From a Car Guy's Viewpoint

Car Trends Heading Into 2013

The 2013 model year cars are already starting to roll out to dealer lots everywhere. The fact that it is still March 2012 is something that dealers seem to not worry too much about. However, there are some definite trends that are starting to emerge from the latest model year. It certainly seems like the US automakers have finally started to adjust to what the consumer is looking for out of a car. What won't change in 2013 is the need for reliable yet affordable car insurance. AAMI is a great provider that can hook you up with car insurance.

Improved Gas Mileage Is A Must

Forget about merely getting 30 miles per gallon. Any car that doesn't get at least 35 miles a gallon is considered a gas-guzzler. Most cars that are considered fuel efficient are cars that are getting 40 miles a gallon or more. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. Trucks that carry a lot of weight and a V-8 engine have a hard time getting 30 miles a gallon. However, even truck makers are designing vehicles that are getting increased gas mileage when compared to previous models.

Hybrids Are Starting To Gain Acceptance

Consumer demand for better fuel efficiency has opened the door for the electric car. Cars like the Chevy Volt have been embraced as cars that will nearly eliminate your need for gasoline. Some estimates have claimed you can go up to 900 miles without having to stop for gas. This is due to the efficient battery powered engine that will power the car for a certain number of miles before gasoline is even used. New cars are going to have a tough standard to live up to when it comes to maximizing fuel efficiency.

Luxury Meets Practical

It is interesting to see that consumers can buy a luxury car that is also a hybrid. Lexus, Hyundai models such as the Sonata and other higher end cars are introducing hybrid cars. People who spend a lot of money on their car don't want to spend even more money on gas. These models are a good compromise for those who do not want to harm the Earth while also avoiding the hippie label.

Technology Comes Standard

Car makers are also looking into other ways to make it easier to drive a car. Car trends tend to be going in the direction of offering as much technology as possible. Navigation systems, bluetooth integration and other voice recognition systems are becoming standard in new cars. A lot of these modern conveniences are being offered in cars that are $25,000 or less.

Modern technology is also making cars a lot safer these days. Cameras that allow a driver to view what is going on behind him can prevent an accident. Sensors that cause a car to stop when it gets too close to another object can help compensate for driver carelessness. A sleeping driver won't risk driving off the road because the car will simply hit the brakes for you.

The 2013 Ford Fusion comes with the ability to customize the settings in the car depending on who is driving. Parents can set a top speed in the car when a teenager is driving unsupervised. This kind of innovation will make cars safer while adding to the individualized experience that people crave today.

Storage Space Is A Must

A lot of cars seem to be adding the little things that can make driving much easier. Items such as cup holders make it much easier to keep your drink out of your lap while commuting to work. Interior space in even the smallest of cars is another trend to look for in 2013. Car companies know that consumers want to drive smaller cars that still contain the same amount of interior space. People still have to put their luggage somewhere.

The newest car trends see cars that will use less gas while still being fun to drive. The ability to connect your phone to your car makes it possible to listen to your music without having to lug around your CD's. Phone calls are also more convenient when you can conduct them hands-free. Improved gas mileage is going to lower the amount of money you spend at the pump. 2013 is going to be about making modern cars that are also affordable.

The Different Types of Car Insurance?

There are many different types of insurance for cars. Many are optional, at least under the law. In practice, some of the supposedly "optional" policies end up being required for most people in order to finance the car. For that matter, some of the supposedly mandatory forms of car insurance can also be foregone, at least in some states, assuming you make other arrangements to cover your obligations in the event of an accident. Below are some of the insurance types of car insurance you may need or want, starting with the ones you are most likely to be required to have.

Protection for Other People - Liability

Liability insurance pays damage to the other party in cases where you are held to be legally liable or at fault for an accident. For most people in most states, Liability insurance is mandatory under the law in order to protect people from the consequences of irresponsible drivers. However, some states do allow individuals to forego Liability insurance provided they make other arrangements to cover the other party in case of an accident, like taking out a large bond. If you aren't wealthy enough to set aside a large chunk of change in the form of a bond, you can generally assume you will be required to carry this type of insurance.

