Saving Money on Tires

Knowing when to replace your tires is an important part of being a car owner. Overall vehicle safety is affected by tires that are in bad condition. But everyone knows that replacing tires is expensive, and is not always a task that can be done with ease financially.

This article from AOL Autos gives drivers tips on how they can save some green when it comes time to replace your tires. Now you'll have a safe car and your wallet won't be empty.

1. Determine if it's time for replacement 

To determine whether you even need new tires, do some simple checks on your current set. First, take a penny and place the edge into the groove of each tire. Insert the edge of the penny into the tread upside down, with the top of good ol' Honest Abe's noggin going in first. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered by tread, that means you still have an acceptable and safe amount of tread. Do this test at various points around the perimeter of the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible at any point around the tire, it's time to go tire shopping. You can see an example of how to do this test here. 

Check to make sure the edges of the tires don't show excessive wear, and that the tire pressure is correct. Your owner's manual should have the recommended tire pressure, and most gas stations have an air compressor with a tire gauge in the event that you need to fill them. 

2. Don't replace all four tires unless unless absolutely necessary 

The front tires of a car will often wear out faster than the rear tires. This is especially true if you don't often rotate the tires during your vehicle's life. If your local tire shop insists that you need a new set, inquire about the condition of the rear tires before agreeing to the whole thing. Replacing four tires costs twice as much, and your rear pair could still have thousands of miles of life left. 

If you do buy two tires instead of four, it's better to put the new tires on the back, rotating the older ones to the front position. The newer tires will help the car remain stable if you need to swerve out of an emergency situation. Do not buy one tire at a time. If a single tire is damaged, always get another new one for the other side of the car. 

3. Big brands are not always the best value 

Most people can name two or three tire brands from advertisements and marketing campaigns. The big brands typically produce quality tires, but there are many lesser-known brands that are just as good. The lesser-known brands can save over 50 percent compared with the name brands, and can deliver the same tire life and level of comfort.
You can get recommendations on different brands from a site like Tire Rack. 

4. Get an alignment 

Getting an alignment every time you install new tires is crucial to extending the life of the tires. When your wheels are properly aligned, the tires will wear evenly as they were designed to do. If you install new tires and you wheels are out of alignment, the uneven wear can cause you to need a new set of tires prematurely.

Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos: http://aol.it/1l1760F

Personal Safety for Teen Drivers

Parents can have a big hand in teaching teens about safety on the road. Here are a few potential driving situations parents should make their teens aware of when it's time for them to hit the road solo:

Back away from possible road rage: The cautious habits of a new driver may inadvertently annoy others, who may yell, tailgate or act in a threatening manner. Aside from causing a dangerous distraction, these encounters can quickly escalate.

The best reaction is to ignore the heated driver and seek distance, says James Solomon, director of training for defensive driving at the National Safety Council in Itasca, Illinois.

"Pull over when it's safe to do so, and wait for the offender to get a good distance ahead of you," he says. "Don't pull out as soon as they pass you; they're likely to jam on their brakes once they get in front of you."

Set an example for your teen by remaining calm and patient when you're at the wheel, and dismiss irate drivers with minimal reaction.

React cautiously to what appears to be an unmarked police car: Any car can signal or flash lights, motioning for another driver to pull over. While rare, police impersonations do happen, so your teen should proceed with caution in response to an unmarked car. At the same time, they need to acknowledge the vehicle as possibly legitimate.

"Put on your hazard lights and continue driving," Solomon recommends. "This indicates that you know they are there, if they really are a cop. But if they aren't, this generates unwanted attention."

The best place to pull over is always a lit, populated area, where the teen driver should remain locked in the car. A call to the local police will confirm if an unmarked officer is patrolling the vicinity.

Don't feel obligated to your peers: A teen with a car attracts attention. Classmates your teenager barely knows will cozy up to secure a ride. It can be hard for young people to turn down their peers.

The message to deliver is that any unknown person is unwelcome in the car, even another teen. And in most areas, a restricted driver license prohibits the teen driver from transporting non-family members.

Since perception is of primary concern to this age group, help your son or daughter formulate some responses to draw upon: "Sorry, I'm going straight to soccer." Or "My grandmother is waiting for a ride." Or "My dad needs the car." These answers give kids an easy out.

