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7 Ways To Save Money On Your Commute

AutoCareInsurance.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:49:28 +0000

Save on Your Commute

Gasoline prices may be significantly lower than the record highs of last summer, but that offers little solace to most people, because the country has endured the worst economic downtown since the Great Depression.

That makes money a huge issue for all but the very rich. One area where cost-saving measures are possible involves the trip each day to work. In fact, there are at least seven ways to save money on your commute.

Carpooling
One method is to organize a carpool. The more the merrier, because a carpool of four people cuts gasoline costs by 75 percent and reduces the wear and tear on vehicles that only have to make the commute one out of every 4 days.

Ditch the Car
Three more of the seven ways to save money on your commute fall into the category of avoiding the car completely. Depending on the distance to work, you can ride a bicycle or scooter, or even run or jog to work and get some exercise.

Get there earlier
Another possibility is to get to work earlier. By missing the height of rush-hour traffic, the trip is faster. That means fewer trips to the gas station and much less wear and tear on your vehicle.

Ride the bus
If the office is too far away to jog or run, and you don’t want to buy a scooter, another alternative is public transportation. This can remove large segments of drivers and their vehicles from the road and help reduce pollution as well as toxic emissions that harm the ozone.

Don’t go!
And finally on the list of seven ways to save money on your commute is an idea that may be intriguing to some employers: work from home, either completely or a few days a week. Considering the increasing importance of computers in most offices, telecommuting is not so unlikely an option.

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Tips for Preventing Your Car from Being Stolen

AutoCareInsurance — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:00:19 +0000

There is nothing more disheartening than coming out of your home or from a store to discover that your car has been stolen. Not only is it upsetting to have your vehicle and all of its belongings taken from you, you might also face auto insurance rate increases or other hassles when filing a claim. Therefore, in order to avoid all of the extra stress, it is a good idea to take some proactive steps toward keeping your vehicle safer from theft. Here’s a look at a few simple things you can do to help deter a potential car thief.

· Close your sunroof and windows when parking your vehicle.
· Never leave a set of spare keys in your vehicle.
· Do not leave your motor running in your vehicle, even if you are running in somewhere for “just a second” or to warm it up on a cold morning.
· Keep your car in your driveway rather than parked on the street. If you must park in the street, choose an area that is well lit. If you have a garage, use it.
· Turn your car wheels sharply away from or toward the curb when parking
· If you have a manual transmission, park the vehicle in reverse or in first gear. If you have an automatic transmission, place it in park.
· Don’t leave valuable items in plain site on the floor or on the seats of the car.
· Install burglar alarms, steering wheel locks and other anti-theft devices.

In addition to taking these steps to keep your vehicle protected from theft, there are a few things you should do to keep your identity protected and to make it easier to recover your vehicle and to file any necessary claims. Some of these include:

· Keep your proof of insurance and vehicle registration in a safe place outside of your vehicle.
· Make photocopies of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance for other drivers in your family.
· Never keep anything in your vehicle that contains your social security number, your name and address or any other personal information.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim – and you will be able to count on your vehicle being right where you left it the last time you saw it.

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Is 100% Nitrogen the Right Gas for Your Tires?

AutoCareInsurance — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:00:28 +0000

100% Nitrogen for Your Tires?

Have you noticed nitrogen pumps popping up in your area? A growing number of dealerships and garages are offering nitrogen fill-ups to those who are interested in filling their tires with 100% nitrogen rather than the gases that are typically found at a tire pump. But, what is the purpose of using 100% nitrogen rather than the traditional air? Are there really any advantages to using this gas instead?

What is in Your Tires Anyway?

The “air” that is at the traditional air pump is already made largely of nitrogen. In fact, about 78% of that gas is nitrogen, while about 21% is oxygen and the remaining 1% is made from a variety of other gases. 100% nitrogen, on the other hand, consists solely of nitrogen gas. As a result, there is no water vapor inside your tires, whereas traditional air can potentially have a great deal of water vapor that can be affected by changes in temperature.

What are the Advantages of Using 100% Nitrogen

Proponents of 100% nitrogen claim that using nitrogen at your fill up will help reduce the tire pressure changes that typically occur when the temperature changes. By reducing tire pressure changes, the wear and tear placed on the tire is reduced and the life of your tires is expanded. Supporters of nitrogen fill ups also claim that using nitrogen helps improve the handling of the vehicle and actually improves fuel efficiency.

