cars – Traffic School Online

Note that EPA estimates and pricing can vary depending on trim level and options.

1. Toyota Prius (2024)

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 57 combined (EPA-estimated)
- MSRP: Starting around $27,650
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD available)
- Body Style: Hatchback
Key Features: The Prius continues to be a leader in fuel efficiency. The 2024 model boasts a sleek, modern design and a significantly improved driving experience compared to earlier generations. It’s known for its reliability and practicality. A plug-in hybrid model is also offered the Prius Prime.
Why it Stands Out: The Prius is a benchmark for hybrid technology, offering excellent fuel economy and a proven track record.

2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2024)

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 52 combined (EPA-estimated, Blue trim)
- MSRP: Starting around $28,450
- Body Style: Sedan
Key Features: The Sonata Hybrid offers a stylish and comfortable sedan experience with impressive fuel economy. It’s packed with technology and safety features, often at a competitive price point.
Why it Stands Out: Excellent value, combining fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and a generous warranty.

3. Ford Maverick (2024) – Hybrid Truck Option

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 42 city / 33 highway (EPA-estimated)
- MSRP: Starting around $23,815
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD available with the non-hybrid engine)
- Body style: Compact Pickup
Key Features: The Ford Maverick is a groundbreaking compact pickup truck that offers a standard hybrid powertrain. It’s incredibly affordable and surprisingly capable.
Why it Stands Out: It’s a unique offering in the market, providing truck utility with excellent fuel economy.

4. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2024)

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 50 Combined (EPA estimated)
- MSRP: Starting around $23,500
- Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (AWD available)
- Body Style: Sedan
Key Features: The Corolla Hybrid takes the renowned reliability and practicality of the standard Corolla and adds impressive fuel efficiency. Offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience.
Why it Stands out: Provides the best of both worlds: the affordability and practicality of a Corolla with exceptional fuel economy.

5. Honda CR-V Hybrid (2024) – Hybrid SUV Option

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 43 city / 36 highway (EPA-estimated)
- MSRP: Starting around $34,350
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD available)
- Body Style: Compact SUV
Key Features: The CR-V Hybrid offers the practicality and space of a compact SUV with the added benefit of hybrid fuel efficiency. It’s known for its comfortable ride and well-designed interior.
Why it Stands Out: A great choice for families looking for a fuel-efficient and versatile SUV.

6. Kia Niro (2024)

Basics (2024 Specs):
- MPG: Up to 53 city / 54 highway (EPA-estimated)
- MSRP: Starting at $26,840
- Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
- Body Style: Subcompact SUV
Key Features: The Kia Niro offers a trio of options: traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric version. The traditional hybrid stands out with its exceptional fuel economy and spacious interior for its class.
Why it Stands Out: High MPG and good cargo room

Plug-In Hybrid vs. Traditional Hybrid

Traditional Hybrid: Combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The battery is recharged through regenerative braking and the engine. You don’t plug it in.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): Has a larger battery pack that can be plugged in to recharge. This allows for a limited all-electric driving range before the gasoline engine takes over.

Choosing the Right Hybrid for You

The best hybrid for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like:

Budget: Hybrids typically have a higher upfront cost than comparable gasoline-only vehicles, but you’ll save money on fuel.
Driving Needs: How much city vs. highway driving do you do? Do you need cargo space?
Fuel Efficiency: Compare EPA-estimated MPG ratings.
Features: Consider technology (Car Play, Android Auto), safety features, and comfort.

The Future is Electrified

The hybrid car market continues to evolve rapidly, with new models and advancements in technology constantly emerging. Whether you’re looking for maximum fuel efficiency, a practical family vehicle, or even a rugged truck, there’s likely a hybrid out there that’s perfect for you. Explore your options and experience the benefits of driving a hybrid!

When considering what kind of car to buy for your new teen driver, don’t overlook used cars as a viable option. After all, few things depreciate faster than a new car. Many parents feel obligated to go the new car route for their novice drivers due to safety features. Yet, there are plenty of safe—and much more affordable—used car options out there. But, before you run to the nearest used car lot, consider the following tips:

Know your budget beforehand

If you want to know a surefire way to get taken advantage of at a car dealership, just walk on the lot without a budget in mind. Before you even think about going car shopping, sit down and figure out how much car you can afford. That way, you’ll be shopping with your head instead of your heart. If you’re unsure how to estimate a price range you can afford, there are some handy tools available to help you.

