1. Get Regular Oil Changes

Getting regular oil changes is perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain the life of your old automobile. Most car manufacturers recommend getting an oil change every three months or every 3,000 miles. Follow this guideline to maintain the life of your engine and to prevent corrosion. When the oil in your vehicle is not changed as recommended it loses its viscosity and lubricating properties. Since the engine is the life of a car, asking yourself “what’s my car worth?” can be determined by the quality of your engine.

2. Get Correct Grade Gas

Filling your gas tank with the recommended octane level will keep your engine running smoothly and enhance your car’s durability. The numbers 87, 89 and 92 that you see at the pump relate to the grade of octane from regular to premium. For example, if you have a BMW, regardless of age, it is a high performance automobile and requires premium 92 level gasoline. High performance vehicles in good condition are valuable and you can get free car valuations to find out the cash value of your car.

3. Maintain Heating/Cooling System

The simplest way to maintain your vehicle’s heating and cooling system is to use antifreeze or coolant. Maintaining a full level of antifreeze in your coolant reservoir will prevent the engine from overheating and not functioning normal in cold temperatures. Promptly fixing non-working air conditioner/heater will also prolong the life of your automobile.

Preparation is Key

A spontaneous road trip may seem exciting, but it’s a recipe for disaster. Bring along a few essentials for the road, such as extra water, a GPS, maps and a cell phone with a fully charged battery. These things will help you avoid disastrous situations if you find yourself lost or in trouble.

Accidents Happen

Although statistics say most auto accidents occur within 10 miles of home, many of them still happen farther away from home. If you are on a road trip and you are involved in an accident, your insurance should still cover you. However, you should always have the phone number of your Chicago accident attorney so you can get legal help if you have any problems with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance provider.

Stay on the Main Roads

There’s a reason there are so many horror movies made about a bunch of teenagers who take a shortcut or a road that is off the beaten path. It’s because you just shouldn’t take unfamiliar roads. You may not encounter the same creatures or people that you see in those movies, but it’s still just a bad idea all around.

These are just a few things you should know before you take your next road trip. A little bit of preparation beforehand can help you feel more comfortable in case you encounter a bad situation hundreds of miles away from home.

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It is essential to have transportation so that you can get to work and school, but it is also expensive. This means you should be very aware of your budget so that you get a car that you will be able to afford and that will also satisfy your needs. You are going to have to do a lot of research, so get prepared for a stressful situation.

One of the first things you need to do when you are looking for a new car is to sell your old one. This means you need to determine a price and then create a listing. If you are wondering, “How can I find the value of my car?” the answer is actually quite simple. You can go online to do some research. Compare your car to similar models that are also for sale and check out the Kelly Blue Book value. You can also check out used car prices at dealership websites and other places where used cars are listed.

Once you have sold your old car, you can use that money for a down payment on your new ride. The amount of money you receive for your old car can have a big impact on your budget for a new one, so try to get as much for your old ride as possible.

The next thing you need to remember is to look only at cars that are within your budget. This will help you avoid the temptation of buying something that will put too much financial strain on your budget. Be aware of your options, too. A lease can be a great way to get into a car that you normally would not be able to afford.

Use these tips for staying within your budget when buying a new car. They will make the process a whole lot easier and you’ll be happier in the long run.

One option you may want to look into is trading your old car for a new car. Some dealerships allow you to sell a car to them in order to receive a new car. If you would rather sell your car to a car-buying company and use the money toward a new car, you can do that, too. This is a great idea if you’re looking to buy a new car right now, but haven’t saved up quite enough money. If you’re wondering, “How much is my car worth?” you may want to go online or visit a dealership for a quote.

Most people buy new cars by applying for a loan. If you don’t have time to save money and need a new car immediately, this is a good option. There are plenty of places where you can apply for loans that accept different credit scores.

If you aren’t able to qualify for a loan, you may want to take the time to save up for a new car. Put aside some money from each paycheck so you are constantly increasing your savings. Paying for a car with your own money can help you avoid interest fees and keep you out of debt.

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Sweet on the outside, sour under the hood is how many car stories begin and it is not until the unsuspecting customer drives home or perhaps even months down the road before he or she realizes it’s a lemon. If you are thinking of buying a new car this doesn’t have to happen to you. Physical inspections can often be done on cars before they are purchased.

Most people are primarily worried with car finance; can I afford this car? Without thinking they take a car’s condition basically at face value. This can be a costly mistake. Professionals now provide a physical inspection that takes note of oil leaks, electrical issues, tires and much more. The downside is that it takes a little time, sometimes two to three days, and inspections can be a little pricey, costing upwards of $100. However, a service like this is invaluable to those who may not know the first clue in what to look for when purchasing a vehicle.

An alternative to having a full physical inspection is simply to make an arrangement with a mechanic you trust and ask him or her to give the vehicle you desire a quick once over. Mechanics can spot things even in a glance that automobile laymen may not. A deal like this can be a more affordable way to make an informed decision. A sign that says “Used BMW’s for Sale” would get anyone’s attention and customers with the knowledge of physical inspections can shop with confidence.