While it is true that nitrogen can help reduce tire pressure fluctuations, there is nothing to show that it actually increases the life of the tires, improves handling or improves fuel efficiency. So, unless you are getting your 100% nitrogen fill up for free or at a price that is comparable to the traditional air fill up, it probably isn’t worth your while to go out of your way or to pay extra for pure nitrogen gas.

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Selecting the Right Mechanic

AutoCareInsurance — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:00:27 +0000

Selecting the Right Mechanic

If you are like most people, you are deciding to hang onto your older vehicle for a little while longer rather than running out and purchasing a new vehicle to replace it. After all, purchasing a new vehicle is a costly endeavor and the current state of the economy makes it difficult to justify taking on such a large purchase. In order to keep your older vehicle operating smoothly, however, it is important for you to undergo routine maintenance checkups and to have a relationship with a mechanic you can trust. This way, you will know precisely who to contact if something goes wrong and you need someone to repair your vehicle.

Beginning the Mechanic Search

Ideally, you should begin searching for a mechanic long before you experience any problems with your vehicle. In addition, you should start taking your vehicle to the mechanic of your choice for routine maintenance. This way, you will have a better idea o how the mechanic runs his or her shop and you will know whether or not he or she is trustworthy.

To begin your search, it is a good idea to talk with family members and friends. Ask them if they know of any mechanics that they would recommend. Chances are good that you will have a good experience with the mechanic if someone you know recommends his or her services. If you don’t know anyone who can recommend a good mechanic or if you simply want to do a bit more research, you should turn to the Internet for more information. By browsing through reviews, you can get a better idea of whether or not the mechanic is well suited to your needs.

Deciding on the Type of Shop

As you search through your options, you will need to decide if you want to conduct business with an independent shop or a dealer shop. While dealer shops generally charge more than independent shops, some people are more comfortable working with dealer shops because they are specially trained to work on specific types of vehicles. In many cases, an independent shop can perform whatever repairs you need to be completed. If you have an odd problem or if you are getting repairs due to a recall or that are covered by warranty, on the other hand, it is usually best to stick with a dealer.

Once you have settled on a shop, be sure to test it out with routine maintenance work. This way, when it comes time for major work, you will know exactly what you are getting into!

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Have you been a Victim of Road Rage? You’re not alone.

AutoCareInsurance.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:06:18 +0000

Avoiding Road Rage

In this economy, stress is everywhere. From loss of jobs and income to loss of retirement and stocks, people driving in the U.S. are feeling the pressure of a struggling system. This stress can cause road rage to become an even higher risk for drivers every time you get behind the wheel.

Type in ‘Road Rage’ into Google and click on the News section, and its everywhere! There has never been a time with more irritated drivers on the road than in the recent past. Take a look at some of the samples:

‘Road rage‘ attack on bus driver
Man wanted in road-rage slashing surrenders to authorities
21 Million Drivers Have Been Victims Of Road Rage In The Past Year
Johnson City man arrested for pulling gun during road rage incident
Trucker arrested in road rage incident on Interstate 83 near …
Champlin fugitive wanted in road rage death is caught
Driver arrested in road rage incident
Authorities see rise in road rage incidents
Report: Road rage incident may have led to crash in Fridley
Road-Rage-April 22, 2009

The list goes on, and that’s headlines just from today only! What can be done about road rage, or more specifically, what can you do to avoid being caught in it?

Tips for Avoiding Road Rage

1. To quote Bill Murray speaking to the groundhog while driving a stolen truck in the comedy film GroundHog Day, “Don’t Drive Angry.” Sure, that’s easy to say, but not always easy to do, because of all the other drivers who don’t have your best interest in mind. So how do you avoid anger while driving? One suggestion is to pull over, stop the car, get out and count to 10. Or 20. Think about what it is that’s causing the anger, and try to breathe and relax. Being angry while driving can quickly escalate to Road Rage if you’re not careful. Do you find yourself getting angry at home, and work, as well as behind the wheel? You may need to speak with a doctor or therapist about what’s really behind the anger problem.

