Driving Tips to Save Gas This Summer

Though gas prices are higher during the summer, more people are hitting the road during the warmer season. Longer days, more sunshine and fewer responsibilities for those still in school make for the perfect time to take a long road trip, or just frequent visits to the beach or pool.

The gasoline you put in your car has certain additives that will help the fuel burn cleaner and reduce the amount of oil necessary to create gasoline. The additives used differ depending on the season, and summer’s additives are usually a bit more expensive. This is because refineries have to shut down production before they begin processing the new additives, and because summertime’s gas blend is designed to give off fewer pollutants and less smog. Continue reading…

Bang For Your Buck: How to Choose the Best Used Car

Choosing the right used car can be difficult. You want one that’s safe and reliable, but you also want one that looks nice and is fuel-efficient. It’s hard to find one that meets all of these standards and is also affordable.

Fortunately, there are options out there that are not only affordable, but also nice, reliable cars. Here are seven great cars you can find for less than $10,000.

1. Mazda3 i

Consumer Reports explained this popular car is not only reliable and safe, but also fuel-efficient. It comes as a sedan or a hatchback and upgrades like leather, Bluetooth phone pairing and seat heaters are an option for buyers. A small car that is highly responsive, the Mazda3 can get you wherever you want to go, fast.

2. Volkswagen Rabbit

While Americans haven’t really welcomed the Rabbit into their garages, this car has been a favorite of drivers across the globe for several years now. The hatchback design comes in handy when you’re in need of extra space. The downside to this car is that it’s not as fuel-efficient as some would like.

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The Four Best Used Car Models under 12,000

The 4 Best Used Car Models Under 12K

When purchasing a car, you shouldn’t have to break the bank. Cars are often necessary, whether as a means of getting to and from work or picking the kids up from school. But this doesn’t mean you need to forfeit other aspects of your life just to keep up with expensive vehicle payments.

In fact, there are many used cars you can purchase for under $12,000, which is a reasonable price when you have a proper budget in place. This does not mean these cars aren’t in fantastic condition. The truth is, many used cars are in excellent condition and weren’t even previously owned very long. You don’t need to go crazy and spend more money on a vehicle than you need to, especially when you can sit behind the wheel of a very comfortable and nice car for less than you thought. Continue reading…

Explore America’s Most Scenic Routes

There is a great deal to see in America – from mountains to oceans, this country has it all. Too often when people take road trips they only think about where they are going, and not what they are going to pass along the way.

There is still time this summer for a road trip. And when planning yours, you should take the scenic route. Sure, it might take you a bit longer to get where you are going, but if you plan ahead, then you can be sure to not rush and enjoy the beautiful drive. Besides, beauty always beats speed.

Even if you don’t have a road trip planned, America is worth checking out. Maybe it’s time to find an inspiring road to take a drive on one Saturday. For some options on a great scenic route close to you, consider taking the following:

“America, the beautiful is closer than you think.”

Columbia River Highway
This scenic highway is worth traveling for several reasons. Not only is it a beautiful 74-mile stretch from Troutdale to Dalles, Oregon, but it is also America’s first highway. According to Lonely Planet, a travel guide book publisher, this northwest winding road was finished in 1915, was part of the Oregon Trail and served as the last leg in Lewis and Clark’s expedition. And if history isn’t enough, it is flanked with flowing waterfalls, magnificent views and fields of wildflowers. If you are in the northwest, this is one scenic route you can’t afford to miss. Continue reading…

CES 2015: Coolest New Car Gadgets Revealed

ces-2015As expected, there were some awesome gadgets revealed at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, and some of the best gadgets are coming to our cars. Not only are there a ton of new gadgets, but smarter cars are on the horizon. Here’s just a small look at some of the coolest car gadgets previewed at the CES 2015:

Harman ISZ

If you never want to have to listen to the latest Justin Bieber song on a road trip again, Harman’s Individual Sound Zones (ISZ) is for you. This gadget goes a long way to change the entertainment situation in a car from a dictatorship, where the driver chooses the radio station, to a democracy, where everyone gets a say. Harman’s ISZ creates different sound zones in your car that can each play something completely different without the need for headphones. Continue reading…