car’s gas mileage, and provide an additional source of power. A conventional HEV, like the much hyped Toyota Prius, uses battery power up to a certain speed (around 23 MPH) and the gasoline engine kicks in for higher speeds. An HEV’s engine system can draw on both power sources if needed. The batteries are automatically recharged by the gasoline engine, which acts as a generator for the battery. In most HEV models, the battery is also recharged by the energy generated from the action of braking.

Another type of HEV, known in the industry as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV, uses an extra battery or series of batteries to further extend the range of the automobile. The PHEV can be plugged into a typical 120-volt electric outlet, like those found in most households, for a recharge, meaning the consumer won’t have to look for special “recharging stations” or pay for additional hardware or installation in their garage.

Regardless of the energy source, an electric car needs something called a “controller”, which is connected to the accelerator pedal. The controller is used to direct the flow of electricity from an energy source to the motor itself.

The idea to run a car on electricity is by no means a new one. The first “electric car” was invented by a Scotsman named Robert Anderson. Powered by non rechargeable battery cells, the car was bulky and slow and never caught on. The first electric car in America was built by a relatively unknown inventor from Iowa in 1891 — the car was a kind of minor success in that it led to an exhibition of electric cars in 1893 in Chicago. In the late 19th century, many taxis in New York City were run exclusively on electricity, even leading to the founding of a major electric car manufacturer, the Pope Manufacturing Company of Connecticut. Even Thomas Edison, the great American inventor, believed that cars of the future would run on electricity, began working on a practical battery system, and between 1899 and 1910 he tried again and again to create a system that would work. Frustrated by his failues, he abandoned the project, and the idea of an “electric car” died with him.

It wasn’t until 1997, when Toyota made a full fledged release of its now hyper popular Prius line in Japan, that electric cars seemed feasible. Of course, the Prius is not technically an ‘electric car’ — it is a hybrid vehicle that runs on gasoline backed up by an electric motor. The success of hybrids like the Prius is an exciting sign, but by no means does it indicate that cars will soon be fully electric. That will take a great amount of research, infrastructure, and consumer confidence.

How Do I Sell My Car On Ebay?

December 25th, 2012 |

Ebay is one of the most popular auction sites on the internet. It has thousands of buyers and sellers who visit the site daily. Ebay has a wide selection of categories to browse through for people trying to find the right deal. There is never any telling what kind of item you might find there or what people are willing to pay for it.

One of Ebay’s categories is Ebay Motors, a list of cars all across the globe that are for sale (including collector cars). If you have a car you want to try to get a good price for, you can put it on Ebay. But you might be thinking how do I sell my car on Ebay? It’s really not that difficult so here are some questions you may need to ask.

Do I Need To Be A Member To Sell?

The first thing to know about how do I sell my car on Ebay is that you have to be a registered member with an account and you need to list yourself as a Seller. This is simple enough to do. If it is your first time to visit, at the top of Ebay’s home page is a sign that you can click on to register. Just fill out the information, check to be a Seller, and then submit the form. Once you are approved, you can start uploading the information for your car along with any photos.

Are There Any Fees To Selling My Car on Ebay?

Ebay charges to list any item on its site. For vehicles, you are charged a mandatory insertion fee to have the car listed. You have to pay this whether the car sells or not. If you have several cars to list, the first four are free but afterwards you are charged anywhere from $15 to $20 depending on the type of vehicle. If your car sells, you will be charged a successful listing fee anywhere from $80 to $125. This is only if the car sells. If it doesn’t or it doesn’t meet the reserve, then you don’t have to pay this fee.

What Do I Need To Fill Out?

The next step in how do I sell my car on Ebay is to fill out and submit the Sell Your Item form. This form will include all the details about your vehicle such as make, model, year, mileage, and so on. Any options or defects will also be included.

How Long Does It Take To Sell?

As long as someone bids on it, your car can sell pretty fast. When selling your car on Ebay, you can choose a time for the auction to end. You can choose 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. On the page with the car’s listing there will be a box with the time remaining before the auction ends.

How Do I Contact The Buyer?

At the end of the auction, Ebay will send an automated massage to the buyer that they are the winning bidder and your Ebay contact information will be included in it. You can also send a personal message to the buyer through Ebay. This will allow you to exchange any further information about the car and you and the buyer can proceed from there.

How Do I Get Paid?

The method of payment is entirely up to you. You can request any number of options such as checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or even Paypal. If you are selling a car on Ebay, the buyer is probably going to come and pick it up. They might bring the money with them and make the exchange at that time. Or if they are paying by check, you might request that they send the check first so that you can make sure it clears the bank before you let someone take the car. Be careful, though. Ebay is not responsible for the closing of the sale or the actual exchange. There have been many instances where the buyer did not come through with the payment. If that happens, you can resubmit the car on Ebay and try again.

What Is A DUI?

December 25th, 2012 |

For anyone who has ever driven in Los Angeles, Houston, or Atlanta, you know that it is hard enough to drive while plain sober. So if you add the influence of alcohol or other substances into the mix, it makes a bad situation much worse. Alcohol-related accidents happen all across the United States almost every day. They are responsible for numerous deaths, serious injuries, and thousands of dollars in damages to personal property. If you are caught and arrested while driving under such conditions, you could face DUI charges.

What is a DUI? It is an abbreviation for Driving Under the Influence and is the legal term for operating a vehicle while inebriated on alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence is illegal and if you are arrested for a DUI, you can face some serious charges. There are strict state laws concerning drivers who drive under the influence. Penalties can be pretty severe, even for first time offenders. You can even be held criminally accountable for any injuries. If you have been pulled over and arrested for a DUI in the recent past, you need to know what you are in for.

Driving Under the Influence

The legal requirement to be considered as driving under the influence is a blood or breath alcohol level of .08 or higher. If, however, you are under the age of 18 (legal drinking age is 21) then the alcohol level is .02 or higher.

Police and other law enforcement watch for unsafe driving such as vehicles that cross into other lanes, are driven dangerously fast, or appear to be a hazard to other drivers. If a law enforcement officer observes suspicious behavior, they can legally perform a traffic stop of the suspicious vehicle. If the driver appears to show signs of being under the influence such as slurred speech, has alcohol on their breath, or appear to be incoherence then the officer has the right to perform what is called a field sobriety test. A sobriety test will include things such as walking in a straight line, counting backwards, or closing your eyes and touching your nose.

what-is-dui If the driver has trouble performing any of these tests then the officer can next ask to perform a BAC, or blood alcohol content test. There are two ways to administer a BAC; either a blood test or breath test. Most law enforcement use a breathalyzer to administer the test. If the test shows a result that is over the legal limit, then the driver may be immediately arrested and taken to jail long enough for them to sober up. Officers must act quickly to process any charges or to do any more tests because as a person’s body processes the alcohol, their BAC level will decrease. Suspected drivers can always refuse a BAC but they will still end up in jail and they will need to call a lawyer to fight the charges.

Is A DUI A Felony

It depends on the nature of the offense. For a first time DUI offense it is considered a misdemeanor. However, there are always exceptions. Even if it is your first DUI, if someone was injured or killed because of your actions, some states will seek to raise the offense to a felony. If someone died, you could be charged with reckless homicide. At the very least, it would be considered manslaughter. Drivers who have been convicted of DUI numerous times may face felony charges for being a repeat offender. Repeat offenders with three or more DUI’s would be considered as having never learned their lesson so they are generally charged to the full extent of the law.

