The winter months can wreak havoc on not only the appearance of your vehicle but also the way it performs on the roads. One of the most important things a person can learn when taking Driver’s Ed or being taught how to drive by a family member is who to drive in the snow. Now, not every person who gets their driver’s license will need to learn how to drive in the snow because of their geographic location. However, for those who live in the Central part of the country and the Northeast, learning how to drive in the snow is crucial to their survival.

Always be prepared when heading out in the snowy weather warns Nissan Service specialists in Washington state. If you are driving in extreme conditions be sure to put chains on your tires or have snow tires put on your vehicle. Also, make sure that you have a shovel in your trunk in the event that your car gets stuck in a snow bank so you can try to dig it out before an accident happens.

When the roads are covered in snow, you should slow down. If the speed limit is 45 MPH, make sure are driving at 30 MPH or even less. Speed is the number one cause of accidents during the winter months. It does not matter if you have chains on your tires, if you have antilock brakes, or if you know how to drive out of a skid, your car will run off the road if you are speeding.

Always apply the brakes when entering a curve on snowy or icy roads. If you take the curve too fast, your vehicle will skid and possibly run off the road. If you brake when going into a curve you increase your chances of coming out of the curve still on the road and completely safe.

Everyone who drives on snowy and icy roads should know how to control a skid. The two biggest tips for controlling a skid include turning your vehicle into the skid and accelerating just a little bit. Westboro Infiniti is always promoting safety, and warns that if you release the brake and turn towards the direction of the skid, you will find that an accident can be avoided.

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Although gas prices have appear to be stable, the economic climate still has many drivers fixated on fuel savings. In fact, the recent Cash for Clunkers program spurred the sales of fuel efficient vehicles, indicating an unwavering demand for fuel efficiency and high mileage cars. For those that aren’t planning on buying a new car to achieve more miles per gallon, here are a few tips you might want to consider to make the most out of a tank of gas.

Turn off the 4WD – For those that have a truck or SUV equipped with part-time four-wheel drive, ensure you have the system set to two-wheel drive unless you’re facing driving conditions with limited traction. Operating in four-wheel drive requires added fuel consumption, and Washington DC Chevrolet warns that it also adds wear and tear on your vehicle.

Check your tires – Ensuring your tires are inflated properly will help decrease rolling resistance says one used Dodge New York dealer and will help maximize miles per gallon. This will also reduce wear and tear on your tires. Check your vehicle’s owner manual or the driver-side door jamb to find the recommended tire pressure.

Forgo the expensive gas – Unless your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifies that your vehicle needs premium fuel, New York Mazda Parts recommends to avoid wasting your money! Premium fuel in an engine designed for regular gas can impair fuel economy and performance.

Ditch unnecessary weight – For many drivers, the trunk is an attractive place for storage. Unfortunately, items placed in the trunk that are left there day after day add to the vehicle’s weight.  For every 100 pounds added to your vehicle’s weight, you lose about two percent off your vehicle’s MPG rating.

Alter your driving habits – Avoid frequent stops whenever possible and accelerate easily. Stopping and accelerating is responsible for much of your fuel consumption according to Nissan Service Boston, but keeping your vehicle’s momentum and staying steady on the throttle can help improve fuel economy.

Splurge on synthetic oil – Although synthetic oil is more costly than conventional oil, it can easily reduce wear and tear on your engine’s parts. Reduces wear and year means than your engine is well lubricated and will last longer, and it will ultimately improve mileage as well.

Roll ‘em up – Aerodynamics play a significant role in fuel efficiency. Fuel efficient vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have unique designs that reduce drag, which there by reduces fuel consumption. Plus, at highway speed, using the air conditioning rather than the windows is actually better for efficiency.

Remove unnecessary roof racks – Unless you regularly use your roof rack to transport your gear, specialists at Nissan Parts Massachusetts admit that it may actually be hurting your fuel economy. Just like rolled down windows, roof racks create wind resistance and reduce fuel economy at higher speeds.

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It’s a very good time to buy a family car right now. First, there are many deals to be had. With cash back, low APRs, and even some automakers allowing returns should you find yourself without a job. But another reason why families should consider a new car is that they are safer and more fun to drive than ever before. Lackluster minivans are no longer the mainstream as they’ve given way to versatile crossovers and sporty sedans. With new technologies and safety features that keep occupants secure and entertained, there are so many features and options to consider when looking for the most family-friendly of new cars.