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When it comes to purchasing a used car one can never be too concerned about safety. It is important to check nearly every aspect of a used car before making a purchasing decision. There are checks that can be performed that are more than physical; you can find services that will look at every part of a cars previous ownership, service history and anything else that has been documented.

Physical Inspections are Important

Of course there is more to know than what is simply on paper. There are a variety of things that could have been done that would never have been reported. One of the best things you can do is to take any used car you are thinking about purchasing to a good mechanic that you trust and have them look over the car ensuring that it is in good working order and that all the safety elements are properly functional.

It’s not uncommon for some very shady car dealers to do things like disable warning lights instead of fixing the problem, or using fake steering wheel or dash inserts instead of the expensive airbags they have replaced. If the car has ever been in an accident it should have been reported, but in the event that it hasn’t make sure that you or your mechanic double check the integrity of the vehicles body and frame.

This isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Check for body panels that don’t quite line up, look for panels that look like they may have newer paint than the rest of the car.

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Driving safely should always be the number one priority for any driver on the road today. Although there are basic safety methods that are relevant across all forms of driving, there are certain things to keep in mind depending on the kind of road you are driving on.

This is especially relevant when you are driving on a highway. Increased speed limits and long travelling distances can make highway driving a precarious situation to be in. Highway driving should be treated slightly differently to driving on suburban streets and back roads.

The most important rule is to give the road your undivided attention. This involves focusing on yourself and your own driving as well as the drivers surrounding you on the highway. People who avoid accidents are good at pre-empting what the drivers around them are about to do because they have been paying attention to them.

Make sure that you can see clearly out of all your mirrors. This will help you to see exactly where other vehicles are when you need to change lanes. Always indicate before you make a move. Many people either fail to indicate at all, or wait until they are already moving the vehicle to indicate. An indicator is there to tell the drivers around you of what you intend to do so that it doesn’t cause an accident. Always keep a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you.

Finally, don’t multi-task whilst driving. Apply your makeup before you start driving, let your cell phone go to message bank and pull off the highway if you want to have a snack.

Sadly, this happens to many people every year. Car accidents are sudden and short-lived, and considering the trauma involved, often crucial evidence is lost during the damage to the vehicles. Let’s picture a fictional scenario: You were involved in a car accident in busy Los Angeles traffic, and you’re not entirely sure who caused the accident. You are injured and upset, your car destroyed and your debt piling up in the thousands from the medical bills, and then the bomb drops: the other person involved in the case is blaming you. Time to panic, right?

Relax. Go out and find yourself the best personal injury lawyer los angeles has to offer. Having a personal injuries lawyer will always give you an extra edge in cases like these where the actual cause of the accident is difficult to determine. Your personal injuries lawyer will not only help prove that you weren’t the cause of the crash, but he or she will always work with your personal and financial interests in mind. And in the worst case — that you turn out to actually be the cause of the accident — your personal injuries lawyer will work to minimize any penalties.

A search engine, like Canada 411, is an easy way to get a head start on what you need. The first thing you can search is the local listings of car dealers in your area. You’ll be able to get an idea of what they are offering and what, if any, negative feedback they have. The last thing you want to do is get yourself into dealing with people who are less than reputable.

In addition to finding the dealers in your area, you can begin searching for a little information about the kinds of cars you are interested in. You can look up the specs of cars as well as relevant information about their ratings and fuel efficiency. This will take the guess work out of your interaction with the dealer. You’ll go in armed with knowledge which will give you much better buying power.

Making sure you know where and what you are doing when you are shopping for a new car can make a stressful situation much easier to manage. So, get online and start finding the fuel efficient car of your dreams, then go get it and bring it home.

Car refinancing works the same way as home refinancing, with one exception. While home loans require an appraisal because refinancing is based on equity, car loans are based on how much you need to pay off the current loan. You must take several things into consideration when contemplating car refinancing. First and foremost you should consider the rates. It does not make sense to refinance unless you will be saving money. If you have an exceptionally low rate, you should hold onto it. However, if you were unable to secure a low rate for any reason and rates have dropped, you should try to take advantage of the opportunity. Second, you should consider how much longer you have until your auto loan is paid out. If you only have a few months left, refinancing may not be the best idea. Typically, refinancing costs would cost more or at least the same if you only have a short time left on the life of the loan. Another consideration is that most lenders frown upon refinancing their own loans. But if you shop around, it is easy to find lenders willing to accommodate your needs, especially if you have a proven history of paying on time.

Regardless of how much you owe on your vehicle, if you have a high interest rate, it is in your best interest to looking into car refinancing. Making your monthly payment lower can help you pay off the car faster and help you alleviate the burden of other bills.

8. Jersey City, New Jersey

This city boasts a population of just under a quarter of a million people. Even being so small, it still boasts a 50.2% higher rate of accidents per driver than the national average. If you live in Jersey city and you have gone more than 6.7 years without having an accident, count yourself either good or fortunate.

7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

While this city boasts almost 1.5 million people, Philly is even more dangerous, with most people getting into an accident every six and a half years on the average. While some people are obviously far better off than that, imagine what that says about the worst (or just unluckiest) drivers.

6. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is tied with Philadelphia as far as the average number of years between accidents. At a crash rate of 54.8% higher than the national average, this is downright disturbing. Just imagine how scared the pedestrians must be.

5. Hartford, Connecticut

The average person in Hartford has an accident every 6.3 years, which is a 59.4% higher than average rate. At this rate, you might be wondering if the top rated (or perhaps bottom rated?) city for safe driving is double the average. No reading ahead now!

4. Newark, New Jersey

At a 62.9% above average nominal crash rate, Newark is . . . making Jersey City look good, which is just sad.

3. Glendale, California

For a population of under 200,000, Glendale’s 70.8% higher than average crash rate is absolutely abysmal. Every 5.9 years, there are almost 200,000 auto accidents. This must be a good city for being an auto mechanic, though, which is a persent albeit pretty slender silver lining.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

With their 79.4% above average crash rate, Baltimore is undoubtedly embarrassed.

1. Washington, D.C.

At just over half a million people, D.C.’s 5.1-year average between accidents is 195.5% of the national average. We didn’t quite get to double, but not for lack of effort.

Driving safely is never a guarantee, no matter where you live. Keep in mind that no matter where that might be, it takes at least two for most accidents to happen. Hopefully you will not be among that number, but the statistics have neither bias nor hope- just facts and aftermath. Makes you realize how important life is, and automobile insurance too.

The first thing to note is that you will need to itemize your deductions on your tax return. Regarding qualification, your car must have been manufactured primarily for use on public roads, and you’ll need to choose a charity that qualifies with the IRS. There is a limit on how much you can deduct. The amount must be less than half your adjusted gross income.

In fact, if you wish to deduct more than $500, you will need to follow some fairly complex rules. Your deduction must be less than the amount of the sale if the charity sells the car. However, if the charity chooses to sell the car at a steep discount, intends to modify the car extensively for some purpose, or intends to keep and make use of the vehicle for its own ends, you might be able to deduct the fair market value of the vehicle.

Strict record-keeping is necessary. Consultation with an accountant may be advisable if you want to deduct more than $500. In any case, the charity will need to provide you with documentation of anything you received in return for the donation or even if you received nothing. As long as you follow these rules and are careful, you can do good and save some money at the same time.

Donations are Easy

When you donate your car to a worthy cause, the process couldn’t be easier. Instead of calling around for someone willing to take your junker, simply go to one of the websites and fill out a donation form. In most cases, these programs will take cars in any condition. Amazingly, the vehicles don’t always have to be in running condition. If the charities can’t recondition the cars for resale on the used car market, they part out the car or sell the scrap metal.

Keep in mind that you can’t donate a car that doesn’t belong to you simply because it’s been abandoned on your property. If this is your situation, contact the local DMV or law enforcement agency. They can help remove the vehicle or transfer ownership depending on the situation. If you can obtain a clear title to the car, these charities will be more than happy to accept your donation.

Pickups are Fast

If your neighbors are sick of looking at that rust-bucket in your front yard, they won’t have to shield their eyes for much longer once you make your decision to donate. In most cases, the charity can arrange for pickup within 24 to 48 hours. Don’t expect to see a charitable logo on the side of the tow-truck. Most of these charities can’t afford a national network of pickup vehicles. Instead, they contract with reputable drivers in each contribution area.

A Valuable Tax Deduction

We can all use a little extra help when it comes to reducing our annual income tax burden. With a vehicle donation, you can request a receipt from the charitable organization as soon as your vehicle is picked up. It will take a day or two to receive, but it will be worth the wait. Although there is an upper limit to the amount you can claim, in many cases, you will be allowed to deduct the full retail value of your old car when filing your income taxes. To make sure you’re given credit for the fair market value of your donation, check sites like Edmunds. It’s a simple process to find the value for your older car on these sites whether you’re selling it yourself, trading it in, or buying a similar model on the used car market.

If you enjoy shopping for a new car, this is where the fun starts. Whether you choose to purchase a new car before you get rid of the old one or wait for a clear parking space, the car lots are full of innovative, energy-efficient designs to satisfy every need. After all, you deserve a little reward for being so responsible with your older vehicle.

Limiting driving alone in long stretches and while tired minimizes the risk of accidents. One should always plan the route of long distance travel and take someone with them to avoid the risk of disasters. Transportation and car Safety forms two most important things of consideration while driving. Safety recalls maintaining Safety on highways especially while driving SUVs. Car insurance reduces the risk of cost incurred in repairing cars. It also warranties against cases of car loss. Safety of both new and old car is usually covered under an insurance which is mostly required. Safety tips further includes maintaining the traffic rules and planning the drive well ahead of travel. Maintenance and car Safety are two important things of consideration which falls under Safety tips. Highway Safety requires good knowledge of driving and capability to cope with any unseen situation that might come while driving a car.

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If you are looking for a quality brand for your next used car purchase, you could do much worse than to look at BMW. BMW has been a well-known luxury automobile manufacturer for many years. With its legacy for making quality cars intact, it remains a strong choice for purchasing a used car.