Be on the offense in dark parking lots: Teens don't always plan ahead, and often park their car in daylight but return after dark.

"Before you park, think about how long you'll be and what kind of neighborhood you're in," Solomon says.

Tell the teen drivers that if they'll be returning after dusk, they should park under a street light. Walking back to the car with keys in hand not only prevents fumbling around for them, but gives them something to strike with if the need arises. Also, remind them to remain alert.

"This isn't a time to be on the phone or texting," says Solomon.

Don't sympathize with a hitchhiker: An altruistic attitude is common among young people, but it can be dangerous, particularly if they're thinking of offering a ride to a hitchhiker.

"Ask yourself why that person is on the side of the road," Solomon suggests. "Do they have a mental illness? Did they escape from jail? Are they a drug addict, looking to steal your car for money?"

Point out that although the hitcher appears harmless, and maybe even vulnerable, with a pet or child in tow, the reality might be quite different. "Once a stranger is inside your car, it's no longer a safe place," says Solomon.

Teens should know that any time they're concerned about someone's safety, hitchhiker or otherwise, the best way to help is to notify the police.

Click the link to read the full article at Edmunds.com: http://edmu.in/1IDNrjn

Don't Let Your Car Get Too Cold

A car that is too cold could lead to maintenance problems. Learn what you can do this winter to keep your car from getting too cold.

Here are their tips:

• Keep the gas tank at least half-full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

• Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon-monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

• Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing so the oil in the engine and transmission can circulate and get warm.

• Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in subzero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.

• Consider using cold weather windshield washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in an area with especially harsh winter conditions.

And don't forget to sharpen up your ice driving skills and load up your car with a few extra creature comforts to help keep the people on board cozy and subzero proof as well.

Read the full article from AOL Autos here: http://bit.ly/1xVq7Mf

Mistakes that Could Prematurely Age Your Car

When it comes to car maintenance, these bad habits could actually be decreasing the lifespan of your car.

Warming car up or otherwise leaving it idling.

Today's engines have enough lubrication that they don't need to be warmed up. Maybe like me, however, you like the seats and interior a bit toasty before you take off in the morning. That's fine, but keep it to a minimum, as in just a couple of minutes. Engines aren't designed to sit idling for long periods of time. Keep it idling too long and a buildup can develop on your spark plugs, which can make them less efficient, which wastes gas.

Practicing poor tire maintenance. 

Driving a car with improperly inflated tires wastes fuel and wears down your tires' tread. Keep your tires too far under their ideal inflation, you'll be driving on tread towards that outside of the tire, which will not only do the above, it will adversely affect your car's handling and braking. Worst yet, on the highway, this can cause your tire to blow out. AutoMD, a mechanic referral service, recommends testing your tread by inserting a penny – with Abe's head first – into the treads on your tire. If our former president's head is covered at all, you're safe. If there's space above his head, or you can read "In God We Trust," it's time for tire shopping.

Driving too fast. 

It can do far more than get you ticketed, injured or killed. Driving too far over the speed limit forces you to brake hard, fast and abruptly, which takes a toll on your tires' tread, says McKinney Tire Pros on the tire dealer's blog. Few things wear your tires out faster. Allow extra distance between your car and the car in front so you don't have to brake – especially hard – just because the guy in front did so, perhaps unnecessarily. And teach yourself to scan the road far ahead so you can react with plenty of time in an emergency.

Riding the brake or clutch. 

Perhaps years of $3-a-gallon gas taught you to drive more responsibly. Hopefully there aren't too many of you left out there, but for any two-footed drivers of automatic transmission vehicles, it really is time to stop doing that. We can all tell who you are by the frequent flickering of your brake lights when we ride behind you. And along with driving us crazy, you're wearing your brakes down for no good reason. You may not be making us nuts with this other habit, but the same can be said of clutch-riding if you're one of those manual transmission drivers who keeps your foot practically on the clutch while driving. You'll wear that down too, which can require complicated (read: costly) fixes. If you're guilty of either of these near-sins, try this: Plant your left foot on what's known as the "dead pedal," to the left of the brake or clutch. Doing so will brace you during sharp turns and keep you from riding the brake or clutch.

