Transportation doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Whether you own a car, take the bus, or use ridesharing apps, there are practical ways to cut costs while still getting where you need to go for the things that matter to you.

The Real Cost of Car Ownership: What To Expect and How To Save

Cars changed everything about daily life, from making travel easier and quicker to shifting how people commute to work. Before widespread car ownership in the 1950s, most Americans lived within walking distance of the places where they worked, shopped, and viewed entertainment. Today, cars have contributed to spreading communities that make car ownership feel necessary.

However, cars can be expensive to own. The average cost to own a new car in 2024 is $12,297, according to AAA research. That price includes everything that comes along with vehicle ownership, such as gas, insurance, registration, maintenance, and depreciation.

To save money while owning a car:

• Buy used (but not too used): In general, cars lose 20-30% of their value during their first year of ownership. This means a two or three-year-old car can provide you with modern safety features and reliability without the new-car markup.
• Choose practical over flashy: While a sports car might turn heads, it’ll also drain your wallet with premium gas, higher insurance, and expensive parts. Practical sedans and hatchbacks from brands like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai consistently rank highest for reliability and lowest for lifetime costs.
• Shop insurance rates yearly: Many insurance companies raise rates gradually, knowing customers rarely switch plans. Set a reminder in your calendar to compare quotes annually. You might save hundreds by switching to a new insurer, or you can ask your current insurance company to match competitors’ rates.
• Learn basic maintenance: Changing your car’s oil, air filters, and wiper blades is surprisingly easy and saves $200-$300 yearly. YouTube tutorials make these tasks accessible even for beginners.

Buying a car online can also be a good way to save thousands, but before you buy, understand online vehicle inspections and shipping costs. Have a mechanic check it out, or use a service that can verify its condition. For out-of-state purchases, you’ll need to arrange shipping, which requires another inspection process to document the vehicle’s condition before transport. Many online car-buying platforms have shipping calculators to estimate your shipping costs.

Ridesharing and Public Transit: Smart Alternatives to Car Ownership

Living car-free isn’t just for New Yorkers anymore. With expanded public transit and ridesharing options, more people are ditching car payments for more flexible transportation.

Public transportation remains the most affordable option in most cities. A monthly transit pass typically costs $50-$100 — depending on the city. Even with daily use, that’s a fraction of car ownership costs. Public transit also eliminates parking headaches and gives you time for other things like reading, listening to podcasts, or catching up on emails during your commute.

Some argue public transportation should be free altogether. Cities like Kansas City, Missouri, and Dunkirk, France, have already implemented fare-free systems, seeing increased ridership and economic benefits. Free public transit helps low-income workers access jobs, reduces traffic congestion, and cuts down on pollution.

Ridesharing makes sense for occasional trips or when transportation is time-sensitive. Find the cheapest ridesharing option with these tips:

• Compare prices across apps: Uber, Lyft, and other services use different pricing structures. Rates can vary by $5-$10 for the same trip depending on which app you use and current demand. Apps like RideGuru compare rates across services.
• Use scheduled rides when possible: Booking your ride in advance often locks in lower rates and ensures a driver will be available.
• Look for subscription options: Uber One and Lyft Pink offer reduced rates and waived fees for monthly subscribers. If you use these services regularly, the membership can quickly pay for itself.

With these tips, ridesharing can become a practical, low-cost transportation option alongside public transit.

Creative Transportation Solutions for Every Budget

Besides car ownership and ridesharing, there is a world of options for budget-friendly transportation. Walking and biking cost almost nothing and provide numerous health benefits and environmental advantages. Biking to work twice weekly could save about $50 monthly on transit passes and provide quality exercise outside of a gym.

The basic costs of bike commuting are surprisingly low. You’ll need a decent commuter bike ranging from $300-$800 as a one-time purchase, basic maintenance costing about $100-$200 yearly, and safety gear — a helmet, lights, and bike lock — for roughly $100-$300. Combined these expenses are a fraction of a car’s expenses, especially if you spread these costs over a bike’s lifetime. There are also electric bikes and scooters, which many cities offer through rental programs. However, frequent bike users might save money in the long run by purchasing their own.

For longer distances, consider carpooling with coworkers as a budget-friendly ride option. Splitting gas and parking with just one colleague cuts your commuting costs in half. You can also use car-sharing services like Zipcar and Turo to rent vehicles by the hour when you truly need one, making them perfect for occasional trips that would be inconvenient by public transit.

Finally, don’t forget about utilizing employer benefits. Your job might offer pre-tax transit accounts or subsidized transit passes to help cover your transportation costs. Some employers even have shower facilities for cyclists and remote work options that eliminate the need to commute.