How Severe Are The Penalties For A DUI

The penalties for a DUI can be very severe. At the very least, you will spend time behind bars at some point. Most state laws have a minimum jail time for drivers charged with DUI. Usually this is when the driver is first arrested after either failing or refusing a BAC. There are also what is termed as aggravating circumstances that can lengthen that jail time. Aggravating circumstances include things like driving 30 mph over the speed limit, driving the wrong way, having an alcohol level of .18 or higher, and causing an accident that results in injury.

Penalties that incur depend on how many DUI offenses you have. For a first time offense, a driver can face a fine of anywhere from $200 to a $400. You are also looking at some jail time of between 2 to 30 days in a county jail. Your drivers license can be suspended for up to 4 months and you may be required to take a counseling course of alcohol and drug abuse. First time offenders will be on probation and have to serve several hours of community labor.

If you have more than one DUI offense, the penalties get more severe. The fines get higher. A second offense can cost you $500 while a third offense can be as high as $2000. Repeat offenses also have longer stays in the county jail or you could be looking at a year in a federal prison (if the charges are a felony). You could lose your license for 3 years and have to go to a mandatory in-house substance abuse treatment program.

If a driver goes to prison for felony charges, the problems to not end once they get out and get back behind the wheel. There are many states that have passed laws requiring the driver’s vehicle to be equipped with a built-in breathalyzer. This device tests the blood alcohol level of the driver before they can ever start their car. If the blood alcohol level is above the legal limit, the car will not start and gets locked down for a minimum of a few hours. Only when the driver can delivery a legal breath test will the car start.

What Is The Difference Between A DUI and A DWI?

December 25th, 2012 |

The terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are both terms used to describe drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are legal penalties for being charged with either offense but those charges vary depending on state laws. Every state has different laws regarding dangerous driving but generally, a DUI is a lesser charge that a DWI. But what is the difference between a DUI and a DWI? What are the charges for each? Before you decide to get behind the wheel after a night of celebrating, you should read about the consequences you could face.

Driving Under the Influence

Depending on what state you are in, driving under the influence is the lesser charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. A DUI signifies a lesser degree of intoxication which is determined by the driver’s blood alcohol level. In some instances, if a driver gets charged with a DWI, the charges may be lessened to a DUI if it was the driver’s first offense. However, for this to happen the case needs to meet some certain conditions. For one, if the driver’s blood alcohol level is just barely over the legal limit, they may only be charged with a DUI. Another reason is if the driver appeared to be genuinely remorseful for their actions.

Another difference in the two charges is that a DUI can refer to a driver being impaired by either alcohol or drugs. The drugs do not have to be illegal substances. There are over the counter drugs and prescription drugs that can impair a person’s driving. In some states, a DUI is evenly applied to people operating a boat or airplane while under the influence. In Texas, a DUI is only given to minors (under the age of 21) because any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. A DUI can also be issued for a person simply having alcohol in the vehicle and within easy reach.

Driving While Intoxicated

difference-dui-dwi Driving While Intoxicated is a more severe charge in most states. It definitely carries more penalties. A DWI usually only refers to being intoxicated by alcohol. The driver must already be in a state of inebriation and their blood alcohol level would be over the .08 legal limit, which is higher than that required for a DUI. Repeat offenders with a record of DUI’s can also be charged with DWI. The reasoning is that the driver has not corrected their ways and thus should be subject to harsher penalties.

Some states have different requirements for a DWI. In Texas, for instance, anyone caught drinking and driving and is over 21 years old is issued a DWI, no matter how much their blood alcohol level is.

Zero Tolerance

Despite the different acronyms, laws regarding drunk driving are constantly changing. The fine line between the two charges is slowly disappearing. Many states have adopted what is called a zero tolerance attitude towards drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence. They view any blood alcohol level above the legal limit to be the same offense. This means that the state will prosecute a driver to the full letter of the law, no matter what the circumstances. Thus they do not recognize a difference between a DUI and a DWI. Some states, such as Minnesota, do not even use the term DUI. Other states now use DUI to refer to drugs and DWI to refer to alcohol. As the laws in the United States continue to change, it would come as no surprise to see one term to disappear entirely and to have only one law that covers all forms of substance-related driving.

Do I Need A DUI Attorney?

December 25th, 2012 |

Let’s say you have been to a party or a bar and had a few drinks. You feel okay so you decide to drive yourself home. You think you are driving safely but next thing you know there are flashing lights behind you and you are being pulled over for drunk driving. Even if you feel fine, the police officer has a right to administer a sobriety test if he suspects that you have been drinking. If you fail it or refuse it, guess what? You are getting charged with DUI.

What is DUI? DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence and is a term used to describe drivers who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There can be some serious penalties, even for first time offenders. Whether you have ever had a DUI before or not, you may ask yourself “Do I need a DUI attorney”? If you feel that you are in the right or if you just want to try to get of with only a slap on the wrist, you should check into hiring a DUI attorney.

Why Do I Need A DUI Attorney

Every year, each state enacts stronger drunk driving laws with stiffer penalties. The consequences of being convicted of a DUI are a suspended license, fines, and possible jail time. Also, you could end up with a criminal record and the rates on your car insurance will sky rocket. If any of that sounds unpleasant to you, you need the services of a DUI attorney. A DUI attorney is a defense lawyer who specifically deals with laws and legal ramifications regarding drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They represent clients that have been charged with a DUI or DWI. They even represent clients that were under the influence of operating a boat or a plane while intoxicated. The attorney can help their client to better understand the charges and consequences the client is facing and the attorney can act in their defense.

need-dui-attorney A competent DUI attorney will be able to point out positive aspects of their client which may convince the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser offense. A DUI attorney should also be familiar with the personalities and attitudes and may be able to arrange it so that their client’s case is handled by a more lenient judge. By presenting the case in a positive way to the judge, it may influence sentencing and may help arrange to have the fines paid off in a reasonable manner. Another benefit of having a DUI attorney handle your case is that they can help you to reinstate your driver’s license if it was suspended and they can help you in dealing with a probation officer.

If it is your first time offense and your blood alcohol level was not much over the legal limit, or no one was hurt, you might get by without a DUI attorney. But if you can afford it, why risk it. It never hurts to have some legal counsel. However, if you are a repeat offender who could be looking at time in a county jail or even federal prison, you should take advantage of any legal counseling you can get.

Since a DUI could be a criminal offense, you have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is never a good idea to represent yourself, even if you have had some legal training. Even if you cannot afford one up front and do not want a court-appointed attorney, you should still try to find an attorney. Many of them will work with you to set up a payment plan or even a discount.

What Should I Look For In A DUI Attorney

First, you should make sure that your lawyer deals specifically with DUI cases. They will be the most familiar with the ever-changing state laws and will know how to navigate through the legal system. If you try to use a general practice lawyer or one that specializes in another area, you may be at a disadvantage when you go to court.

Many DUI lawyers will give you a free first visit. Don’t be afraid to use this first visit to shop around to a few different lawyers and get their take on how they would handle your case. There is nothing that says you have to stick with the first lawyer you go to. Before you choose a DUI attorney, ask them how long they have been in practice. Experience does count, you know.

After getting a feel for the competition, so to speak, you can better decide which attorney you should use.

