Tag: Car

7 Essential Tips for Owning a Car (& How Much It Costs)

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Technology. One of the most important expenses is transportation. That said a car can be both costly and problematic if not properly taken care of. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Essential Tips for Owning a Car (& How Much It Costs).

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Image Credit: Ross Sokolovski from Unsplash.

Everyone wants to buy a car, and there are plenty of reasons why they do. It offers a lot of freedom and independence, and can even make daily life easier. As much as you’ll look forward to it, it’s always worth knowing as much as possible about actually owning a car.

There’s a lot more involved in this than you’d think. You’ll have a lot of responsibility, and you’ll have to actually look after your car.

This is where so many people get stressed. When it’s their first time owning a car, they mightn’t be sure of what to do. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be nearly as complicated as you could think. Using a few tips and tricks could help with it a lot more than you’d expect.

Even if it’s your first car, it shouldn’t need to be too complicated. It’s worth looking into a few tips and tricks that could help you with it.

How Much Does Owning a Car Cost?

One of the best car ownership tips you can take advantage of is to make sure you can actually afford it. This doesn’t just mean the outright cost to buy the car. You’ll need to consider the ongoing costs you’ll need to shell out when you actually own it.
Some of the more notable of these expenses are:

● Insurance
● Fuel
● Loan repayments
● Repair and Maintenance

And all that’s before you consider how much the car depreciates in value once you buy it. Add in registration costs, and you’ll end up spending a whole lot more than you’d think.

A recent study says it costs about $6,684 per year to own and run a car. This depends on multiple factors, however, with even the type of car you own playing a role in this. Take the time to make sure you can actually afford that long-term.

You wouldn’t want to end up in a position where you can’t afford your car anymore. And then there’s properly looking after your car.
This is where most people can really use a few car maintenance tips. Thankfully, there are plenty of these out there, and many of them can be more effective than you’d think. Seven of these stand out because of how practical and effective they can be.

Owning a Car: 7 Tips to Use

1. Be Prepared For Breakdowns

You’ll already know you’ll have to spend a decent bit of time on car maintenance. No matter how much time and effort you put into this, there’s still a chance your car could break down. Make sure you’re prepared for this. An emergency kit could be vital, and you shouldn’t have a problem putting this together.

It’s worth including a few specific items in this. A first aid kid, flashlight, and jumper cables are the most obvious. Traffic cones can even be worth investing in to cordon off your car if you break down on the highway, for example. You’ve no reason not to invest in your car emergency kit.

2. Read Through the Owner’s Manual

When you buy a car, you’ll be given an owner’s manual with it. It’s vital you don’t overlook this. It’ll include all of the information you need to drive and look after your car. Read through this as thoroughly as possible once you bring the car home. There are multiple reasons for this.

It’ll make sure you know what you’re doing with any repairs, for example. Without the owner’s manual, you mightn’t know everything you need to know. Getting through the manual doesn’t even need to take a lot of time, but it’s still worth putting the effort into.

3. Pick a Trusted Mechanic

You’ll need to visit a mechanic with your car at some point or another. With how much of an asset your car is, you shouldn’t just go to any mechanic you come across. You’re much better off going with somebody you actually trust. That way, you’ll make sure they’re not overcharging you.

Asking friends and family about mechanics they’ve used is a great way to figure this out. That way, you can find out if certain mechanics are worth avoiding. You’ll be in a position to pick a mechanic you can actually rely on when you need them.

4. Check Tire Pressure

It’s always worth focusing on your car’s safety once you own it. You’ll naturally want it to be as safe as possible. That’s part of the reason why you should take it to the mechanic regularly. Your mechanic isn’t the only one who can look after your car’s safety, though. You could do a few things, too.

Checking your tire’s pressure is one of the more notable of these. By making sure it’s within an appropriate range, you make sure your car’s safe to drive. If the pressure is above or below a certain amount, then it could be too dangerous to drive long-term.

