Auto Magazine

Tips for Driving More Economically to Save You Money on the Road

by Anita Ginsburg on 2015/01/05 in Saving Fuel with Comments Off

In a struggling economy, everyone is looking for new ways to save money. This certainly includes saving money at the gas pump. To help, below are six tips for driving more economically to save money on the road.

1. Lighten Your Load

One scientific fact you should be aware of is that it requires more fuel to move more mass. This is certainly true for your vehicle. One way to spend less on fuel is to make sure your car isn’t hauling anything that heavy. If you have a habit of storing heavy junk in your trunk, put it in your garage instead.

2. Properly Maintain Your Tires

Your tires are another part of your car that may be causing you to spend more at the pump. For example, if your tires are under inflated, this could be negatively affecting your fuel efficiency. To fix this problem, perform routine maintenance such as checking your tire pressure.

3. Less Aggressive Driving

While driving aggressively may give you a cheap thrill, it can also hurt you in your wallet. Actions such as speeding and performing sudden starts and stops come at a significant price in terms of fuel. Instead, try to drive more defensively. It’s both safer and more cost effective.

4. Buy a Motorcycle

Cars are bulky. They include a lot of parts and a heavy exterior. However, cars and trucks aren’t your only options. You could, for example, choose to use a motorcycle instead. Motorcycles weigh far less than cars and get far better gas mileage. Look for a Motorcycle permit test online to help you prepare for driving on a motorcycle if you are just learning.

5. Consider Alternative Fuels

These days motorized vehicles do not need to be fueled by gasoline alone. For example, hybrid cars use a combination of both gasoline and electricity to operate. You should also consider biodiesel. Biodiesel is a form of fuel created from plants as opposed to oil. Both these options can save you money.

6. Start a Car Pool

One way to lower the price of gas is to split that price up. You can do this by forming a car pool. Each person that uses the car pool could donate some money towards the price of gas. This will cause your personal share to be much lower than if you were riding alone.

Overall, there are plenty of ways to save when it comes to how you travel. If you can still get to where you want to go while saving more money at the same time, you should certainly consider that option.

Determining Your Needs When Buying Your First Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/02 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

For most people, the moment they get behind the wheel of their first car is the moment when their first real taste of genuine freedom begins. Unfortunately, it is also a time when so many people purchase more car than they really need. In order to avoid acquiring a first car that does not fit your needs, it is smart to make a realistic assessment of why you need a car.

Establishing A Budget for Your First Car

Before running out and dropping a wad of cash on the first automobile you see, it is best to take an inventory of your available funds. It is also important to determine if you will need help with financing and how much additional money you will need for a purchase. Though a lot of first-time car buyers will need financing, this is not a reason to buy the most expensive car you can obtain a loan to purchase. Rather, it is far more responsible to sit down and realistically determine how much of a monthly car payment you will be able to manage for the next five-years. The greater your down payment, the smaller the car loan you will need to obtain to purchase your first car. Working this out ahead of time will certainly help to ensure the car you obtain fits your financial needs.

How Much Gas Guzzling Can You Put up With?

When purchasing a first car on a tight budget, it is best to be conservative in the spending department. Not only do you want to get your first car at a great price, you also want to avoid purchasing a gas guzzler. Even if prices of gas appear to be heading down over the short term, it is prudent to anticipate that oil and gas prices will eventually surge back above three dollars a gallon. That being said, it may not fit your particular needs to purchase a car that is fuel efficient. Consequently, if money is not an issue, and you simply want a fast car, then you may be in more of a position to skimp on concerns associated with the purchase of a gas guzzler.

What Will You Be Using Your Car For?

One of the most important needs to consider when buying your first car is why you need the car you want to purchase. If, for example, you happen to be a live-at-home student, it is unlikely that you will need a car for long distance traveling. Consequently, a slightly used car with low miles is potentially a smarter purchase than a brand new car for meeting your particular needs. On the other hand, if you happen to be an executive who spends most of your time driving a lot, then a more reliable new car with a high fuel efficient rating is the smarter choice. If you need a car that reflects your high status, a more expensive luxury car will better fit your situation and help you to maintain your image.

Other Passengers Or Not

An often-overlooked aspect of first-time car buying is the issue of how many people will be riding in the car being purchased. You might be a young first-time car buyer, but you might be married or have children in the near future. As a result, you may need a car that has a little more room to tote others around with you. In addition, you might need a car for transporting people other than family–especially if you are involved in other social functions. Or, you may be the only one who ever sets foot in your car. Alternatively, you may only transport an occasional passenger. In such cases, a smaller two-seater may suffice to satisfy your transportation needs.

There are many factors that must be considered when searching for the right car that best fits your particular needs as a first time car buyer. With careful planning and a little attention to detail, you will be able to find the right car for your purposes. It is important to keep in mind that the right car is not always a new car. It is not always necessarily the most expensive car you can afford either. Rather, the right car will simply do what you need it to do most, which for most people is getting them from Point A to Point B.

Informational Credit to Valley Driving School

Five Things You Should Really Be Worried About on Your Driving Test: Part II

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/31 in On the Road with Comments Off

On the day of your driver’s test, you may have jangled nerves and butterflies in your stomach. Feeling nervous is completely normal, and you will probably do just fine, as long as you are thoroughly prepared. Here are some pointers for the day of the test, and what you should focus most your studies on.

Know the Manual

Seems obvious, right? But you would be surprised at how many people only leaf through the testing manual once, or don’t read it at all. Study for ten minutes per day from the first day you know you have a driving test scheduled. It helps to have a family member or friend quiz you from the test booklet. When you are a passenger, pay attention to real life examples of things you have learned from your studying.

