cars – Page 2 – Traffic School Online

Owning or renting a car is an expensive proposition for many people, but a variety of companies around the nation are offering a new service: car sharing. This new service gives people access to public cars for a relatively low fee. Can this service save you money? Read on to find out.

The Purpose of Car Sharing

Car sharing is a rapidly growing movement that is designed to help decrease the negative environmental impact the world is suffering from too many people driving too many cars. Essentially, it helps cut down on emissions by offering cars for short-term use. Think of bike rental hubs in major cities: users pay a small fee for access to a bike for several hours. Car sharing is, essentially, the same thing but with automobiles instead of bicycles.

It is also designed to help give people who can’t afford vehicles access to a steady and safe form of transportation. This is especially nice for people who may work a long way from home. Remember the Detroit man who walked 21 miles to work every day? He could have benefited heavily from a car-sharing program.

Joining A Car Sharing Club

Typically, car sharing is done via joining a club or organization that offers cars to share in your area. Right now, car sharing is mostly a big city deal, so it’s unlikely you’re going to have many options if you live in a smaller town. However, if there is a car-sharing club near you, you usually need to meet a few basic requirements. These are usually as simple as being 21 years or older and possessing a valid driver’s license. At that point, you need to fill out an online membership form and pay a fee.

The fee that you pay varies depending on what plan you utilize. Although the various car-sharing companies offer a variety of rates, you’re generally going to be able to pay a bulk yearly rate (which will save you money in the long run) or monthly rates. Usually, there are two or three monthly rates available. Often, they are as low as $10-$20 per month. You will likely have to pay a one-time application fee of $25-$50.

Saving Money With Car Sharing

The major advantage of car sharing is how little it will cost you compared to owning or renting. As mentioned before, you normally have to pay an application fee, as well as a yearly bulk payment or a monthly rental rate. You also have to pay an hourly driving rate, as well as a mileage rate. Insurance is covered by the car-sharing company, so you don’t have to worry about that extra expense. That alone can save you $150-$200 a month over owning or renting a car.

Let’s take a look at one car-sharing company and utilize their best rates to get a feel for how much money you can save when car-sharing. They offer a $60 bulk yearly payment. That works out to a $ 5-a-month rate. Let’s say you purchased a car and pay $200 a month for payments. That’s another $150 worth of savings. Their yearly plan has a $7.50 hourly rate, which is higher than their other plans, at a $5.75 hourly rate, but has the advantage of nixing the $0.35 mileage rate.

Okay, so you mostly need your car to drive to and from work and to go shopping. If you rent one for about an hour a day during the work week and one hour during the weekend. That’s six hours a week for $45 in rental fees. Multiply that by four and you have $180 in rental fees. Although that may average out to about the same as paying off a car, when you subtract gas, repair bills, maintenance bills, and the already-mentioned insurance, you’re still saving hundreds of dollars a month.

There are, of course, drawbacks to car sharing. For example, you won’t have 24-hour access to a vehicle whenever you need it, as you won’t have a car parked in a garage. However, for people who don’t drive much or otherwise use public transportation, car sharing is a great money-saving option.

If you have just finished your online driving classes and are in need of a vehicle, you could be asking yourself whether you should opt to purchase a car or lease one. Both options can have a lot of benefits, so you should consider the pros and cons of each so that you can make the right choice for you.

The Benefits of Owning

A lot of people opt to buy cars rather than lease them for a reason. These are some of the main benefits of owning a car:

You don’t have to worry about making payments toward something that you’ll never own. Once you make a set number of payments and pay off what you owe, the car will belong to you. If you choose to keep the car rather than immediately buy another one, you won’t have to worry about making car payments anymore, which can be easier on your budget. This also means you can sell the car later to get the cash to buy another vehicle or to put a down payment on a car that you’re interested in.
You don’t have to worry about mileage restrictions. Although putting a lot of miles on your car can have an effect on its value when you decide to sell it, you don’t have to worry about being penalized for it in any way, which is not the case when you’re leasing. When you lease, you’re often restricted to putting 12,000 or 15,000 miles on the car each year, and you may have to pay a penalty per mile if you go over. This can really add up, especially if you have a long commute or like to travel in your car.
If you stain the seats or cause minor dents or other minor damage, you don’t have to worry about paying a penalty because of it.
If you have bad credit, you can pay cash for a car or can purchase from a used car dealership that offers buy here, pay here financing. To qualify for a lease, you often have to have good credit.

The Benefits of Leasing

Even though a lot of drivers prefer owning a car, some swear by the benefits of leasing. These are some of the positive things about leasing a car:

If you’re the type of person who would prefer to have a new car every few years, leasing can be a good option for you. After a couple of years, around the time that you might get tired of a car anyway, you can swap out the car for another new model.
Lease payments are often more affordable. This means that you can still lease a nice car if you’re on a relatively tight budget. It also means that you can get more cars for your money. Instead of driving a more economical car, you can often lease a luxury vehicle with all of the bells and whistles for a similar (or even lower) monthly payment.
You often do not have to come up with as much of a down payment when you are leasing a car as you do when you’re buying, which can make getting into a nice vehicle a whole lot easier.