Baking the dashboard.

I always thought those cardboard sunshades – say, the goofy ones that look like sunglasses – were to keep your car cooler inside for when you get in on a hot day. That's part of it, but they do far more than protect your comfort. They also keep dashboards from blistering, cracking, fading or getting otherwise damaged by the harsh rays of the sun. They're a great "investment" (they're often less than $20) unless your car is always in the shade, which seems almost impossible to me. Keep it in the trunk for those time when your car isn't in a garage.

Read the full article from AutoBlog here: http://aol.it/14ihsqb

What to Keep in Your Car's Emergency Kit

We'd like to think our car will always get us where we need to go. But cars aren't always 100% reliable. They might run out of gas, get a flat tire or have engine failure. In the event that something like this should happen to you, it's best to keep an emergency kit in your care. Find out what your should keep in your car's emergency kit:

Your emergency kit should include:

• Roadside flares
• A first-aid kit
• Work gloves or latex gloves
• Two quarts of oil
• Jumper cables
• One gallon of antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Extra fuses
• A blanket
• A flashlight with fresh batteries
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A flat head screwdriver
• Vise grips
• An adjustable wrench
• A pair of pliers
• A tire inflator
• A tire pressure gauge
• Some rags and a funnel
• A roll of duct tape
• A roll of paper towels
• A spray bottle with washer fluid
• An ice scraper
• An AAA or roadside emergency card
• Triangle reflectors and flares.
• A pocketknife
• Bottled water
• Granola or energy bars

You can use a cardboard box or large plastic container (such as a milk carton) for storage, so that it doesn't roll around in the trunk and you can quickly find what you need in an emergency. If space in your car is at a premium, you can use a basic version of the emergency kit, with a small first-aid kit; two roadside flares; a quart of oil; extra fuses; a flashlight; a multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, a saw, a bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl; a tire inflator, some rags, a pocket knife, and a help sign.

Several companies and organizations offer pre-assembled emergency roadside kits that contain essential items in a small, convenient carrier. You may also want to add a few of the items listed above to suit your needs.

Some definitely optional items to consider for your emergency kit include a Swiss Army knife, a good book, a pillow, a bathing suit, some tasty snacks, and a beach chair.

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures during the winter, you should also keep a collapsible shovel in your car in case you have to dig your way out of ice or snow.

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/1hsqZgT

Find the Right Car Insurance

Auto insurance is absolutely necessary for every car owner. If you're a first-time car buyer, the added cost can be scary. But luckily, there are many options when it comes to car insurance that can fit any budget. Keep reading to learn how to get the best coverage for your needs.

Watch out for minimum coverage.

States' legal minimums for insurance coverage should be considered just that – minimums. Jay Edelstein, a Philadelphia accidents attorney, strongly recommends policies with much higher limits. If you're held liable in a crash and only have the state minimum required coverage, you risk being held personally responsible for paying the other guy's damages.

If you don't have any liability coverage, you're responsible for paying for the pain, suffering, and other personal hardships and some economic damages, such as lost wages, that you cause, says Michael Reitman, a Clark, N.J. attorney who handles negligence cases. The insurer won't give you a lawyer or pay for one for you if you're sued. Your assets will be in jeopardy and you risk having your wages garnished if a judgment is entered against you. And, if you don't have coverage and someone hits you, you can't sue, says Reitman. I'm convinced!

Umbrella policies make good sense.

Umbrella insurance is a policy that increases your liability coverage – that is, what you'll owe someone else if you're responsible for injuring them or damaging their property. It covers more types of claims at a higher limit. Trustedchoice.com, a company that represents 140,000 independent insurance agents, says these policies can benefit anyone who drives, owns or rents a home and has assets to protect. Seeing that's almost anyone who has been saving money for a few years, it's something worth looking at. Of course, like any type of insurance, you need do a cost-benefit analysis to see if it's right for you. How much can you afford to spend each month and what do you stand to lose if you don't pony it up?

While you're pondering that, consider this: Nearly 15 of people with high net worth don't have this coverage, Trusted Choice says. An average cost of about $380 per year – or about $32 a month – can get you $1 to 2 million worth of protection. Sold!

