November 2, 2008
Simple Ways To Improve Gas Mileage In Your Car!
These days, it seems like the oil companies are just out to rob us. Gas prices have inflated to beyond ridiculous, along with everything else, while our economy grinds to a slow, painful stop. Most people are just busy trying to figure out how to stay afloat, and want to learn how they can improve gas mileage to save money.
There are several methods that help to improve gas mileage, some of them that are very effective, and others that really don't make too much of a difference. It can be a bit of a pain trying to sift through them all, so I have gone to the trouble of finding the most common methods people are using right now to improve gas mileage, so I could pass them on to you.
First, change your oil, and get tuneups on a regular basis. Most people realize that if your car is tuned up and running like a top, then the energy used will be less than if your car has mechanical problems. Some basic things like changing the air filter, deteriorated hoses, and oil changes using the properly weight oil with friction reducers will all make a difference and improve gas mileage.
Another trick that works well, is getting rid of extra weight your car is carrying. Do away with luggage racks, since they create resistance, and decrease your gas mileage. Keeping your tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can also help to decrease resistance, the MPG gain is fairly small, but every little bit will help!
You'll also improve gas mileage by slowing down. Try driving at more reasonable speeds. Keeping your speed at 55 mph on the highway will increase your gas mileage by as much as 25%. That means no speeding when the "man" isn't around! You can also pick up a 14% in gas mileage just by turning on your cruise control.
Also, resist the impulse to drive like a maniac, like constantly slamming on your brakes or quickly accelerating. All that does is burn up valuable fuel and waste your dollars. The same goes for excessive idling. If you have a long wait at a drive through, or at the bank, shut your car down. Cutting back on unnecessary idling has been shown to improve gas mileage by as much as 19%. That is a pretty darn big savings if you think about it, just for remembering to do something simple like shut your car down instead of idling.
So many simple methods to improve gas mileage, and not enough space to cover them all! Just implementing even one of these can help you save money.
About the Author:
Sick of not having any money left after paying the utility bills? Find out how you can keep your money by using alternative energy power. Visit Technology Green to find out how you can cheaply provide your own home energy.
Filed under Automotive by Donald Marshall
November 1, 2008
Where to Find Discounted Used Car Loans Online
Today's car shoppers know that there are a range of financing options available for new cars. But did you know that that used car loans are also available? Indeed, for millions of buyers who can't afford, or do not wish to buy a brand new vehicle, a used car loan may be the answer.
A used car loan can ease the burden of getting on the road with a new vehicle. Thousands of auto dealers have a lineup of good used cars for sale, and most of those dealers are able to offer financing options along with the car. The Internet opens up the possible choices even more, with easily searchable sites offering used cars of all prices, sizes, models, and manufacturers.
The good news is that the same range of selection applies to used car loans. Here are just a few of the many online options you have for buying a car and securing a loan.
Edmunds.com -- The first site has a large following of people who search for cars. The company offers many services, including used car loans. The concept of True Market Value is one of Edmunds inventions. The web site has hundreds of car reviews, and visitors can rate cars as well. Experts also chip in with advice that will help you to make a purchase decision. The site lists invoice prices for some vehicles, and always shows detailed specs for each car or truck. Photos abound, and you can spend hours hunting for your favorite vehicle, and making comparisons side by side. After you make a choice, the site's software will allow you to set up an account and dealers nearby will contact you directly.
CapitalOneAutoFinance.com " A popular place for securing used car loans online is also one of the biggest online lenders in the USA. The site offers tailored loan options for those who are seeking a loan for a new car or used car. The web-based application procedure is relatively painless, and response times are reasonable. Current loan rates are listed online, allowing you to calculate your rough monthly loan payment amounts in advance. Once you submit the form online, the staff will begin reviewing it for the approval process, and you will be contacted by your preferred method once completed.
CapitalOneAutoFinance.com -- This online site is a popular choice of people looking for used car loans. Capital One is one of America's largest online vehicle lenders, so this is the first choice of many potential buyers. This online financer has programs tailored to fit all budgets, whether you're looking for new car loans or used car loans. The online application process is simple: Check the current loan rates, calculate how much your monthly payment is going to be, and submit the online application form. Your approval process will begin immediately and you'll receive a fast reply.
AutomobilesCars.com -- If you are one of the many folks with a poor credit history, then perhaps this site is for you. With a claimed 94% approval rate, almost everyone is able to secure the used car loan they need. The straightforward application process is well designed. AutomobilesCars particularly aims to serve first-time car buyers or people who wish to purchase a used car but have had a bankruptcy or repossesion in their past.
Not everyone wants, or needs, a brand new car. Used cars can offer excellent value for the investment. If you're shopping for a used car, take the time to look around for the best used car loans. The difference can save you even more money on a great set of wheels.
About the Author:
Columnist Michael Trusthold is a writer for several used car magazines, on used cars and used cars sale issues.
Filed under Automotive by Michael Trusthold
October 23, 2008
Discount Auto Insurance Program – Based On How You Drive
A discount auto insurance program is now available by the number of miles you drive. It is starting to spread across the country. This idea has been around for a long time but now insurance carriers are starting to implement the program. The next time you are getting auto insurance quotes see if it is available.
The program first started on the west coast as a pilot discount auto insurance program and it was recently approved for New Jersey through Progressive insurance. There is only one other company that I am aware of that offers auto insurance quotes this way; and that is GMAC Insurance who only offer it to people that have Onstar in their vehicles.
Progressive insurance will have a devise attached to you automobile to track the speed you drive, breaking habits and mileage. GMAC's Onstar has a GPS tracking system and I'm not sure of how they measure your driving habits. This is what causes some concerns.
Some non-profit organizations and government officials are concerned about the tracking measure that will be used. Some feel by adding one of these devises to your car you could be giving up some constitutional freedoms. Another concern is that all people will not be able to benefit from this program. Like people that live in rural areas need to drive further than the average person living in the city.
The discount on your auto insurance could be as much as 9% over people that don't participate in the discount auto insurance program. My concern is how much can your premium be increased if your driving habits to fit what the insurance company has set as normal. Also how does the insurance company determine what is the correct breaking pressure?
A concern of mine is if this program is picked by all the main insurance carriers in the future if you don't part take in the program will your premiums automatically increase. I understand the insurance company's point of view of offering lower rates to more responsible drivers that do not drive that far but years down the road how will this affect all of us?
This program was released in New Jersey on August 8th of 2008. Let's see how long it will take to be available in all states. It will also be interesting to see what other insurance companies adopt a similar program.
I believe every individual should be able to decide if they want to participate in the discount auto insurance program. You know how you drive and how far you travel daily. I am totally open to the underlying thought but I am a tad cynical about how they might monitor my driving habits and how this will affect us in the future.
About the Author:
Before you purchase auto insurance online be sure you check Joe's website QuoteMatcher.com by clicking the following link to find terrific ideas on getting discount auto insurance. You will be able to compare cheap auto insurance quotes from multiple companies quickly so you can start saving today. Joe is a licensed insurance professional that writes interesting articles on insurance related topics.
Filed under Automotive by Joseph Welusz