There is really no right or wrong answer if you’re trying to decide between buying or leasing a car. Both can be great options, but it is important to go over the advantages of each and to look at your personal situation so that you can make the right decision. Another good idea is to head to a local dealership so that you can talk to a sales professional about your options.

Whether you are a parent with a teen who will soon learn to drive, or a teen eager to start driving, you might be wondering, “What cars are the best to learn how to drive in?” While there isn’t a single perfect car for every new driver, there are a few factors you should consider when selecting the vehicle you will use for learning.

Size

When learning to drive, it’s easy to underestimate the size of your vehicle and assume you have more space than you actually do. As a result, larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks are generally not the best choices for learning to drive. Instead, learning in a medium-sized or smaller car can help a teen gain confidence when first starting to drive. These vehicles also provide more room when practicing skills like parallel parking, changing lanes, merging, and navigating curves. Once the teen has become comfortable with a smaller vehicle, they may want to practice driving a larger one. However, when first learning to drive, sticking with one vehicle can help the teen become more comfortable with the driving experience.

Safety

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people aged 15-24 represent approximately 14 percent of the population. Males in this age group account for about 30 percent of the total cost of motor vehicle injuries among males, while females account for roughly 28 percent of the total cost of motor vehicle injuries among all females. Due to various factors, including inattentiveness, inexperience, and speeding, teens are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. While a vehicle with high safety ratings won’t necessarily prevent an accident, it can reduce the damage to the vehicle and its occupants.

Vehicle Condition

While a teen’s first vehicle is often older and not in excellent condition, it’s important for teens to learn to drive in a vehicle that is in good working order. This doesn’t mean the car has to be brand-new or even without any scratches or dings, but it should function properly. The brakes should work well, the lights should all function, the vehicle should have all its mirrors, and there should not be any major mechanical issues. This is the vehicle your teen will likely use for their driving test, and the DMV often has requirements for the vehicle used for the road portion of the driver’s license test.

Transmission

Most people learn to drive with an automatic transmission. Although it is possible to learn on a manual or standard transmission, having to learn how to shift while initially learning to drive can be overwhelming. By learning to drive an automatic transmission, the teen will likely feel comfortable driving sooner. This will simplify the driving process overall and allow the individual to focus specifically on driving rather than having to think about shifting or using the clutch when changing gears. Once the teen feels comfortable driving an automatic transmission and after passing the driving test, they can learn how to drive a manual transmission.

However, there are benefits to initially learning to drive with a manual transmission, especially if the person plans to eventually drive both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. One of the biggest advantages is that the person can learn all driving skills at once. Once the person can drive a manual transmission, driving an automatic transmission will come easily, expanding their options for driving a vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency

When choosing a vehicle to learn to drive in, it’s also helpful to consider fuel

efficiency. As a new driver, you may spend a considerable amount of time practicing on the road, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle can help reduce the costs associated with learning to drive, making it more budget-friendly for both the learner and their family. Additionally, learning to drive in a fuel-efficient vehicle encourages good driving habits that can lead to long-term fuel savings.

Resources for Choosing the Right Vehicle

To help you choose the best vehicle for learning to drive, you can consult several online resources. These resources can provide valuable insights and comparisons of different vehicle models based on factors like size, safety, and fuel efficiency.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – IIHS offers safety ratings for various vehicles, which can be a helpful reference when selecting a car for a new driver.
FuelEconomy.gov – This website, maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers information on fuel efficiency for various car models, helping you to make an informed decision based on this factor.
Edmunds – Edmunds is a popular resource for car buyers, providing expert reviews, consumer ratings, and comparisons of various vehicle models.
Kelley Blue Book – Another valuable resource for car buyers, Kelley Blue Book offers pricing information, reviews, and comparisons for a wide range of vehicles.

In conclusion, when selecting the best vehicle to learn how to drive in, consider factors such as size, safety, vehicle condition, transmission type, and fuel efficiency. Consulting the various resources mentioned above can help you make an informed decision and find the ideal car for a new driver. Remember, while there may not be a perfect vehicle for every learner, choosing one that meets most of these criteria will ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.

Some people feel that manual driving is a thing of the past because our high-tech world developed an alternative type of transmission. When in actuality, driving a stick shift is a lost art that gives you thrilling fulfillment and saves you a few bucks at the gas station. There are endless benefits to learning to master the art of shifting gears. The key points to follow highlight a few of the reasons why you will probably grow to love manual cars.