When deciding on a DUI attorney to represent you, you need to ask them what their standard fee is for their services. Not all attorneys charge the same. If you can’t afford the entire amount up front, check and see if they have payment plans. You might be able to put down a deposit and then make monthly payments. It is true that you should not skimp on matters that involve legal issues but some lawyers who are cheaper will likely be just as capable in the courtroom as the high priced lawyers.

Where Can I Find a DUI Attorney?

You can find a DUI attorney in a variety of ways. You can always look in the local yellow pages and find one that specializes in DUI cases. If there are several listed, call up each one and see if they offer free first visits. You can also ask at your county courthouse for information on lawyers in your area.

Another good place to check is the internet. There are a number of sites for each state that has listings for DUI attorneys. Two such sites are DUIAttorney.com. and DUI.com. Both have advice on finding an attorney to represent you along with listings divided into the separate states.

Barring that, you can also try word of mouth. Talk with friends, family, or anyone you know if they know of a good lawyer.

Where To Find Driving Schools

December 25th, 2012 |

Driving a motor vehicle is a difficult and dangerous task. We may take it for granted but think about it. You have to know the mechanics of how to properly operate your vehicle such as acceleration, braking, steering, gauging distances, speed control, and the rules of the road. That isn’t even counting having to pay attention to things like obstacles, road conditions, other drivers, pedestrians, and a number of other factors. There really is a lot for your brain to keep up with. Once you have some experience behind the wheel, it may seem easy but when you are just learning, it can be a little overwhelming. So you can see that it is important to know which is the best driving school. Just like any other school, you want the driving school that will give you the best education. If you have a teenager who is ready to start driving or you need some driving instruction, you may be wondering where to find driving schools.

Where To Look

There are lots of places that you can look for driving schools. The first and most obvious place is probably the Yellow Pages in the phone book. You can look up the category of driving schools or driving education and see what is in your area. The best schools may not necessarily have the biggest ad. All that proves is how big their budget is for advertising.

Another good point about where to find driving schools is the internet. Doing an internet search for your area should bring up a list of possible schools as well as any websites. If there are driving schools with websites, this is a great opportunity to find out as much as you can about them before choosing them. Looking up driving schools on the internet can also allow you to price compare if their rates are listed.

Word of mouth is also a great way to find driving schools. You can check with friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and anyone else that may have had to take driving school recently. Word of mouth is probably one of the best ways to get a recommendation about a school. The person you are asking will likely have information about the school that could prove helpful in your decision.

Check Them Out

where-driving-schools Once you have looked up several driving schools, you need to check them out to make sure they are the right schools for you. The first step in this is to check with your state’s Better Business Bureau. The BBB will have any records of any complaints against the schools. If a school has several complaints, then you should scratch them off your list.

Besides the Better Business Bureau, there are some other things you need to check out. You need to know if the school is certified, if a car is provided or if you have to use your own, what are their prices, are their hours flexible, how long they have been in business, and (most importantly) how much experience do their instructors have. If you go to a driving school and the instructor looks like he just graduated from high school an hour ago, you might want to look elsewhere for someone with more experience. You also need to know how long one session takes (a few days, weeks, or months). Ask to see the license of the school and the instructor as well as proof of insurance. A good driving school should have its own insurance.

Asking any of these questions should be no problem to a good driving school. They should expect these questions and be ready to answer them. If anyone should get offended at being asked or if they act like they don’t have time to answer them, then it is not the right school for you.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to check around at some of the other driving schools, the DMV, or people you know for references for a school. And also make sure to compare rates. Most driving schools should charge around the same amount but you can always check to see if any of them are having special deals or discounts. You should always try to pick a school that meets your budget.

What You Should Look For

We are talking about education here, even if it is behind the wheel. You also want your money’s worth. A good driving school should have a well-rounded program. When choosing a school, the best ones should give the student driver ample time in the driver’s seat. Nothing beats experience, after all. If you can find a school where the student driver gets one-on-one time with an instructor, even better. A good driving school should cover all the different conditions that can occur on the road such as accidents and weather. Not everyday is a sunny day so you are going to have to drive in all conditions.

You should also check to see if the driving school covers any extras besides how to handle a vehicle. Some schools may teach students how to navigate using a map or even a GPS device. The vehicles being used should also be late model cars that are well-maintained. You don’t want to take driving lessons in a car that might not even make it up the block. The location should be up-to-date as well. You want a classroom that is at least modern and clean, not in some back alley storeroom.

Another point about good driving schools is that you want to feel comfortable with the school. Whether it is you or your child taking classes, you don’t want to attend any driving school where you are made to feel uncomfortable or nervous. You should be able to trust your instructors and if you can’t do that, then you should try a different driving school.

Convenience also counts in a driving school. There may be a good school in the next county but you don’t want to drive two hours just to get there. Look for a good school that is nearby or at least close enough that the drive time is comfortable enough for you.

Benefits of Driving School

There are many reasons to take driving school. One is if you received one or more driving tickets. Driving school can allow for those violations to be cleared from your record and for the fines to be reduced. Driving school can also benefit your monthly bills by reducing your car insurance. It may be time-consuming having to meet the class schedule but the payoff can be well worth it.

Above all, taking lessons from a professional driving instructor can only benefit you when you are on the road. When checking into places where you can find driving schools, you want a school that will make you a better all-around driver and can prepare you to pass that dreaded DMV driving test.

Is Diesel Fuel And Fuel Oil The Same Thing?

December 25th, 2012 |

Fuel oil is the heaviest form of commercial fuel. It has many uses, everything from heating, transportation, and marine fuels. Like all other fossil fuels, it is made from crude oil. Fuel oil is mainly for industrial use and is most commonly known as a fuel type called diesel. But is diesel fuel and fuel oils the same thing? No, they are not. Diesel fuel is only one type of fuel oil. Fuel oil is actually broken down into several categories. So what is the difference in diesel fuel and fuel oil? What are some of the other categories of fuel oils?

What Is Diesel Fuel

Eighteen-wheelers, heavy work trucks, and a few types of cars all have something in common: they all run on diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is heavier than gasoline but lighter than lube oil. It is a blend of petroleum compounds called middle distillates and might contain additional additives. Other types of middle distillates include kerosene and No. 2 Heating Oil.

Unlike gasoline, which is ignited in the engine by the spark plugs, diesel fuel operates under compression. In a diesel engine, diesel fuel is injected into a into the compressed, high-temperature air in th diesel-fuel-oil e combustion chamber and ignites spontaneously. The air is compressed by a piston that travels up the cylinder. When the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, diesel fuel is injected into the cylinder. The friction of the compression causes the fuel to ignite.

All diesel fuel has a cetane number. This is the measure of the ease in which diesel fuel is ignited in your engine. The cetane number of diesel describes the fuel’s ability to smoothly start-up, warm-up period, and even combustion. Every type of diesel engine has a minimum cetane requirement. However, if the cetane number os higher than what is recommended, it does not necessarily improve the performance and efficiency of the diesel engine. Most manufacturers of diesel engines recommend diesel fuels with a cetane number of at least 40 and most fuels meet or exceed this requirement..

Diesel fuels vary depending on the distillery facility. This depends on the latitude and weather of the facility. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel does not react well with cold. Heavier diesel fuels will thicken and congeal in cold weather which is why diesel engines are often left running when it cold. Otherwise the engine may not start.

