Monday, January 12, 2009

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance as a Young Driver

When you are a younger driver or car owner, car insurance prices will probably scare you when you first start looking around. However, it is possible to get cheap (or inexpensive) car insurance, given that you put into place a some of these tips will discuss in this guide. Unfortunately, the younger you are, the more you have to pay in car insurance. If you're under 25, you're going to pay a lot for insurance no matter what - but the further away you are from that magical 25 number, the more you can expect to pay for auto insurance. A teenager will have to pay a lot more than someone who is 21 for car insurance. Let's take a look at few suggestions for keeping your premiums as low as possible.

1) Lower your premiums by purchasing a car that is loaded with safety features: ABS, a good alarm system, always-on daytime running lights and of course a car with a high crash-test rating (remember, insurance companies often have to pay medical bills as well as car repair bills). Tell your insurance co. if you have any of these measures in place. You'll be rewarded with a lower rate.

2) Getting good grades in school often qualifies you for programs at insurance agencies that give you lower rates.

3) Drive as little as possible, and see if you qualify for a "low mileage" or "occasional use" plan. The less you drive, the less chance you have of getting into an accident, so you'll pay less for insurance.

4) You can also just stay on mom and dad's plan. You have to legally register your car under their name, and they pay the premium (or you pay them your share), so you'll feel a little less free - but you'll save a ton of money.

5) Often, insurance companies will check your credit and base your rates off of that. They figure if you are careless with your credit, you might be careless with driving - and vice versa.

7) Shop around for the best prices. Often, rates will vary greatly from one insurance company to the next.

While you may end up paying more than everyone else as a young driver, you don't have to pay through the roof. Use these tips to keep auto insurance as affordable as possible!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

BMW M5 Cross-Country in 32 hours 7 minutes

Think you could drive from NY to LA in 32 hours and 7 minutes? That's a speed that most small aircraft couldn't even hold. You'd need to average a speed well above any posted limits. These guys did it in their BMW M3 - with a laser jammer, radar detector, multiple police scanners, infrared vision systems and an extra fuel tank.

It's quite the feat, and is something nobody should attempt - because you'll probably end up in jail. In fact, if it wasn't for their tricky driving (and a little help from air support such as choppers), they might be in jail right now.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

How to Change a Flat Tire

Flat tires happen to all of us. While they may be a pain, they are far from impossible to change. Anyone can change one. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, big or small, mechanic or clueless - you can do it. Take a look at these step-by-step instructions for ideas on how to do it.

1. Pull off the road as far as possible. Never attempt to change flat tire in the middle of the road. If this means driving on the rim for a short distance until you find a safe place to pull over (such as a parking lot), then so be it. It is unsafe to change a tire on a road or highway, not to mention illegal.

2. Remove the spare, jack and tire iron from the trunk, and lay them next to your work area. If you're going to change a flat tire in a reasonable amount of time, it's important to have everything you need right there.

3. Loosen each of the 4 lug nuts slightly before you jack the car up. This makes it easier to remove them once the car is lifted. Only loosen them a maximum of 1/2 turn before jacking the car up.

4. Jack the car up using the jack points that are situated around each of the car's 4 corners. Consult the manual if needed for this step.

5. Remove the 4 lug nuts the rest of the way. Set them aside in a place where they won't get lost (remember, your work area is the side of the road). If needed, place them in the car or your pocket until you are ready for them.

6. Pull off the old wheel and tire, and place it directly in the back of your trunk.

7. Slide on the spare tire, and hand tighten each of the 4 lug nuts as much as you can.

8. Tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way using the tire iron. When all 4 are fairly tight, crank them down using the tire iron. Remember, you don't want the wheel coming off, so get them tight.

9. Place the jack and tire iron in the trunk as well. You're done changing it at this point!

10. Drive a few miles, then when it's safe to do so, stop and crank the lug nuts down again with the tire iron. This will help make sure they are secure and won't come off.

11. Get the flat tire patched or replaced at a shop as soon as possible. You can't drive over 50 mph on most spares, and they shouldn't be used for extended periods of time.