Our vehicles are one of the most expensive thing we own.  They require regular maintenance, auto insurance, monthly payments, gas, etc.  It seems like it is never ending.  Not to mention, when we saw gas prices for up to $4 per gallon, we went into a panic.  It was extremely costly, and just eating away at our paychecks.  If you’re tired of getting a bad gas mileage with your vehicle, consider some of these tips below to help improve it.

Simple Ways to Increase Your Gas Mileage:

• You always want to make sure the air pressure in your tires is at the correct amount.  If not, your car works harder which then sucks up more gas.  Find out the right pressure, and get a tire guage.
• Make sure you get regualr oil changes.  They will be able to detect anything that is bad on your vehicle.  One of them is an air filter that needs to be replaced regularly.
• In the summer months our vehicles really suck up the gas simply because we use air conditioning.  Run the air less if you can.
• Try to take highways if you can.  The constant stopping and going in the city really eats up your gas.  If you have a consistent pace and rarely brake, your car will get a better gas mileage.  Having to start up again from a complete stop sucks up the gas.
• Make sure you get tune ups for your car every once and a while.
• Try to run your errands all in the same day and around each other.  The less you drive, the better the gas mileage.
• See if a mechanic can check the gap on your spark plugs.

These simple steps can instantly increase your car’s gas mileage.  Stop throwing away your money, and get the most out of the gas you pay for.  Another great way to save on gas is by getting a gas credit card.  I have one, and love it!  I’ve received rewards, and gift cards through the money that i’ve saved over time.  You can save as much as 10% per gallon!

When we start driving, we realize that there are two types of cars to drive.  One with a manual transmission (stick shift), and one with a automatic transmission.  What the difference is is that your car will shift either with the help from you, or automatically.  Automatic transmissions are more popular simply because they are easier to deal with.  If you don’t know how to shift, or don’t want to all the time, you don’t need to worry about it.

Although most people stick with an automatic, it is still fun and a good idea to learn how to drive a stick shift.  If you’re looking to learn how, let us teach you!

• You will first want to be aware of the pedals at your feet.  The one farthest to the left is the clutch.  Then it is the brake and then the gas at the farthest right. 
• Once you’ve got those down, you will want to locate the gearshift which is near the center console.  On the top, it will tell you which gear is located where.  This will tell you where to shift while you’re driving.
• To practice only practice in a parking lot or a road that’s not busy.
• Now, you want to place your right foot on the brake to start the car.  Now put your left foot on the clutch and put the shifter into first gear and don’t let your foot off the brake.
• Now, you’ll want to release the parking brake and take your foot off of the brake pedal.
• Next you will put your right foot on the gas and put a little pressure on it.
• As you’re applying pressure to the gas pedal, slowly take your foot away from the clutch.
• Now you want to take your right foot off the gas when your car starts to reach 3,000 RPM.  You will push your left foot down on the clutch, and pull the shifter into second gear.  Again, you will release your foot off the clutch while you apply more pressure on the gas.
• Make sure you only move to one gear at a time, and continue the steps as you shift.

Learning to drive a stick shift isn’t something you’ll most likely pick up right away.  It takes practice, and familiarity with the clutch.  Practice these steps over and over, and find yourself driving a stick shift in no time.

Owning a car can be stressful, and fun at the same time, but when it has problems, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s in good hands.  When you find out that your car is having troubles, you want to make sure that you’re taking it to an experienced mechanic.

How do I find a good mechanic in my area?

Ask friends and family: This can go for anything.  Whenever I want a reference, the first person that I go to are my family, and friends.  I ask them who they use, and what they think.  If I get a good response, I proceed to use their services.

Use review sites online: Reviews sites like Yelp come in handy when you’re looking for reviews of companies online.  Simply input the area you’re living in, and see what other people are saying.  Another good way to find out reviews is by Googling the company name.

Check with the BBB: Whenever I sign up with a company, I want to make sure that the company is legit, and don’t have a shady past.  If you want to make sure the company you’re going to deal with is focused on customer service, I would recommend you look into the BBB (better business bureau).

Check for certification: Every mechanic shop should be ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified.  You don’t want to work with a company that doesn’t know what they are doing to your car.  Either check online for credentials, or ask the mechanic in the shop.

Compare for prices: Just because you find a good mechanic, it doesn’t mean you’re going to get great prices. You’ll want to find at least 2 – 3 mechanics that can help you.  Ask for a ball park estimate, as well as another one from other shops.  You will then want to choose the one that works best for you.

Check for a warranty: When the work is all said and done, you will want to see what kind of warranty you’re going to get.  Most repairs come with a 90 day+ warranty.  If something does go wrong, you can bring it back free of charge, and get the work done.

By following these steps, you should be able to find a good mechanic in your area.  Ask around, try these tips, and more to see who does the best work in your town.

When it comes to our vehicle, it seems like new items need to be fixed or replaced all the time.  One thing you don’t want to skip out on is tires for your truck.  Finding the right tires for your truck is important, and is something that should be done every so often.  If you don’t replace bad tires you will increase your chances of unsafe driving, and increase your chances of getting into an accident. 

Finding the right tires can be a little hard to do if you’re new at it, so consider a few of these things to look out for before you make your purchase.

Type – First of all, depending on your truck you will need a certain type of tire.  There are tires for off roading, if you race, or if you live in a snowy area.  You want to make sure you choose the right type of tire for what you drive your truck for.

Size – Next, you will want to find out the size of your tire.  You can find this number on the tires you have already.  If you want to get them replaced by a professional, they will be able to take are of this.  Although, if you want to order them yourself, be sure to look at this number.

Price – You want to make sure you price compare all the tires.  Try a few different places, and compare the prices online.  You don’t want to overpay since tires are already expensive as it is.

Ask – If you’re not sure which route to go, which brand to consider, what size they are, and what type you need for your truck you may want to ask a professional what they recommend.  Buying tires is a pretty big purchase, so you want to make sure they last and are worth every penny.

Buying tires for your truck can be a little tricky if you’re new at it.  Although, if you consider a few of the tips above, it will be a breeze.  Just make sure you by the right type and size so you get the most out of them!

Get Oil Changes Regularly

When it comes to good car maintenance, car owners cannot keep their car in good condition without getting regular oil changes. Depending on your vehicle, a car needs to get an oil change around every 3,000-4,000 miles. Since this number varies with every car, be sure to consult your dealership or vehicle’s owner manual. By taking the proper care of your oil filters, car owners will be able to prevent a lot of serious problems later with their automobiles. There are plenty of places that will change your oil filter quickly at rather inexpensive price.

Check Your Tires for Any Signs of Inflation

In your effort to maintain the best condition of your car, it is imperative that you keep your tires in the best condition possible. In order to properly maintain your tires, you should check for inflation regularly. The proper time frame to check your time for inflation is about once a month. If you check your tires monthly, you will be able to catch any slow leaks that will ultimately ruin your tires altogether.

Check Your Car Fluids Often

Every vehicle runs off special fluids that help the car to complete many function. Your care maintenance regime should include regularly checking your vital car fluids. The fluids that you should check often are your brake, windshield washer, transmission, and power steering fluids. This is one of the most important parts of car maintenance, and it can keep your car from very serious damage.

Take Good Care of Your Battery and Replace It When Necessary

In addition to checking your tires and car fluids, you must also pay very close attention to the condition of your car’s battery. You should make sure you check your battery for any evidence of grime or corrosion. For car batteries that take fluids, be sure to check the fluid regularly to prevent any complications. Most car batteries last for about 4-5 years, so be sure to change your battery before it expires and your car will not be able to start.