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The first profit center you will meet when entering a dealership is the sales department. The word “profit center” is not an accident. Yes, they exist to make money and secondly inform the customer about the inventory available. To this end, it is important to first learn the motives of the employees of the sales department. They are generally paid base plus commission. This means they will push the units which will provide either the most profit or special bonus. Their goal is the get the customer to agree to the highest price possible on the unit. They also will receive bonuses for selling select units (usually vehicles which are difficult to move or have been in inventory for a long time).Know what you are going to buy before meeting a sales person. If you do not know, use the sales person to show you around, but do not buy on the first day. You may ultimately buy from this person, but go see others (on different days) before buying your vehicle. They will push you to buy a vehicle today, but the longer you take the more the price of the vehicle will magically drop. The key to getting a good price is time. Visit other dealerships, and make sure to tell the dealers you are visiting other dealerships. You might even want to discuss the price the other dealers are giving you. Play one against the other.Once a price is agreed upon buy the customer and the sales team, the next profit center to visit is the F & I (Finance & Insurance) office. These employees are the most well paid individuals in the dealership, and there is a good reason for it. They make their money on selling financing contracts, extended warranty agreements, and insurance. Before entering the F & I profit center, have your financing secured (bank contract or cash in hand). If you can receive 0% financing (available for 720 credit bureau score and higher), then the dealership would be the only place you can receive this. This should be the only reason a customer should let the dealership run their credit score for financing. Do not tell the sales team you already have financing or are going to pay cash for the unit. They have no need to know this and will sometimes take a lower vehicle price on the car if they believe they will make money on the financing.Extended warranty agreements and insurance can be purchased after you leave the dealership. There are many different types of warranty products and insurance available and they should be researched for best that meets your needs. The F & I office offers these products at cost plus. The plus part of the product cost at the dealership can be up to 300% of the cost of the vehicle. If financing a new vehicle, do consider a rarely used product called gap insurance. This covers the purchaser for the difference between the insured value of the vehicle and the loan value remaining if the unit is totaled. Gap insurance can also be purchased outside the dealership.

In addition to shedding the excess pounds gained over the festive period, many decide to use the beginning of the calendar year to engage in some much-needed spring cleaning. Apart from replacing household appliances and getting rid of unwanted gifts, many decide to start the New Year by buying a new car. But before you rush off to the nearest dealership, there are a few practical concerns that must be evaluated before undertaking such an endeavor.First, assess your needs as a car user. Changes to your household might have influenced your decision to look for a larger or smaller car, so think about how this will alter your needs. For example, if your current car has a larger boot and enough seats for children that have now grown up and left the home, a smaller car and a smaller boot may be in order.Second, consider the engine and fuel efficiency. How much distance do you cover on a regular basis? If you are planning to do more than just traveling to and back from work with the odd weekend trip, it could be better to opt for a diesel engine. Diesel engines have a higher fuel efficiency compared to standard petrol engines and are better for the environment due to lower CO2 emissions.When test-driving a potential new car, keep in mind how it compares to your current one. Test-drive the car for as long as is necessary and try to drive on a bumpy road, and, if it’s possible, take it onto the highway. If the car has an automatic transmission, pay particular attention to it, as it is relatively easy to break and relatively expensive to repair. If possible, also try to test-drive another car of the same model for comparison.When it comes to where to buy a new car, consumers are simply spoilt for choice. In addition to franchised dealers and car supermarkets, online car classifieds have become increasingly popular. If you do decide to use the latter, make sure to do your research properly before parting with any money for the car. Also be sure to get all the necessary paperwork with your purchase, such as a receipt as proof of purchase, a copy of the warranty, the service book and the logbook.Remember that buying a car is one of the most important decisions of any household and you should never part with your money without complete peace of mind. Bearing the aforementioned points in mind should ensure that you won’t be looking for a new car next year too.

Prolonging the life of your car and making sure it keeps running properly through the years of wear and tear and extreme weather changes depends heavily on the auto mechanic or technician maintaining your car. Now the weather changes are strictly dependent of where you live but there’s no denying the wear and tear that every car goes through and having a hack work on your car will really take its toll on the life of your car and your pocket book.It’s your responsibility to ensure that the auto mechanic or auto technician working on your vehicle or vehicles has the experience and ability to handle all necessary issues that can arise and that will save you time and money down the road. Don’t take any chances with the health and life of your vehicle; you’ve invested a lot of money to buy it so insist on your auto mechanic or technician to be ASE certified. ASE certification is monitored from the nonprofit organization, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence which was founded in 1972 and can be found at www.asecert.org.The ASE has certified nearly 500,000 automotive professionals in the industry now with ASE testing and certifying auto technicians in all of the major areas of auto repair and auto service. You can find ASE certified auto technicians as well as auto parts specialists all across the

