May 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
With fuel prices on the rise there is an abundance of fuel-saving tips. People advise not to carry extra weight in your trunk, drive gently and combine your errands. However, the one tip that will allow you to save the most is to slow down.
In the average sedan, every 10 mph over 60 is equivalent to gas prices rising 54 cents per gallon. When you are traveling on the highway, your vehicle is in the highest gear with relatively low rpm’s. In order for your vehicle to maintain speed it has to overcome the friction of the tires on the roadway, it’s moving parts, and especially the flow of air around it.
At high speeds, it takes up 40% of a vehicle’s energy to push around air. It makes the task even more difficult the faster you go. There is much more wind resistance at 70-80mph than 50-60mph.
If a vehicle at 65mph gets approximately 28 mpg, driving 75mph would only get you 24mpg. If you drive slower, at 55mph, you could save even more. In fact, the 55mph speed limit was set in 1974 as a response to the energy crisis of the time.
With the tough economy, consumers need all the help they can get. Saving on fuel is a big help, and all they have to do is slow down. After shelling out money for maintenance, an auto warranty, and financing, motorists don’t want to have to waste money on gas.
May 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The only thing cheap about the silver 2008 Mazda3 i Sport 4-door is the sticker price. You can get into this car for less than $14,000. Not to mention, this car is stylish with the right amount of curves and straight lines that allow it to stand out from the cars in its class.
This is a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder vehicle, which received high marks in handling, speed, acceleration, suspension and braking. Also, this car has great fuel-efficiency. It gets 26mpg in the city and 34mpg on the highway.
Car buyers are always concerned with safety, and this car doesn’t disappoint in this area. It comes standard with dual-front airbags. It even has a passenger sensor for weight/position, door beams for side-impact and anti-lock brakes. It also gives you the option for dual side-impact airbags, as well as side-curtain airbags.
The interior of the Mazda 3 is impressive. It is all black and looks expensive. Also, it has burnished chrome accents that give it an upscale feel. In addition, cruise control and audio buttons are built right into the steering wheel.
The Mazda 3 is a great option for consumers looking for an upscale feel without the upscale price. It comes with many impressive features, including an auto warranty.
May 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
A diesel engine used to elicit a wince from people who associated diesels with engine noise, a not so pleasant smell, and blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe. However, this is changing. Diesel engines will soon elicit a positive response.
The new generation diesels are considered clean. They use a very low sulfur diesel fuel that was made available in the United States in 2006. It is predicted by experts that diesel sales are going to increase approximately 300% within 10 years. One of the reasons for this is that diesel engines have around 20%-40% better fuel-efficiency than engines powered by gasoline.
The Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance claims that using ultra low sulfur fuel in these new and improved diesel engines will cause air quality to improve greatly. The yearly reductions in emissions will be the same as taking away the pollution from over 90% of the buses and trucks today. This is when the fleet of heavy-duty vehicles has been replaced by 2030.
It may take time to change perceptions about diesel engines, but people will begin to realize the benefits. Not only will they make our air cleaner, they will save people at the gas pump. However, as with any car, it is necessary to buy an auto warranty so you are covered in the case of failure.
May 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Cars need regular maintenance in order to run trouble free. Some people actually brag about driving an incredible amount of miles without performing maintenance on their vehicle. However, these are the same people that eventually go to their mechanic and get handed a bill for hundreds of dollars. An auto warranty can help you avoid unnecessary costs for repairs, but you need to have a maintenance schedule.
The reality is that faulty sensors and bad fuel injectors will cause engine adjustments that are improper resulting in foul sparkplugs. Also, oil combustion is a result of worn pistons and rings. And, of course, dirty fuel filters and air filters can cause problems. A perfect world would have no grime and dirt, which would allow us unbelievable mileage between services, but that’s not reality.
According to the Car Care Council, during the National Car Care Month there were check lanes that show an 83% rate in failure. The problems were transmission fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.
Drivers need to consult their owner’s manuals and make sure they get regular maintenance. This will allow vehicles to operate more effectively and for a longer amount of time. Buying an auto warranty will give you peace of mind when it comes to repair costs.
May 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Do you find yourself apprehensive to shop for a new vehicle? Are you afraid of saying something that will allow the dealer to have the upper hand in negotiating? Car shopping doesn’t have to rattle your nerves. Here are some things that you don’t want to say to your car dealer.
Don’t begin to talk about monthly payments. You need to put your focus into negotiating the purchase price. Things get very confusing when you discuss monthly payments because you may not be sure if that is the payment for 24 or 36 months.
Don’t say that you have a trade in right away. If a dealer knows this he knows you are going to want to get as much as you can for the trade-in. The dealer may give you more for your trade-in, but it’s a smokescreen because then they won’t budge on the new car price.
If you plan on paying in cash, don’t tell the dealer. They make a lot of money in financing, and if they know that they won’t make that money, they might not negotiate on the purchase price.