Take it Easy

Take the time you need to parallel park. Don’t rush through anything during the test. It’s not a race after all. While driving, when you need to step on the brake, be confident. Don’t stomp on the brake unless it is an emergency. Anticipate stops in advance, and gently stop the car. Slow down for curves as well. You don’t want the instructor seeing you make a sloppy curve. When accelerating from a stop, start slowly by applying gentle pressure to the gas pedal.

Intersections

Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. Not only is this dangerous, but in some states it is illegal. While it may be tempting to do a lane switch in an intersection, your instructor will frown on this, and may use it against you during test scoring.

Obey the Rules of the Road, with Confidence

Always follow other cars at a safe distance. If somebody is following you too closely, and you are concerned for your safety and the safety of your driver, it’s advisable to gently slow down to allow more space between you and the car ahead of you. North Shore Driving School Ltd says it’s always better to use turn signals too much, rather than too little. Make sure you’re using your turn signal for turns, changing lanes, and parallel parking. Also, never ask your instructor for advice. The instructor needs to know that you will be competent to handle the open road on your own. Stay calm, and confident, and only ask questions you know might not be in the manual.

Passing your drivers’ exam can be a nerve-wracking, but ultimately rewarding experience. The excitement of driving on your own can be exhilarating. Creating a good foundation of driving habits at a good Burnaby driving school will help keep you and other drivers safe now, and for a lifetime.

Car Accident? Five Things You Should Do if You Or A Loved One Suffered Serious Injuries

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/12/29 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

After the dust has settled from a serious car accident, a lot of questions can be lingering as well. You might be wondering whether or not your insurance company will cover the accident, or if you’re going to get legal compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained. If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries from a car accident, these are five things you should immediately do.

Take Photos of Your Injuries

From the moment you realize you’ve sustained serious injuries from your car accident, you should begin taking photos of them. It’s harder for to acquire compensation for your physical traumas if the wounds have already healed by the time you’re prepared to get it. Use a camera that takes high resolution photos, and take many of them.

Document as Many Details About the Accident as Possible

Even though it may be hours or even days since the wreck took place, you should document as many details about the accident as you can. Likewise, get a copy of the police report for your own records. If you’ve been seeing a physician to treat your injuries, keep copies of all medical bills and receipts for OTC and prescription medication.

Be Honest with Your Insurance Company

After the wreck, you should contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible to ensure that they’re on the same page. This is the only way that you will receive proper coverage for what’s taken place. Avoid lying about the details of the accident. If you are caught in trying to deceive the insurance company, you could face legal repercussions or even be denied coverage for your claim.

Contact Witnesses

If you can, gather the names and phone numbers of everyone that was present at the scene of your wreck. Record detailed accounts of what they saw, and ask for their signatures on these documents. Witnesses are some of the strongest forms of evidence when plaintiffs present their cases in a court of law.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Lastly, get in contact with a reputable and experienced personal injury lawyer. The truth is that you’re going to need professional representation by your side if you wish to receive compensation for the physical injuries you sustained in your car accident. Be sure to check reviews and get local opinions on the lawyer in question before making a decision to work with them.

An auto accident can be stressful and scary, but taking these steps is important to get back on track again. Health and finances are important, and being prepared can help protect both in the event of an accident.

Informational credit to Owen Law Firm.

5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Engine

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/26 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. It is what gives your car or truck life. Most drivers are confident that they know their vehicle inside and out. With technology now in days you’re not as likely to have engine trouble, but it is still possible that it could happen. However, even if you’re at one with your car, it can be difficult to know when something changes. This is especially true when it comes to your car’s engine. Luckily, though, there are 5 signs that you can keep an eye out for which will let you know that your vehicle needs a new engine.

1. Gas is Gone in an Instant

One way to tell that your engine is breaking down is by how fast the gas in your tank empties out. If there is something wrong with your vehicle’s engine, there will be a quick decrease in the gas mileage. For instance, if you notice that you usually get 20 mpg on the road but are now limited to 15, it may be time to bring your vehicle to the auto shop. This does not mean that you need a new engine, but it does show a possibility. You may just have something as simple as a leak in your gas line or a problem with you fuel injectors.

2. Recent Knocking Noise

Another way to tell that your vehicle may be experiencing engine trouble is that all of a sudden a knocking noise develops. This noise will usually be brought upon when the car speeds up. The noise can be the result of something as simple as a bad tank of gas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s because this noise could actually be due to small detonations in the engine that could cause irreversible damage if not taken care of.

3. Car Turns Over But Doesn’t Start

If the engine is malfunctioning, it may be difficult to start up the car. Remember, if the car turns over, you can rule out the issue stemming from the battery. The same goes for the starter and alternator, as long as the vehicle starts. According to Mike’s Auto Towing, when the car starts hard, all fingers should point to the engine.

4. Vehicle is Backfiring or Stalling

Of course there are times where this doesn’t indicate engine failure, but when a car backfires or stalls there is a possibility that it is due to an engine problem. If it’s not the engine itself, it could be a problem that could damage the engine.

5. Odor From the Exhaust

Nowadays, most vehicles run without giving off any smell. However, if you notice that all of a sudden your exhaust smells bad or different from before, you should bring your car straight to the mechanic to get it checked.

It’s clear that if you experience any of the signs listed above in your vehicle, you need to get it looked at right away. After all, it’s better to be overcautious than not cautious enough. By getting your car inspected, you can avoid serious damage from occurring later on.