Safety Features

Perhaps the most important consideration of a family car is its safety features. Safety features that were optional just a couple years ago are increasingly being offered standard in nearly every product category. These mainstream features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and side-curtain airbag to name just a few. Chicago Hyundai says that these features help make the vehicle more secure on the road, and the curtain airbags help reduce injury should an accident occur. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has attributed improved safety largely to these often-standard safety features. If the vehicle you’re considered does come standard with these items, you may be looking at several hundred dollars each if they’re available as options. Orange Toyota warns that ESC alone can run well above $700. That being said, these features are usually worth the cost.

Rearview Cameras and Park Assist

Among the latest safety features being offered are rear view camera and park assist. These components originated on larger sedans and SUVs, but are now slowly finding their way into more and more models.  A rear view camera is great for a family hauler because they help ensure you don’t back up over anything important, whether it  be your child’s toys, the family pet, or even, as horrible as it may sound, a child running by. The rearview camera helps to make for certain the area behind your vehicle is clear, and Boston Infiniti FX dealers say it can also be helpful for parallel parking. Some of these systems beep or sound alarms when approaching an object, while other simply show an on-screen graphic to indicate distance. If you’re considering such a system, Tustin Toyota dealers estimate that consumers should expect to spend about $500+. In many cases, they’re wrapped up in all-inclusive safety packages, which will add to the cost of the vehicle significantly.

All-Wheel Drive versus Four-Wheel Drive

One aspect of crossovers and SUVs that continues to attract buyers is that they provide safety and securing in all-weather conditions according to Philadelphia Nissan dealers, which provides an array of all-wheel drive equipped models such as the Nissan Murano.  The ground clearance is one component, but it’s also because most crossovers offer all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive to provide additional traction when the road becomes a bit slippery. Most crossovers offer all-wheel drive, while truck-based SUVs typically offer true four-wheel drive with low-range functionality. These systems, while helpful in providing traction and eliminating wheel-spin in slippery situations, are often costly warns Honda Philadelphia. Expect to pay about $2K for an all-wheel or four-wheel drive system.

Third-Row Seating

Growing families are often in need of more space. This is precisely why third row seating in SUVs and crossovers has remained popular at Honda Washington DC, even as many buyers are downsizing. Usually vehicles that provide a third row of seats can seat seven or eight passengers, providing plenty of room for the whole family as well as their gear. Typically, third row seats can run as much as $900. With third row seating becoming the norm for the midsize crossover segment, Allentown Kia dealers remain excited that the 2010 Kia Sorento gets three rows of seats, increasing the utility of the popular sport utility.

Rear Entertainment System

Hauling the entire family on a long trip can often be dull, boring, and exhausting – especially for the kids. With a rear DVD player, you may have the perfect solution to keep the kids quiet and entertained – an easy solution to for family vacations say Maine Ford dealers personnel. These systems allow kids to watch movies or play video games easily without becoming a distraction. These systems also have headphone and auxiliary jacks, and as Used Cars Medford says this means that you won’t become distracted at the wheel. These systems can sometimes run as high as $2,500, but aftermarket systems can be found with a lower price tag.

Infotainment Systems

One of the newest trends in automotive technology is what’s being referred to as infotainment systems. Combining features such as audio, navigation, and other services, these systems can provide entertainment, as well as helpful data for the drive. Infotainment systems often are compatible with personal MP3 players, and often feature satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. One of the most popular infotainment systems at Chicago Ford dealers is the Microsoft-sourced Sync system, featured on many new Ford models. This system costs about $400 on Ford, Lincoln, Mercury vehicles. Other systems are prices in the same neighborhood, but can be much higher when packaged with other features.

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All-weather traction is a popular feature these days. But while some vehicles offer true four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, there are many vehicles that offer a variation of 4WD called all-wheel drive (AWD). While both offer all-weather traction, AWD is becoming more popular and is usually the system of choice among most crossover vehicles such as the Volvo XC90, the Honda CR-V, or the Toyota RAV4.

Although both systems offer added traction over 2WD drivetrains, 4WD and AWD are not the same, despite common confusion. The systems operate differently, and provide different levels of traction to meet the needs of different types of drivers and requirements.  People buying a Winston Salem used truck will have different needs than those buying a new SUV in Colorado.

A true 4WD system transfers power to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case and drive axles. The purpose of the transfer case is to allow the vehicle to switch between Low and High range. The High range is acceptable for most bad weather or off-road conditions, while the Low range, notes Los Angeles Ford dealers, is reserved for the toughest of terrains.

Although AWD also sends power to all four wheels, it does so without a two-speed transfer case. The lack of a two-speed transfer case, explains Saturn Denver dealers, means that the system can’t handle the most severe of conditions, such as deep snow or thick mud. If yous vehicle is heading into these conditions, it’s likely you’ll need chains or other tools according to Toyota car parts retailers as the system will not deliver the level of traction needed. Although this system isn’t designed for serious off-roading, the system is certainly capable providing advanced traction on wet paved roads.