The company has been around since 1916, transferring to automobiles after producing aircraft engines – what is signified on the company’s logo. Known for creating a number of premium aircraft engines, such as were used in World War II, BMW did not take too long to take their abilities to the automobile market. Since that time BMW has excelled in what they do best – producing premium automobiles.

One model line to consider for a quality used BMW is the BMW 3 Series. It has a number of layouts with which to choose, including all-wheel drive. The fifth generation (beginning in 2005) is completely re-engineered, boasting improvements in the automobile. There are plenty of choices in body style as well.

Another good used model is the BMW Z3. Produced from 1997-2002, this is a good option for those looking for a used roadster. An excellent choice for a sporty but affordable car, 2.3-liter, 2.5-liter, and 2.8-liter options are present for this line along with other notables.

Beginning in 2004, the BMW X3 is a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) that is another strong used car option from BMW. Winning its fair share of awards, its xDrive capability sets it apart quite well.

If you are looking for a used car, BMW is a strong choice regardless of what sized car you need. As you can see in this very brief overview of possibilities, you can have the best no matter what you’re looking for – and at a fair price. Strongly consider possibilities from the strong products that BWM brings.

Many people are struggling to make their monthly car payments which can lead them to potentially having their car repossessed. These people often feel as if they have no choice when it comes to making car payments and are stuck either making the payment or losing the car. What these people don’t know is there are several available options to them that can help them avoid having their car repossessed. Here’s a look at two available options that people who have car loans and are finding it hard to make the payments have.

Payday Loans

If the reason for you not being able to afford your monthly car payment is because of an unexpected bill or mismanaged funds, a short-term option is the ability to take out a payday loan from companies like paydayone.com. Payday loans can help you cover the amount you need and avoid having your car repossessed. However, payday loans should only be used for occasional car loan payments and not as a monthly crutch to help pay for the bills.

The Refinance Option

A long-term solution for those that are unable to pay their monthly car payments is to refinance the car loan. Refinancing will allow you to get a better interest rate which can lower your monthly payments. If your car loan does not qualify for refinance, you could always try to negotiate with the car lender to come up with a payment plan that might work for you.

Don’t allow a car repossession to happen to you; consider using one of these two options to help you make your car payments.

What to do if Your Vehicle has a Recall.

If you do a search and find that your vehicle has a safety recall you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. You may also want to call the vehicle manufacturer to find out for sure if the recall affects your vehicle, some recalls only affect a small percentage of a certain model. With a safety recall you do not have to worry about the cost of repairs, the manufacturer pays for the safety recall repairs. Even if you bought the car used you should not have to pay anything out of pocket. Once you find that there is a safety recall on your vehicle you should call a local dealership that deals in the make of your car. You should then be able to set up an appointment for the to do the safety recall repairs on your car free of charge.

1. Is it worth it: The most important thing to look at is whether an extended warranty is worth the cost for you. If you do not plan on having the car for very long then it may not be worth it to put money into a warranty. Also if the car already has a lot of problems you may just want to put the money towards a different car.

2. Reputation of the company: If you do decide to get an extended warranty you want to make sure that you are not falling for a scam. You should look at how long the company has been in business. Do not use a company that has not been in business for at least a few years. Also you may want to check the company’s history with the BBB.

3. Plan options: Make sure that the business has plan options that match what is important to you. If you want a plan with no deductible then find a company that offers that. Also read what the plans cover. Make sure that you clearly understand what is and is not covered by the warranty. Find a plan that covers at least the most common problems for your car, if you don’t know what they are just do a web search for “common problems” followed by the make and model of your car.

Pros of Buying a New Car.

Probably the most obvious advantage to buying a car new is that it is new. You do not have to worry about what may have happened with a previous owner or about someone lying to you about the condition of the car. You will also have all of the latest safety technology available. With a new car you can decide just how you want it. You can have extra options put in or choose what color you want the car to be. Also everything on the car is new so it should run perfectly. If there is a problem with the car don’t worry, almost every new car comes with a warranty. Also when it comes to getting a loan you can generally get a lower interest rate on a loan for a new car.

Cons of Buying a New Car.

The biggest disadvantage of a new car is the price. Buying a car brand new is much more expensive that buying a car that is even just a year or two old. Not only do you spend a lot of money on a new car but the value of that car decreases very fast. It is estimated that on average a new car looses about 40% of its value after only three years. Also if you want any kind of customization done to the car you will have to wait for your new car to be built and delivered instead of being able to get it right away. You will also have higher insurance rates.

The Award-Winning Audi A6
For the fourth time in a row, Audi was awarded the EyesOn Design Award as the “Best Production Vehicle” at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit beating out old stand-bys like Mercedes. This year’s model, the 2012 Audi A6, won’t be available until this fall, but it’s well worth the wait.

Although the sporty four-door design and the curvaceous interior will appeal to your eyes, the true luxury of this car can’t be experienced without sinking into the lush seating; the front seats include both full ventilation and automatic massage features. Once you turn on the mood lighting and the high-end sound system, you’ll never want to step out of the Audi A6.

