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- Save Time: Find Your New Car Online
For many people, car shopping can be a frustrating, time-consuming and inconvenient experience. The good news is that with a little know-how you can use the Internet to turn what might otherwise be overwhelming into a manageable, even enjoyable experience. The Web is an excellent resource to help reduce the stress of car shopping and increase the likelihood of finding exactly the vehicle you are looking for.
The online shopping search starts with thinking about the basic things you want in a new car. Ask yourself, "Do I want a new, used or certified preowned vehicle?" and "Would I prefer a car, SUV or truck?" It's also important to ask "Do I have a favorite vehicle manufacturer?" and "If I buy a used vehicle, how important is the vehicle's current mileage to me?" Narrowing your preferences on at least a few of these items will minimize frustration and help lead you in the right direction. - Finding The Best Used Car
If you're considering a used vehicle, don't just ask how many miles it has-ask how many owners it's had, too.
That's the advice from experts who say used cars that have had only one owner may be in better shape than cars that have had multiple owners. Many of the one-owner cars are relatively new, have fewer miles on them and less overall wear and tear. While these cars may cost a bit more, the chances of a new owner having to shell out cash down the road for repairs could decrease dramatically. - Tips On Buying A Used Car
On average, the cost of a pre-owned car is about half that of a new one-but used cars are only bargains if you don't overextend yourself paying for them. Try this formula for deciding just how much you can pay for a pre-owned car:
1. Calculate your total monthly expenses and determine the remaining amount available from your monthly income. - Looking Out For Water-damaged Used Cars
Approximately 600,000 cars were water damaged during 2005's hurricanes and tropical storms. It may surprise you to learn that many of these autos are now flooding the market-and a number of consumers are being taken for a ride.
Experts say that each year, unscrupulous auto sellers round up thousands of cars that have been "totaled" by floods and resell them to car buyers. Typically, flood-damaged cars show little, if any, sign of physical damage-making them prime targets for unscrupulous sellers to clean up and put back on the road. A few inexpensive cosmetic repairs, and these vehicles can be sold at significant profits. Fortunately, there are ways to keep from buying a waterlogged wreck: - Program Offers A Crash Course In Handling Auto Accidents
Experts say traffic accidents can be among the most stressful events a person can experience. Fortunately, a new program has been created to help drivers deal with that stress more effectively.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million traffic accidents reported to police in 2004. That breaks down to more than 11 accidents per minute; by the time you finish reading this article, over 30 auto accidents will have taken place, and that doesn't include the minor fender benders that go unreported. - Car Dealers Host Drive For Child Safety
Auto dealers across the country are doing their part to help parents buckle up kids safely.
Dealers are hosting free child safety-seat inspection events at their dealerships throughout September. It's all part of the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Child Passenger Safety Month and its Boost for Safety campaign, a program developed in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). - Protect Your Car From Harmful Fuel Sulfurs
While on a family road trip, a driver passes an opportunity to fill up because his gauge indicates there is enough fuel to get to the next station. Five miles later, completely out of gas, the car sputters to a halt.
What happened? Is it possible that the fuel gauge is broken? Before blaming the gauge, consider it could be the gas. - Caring For Your Car Just Got Easier
There's good news for car owners who feel intimidated by the technical terms in their car owner's manual.
A new guide for motorists turns technical automotive jargon into easy-to-understand everyday language. - teering Car Buyers Clear Of Odometer Fraud
A few simple prepurchase steps can put the brakes on a crime that costs used-car buyers about a billion dollars each year: odometer fraud.
Odometer fraud is the illegal practice of rolling back odometers to make it appear that vehicles have lower mileage than they actually do. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 452,000 reported cases occur every year and the average odometer rollback takes 35,000 to 40,000 miles off of a vehicle-boosting its price by about $2,500. - Modified Cars: Performance Still Matters
The skyrocketing popularity of upgrading and customizing automobiles, or "tuning," is clear. What was once considered the domain of a select number of gearheads has grown to become a passion for thousands of automotive enthusiasts nationwide. Tuning is no longer a weekend hobby, it's a lifestyle.
While people are fascinated by the customization craze, many believe they don't have the technical skills or experience to improve their own ride. After more than 30 years in the scene, I've learned that you don't need to be a professional technician to become a tuner. As long as you have an imagination, a car and a passion for learning, anyone can gain the knowledge to make it happen. - Acdelco Fall Car Care Tips-start With The "four Bs"
Along with the change of seasons from fall to winter comes the likelihood of poor road conditions and reduced visibility. Automotive breakdowns, never convenient, can be even more dangerous in cold weather. Preventive vehicle maintenance can help lessen the odds of mechanical failure.
"Fall is a crucial time to have your vehicle inspected, starting with the 'Four Bs'-blades, batteries, brakes, and belts and hoses," said Chris Vermette, ACDelco product specialist, Wiper Blades and Belts and Hoses. "Cold weather only makes existing problems worse. You never want to have a breakdown, but winter can be the worst possible time." - Car Care Tips For Cooler Temps
As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of your vehicle. Fall is a great time to focus on preventative maintenance and to make sure that your vehicle is in top shape before the harsh winter months set in.