2. Music can Soothe the Angry Beast. Feeling like tailgating and cutting people off? If you’re rocking out or rapping with style, you may try a bold switch to soothing music, like jazz or classical music to change the mood in your car. Or if you haven’t had your tunes crankin’, you may need to flip the radio on and find your favorite song to take your mind off the stress of driving. Just don’t take your hands off the wheel!

3. Plan Ahead. Simply stated, most people who drive a lot have some kind of commute in their day. Want to avoid the rush and therefore, the rage? Check google maps before you leave work or home to see where the traffic clogs are, so you can avoid them and the stress. Change your schedule, leave 20 minutes early, or just be patient so being ‘late’ won’t be an option. Everyone on the road is trying to get somewhere, and avoiding that rush feeling will help eliminate the urge to get angry while driving.

4. Don’t Engage the Anger. It takes two to tango, as they say, and if you’ve found yourself cut off or worse, only you can stop the rage that could ultimately lead to an accident or worse. Remember: no one can make you angry if you choose not to respond. Don’t engage a person who wants to ‘fight’ on the road, use self control to ignore or leave the situation. Take the next exit, slow down or simply ignore an angry driver could save you from serious stress.

Don’t become another headline! Drive safe, stay buckled, and avoid road rage while driving today.

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Keep Kids Content in the Car

AutoCareInsurance.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:01:03 +0000

AFC car finance has posted a press release entitled “Survival Kit Created To Keep Kids Calm In The Car”. It has some great information to help with long trips involving children, including:

1. Calming food (avoid the gas station junk)

2. Singing, playing ‘I Spy’ type games

3. Keep the windows down and the fresh air in the vehicle

Read the entire helpful article here: Survival Kit Created To Keep Kids Calm In The Car

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Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe from Theft

AutoCareInsurance — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:26:54 +0000

Although riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating feeling and you may enjoy riding it everywhere you go when the weather conditions are right, motorcycles are also prime targets for thieves. After all, it is far easier to take off without being noticed when you are stealing a motorcycle than it is with a car. Nonetheless, there are several things that you can and should do in order to keep your motorcycle safe from theft. Here is a look at just a few of the steps you can take to make certain your bike is there waiting for you when it comes time to ride it again.

Lock It Down

There are several different ways that you can put your motorcycle on “lock down” so it is more difficult for a thief to steal. First, you should always be certain to keep the ignition locked so the thief will be unable to get the bike started. In addition, you should consider anchoring your motorcycle with a chain to a fixed object or even to another motorcycle if you are riding with a friend. When using a chain, you can further increase the security by stringing the chain through the bike frame rather than the wheels because wheels can be easily removed.

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Choose the Right Location to Park

If you are parking your motorcycle at home and you don’t have a garage to put your bike into, it is good idea to keep it covered. This way, it will be less likely to grab a thief’s attention and become a target. You can help to further draw attention away from your bike by avoiding covers with the name brand of the bike on them. When out riding, on the other hand, be certain to always park your bike in an area that is well lit. This way, it will be more difficult for a thief to disturb your bike without being noticed.

You can also avoid becoming a target by varying your driving routines so it is more difficult to follow you or to identify the best time and place for stealing your bike. Of course, if your bike is stolen, be certain to contact the police as well as your insurance company right away. This way, you will have a better chance of recovering your bike and receiving the compensation you are entitled to receive.

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Hydrogen Injection Systems and Hydrogen Generators Saving Fuel Costs?

AutoCareInsurance.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:01:47 +0000

According to PRWeb.com, a new site is selling better mileage, better horsepower, and lower emissions for any car on the road without permanent modifications. The site is hhomonster.com, the HHO stands for Oxyhydrogen, which is the combination of Oxygen and Hydrogen.

These aftermarket units use the electricity from your vehicle to create the HHO which, in turn, allows for the increased fuel efficiency.

What this means to you, the consumer
There has been a lot of speculation regarding hydrogen kits and whether they actually work. The popular TV series Mythbusters tested several units purchased online that were supposed to increase gas mileage. The results were most did not and if there was any gain, it was marginal at best.

