Both consumers and manufacturers are becoming more aware of the fact that millions of people around the world drive cars and these can have a massive impact on the environment. Consequently it’s a myth that eco-friendly cars are more expensive to purchase – both petrol and diesel green cars are available and they are not necessarily extortionate to buy. Once you have your car, price comparison sites such as  MoneySupermarket.com can help you to find the best deal on insurance.

For a greener car, some companies will offer up to 5% discount, a marked difference at a time when the price of car insurance just seems to keep going up. Hybrid engines are becoming more popular since they offer an electric engine running alongside the petrol or diesel motor. The conventional engine is not used at all times so this is more fuel efficient, saving you money in other ways as well. From Ford to Lexus, Volvo and Honda, you can find a range of hybrid models on the market to choose from today.

Electric motors are on the increase in general, with more manufacturers thinking about using them. Several car insurance companies are opting to plant trees or offering to help other environmental charities so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are doing your bit to help. This may mean that your insurance price remains the same but if you are serious about your green concerns this is a great way to prove it.

Remember to shop around for the insurance policy which suits you and think about ways in which you can reduce your impact for example car sharing with people in your office.

The new features include a cleaner easier to navigate design and a new search function available on the homepage.

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Basically they are a high amp battery attached to two heavy duty jumper cables. The same principles apply as when you need to jump start your car, but the advantage is that you do not need another vehicle.

You can keep your jump starter plugged in at home to ensure that it stays fully charged, or in your trunk for emergencies.

Jump starters come in all shapes and sizes, but a general rule is the bigger your car, the bigger your jump starter needs to be. You don’t want to be stuck out in nasty weather with a jump starter that doesn’t have the juice to boost your car.

The power of each jump starter is measured in amps. This number will vary but for a V8 car you should be looking for at least 500 amps.

Some of the jump starters on the market come with built in lights. These are handy when you’re stuck with a dead battery at night and allow you to easily see what you’re doing as you hook up the power source (we also recommend always having a flashlight in your car).

We’ve come up with the Top 3 jump starters on the market for you to check out. By no means are these the ONLY good jump starters out there, but they are the most reliable and easy to use.

You can check out a full list of what Amazon.com has to offer here.

Clore Automotive JNC660 1700 Peak amp 12-Volt Jump Starter

• 1700 Peak Amps
• 425 Cranking Amps
• Clore PROFORMER battery technology
• 46″ #4 AWG welding cable leads
• Industrial-grade clamps
• Built-in charger
• Automatic charging
• Voltmeter provides charge status of onboard battery
• 12VDC outlet to power accessories
• 1 year limited warranty

Automatic charging eliminates the need to unplug or replug. Plus it ensures that you’ll never be stuck with an uncharged jump starter.

Cartips.com Rating: 9.8/10
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Jump-N-Carry JNC300XL 900 Peak Amp Ultraportable 12-Volt Jump Starter

• 900 Peak Amps
• 225 Cranking Amps
• 27″ #4 AWG welding cable leads
• Full-size clamps to penetrate battery corrosion
• LED battery status indicator
• High intensity work light
• Grip-Lock clamp storage
• DC outlet to power 12 Volt accessories
• Includes wall charger and Male-Male 12V extension cord
• 1 year limited warranty

A smaller profile and the built in light are a definite plus. Not as much juice as the JNC660 so it may not jump cars in more extreme situations. If you have a V8 vehicle I’d recommend the JNC660.

Cartips.com Rating: 9.6/10
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Schumacher XP400 Instant Portable Power Source

• On/Off switch activates the jump starting mode
• Built-in charger for automatic charging of internal battery
• Battery status LEDs tells when battery is charged or needs to be charged
• Sure-Grip clamps fit both top and side-mount batteries
• A maintenance-free, sealed lead acid battery allow for storage in any position

Low cost and small size make for a perfect jump starter for small cars. If you live in a cold location or have a medium to full sized car I would recommend something with more power. If you have a smaller 4 cylinder vehicle this is a perfect emergency solution.

Cartips.com Rating: 8.7/10
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Had an experience with a jump starter? Let us know in the comments below.

Each year, cars are replaced with newer and sleeker models than the year before. Safety features and technology become greater each year, and the used cars on the market today are not the clunky, ramblers that they once were, but very sophisticated with many great features – depending on the make and model of the vehicle, of course.

For car buyers that are interested in a great deal on an auto, they should definitely consider a used car, and there are some very good sources to purchase a used car, such as, the online auto auctions.