Diesel fuel is not as volatile as gasoline, kerosene, or other types of fuels. Depending on the method of distilling, diesel fuel will have a flash point (the point of combustion) of anywhere from 120-degrees to 160-degrees. It does not burn as clean as gas, though, which is why diesel pumps and engines are often dirtier than their gasoline counterparts. This is also why you see smoke coming from the stacks of an eighteen-wheeler every time it changes gears.

There is a cleaner burning form of diesel fuel which is called biodiesel. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oil or animal fat. It works due to the reaction of alcohol with fatty-acids to produce a mono-alkyl ester. The technology is still in the early stages but a blend of biodiesel and petroleum fuel can be used in diesel engines without any harm or modifications to the engine.

What Is Fuel Oil

Fuel oil is classified as any liquid fuel that is burned in a furnace or broiler to generate heat or is used in an engine to provide power. In a broad term, fuel oil is referred to as the heaviest form of commercial fuel. Fuel oils are created by distilling crude oil and removing different fractions to make the different types of fuel. It is comprised of a mixture of petroleum distillate hydrocarbons. Fuel oil is made of long hydrocarbon chains, particularly alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatics.

Fuel oil is divided into two main types which are then broken down into six different categories or grade numbers. The two types are distillate oils and residual oils. Distillate oils are refined from crude oil. Residual oils are less common because they are so thick, they have to be heated with special equipment before use and they contain a high amount of pollutants such as sulfur.

The grades go from grade No. 1 through No. 6. depending on their boiling point composition and purpose. No.1 through 3 are distillate oils and No. 4 through 5 are residual oils. The higher the grade of fuel oils, the cheaper they are. For instance, No. 6 grade cannot be used in vehicles and small engines but it is the cheapest fuel available. The grades for fuel oils are as follows:

No. 1: Similar to kerosene and is the fraction that boils off right after gasoline.
No. 2: This is diesel fuel that trucks and some cars run on. It is also referred to as road diesel.
No. 3: is a distillate fuel oil and is rarely used.
No. 4: This fuel oil is often a blend of distillate and residual fuel oils but is sometimes just a heavy distillate. It can be classified as diesel, distillate or residual fuel oil.
No. 5: A residual fuel oil which is heavier than the distillate oil. This is is a mixture of No. 6 (about 75-80%) with No. 2. Used in boilers, trains, and large ships.
No. 6: A residual fuel oil also called Bunker C. This is the remains of the crude oil after gasoline and the distillate fuel oils are extracted through distillation. Used in boilers, trains, and large ships.

What’s the Best Way to Fix a Dent in Your Car?

December 25th, 2012 |

We’ve all done it — pulled into a parking spot a little too fast and dinged the fender, or watched as a rogue shopping cart made its way across the parking lot to put a nice dent on the side of our car. Almost everyone’s been in some kind of “fender bender”, or minor traffic accident where there were no serious injuries or damage, just an unsightly dent on the body of our automobile.

What’s the best way to fix a dent in your car?

Most of the time, minor dents just aren’t worth the expense of taking the car to a body shop. Not only is the shop going to charge you for any parts used in repairing your car, but you’re going to pay hefty labor fees, and even if it only takes thirty minutes to fix the dent in your side panel, at $70 or $80 per hour, the labor costs can add up. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can repair minor dents in your car without having to hand your wallet over the body shop.

If you’re a bit handy, you can take care of the problem on your own at very little expense. Commercial dent and ding repair kits exist just for this purpose — they include everything you might need to fix a minor dent, except perhaps for a bit of paint or primer, depending on the kit.

Many of these kits use suction cups or similar devices, giving you the advantage of eliminating the need to drill holes in the finish of your car to remove a dent.

If your dent is a bit on the large side, or if you aren’t willing to put your faith in the commercial dent repair kit, you’ll need to follow a few steps, and pick up a few items you may not already have around the garage, in order to get the job done.

Repairing Your Car Dent

fix-dent-car For instance, before getting started on repairing your car dent, you’ll need to borrow or purchase a dent pulling kit or dent pulling tool, along with an item known as a “dolly” — essentially a piece of equipment which is designed for flattening and reshaping metal. A metalworking hammer will be necessary as well. If you don’t have a handy friend you can borrow these items from, you can rent them from car part shops, or buy them outright for future dent repair.

Besides the dent pulling tool, dolly and the metalworking hammer, be sure you have the following tools and equipment on hand –

power drill
1/8″ drill bit
medium grit disk attachment for power drill
body filler
36-grit sandpaper
120-grit sandpaper
600-grit sandpaper
spray primer
matching automotive paint

Home Car Dent Repair Steps

These are the steps needed to complete a home car dent repair :

Measure the dent and locate the center.
Drill a hole in the dent with a 1/8″ drill bit. If you’d rather not use a power drill, don’t have one on hand, or are afraid to drill into your car’s body, you can use a hot glue gun to glue a plastic dent pulling adapter to the center of the dent. These adapters and also the glue guns are included in many of the aforementioned dent removal kits. You’re likely to have more success using a drill, but if you’re not handy with tools or are looking for a quick fix, the plastic adaptor method will suffice.
With your dent pulling tool, thread through the newly drilled hole. If you’re using the plastic adaptor method, attach the dent pulling tool to the plastic circle that you’ve hot glued on the dent.
After the dent pulling tool is in place, apply pressure in order to flatten the dent or “pull it out”. What you’re left with will be an unsightly bulge in your car’s body, most likely with the paint chipped or rubbed completely off. But — the dent is out, and you’re on your way to fixing it.
While holding the dolly firmly against the back of the dent, carefully hammer the front of the dent using the metalworking hammer. To get at the dent, you might have to crawl underneath the car, or open the trunk or hood to access the location of the dent. Either way, you want the hammer to be hitting the body of the car with the dolly on the other side. Think of it as a car body sandwich, with your hammer and the dolly as the bread.
Once the dent has been hammered out, and the car body looks the way it did before it was dinged, use a medium grit disk mounted on a drill to grind the remaining paint down to bare metal.
You should grind at least one inch of paint down around the dent and scratched paint itself. This will allow for a more natural look.
Fill the entire ground down area with auto body filler. Allow the filler to dry completely before moving on.
Starting with 36-grit sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood, sand the area you’ve just filled with body filler. After finishing up with the 36-grit paper, you can either work your way up to a 120-grit sandpaper, or go straight for the 120-grit — the idea is to smooth out the body filler so it looks like the dent was never there. The more time you take with this step, the better the repaired dent will look.
Once you’ve sanded the body filler completely, use a spraypaint style primer to “prime” the area to be painted. Be sure to use a primer that is specially designed for automotive use, as the kind of primer you’d use on your home simply won’t work here. When priming your car’s body, use as many as seven coats of primer, though five or six will do in a pinch. Allow each coat of primer to dry completely before you apply the next coat.
Back to the sandpaper. Sand the primer using a 600-grit wet and dry sandpaper. The idea here is to remove any scratches.
You’re almost done. All that’s left is to match your primed and sanded area to the color of the rest of your car. Matching automotive paint can be difficult — ask for help at the local parts or paint store. If the paint is not smooth after you’ve applied it, resand and repaint the area until you have a smooth surface.
It isn’t as easy as simply driving your car into the body shop for every dent and scratch you get — but if you invest in the proper tools and paint, you can save a ton of money over time doing your own minor body work at home. Besides, the sense of pride you get from repairing your car on your own is worth the sweat and the effort. The next time you find yourself with a minor dent in your car’s body, don’t fret. Between the commercial kits and the above steps, you won’t have to waste time and money at the body shop.