5. Keep Your Papers Handy

You’ll have quite a few papers associated with your car. The most obvious of these will be ownership records, insurance, and similar documents. Then there are the receipts you can get related to any repairs you might’ve had carried out. These are always worth keeping handy somewhere in the car.

You could need a few of these more than you would’ve thought. A lot of this revolves around being stopped by authorities, but you could also need them for filling out various pieces of paperwork. You could need repair receipts for your insurance later on, for example.

6. Pay Attention to Paint

When most people think of damage to their car’s paint, they believe it’s because of an accident. While that can happen quite a bit, it’s not the only source of paint damage. There are more than a few you mightn’t have thought of. Even car washes can damage your car’s paint.

Take the time to look over your car’s paint every so often. That way, you can get it fixed relatively quickly. Though this seems minor, it can help avoid the paint flaking or getting worse later on. Small fixes are a lot easier – and more affordable – to fix than larger ones.

7. Use Common Sense

People often overlook how important common sense is to buying and owning a car. It’s always worth paying attention to your gut, especially when it comes to any potential problems. If you’re hearing noises from your car at any point, then listen to what your gut’s telling you.

Even if everything else seems fine, go with your gut if it says to visit a mechanic, for example. This could help you nip potential problems in the gut and avoid costly repairs later on. There’s no reason not to use your common sense.

Owning a Car: Wrapping Up

Buying a car for the first time is an exciting prospect. Then there’s the thought of actually owning a car. While this is usually great, it can also be relatively stressful. You’ll need to worry about the intricacies of looking after it. This can seem complicated at the start.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you could think. Using a few tips and tricks helps a lot more than you could expect.

By using a few tips and tricks, you could make it relatively easy. They’ll help you look after your car better without needing to spend a lot of time and effort on it. There’s no reason not to put a bit of effort into a few of them.

Essential Winter Car Maintenance

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Technology. One of your costliest purchases is your car. Your car will cost you money even if you take care of it, but if you don’t, it will cost you much more. This is especially true if you live in a geographic region with a long winter. The following contributed post is entitled, Essential Winter Car Maintenance.

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Winter can be cruel to your car, and if you don’t allow it the care it needs, then you will have to bear expensively bad repercussions. From slippery roads with ice on them to bone-chilling temperatures, all feature in making driving hard. Be it going to work or going on a winter getaway, letting your car receive all the due care will save you from a number of unexpected headaches.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-car-in-mountains-in-winter-7403902/

Get Your Battery Health Checked with a Professional

As the temperature drops, so does your battery efficiency. Cold weather can weaken your battery’s ability to hold a charge, and luck would have it that you run out of juice at the worst possible time. So, before winter really sets in, you should get your battery tested. A simple stop by a mechanic can tell you if it is time for replacement. If your battery is a few years old already, change it as a preventive measure. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck out in the cold, fighting off jump starting.

Check Out Your Tires

Tires matter for traction on snowy and icy roads. Your tires should be ready for winter, which basically covers the proper tread depth and overall condition. If your tires are worn, now is the time to get new ones, preferably winter tires for cold weather. These special tires will provide much better grip and control; this can be quite essential for safe driving. Of particular importance is proper tire pressure, since cold temperatures make your tires lose air. Keeping them properly inflated may simply create the difference in maintaining control on slippery surfaces.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Fluid

Visibility can become an extreme issue once those winter storms begin to strike the pavement, so don’t take your wipers lightly. Replacing your normal wiper blades with winter ones will face no issue in removing heavy snow and ice. In addition, refill your windshield washer reservoir with a freezing-weather fluid. Regular fluid will freeze on your windshield, giving you a foggy view of the road-not ideal when trying to avoid hazards.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

You never know when you may find yourself in a winter emergency. Having a well-stocked kit in your trunk can make all the difference in turning a potentially dangerous situation into one you can handle. Stock it with basics like a flashlight, blankets, a first-aid kit, and snack foods that don’t perish. Add a small shovel and some cat litter or sand to assist with traction when stuck. This is especially advisable, since regular https://www.greshamsinc.com/ could save you many hassles of being stuck in the house when snow piles on the driveway.