How to Find Online Auto Auctions

Obviously, online auto auctions are performed online, and where you will need to access to be involved in an auto auction. But, just how do you find these online auto auctions? It is quite simple, you simply browse your favorite search engine such as Yahoo or Google. The major search engines will have full listings of the online auto auctions. Simply type in your browser “online auto auctions” press click, and let the engines go to work. Within seconds you will have many results and sources to access.

A few of the online auto auctions that are reputable and are a means to get a good deal on the purchase of a used car are the following:

Car-Auction.com: Car-Auction.com is a site that is an online seized auto auction site that you will have plenty of opportunity to bid on vehicles for sale. The site has a large database of new and used makes and models of vehicles and allows you to search their database for what interests you. It provides its users with information regarding various auction sites that have what you are interested in purchasing. As with all auto auctions, the car buyer can expect to save 30 to 70 percent or more. This is a site that you will need to register in order to have full access to its advantages, but, if you are interested in purchasing an auto at a good price, it definitely is a good place to be.

Another online auto auction that you definitely will want to access is the police auto auctions that are conducted online. At the police auto auctions there are some very good bargains to be had, and some very nice vehicles, as they are vehicles that have been seized from criminals, and it isn’t unusual to find the best prices on used vehicles through these auctions.

Auction Fire is an online auction site that is no cost and offers their users links to websites where cars are up for auction. This is valuable for the bidder, as they are able to size up the vehicles in an easy way, prior to bidding on the vehicle. The site also has a message board that it uses for auction fraud alerts, which is helpful to the bidder, so that they are not scammed.

Another place that you might consider is asking your local police department if they have a website that they show the vehicles which they will be auctioning off. Many times, the local police departments have sites, which display the vehicles which will be up for auction.

eBay Motors is another auto auction site that auctions vehicles from both private parties and dealers. The advantage of eBay is that it allows their users to contact the seller and be able to ask any questions regarding the vehicle.

USA.gov/shopping/cars/cars.shtml is another site that has a variety of opportunity to purchase a vehicle at an online auction. The site lists cars from the government fleet, GSA auctions, state and local surplus property sales, and more. Once you land on the page, it will simply direct you to where you are interested in shopping for a vehicle. There are a number US Government Car Auctions happening all the time so check it out.

Tricks to Get a Good Deal at an Online Auto Auction

With the online auto auctions the bidder, most of the time, does not have the advantage of staring the vehicle or inspecting it under the hood. Therefore, it is essential to take as much precaution as possible. To know that you are purchasing a vehicle that is worth its value, then take all necessary steps, when possible, and the best advice is to get the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and perform a history check on the vehicle.

With a history check on the vehicle you will be able to find all the important information that pertains to the vehicle, such as, how many accidents it has been involved in, whether it has ever been salvaged, the number of owners the vehicle has had, past service repairs of the vehicle and so on. It is one of the most valuable documentations that used vehicle buyers can obtain and just may save you from purchasing a vehicle that is going to give you a world of trouble.

What Things to Look for Compared to Shopping in Person

Obviously, when you are shopping in person, you have the advantage of starting the engine and taking the vehicle for a test drive. You can fiddle with all the features of the vehicle and get a feel for the condition of the vehicle. When shopping online, you do not have this advantage, so it is absolutely necessary to get the VIN of the vehicle and to perform that history check on the vehicle. This is essential, and the one protectant you have that shows you the real worth of the vehicle.

Online auctions offer some great deals to be had. Take your time, approach the steps in bidding online properly, and make sure you purchase a vehicle that is worth its value.

Your state laws and your age determine whether you may be required to take driver’s education before you can get your license and get behind that wheel of a vehicle. States throughout the U.S. now have what is called a Graduated License Program which all teens under 18 must complete in order to get their license.

In this instance, a teen must complete formal driver’s education in order to fill the requirements set by the state. There are other reasons to take driver’s education courses, as well. To be a responsible driver on the road, you need to know the road rules and laws. Driver’s education will help you to understand the rules and laws of the road. Many states also lessen marks against your driver’s record when you complete a driver’s education course. Many seniors take driver’s education courses to get a reduction on their auto insurance. Whatever the reason, the driver’s education courses are offered online and through land facilities, and are a benefit to every driver on the road.

How Online Driver’s Education Works

Online driver’s education is completed over the Internet. Unlike taking the course through a school or other place that offers driver’s ed courses, your classroom structure is through the driver’s training course website. It is the responsibility of every driver on the road to know the road rules and laws, and an online driver’s education course is designed to teach the student the various road rules and laws, as well as, to educate them on the effects of alcohol and drugs, and learn how to drive defensively to prevent accidents.