Collision coverage raises questions.

It may or may not make sense for you. Our hunk o'junk 2001 SUV – a third vehicle for my two-driver household – is on its way to any charity that might want it, most likely for parts. We haven't paid collision coverage on it for awhile, but I just realized (by actually looking at my policy!) that we've been paying what's known as comprehensive coverage, which covers non-crash things that could happen to my car. I don't care what happens to this car so just saved, well, a whopping $20 a year.

While skipping collision coverage for a car worth $3,000 or less may seem like a smart way to save money, the cost of replacing any vehicle you actually need after a total loss can prove overwhelming if you don't have collision coverage. (We wouldn't replace ours until our teen starts to drive.)

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage a must.

If you suffer a life-changing injury and can't go back to work after a crash caused by a driver without enough insurance, your life and future can hang in the balance, says Philadelphia lawyer Dean Weitzman. The only way you can be adequately and fairly compensated after such an event is to have the highest amount of UM and UIM that you can afford, he says. There's even a way to do that without spending more on your existing policy: Just increase your vehicle collision deductible.

"If you're going to take a chance, take the chance on the property damage," Weitzman wrote on the MyPhillyLawyer.com blog. "That's better than having the unknown risk of having life changing catastrophic injuries and not having the money to pay for care."

Read the full article at AutoBlog: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/12/tips-on-choosing-your-car-insurance-wisely/

Keeping Your Car Free of Clutter

Is your car starting to feel a little messy, or even cramped? Keep your car comfortable and clutter-free with these tips from Kicking Tires:

Clean Out the Crap: Don't be tempted to put a lot of crap in your car in the first place. It sounds so simple, and it is. Items that go into your car should be necessities. Ask yourself if your kid needs to bring his 1,000-piece puzzle, pull-toy and swim floatie with you on a trip to the grocery store. Implement the "one in, one out" rule. If your kids must bring a favorite toy in the car, limit them to oneitem each. If they bring one thing in the car, they must bring that one thing back out of the car at the end of the day. (If that one item happens to be a purse stuffed with 20 other small items? Good luck!) One parent of three on our staff recommends treating your car like a camping trip. If you pack it in, you must pack it back out and leave it better than when you arrived.

Group the Necessities: Keep a utility bag, like this one from ThirtyOneGifts.com, in the cargo area to house items like first-aid kits, sunscreen, wipes and diapers, plus anything else you like to keep in there. One mom on our staff swears by disposable zippered plastic bags of all sizes to help organize all the stuff she needs for her preschooler and newborn twins in her car, while a friend uses mesh pencil bags for this purpose. A "to-go" tote is also helpful. Load it up with your daily stuff — library books to return, dry cleaning to drop off, a protein shake to keep you going if a meal is still a while off — and at the end of the day, load the tote back up with everything that needs to come into the house from the car. (Don't forget those dirty socks that have been under the backseat for months.)

Use Down Time (and Recycled Grocery Bags) to Gather Trash: No matter how diligent we are with the above techniques, trash inevitably ends up in the car. Use that extra minute or two while waiting in the carpool lane to grab a plastic grocery bag (keep a stash of them in the glove box) and gather up the wrappers and rogue pieces of Pirate's Booty that have been under the seats for months. Tie up the bag, stash it inside your "to-go" tote and trash it the second your pull into your garage.

Stuff a Sock in It!: To keep small items like coins, french fries and Polly Pocket shoes from falling into the depths of despair between the seats and consoles, just stuff a sock in that gap to close it up. If the stuff in your car stays within easy reach, you'll be more tempted to clean it out.

Wet Wipes are Your Friend: Wet wipes can do just about anything in a car, from cleaning up unmentionables on your kid's child-safety seat and wiping sticky messes off faces and hands, to grabbing dust off the dashboard. Travel-size packs of baby wipes are perfect for keeping in cars, and the crunchier parents among us can pick up a package of these organic ones by Giovanni. They do double duty as aromatherapy for your car, and, because they're individually wrapped, they won't dry out after months in the glove box.

Click here to read the full article: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/12/how-to-corral-car-clutter.html