Test Your Heat

A functional heating system isn’t only a comfort but a Winter safety feature. Can you imagine driving in freezing cold with no heat on in your car, with fingers numb and immediate fogging of the window glasses? Before winter hits below zero, turn on your car’s heater and see if it’s blowing warm air and if the defroster is clearing your windows. If not, have it checked straight away. Being proactive, this small issue won’t build up into an expensive repair later on.

With these steps taken, you will go into the challenges of winter with confidence and preparedness. A little maintenance now will save you a lot of stress later.

The Frugal Road: Strategic Investments in Your Car

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. A major expense for everyone is their car. Likewise, it’s important to understand what and when to pay for these expenses. The following contributed post is entitled, The Frugal Road: Strategic Investments in Your Car.

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In a world often equating frugality with cheapness, it’s crucial to grasp the nuanced difference. Frugality is not about scrimping but making wise, long-term investments. This principle holds especially true in the realm of transportation, where strategic investments in your car can embody the true essence of financial prudence.

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Beyond Cheapness – Understanding Frugality
Frugality, often misunderstood, is a financial philosophy grounded in resourcefulness and wise spending. It’s about making choices that yield long-term value, a principle that sets it apart from mere penny-pinching.

So, it becomes crucial to make a distinction between cheapness and frugality. Being frugal as a car owner is not the same thing as being cheap. While cheapness often connotes a focus solely on low costs, frugality entails making thoughtful, value-driven choices. The benefits of embracing frugality extend beyond immediate savings; it’s a strategic approach that emphasizes long-term value.

In the context of vehicle ownership, being frugal involves thoughtful investments to ensure sustained value and reliability. As a car owner, embodying a frugal mindset translates to making careful investments rather than indiscriminate cutbacks. It’s about understanding that maintenance is an investment, not an expense. By adopting frugality in car ownership, you navigate a path where judicious spending preserves your vehicle’s value without draining your finances. This nuanced approach acknowledges that being frugal isn’t about sacrificing quality; instead, it’s a savvy way to ensure your car remains a reliable asset without unnecessarily breaking the bank.

Driving Culture in the USA – The Indispensability of Cars
The United States’ pervasive driving culture makes cars not just a luxury but a necessity. The average car owner in the United States drives over 14,000 miles every year according to the Federal Highway Administration. For perspective, this is the equivalent of driving 300 miles a week. In a country where you have to drive everywhere, the importance of investing in your vehicle goes beyond convenience. It becomes a crucial aspect of financial prudence and responsible ownership.

In the United States, the car is more than a mode of transportation; it is an indispensable tool that supports every American through their everyday life needs. From commuting to work to pursuing leisure activities, cars are an integral part of the American culture because there isn’t any other alternative for many Americans.

Not having a car poses significant risks to one’s livelihood, impacting the ability to fulfill professional duties and engage in routine activities.

As a result, maintaining a car in the USA isn’t just about mobility; it’s a strategic necessity. Being frugal isn’t just about adhering to a budget; it’s a smart approach that allows individuals to safeguard their vehicles without compromising financial stability. This balance ensures that the essential investment in a car aligns harmoniously with budgetary constraints, promoting both reliability and financial well-being.

DIY Repairs – The Gateway to Long-Term Savings
Learning basic repair works, from changing lights to inspecting and replacing brakes, empowers car owners to save significantly. But first things first: DIY repairs does not mean grabbing the first tool you find and hoping for the best. You need to equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools if you are going to save costs through your repair works. Simple tasks like changing lights, inspecting brakes, or even replacing air filters can be undertaken at home, saving both time and money.

Once again, understanding how to execute these repairs safely is paramount. It not only ensures the well-being of the car owner but also contributes to the longevity and efficiency of the vehicle. The main reason why DIY repairs fail is because car owners do not take the time to learn. Learning the basics of DIY repairs fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance, reducing reliance on costly professional services and enabling you to diagnose and fix simple issues.