Fortunately, a larger amount of the new features are developed to help drivers increase their safety on the roads. Among these upgrades is the GPS system, something that many frequent drivers consider a necessity. Sure it may look cool, and it’s better than a map, but is it worth the extra cash? For many the answer is most definitely. Besides the ease at which it helps you navigate unfamiliar territory is helps to make your trip safer for you, your passengers, and others on the road.·         Freedom From the Folding Map: Nothing can be more dangerous than looking at a map while driving. Not only are you taking your focus from the road but your tying up your hands and removing them from the steering wheel. These thing combined can lead to tragic mishaps. A GPS gives your freedom back and allows you to find out where your going while keeping your hands on the wheel and mind on the road. ·         A Guide During Poor Weather Conditions: One of the most frustrating and dangerous times to drive is during inclement weather. Heavy rains, white outs from snow, or dense fog can make driving near impossible, especially if you’re unsure where you are going. When you can’t find your way you become a confused and preoccupied driver. A GPS will help keep you on the right path by altering you of upcoming turns, off and on ramps, or lane changes. ·         Directs You in Case of Emergency: Emergency’s on the road can be very scary for you and your passengers, especially if your not sure where you need to go to rectify the situation. A GPS will be able to direct you to the closet location where help is available. Most systems come equipped with help buttons that can direct you to the nearest police station or hospital. ·         Give Your Direction: When driving in unfamiliar territory, getting lost can be worse than just a few waisted minutes. Lost drivers are more likely to slow down on busy roadways, make abrupt lane changes and turns s, and pay less attention to traffic and pedestrians, all of which can contribute to accidents. A GPS will help minimize these problems and help you know where to turn, what roads to stay on, or what lane to be in. As you can see a GPS can be a terrific addition to any car for both convenience and safety reasons. Unfortunately, they can also be a danger if drivers don’t use common sense and caution. If you have or are thinking about getting a GPS make sure you avoid playing with it while driving. If you are not sure how it works, read the manual and experiment with it while parked or while someone else is in the drivers seat. As always keep your eyes on the road and let the GPS direct you when needed.

Do you know that there are over 1 million cars and trucks that are stolen every year? It’s very hard for an owner to have his car stolen for variety of reasons. First, he doesn’t have any means of transportation. Second, he’s still going to pay for it, whether he likes it or not. Third, there’s the trauma that it could possibly happen to him again. But is there any way to lessen the tendency? Yes, there are. Here are the best 5 ways on how to prevent auto theft from happening:1. Make sure your car is equipped with security devices. There are numerous people who are apprehensive in purchasing cars with extra features because they make the price go higher. However, if these are things that will add more security to your car, then definitely, it’s going to be worth your penny. One is the autolocking system, which will instantly lock your car once you close it. Others include lock for your steering wheel, glass sensors, fuel-kill switches, and immobilizers. There are also some that are very sensitive to touch and will produce sound. Surely, this will be more than enough to drive the thieves away and alert other people around. You can also do further research about these features online or you can ask your car manufacturer. 2. Lock the car door. This is very basic. At these times, there’s no room to be complacent, even if you’re parking your car with a parking guard in sight. It also implies that you shouldn’t be leaving the keys inside your car or even your ignition running. Bring the keys with you and don’t allow simply anyone to borrow your car keys and, most of all, your car. 3. Look for a bright place where you can park your car. Thieves can still feel threatened if they would think of stealing cars in broad daylight or in a well-lit place. There’s always the huge possibility that someone will be able to see their faces and identify them. If you are in a neighborhood or in an office where there are less lights than expected, especially at night, don’t be afraid to make a suggestion. This will not only be for your own protection but for other car owners as well. 4. Write the VIN, or vehicle identification number, in the most conspicuous places. If, unfortunately, someone can get hold of your car without your permission, at least nobody gets to use it, not even the thieves. The VIN will prevent them from selling your car in the black market, as it means that it has already been registered and somebody is already owning it. 5. Purchase a low-profile car. There are actually a list of cars that are so prone of getting stolen these days. You can check out the list or even download the file so you will be able to take note of those models that you shouldn’t be getting. As they say, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid your car from being stolen, go for cars that don’t really appeal to thieves.