"Fall is the best season to enjoy driving," says Pat Goss, host of PBS' "MotorWeek" and Washington Post automotive columnist. "Between sports tailgating, hunting, and taking leisurely drives to enjoy the changing leaves, there's no shortage of activities to do in your car. It's also an ideal time to focus on car care before winter hits." - Investing In Vehicle Maintenance Can Pay Dividends At Selling/trade-in Time
Besides a home, a vehicle is one of the biggest investments a consumer will make. That investment extends beyond the sticker in the vehicle's window. It includes insurance, fuel, regularly scheduled maintenance and depreciation.
The good news is that today's new cars and trucks are designed and built to run for more than 100,000 miles, remain in service an average of 16 years and serve four to five different owners. So while some costs-such as insurance premiums and gas-are largely outside of consumers' control, financially savvy owners can actively help improve their bottom line at sale or trade-in by keeping their vehicles properly maintained. - Hybrid Cars Helping To Drive Down Insurance Costs
Hybrid vehicles may help to save more than the environment. They may also mean savings for drivers when it comes to auto insurance.
For example, on the heels of recently signed legislation aimed at reducing California's greenhouse emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020, one insurance company has introduced a program to help support that goal. - Vehicle Maintenance Goes High-tech
Is your car's oil ready to be changed? Do you know how much air pressure is in its tires? Even if you don't know the answers to these important maintenance questions, there's a chance your vehicle might.
Increasingly, automakers are using sophisticated computer technology to diagnose a wide array of vehicle problems or to monitor a vehicle's performance. - Cool Ways To Protect "hot" Cars
It can be simpler than you think to find effective ways to protect your car from thieves. Common sense is the key.
Car owners can find it frustrating to invest their time and money in a car, only to find their car's on the list of "hot" cars that are most frequently stolen or that they live in one of the "hot" areas where most car theft occurs. - Fresh Wiper Blades Can Make For Safer Driving
Thanks to Groundhog Day, a growing number of drivers are seeing a way to increase their driving safety. They're using the holiday as a reminder to change their car's wiper blades.
A recent survey found that one out of every three drivers on the road today fail to change their blades according to the National Safety Council's recommended frequency of once a year. In fact, 78 percent of motorists only change their wiper blades after the blades themselves begin to impair their visibility and have become a safety hazard. - Simplify Your Car Search
Whether you know exactly the type of car you are looking to purchase or you are still researching to decide, one of the easiest and most convenient places to begin your car-buying process may be the Internet. It allows you to compare prices, read vehicle overviews and search millions of vehicle listings from dealerships and independent owners. So how do you narrow millions of vehicle listings down to a set that meets your general or specific needs? Several Web sites provide ways to make your search more efficient.
If You Know - Get Your Car Ready For Cold-weather Driving
Frigid temperatures and poor road conditions won't leave you out in the cold or take a toll on your vehicle if you take the right steps to make sure your car is winter-weather ready.
Here are a few simple suggestions that should help steer you in the right direction. - Safe Winter-driving Tips
Keeping your car well maintained is one of the best ways to ensure safe winter travels. That's why experts suggest keeping a regular service schedule with qualified auto technicians at a dealership. They will inspect your car's battery and brakes, refill fluids and check to see that your car is operating smoothly.
Try these additional tips from the National Automobile Dealers Association: - Does Your New Car Have The Coverage It Needs?
Not every auto insurance policy is the same, particularly when it comes to new cars. New car buyers should make certain that they have auto insurance that properly protects their sizable investments-or they may regret it.
"Take a few minutes to ensure that you truly have the auto insurance you need," said Ron Moore, manager of product development at MetLife Auto & Home. "Surprisingly, a new car depreciates up to 30 percent during the first year, and many insurers will take a deduction for depreciation during this time. By asking the right questions, you can avoid some nasty surprises, and maybe even find ways to save money on your insurance." - Airbag Fraud: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
It's 7 a.m. Dreary skies with a light drizzle. You're on your way to work when another motorist runs a stop sign. The vehicle appears in front of you milliseconds before the impact. As the shock dissipates, the first thing you notice is the airbag, inflated in front of you. Aside from minor cuts and bruises, you're okay. The airbag just helped save your life.
But what if it didn't inflate? - Best Vehicle Resale Values For 2007
It may be a good idea to look down the road, past the sticker price, when buying a new car.
That's the advice from experts who say car buyers would be well advised to think about resale value when shopping for a vehicle. - Clean Diesel Cars Offer Fuel Savings
Growing evidence shows American consumers are turning to diesel-powered vehicles to help them save money on fuel costs without having to sacrifice power and performance.
Researchers at J.D. Power and Associates predict that diesel sales will account for more than 10 percent of U.S. vehicle sales by 2015-up from 3.6 percent in 2005. - Choosing A Motor Oil: Facts Over Friction
Selecting the right motor oil is often a quick and inexpensive way to improve your car's performance and reliability.