Choosing What Works Best for You

Transportation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your best option depends on where you live and work as well as the type of lifestyle you want. To discover what transportation might be best, track your current spending for a month and compare this with alternatives like biking or ridesharing to see what truly costs less.

For many, the most optimal option is a hybrid strategy: public transit for commuting, occasional rideshares for convenience, car-sharing for weekend trips, and walking or biking for nearby errands. Ultimately, taking a different approach to transportation could help free up money to use for the things that matter most to you.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. When not writing she spends her time doodling and embroidering. And yes, she does love all kinds of potatoes!

Conduct a Thorough Vehicle Inspection

A well-maintained car minimizes the risk of breakdowns and unexpected setbacks. Before setting off, perform a comprehensive check to ensure your vehicle is in peak condition.

Check Your Fluids

Fluids are critical to your car’s performance. Before you hit the road, check and refill these essential fluids:

• Engine oil – Top off the oil or get an oil change if you’re nearing the recommended interval.
• Coolant – Ensure the coolant level is adequate to prevent overheating.
• Transmission fluid – Smooth gear shifts depend on proper transmission fluid levels.
• Brake fluid – Make sure your braking system is responsive and in optimal condition.
• Windshield washer fluid – Keep your windshield clear for maximum visibility.

Inspect Your Tires

Tires play a significant role in safety and fuel efficiency. Check the following:

• Tread depth – Ensure your tires have sufficient tread to maintain traction, especially in wet conditions.
• Tire pressure – Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI to prevent uneven wear.
• Spare tire condition – Verify that your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated.

Test Your Battery

A failing battery can leave you stranded. If your battery is over three years old, get it tested at an auto shop. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and ensure secure connections.

Pack Smart for Your Journey

Packing efficiently helps you stay organized while keeping your vehicle clutter-free.

Roadside Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is a must-have for any long trip. Pack the following essentials:

• Jumper cables
• A tire repair kit or a fully inflated spare tire
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A well-stocked first aid kit
• Basic tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers)
• Road flares or reflective warning triangles

Comfort and Convenience Items

Long hours on the road can be tiring, so pack items that enhance your comfort:

• Travel pillows and blankets
• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
• Healthy, non-perishable snacks
• Sunglasses for glare protection
• Phone charger and power bank

Packing for a Road Trip

When packing for a road trip, keep things organized and accessible. Use packing cubes for clothes, designate a container for snacks, and keep important documents (license, registration, insurance) within easy reach. If you’re camping or heading into remote areas, bring a cooler, extra fuel, and portable cooking equipment.

Plan Your Route and Stops

A well-planned route minimizes stress and enhances the overall experience.

Use Navigation Apps

Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze offer real-time traffic updates and alternative routes. Download offline maps in case you lose cell service in remote areas.

Identify Rest Stops

Driving for long periods can be exhausting. Plan to stop every two to three hours to stretch, refuel, and recharge. Look for scenic rest areas or local attractions to make your trip more enjoyable.

Know Your Gas Stations

Cross-country routes often include long stretches without gas stations. Map out fuel stops in advance and aim to keep your tank at least half full to avoid running out of gas in a remote area.

Prepare for Different Weather Conditions

Weather can be unpredictable, so preparing for various conditions ensures a safer trip.

Check the Forecast

Review the weather forecast for your entire route before you depart. If hazardous conditions are expected, adjust your plans accordingly.

Pack for Weather Variations

• Cold climates – Bring extra blankets, gloves, and an ice scraper.
• Hot regions – Pack sunscreen, additional water, and a windshield sunshade.
• Rainy conditions – Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and carry a lightweight raincoat.

Ensure Connectivity and Entertainment

Staying connected and entertained makes the journey more enjoyable.

Set Up Hands-Free Communication

Use a Bluetooth-enabled system or a phone mount to make hands-free calls safely while driving.

Download Playlists and Podcasts

Curate a road trip playlist or download audio-books and podcasts to stay entertained during long stretches of driving.

Prepare for Dead Zones

Not all areas have strong mobile network coverage. Carry a printed map as a backup and share your route with a friend or family member in case of emergencies.

Stay Safe on the Road

Prioritizing safety ensures a worry-free journey.

Follow Safe Driving Practices

• Obey speed limits and traffic laws.
• Avoid distractions such as texting while driving.
• If travelling with others, take turns driving to prevent fatigue.
• Never drive when drowsy—pull over to rest if needed.

Have a Backup Plan

Unforeseen situations can arise, so have a contingency plan in place. Save roadside assistance contacts and familiarize yourself with nearby service stations along your route.

