BestAdvice Cars

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

Do you often sit in rush hour traffic, engine idling, going nowhere fast? Is your commute taking longer than it used to because of all the other cars on the road? America's urban commuters now waste an entire workweek each year -- some 38 hours -- stuck in traffic, according to a traffic study released late last year by Texas A&M University's Texas Traffic Institute.

Not only is that wasted time you could have spent doing something constructive, it's a major problem for the health of our planet. Idling car engines are a significant contributor to the greenhouse emissions leading to global warming which has become, in the last 15 years or so, a major issue of international proportions. But there are steps commuters can -- and should take -- to reduce their impact on the environment. Read more

With gas prices higher than ever, everyone is looking for a way to squeeze the most miles out of every fill-up. For every common-sense solution you hear, there seems to be two wonder products that claim to produce miraculous mileage figures. We’d love to find a 100-mpg wonder-widget, too. But we haven’t seen anything yet, so while we can’t help your seven-passenger SUV achieve econobox-like mileage numbers, we can offer a few tips to help you squeeze more miles out of every expensive gallon. Give them a try and we bet you'll see a difference. As it turns out, the most amazing fuel economy enhancer ever made is probably holding the steering wheel during your morning commute! Read more

The cost of vehicles and their related repairs are expensive. Although the tips provided in this article will not eliminate such expenses, they will help you to take control of vehicle repairs and thus lower their costs.

We have all seen commercials on TV touting the "great vehicle service" provided by dealer service departments. They know your vehicle better than anyone else, they use original replacement parts, etc. etc ... But at what cost is such great service available? Well, usually at about $75-$95 per hour.

In many instances, vehicle repairs can be completed for substantially lower hourly rates. Many independent garages employ ASE certified and licensed mechanics. These garages generally charge about $40-$50 per hour. Read more

When it comes to car care, one of the most expensive things you can do is get your car professionally detailed. It is a big job to carefully wash, wax, vacuum and condition a car, so professional shops charge hundreds of dollars to get the job done. With the right tools and a little elbow grease, detailing a car is something you can do at home for a fraction of the cost, and a lot less time than you think.

Here's a step-by-step guide to follow: Read more