If you’re a parent, you should be wary once your kids start to think of driving. After all, these are the people who will likely get into a very dangerous vehicular accident than adults and even seniors. But it doesn’t mean you should stop your kids from doing so. 1. Show him how it’s done. As they say, the best teacher will always be experience. If you want to teach your kids the right way to driving, then you have to let him experience it with you. When you’re going to a mall or traveling on a vacation, allow him to sit beside you. Obey traffic rules and don’t go over speed limits. Learn to respect other vehicles and pedestrians. Most of all, avoid talking on the phone. 2. Enroll him in a reputable driving school. There are just some things that you can’t possibly teach him. Thus, it’s highly ideal if you can enroll your teen to a well-established driving school in your area. Majority of these schools don’t only have lectures about how to drive safely and the proper ways to deal with accidents, but they will also experience simulated driving. There shall also be examinations to test their knowledge and readiness in driving their car out on the streets. If you want him to get the most out of his training course, you may pick those schools that also have defense driving training. These are courses wherein facilitators teach students how to deal with harsh weather conditions and vehicular accidents.

3. Avoid letting him drive at night or when in parties. As much as possible, you should put limit in his driving time. Don’t let him drive at nighttime, especially when he’s out with his friends or attending a party. There’s a huge possibility that he’s on a drinking booze, and if he is, he’ll likely meet an accident, if not, get arrested for DUI. He may also be influenced by his friends to go speed racing, which will surely place your kids in grave danger. It’s even ideal that you’ll be the one to pick your children after their drinking session, to ensure that no one gets to drive a vehicle drunk. Definitely, your teen will understand this setup if you can just be objective and open about it. 4. Let him drive. He will never learn unless he drives. Thus, permit him to drive the car, while an expert, perhaps you, sits beside him. This way, he’ll be conscious with his driving ways. You can also provide him feedback, which he definitely needs from time to time. You can both look for a place where there are less or even no vehicles around, so all of the road will be yours. 5. Always remind him to wear his seatbelts. Majority of the injuries happen because drivers are not wearing their seatbelts. Your children may not fully understand why you have to keep on repeating things to them, but if it’s the only way to make sure that he stays safe, then do it.

The problem is there are numerous car owners who are able to do so simply because they don’t know how to file one. In the end, they’re not able to enjoy the premiums they constantly pay to their insurance company. A claim is something you need to obtain when your vehicle meets an accident or when you’re injured because of a collision. It will basically cover the cost, partial or full, for the repair or your hospitalization. To ensure that you can fully maximize your premium and obtain your claim the soonest time possible, here are some techniques:1. Make a report of the incident right away. Don’t wait until the next day to file your incident report or at least list down what happened. The later you will make one the higher the chances that you’re going to forget it are. You need all these information once you’re going to file your claim. If you cannot create your own report for one reason or the other, at least have someone to do it for you, with your assistance. Besides, a more detailed report will make it very easier for the insurance company to decide how much claim you will be entitled with. 2. Notify the police. Notifying the police will further strengthen your case and will improve your chances of being granted with your claim. There are many instances that you should seek professional help immediately or inform the police. First, you must notify them if your vehicle got stolen or someone has vandalized something. You must also provide them a report if your car gets damaged because of collision or a person has purposely did it. It’s also advisable to make a report if you have been injured because of a vehicular accident. All these can be filed together with your own incident report. It will establish the credibility of your story. 3. Call your insurance company immediately. This is the part when you will be grateful of your insurance company’s 24-hour hotline. If you get yourself in any form of trouble, with undue damage on your vehicle, you have to file a report right away so the insurance company will be able to act upon it the soonest time possible. It will also remove any doubt that could play up in their minds. Remember, not all policy holders are as honest as you. Some of them will simply create stories so they’ll be able to make a claim. Nevertheless, don’t end the notification with a call. The next day, submit an intent-to-claim letter. If it’s possible, state that you have already placed a call and the name of the customer service representative that you have talked to. 4. Know what to do next. Companies have their own way of processing claims, so it’s recommended that you obtain first-hand information on the right steps to do it. First, know if there are still some requirements you need to accomplish, your rights and obligations to your claim, and how soon before you will be able to get your claim.

A vehicle can be considered a hybrid when it utilizes two different sources of power to allow the car function.The most common hybrid vehicle on the roads right now is the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). They use a conventional system of propulsion complemented by a rechargeable system for storing energy. A typical example would be cars with electric batteries added to the usual internal combustion engine. How do the cars work?Vehicles with electric batteries have been introduced in the early nineties but were not a big hit due to the major hassle of charging the vehicle and small number of charging stations. But hybrid vehicles have been able to solve this dilemma by recharging the batteries as the car spins. All actions of the driver are monitored by an internal computer. From startup and into lower speed, the car is essentially driven using the electric motor. If computer feels that you want to accelerate faster, it will immediately kick in the gasoline engine to provide you the power that you need. At the same, the electric motor is now acting like a generator and recharging the battery in your car. The electric motor also assists the gasoline engine when needed. This explains why most engines found on hybrid cars are smaller since they eliminate the need for high-powered ones that consume a lot of gas. As you slow down, the power is again shifted to the electric motors until you reach to a full stop.The resultsMost hybrid drivers immediately notice the absence of the common engine noise that they get used to when starting up and when kicking into high gear. This is because of the fact that the electric motors are generally quitters plus the gasoline engines used are smaller. The tandem also proves to be beneficial by reducing the wear and tear on the gasoline engine, adding more to its durability.Reduced emissions on noise and air pollutants generally make hybrid cars more environment friendly. Though most people are concerned about the batteries and how they discarded, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) can actually be fully recycled. Car companies such as the frontrunner