By taking the time to properly prepare your car for a cross-country adventure, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free journey. Safe travels!

Photo Credits

First Photo by Alfonso Escalante on Pexels

Second Photo by paje victoria on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Maia Gruger

Maia Gruger is a lifestyle writer who explores creativity, inspiration, and ways to enrich everyday life. She brings fresh perspectives and thoughtful insights to her work, engaging readers with compelling and relatable content.

Essential Pre-Trip Vehicle Maintenance Checks

Conducting comprehensive vehicle maintenance checks is indispensable before setting off on a significant journey. Ensuring your car is in top condition enhances safety and improves the overall driving experience, helping prevent breakdowns or accidents on remote stretches of road. Here are four critical areas of your vehicle to inspect:

Brakes: The First Line of Defence

Your vehicle’s braking system is pivotal for safe driving, particularly on long trips that may involve varied terrains and weather conditions. A thorough inspection should include checking the brake pads for wear, ensuring there is enough brake fluid, and examining the rotors for any signs of damage. One critical component that often goes unnoticed is the brake caliper. A faulty caliper or caliper failure could be fatal, as it is essential for the proper functioning of the brake system. For a deeper understanding of the importance of calipers and how to maintain them, consider learning more about how a faulty caliper or caliper failure could be fatal.

Tires: Your Contact with the Road

Tires are your only contact with the road, making their condition critical. Check for adequate tread depth, which should be more than 1/16 of an inch, and ensure that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the correct pressure as the vehicle manufacturer indicates. Also, look for any signs of uneven wear or damage, such as cracks or bulges in the sidewalls.

Lights and Signals: Communication Tools

Visibility and communication with other road users are vital. Check all lighting—headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights—to ensure they are functioning correctly and are clean. This is particularly important for driving during dawn, dusk, or foggy conditions, where visibility is reduced.

Fluid Levels: Keeping the Engine Happy

Engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be checked and topped up if necessary. These fluids are essential for the smooth operation of your vehicle’s engine and other critical systems, helping to prevent overheating and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Strategies to Handle Unexpected Situations on the Road

Despite thorough preparation, unexpected situations can still arise. Here’s how to ensure safety in case of being rear-ended or encountering other road emergencies:

Safe Driving Practices

Always maintain a safe following distance, allowing ample space between you and the vehicle ahead. This gives you enough time to react if the car in front suddenly brakes. Be vigilant of your surroundings and avoid distractions such as using your phone while driving. Consistent awareness and adherence to road signs and speed limits can further mitigate the risks of accidents. Regularly checking your mirrors will help you stay aware of the traffic around you, ensuring that you can respond swiftly to any sudden changes.

Emergency Kit

Keep an emergency kit in your car, which includes items like a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, a fire extinguisher, and a blanket. These essentials are invaluable in the event of a breakdown or if you are stranded. Including non-perishable snacks and water to sustain you in case help is delayed is another good idea. A solar-powered phone charger can be a lifeline, allowing you to maintain communication even when your car’s power is unavailable. It’s also advisable to have a small tool kit for performing basic repairs such as changing a tire or reconnecting a loose wire.

Plan Your Route

Familiarize yourself with your route before you leave. Use GPS or a map to plan your journey, including rest stops, fuel stations, and alternative routes. Knowing your route in advance can reduce the stress of finding your way and help you manage your time better. Additionally, inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time so that your progress can be tracked for safety. Check weather conditions before departure to avoid severe weather, and always have a contingency plan for unexpected road closures or detours. Adjusting your travel times to avoid peak traffic hours can also lead to a smoother and safer trip.

Packing Safety Essentials for Road Trips

Packing for a road trip isn’t just about snacks and playlists; it’s also about preparing for safety:

Vehicle Safety Gear

Include basic tools and supplies such as jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, spare tire, and jack. These items can help you manage minor repairs on your own without needing to wait for help. Pack a set of working gloves and a sturdy flashlight to assist you during nighttime or under poor light conditions. A roll of duct tape and a few zip ties can also be surprisingly useful for temporary fixes of unexpected issues like a loose bumper or damaged hose.

Comfort Items

Pack items that make your trip safer and more comfortable. These include water, snacks, sunglasses, and a neck pillow. Staying hydrated and comfortable helps maintain your alertness and overall well-being during the drive. Consider adding a sunshade for side windows to protect against the sun’s glare, which can be a significant distraction and hazard. Earplugs and an eye mask can also be helpful if you need to take breaks and rest in noisy rest areas during long hauls.