The Bentley Trio

While Bentley completely skipped last year’s auto show, they came back strong this year with three models to show. Luxury car shoppers can choose from the Continental SS Coupe, the Continental Flying Spur, or the Mulsanne. Of course, if you haven’t already ordered a 2011 Bentley Mulsanne, you can cross this one off your list; it’s already sold-out! No surprise when you consider that Bentley sales are up 6 percent in the U.S. and a whopping 89 percent in China and Hong Kong!

The Porsche Panamera S

Just imagine the quality, luxury, and pure sexiness of a Porsche in a four-door model. With this luxury car, you can truly have it all! If you need a car with plenty of passenger room, you don’t have to give up an ounce of style with this vehicle.

Not only will you look great behind the wheel of the new Panamera S, this luxury car is definitely track-worthy! With a 400 horsepower engine that can go from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph, this “family” car still gets 24 mpg on the highway.

The Ferrari FF Sports Car

The Ferrari FF, short for Ferrari Four, is scheduled to replace the popular 612 Scaglietti in the coming year. For a Ferrari, the FF is a surprisingly functional luxury car. With seating for four and—gasp—a hatchback with fold-down back seats for —gasp, again—cargo space, this is a bit of a departure for this car maker.

However, the FF hasn’t sacrificed power; its engine has a 651 horsepower rating and will lay down rubber when it goes from 0 to 62 in 3.7 seconds or hits its top speed of 208 mph. The FF also includes Ferrari’s first attempt at four-wheel drive!

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re a serious shopper or simply dreaming, this list provides a feast for thought! From respectable family cars to serious performance, you can truly have it all—for a price—with the new luxury car models coming soon to a dealership near you. Sites like Edmunds can also help you out in the process with their buying guide.

1. Gather needed supplies: The things you will need are: drain pan, socket set, filter wrench or strap wrench, jack, jack strands, new oil, new oil filter.

2. Raise the car: You will want to use the jack, lifting on the frame, to raise the front of your car to a height where you will have room to get underneath and be able to move around. Once the car is lifted to a sufficient height for you, place the jack stands under the frame on the sides of the car. Lower the car down so it is resting on the jack stands.

3. Drain the oil: Find the oil pan (it is on the bottom of the engine) and put the drain pan under the drain plug on the oil pan. Remove the drain plug and let all of the oil drain out. Now replace the drain plug.

4. Change the filter: Find the oil filter on your car, it is usually on the side of the engine. If you have trouble finding it look in the owners manual or do an internet search for your car. Use a filter wrench or strap wrench to remove the old filter (if you don’t have one you can just do it by hand). Screw the new filter into place. Lower your car.

5. Add new oil: Look at your owners manual to see how much oil your car takes. Put the new oil into the engine. Start your car and let it run for about 15 seconds. Shut the car off and check the oil level. Adjust oil level if necessary.

Pros of Buying a Used Car.

The most obvious benefit of buying a used car is the price. A used car usually sells for much cheaper than a new one. With a lower price you may be able to find a vehicle that you can afford to pay for right away so that you own the car free and clear right away instead of having to get it with a loan. Another advantage is that older cars generally are cheaper to insure. There are also more styles to choose from when buying used, you don’t have to only look at the models from one year. Another nice thing about buying a used car is that there has been more time for people to find what problems the vehicle has, you can do a web search and find out if there are any significant problems that are common with the car that you are thinking about purchasing.

Cons of Buying a Used Car.

The biggest disadvantage of buying a car used is probably the mystery behind any used car. You never know for sure what has happened in the past with the car. It could have problems that you just don’t notice on a test drive. Also when buying used you do not get as long of a warranty as you get with a new car, if you get any warranty at all. This means that if there are any problems with the car you will have to pay out of pocket to get the problem fixed. Over time any car starts to go out, a used car has already lost some of that time which means that it probably won’t last you as long as a new car would.

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Everyone wants their car to last them as long as possible. To make this happen you need to keep up with the regular maintenance of your car. Whether you have a new or old car, keeping it in good condition is very important if you want it to keep running good. Good regular maintenance can also help prevent damage to your car that can be very expensive to repair. There are many things that you should be doing to maintain the condition of your car. Here are a few of the things that you should be doing.

1. Check fluid levels: You should check all of the fluid levels in your car weekly. If any fluids are low make sure to fill them to the proper level. High fluid levels can also damage your car so do not overfill. You should check oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and washer fluid levels.

2. Check tire pressure: You should check that all of your tires are properly inflated once a week. The recommended tire pressure for your car can usually be found on a sticker on the edge of the drivers door or in the owners manual. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can cause your tread to wear out unevenly and also decrease gas mileage.

3. Change your oil: You should change your oil regularly. Whether you change the oil yourself or take it in to get changed keep track of when it was changed and what the mileage was. You should change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever is first.

4. Change your air filter: Making sure that you have a good air filter will keep your car running better. A clean air filter will give you more power and better gas mileage than a dirty filter. It is recommended to change your air filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months. A good rule to go by is, change your air filter every other oil change.