Traveling Abroad

The majority of the cars around the world, especially in Europe, were designed with manual transmissions. Hence, the reason why European cars are seen as sporty and cutting-edge. If you live in the Western Hemisphere, then manual cars are foreign to you.

The cool part about manual transmissions is that the gearbox and pedals are the same, so when you take a road trip across Europe you are even comfortable driving on the other side of the car.

Better Buy

A manual transmission is cheaper to build which is why the sale price of a manual is lower than that of an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions also pay off under the hood, with substantially lower costs for maintenance and repairs.

Besides the cost and other features of the manual cars, you will also develop a valuable technique which some people consider a form of art. Driving a stick shift enables to you drive any car. You should find security in knowing that you are prepared for emergency situations.

The Need for Speed

Have you ever heard someone say “Sticks are more fun!” Well, sports car enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike rate manual transmissions as their first choice in a vehicle. It is also said that with manual cars you have the “15% rule” which guarantees you an extra 15 percent of horsepower compared to an automatic. There are many reasons why most high-performance cars only use manual transmissions. They accelerate quicker, perform better, and don’t limit you as the driver. And when you are going that fast it’s important to remain in control of the car.

Most people like the feeling of having more control over the car anyway since they determine the level of power from the engine to the wheels. This also helps you to better react in inclement weather and other hazardous driving situations.

Fuel Economy

Getting better MPGs is as simple as driving a stick shift. The transmission weighs less, which absorbs fuel at a slower pace, thus saving you money. Even shifting into neutral when coasting to stops uses the least amount of fuel.

The cars most recently produced have amazing fuel and energy-efficient features that compete with that of a manual car. But don’t feel bad, think of stick shifts as the original energy conservation, fuel-efficient vehicle that it has always been.

No Distracted Driving

Are you the multi-tasking type, who can do it all? Well, if you are not then you will do just fine driving a stick shift. Although once you are used to manual driving and the feel of the car when you shift gears, you will be fine; however, it requires movement from your whole body. With your complete attention on the road and the car’s movement, you won’t have time to send that text or eat that burger!

Automatic transmissions are so boring! Embark on a new journey and learn how to drive a stick shift. It’s a handy skill and a respected craft. For more tips and information on the power of the stick shift, operating manual cars, and all of your other driving concerns, contact us.

Can Adjusting Your Side Mirrors Eliminate Blind Spots?

Your rear-view and side mirrors are some of the most important safety tools your vehicle has, allowing you to easily stay aware of the road behind you. Since each driver is different, knowing how to adjust the side mirrors and the rear-view mirror to fit your own point of view each time you get behind the wheel is essential.

Positioning the inside rear-view mirror is pretty straightforward – it should be adjusted so that you can see your entire rear window from the driver’s seat.

But knowing how to adjust side mirrors is a little trickier. As new drivers, many of us were taught to adjust them so that the side of the car is just barely visible in the inside corner of each mirror. This setting has the advantage of providing a continuous field of vision between your rear-view and side mirrors. But in this setting, the side mirrors don’t add much coverage to what you can already see in your rear-view mirror. And you still have a big blind spot on each side of your car. Could there be a different way to position them?

As it turns out, there is. It’s called the Blindzone/Glare Elimination Setting or BGE Setting, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1996.

This setting has its pros and cons too, so here’s how it stacks up against the traditional setting!

How Does It Work?

The basic concept is to rotate the side mirrors outward to look directly into your blind zones. By doing so, this setting reduces the overlap between your side mirrors and your rear-view mirror and allows you to see more of the total area around you in your mirrors.

This “wide” setting creates four smaller blind spots, which in theory would be too small to hide a car.

An added benefit of this setting is to eliminate headlight glare from your side mirrors during night driving.

How to Adjust Side Mirrors and Rear-View Mirror to the BGE Setting

The Society of Automotive Engineers provides a brochure detailing how to use the BGE Setting, and the radio program Car Talk provides an easily printable step-by-step guide to adjusting your mirrors.

The SAE urges drivers to check that the blind zones are truly eliminated by watching cars as they pass them. A car should appear in your side mirror before it leaves your rear-view mirror, slipping seamlessly from one mirror to the next. Drivers must also use caution as they adjust to the new setting.

Which Setting Is Better?

Proponents argue that the BGE Setting should allow you to check your “blind spot” with just a glance in your side mirror, eliminating the need to take your eyes off the road in front of you to look over your shoulder.

But since motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians can still be hidden in these smaller blind spots, setting your mirrors “wide” cannot replace turning your head to look over your shoulder.

Furthermore, the BGE Setting may not always be appropriate, for example when your rear window is blocked by cargo. This setting may also prevent you from seeing into the blind spot directly behind your car, which may be quite large in some newer cars and trucks.

Have you tried using the BGE setting or any other method of adjusting your side mirrors? Did you find it difficult to get used to the new setting, and do you think it gave you better visibility?

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