The financial benefits are substantial. DIY repairs eliminate labor costs associated with professional mechanics, making it a pocket-friendly alternative. Besides, a proactive approach to maintenance car not only save on immediate expenses but also avert potential major issues, ultimately securing long-term savings and enhancing the overall reliability of their vehicles.
The financial benefits of undertaking these tasks personally, rather than resorting to expensive garage services, exemplify the true spirit of frugality.

Road Safety Investments – Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Ensuring road safety involves strategic investments, such as regular tire changes and adherence to manufacturers’ recommendations. While these may seem like upfront costs, they are preventive measures that safeguard against potential accidents and breakdowns, ultimately translating to long-term financial savings.

The key to road safety maintenance is to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. While this is a crucial aspect of responsible car ownership, many drivers are keen to postpone servicing and maintenance. These recommendations, often including scheduled check-ups and component replacements, serve as a blueprint for preserving your vehicle’s health.

So it is paramount to view these guidelines as investments rather than mere obligations. Regular maintenance, such as changing timing belts and oil filters as advised, safeguards the intricate components of your vehicle. It’s a proactive measure that pays dividends, prolonging the value of your car and preventing potential breakdowns.

Another essential road safety investment, aligned with the manufacturer’s guidelines, includes timely tire replacements. Typically, the manufacturer’s manual will provide information about the best choice of tires and tire size. As such, new tires in the appropriate size and model will ensure optimal traction and stability, enhancing safety on the road, even though other options may appear cheaper at first. Equipping your vehicle with the wrong tire models can and will have dramatic consequences on your driving safety and on maintaining the long-term value of the vehicle.

In conclusion, there is no denying that owning a car comes with costs. Yet, being frugal in car ownership isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making informed and prudent decisions that maximize the overall value and longevity of your vehicle. Saving money as a car owner isn’t about postponing essential work or repairs on your car. It is precisely a case of understanding what needs to be done to keep your vehicle on the road.

From DIY repairs to adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines, each investment plays a role in enhancing your car’s reliability and preserving your financial well-being on the road.

How To Stay Safe Whenever You Get Behind The Wheel

Two focuses of my blog are Health/Wellness and Technology. Cars a technologies that we all used and are dependent upon in the modernized nations. The can be hazardous though and should be handled with care. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Stay Safe Whenever You Get Behind The Wheel.

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Did you know that there are approximately 6 million car accidents in the USA each year?

This is a frightening statistic – something that is worth considering each time you get behind the wheel. After all, this knowledge could help you to keep yourself and others safe by making you more aware of the hazards around you.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some simple ways in which you can help to make the roads a safer place.

Keep you eyes on the road

Distracted driving is one of the most common triggers of a car accident, which means that you must ensure you remain focused throughout your journey – even if it is a short trip you have completed hundreds of times before. That is, you should not allow a sense of familiarity or comfort behind the wheel to allow you to become distracted.

As such, you should also ensure that you never use your phone when driving – which remains one of the dumbest mistakes people make behind the wheel. If you’re often tempted to glance at it, try to put it out of arm’s reach or away each time you get behind the wheel.

Understand how to respond to an accident

Understanding what to do in the event of a car accident can also be useful, especially as you may not think rationally in the moment if you do not have a predetermined plan of action in place. After all, its easy for stress to take over in this scenario.

For example, you should always ensure that you turn on your hazard lights and that once you get out of your car, you stand out of the way of direct traffic before calling the relevant authorities.

You may also want to do some research into local car accident lawyers, so that you understand the legal proceedings that follow an accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault.

Take care of your car

Taking good care of your car can also help you to stay safe on the road, as it means you are less likely to encounter faults that endanger yourself or others. As such, you should inspect your car at least once a week for signs of damage, such as chipped windows or deflated tires.