Cost is a big disadvantage when finalizing these purchases at the dealership. People end up paying a lot more than what you would pay in the open market simply because of the brand of the manufacturer involved.

In such a scenario, purchasing the automobile insurance from the dealership and making changes to the vehicle later may put you in a difficult situation.

If you make major changes to the structure of the vehicle and have were focused on style at cost of safety, the insurance company will simply refuse to honor your claim. On the other hand, if you wait for a few days before finalizing the insurance deal, you can understand the overall impact of the customizations that you are making. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from going on the internet and doing some research. You can find out whether the overall cost of your automobile insurance will change just due to the modifications made.

If you feel that the overall increase in premium is very high, you can contact your car dealer and find out whether you can opt up a few safety accessories as well. Opting for a locking system that will prevent your vehicle from being driven off with a duplicate key or opting for anti locking systems for the brakes can make a huge difference to safety.

You should either plan for these issues in advance or you should delay the process of finalizing the insurance policy until you are confident that all the major changes to their vehicles have been made.

If you opt for the former option, you will just have to treat your vehicle as if it has a five year warranty instead of a three year warranty. However, if you opt for the latter option, you must understand that the warranty will not cover certain damage caused by wear and tear.

Since your vehicle has been on the road for three years, certain repairs will not be completely free. Where part has got damaged or needs replacement because of the manner in which the vehicle has been driven on the road, do not expect the car dealer to repair it under warranty. Of course, an engine has no business conking of in the 3^rd or 5th year. However, the same cannot be said for the valve that controls the fuel inflow or the air filter, right?

Do not make the mistake of presuming that you will enjoy zero cost repairs throughout the scheme. All major parts that suffer inherent defects will be repaired for free. Other consumables which are affected by normal wear and tear will not be covered under original or extended warranty.

If you want to avoid the embarrassing situation of not having sufficient cash to repair and replace minor components, you should start saving specific amounts every month so that your vehicle is maintained properly at all times. The amount need not be very high because these minor parts do not cost a lot and are very easy to replace.

Well, what is stopping you from doing the same when you were driving long distances on the highway? You may end up dueling with a driver who thinks that you are driving like a fool. Or, you may deal with an arrogant truck driver who sees no reason to let you pass.

Or, you may commit a judgment error and may end up banging the undercarriage of your vehicle pretty hard into the concrete road.

Whatever the reason, it is easy to build up stress when you are driving over long distances. When this happens, all it takes is a single negative incident like a small altercation with a fellow driver for matters to go out of control. If you pass a café or motel, just take a break and have some coffee before proceeding.

Do not make the mistake of eating or drinking when you are on the road. One hand on your steering wheel when you are not in a good mood can be dangerous. Give yourself a break, enjoy the view outside and stretch your legs before you get back on the road. Try to make a conscious effort to relax body and mind to ensure you do not show unnecessary signs of aggressiveness even if something goes wrong.

The best way to get a lower interest rate on your car is to have a good credit score. A credit check shows, among other things, whether you have a good history of paying your bills on time. It is a contributing factor in whether or not lenders decide to give you a loan.

A “good” credit score is anything over 650, although, to get the best advertised interest rates on car loans, you should have a score of at least 700. If you have a poor credit score, you may be forced to pay an exorbitant interest rate — sometimes over 20%.

Many people make the mistake of assuming their credit is great. Then, they apply for a loan and find out it is much worse than they thought. You can find out the state of your credit by getting a free credit report from one of the three major credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free report per year. For a fee, other websites will watch your credit score and immediately report changes to you.

If you find that your credit score is not good enough to qualify for a low interest rate on a car, you have two options:

• buy a car at a higher interest rate and then refinance when your credit is better, or
• work to repair your credit and then purchase a car

Six months to a year of consistently paying bills on time is enough to improve your credit score and lower your interest rate by several points. This can make a big difference; just 3% can add (or subtract) $1000 to the life of your loan.

On the other hand, we often take the easy way out and opt for poor quality repairs just keep the vehicle going when we do not have an extended warranty scheme. During economic recessions, this can make a huge difference between having a safe highway driving experience and having a death trap on the road.

The worst part is that very few people take the pains and effort to remove the fake part and install original part after economic condition improves. Hence, an extended warranty is going to keep your vehicle driving experience safer.

Having an extended warranty scheme will also ensure that you maintain your vehicle properly. Since you will be required to drop your vehicle at the dealership after a specific number of miles and will not face cash outflow problems, you will not make excuses to avoid the task. You will make the time necessary to get your vehicle serviced and maintained properly. It is only during the fourth or fifth year does quality of maintenance of the vehicle comes down drastically leading to long term damage takes place. By postponing this process by one to two years, you are only improving your chances of getting good value when you sell the vehicle again.

Do not make the mistake of rejecting the extended warranties outright. Give it a fair hearing and find out whether it is economically priced. There is no harm in opting for extra safety when you can afford it.

A person who spends a lot of time focusing on the engine but completely ignores the tires of the vehicle is going to end up with maintenance trouble. Using best quality engine oil for your engine but never bothering to keep your tires inflated properly is going to lead to trouble. You will end up spending a lot of money on repairing your vehicle despite your best efforts.