What Makes A Classic Or Collector Car?

December 25th, 2012 |

When most people think of classic cars, they think of the ’57 Chevy hardtop, the ’61 Chrysler 300G, or a classic ’67 Corvette. But there are many types of classic collector cars out on the market and roaming the highways as part of a car club. There are even some new models that are already considered classic cars. But what makes a car a classic or collector car?

Requirements of a Classic or Collector Car

Classic collector cars can be both foreign exotics and domestic American steel. It is hard to pinpoint the requirements of a classic or collector car. So many people have so many different opinions and preferences. Overall, a classic car is one that has stood the test of time and whose value is no longer depreciating. If you want to try to find a better definition, here are some points on what makes a car a classic or collector car.

Age of a Collector Car

classic-collector-car The year that the car was made is a significant factor in whether a car is a collector’s item or not. Generally, the older the car, the more value it has. There are some classic car clubs who do not consider a car a collector’s item unless it was made prior to 1948. These cars are true classic models and are harder to come by. However, there has been much dispute about age because of the number of great cars manufactured in the years after 1948. There are clubs that are specifically for cars produced during the 50’s, 60’s, or after.

If you are not sure when a certain model of car was made, you can always check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Once you have it, you can practically look up all the details about the car online. There are several sites that have complete lists of VIN’s for classic cars. By looking them up, you can better find out a classic car’s worth and whether it is considered a classic collector’s item.

Appeal of the Classic Car

The general appeal of a car is another factor in whether it is a collector car or not. Cars that were not popular when they were produced are rarely considered classics. No one wanted to buy them then and no one wants to buy them now. However, a classic usually starts out popular when it was first manufactured and retains that popularity as it gets older. Mostly the appeal is for nostalgic purposes within certain age groups. But sometimes a car’s design is so solid and clean that it just stands up to the test of time.

Number of Cars Produced and Availability

The value of collector cars is influenced by the number of models produced in the year they came out. Some models in the later years saw a high volume of production and thus the market price is lower than cars of limited production. Many vintage cars prior to World War II had limited production runs. Some cars may have only had a few hundred of their kind ever made. So the lower the production run, the more valuable the car will be. If there is a model of car that were mass produced, their market value will not be that high. However, it should be mentioned that some classic car buyers are interested in cars for nostalgia, not a high market value. They collect the cars simply because they like them and have good memories about them.

Another thing to consider is availability. Some models just don’t have many actual cars left on the market. Many vintage cars have disappeared because the owners at the time did not think that the cars would one day be collectibles. So when the cars broke down, they were usually scrapped. Original parts are hard to come by now so many vintage models have bits and pieces replaced with replica parts. Cars that are all original are worth much more than cars with replacement parts.

Collector Car Historical Relevance

One more thing to consider that makes a car a classic is whether the car has any historical relevance. Some car models might have been the first to premiere a new type of engine or unique option which makes them much more valuable. Some cars have represented certain generations. An example is the Volkswagen Bug and Volkswagen Van, both of which are associated with the 1960’s hippie movement. Another thing that makes cars relevant is if they have appeared in popular media such as television and movies. An example of this is James Bond’s Aston Martin or the Lincoln Futura used to make the Batmobile from 1966 television series. So if the car has any relevance historically or culturally, it can make a car a classic.

Car Model Eras

There are some people who try to categorize car models into eras. For example, there is the muscle car era, the bullet era, the box-type era, and so on. A better classification of eras is one which divides classic cars into three categories according to the year the cars were manufactured. There are the antique cars which were manufactured from 1880 up to the start of WWI. There are vintage cars that were made between 1916 to 1924 and are considered the start of the real ‘automobiles’. Then there is the classic car era from 1925 up to the recent past. Eras might be a good way to classify some collector cars but there are still that fall outside the categories. Basically, it depends on the market and individual preference.

How Do I Know How Much My Collector Car Is Worth?

December 25th, 2012 |

Car enthusiasts love their automobiles. From the curve of the body to the shine of the chrome, a car can have both sentimental as well as monetary value. Collector cars are highly sought after by car hobbyists. They are the only type of car whose value goes up the older the car gets.

There are many factors in a car becoming a collector’s item. Collector cars are determined by make, model, and year along with current availability. If a car was a limited edition from 50 years ago and there are only a handful left in the world, then they are going to be worth a lot more than a car that had a long production line. Some cars may also be worth more to certain collectors who are willing to pay above the appraised price. One of the best places to find other car collects who might be willing to buy a collector car is at a collector car club.

So if you are a car enthusiast with a collector car, you are no doubt proud of your treasure on wheels. But at some point you may want to know “How do I know how much my collector car is worth”? You may decide to sell it and need to know how much to ask. You may also want to increase the insurance on it. Whatever the reason is, here are some ways to find out.

Condition Of The Collector Car

collector-car-worth The condition of your car is the most important thing to consider when trying to figure out how much your collector car is worth. You should consider all the aspects of it. Are there any dents, scrapes, dings, or holes in the body? Are there any rust spots? Does the car still have its original paint or is the paint job new? What is the condition of the paint job? These are all questions you need to ask yourself about your car. Remember to be honest. If someone else is appraising your car, they will know what to look for so it does no good to exaggerate the car’s condition.

The car’s value will also be more if it still has its original parts. For everything that has been replaced, the value will go down. There are kit cars that you can put together that look like an original. While these kit cars will still fetch a good price, an original model will always be worth more.

Collector Car Limited Or Plentiful

You may still be wondering how do I know how much my collector car is worth. The next thing to consider is if the collector car came in a limited number or if it had a large production run. Any car that is part of a limited edition or if there were only a small number of the cars ever made will be worth a lot more than a car that had a high production run. The reasoning is that there are going to be few left limited cars left that will be in good condition. The more rare the car, the more valuable it will be.

Collector Car Worth Online

Once you have given your car an honest inspection, now you can find the answer to the question “how do I know how much my collector car is worth”. One good source is to find out a collector car worth online. There are several sites for car collectors, hobbyists, and antique car dealers. Check them out to see what other people are asking for their collector cars. You will likely find all types of cars in all kinds of conditions. You can also do a web search by typing in the model of car that you have and see what results come up. When checking out other people’s cars look at their photos carefully and compare their cars to yours. If you think that your car is in better condition than theirs, then you can adjust your car’s worth appropriately. A good site that is a must for any car collector is black book usa. Go there and check out CPI. This is the “Black-Book” of car collectors and is often used by banks or insurance agencies.

Published Collector’s Car Guide

Another great source for finding the value of your collector car is to look it up in a published collector’s car guide. There are several out there so you may want to reference one or more of the published price guides. A good one to check out is the Old Cars Price Guide magazine which you can find on just about any magazine rack. If you reference this magazine, be sure you understand how the point system works. Many people don’t take the time to learn it and so they think their car is worth more than what is realistic.

Hire An Appraiser

Probably the best way to find out how much your collector car is worth is to hire an appraiser. This professional will be well versed in classic cars and they will know the current market. Hiring an appraiser is a must if you are going to insure your collector car for what it is truly worth. Without a professional appraisal, if something happens to your car, your insurance company may try to give you only the minimum value which could be less than half of what it is really worth.