You should also ensure that you understand the basics of good car care. For example, you should make sure that you change your car engine oil regularly, as failure to do so could permanently damage your engine. Not only could this mean that you break down on the side of the road, it could also be rather expensive to fix – which is less than ideal in the current economic climate!

Keep your cool

Road rage can also be a determining factor in car accidents – which means it’s important that you’re able to keep your cool, no matter how other motorists behave. Remember that everybody is frustrated when facing long lines of traffic, but it’s better to get somewhere safe than to encounter problems along the way.

Whenever you find anger rising, try to take a few deep breaths. Turn on some calming music, and stay focused – remember, you’ll be at your destination sooner than you think.

3 Tips For Buying Your First Car The Smart Way

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Technology. A car is one of your most important expenses and similar to houses, if done improperly, it can have long last ramifications. The following contributed post is entitled, 3 Tips For Buying Your First Car The Smart Way.

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Image Credit: Mikes-Photography for Pixabay.

Buying your first car is an exciting time, and it’s something you’ll want to do as early as possible. It’s not exactly something you should rush into, though. You could end up getting the wrong car and making a few mistakes if you do. You’ll want to do it the smart way, which means knowing what you’re doing.

Using a few car-buying tips makes sure you do exactly that, with three top ones standing out. If you’re about to buy your first car, it’s worth diving into them.

Buying Your First Car The Smart Way: 3 Top Tips

1. Get Preapproved For A Loan

For your first car, you could need a personal loan to pay for it. It’s not worth waiting until you’re at the dealership to get this. Instead, you’ll want to go to the dealership knowing exactly how much you’re able to spend. By getting preapproval for the loan, you can do exactly that.

Once you have this, you can narrow down your options much better, while also making sure you can afford the repayments.

2. Don’t Get Too Much Car

When you’re buying your first car, it’s easy to get caught up in your options and start considering larger and more powerful options. These mightn’t be the best-recommended, though. They could end up being too powerful for you to handle, and they’ll come at quite a large cost.

Coupled with that are the ongoing expenses that they’ll end up coming with. Larger, more powerful cars tend to have higher insurance premiums and cost more to fuel up. If you go overboard with your car, it could end up being too much to keep it on the road. Avoid that as much as possible.

3. Don’t Get Add-Ons At The Dealership

If you’re looking to keep costs low when you’re buying your car, it’s worth avoiding getting any add-ons at the dealership. These usually come at a heavy markup and are where the dealership makes most of its profit. You could get these somewhere else at a fraction of the cost.

Protection plans, warranties, and insurance can all be part of this, as are the things that could be physically added to your car. These mightn’t be worth the cost when you get them at a dealership. By looking elsewhere, you could get the exact same thing – if not a better option – for a more affordable price.

Buying Your First Car The Smart Way: Wrapping Up

Buying your first car the smart way doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be much easier than you’d think, and you shouldn’t have a problem getting the perfect one for you. All you’ll need are a few car-buying tips to help with this.

Not getting add-ons at the dealership, getting preapproved for a loan, and not getting too much car will all be parts of this. While that could mean spending a little longer finding the perfect option for you, it’ll be more than worth it once you’re on the road.

How To Look After Your Car In Four Easy Steps

Two focuses of my blog are Money/Financial Literacy and Technology. Transportation is one of our four basic needs in modern society. It is thus important to understand how to manage it financially and to take proper care of it. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Look After Your Car In Four Easy Steps.

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If you are the owner of your very own car then you know how precious they can be. They are a huge investment and certainly not something that you can mess about. A car is something that stays with you for a long while so it is essential you take good care of them. Whether you have always had cars in your life or you are completely new to the world of automobiles check out the article below. It will give you some useful tips and tricks on how to look after the car in your life.

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Check Tyres Regularly

One thing you should be doing regularly is checking your tires. You never know how quickly the tread on your tire could wear out. It may be okay for one journey and then be nearing the legal limit the next. Keeping an eye on this will not only help you understand more about the tread depth but also alert you to any issues that crop up unexpectedly. If you do think your tires need changing then take your car to the local garage for inspection.