When buying a car it is important to do your homework. Go to the dealership prepared with information on financing, new car warranties, and car prices. This way you can stand your own with the dealer.
May 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
You may think you have to spend a fortune to buy a new car, but that isn’t true. There are cars out there that are affordable, reliable and come with an auto warranty. What affordable cars will give you the most bang for your buck?
The Toyota Yaris is a 2-door hatchback at a great price. The sticker on this vehicle is $12,704. This is a sporty looking vehicle that gets 40mpg on the highway and 34mpg in the city. This car has a 1.5-liter engine putting out 106hp. It has a spacious interior and a moderate amount of trunk space. The only cheap thing about this vehicle is the price.
The Hyundai Accent Hatchback GS is a bargain at $13,581. This car is sporty and sexy and even offers options for customizing. It gets 35mpg on the highway and 32mpg in the city. The engine is a 1.6-liter putting out 110 hp. This car has an impressive interior with a wraparound dashboard. Also, you can fold down the back seats to create quite a bit of cargo space.
The Chevy Aveo LS is a four-door hatchback. Its price is impressive at $13,724. It has a fun, aerodynamic style with comfortable ride. It has a driver’s seat that is height adjustable, ample rear legroom, and an interior with a clean layout. The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 hp. This car gets 37mpg on the highway and 27mpg in the city.
If you’re on a budget for car shopping, never fear. These cars will give you the must bang for your buck and all come with an auto warranty.
May 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Theories vary on when is the best time to purchase a new vehicle. Some people say the holidays, others say early in the week or even a rainy day. However, one thing is for sure, the end of the month is the time to get a bargain deal on a car.
Most of the sales staff at a car dealership operates on a quota system. They get an incremental bonus every time they reach their next sales mark in that month. This means that if a salesperson is about to hit the end of the month and he needs to sell a few more cars to reach his sales mark, there is an incentive for him to have the sales manager lower the car price.
In fact, car sellers get a bonus from the dealership and the manufacturer if they meet designated sales goals. If the needs of the dealership and manufacturer change they will change goals. They might give a $1,000 bonus for a month if goals are met, or they might give a $100 bonus for selling the first vehicle of the day on a Saturday. Salespeople have more fun when there are incentives.
If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, go at the end of the month for the best deals. Also, do your homework on such things as new car warranties, and auto insurance to make sure you don’t pay too much.
May 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Many motorists aren’t sure whether they should use regular or synthetic oil in their cars. The answer depends on the age of the vehicle, mileage, and the recommendations by the carmaker.
Vehicles with high mileage that are older often have excessive engine wear that allows oil to leak internally. Synthetic oil isn’t recommended on these vehicles because it is thinner than regular oil and flows freely. Using it often will cause internal oil combustion.
Many carmakers today use synthetic oil in their engines. This is often the case when the car has an engine that is high performance with high compression, high temperatures for operating, and engine tolerances that are tight. If you’re thinking of switching to synthetic oil and your car still has an auto warranty, make sure to consult your dealer first.
In the proper vehicle synthetic oil is a good idea (consult your owner’s manual). Although synthetic will cost you twice as much as regular, it is worth it because it lasts longer and can help your engine last longer.
April 29th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Why buy a sports car? Sports cars are not made to be practical, they are made to be fun. They are available in various models, such as two-seat roadsters and hatchbacks. Many models have relatively small cargo space, while others offer ample rear cargo room. Here are some things to consider when deciding which car model to purchase.
Even car models that fall in the same categories can vary greatly in fuel-efficiency. Make sure to do comparisons to see which models will save you money at the gas pump.
A lot of sports cars have small doors and limited head room that make getting in and out difficult. If you’re looking for a little more ease, you might want to look for a four-door hatchback or sedan. They often have easier access.
A sports car can have from two to five seats; depending on what model you look at. Even cars with five seats often have a middle rear seat that is too tight for adults. Make sure to try out the seats for comfort. Also, consider a three-point seat belt instead of a lap belt for a seat in the center rear.
A sports car is a great choice for motorists who want an exciting ride, and aren’t concerned about cargo space. However, it is always important to purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.
April 29th, 2008 by Hal Moses
SUVs come in a wide array of prices and sizes. They provide more versatility than any other vehicle. They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow for a driving position that is higher than cars. In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain. There are car based and truck based SUVs. Which is the best for you?
Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs. These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms. In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive. They usually perform better in fuel-economy, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs. Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall. They can be driven off-road in mild situations.
Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform. They provide a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs. Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious. The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome. Also, their ride is a little jolting.
SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options. Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on a model. Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.
With fuel prices on the rise there is an abundance of fuel-saving tips. People advise not to carry extra weight in your trunk, drive gently and combine your errands. However, the one tip that will allow you to save the most is to slow down.