Online driver’s ed sites will have a software based teaching program that is installed on a computer or a computer network. This allows the site to be able to teach, feature quizzes and tests and a final exam. The site may only offer their training in text, or they may have audio content, flash animation and video.

When you sign up for an online driver’s ed course then you will register with the site, which will include making some sort of payment for the course. The site will have various payment processors, such as, credit card, debit card and so on. Once you have registered you will then get a user name and password and you can begin your training.

Driver’s ed courses should be fully approved by the State Department of Public Safety. California online driver’s education courses are very popular and fully approved by the State Department.

Once you have enrolled in an online driver’s ed course, you will then have access to the training the site provides. Online driver’s ed will teach you the safety signs on the road, and the road rules and laws, as well as driving etiquette. For teens, taking a driver’s ed course is necessary in order to get their learner’s permit. Once they have taken the driver’s ed course, and passed, they can then take the written exam issued by the DMV in their state and get their learner’s permit.

Online driver’s ed training courses are state specific courses that detail the road rules and laws that are specific to each state.

Sites That Offer Online Driver’s Ed

DriversEd.com: Drivers Ed is another online driver’s ed training site that is a state approved program and provides everything that the student must know in order to get their learner’s permit or to familiarize themselves with the road rules and laws. The site also offers defensive driving training courses which are approved in many states to help clear traffic tickets.

DriversEdOnline.com: Drivers Ed Online is a site that offers self paced online driver education courses that combines text, interactive video and flash animation. This particular site happens to guarantee their course 100%. In other words, if you don’t pass the course, you are not obligated to pay. The site also offers driver training for all fifty states.

DMVDriversEducation.Org: DMV Drivers Education is an online site that offers DMV authorized courses that are available for all fifty states. The course is offered at your own pace course and there are no time limits to complete the course. DMV Drivers Education divides the course into units, with each unit containing a quiz. The quizzes and the final can be taken as many times as necessary in order to complete the course.

DriverEdToGo.com: Driver Ed To Go is another online driver’s ed training site that offers driver’s ed mad easy. The course is dmv approved and uses a Prep Wizard online exam software to help their students be prepared for the DMV written exam.

There are also sites, such as, 4DMV.com, that offer a wealth of state specific information on driving rules and laws in the state, as well as, driver’s ed training courses that are offered through their site.

Driver’s ed courses are a necessary part of driving and prepare the student for driving and the responsibilities associated with driving. Students will not only be taught the rules and laws of the raod, and the meaning of various traffic signs, they will also be taught how to drive defensively and to avoid potential accidents as well as the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body.

When a student completes and passes an online driver’s ed course, they will then be mailed a certificate showing that they have successfully completed and passed the course.

How Long Does a Driver’s Ed Course Take

Driver’s ed courses that are offered online are designed to be completed at the students pace. Students will have the course open to them, which will be taught in units, or chapters, and upon successfully completing each, they will move onto the next. There is no time limits of the course, and students can take anywhere from a day or more to complete the course.

Have you taken an online driver’s education course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The result? A very awesome infographic. Where do you fall in this mix? Let us know in the comments below.

Car Repair Costs Across the USA Infographic created by Convoy Auto Repair

As you begin the process of shopping for, and eventually purchasing, your own RV, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. That doesn’t mean making sure your RV gets television reception wherever you go. One of the most important aspects of shopping for an RV is to get a good idea of how many people will be tagging along on your family vacations. Will it just be you and the kids, or will your kids want to bring their friends? Will your parents give you the sad puppy face when you tell them that there isn’t enough room for them? Being unprepared could mean giving up all your RV’s accommodations to others and spending a cold, rainy night in a leaking pup tent outside.

While price is also a factor, a more important one is how comfortable you’ll feel driving and parking your new RV. Is it the size of a Greyhound bus? Slightly smaller? While there are plenty of RV dealers out there more than willing to help you get the hang of motoring your home-on-wheels around town, there are also plenty of sticky situations that you may need to be prepared for. It all boils down to one thing: If the thought of driving it scares you, then you should probably look at a smaller RV, or at least one that has a more truck-like cab and amenities, such as a back-up camera that allows you to clearly see where you’re going, even when you’re backing up.

