Car repairs can be awfully expensive, I know that one.  From getting a new transmission, to having to get a new bumper, it can all be daunting when you have to call up and get the estimates.  Sometimes it makes you wonder how some people don’t go into bankruptcy, when paying them!

If you’re having a problem with your car, I wanted to show you 5 ways that you can get your car repair estimates.

• #1 Call up the dealership – If it’s a newer car, call up the dealership and ask them about your warranty.  You may be under some sort of warranty and they will do the work for free.  Ask them about the problem and see what the ballpark may be.  Most of the time they will give the run around of having to go in there, which can be a pain.
• #2 Use a website - Sites like RepairPal are awesome when you’re looking to see how much something costs.  You can head to a site like that, pop in your make, model, and tell it the problem.  From there, you’re going to get a ballpark on what it’s going to cost you.
• #3 Just call - There are probably 5-10 auto repair shops around you, unless you live out in the middle of nowhere.  Call up a few of them, tell them your problem, and see what they tell you in prices.  You’re going to find that on the Internet, you’re going to find it hard to get a ballpark price tag.
• #4 Google your problem - Google works wonders when you have a problem.  Let’s say that you own a 2005 Chevy Mailbu and it’s having braking problems.  Google your make, model, as well as the year, and problem.   I can almost guarantee that you’re going to find someone else out there that has had the same problem.  See what they did about it and if you have to, ask them how much they paid.

These are really the only ways to get true estimates.  Just remember that an estimate is just that – an estimate.  The only way you’ll know the exact price is when you get the bill in your hand.

If you’re the owner of a truck and you don’t have a cargo net yet for it, I highly recommend that you consider getting one.    It’s not going to break the bank and you’re going to find out that it’s a great way to keep things safe, secure, and will also prevent things from moving around.

What exactly is a cargo net?

A cargo net is basically a big net that you can put in the bed of your truck.  This cargo net is going to protect any items that you may put back there.  They work great with trucks, SUVs, and even if you want to put it in a car trunk as well, it can work.

Listed below are the top 3 truck cargo nets that I would recommend when you’re in the market to purchase one, or maybe if you want to look at one.

• Highland 9500500: The highest rated net on Amazon.  It measures approximately at 60 inches by 78 inches.  It will safely secure to the cargo in the back of your pick-up truck.  The price tag on this is under $30.
• Highland 95013 Black Tree-Pocket Storage Net: This type of net is built more for a trunk of a SUV.  It’s more ideal for keeping groceries from moving around.  It’s easy to adjust for most trunks, pickup beds, and rear cargo spaces.  There are also three pockets built in for better organization.
• Tooluxe: The last brand of nets on my list is the Tooluxe brand.  This particular one is a larger size, but you can get many others in different types of sizes.  Equipped with a large bungee-cord, that makes it great for netting over-sized loads in your pick up.

Again, nets are completely optional, but if you’re looking for a solution to cover items, secure them, and more, I would pull out $20 – $30, and invest wisely.  It’s always best to be safe than sorry!

The warm weather is fast upon us and the worst thing that can happen in the hot weather besides sweating is walking into a hot, warm car.  There’s nothing worse than opening up that door and it feels like you just opened up the oven door to put a turkey in.

For those that live in a hotter climate such as Arizona and Florida, I feel for you people!  To cool down your car, I found the top 6 window sun screens that you should highly consider for your car.

• Basix Magic Jumbo Sunshade: It has some of the highest reviews online and isn’t going to break the bank.  For less than $8, this screen will block damaging UV rays, keep the car cool, and the folding design makes it great for storage.
• Sunshine Kids Cool Shade: This is a great alternative for the side window, especially when you have kids.  We all know that the windows can be damaging to a child’s eye, but with this screen shade, it’s a perfect solution!
• Altus Platinum Magic Shade: Another great shade that blocks damaging UV car rays.  The panels are unique because you can use them horizontally or vertically to fit a variety of vehicles.
• Folding Rear Window Sunshade: For those that want a shade for the rear view window of and SUV, or car, this is another to consider.  Block the rays from the back, as well as the front.

Most of these screens are going to set you back $10, or so.  As you can see, they really don’t cost that much.  Again, they are great for those warm Summer days and protecting your car from fading, and more.  If you don’t already have one, purchase one, and throw it in the back of the trunk when those warm days come.

Once we purchase a vehicle we not only should take good care of it, but we should also make sure it takes care of us.  There are a few items you don’t want to be driving around without.  Some items can help you in an emergency situation and others can be a huge convenience to you later on when you least expect it.  To find out which 3 items you should have for your car, continue reading below!

First Aid Kit:  Making sure you have a first aid kit is very important.  This should include everything from alcohol wipes to a warm blanket to band-aids and gauze pads.  This can really help you when you need it most!  Also, including extra things like some long lasting food and some water bottles are also a good thing to carry around with you.

Jumper Cables:  Jumper cables always come in handy when you least expect it.  Whether you can help someone else out or get a jump from another car they are good to have!  They are also very cheap and should be carried around with you at all times.  We can’t help the times we have car trouble or we accidentally left the lights on for too long!

Phone #’s:  Assuming that you have a cell phone, you should also have some phone numbers kept in your vehicle or at least stored in your cell phone.  Get a tow truck number, the number of someone you know that is good with cars and your insurance company.  Some insurance companies like AAA give you great roadside assistance.

You may not need a lot of stuff sitting in the truck of your car, but it is a good idea to at least have these three items.  They can be a huge convenience to you and also help you in those emergency situations!  If you don’t have these items already, click the links to purchase them!

If you’re looking for a large, luxury SUV there isn’t a better vehicle to go with than the GMC Yukon.  This vehicle seats up to 9 people, has all the features you and your children will enjoy and has a nice smooth ride while still being a V-8 engine.

GMC Yukon XLs Available: SLE 3SA, SLE-2, SLT 4SA, SLT-2.

MSRP: Starting at $41,490

Seating: 9 people

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

• Air conditioning available in tri-zone automatic climate control
• AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player
• Standard USB port for audio
• Bose audio system
• Rearview camera
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• DVD Entertainment System
• Standard XM Radio with a 3 month trial
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• OnStar
• Side blind zone alert

Gas mileage : 15/21

Awards won : N/A

News:

• Cars.com
• GMC Yukon

Videos

• GMC XL Overview
• Kelley Blue Book