Are your tires good enough to perform in winter driving conditions? This is especially true for winter snow tires and all-season tires most vehicles come equipped with. Winter tires are specially designed to provide you a safe and hassle free driving experience in the snow covered winter days giving your vehicle a better grip on ice and snow.Winter tires are making a big comeback in sales and popularity with an increase of about 7.5% last year. It has a lot to do with the factory tires that come with all new vehicles. They are made with the summer months in mind but in harsh winter conditions those soft, gummy tires are utterly useless to the driver. Here is a breakdown of you can go about buying a new set of winter snow tires: ·         Know that if you plan on buying new winter snow tires, you need to buy all four and not just one or two so you’ll need some money to buy them. Many people looking to save a few bucks try to purchase only winter tires for their front wheels which is not a smart thing to do. Two different sets of tires on your car can be dangerous leading to spin outs and other vehicle control issues. All four winters tires better be all the same brand, size, model, speed-rated, load index, tread pattern and type, as well. ·         The best snow tires are the ones with a snowflake on mountains symbol found on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol shows that those tires have been approved and met all the toughest Severe Winter Traction Standard regulations. For example, some tires are marked with an M+S which stands for mud and snow. While these tires are still all-weather tires, they are still not considered to acceptable for use in extreme winter conditions. ·         You’ll need to know the size of tire you’ll need for your vehicle. The last thing you want to do is purchase and mount a set of four tires only to find they are too small. The size can either be found on the side of the tire itself or inside your car’s owner manual. Most tire shops also keep a database of tire sizes to match each individual vehicle make and model. ·         Know the tread depth of your tires now and the depth you want. If your daily driving route involves a whole lot of snow and slush, I recommend a tire depth of about 6/32 inch or more. ·         Now the only you have left to do is get your tires mounted. If you have the tools to do it yourself, you’ll save a few bucks but you’re better off just paying a tire shop or garage to do it for you. Many places that sell you the tires will do the mount and install for you for a small extra charge. ·         Once you have your new winter tires mounted up to your vehicle, the only thing you need to do is be sure that they are properly inflated at all times. During the cold winter months, you should check it at least once a week.

Everything can sound tricky, confusing, and difficult. With these information about car insurance, though, surely, you can get a good head start and eventually land one that’s worth your price and time. 1. Don’t settle for one car insurance alone. ‘Shopping’ is the right word to use when you’re going to look for a car insurance. You’re going to look for the best package, with the most affordable premium, superb benefits, and excellent customer service. Fortunately, majority of the states have several insurance companies so you can definitely find one that can give you the most savings. 2. Know the coverage of your car insurance. Some car insurance policies are expensive than the others because of the coverage. Oftentimes, you’ll get billed highly when it comes to liabilities. These include vehicular accidents. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or who isn’t into racing with other drivers when you’re in the freeway, then you’re likely going to meet any vehicular accident that’s going to be your fault. Thus, you can talk it over to your insurance company and perhaps they will be able to lower your liability bill. 3. Hunt for an insurance company before you are going to purchase a car. The common practice is to do it the other way around: you buy and then have the vehicle insured. If you’re one of these people, then you will have to bear with higher interest premiums. Insurance companies actually base your premium on factors such as the retail price of the car, the tendency of your car of being stolen, as well as its safety level. You can use these criteria in looking for the car that doesn’t need to have such a higher insurance price tag attach to it. 4. Stick to what you can afford. There’s no point in going for the most excellent car insurance policy when the truth is you cannot afford to pay the premium. It could spell double trouble for you. If you continue going on default, you will lose your coverage and worse tarnish your credibility record. To prevent default payments, already have at least an estimate on how much you’re willing to spend for the policy. You should also identify your payment terms: is it going to be yearly, monthly, and quarterly? There are pros and cons in each one of them, and you have to weigh them carefully as they can have a huge impact on your overall household budget. 5. Hunt for discounts in insurance. Because of the intense competition in the market, there are already several insurance companies that are offering discounts in their policies. A good example is if you’re going to purchase life, home, and car insurance together, you will be enjoying lesser costs compared to purchasing them individually. This is excellent for you if you’re really trying to save some cash. However, don’t just settle for this to enjoy the discount. A discount package with life insurance when you already have one is already useless and yet you’re still going to pay for it.