How Do I Start A Collector Car Club?

December 25th, 2012 |

There are people all over the world who share the same passion and interests in collector cars. When you go to the car shows and talk to some of the hobbyists, you will find that they all have one thing in common. They love their cars. Collector car clubs have been around for a long time. They formed as a way for owners to get together to discuss their classic cars, to help one another out in restoring them, and to support one another by going to car shows to display their wheeled treasures.

When someone mentions a car club, you naturally think of a bunch of guys in a garage tinkering around with an old hot rod. There are many different types of collector car clubs all across the country. Some center around one type or model of car while others are open to anything that has been restored. Also, some clubs are ‘guys-only’ while others encourage family participation. If you are a car collector and have been driving solo for awhile, you may eventually wonder how do I start a collector car club. It is relatively easy and may rely solely on word of mouth to attract a few members. It can be as informal as you like just so long as all the members have fun.

Picking a Collector Car Club Theme

collector-car-club So exactly how do I start a collector car club? The first thing to do is to decide on whether you want the club to have a theme. For example, there are some clubs that are only for classic corvettes and others that revolve around the collector car’s worth. You may even find clubs that are only for collector cars produced before a specific date. There are car clubs for Ford Model T’s, mustangs, foreign cars, hot rods, lowriders, and everything in between. Before you begin picking a collector car club theme, you should check to see if there are other owners in your area with the same style of collector car as you. If there are enough, you could center the theme around that type of car.

If there is not enough of one type of collector car in your area, you could just have the club membership open to anyone with a collector car. Or you may just have a passion for any type of classic car and don’t want to limit the membership. Keeping the membership open to a wide range of classic car owners will definitely draw in a larger crowd and the diversity can really add to the club’s dynamics.

Finding Members For A Car Club

One trick to starting your own collector car club is finding members for a car club. A lot of clubs make the mistake of allowing anyone with a collector car into the club. However, you should consider the person, not the car. The owner of a collector car may be difficult to get along with or they may not be committed to showing up to the meetings and participating in club-sponsored events. When choosing the right members, you should choose a person who all the other members like and get along with, someone who is knowledgeable and can contribute to the club, and someone who can adhere to the club’s rules. If the club is guys-only and the person keeps bringing his girlfriend to all the meetings and events, then he probably won’t be a good fit.

Establishing Some Rules

Another good tip on how do I start a collector car club is to establish some club rules. This is a list of by-laws that every member of the club should recognize and obey. Usually the rules are no-brainers and anyone with the same interests in cars will find them easy to follow. The rules can set the club standard. For instance, one of the rules may state that all cars need to be complete with a finished paint job in order to appear in any of the car shows. Another rule could be that at public events, all members have to wear the club shirt or jacket.

Do The Shows

When starting a collector car club, it is important to appear at all of the local car shows. It is a good way to advertise and increase membership. Participating in a show is also a good way to bring exposure to the club and maybe get some coverage in some publications or websites. Going to car shows is one of the best opportunities to talk shop with other car hobbyists. You can learn new techniques, different approaches to solving problems, and can get help in finding some hard to find replacement parts.

Start A Website

Every collector car club needs a website. It doesn’t necessarily have to be fancy or heavy in animation and graphics. At the basic level, it just needs to be informative. The website needs to contain information on memberships, whether the club has a theme, when they meet, a monthly schedule with upcoming events, how to buy collect cars and everything else that members or potential members might find useful. The website should also contain photos of all the member’s collector cars. It is a great way to show off your car after all the effort you no doubt put into it to keep it in good shape. If you want members and visitors to be able to have online discussions, you should put in a forum.

What Is No Win No Fee Accident Compensation?

December 25th, 2012 |

Being a driver on today’s roads can be a hazardous undertaking that puts you and your car at risk. It’s like amateur night at Nascar. Sooner or later, there is going to be a wreck and it could be you getting hurt. Through someone else’s negligence, you might get a serious injury that could stay with you for years to come. You could be looking at a lot of medical bills that are difficult to pay and. The other driver may even claim that it is your fault. Sometimes the only way to settle it is through the courts. Few people enjoy getting involved in a lawsuit but sometimes it is the only option for getting any sort of compensation for the accident. If you have been involved in an accident and you want to seek compensation, you should seek the aid of a lawyer. The bad news is that lawyers are expensive. What if you have been injured but you can’t afford a lawyer’s hefty fees? What do you do? The answer is you can find a lawyer who will file a no win no fee accident claim.

What is a no win no fee accident claim? It is an agreement that your lawyer will only get paid if you win your claim. If you lose, the lawyer does not get paid and you are not out any money for trying. It is a great system for people who cannot normally afford a lawyer. So why would you file a no win no fee claim and how does it work? Check out the information below to find out all about it.

How No Win No Fee Accident Compensation Works

Let’s say that you get into an accident. You might sustain injuries immediately or they might not appear for many weeks or even a few years. Even if you have comprehensive auto insurance that covers injury, you could still end up with some serious medical bills. To help you pay for them, you can decide to file an accident claim and sue for damages.

what-accident-compensation There are many lawyers out there that are willing to operate with a no win no fee compensation claim. Even though you are not paying your lawyer out of your pocket, they are not really going to be working for free. Nor will they take a chunk of your compensation if you win, leaving you with less than you had hoped for or needed. Instead, if you win your case your lawyer’s fee actually comes from payouts by your opponent’s insurance company. If you happen to lose then your lawyer will take out what is referred to as ‘after-the-event’ insurance which will also cover their fee. So this means whether you win or lose your case, your lawyer will still get paid. The only thing that you will be at risk for is whether you get your compensation or not.

Another point about no win no fee compensation is whether you will have to pay your opponent’s legal fees if you lose. Rest assured, you won’t be out of pocket any money for that, either. If you take out ‘after-the-event’ insurance, not only will it pay your lawyer’s fees if you lose, it will also cover the cost of your opponent’s lawyer. Not only that but all those extras such as court fees and report fees will all be covered under this type of insurance. Without this type of insurance, you will be liable for all costs if you lose and the end total can be quite expensive. With ‘after-the-even’ insurance, you will walk away without paying a dime.

The best thing about a no win no fee compensation is that if you do win any compensation, it is all yours. The lawyer that you hire will not take his cut from it. For example, in a normal case, any amount that you win will be used to pay your lawyer as well as any court fees. A lawyer will charge what is called a success fee which can be up to 40% of the total amount awarded. This means that you will be taking home just over half of what you win.

With lawyer’s fees being practically free, people can make claims that they normally wouldn’t be able to financially afford. However, there are a few things you need to know before running out to make your first claim. This isn’t easy money. If you should lose the case, and your opponent has a similar claim with their lawyer, you will have to pay your opponent’s lawyer fees. The claiming process is not easy, either. It can be a long, drawn-out procedure. There are detailed medical examinations that you will be subject to. The court will require that a doctor examine your injuries to determine the extent of them and if they originated from an auto accident. So even if you feel that you have a good case, it may be some time before you see any compensation.

What New Cars are Coming to 2010?