Once you’ve got an idea for what size and style of RV you want to purchase, and before you begin the process of working out financing, it’s time to get an insurance quote so that you’ll see what it will cost you on top of your monthly payment. Once you’ve got all those aspects sewn up, it’s time to visit your local RV dealer and check out what’s available in your price and size range.

How to Find Government Car Auctions

Each state has government car auctions; however, each state does not operate in the same way. Therefore, the first thing that is necessary is to contact your local police station to ask them where you can get a hold of government seized vehicles. This is one way to find government auctions, as the station will be able to guide you to the proper government auction houses.

Local newspapers are another source to find where and when government car auction will be and take place. Typically, the auctions are announced in the local newspaper for the area that the auctions are taking place.

Another means to finding government car auctions, is to check online. There are many online car auction services that will locate government car auctions that are being held in your area, for you. However, these services typically involve a fee, and not are a free source to obtain the information.

Various Types of Government Car Auctions:

Local police auctions: Local police car auctions are auctions that involve vehicles that have been impounded. For these types of auctions you will call your local police department and ask for the dates and details.

Federal government auctions: Federal government car auctions auction off vehicles that have been seized during criminal busts, as well as, fleet vehicles. These vehicles and auctions are consolidated under the GovSales website.

Additional government sites: There are additional government sites that help the consumer with tips on various government auctions. Guide to Federal Auctions, for example, provides various agencies that the consumer will find the auctions through as well as information on the departments’ websites. Another government site where the consumer can find information about auction sources is GSA.

Private sources: The private sources, as mentioned earlier, are online sites that are private, but provide information regarding federal and local government auto actions. Gov-Auctions provides access to both state and federal auction for a small charge.

How to Get a Good Deal at a Government Auto Auction

The trick to getting a good deal at a government auto auction is to be prepared. If you are considering bidding on a vehicle, then prior to placing the bid, inspect the vehicle. This means start it up, step on the gas, inspect the engine and listen for pings and pangs, and so on. If you do not have mechanical skills, then bring a mechanic with you to the auction. Bidding on a vehicle that looks in mint condition does not mean that it is in mint condition, and inspecting the vehicle prior to the bid is a must to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Another thing about the government auto auctions is that there are vehicles up for auction that are in less than desirable shape, but, with the right attention, might be well worth the investment. If you happen to be a bidder with mechanical skills, you often times can pick up a fixer upper at a government car auction for as low as $50. That may sound insane, but it is not out of the ordinary. The vehicles do need repairs, but if you have the skill to make the repairs, provided that they are not repairs that would cost more than the vehicle’s worth, then you could walk away with a tremendous deal, and a great weekend project. For instance, if you are bidding on a vehicle in which the starter is out, has a few rips in the upholstery, and a few other minor repairs, and pick up the vehicle for $50, are able to perform the repairs yourself, you would, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as, the year of the vehicle, might have purchased a very profitable vehicle.

As with all auctions, prior to a government auction, read the catalog so that you know what vehicles are being auctioned. This should be done prior to attending the auction, as it will help to keep you focused and not get swept into the adrenaline of the auction. Also, have a budget. If you know what you are bidding on, have inspected it, then set a limit, and keep to your budget, and be ready to pay for the vehicle in the event that you are the winning bidder.

Government Auto Auctions, What to Look For

When you visit a government car auction to bid on vehicles, most times they are vehicles that have been seized through drug busts or other criminal busts. Or, they may be fleet vehicles of the agency that are no longer in commission.

Government car auctions are held at different dates and locations across the United States throughout the year. Even though the government car auctions present the opportunity for fantastic deal, you still need to be careful about certain things. First, you must know the condition of the vehicle. Just because the vehicle is being auctioned off at a government auction does not mean that it is in mint condition. Some of these cars do have problems, and you must be aware of those problems, prior to placing your bid.

When you arrive at the auction to place a bid on a vehicle that you are interested in, you should arrive early. Always have your checklist in hand, which is wise to check out prior to the auction. If you have read the catalog and have found the vehicle that you are interested in then you should have the Vehicle Identification Number and have run a CARFAX report. If you did not, do it the day of the auction. Also, ask the administrator for all information about the vehicle.

Also, always be careful when bidding on a vehicle that may have the interest of the crowd. Each bid must be higher than the previous and therefore, it is easy to get swept away in the bidding momentum and you may actually end up spending more than the vehicle’s worth if you are not careful. Stick to your budget, and don’t go over.