Do your research

Remember: knowledge is power. Don’t set foot on a used car lot without a target list of cars on hand. This doesn’t mean that you can’t change your mind, but it gives you an excellent starting point. How should you go about creating a target list of used cars? Do a little homework. Use sources like Consumer Reports to research used car reviews. Then, determine which used cars fit into the budget you’ve determined. Not sure how much a particular used car costs? Refer to Kelley Blue Book to get an estimated value. Knowing these details in advance will save you from a lot of haggling with used car salesmen.

Get a Vehicle History Report

Even if a used car looks pristine on the lot, it’s still imperative to learn everything you can about that car’s history before the sale. What kind of information can a Vehicle History Report tell you? It’ll tip you off if the car got totaled in an accident or if the odometer got rolled back. Several companies sell Vehicle History Reports using the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). If there is anything negative in the report, it’s best to cut your losses and move on.

Have the car inspected

Even if the Vehicle History Report comes back with an all-clear, it’s still a good idea to get the used car inspected before making an offer. For added reassurance, request to take the car to a mechanic you trust for the inspection. Getting a used car inspected before making an offer can help you avoid purchasing a lemon.

Be a master negotiator

The best way to gain the upper hand in the negotiation process is to come armed with information. All the research and homework you’ve done up to this point will come in handy now. Don’t determine your offer based on the asking price. Consider what the car is worth based on market value. Besides consulting Kelley Blue Book, consider checking eBay for auctions on similar cars. Check to see if you can find a comparable car on another website for a lower price. Use that information to your advantage during the negotiation process.

Prepare yourself for your used car shopping and you’ll be able to find a great car for your teen.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2013 transportation was responsible for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Given that the U.S. is one of the top two countries in the world with regards to emissions, that’s not a small number. For drivers who want to do their part to cut down on emissions, though, a few simple green drivng tips can go a surprisingly long way.

Tip #1: Clear Out That Junk in Your Trunk

Have you ever cleaned out your car, and when you were done, thought, “wow, how did I fit all of that in there?” If you’ve got an extra suitcase in your backseat, and boxes of stuff you never got around to unpacking, chances are good the weight is taking a toll on your gas mileage. If you unburden your ride, then you’ll drive further on less gas, which will pump fewer emissions from your tailpipe.

Tip #2: Pump it Up

Keeping your tires inflated to their full volume is important for driver safety, but it also saves energy when you’re driving. If you’ve ever pulled a wagon or pushed a wheelbarrow with tires that weren’t filled to capacity, you know exactly how much more work you needed to put in. Full tires are easier to move, which means you’re using less overall fuel than you would driving around on half-inflated tires.

Tip #3: The Need For Speed is Killing Your Mileage

While it might be thrilling to put the pedal to the floor and burn rubber out of the stop light, that sort of behavior eats up gas. Ditto for braking hard, and reducing your speed quickly. If you increase or decrease your speed gradually, then you’re going to burn less gas, as well as putting less overall wear and tear on your ride. So, if it’s possible, let your car coast to a slower speed from further back to save gas instead of hitting the brake when you get too close to an intersection, or a slow-moving truck.

Tip #4: If You Have Cruise Control, Use It

You probably never think about all the little corrections you make while you’re out on the road. Add some gas to pass someone, slow down when the motorcycle pulls out in front of you, it’s all just one, big dance. If you’re on a long trip, or if you’re driving on the open road, you should get your car up to speed and hit the cruise control. Keeping your vehicle at a steady speed so that you only have to drive will eliminate a lot of adjustments that can eat into your fuel efficiency, and it will result in overall fewer emissions while you drive.

Tip #5: Remember to Try and Drive 55

Did you ever wonder why 55 miles an hour is the posted speed limit on so many roads? Well, one reason is that it’s a sweet spot that lets most vehicles get the best mileage. While most cars are capable of going faster, if 55 is the optimal speed (as it is in most common vehicles), an increased speed is going to lead to a decreased fuel efficiency. Just remember that your safety, and those of your fellow drivers, takes precedence over any green driving practices. Only follow this tip if it safe to do so; if posted speed are at least 5 miles above 55, stick with the speed limit and keep pace with others on the road.