Documentation

Carry all necessary documentation such as your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. Having these documents at hand is essential for dealing with traffic stops, accidents, or emergencies. It’s also wise to carry copies of important medical information, such as allergies and medications, which can be crucial in emergency situations. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, not only on your phone but also in a physical form, in case your electronic devices run out of battery or are damaged.

Ending Thoughts on Ensuring a Safe Journey

Preparing for a road trip goes beyond just packing your bags. It involves a meticulous check of your vehicle to ensure everything is functioning correctly, understanding safety measures to handle unexpected situations, and packing essential items for both comfort and emergencies. By taking these steps, you invest in your safety and well-being, making your road trip not only enjoyable but also secure.

Photo Credit

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Danika

Danika is a ten-year veteran of the SEO industry and is based in Boise, Idaho. Outside of work, she enjoys playing video games and podcasting about The Bachelor.

Auto repair scenario: Headlight and fender damage

Imagine your car’s headlight and fender or fender components have been damaged, perhaps due to a minor collision or an unfortunate encounter with a stray object. So, to know more about Fender components for your safety, we recommend you read the detailed description here.

Returning to the main topic, we can say that in such situations, a systematic approach is necessary to restore the vehicle to its optimal condition.

When repairing a damaged headlight or some of the car lighting system components (here they are), the initial step involves assessing the damage and filing an insurance claim for evaluation. Collaboration with your chosen auto repair shop and insurance company is crucial for deciding whether to repair minor issues or opt for replacement, particularly if there is significant internal damage or compromised housing. If replacement is necessary, the next steps include selecting the appropriate headlight assembly and executing the repair process, ensuring proper alignment.

When repairing a damaged fender, also begin by assessing the damage. Choose between repair methods, opting for paintless dent repair or traditional bodywork for superficial damage, and consider replacement for compromised structural integrity. The auto repair shop orders the necessary fender, ensures a seamless color match, and completes the meticulous installation with a comprehensive quality check for safety and aesthetic standards.

But let’s now talk about the step-by-step plan you should take to get your car repaired in the USA.

Dealing with insurance companies

Returning to the already mentioned statement, the first step in addressing auto damage is to contact your insurance company. In the USA, most drivers have insurance coverage that includes repairs for accidental damages. Submit a claim with detailed information about the incident, including photographs, to initiate the repair process. The insurance company will guide you through the next steps, such as scheduling an inspection and estimating the repair costs.

Finding an auto repair shop in the USA

Selecting a reputable auto repair shop is crucial for quality repairs. Research local auto body shops, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends or family. Many repair shops in the USA are approved by insurance companies and can handle the entire claims process for you. Choose a facility that specializes in the type of repair needed, whether it’s bodywork, painting, or both.

Purchasing parts for auto repairs in the USA

When it comes to repairing specific components like a damaged headlight or fender, finding the right parts is essential. Numerous options are

available, from original equipment manufacturers namely painted OEM parts to aftermarket alternatives. Many auto repair shops have partnerships with suppliers, and they can source the necessary parts for you. Alternatively, you can explore online platforms and retailers specializing in auto parts for a wide selection and competitive prices.

Navigating auto repairs in the USA involves a series of well-coordinated steps, from filing an insurance claim to selecting the right repair shop and obtaining the necessary parts. Understanding the process ensures a smoother experience and helps drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles’ maintenance. Remember, a well-executed repair not only restores the aesthetic appeal of your car but also ensures its continued safety and performance on the road.

Image Credit

Image generated by DALL·E 2

Guest Author Bio
Volodymyr Petrov

Volodymyr Petrov is a Ukrainian journalist, writer and automotive expert. He was born in 1985 in Kyiv, where he graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He is a member of the AutoSport sports car club, where he shares his experience and advice with other enthusiasts.

Global concerns with damage to our environment have seen a rapid shift in the attitude of major car manufacturers toward “green” vehicles, and it is looking highly likely that fuel-driven vehicles face an uncertain, if not doomed, future.

After its 2021 annual meeting, the conspiracy-ridden World Economic Forum published, “In 2021, the network will focus on placing European city actors on path to achieve a 50% and 100% urban fleet electrification by 2025 and 2030, respectively.”

A new analysis by Climate Action Tracker has found that the US should ensure almost all new cars and light vehicles sold are electric by the end of this decade. Further, the US should stop using fossil fuels for power generation by 2035 to cut greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris agreement.

So it looks like the world is changing fast and, in all likelihood, we will soon all be driving electric cars.

Let’s take a look at the safety elements of electric vehicles.

Are Electric Vehicles Subject to Crash Tests?

All vehicles are subject to crash tests before being released to consumers.