Look Out For Warning Lights

Something else that could catch you completely unaware is the warning lights on your car’s dash. These are here for a reason and if you have a brand new car then they are even more high-tech. They can usually detect any issue with your car such as oil and coolant levels as well as tire pressure. You will hear a loud beep, as well as a symbol, flash up on your dash. If you are unsure as to what the symbol means then you should refer to your owner’s handbook. If the issue is something that needs an expert then take your vehicle to a skilled car engine repair specialists who will be able to find the source of the problem.

Keep It Clean

When you own a car you may begin to regret your color choice pretty fast. White and black are probably the worst color you can own in terms of keeping it clean. The dust, dirt, and grime will show up pretty fast on these colors and not so much on others. So if you don’t want to spend your whole life cleaning your car then think of another color you would like. However, you will always need to keep your car clean. If your car is dirty it not only doesn’t look very nice but it can actually damage internal parts. Most car washes offer a loyalty scheme so it may be worth looking into.

Store It Safely

Finally, when you pay so much for a vehicle you want to make sure that it is safe at all times. If you don’t want to park it on the roadside then think of alternatives. It has been proven that cars are much safer either on a driveway or in a garage. Thieves are more reserved when they have to go onto someone’s property to try their luck. Your insurance premiums could also be higher if you keep your car on the road.

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some useful ideas on how best to look after your car. If you look after your car then your car will look after you, in the sense that it won’t need as much work done to it over the course of its life.

Three Things To Look At When Buying A Family Car

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. While it’s not a long-term asset, a car is one of the biggest investments a family can make. The following contributed post is entitled, Three Things To Look At When Buying A Family Car.

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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

When shopping for a new family-friendly car, there are a lot of things to think about. You need something that will get your family to where they need to go safely, but you also want something that is useful and cheap. This blog post will talk about three things you should look for in your next car for your family. So, if you are looking for a new car, keep reading for some tips!

The Space

When choosing a car for a family, space is one of the most important things to think about. You will want to make sure that everyone can ride comfortably and that there is enough room for all of your gear. If you have a big family or often carry a lot of stuff, you might want to think about getting a bigger car like an SUV. But if you have a smaller family or don’t usually carry a lot of stuff, a smaller car or minivan might be a better choice.

You will also want to make sure that your car has enough room for all of your family’s stuff, in addition to space for people and things. For example, if you go on a lot of road trips or camping trips, you might want a car with a big trunk or cargo area. But if you only drive around town for short distances, you might be able to get by with a smaller car with less storage space. Talk to the people at edmunds about what you do and don’t need.

Safety Needs

Safety is another important thing to think about when choosing a car for a family. You will want to make sure that your car has all the latest safety features, like airbags and anti-lock brakes. You might also want to think about a car with a higher rating for safety. In addition to safety features and ratings, you will want to make sure that your vehicle is comfortable and easy to drive.

The Cost

Cost is another important thing to think about when choosing a car for a family. You will want to make sure you can pay the monthly payments, as well as the insurance and maintenance costs. Also, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal for your money. To do this, you might want to compare prices at different dealerships and find out how much different cars are worth on the used market.

If you want a family-friendly car on a budget, you might want to think about buying a used car. But if you have enough money to buy a new car, you might want to look into financing or leasing options. No matter how much money you have, you should be able to find a family-friendly car that fits your needs.

In the end, there are a lot of things to think about when you are looking for a new family-friendly car. If you keep these things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect car for you and your family.

7 Things You Need To Do After A Car Accident

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Health/Wellness. Car accidents impact those involved them in a myriad of ways. Two major ones are finances and personal health. It’s important to know what to do in the event that you get into one. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Things You Need To Do After A Car Accident.

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Although people seem to travel around less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still essential to be cautious on the road. It’s always prudent to prepare for any emergency that may arise during daily activities, including road accidents. Statistics reveal an 8% increase in fatal road accidents between 2019 and 2020 in the US. You need to take some essential steps when you’ve been involved in an accident, including the practical tips below.