Tip #6: Trade Up

While an expensive solution, more modern vehicles get better fuel efficiency (with all other factors being equal). Part of that is because legal standards have changed, forcing manufacturers to build more fuel-efficient cars. Part of it is that miles per gallon has become a legitimate selling point, which means drivers who want to look out for the environment have options. You don’t have to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle; just invest in something that’s more efficient than your current car.

Even though the purchase of a new car is viewed as luxurious and keeping up with the times, in many circumstances, purchasing a new one is not always the most economical decision. A used vehicle often costs a fraction of the price and most likely will suit your transportation needs. By following these tips for buying a used car, it should be possible to ensure that your used vehicle performs to your expectations.

1. Set a standard akin to your personal driving habits.

There are various standards set for a used vehicle that often correlate to its typical usage, allocated budget, condition, and engineered quality. Some people are happy to drive a car with multiple dents, replaced exterior parts, and peeling paint while others prefer a modest car that is at least respectable. Also, pay attention to the current mileage on the car. Overall, the higher the quality of the used car, the more it will cost to drive per mile over the period that you own it. Budget accordingly.

2. Evaluate your typical driving needs.

A lot of people who live in the inner city often prefer to use public transportation or alternative forms of transport such as walking or bicycling to get to their location. They may choose to have a car available for long-distance trips or errands that occasionally must be completed. The reason this concept is important is because it correlates to the usage of the vehicle. When a vehicle is not driven or used sparingly for an extended period, it can cause a variety of mechanical problems. Balance the cost of the used car with its respective usage.

3. Perform a pre-purchase test drive and inspection.

Test drive several used cars to get an idea of the ideal performance that matches your driving style. Test it under various rigorous driving conditions such as flooring the accelerator, continuous highway speeds, and intense braking and turning. Should you decide to move forward to the next step in purchasing a used vehicle, have the vehicle inspected by a third party. Some essentials that warrant review in the inspection include the braking system, engine cylinder head gaskets, and wear on the transmission. Major repairs on a used car will often exceed the value of the vehicle itself, so the state of repair that the vehicle is in is essential to evaluate. According to Edmunds, “If you like the way the car drives, you should have it inspected before you negotiate to buy it. A pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands of dollars. You can take the car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection or request a mobile inspection. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance.

4. Review documentation of the vehicle’s driving history.

The number of owners, its age, where it was driven and the number of miles on the odometer are all important considerations. Accidents are another factor. Some cars that were rendered inoperable in a serious accident are often rebuilt and could be dangerous to drive. If such a compromised vehicle encounters another accident, the risk of death or injury increases exponentially. Ask for documented proof of history on the vehicle. If this documentation is not available, it may be reasonable to ask for a deduction in price during the negotiation for the sales price. Consider getting a third-party inspection – the cost may seem prohibitive, but if it keeps you from purchasing a “lemon” or an unsafe vehicle, it is more than worth it in the long run!

5. Prepare for the negotiation well ahead of time and don’t be afraid to walk away.

Used car sales are explicitly known for the intense negotiation and sales tactics involved. One of the best tactics you can have on your side is a price evaluation from an online used car website before you even test drive the vehicle. The program will evaluate the worth of a car based on its condition and mileage. It can also help to consider the list price on several listings of comparable vehicles in the area.

6. Investigate the source of the used car to meet your individual purchasing needs.

If you don’t feel comfortable purchasing a car that was owned privately, fleets of cars such as taxis, police, and rental cars are often available after they are no longer able to perform up to standard. You can rest assured knowing that these cars were well maintained.

7. Compare available financing versus up-front payment.

Financing a used car is appropriate if you don’t have the up-front capital to buy it all at once, but make sure to review the terms of the contract. In most instances, a finance agreement will not cover the costs of repair. This could theoretically leave you in a bind where you must pay off a loan on a vehicle that is not worth the cost of repair.

Through the implementation of these tips, buying a car used will be a much simpler process. Take your time and ensure that you consider several different vehicles before making a final purchasing decision.

Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a sporty Ferrari or a classic BMW and are interested in getting one straight from the lands that gave them birth. Maybe you’re traveling to Italy or Germany for a vacation, and are interested in importing a car directly from those factories.

You want to know how to import a car.

Importing a car from outside the U.S. is certainly possible. There are environmental, safety, and cost factors to consider, though, before you actually buy a car overseas and decide to import it. Here are 4 steps to follow.