There are two types of liability insurance - Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. The first pays in cases where someone else was hurt. The second pays in cases where someone else's property was damaged. In most cases this will be their vehicle but it might also be other property like a mail box or fence. Both types are generally mandatory under the law in most states.

Protection for Your Own Car - Collision and Comprehensive

Liability insurance pays out if you do something bad to someone else. Collision and Comprehensive pay out if something happens to your vehicle they both cover physical or property damage, not injuries. Collision covers damages to you vehicle in case of an accident involving another vehicle. Comprehensive pays for incidents which damage the vehicle but do not involve another vehicle. This includes things like hitting a tree or deer, vandalism, and hail.

Collision and Comprehensive coverage are nominally "optional". In other words, they are not required by the state. In practice, most people are required to carry this type of coverage because most people cannot afford to pay cash for a car. If you have to finance your car in order to purchase it or you are leasing the vehicle, the financing company will require you to get Collision and Comprehensive coverage in order to protect themselves financially in the event something happens to the vehicle. So the odds are high that you will need both of these as well. They are usually sold as a package deal.

The four above are the usual suspects -- the type of insurance most people carry for their vehicle. Below is a really quick run-down of other types of insurance which are a bit less common.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

There are four different types of policies which all pay benefits in case you are the victim of a hit and run or were hit by someone else and they either are not insured or their insurance isn't enough to cover the damages: Uninsured Motorist Personal Injury; Uninsured Motorist Property Damage; Underinsured Motorist Personal Injury; and Underinsured Motorist Property Damage. It should be obvious from their names what each does.

Miscellaneous

There are quite a few other types of specialized car insurance which cover things like accidental death, additional medical coverage, mechanical breakdown, towing and labour, custom parts and so forth. For many of them, it is fairly obvious from their name what they cover. They aren't all that commonly used. One that may not be obvious from its name is called Gap coverage. Gap insurance covers the difference between the amount you will be paid if the car is declared "totalled" and what you still owe on it so that if the car is a total loss, your loan can be paid in full and you won't still owe money on a car you no longer have.

The World's Worst Car Repairs

Nothing compares to the feeling or experience after being handed the keys to your first car. Whether it is a jalopy or a sleek car off a magazine, there is that thing of being invincible when you drive around with it. Driving around, feeling the breeze through your face and hair, cruising around the neighbourhood or the freeway, you never think that something can happen to your precious, until it suddenly happens. Your car coughs a few times and then dies, or you are involved in an accident. No matter how minor or major it is, you surely will need to get it fixed, and that is where all the drama starts.

Mechanical problems top the list as the most stressing of automobile problems. The car may be in good shape but for some reason it just doesn’t start, the wipers or lights do not work. Finding an agent who will ensure that your car is serviced is also something that may bring about confusion especially if you are cash strapped or want specialized services. Finding a good garage that gives exceptional services at an affordable and reasonable price should be on top of your priorities, not only when you are involved in an accident, but also when you are not. The price will of course be determined by the extent of damage or the needs of your car.

Whenever you are in need of minor car services, such as mechanical faults, (which make up the majority of car troubles), you need not worry since they can be fixed as easily as they happen. Sometimes they can be fixed as you take a drink in an adjacent establishment. While most people are afraid to leave their vehicles at a mechanic’s for fear of theft, it is advisable to look for a place with a good reputation. If you cannot help it, then you can keep vigil to ensure that your car is not stripped of anything especially if it is a pricey car. There have been numerous cases of car parts being lifted off to be sold in the black market as the owner looks the other side. Ensure that you keep an eye on your car to keep off statistics.

