BestAdvice Cars

A quick driveway inspection before hitting the road will help ensure a hassle-free Labor Day weekend, according to the Car Care Council.

"With these four easy steps, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is right in their own driveway and, if repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be performed before leaving home," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews Green Dad columnist

These days, frustrated pump patrons spin various conspiracy theories as to what's "really" behind the high price of gasoline. Is it Big Oil, Russian cartels using Libya's turmoil as cover, or some price-fixing scheme cut behind closed doors? Or is it, perhaps, a more prudent, practical theory: Oil and gas are natural resources, now consumed in record quantities even as the planet’s non-renewable supply vanishes. Meanwhile the U.S. must compete with developing nations such as China and India that have an unquenchable thirst for the stuff.

These factors may loom far beyond our control — but we're not powerless. With gas starting to top $4 a gallon, we can use less in sensible ways or make the most of what we do buy. There's nothing wrong with using every means at our disposal to find the cheapest cheap gas, or save on gas expenses. Here's my Green Dad list of strategies, products and miscellanea to push the pump price back a bit, keeping your wallet and tank full at the same time.Read more

Winter will be here before you know it. The last thing any driver wants is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority, according to the Car Care Council, saving you from the inconvenience of being out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.

"An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during harsh weather," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.Read more

Have you ever been in the tough position of owning a vehicle that is not worth too much money but that needs an expensive repair? Maybe you have recently even dumped some pretty good change into the vehicle for items like new tires, a battery, a muffler, etc. And now it needs a major repair!

You realize that you cannot sell the vehicle for much without getting it repaired, and you know that you can't afford to trade it in on another vehicle.

Given today's soft economy, what a time to face an expensive vehicle repair. What can you do? What are some possible options?

A driver recently wrote to ask my advice. The woman owned a 1998 minivan with 125,000 on the odometer. She explained that the engine was losing oil, smoking at idle, and making a knocking sound. Additionally, It was the only transportation for her and three kids.Read more

It only takes a single car to substantially impact the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average car emits as much as 575 pounds of carbon monoxide into the air each year. Until automakers develop a more environmentally friendly automobile, it's up to each driver to help reduce their car's footprint on the planet.

Here are five easy ways to drive green without buying a new car or drastically changing your driving habits:

1. Simply follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner's manual. An out-of-tune engine can increase emissions and fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. Always follow your car manufacturer's suggested tune-up schedule to ensure your vehicle is performing at its best. Read more

Millions of Americans will hit the roads during the warm weather months. Whether they're in the car on business or vacation, many drivers will likely share two major concerns: how they can reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment and on their wallets.

"Gas consumption - and prices - historically rise with the temperature as more people drive for work or pleasure during the warmer months," says Sue Pinera, environmental programs director of the Hertz Corp., leaders in the rental car industry."But you can definitely drive green and save yourself some money without having to trade in your reliable, reasonably priced family vehicle for a new one that features the latest eco-friendly technology." Read more

High gas prices have many motorists putting the brakes on long-distance summer travel. However, smart maintenance and good driving habits can help boost your vehicle's fuel efficiency and ease the pain of a trip to the gas station.

"Drivers can save money at the pump and get the most out of their gasoline by performing a few simple maintenance checks on their vehicles," says Bruce Bonebrake, a master mechanic and host of "Weekend Mechanic," on the DIY Network "Simple actions like replacing dirty filters or worn spark plugs can lead to significant gas savings."

In fact, maintaining the quality of a few important vehicle components can help drivers improve their auto's gas mileage as much as 40 percent, according to FuelEconomy.gov, an automotive information Web site from the U.S. Department of Energy. That means an average savings of about $794 per year. Read more

Summertime is drive-time across the USA. Millions of vacation-happy Americans hit the road during summer, logging more driving miles on the pavement than any other time of year.

But with gas prices climbing toward $4 a gallon (or more!), folks are concerned about the costs of driving. Can families still afford to pile the kids into the car and ride to summer's favorite hot spots? Will a kids' chorus of "are we going?" replace the standard endless chants of "are we there yet?"

Savvy drivers say "no!" They're constantly seeking ways to increase fuel economy and to squeeze out more miles per tank. Instead of focusing purely on the fuel gauge, though, experts suggest paying more attention to tires, those black, rubbery objects that connect vehicles to the road. Yes, the right rubber on the road can save gas in the tank. Read more