1. Check U.S. Environmental Regulations Before You Buy

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website says it succinctly: environmental agencies “have very detailed requirements that can make importing a vehicle and/or its parts difficult, if not impossible, for some vehicles that were not originally manufactured for the U.S. market.”

In other words, you have to check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for emissions and other environmental standards before you buy a car. These regulations are some of the most stringent in the world, so it may be that the car you have your eye on doesn’t meet them.

If you buy a car overseas that does not meet U.S. environmental standards, it must be brought up to them before it can pass inspection and thus be driven in the U.S. This can be highly expensive, and in some cases, may not be possible. Do your research on the import of your dreams before you buy.

For an overview of the EPA’s regulations on imports, as well as the forms you will need when you do import a car, see here.

2. Make Sure the Car You Buy Meets U.S. Safety Regulations

In addition to environmental regulations, an imported car must pass U.S. safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Department of Transportation (DOT) has an Importation and Certification section with rules and regulations on its standards.

A car being imported must meet what NHTSA terms the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Some of these concern bumper and other safety features. Cars that have been built overseas but meet U.S. FMVSS generally have a certification verification on the car. (It is often by the driver’s side door.)

If you buy a car overseas that you plan to import, you should check with the seller that the certification is there. The NHTSA recommends that you also ask for a letter from the seller verifying this and bring it with you.

Information on the NHTSA’s laws on importation of cars can be found here. The regulations are different if the imported vehicle is from Canada. Those rules can be found here. There is also a helpful frequently asked questions (FAQ) site here.

3. Taking a Car Through Customs

When your imported car is brought through customs, you will need to show the shipper’s or carrier’s original bill of lading, the bill of sale, any overseas registration documents, and any other documents covering the vehicle.

When your car is brought into the U.S., you may have to pay customs fees. Generally, for cars, these are 2.5% of the price, unless you are importing a Canadian-made car. These are duty-free. There is an $800 exemption if the car is for personal use, it was bought during the trip you are re-entering from, and it accompanies you into the U.S. After the exemption, a flat 3% duty rate covers the next $1,000 of the car’s price. The remainder of the price is due at the 2.5% rate.

4. Check Any State Emissions Regulations Before You Buy

Depending on where in the U.S. you live, the state may have environmental regulations in addition to the EPA’s that your import will have to pass before it can be driven. California, for example, has anti-smog regulations in addition to U.S. rules. Check the Department of Motor Vehicles information in your state before purchasing an imported car.

In sum, you should make sure that you understand the environmental, safety, and customs issues before purchasing a car for import and beginning to import it.

Ever wonder what type of car gets the most tickets? Well, there’s a verified answer! Both Forbes and insure.com have released a list. The winners (er, losers) are:

Mercedes-Benz SL-class
Toyota Camry Solara
Scion TC
Hummer H2/H3
Scion XB
Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG
Acura Integra
Pontiac Grand Prix
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG
Volkswagen GTI

The Data Behind the List

Not only do these cars rack up more tickets, they rack up a lot more tickets. The driver of the #1 car on this list, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a convertible, was more than 4 times as likely to be issued a ticket than the standard car on the road.

The driver of the #2 car, the Toyota Camry Solara, a coupe, was almost as ticket-prone: they were more than 3.5 times likely to be pulled over. And #3 was not far behind; they got tickets 3.4 times more than Joe or Josephine Average Car.

It is not until you hit the #4 car on the list, the Hummer SUV, that the driver is only (only) 2.9 times more likely to receive a ticket for rolling magisterially down the road. And #5, the Scion XB? 2.7 times more likely.

These data were crunched by a firm that analyzes data for the insurance industry. They toted up how many tickets each car on the road in the U.S. got per 100,000 miles driven. They then figured out which vehicles had the highest number of tickets.

Color Makes Little Difference—And Red Isn’t Frequently Ticketed

So these results come with a lot of data backing them. For one thing, they knock several enduring myths out of the box. The first is that color matters. Do red cars get more tickets? No. They account for 16% of tickets and 14% of cars on the road, and those percentages are pretty equally matched.

The color most often pulled over? Good old solid gray. They constitute 6% of cars total, but get 10% of tickets.

The safest colors? White, which accounts for 25% of the total car population, receive 19% of the tickets, less than they should if all were proportional. Silver, which hits 10% of total cars on the road, was issued just 5% of all tickets. The theory is, that the police may not notice white or silver cars as much.