1. Don’t drive away
No matter how minor the accident may seem, it’s best not to drive away from the scene immediately. You may not be sure how serious your injury is or the extent of damage to your car. It’s best to stay put while you call for help to ensure your safety and offer enough information when the police arrive. To stay safe while waiting, you can keep your lights on to improve visibility and make it easier for others to spot you. It’s advisable to have a safety kit in your car that includes a flashlight, so you can keep that on in case your car lights are damaged. While you wait, you can help calm yourself down by taking deep breaths to slow down any adrenaline rush you may be feeling.

2. Contact the police
It’s always vital to call the police immediately an accident occurs, no matter how minor the accident or your injury may be. If you feel any pain, you should contact 911 or ask someone to help you reach an ambulance. Calling the police will help make other processes, such as claiming your insurance, easier for you. It’s essential to take in the accident scene details so you can give an accurate report when they arrive. If you’re able to, you can take pictures of the scene or damage with your phone to keep a record, but remember not to interfere if the police are investigating the scene. If for some reason, you can’t recall all the facts when the police arrive, you should be honest and let them know instead of speculating. If there’s another party involved in the accident, ensure that they make an accurate statement as well if you can.

3. Get all the necessary information
Accident issues are usually not solved within a day, and the parties involved may not always cooperate. Therefore, you must obtain the necessary information from all parties involved in the accident before you leave the scene. You can do this while waiting for the police to arrive. Information such as their names, phone numbers, and addresses is vital. It’ll also be crucial to get any witnesses’ information if you need their account in the future.

4. Inform your insurance company
It’s best to inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs, as most insurance companies require that you immediately report when there’s such an incident. Depending on the insurance package you’ve settled for, you should be able to access the benefits such as medical care and repairs after your full cooperation and after they’ve assessed the extent of the damage. It’s prudent that you keep a detailed file of all the information and documents regarding the accident to make it easier for you to claim your insurance and provide all the necessary information. Although you may want to handle the costs on your own, it’s best to claim your insurance instead to save you time and money.

5. Consult your lawyers
It’s vital that you know your rights as an accident victim, to avoid being cheated or losing essential evidence. You need to contact your lawyers so they can advise you even before you make a statement. Your attorneys can guide you on how to get total compensation, medical care, etc. For instance, decisions such as suing for damages from a trucking accident will be easier and more informed after consulting your lawyers.

6. See a doctor
Injuries from accidents aren’t always apparent. Therefore, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the risk of severe or permanent damage. You can either consult your family doctor or visit the closest hospital to ensure you haven’t sustained any injuries, especially to your head, chest, or spine.

7. Tow your car if necessary
You may need to tow your car if it’s badly damaged. If the police don’t call a towing company, you should have one on hand to contact quickly. Before settling for a towing truck company, it’s best to ensure that they’re credible and can get the job done without further damage.

Having an accident is unpleasant and can lead to several issues. However, with these tips, the incident will be easier to deal with, and you’ll have a handy checklist to help you get through it.

How To Take The Stress Our Of Running A Car

Two focuses of my blog are Health/Wellness and Technology. An important piece of technology most of us own and invest copious sums of money in is our cars. While transportation is a cost no matter what market you live in, cars can be a major source of stress as there are hidden costs in them. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Take The Stress Our Of Running A Car.

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Many of us rely on cars to get to work, travel and see friends and family. Although driving can be fun, and it’s a convenient way to get around, running a car can be stressful. In this guide, we’ll explore some effective solutions to take the hassle out of owning a car.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/traffic-locomotion-roadway-mobility-3612474/

Maintenance
Car maintenance should be a priority for every driver, but it can fall by the wayside when life gets hectic. If you can’t remember the last time you checked your tires or your oil, now is the time to start looking after your car. Basic maintenance can reduce the risk of breaking down and it can also prolong the lifespan of your vehicle and lower costs in the future. It’s particularly important to check your car on a regular basis during the winter months and before you set off on a long journey. Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank, check the tire pressure and tread and top up your oil and water levels. It’s wise to book services frequently to ensure that any problems are identified and addressed quickly.