You must understand that the automobile is not just a jumble of separate components. Rather, it is necessary to have a holistic approach towards vehicle maintenance. If there is something wrong with even one part, it will affect the overall efficiency of your vehicle. A single headlight malfunctioning can have a negative effect on tires, engine and fuel efficiency. Surprised?

How can the malfunction of a single headlight make such a huge difference? Well, if you are not confident of the view ahead, chances are high that you will swerve to avoid real or imaginary obstacles on the road. When you should move rashly at high speeds, it is going to affect the treads of your tires. Once the treads are affected, it is going to affect performance of your vehicle as a wholly every time you take your car out for spin.

In the long run, the scuffed tire will place more pressure on your engine and, consequently, on your fuel efficiency. This may seem like an oversimplification but it certainly is possible. Hence, stop treating different maintenance tasks differently and learn to treat each and every task with equal importance.

How would you react if you saw a driver in front of you simply refusing to react to your repeated requests to be away? Learn to play it cool when you end up making such an error and get an earful from the angry driver. You must understand that you committed the error and that the driver was reacting in a predictable, if unfortunate, manner.

The worst mistake that you can commit is to take offense at the criticism hurled at you. You may feel it was a small mistake. However, if you were at fault, then you have nothing to gain by entering into a fight. You would be upset at the fact that the driver used unnecessary words and the other driver would be upset at the fact that you were driving like a fool in the middle of the highway.

Why get into a fight that you cannot win? At the end of the day, you are only going to get more flustered and may even end up indulging in physical violence or becoming a victim of the same. Just ask yourself whether it is worth picking up a fight with a completely unknown driver for a small mistake that can easily be forgotten?

You either can react with an apologetic nod or you can simply ignore the driver. Change your speed, change lanes and park your vehicle for a few minutes. The idea is to let sufficient distance grow so that an unnecessary altercation does not occur.

Statistics have revealed that those roads that have a central rumble strip see 25% less accidents as compared to other roads that do not have any marking in the middle dividing the road into two parts. State governments have also recommended minor changes to the process of construction of pavement which enables vehicles to regain the road after having slipped off the surface onto the pavement.

Most pavements are built at a height from the road which makes it virtually impossible for the driver to regain control quickly. A slight change in construction process will create a slope that enables the car driver to regain control. At high speed, this can make all the difference between safety and an accident. What can you do to improve highway safety?

Well, you have to keep your eyes and ears open when you are driving on the highway. Does your highway have a central line that divides it into two parts? If yes, then make sure you are on the right side at all times. Secondly, take a look at the pavement and assess whether you can get back on the road quickly in the event you slip off. If not, then you should hit the brake immediately when you slip off the road.

Some persons may find is unnecessary because they have lots of confidence in their driving skills. Well, bad drivers are not the only ones who suffer accidents on the highway. In many cases, it may be all about bad luck combined with a careless mistake. If you want to avoid such complications when driving on the highway, it is better to be prepared at all times. You will never regret paying extra attention to safety.

However, if the engine suffers a flaw without your fault, you can get it repaired at zero cost within a specific period of time. Different parts of your vehicle have different warranty periods.

Dealerships often offer extended warranty schemes that run over and above your existing warranty. If you have an existing warranty of three years and buy an extended warranty scheme for another two years, you can enjoy zero cost repairs and maintenance even in the fifth year of ownership. Sounds good? Definitely. Wondering where is the catch?

Extended warranty works a bit like insurance. There are specific terms and conditions involve that should be considered. Secondly, you may never make use of the extended warranty. In such a scenario, the extra money that you pay goes down the drain. Most of us reason that we will definitely use the extended warranty for repairs. That need not be the case.

If you are good driver and are very careful about your driving habits, chances are high that you may never use the extended warranty scheme at all. Needless to say, assessing all these factors and taking an informed decision when you are purchasing your vehicle is going to be unavoidable. Try to avoid taking a decision when you are in the euphoria of having purchased a vehicle. Request a few days extra time so that you can take a careful and balanced decision. Such offers are invariably open until your original warranty lapses.

Whether you are purchasing a new or a used car, you are making an investment. It’s going to cost you thousands of dollars, the cost of having to replace the car in the event of an accident is something you cannot afford to do. It’s important for most people to have insurance to help them to avoid these massive costs.

Auto insurance means that, at most, a driver will pay the deductible, which can be as low as $250 dollars. This helps for drivers whose cars get wrecked in an accident while driving or parked. Many drivers know that cars can be beat up on and off the road.

What might be worse is what happens if you drive without insurance. You are not perfect, and getting into an accident where you were at fault means having to foot the bill. If you have insurance then you will be required to pay the deductible, but nothing else. If the people in the other car were seriously hurt, they might be inclined to sue. The insurance company will handle the lawsuit on your behalf. If you don’t have insurance you could end up paying yourself.

The next step is to go online and obtain an insurance quote. Look at the deductible and the monthly premiums and pick the price that better fits your budget. Assume that you will have to pay out the deductible when having to make your choice. You can’t afford to be without auto insurance.