These are official tests, and manufacturers conduct their own accidents tests internally before submitting their vehicles to official crash testing.

Are EVs Safer In An Accident Than Fuel Propelled Vehicles?

It is a generalization to state that all EVs are safer or not safer than fuel propelled cars. It depends on the particular EV that is tested.

Since all cars are tested using the same techniques, it is possible to compare them.

Some EVs find themselves at the top of the safety standards.

For example, Ford Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric SUV, earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award.

Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, the car company’s first fully electric vehicle, the Audi e-Tron and the Tesla Model 3 earned the highest honors of “Top Safety Pick+.”

Generally, electric cars are heavier than their fuel propelled counterparts. This has an advantage in an accident situation. Research has shown that occupants in heavier vehicles experience less force in a crash, leading to fewer injuries.

Electric cars perform better in real-world settings, with human drivers and passengers aboard. Injury claims for electric vehicles were 40% lower than accidents involving identical gas-powered models. It’s best to speak to a car accident lawyer if you have any further questions regarding injury claims for electric vehicles, especially when it comes to possible electric car battery recalls.

Is It True That EV Batteries Are Likely To Explode In An Accident?

Electric vehicles run on flammable lithium-ion batteries. However, the likelihood of a battery igniting is incredibly minimal.

Millions of battery-fuelled products (including computers and phones) are on the market, but fires are few and far between.

Li-ion batteries pose less of a risk of fire or explosions than gasoline.

Final Conclusion

On average, EVs are safer than fuel propelled vehicles in an accident.

Prior hysteria about lithium-ion batteries exploding in accidents has been dispelled.

EVs are subject to stringent testing.

It is a good idea to review the safety rating of any car you buy. EVs should be no exception.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Stephen Jacobson

Stephen Jacobson is a freelance writer for ModestMoney.com. In addition to writing about finance he also covers a wide variety of other topics.

There is one statistical problem with private cars – they are parked 90 percent of the time, and often even more. While private cars give people mobility and freedom, they take up a lot of city space, both when parking and driving.

Short-term rental cars throughout the city, which citizens can use with a driver’s license, partially solve this problem.

Car rental services have been around for more than 70 years

According to an American study published in the Journal of World Transport Policy & Practice, carsharing services were already being tested in Europe in the mid-twentieth century. One of the earliest attempts was noted in 1948 in Zurich, Switzerland, where the Sefage community (short for Selbstfahrergemeinschaft or self-managed community) brought together people who could not afford to buy a car. Despite the failure, various car-sharing ventures were tested elsewhere, such as the Procotip initiative in France in 1971 or Witkar in 1973 in Amsterdam.

How popular are car rental services?

In Estonia, Citybee and Bolt offer such a vehicle-sharing service. Lithuanian company Citybee began offering car rentals in and around Tallinn in October 2019. According to Citybee Estonia marketing manager Egert Kivisaara, they now already have more than 110,000 users, mostly among the younger generation. Bolt began offering the carsharing service in the capital only in early May.

Rental cars are more environmentally friendly

Even a Lamborghini rental in Dubai provides more environmentally friendly sports cars than any private cars. They reduce the overall need to buy a car and, consequently, the consumption of valuable minerals and metals is reduced. At the same time, rental cars are newer and more economical than the average 14-year-old car. In most cases, rental cars are not used for more than one year.

Why do rental cars contribute to less traffic in the city?

The more cars, the more we feel like we need to build more roads. At some point again, it seems that space has run out and we need to make more space for cars.

Urban space is not infinite. If you always build roads and parking lots for cars, at some point there will be no place to live. Then people will move out of the city more and more, and a dead circle will form where people will drive further and have to travel by car to get to the city.

Alternative modes of transportation, such as rental cars, create another spiral that reduces the carload and provides more space. Especially when combined with public transportation or scooter rentals.

On the one hand, the cityscape will be better and there will be more space for parking due to moving cars. On the other hand, there will be more space for those vehicles that serve businesses or carry goods.

There are several reasons, why rental cars are on the move most of the time, and they no longer have to idle in a parking lot or on the side of the road waiting for the owner. In many ways, this is an important issue not only for individuals but also for economic development and the operation of businesses. If traffic becomes too high, it will hamper business activity as delivery times for goods and services will increase.

Conclusion

Owning a personal car is expensive because the car needs to be insured and maintained. It doesn’t make much sense if the car is parked on the lot most of the time.

Photo Credit
Photo by Kevin Bhagat on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Ellie Yantsan

I am a digital marketer with more than 10 years of experience. I am a contributor to Content Marketing Institute and regularly quoted as an expert in large media outlets. My job is to make your business known all over the Internet.