AutoCareInsurance.com’s opinion: Testing out a hydrogen kit for your car seems like a fun way to kill time, but modifying your vehicle in a desperate attempt to save a few pennies per gallon doesn’t make much sense. What seems logical would be to test these types of things out as a hobby, and if they work then you could apply them to all your vehicles. However, contact your auto manufacturer first to make sure such modifications won’t void your warranty. It’s also a good idea to check out other forums on hydrogen kits besides the sites actually selling them to see what other people’s results have been before you work on your own.

Read the entire press release here: prweb.com

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Protecting Your College Student with Car Insurance and More

AutoCareInsurance.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:01:57 +0000

If you have a college student that is getting ready to head off to school, there are several things you need to do in order to make certain he or she is prepared.? In addition to purchasing school supplies and getting housing set up, you also need to be certain you have car insurance in place and that you have taken steps to make certain your student’s car is safe and that you have taken care of other vehicle essentials.

Taking Care of Essentials?

While there are numerous vehicle essentials that will need to be addressed, obtaining car insurance will certainly be at the top of the list.? If your student will be staying on campus and won’t actually be taking a vehicle to school, you may be able to receive a “Distant Student” discount from your car insurance company.? If your student will be taking a vehicle, on the other hand, make certain your car insurance company is aware that the vehicle will be housed somewhere else.? This could make your car insurance rates either increase or decrease, depending upon where the vehicle will be located.? Either way, notifying your car insurance company about the change will ensure you receive benefits if you have to file a claim.

In addition to making certain car insurance is in place, you will also need to check into how parking is handled at the college your student will be attending.? More than likely, you will need to purchase a parking pass in order to park on campus.? You should also review safe parking procedures with your student, such as always parking under a light and avoiding overgrown areas, in order to make certain they reduce their risks of being harmed.

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Preparing the Vehicle?

Aside from essentials such as car insurance and parking passes, you will also need to make certain your college student’s car is in proper working order.? Before sending him or her off to school, be sure to perform a thorough check of the vehicle in order to make certain it is in proper working order.? Check the oil level, make certain the tires are inflated and check all of the lights to make certain they work.

You should also pack a car accident kit for your student to carry.? No matter how well you check over the car, there is always a possibility that there will be problems.? Some items to include in the kit include:

Batteries
Blanket
Emergency Contact Numbers
First Aid Kit
Flares
Flashlight
Jumper Cables
Paper
Pen
Proof of Insurance

With a little preparation ahead of time, you can rest easy in knowing that your college student will be safe while away from home.

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Being Prepared with Roadside Assist

AutoCareInsurance.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:11:02 +0000

Getting stranded on the road is the last thing you want to happen while you are out on a drive, whether you are heading to work or you are on a road trip across the country. Therefore, in order to give yourself peace of mind, you might want to look into getting roadside assist. There are many places to purchase roadside assist, ranging from your auto insurance company to private companies. In order to get the best deal, be certain to explore all of your possibilities.

Roadside Assist from Your Auto Insurance Company

Getting roadside assist from your auto insurance company is generally the best route to go. This way, you don’t have to make any extra payments for the coverage, as it will automatically be included in your regular monthly premium. In addition, when you get your roadside assist coverage from your auto insurance company, you can often get a break on the price because you already have a policy in place. In fact, your auto insurance company may automatically include this coverage in your policy, so be sure to check before exploring other options.

Roadside Assist from a Tire Company

Many tire companies will offer roadside assist coverage if you find yourself stranded because of your times. In fact, many automatically include roadside assist coverage as part of your tire warranty. Just keep in mind that this coverage likely will not help you if you find yourself stranded for reasons other than a blown tire.

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Roadside Assist from an Auto Club

Another option is for you to join an auto club in order to obtain roadside assist. Auto clubs will typically provide you with roadside assist coverage regardless of the reason you are stranded, but these clubs can potentially be costly to join. Be certain to do some comparison shopping before joining an auto club so you can find the best deal possible.

Roadside Assist from the Dealership

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, you may be able to purchase roadside assist coverage. If you purchase a warranty with your vehicle, roadside assist is often included as part of the warranty. Be certain to ask if it is included and to find out what you need to do in order to use the coverage if it is provided.

Roadside Assist with a Credit Card

Some credit cards offer roadside assist coverage as a benefit to their cardholders. Some of them charge a small monthly fee for the service, which may be worthwhile if you cannot obtain coverage from other sources.

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