The Salesman: Larry

Larry began his career just like any other, with training but on how to sell cars. Larry was taught to go after high pressure sales in which you try to catch people off guard. The idea is to score a quick sale while exploiting people who were weak or uninformed. Larry was also trained to go over to the service department and make small talk with the people waiting for their cars. If he overheard that someone just got hit with a $2000 bill for a new transmission, he was supposed to introduce the benefits of a new car plus a trade-in deal. When he had a customer he was taught to stay with them throughout their visit to make sure they didn’t have the opportunity to talk to other customers. This would prevent them from comparing prices or finding loopholes in the deal.

Larry explained to me that car salesmen are not the enemy. It is actually sales managers who teach tactics to haggle the customers. Car salesmen usually work on 100% commission, and have to answer to their sales manager when they don’t make a sale. However, Larry was not in fear of his sales manager because he knew he was moving in a few months and would no longer be working there. Consequently, Larry ignored nearly every technique he was taught. He would take the time to get to know what the customer wanted, figure out their budget without being pushy and would eventually lead them towards a car that fit their wants, needs, and budget. Ironically, Larry was the top salesman at his dealership for three months in a row before moving.

The Car Buyer: Ronny

Ronny took me back a few years, to when he was eighteen. He explained to me how he just had to have this brand new, yellow Pontiac GTO. It was way out of his price range and he had no credit, yet somehow he was able to purchase his dream car. He didn’t question how it happened; he just knew that the car was his. The catch was that Ronny bought the car on a 6 year loan, with an interest rate of 21% and a monthly payment of $502. “Looking back, I wish I would have listened to my mom,” Larry said, “She tried to tell me I was making a mistake, but I was a hard-headed, uninformed kid who had to get what I wanted.” Now, nearly 5 years later, Ronny still owes about $15,000 on the original price of $22,000. In all, he will pay nearly double the value of his car because of the high interest rate.

My Car Buying Test

When it was time for me to begin my search for a new car, I went in with a fresh outlook. Over the weekend, I visited to two car dealerships. One ended up being the typical dealership (which I won’t name) with the salespeople in their white shirts and gold ties waiting like vultures for their next big sale. The effort was fruitless and I left irritated. Hoping for better results, I visited another local dealership, Park Place Texas, and they blew my expectations away. I was greeted by a friendly young man who genuinely seemed interested in learning about me and what I needed in a new car. I kept in mind all the things I had learned about from Larry but didn’t notice any of the shady tactics. I ended up with my dream car, but unlike Ronny, I received a reasonable finance plan without an outrageous interest rate. I bought a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible and I love everything about it!

Every dealership is different. Larry taught me that not all car salesmen are enemies. There are those dealerships who promote the practice of genuinely wanting to know what customers are looking for. Ronny taught me not to rush into things. It is important to shop around and be mindful of what you can and cannot afford.

Used cars are notorious for needing repairs at some point quicker than new ones. Consequently, taking a little time before slapping down money on a used car to start a cheap insurance quotes comparison worksheet will be well worth it in the end. A decision will need to be made whether to get one or both types of car repair insurance. The Breakdown plans apply to vehicle parts that are prone to breakage and only these parts will the insurance company cover. Whereas the Wear and Tear plans focus on parts that can wear out over time. Many companies also offer add-ons and specialty plans such as Engine and/or Transition coverage, but these can get costly and confusing. For example, an Engine Plan may not cover the repair/replacement of the radiator because it is not actually part of the engine block. Therefore, depending on the age and projected usage of the used vehicle, it is best to evaluate the plans being offered vs. the cost from the quotes comparison worksheet.

Extended warranties and car repair insurance may essentially be somewhat the same in principal, but there are some huge differences between the two. Extended warranties are exactly what they say they are, in that they extend the coverage period of the manufacturer’s warranty that was included with the cost of a new car. During the time a vehicle is covered by the warranty and extended warranty, the manufacturer will cover the cost of repairs and replacements. Under a car repair insurance policy, the insurance company pays for this, not the manufacturer. Also, this insurance is for pre-owned vehicles which are known to usually have mechanical issues. So, getting cheap auto insurance quotes to get the best deal can save thousands of dollars in the long run by not having to pay for expensive auto repairs.

For anyone buying a pre-owned vehicle, especially one without a transferable manufacturer’s or extended warranty, this additional insurance is just as important as regular auto insurance. Be sure to create a cheap insurance quotes comparison worksheet so an informed decision on a car repair insurance policy can be made as to the specific needs of the used vehicle to be purchased. Also, a good place to start is to inquire with the dealer for an insurance company they recommend and possibly work with if they have an in-house shop.