Always keep it in mind that your car needs to be insured with the correct premiums to insulate you against the unpredictable variables of a vehicles life. Incidents and accidents cannot be forecast so it is better to be on the safe side by having an up to date and comprehensive insurance policy. Many insurance companies will give you discounts of up to 25% if you insure your vehicle with some specific products in their stable, it is good to keep an eye for such deals, and they may prove to be a good bargain. The rates are also falling thanks to the cut throat competition amongst these companies, so take this chance and enjoy the spoils of this war.

A big percentage of car issues include tires, windscreens and braking systems and sometimes the exhaust. These vary from model to model, but nevertheless, we all want quality replacements fixed in the place of our damaged parts. Getting this done requires a hawk eyed auto mobile owner, many unscrupulous garages may take this `as a chance to rob you blind and fit your car with substandard spare parts. You should know exactly what your car needs, how it works and what it takes for it to give maximum performance. It doesn’t cost much to research your model and the basics about it. Take time to inspect your vehicle before it goes into the garage for repair, you also need to have the diagnosis satisfactorily explained to you by the mechanic before any work starts.

Do not sit and wait for the car to develop some problem for you to take it to a mechanic, you might be taken advantage of, and the world’s worst car repair award may be scooped by you. Routine car checkups will ensure that your car runs on optimal conditions, many problems do not come from your blind side; rather they are a result of negligence.

What To Do When You Test Drive a Car?

If you are in the market for a new car, you need to know what to do when you take a car out for a test drive. During a test drive you want to thoroughly become acquainted with what may be your new car. By following the steps discussed in this article, you will be on your way to finding the perfect car in no time whatsoever.

Look Under The Hood

One of the first things you may want to do before taking a car out for a test drive is to lift the hood and take a look at the engine. Even if you do not know anything about engines, it is always good to become familiar with the engine.

Get a Feel For The Interior of The Car

The first thing you should do when taking a car out for a test drive is to get a feel for the interior of the car. After stepping into the car, you want to take the time to observe how well you can see out of the rear view and side mirrors of the car. Then take the time to get acquainted with all the controls, GPS and other features of the car.

Take Time to Notice How Comfortable You Feel Seated in the Car

While sitting in the car, take the time to adjust your seat and get a feel for how comfortable and roomy the interior of the car feels. After you get a good feel for the interior of the cabin, buckle up and start the engine.

Listen to Sound of the Engine

Before taking a car for a test drive, you should turn the car on and let it idle for a few minutes. By letting the engine take a little time to get warmed up, you will make sure you are comfortable with how the engine sounds.

Test How Well the Car Drives and Brake at Slow Speeds

Once you have listened to the engine, it is time to take the car out for a test drive. When you start driving you want to observe how the car drives and brakes at slow speeds. After you have tested how the car handles at slower speeds, you want to drive the car under normal driving conditions. If you can, take the car for a quick drive on a highway.

Test How Well the Car Drives and Brakes at Fast Speeds

After driving slowly, you want to see how fast the car accelerates. You want to observe if the car is slow to start or extremely responsive once you apply pressure to the gas pedal. How fast a car accelerates and decelerates is extremely important. These are definitely things you want to test when you take your car out for a test drive.

Test How Well the Car Manoeuvres

In addition to testing how well the car accelerates and decelerates on the road and highway, you definitely want to take note of how well the car manoeuvres. How well a car manoeuvres is just as important as how well a car accelerates and decelerates. To test how well the car manoeuvres, all you have to do is change lanes a couple of times, make a couple of turns and complete a full U-turn. By driving the car as you would normally do, you will be able to get a feel for how well the car responds and manoeuvres.

Stop and Listen to the Car's Engine After Driving The Car

After having had the opportunity to take the car out for a test drive, the next thing you should do is bring the car to a complete stop and put the car in park. Before turning the car off, you should take the time to listen to the car's engine once again.

Before deciding to purchase a car, it is always important to take it out for a test drive. By taking the time to get a feel for the interior of car, listening to a car’s engine and testing how well the car manoeuvres at slow and fast speeds, you will have done all the things you should do when taking a car out for a test drive. When you finally decide on a car don't forget to get basic insurance or greenslip insurance, find out what this is here.