Replacing parts
Many of us drive around without a care in the world, assuming that our cars will never let us down. The truth is that even the most reliable vehicle may need some TLC along the way. It’s crucial to take good care of your car, but also to seek advice and consider replacing parts such as coil springs or brake pads if there are warning lights on the display, you notice strange noises or odors, or you want to enhance the performance of your vehicle. There are some jobs you can do yourself, but if you have concerns or the task is more complex, seek expert advice.

Shop around to save money
Cost is one of the most significant sources of stress for drivers. It can be expensive to keep a car on the road. If you are trying to save, there are various steps you can take. Investing in maintenance work will save you money in the long-run, but you can also shop around for insurance and reduce expenses by buying a fuel-efficient vehicle. If your insurance is due for renewal, don’t automatically roll the policy over until you’ve compared the offer to deals from other providers. You can use the Internet to search for policies in a matter of seconds, and you could save a fortune.

Drive carefully
Driving can be dangerous, and thousands of people are injured in crashes every year. To lower the risk of collisions and make driving more enjoyable, keep your eyes on the road at all times, give other vehicles time and space, pay attention to the speed limit and take extra care if the road is slippery, it’s raining heavily or visibility is poor.

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The Best Advice To Keep Your Vintage Car In Tip-Top Shop

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Many would argue that a car is a liability and not an asset. A vintage car though if maintained could be a valuable item for resale at some point if you maintain it properly. The following contributed post is entitled, The Best Advice To Keep Your Vintage Car In Tip-Top Shop.

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While some people prefer a brand new set of wheels every couple of years, others have a different attitude – why fix something when it’s not broken? You may feel nostalgic about a certain car, and want to keep it going as long as possible. Or perhaps you prefer the look of older cars. Maybe you’ve got a classic car or antique beauty you still want to take for a spin! Older cars can be great assets if they are well kept. Taking care of your vintage car means much more than simply keeping it looking aesthetically pleasing and today, we’re going to give you the best advice on how to keep your vintage car in tip-top shape!

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels CC0 License

Regular servicing

All cars need servicing at least once a year, but with your vintage car you’ll have to do this much more often. Many of the internal mechanisms on your car will be very old – perhaps even older than you – and will need regular check ups to ensure it continues running for as long as possible. Speak to your mechanic about the possibility of using arc spray to aid the prevention of wear and tear, and generally to help keep your car together for longer.

Lots of waxing and buffing

The paintwork on your vintage car is going to be more susceptible to damage, so you’ll need to take extra care of the paintwork. Waxing and buffing the paintwork on your car will help protect it from general damage when driving it around.

Use your car!

One mistake that many vintage car owners make, is leaving it in their garage or on their driveways for too long. They then struggle when trying to take it out for a spin. Taking your car out for regular drives will help keep all of the components working to the best of their ability.

Source car parts wisely

Vintage cars are going to be harder to source parts for, especially if the manufacturer doesn’t make parts anymore or worse, isn’t in business. Shop around for car parts to find the best quality parts for your car. Many vintage car owners have purchased parts for their car that actually depletes the value in the long run! Speak to a professional before buying parts to avoid this happening to you.

Tuck it in at night

If you don’t have a garage at home, it’s advisable to tuck your car in under a protective cover to help prevent weather damage ruining the paintwork. You can find car covers easily online and fairly priced too.

Keep an emergency fund for repairs

Finally, you should consider keeping an emergency fund for repairs on your vintage car. As mentioned earlier, it’s harder to source parts which could mean repairs will be much more expensive. Your mechanic may need to charge more than a ‘modern’ car for repairs and part sourcing too, so it’s always useful to have some spare money to ensure your car is back on the road in no time!