Younger Men Don’t Get More Tickets

The data also show that the common perception that young men get more tickets than other Americans is a misperception. The top ticketed cars were often driven by more women than men—and middle age was frequent among the winners of the most-ticketed sweepstakes.

Take, for example, the #1 Mercedes. Those drivers are 41% men and nearly 60% female, and the average age of both genders is 53. The #2 Camry Solara is driven by 38% men and 62% women, and the average age is 50.

The #3 car, the Scion TC, does swing younger—the average age is 30—but again, far more women than men drive it, at 39% versus 61%. And the Hummer? It’s the only one of the top 5 with significantly more men, at 73%. Women drive just 27% of Hummers, and the average age of all its drivers is 46. The Scion xB gender breakdown is 40%/60%, with more women, and the average age is 37.

Officials believe that people who like more powerful cars, of both genders, are likely to exert control—and may push speeds and traffic regulations as a result. The rise in women reflects the rise in women being more in control in life generally.

It’s Safe Driving That Matters

Perhaps the most trenchant phrase that matters is this one from insurance.com: “It’s the driver, not the car, who creates dangerous situations – and receives tickets.” The frequency of ticketing reflects the behavior of their drivers. People who want to hear their Mercedes purr or their Hummer roar are acting in ways that cause them to be pulled over—speeding ignoring traffic conditions or running lights.

The corollary? Drivers who pay attention to the speed limit, drive safely according to traffic conditions, and follow traffic rules and regulations are going to be okay—no matter what car they drive.

You love your car, so you don’t want to lose it. Still, cars are stolen every day. Not only are they stolen every day, many are stolen per day. It’s estimated that car theft occurs every 46 seconds, every day of the year. That adds up to a whopping 700,000 cars in the last year for which statistics are available.

So, which are the top stolen cars in the U.S.? Forbes reports that they are, in order of frequency of theft (number of vehicles stolen in the last year for which statistics are available follow the make and model):

Honda Accord, 53,995
Honda Civic, 45,001
Chevrolet Silverado, 27,809
Ford F-150, 26,494
Toyota Camry, 14,420
Dodge/Ram Pickup, 11,347
Dodge Caravan, 10,911
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, 9,272
Toyota Corolla, 9,010
Nissan Altima, 8,892

Why are cars stolen?

If, like most car owners, you want to save your car from theft, the list raises an issue. Should these models be avoided because they are particularly attractive to thieves? Why are cars stolen? The top 10 group, after all, contains some of the most popular mainstream cars in the U.S., such as Honda’s perennially popular Accords and Civics, plus Chevys and Fords.

The cars on the list above are likely popular with thieves just because of their popularity with the American public. Many cars are stolen to go to a chop shop—an illegal garage that strips the cars of parts and resells them. Because Accords, Civics, and Chevys are widely owned cars, parts from them are perennially popular, and the market is robust.

Chop shops are one of the reasons it’s so hard to get a stolen car back. According to the NHTSA, almost 45% of cars remain missing and never found.

It is worth noting that these lists change according to the parameters used to compile them. The NHTSA put together a top stolen car list that confined the number of vehicles to the model year in which they were stolen. (The numbered list above is the total number in one year’s reporting period, regardless of the model year of the car.) Car thieves who grabbed a car in the year it rolled off the assembly line went for these makes and models:

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mazda 6

The Mercedes-Benz-CL-Class is a luxury car. Forbes notes that new cars stolen are not usually stripped by a chop shop; instead, they are sold as is, with the paperwork forged. But you won’t usually find the car driven by a joy-riding teenager in your neighborhood (or any other); Forbes indicates that “higher-end sports cars typically shipped abroad for resale.”

It should be noted, also, that both chop shops and sell-abroad organizations are sophisticated and operate in the more densely populated states. (The top 3 for car theft, according to the NHTSA, are California, Florida, and Texas.)

Protecting yourself against car theft

So if the most common reason cars are stolen is a sale, either of parts or the whole, how can you best protect yourself?

The answer is not to be found in avoiding any particular make or model.

The most important protective method is to be vigilant. The numbers are stark: almost 50% of cars are stolen because the driver was careless and made it easy (NHTSA). They may have left their keys in a parked car; left the car running as they ran into a convenience store or dropped something off; or left the keys in a locked car, but in plain sight.