Finding the perfect car to match yourself is only part of the battle. Once you do find a car, you will need to get a car loan that will cover the cost, or at least most of the cost. It is important to remember, though, that you want to shop around for a car loan. Do not ever take the first offer that you see. You want to find the best lender that gives you the best offer, including the amount of interest that they will be charging you.

Comparing is not the only aspect of the process that you need to be aware of. There are some steps that you should take before you even attempt to get a loan. Long before in some cases. Let us take a look at some things that you may need to work on.

Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most important things in the process. It is a number that you carry your entire life, and it should be something that you concentrate on starting at the earliest age possible. This number is derived from your payment history, how many credit accounts you have open, how much of the credit amounts you have used, and how stable you are. The majority of the car loans that you apply for will require a number in the mid-600s, with over 700 giving you the best rates. There are applications available on your mobile device that will help you keep track of your number, as well as give you advice on how to increase it.

Online Research

The technological age that we are in gives us many benefits, including the ability to research companies online. Go to an online company that will compare car loans for you. All you will have to do from there is check through the offers that come up and compare them against each other. When doing this keep one thing in mind. The lowest rate offered may not be the best. You need to read through the entire offer and compare every aspect of it. For example, a company may offer you a loan at 5% interest, but it may be monthly. It may also require that you pay half down on the car out of your own pocket. Make sure you check every aspect of the loan before committing to any of them.

Two Weeks

Two weeks is a magic number that you need to keep in mind. Your FICO score, which is the main way that a lender will check for your credit worthiness, will take points off every time that you apply for one. The good thing is that you can apply for multiple loans within a 14-day period, and it will be considered to be one transaction. This means that you can apply for one loan, or ten loans, and as long as they are all within a two-week window you will only lose points one time.

Fine Print

It has been covered earlier about how important it is to read through the entire offer, but this needs to be discussed again because it is an especially important aspect of any contract. You need to read the entire offer, including all of the fine print. The small print, and the riders and exclusions, will make a significant impact upon the loan that you get. For example, the lender may offer you an excellent rate and more than enough money to buy the car you want, but it may exclude the car that you want. In other words, the loan may stipulate that you must buy an economical car, not the muscle car in which you are interested.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it is important to plan ahead. The sooner that you start working on your credit, the better off you will be. It is also a good idea to do some research on the type of car that you want to get. A quick internet search will give you tons of websites giving good and bad details. If it is newer than a 2000 model go to consumer reports and get a detailed breakdown of your car.

And for the final piece of advice, it is important to reiterate on how important it is to compare offers and read through them completely. Now it is time to get out there and get the car of your dreams, one that reflects who you are.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Samantha Waites

My name is Samantha Waites who loves to find out about new things. I try to cover as many topics as I can and offer my readers the chance to find out useful and interesting things as often as possible. I consider writing to be my strongest skill and I am very fortunate to be able to work with a team of talented and passionate writers at my side every day.

Try to Stay Calm

Traffic accidents occur every day, and it’s a rare situation to find a driver who has never gotten into an accident at some point in their driving history. When accidents happen, it’s essential to know what to do next. Most of all, remember not to panic. You can handle this.

Make Sure Everyone is Okay

Any injuries or health issues regarding drivers or passengers should be the first concern. If anyone in either vehicle is unconscious or in pain, this is an emergency, and 911 should be contacted as soon as possible so that an ambulance can be sent to the accident scene. The call to 911 will also alert the police, who will arrive on the scene to take statements and other information needed to create an accurate accident report. 

If there are no injured parties, the next step is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If the vehicle is not drivable and is a traffic hazard, it’s a good idea to alert other motorists to go around the accident. Doing so will help keep the flow of traffic moving. This can be accomplished by turning on the warning flashers. 

Keep Yourself and Everyone Else Safe

Once everyone is out of harm’s way, take some pictures of the damage, if this can be done safely. These photos will come in handy when documenting the accident with the insurance company. Ideally, it’s great to have images from every angle that illustrate the entire scene, but this should only be attempted if it is safe to do so. 

Exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver will also be necessary. When you contact your insurance company to report the accident, they will need this information. You’ll want to ensure that both parties exchange names, contact numbers, and insurance information along with each other’s license numbers. The exact location of the accident and the make and model of each vehicle will also be needed later on.

After the police have arrived and taken down all of the initial information, you’ll want to ask how you can go about getting a copy of the accident report. This report will be vital to the insurance company’s investigation of the accident. 