December 25th, 2012 |

For all of you car enthusiasts out there it is time to start drooling. There are some great cars coming out in 2009-2010 and we thought you would like a sneak peak. This is definitely the time of the horse power enthusiast as many of the new cars coming out have any where from 250 horse power well up to 600 + horse power. There are quite a few models being replaced from companies such as Hyundai, Mazda, and Cadillac and some models are making a comeback such as the new Chevrolet Camaro. And for the people concerned with gas mileage, there a some vehicles coming out getting 34+ miles to gallon the highway. Please take a look below and try to contain yourselves, these cars do not come out for a couple months at least.

2010 Hyundai Genesis

Price Range $23,250-$26,500

The whole idea behind this car is to bring a lower priced car to true enthusiasts who would like to take matters into their own hands and tune their car to their own specifications. The Genesis comes with a 3.8L V-6 with 306 horse power standard at 6,300 rpms and 266 foot pounds of torque. It will have a compression ratio of 10.4:1 and runs on unleaded fuel. Be warned however, that even though they are suggesting that customers will be able to tune their cars, standard warranties will not cover damage as a result to aftermarket parts.

2010-hyundai-genesis

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3

Price Range $16,825-$22,300

Very few changes have been made to this model from last years Mazdaspeed 3 model. You can still find the 2.0 L in line 4 with a standard of 148 horse power at 6,500 rpms. Or you can try out the 2.3 L I-4 which will have 260 horse power. Some subtle changes have been made to the hood scoop and tail lights and it will come with 18 inch wheels similar to the RX8. There are plenty of options including 4 wheel ABS with brake assist, air conditioning, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. This will sure be a fast little wagon!

2010-mazda-3

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Price Range $22,245-$33,430

There are going to be quite a few options available to the public on this car from Chevrolet. You will have your choice between a 3.6L V6 with 300 horse power or you can have the power plant with a 6.2 L V8 that has over 425 horsepower. The Camaro will boast a gasoline direct injection system, 6 speed manual transmission, and a fuel mileage rating of about 16 in town and 24 on the highway. This current model has almost 100 more horsepower than its predecessor, the 1967 Camaro. It is 6 horse power shy of the 2002 V8 Z28 Camaro and 4 more horsepower than the Ford Mustang GT V8.

2010-chevrolet-camaro

2010 Kia Forte

Price Range Undisclosed (Should be close to the Spectra which is $14k)

The Kia Forte, which is replacing the Spectra, will arrive to the market with a 2.0 L, DOHC, 156 horsepower motor with the SX model having 173 horsepower and a 2.4L DOHC power plant. This sedan is expected to get mileage of around 34+ on the highway. It has many safety features such as 4 wheel disc brakes, stability control, 6 air bags, and active front headrests.

2010-kia-forte

2010 Ford Mustang

Price Range $20,995-$32,995

While there are quite a few secrets surrounding the new Ford Mustang, we can tell you that will have great options such as AC, Power everything, and Front and Side airbags with occupant sensors. The base model will be a V6 4.0 L with 9.7:1 compression and an estimated mileage rating of 17 city and 26 highway.

The GT500 model is styled after the AC Cobra’s of the 60′s. It is expected to have 540 horse power and a 5.4 L V8 supercharged motor. The expected price tag on this beast will be around $40-$50,000 with the convertibles being on the high side.

2010-ford-mustang

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 “Superveloce”

Price Range $354,000-$382,400 with a quantity of only 350

“Superveloce” means “High Speed” in Italian and that is no joke when you take a look at this monster. The Murcielago produces over 631 horsepower at 8,000 rpms and has a 11:1 compression ratio. It will be available in 7 different colors and has options such as DVD, CD and MP3. Some options such as navigation was left off to save on weight but can be added on at the request of the customer.

2010-lamborghini-murcielago

2010 Cadillac SRX

Price Range $40,460-$49,360

This SUV from Cadillac will have either a 3.0L V6 that has 260 horsepower or a 2.8L turbo charged V6 that will have 300 horsepower. It will have safety equipment such as stability control, brake assist system, and a electronic traction control via the ABS and engine management. This vehicle was aimed to be competition to the Lexus RX350. You will have the option of front wheel drive or all wheel drive and some great options such as dual screen entertainment system and pop up navigation.

2010-cadillac-srx

How to Buy a Used Land Rover

December 9th, 2012 |

How to Buy a Used Land Rover

There are plenty of reasons to buy a used Land Rover — this was one of the first civilian 4×4 utility vehicles (premiering in the late 40s) and these cars are known as the “luxury SUV” for a reason. If you want the convenience of a Jeep in a comfortable and more attractive package, you need a Land Rover.

Buying a used Land Rover can be a headache. Used car dealers are not as informed about the Land Rover as they may be about other makes — used car dealers just don’t see many Land Rovers through their doors. Dealing with untrained salesmen is the least of your worries. Since it is so difficult to have your Land Rover serviced, you need to make sure that the Rover you buy is mechanically sound. Anytime you buy a used car that normally runs for well over $30,000, you want to be sure you don’t have a lemon on your hands.
First, decide which model of used Land Rover you’re after. Are you interested in a Classic model? Maybe a Range Rover III? Before you head out the door to check out used Land Rovers, you need to know what classic mechanical problems these cars tend to have. Classic Rovers have problems with the steering box as well as the rear axle. Be sure to ask the dealer or private seller about the issues specific to your model. Other classic Land Rover mechanical problems:

coolant leaks
hose leaks
air suspension
sagging doors
stock springs

How to Buy a Used Land Rover Once you’ve found a model you’re interested in and have given it the once-over, it is time to write down the VIN and check the vehicle’s history. Write down the VIN (found either on the car’s title or in a little box set into the windshield) and head over to CARFAX to buy a vehicle history report. Yeah, you’ll need to shell out around $30, but finding out about a car’s sketchy history can save you a ton of money in the future. CARFAX will tell you if the vehicle’s been salvaged, how many owners it had, and all kinds of other useful info.

Finally, in your hunt for the perfect used Land Rover, be sure you’re buying a “clean” car. If you buy your used Land Rover from a privateseller, check to be sure there’s no liens on the vehicle and that the person who signs the Bill of Sale is the real owner of the car.

If buying from a dealer, maintain records of the warranty and all other papers — and yes, you need to read the fine print very carefully. Whatever is promised to you, get it in writing. Will the remaining original warranty be transferred into your name? Ask all your questions.

Owning a Land Rover doesn’t have to mean going broke — yes, they are nice cars and some models are quite expensive, but if you buy a used Land Rover (and follow all the suggestions above) you can drive off the lot in a new (to you) Land Rover at a big discount.

Why Is the Cash for Clunkers Program Controversial?

November 29th, 2012 |

Why is the Cash for Clunkers program controversial?

After writing about the so called “Cash for Clunkers” program a few weeks ago when it was announced, I was stunned to find out that there was a contingent of people who were against the program. Some people are using it to make a case against the entire Obama administration and their economic policies — still others point to this piece of legislation as unneccessary government subsidizing. As usual, both sides have valid points.

You know about the “Cash for Clunkers” program if you’ve had the news on the past week or so — the Federal government has decided to hand out vouchers of different amounts to people for trading in their old or inefficient cars for newer models with better gas mileage. It is a sort of “fleet modernization” that is unparalleled in American history.

First, a positive sign for the American economy — nearly half of the vehicles sold to this date under the “Cash for Clunkers” buyer incentive program put money in the coffers of General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler. That’s right — the big three automakers performed way above average among people purchasing a new car with the government incentive money.