As far as car thieves are concerned, any of those scenarios is an engraved invitation. Lock Your Vehicle. It’s the first line of defense.

It is also highly advisable to have an anti-theft device installed. There are devices that will lock an ignition, so a vehicle cannot be started. A GPS device that can track a car is also a very good idea.

Let’s face it. Going fast in your car can be an enjoyable experience and racing your friends can be even more fun. Unfortunately, you are not a professional race car driver, and you do not have the opportunity to drive on the German Autobahn, where sections of the road have no speed limit. This means you probably do not get many opportunities to legally go at whatever speed you want. You might be wondering, “Where can I legally speed or race?” Luckily, there are places in the United States where even an amateur driver can legally speed.

Sonoma Raceway- Sonoma, California

After taking a course conducted by professional drivers and getting some driving pointers, those who take a class through the Simraceway Performance Driving Center are let loose on the Sonoma Raceway to test their speed limits. There are a variety of classes to fit your speed or racing needs. While some courses allow you to bring your vehicle to the track, others let you drive an Audi sports car or take a Formula 3 race car on the track. You will even get tips from professional drivers on how you can do better next time. With the option for group training, it is a wonderful opportunity to take classes with your friends and family members to see who is the better or faster driver.

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park- Chandler, Arizona

Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving also offers courses in race car driving for interested individuals. Classes run from one to four days, depending on the course. Although there are several classes, the signature course is the Forza Motorsport Grand Prix Road Racing course. While drivers have a ride-along passenger to coach them in the beginning, they later get the opportunity to take a race car around the track on their own, with no speed limit. Plus, at the completion of the course, you can obtain your SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Regional race license, allowing you to compete in real races.

Qualcomm Stadium- San Diego, California

If you are looking for something a little less expensive than going to a race car driving school, another great place to race is Qualcomm Stadium. Their Friday night Race Legal events allow you the opportunity to enjoy street racing in a much safer environment than on the road. It is an event that is great no matter your racing experience. You might even find yourself coming back for more races. Races take place most Fridays from January through April. Prizes are even given to the top performers in a wide range of categories.

Aspen Motorsports Park- Woody Creek, Colorado

Created after Colorado Governor Edwin C. Johnson banned racing on public roads, Aspen Motorsports Park is located a short distance from Aspen. Performance Driving Days allow participants three hours of driving experience around the track. Each driver is given full racing gear, including a race suit, gloves, a helmet, and driving shoes. After completing the instruction portion of the day and getting a feel for the race car and the track, participants can travel the track on their own while completing time trials. At the completion of your time trials, you will get a printout of your lap times.

If you are interested in racing around the Aspen Motorsports Park, you must be able to drive a manual transmission vehicle, and you must be at least eighteen years old. Plus, sessions are only available Tuesday through Thursday from mid-June to mid-September.

Of course, these are not the only places where you can speed or race legally in the United States. If you are interested in driving fast, we encourage you to find places near you where you can legally drive with no speed limit.

Erase your traffic ticket fast and easy with America’s #1 Traffic School course.

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Knowing how to properly tow a trailer is an important skill to have. After all, there’s a good chance that at some point in your life, you’ll need to do it. Whether towing a cargo trailer during a move, towing a camper for a camping trip, or anything in between, safe towing is a must. Specifically, there are a few towing tips that you’ll want to follow to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Start by making sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the load that you need to transport. You can check your vehicle’s towing capacity by checking your owner’s manual. This is extremely important because exceeding your towing capacity by even a small amount can reduce your ability to brake and make handling very difficult (and downright dangerous). When calculating the weight of your load, make sure you factor in the weight of the trailer itself in addition to whatever will be loaded inside of it.

Load Your Trailer Up Properly

The manner in which you load up your trailer can also affect your safety on the road. Specifically, you’ll want to make sure that at least 60% of the weight is loaded near the part of the trailer closest to the hitch. This will help immensely with handling and help to reduce the possibility of fish-tailing. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure all of your cargo is properly tied down–especially if you’re using a non-enclosed trailer. It’s a good idea to stop after the first 20 miles or so of driving to ensure that the contents of the trailer haven’t shifted significantly while driving.