The lack of a transfer case is one of the main differences between 4WD and AWD, but the systems also different in terms of bias says Mercedes Benz Pittsburgh dealers. An AWD system tends to send more power to the front wheels in the majority of driving conditions and often automatically transfers power to a variety of wheels based on any potential loss of traction.

4WD on the other hand is often based on a rear wheel drive setup by default. Once the system is engaged by the driver will power be sent to all four wheels, rather than having a system do it automatically.

For more drivers at Used Cars Albuquerque, the AWD systems available on most crossovers will provide more than enough traction. If you desire added traction and safety for all-weather driving, AWD is certainly your best bet. The system is lighter and drains less fuel than a standard 4WD system as well. For those who want the ability to have advanced off-roading capabilities, 4WD is a heavier duty option that you may want to consider, but it might only be available on trucks and traditional SUVs as most crossovers only offer AWD systems. Before heading to the dealer with AWD or 4WD vehilces  such as Cadillac Philadelphia, decide what your needs are or if you need it at all, so that you get the right features that you’re going to use.

Of course, you could always go with Transformer Wheel Drive as demonstrated in this Marlboro Nissan video:

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By now everyone has felt the impact of rising fuel costs. The price of fuel is around $4 a gallon while the economy weakens and costs of food and other items have also increased. As more drivers are feeling the pinch, car buyers are changing how they look at vehicles. No longer are consumers focusing their attention on gas guzzling SUVs. Not only are buyers looking at different types of vehicles, they’re also looking for the more efficient ways to save money.

According to AAA estimates, it costs consumers $8,121 to operate a new car driven 15,000 miles. That’s up from the estimated $7,823 from last year. While some costs in those estimates have gone down this year, such as insurance, other costs have risen, such as the price of gasoline. And as gas appears to be steadily rising, buyers are interested in new ways to help offset the costs owning and operating a new vehicle.

The increase in fuel has dramatically changed the buying habits of new car buyers. Buyer are looking at smaller, more fuel efficient cars, like those at Nissan Boston MA and are even looking more into inexpensive compacts and used cars more and more.

There are numerous ways car buyers can still obtain a bargain in the current economy. For starters, domestic automakers are perhaps more likely to offer a bargain. Foreign makes such as Honda or Toyota have made a name for themselves by offer fuel-efficient compacts, like Milledgeville GA Honda‘s popular Prius hybrid, which has put them in high demand at the moment. Since they’re in demand, they’re less likely to offer great deals. Domestic automakers also offer affordable efficient cars that some buyers may not even consider, such as the Chevrolet Cobalt and Ford Focus.

Another technique that helps to save car buyers money is taking advantage of low interest financing opportunities. Sometimes when choosing between this and a rebate, many buyers consider the rebate to be a better choice simply because it seems like they’re getting more money. Over time however, low-interest financing can help save more money in the long run.

A strategy buyers may consider to finding a vehicle that is both inexpensive and reliable is to purchase the model year before a redesign. Most vehicles undergo a full redesign about every five years. According to Consumer Reports research, the most reliable vehicles tend to be the last model year before a full redesign. These models also offer good deals as dealers like Hartford Dodge Jeep are eager to move them to make room for the all-new designed models.

The timing of a new car purchase also plays an important role. Waiting until the end of the year allows buyers to take advantage of year-end specials and deals that dealers offered. While Honda dealer Washington DC and other dealers are trying make quotas at the end of the year and are working hard become leaders in their sales category.

A little homework before going to the dealership can also help attain a better deal. Knowing what the dealer paid for a vehicle can help determine where they’re willing to go in terms of lowest price, something that many buyers at Hartford Auto Group do regularly. Numerous websites such as Kelley Blue Book or Consumer Reports can help potential car buyers determine these prices.

Surprisingly, used cars are also getting more attention says Salinas used car dealers. With high sticker prices and steep appreciation, the most frugal buyers may find themselves looking at used cars. Not only does this offer maximum savings to buyers, but factory certified vehicles are certified to be in good mechanical condition and also are available with factory warranties comparable to brand new cars. Richmond used cars buyers understand that unless the pre-owned vehicle has incredibly high mileage, a certified used car can offer significant value this out the high price or extreme first year depreciation.

Although the economy continues to suffer and gas prices continue to skyrocket, there are ways that potential car buyers can save money and still get a quality, efficient vehicle without going broke.

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