Sure, there are slow lanes on the highway. However, you may end up traveling at night if you drive too slowly. If you are not confident enough to drive fast on the highway, you certainly will not be good at driving at night as well. Hence, you should know how to drive your vehicle carefully and safely even at high speeds.

Even the best drivers face problem when they are tired. Why would anyone become tired when he or she is simply sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle in an air conditioned environment? If the roads are good, then there is practically no justification for any driver to feel tired, right? Wrong.

Highway driving can be very tiresome. Just because the road is good does not mean that the driver can afford to lose concentration. If you have been driving on the highway for many hours at a stretch, it is but obvious that you would be mentally tired. Mental fatigue will quickly translate into physical exertion. You may find yourself struggling to react to swift instructions quickly.

In such a scenario, you should ask your ego to take a hike and request any other driver to take over. This may be a very big problem when you are the man of the house and pride yourself for driving long distances without getting tired. What you have been doing in the past is irrelevant. If you are tired, you should have the good sense to ask your spouse to take over.

The worst part is that such a vehicle parked in the middle of the road is actually a security threat to all other drivers on the highway. It is not a pleasant thought but you should focus on the steps you need to take to handle a hit and run case.

Firstly, never make the mistake of chasing the offending driver. If you can identify the license plate and registration number, make sure you note it down. The moment you have this information in your hand, get off the road, call the local emergency number and relay the information immediately.

Do not make the mistake of thinking such a hit and run is not your problem. The person who is running away today may hit your car tomorrow. Highway safety is every-body’s business. If you do not follow this rule, you may end up regretting your inaction at a later date.

Secondly, do not hesitate to provide necessary assistance to the injured party. Undergo a first aid course if you have the habit of driving on highway very often. Basic first aid rules can make a huge difference to the injured party.

Make sure the law authorities are informed as early as possible. You probably know all these things. However, the trick is to remember all this when you see a vehicle plowing into another vehicle at top speed and running away without any sense of social responsibility.

Just move out for a spin on the highway. Let your speedometer hit the high range and come back to the city. If you are irritated at the fact that you do not have a vast expanse of open road in front of you and if you are virtually honking at each and every vehicle in front of you, then it is time you admitted that you have a streak of an aggressive driver inside you.

This problem is something that affects each and every individual. It is not just about the vehicle. Rather, it is about our lifestyle in general. We have so much of stress and aggression in our lifestyles that it often comes out in the form of road rage and aggressiveness during driving. The worst part is that we violate highway safety rules despite being aware of its importance.

An aggressive driver is not a bad individual or a criminal. He or she is a present in all of us. The important thing is to know how to keep that person under control at all times. We often criticize individuals who violate safety rules when driving on the highway. We often criticize individuals who own SUVs and who behave as if they own the road.

However, there may be time when you may lose control and may behave in an aggressive manner yourself. If you escape without an accident, you can count yourself lucky. All it takes is one mishap for your life to change forever.

Hence, do not presume that you are a good driver simply because you are an educated individual and respect rules and laws.

In 2006 an agreement was made between Mark Ecko of Ecko clothing and Nissan to help design a car. Mark helped design the Nissan Pathfinder. This was the car company’s first trial of working with an outside designer on a car project. The design that Mark Ecko came up with was amazing. It really allowed the Nissan Pathfinder to be set apart from the other cars on the market.

While the Nissan Pathfinder had a unique design, the world waited to see what results Nissan would have from this outside designer car. The results were shocking. The Nissan Pathfinder sold almost twice the amount of cars they expected to. Industry experts attribute this to the fact that the collaborative effort of Nissan and Mark Ecko opened the door to a wider audience. There were not only Nissan fans purchasing the Pathfinder, but Ecko fans who wished to own this customizable piece.

It has been more than four years since Mark Ecko worked with Nissan on this highly successful project. While rumors have started to fly around that Mark Ecko may be asked back by Nissan to customize a new Nissan, nothing has been confirmed as truth.

Whether or not Nissan and Mark Ecko decide to work together again it will be interesting to see how well the second version of the Nissan does, should the collaboration happen in the future.

What does money have to do with safety on the highways? Every person who meets with an accident on the highway will file an insurance claim and will seek financial relief from the insurance company. If injuries have taken place, the individual may file a claim for the cost of medical treatment as well.

Where the individual has opted for government sponsored insurance, the payout will be coming out of the taxes that you have paid to your government. As on date, highway accidents cost the government around $231 billion in short and long term damages. This includes

-         cost of repairing vehicles

-         cost of medical treatment, and

-         cost of productivity lost

due to accidents. One cannot measure the social problems that occur when a family member dies suddenly in a road mishap. If this loss is distributed amongst each and every taxpaying citizen of the country, the total amount that every citizen has to bear works out to $750.

This is the amount that you are paying today simply because of highway accidents are taking place. The issue may not have been so frustrating had accidents been a part and parcel of our lives.

However, most accidents take place because of driver carelessness. You may have the bad luck of dealing with a driver who is not following highway rules. Hence, it is important to understand highway safety is not just related to you and your family. Rather, it is related to society as a whole.