Use the Right Hitch and Technique

Not only is checking your towing capacity important but so is using the right hitch for the job. You’ll want to make sure that the hitch you’re using is rated for at least the total weight of your trailer and cargo (ideally, it will be rated for much more). Otherwise, you can actually end up losing your trailer while driving, which is obviously an awful situation that you don’t want to be in.

Speaking of which, make sure you use chains and attach them in a criss-cross pattern as a backup technique to protect your trailer in the unlikely event that it does slip from the hitch.

Conduct a Quick Inspection at Each Stop

When towing a trailer long distances, it’s always a good idea to make periodic stops and check on your trailer and hitch. Specifically, you should make sure that everything is still properly attached and tied down. This is also a good time to check the tire pressure on both your vehicle and trailer. Proper tire pressure is a must for increasing your handling and maneuvering.

Allow Yourself More Time to Brake

When you’re towing a heavy load, you’ll naturally need to give your vehicle more time to brake while driving. As such, you should always keep your eyes on the road and anticipate your need to brake as much as possible so you can avoid having to slam on your brakes, which can be dangerous. It’s also a good idea to reduce your speed overall so that the time and distance needed for you to brake is smaller. This is especially important for freeway driving, where you generally shouldn’t exceed speeds of 55 miles per hour while you’re towing a trailer.

These are just a few important safety tips to keep in mind while you tow a trailer; by following these tips, you can keep yourself, other drivers, and the load you’re towing safe on any trip you take.

One of the most frustrating experiences you can have as a car owner is having to take your car to an auto repair shop for repairs. Unfortunately, many people feel intimidated when talking to auto repair mechanics. As a result, their vehicles may not be repaired properly, or they wind up paying for services that they don’t even need. If you feel overwhelmed when dealing with auto mechanics, here are some important tips for dealing with an auto repair shop effectively.

Communication Tips

Good communication is especially critical when it comes to effectively dealing with auto mechanics. Once a mechanic knows the symptoms of a vehicle and what’s wrong, it’s much easier for the problem to be repaired.

Before taking in your car, make a list of abnormalities. For example, does your vehicle smell different or sound strange? Is it leaking, or does it feel different when you drive it? Also, determine the frequency at which these conditions occur.
Be able to describe how your vehicle was working just before it started having the problem.
Be prepared to tell a mechanic when you last brought your vehicle into an auto repair shop, and if the issue could possibly be related to when it was last repaired or serviced.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand what a mechanic is telling you regarding your vehicle’s problem and how it should be fixed, ask for a simple explanation.

Secure Several Written Estimates and Then Negotiate

Don’t settle for the first estimate, especially if it seems too high. It’s best to get at least four or five written estimates for what the repairs will cost. Then, once you have your estimates, be ready to negotiate.

In other words, go to an auto shop that gives you a higher estimate and show the owner a lower estimate for the same repair job from another shop. You have nothing to lose if you’re turned down.

Tips for Detecting a Dishonest Mechanic

If a mechanic is dishonest, he or she probably will probably hesitate to use simple layman’s words when asked for an explanation.
Recognize when a mechanic is trying to test your knowledge of cars. The best way that a shady mechanic can access how much you know about your car is by asking basic questions, such as the number of cylinders your car’s engine has.
Another setup question is quizzing you about the oil weight that your vehicle can take.
If you appear ignorant, you can easily be duped into believing that your vehicle may need unnecessary services

Additional Tips and Warnings

Study your car owner’s manual. Besides appearing more knowledgeable about your vehicle, you’ll also may be able to solve simple problems just by knowing more about the basic controls of your car, meaning you may not even have to take it into a shop.
Clean your car before dropping it off because a filthy, cluttered car can compromise repair quality. If a mechanic has to first remove heavy items before working on your car, you may not receive the best service. What’s more, the excess weight of too much clutter in a car can cause a car to perform poorly.

Sometimes, vehicles need to be repaired because they’ve been involved in traffic accidents. Besides having to worry about costly repairs, many drivers also have the problem of increased insurance rates due to additional points on their driving records. In many cases, judges let drivers, who have to make court appearances, attend traffic schools so that their points are reduced.

If you’re facing additional points on your auto insurance policy because of a traffic accident and don’t have time to attend a brick-and-mortar traffic school, consider attending trafficschoolonline-dev.plume.co.uk/. In addition to providing an online traffic school, we also offer courses in defensive driving for reducing insurance costs and dismissing traffic citations.

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