Contact the Insurance Company

When all immediate safety concerns have been addressed, a call to the insurance company should be next on the list. They will probably request the information collected up to this point as well as a copy of the police report once it’s available. The insurance company will then open its own investigation into the cause of the accident to determine fault.

An investigator from each insurance company will probably be in touch to obtain your statement. An adjuster from your insurance company will likely make arrangements to survey the vehicle damage. The investigation results will determine which driver is at fault and whose insurance policy will pay the claim.

Auto accidents are an everyday occurrence. When it does happen to you, try to stay calm and not become overly upset.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Michael Gibbens

Michael Gibbens is a conversation copywriter living in Oregon with his two daughters. He enjoys writing on all topics and thrives in communication, legal, and marketing topics.

This is partially why the narrative surrounding the potential of self-driving vehicles has been so interesting. On one hand, we’ll have the ability to travel long distances, even through the night without having to stop to sleep. We could spend more time simply enjoying the landscape as it passes by us, without having to concentrate on the road. Yet, there is a certain amount of reticence; we are reluctant to hand over control to machines. Part of the joy of driving, it seems, is the execution of the skill itself.

Yet like it or not, self-driving vehicles are becoming more practical with each passing year. As we stand on the cusp of intelligent vehicles being the dominant presence on our roads, it’s important to look at the current state of the technology. How is it starting to affect our lives, what challenges does it present, and how are we reacting?

Safety Concerns

Perhaps the primary challenge we face regarding self-driving vehicles is their impact on road safety. We certainly can’t deny that cars under human control have more than their fair share of accidents. It may be the case that by taking humans out of the equation, self-driving cars could reduce the rate of traffic accidents. However, given how prevalent computer errors are, many of us have significant trust issues on the subject of their ability to get us from A to B safely. We also have concerns as to whether our infrastructure is ready for autonomous vehicles, and whether laws may need to be altered to account for a change in driving methods.

Legislatively speaking, we don’t currently have many specific regulations that cater to the autonomous vehicle market. This presents a problem as, while these cars aren’t yet ubiquitous, legislation has a habit of being slow to catch up with leaps in technology. Not to mention that we could face the Collingridge Dilemma: problems may not be revealed until well after self-driving cars are on the roads, and then control can be difficult once the tech is already widely adopted. We will also need to gain a better understanding of who will be legally responsible if a self-driving car causes an accident — owners, programmers, or manufacturers?

As it stands, manufacturers themselves are already exploring various solutions that could help make self-driving cars safe. Implementation of systems also seems to be staggered — there are various levels of autonomy, from cruise control to full automation. We are not yet producing the latter level. This is allowing time to build sufficient safeguards, such as software developed by Waymo, which reads and automatically responds to the gestures of traffic police officers.

Industry Implementation

One of the useful bellwethers of trending technology is how quickly various industries are willing to adopt it. Self-driving vehicles have the potential to make a serious impact on many sectors, particularly logistics. While we are not yet at the stage of seeing fully automated fleets on our roads, there are sectors that have already begun to explore the early aspects of technology that could ease the transition in that direction.

For example, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to transform various global markets, from healthcare to education. It is also instrumental in making vehicle automation a reality, and aspects of this are already being seen in the logistics enterprises. Freight companies are currently using AI to intelligently adjust their shipping routes, while their manufacturing counterparts are exploring AI-guided robotic assembly and packaging. These current applications for collecting data on processes and adapting behavior accordingly will be key to ensuring AI can make automated vehicles navigate changeable road conditions safely and efficiently.

One of the earliest industrial adopters of automated vehicle technology has been public transit. Ride sharing services such as Lyft and Waymo have begun utilizing systems developed by as part of a partnership with the latter’s parent company, Google’s Alphabet. While currently limited to relatively short distances, this is demonstrating how the public are most likely to embrace self-driving vehicles — for convenient short hops, perhaps commuting to work.

Our Needs and Preferences

When exploring how self-driving cars are affecting contemporary life, it’s important to also examine how we as humans are responding to the prospect. It’s certainly a subject of some debate, with arguments ranging from their vulnerability to hacking, to the potential rise in emissions. So as self-driving cars move closer to the mainstream, what aspects are we happy to embrace?

Studies tend to suggest that millennials, in particular, are keen to adopt services that focus on user experience (UX), including ease of navigation and swiftness of response. In a world that is embracing machine thinking, millennials place a great premium upon personalization and social interaction. We are already seeing elements of personalization in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with users’ regular driving patterns, skills, and preferences being used to provide a more individual experience. This is expected to be developed further in self-driving vehicles.