Other information about how the “Clunker” program has fared so far — small passenger cars accounted for 60 percent of the nearly 90,00 sales during the first week of the program, this according to numbers reported to the government by various retail dealers through this past Saturday. It is a good sign that Americans are looking smaller in terms of their vehicles — smaller cars are generally more fuel efficient. So far, the top selling car among buyers using the incentive program is the Ford Focus.

This represents the first major assessment of how the program is working out at the consumer level. Remember that some consumers are offered a voucher of $4,500 to trade in those clunker vehicles for more efficient models. It is good news that Americans are putting their faith back in American cars. And remember when everyone on Capitol Hill was shouting about those “big 3″ manufacturers being a major piece of the American economy? Guess what — the program’s working for them.

According to Obama administration officials, the “Cash for Clunkers” incentive will prove to be a major economic stimulator during a nasty recession. Those some officials are putting heavy pressure on the Senate to approve a proposed $2 billion extension of the program by the end of this week. Without the additional money, says Obama and company, the program will die on the vine. Obama’s already won half of the battle — the House of Representatives voted in support of the extension package late last Friday. We’ll have to wait to hear what the Senate thinks about an extension — that chamber won’t consider the extension measure until the middle of this week.

Those who oppose the “Clunkers” program think of it as another form of the bank bailouts that caused so much controversy last year. You can tell them until you’re blue in the face that “Cash for Clunkers” isn’t anywhere near as expensive a program for the taxpayers, but they will cling to their “subsidization” argument. $1 billion might sound like a huge incentive program, but the payouts to financial institutions amounted to $2.5 trillion and climbing. These same detractors will admit that the program has caused renewed auto sales and put people in the doors of dealerships. They’ll admit that the timing of the incentive program was perfect for struggling auto manufacturers.

What they’ll also tell you is that some recent analysis made of the program by non partisan economics forecaster suggests that the program will have no noticeable impact on the actual number of car sales. In other words, these were car sales that didn’t depend on the voucher — rather, these vouchers hit some consumers when they needed it most, when their older less fuel efficient cars needed replacing anyway.

The “Cash for Clunkers” program is also being cited as a perfect example of the Obama administration’s lack of understanding about the economy — critics say that “Cash for Clunkers” borrows money from one source in order to stimulate a bit of economic activity — and even worse, that this stimulation “borrows growth” from the economic future. In short, critics of “Clunkers” warn that your future tax hikes will pay for your current “new car voucher”.

How Do I Reserve Child Safety Seats with a Car Rental?

November 19th, 2012 |

Reserving Child Safety Seats at a Car Rental Service

When you’re renting a car from a car rental service, there are likely to be dozens of questions you have about how the car rental works. When you’re preparing for a car trip with your family in a rental car, there are going to be even more items you need to pack in your luggage and things to bring along on your trip.

One set of items you can’t forget is the child safety seats, which can get lost in the shuffle of a big trip and the normal hassles of a car rental. You’ll need to remember to reserve child safety seats for your car rental, so you don’t have to bring car seats from the house along with your luggage.

With that in mind, here is how to reserve child safety seats with a car rental service. You’ll mainly need to make this a priority, so you don’t have to be scrambling around the day you pick up your car, tacking on additional charges to your car rental bill.

1. Select a Car Rental Company – If you’re renting a car after a flight, make certain that you choose a car rental that is on-site at the airport. The last thing you want is to be carrying around safety seats in a taxicab.

2. Select the Type of Car You’ll Rent – Remember to ask the sales representative whether the car you’ll be renting is designed to accommodate child safety seats. If not, ask for a list of similar cars that can accommodate your child safety needs.

3. Go To “Additional Items” on Your Rental Form – Most online rental forms or paper rental forms will have an “additional items” section or some other method of including frills. Click on this link on an online form and stipulate how many you need. On a fill-out form, simply write in the additional items box how many child safety seats you’ll need.

4. Tell the Service Representative Your Car Seat Needs – If you phone in your car rental, tell the sales rep what and how many car seats you want. Those who call in their orders need to go on the Internet to the car rental company’s website and confirm their rental.

As you make sure your car rental is in the system, confirm that your car seats are in your car rental order. Verification keeps you from having all kinds of problems on the day you pick up your rental car. Confirm that the vehicle you are renting is large enough to accommodate the car seats.

5. Ask For Help – If problems arise installing the safety seat in your car rental, ask your service rep that you need maintenance assistance. Most parents should be able to handle the car seats with no problem.

What Is Car Insurance?

September 22nd, 2012 |

Is there anything more confusing than shopping for car insurance? How can all those claims on TV that go “At ABC insurance our insureds save $400 over insurance with XYZ company” when XYZ company is making the same claim about ABC. Who’s fudging who?

Car insurance can be really complex and that’s how those commercials get away with their claims. The fact of the matter is each company will have a class of insured who has elected specific coverages that will be cheaper than another company. Nobody is comparing apples to apples and that’s not doing the consumer any favors.

The best thing a consumer can do to get the best deal on car insurance is to understand just what it is and what drives the cost. Armed with this information you can go shopping and compare apples and apples to find out who actually does have the best deal.

With that thought in mind consider the following:

For starters find out what your state requires for minimum coverage. This will vary from state to state as will the penalties for driving without insurance. In fact if you are an uninsured driver in California and you are hit by another vehicle, because you are uninsured you can not file a claim or sue for other than actual economic loss. That means no claim can be made for pain and suffering.

Liability coverage. This is the element of car insurance that most states require you to have. This insurance pays third parties for damage you cause to either property r persons. This coverage comes in a wide range of coverage levels each with a different cost.

Collision insurance. If you are involved in an accident and you are at fault, your collision coverage can be used to repair your car. Collision will come with a deductable. If you are a good driver you can choose the deductable yourself. If you are a high risk, the insurance may only offer you a higher deductable. Generally speaking, the higher the deductable (the amount you pay for the repairs) the lower the premium for the coverage.

Medical payments. This coverage pays out medical expenses for anyone inside your vehicle (including yourself) if they are injured as a result of an accident regardless whose fault it is.

Comprehensive coverage. Companies will package this differently but basically it is a fire and theft coverage. Depending on how the policy is written it will cover not only the theft of your car but items stolen out of the interior and the trunk.

What to do next

Now you know the basics of car insurance and you can start doing some informed comparison shopping. But just where do you start? Do you call up every company’s agent and ask for a quote? Even if you go to an insurance broker he or she is only going to represent a few different companies. So where can you go.

Actually the medical insurance industry was the first to revolutionize the way people shop for insurance when they created online health insurance quotes. The auto insurance people weren’t far behind and now there are massive brokers that offer free car insurance quotes online. Without question shopping for car insurance online gives you access to the most companies and of course saves an incredible amount of time.

Secure internet insurance sites

The insurance sites are secure and can get you quotes for comparison based on your exact specifications…no TV ads here. The most time consuming part of this process is entering the coverages that you want and submitting your driving experience. But you only have to do this once rather than doing it for each company.

What’s more is you can adjust the coverage levels after you have received you firs quotes for cost comparison to see how it impacts your cost. Shopping for car insurance is not fun but it has become faster and more effective thanks to the internet.

Author Bio

Laura Penekamp is a stay at home mom who loves to freelance articles. When she’s not busy with her three children Laura spends her time writing about all the ways a family can save money online.

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