However, finding the type of oil that's best for your particular car can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips: - Used Car Buyers Steer Clear Of Con Artists
If you're considering buying a used car from a private seller, it's wise to be aware of a scam that costs consumers millions each year: curbstoning.
Curbstoning is a type of fraud that involves private sellers dealing in multiple vehicles without a license, which is illegal in most states. Curbstoners scam unsuspecting buyers by selling vehicles that reputable dealers won't touch because of hidden problems that affect their value and safety. Often, the vehicles are picked up at junkyards by the curbstoners for very little money. The con artists then perform minimal repairs to make the vehicles appear safe and sound and sell them to an unwary buyer at a significant profit. - High-tech Look At The Future Of Fuel
Thinking green may soon mean thinking yellow. That's the word from experts as an increasing number of cars are being designed to run on ethanol fuel made from yellow corn.
E10 is one of the most common types of ethanol-based fuels, but something called E85-a fuel made from an 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline blend- provides more power and burns cleaner. E85 can be used in new types of GM "flex-fuel" vehicles, which can also burn regular gas. - Making Vehicle Maintenance A Priority
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle running safely for years to come. Yet a recent survey found that for many drivers, maintenance takes a backseat to other priorities.
In fact, results of vehicle check-up events during Car Care Aware Fairs across the country revealed that nearly nine out of 10 vehicles needed service or parts. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses, and lights. - Taking Care Of Your Second Love: Your Car
Special occasions aren't the only times to celebrate your loved ones. As the calendar year marches on, it is always important to let the people (and things) that matter the most to you know how much you care for them. Send the special woman in your life flowers for no reason at all. Treat the kids to double scoops of their favorite ice cream. Take the dog in for a grooming session.
And while you're at it, don't forget to show your second love some affection too-your car, of course! According to Greg Damon, an ASE-certified technician and this year's winner of the Amoco Ultimate® Golden Mechanic contest, to ensure that a vehicle performs at its best, drivers need to treat their vehicles with continuous, loving care. This helps drivers avoid the pain of unnecessary breakdowns and long-term auto repair problems. - Car-shopping Survey
Even though the American auto industry is experiencing some economic uncertainty, customers continue to positively rate their car-buying experience.
According to a survey of new- car buyers, shoppers, nonshoppers and media, sponsored by Automotive Retailing Today: - Educated Car Shopper = A Satisfied Car Owner
Significant, long-term investments, such as purchasing an automobile, are no time for succumbing to our whims. When car shopping, take time to research your options. It won't lengthen or complicate the car-buying process; in fact, doing your homework can help you save time and find a car that better satisfies your needs.
Many of today's vehicle options may not have been around the last time you stepped into a car dealership. For example, have you ever heard of a crossover vehicle (CUV)? It's a new automobile class that combines the advantages of a car and a truck-CUVs get good gas mileage and have the passenger and cargo space of an SUV. Internet sites such as AutoTrader.com have trend centers with the latest industry news, including key information on crossovers, alternative fuels and long-term value retention. - How To Drive A Car Bargain
You could find yourself on the road to saving time, trouble and money the next time you're thinking about buying a car if you take a few smart steps:
• Give yourself time to shop. Remember, buying a car is most likely the second-largest purchase you will ever make beyond a home. - Get Your Car Road Ready With Seven Simple Tips
While warmer weather inspires a big cleanup in most households, car owners would be wise to be just as thorough with their cars.
"After a winter of cold wear and tear, it's incredibly important to have your car ready for the other extreme-a summer of scorching wear and tear," says Mark Salem, talk show host of Under the Hood, a car-care show on KTAR 92.3 FM and 620 AM in Phoenix. Mark is also an ASE-Certified Master Technician and the owner of Salem Boys Auto, an auto-repair facility in Tempe, Ariz. - You Are What You Drive
For many consumers, their choice of vehicle represents a personal statement-saying something about who they are and what they do. In fact, the vehicle that one drives is such a reflection of one's personality that many drivers take their point of pride to the next level with automotive accessories. Fortunately, a special design award helps identify which vehicles leave room for imagination.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) named the most accessory-friendly car, truck, SUV and hybrid at the SEMA Show, the world's largest automotive specialty equipment trade event where new products and trends are revealed each year. - Use Your Five Senses For Vehicle Maintenance
Mothers teach their children that the five senses-hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch-are important for learning about the world around them. These same senses can also help moms-and women in general-with vehicle maintenance.
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), women now represent 65 percent of the customers who take their vehicles in for service and repair. Women also influence more than 89 percent of vehicle-service purchase decisions, and oversee the spending of more than $300 billion annually on used vehicles, maintenance, service and repair. - Auto Repairs: Protecting Yourself Against Fraud
Which is more important, saving money on car repairs or saving your life?
Finding a reputable shop to take your vehicle for major repairs-perhaps due to an accident or mechanical problems-can help protect you, your passengers and your wallet from harm. - Tips For Safe,warm-weather Road Trips
Warm weather means an increase in travel and busier roads and highways. But before you hit the road with friends and family, it's important to be certain your car is in good running order.
Keeping Cars Safe
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