Many consumers currently seem to prefer automated aspects that still provide some element of control. Cruise control is a prime example of this — it provides the convenience of automated speed maintenance, while the human driver ultimately has power over direction and braking. GPS provides a similar situation — we are informed of the most efficient routes of navigation, but we have the ability to alter this if we so wish. This perhaps suggests that we are willing to adopt autonomous vehicles on the condition that we are able to make choices, to take over the wheel when we want that experience.

Conclusion

We are not yet at the point where fully autonomous vehicles are a feature of our roads. However, we are swiftly moving toward that point, with lower levels of self-driving and AI systems already having a presence in our cars. Before we are comfortable with the benefits that autonomous vehicles could offer, it is clear that we still have questions that need to be answered and concerns that must be addressed.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pexels

Guest Author Bio
Magnolia Potter

Magnolia Potter is a muggle from the Pacific Northwest who writes from time to time and covers a variety of topics. When Magnolia’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book.

Blog / Website: Magnolia Potter

So how is it, exactly, that self-driving cars could reduce the rate of traffic accidents? And is it really feasible?

Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

The Common Causes of Car Accidents

First, we need to understand the most common causes of car accidents, which include:

• Distracted driving, including texting and driving, which occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road or when something else grabs their attention.
• Impaired driving, which happens when an ordinarily reasonable driver consumes alcohol or is affected by drugs that delay reaction time or distort perceptions.
• Adverse weather conditions, which are hard to prevent, and include snow and ice, fog, and heavy rain.
• Speeding, since the faster your vehicle travels, the less time you have to react to a sudden change in your environment.
• Driver error, such as turning the wrong way down a one-way street or blowing through a red light.

Assuming a self-driving car can “see” the world in a way similar to human beings, understand traffic laws the same way, and maintain consistent control of the vehicle, we can already throw out multiple causes of accidents. A self-driving car can never be impaired by alcohol or drugs, and can never be distracted like a human being can. Its error rates, again assuming a similar level of environmental understanding as an optimal human, would also be negligible, and self-driving vehicles would never travel above the speed limit. Adverse weather conditions may still be a problem, but after eliminating multiple categories of common accidents, a lower cumulative accident rate is practically guaranteed.

How Self-Driving Cars See the World

Now let’s examine whether a self-driving car can really see the world as fully as a human being, since this was an underlying assumption in our assessment. Self-driving cars are equipped with multiple methods of perceiving its environment, relying on motion sensors, RADAR, LiDAR, 360-degree camera views, GPS data, and internal 3D maps to form a clear picture of its surroundings. In actuality, self-driving cars may be better at perceiving their environments than human beings; not only can they see in a 360-degree sphere at all times, they also have multiple methods of detecting objects in their surroundings.

What We Know

The capabilities of self-driving cars aren’t just hypothetical, either; Waymo self-driving cars alone have driven more than 10 million miles on real roadways, which is more than 10 full lifetimes of human driving, yet there’s only been one high-profile collision—and it wasn’t the self-driving car’s fault. On top of that, their cars have driven more than 7 billion miles in simulations.

Real-world tests are showing pretty conclusively that our self-driving car technology is already at a level superior to human drivers, and engineers are continuing to make improvements.

The Risks

That said, there are some real risks with self-driving cars. Because the software is fully automated, if a hacker were to gain control of its system, they could hypothetically control not only where it drives, but how—ultimately putting lives in harm’s way. Self-driving cars are equipped with multiple systems for sensing the environment, but if more than one of them is knocked out, they could become unable to reliably sense their environments. On top of that, self-driving cars’ autonomous and predictable procedures could leave them vulnerable to bullying by human beings.

Still, these security vulnerabilities aren’t that much different than what we face in normal cars. Instead of hacking into your car’s software, a criminal could cut your brake lines. Instead of knocking out a sensor, a human driver could be dealing with an unexpected weather condition, or a sudden medical event, like a stroke or heart attack. And human pedestrians can also bully human drivers in their cars—there’s just more of a threat of someone running you over.

The Bottom Line

There’s clear evidence, both in theory and in practice, that self-driving cars are already much better than human drivers, capable of reducing the rate of traffic accidents dramatically—and they’re only going to get better from here. We should also consider that self-driving cars don’t even have to be better—they could just be on par with the skill of human drivers—for us to accept them. And if they are capable of reducing the death and injury toll on our roadways, it’s not just a good idea to adopt them; it’s our moral imperative.

Photo Credit

Waymo Jaguar I-Pace – by elisfkc on flickr – some rights reserved

Guest Author Bio
Jamie Lansley

Jamie is a freelance writer who covers trends in business, technology, and health. She loves to go skiing, camping, and rock climbing with her family.