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Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2015 Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy. Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage: Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage. Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses. An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements. Most auto policies are for six months to a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your pre...

Car Care Articles Get the answers you need from ASE, the industry expert in vehicle repair. The most common question we hear from consumers is, “What do I need to do to take care of my car and avoid big repair bills?” Fortunately, the answer is simple: Establish and follow a regular vehicle maintenance plan. A maintenance plan is essential for protecting your automotive investment and maximizing the reliability and safety of your vehicle. Start with reading your vehicle owner’s manual, where you’ll find the automaker’s recommendations and maintenance schedules based on your driving patterns and habits. Next, you’ll need to find a good repair shop. Whether a shop is connected to a new car dealership, part of a national chain or an independent service provider, the most important thing to look for is whether they have ASE-certified technicians on staff. You’ll also need to know how to communicate properly and effectively to avoid misunderstandings that can incr...

ASE: What's in It for Car Owners ASE Certification Program Helps Take the Guesswork Out of Finding a Good Technician Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With more than 300,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets. Certification Benefits Motorists ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians att...

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today The future is closer than you think. Manufacturers are offering "clean and green" vehicles today. Motorists can now purchase a variety of "super low-emission vehicles," known as SULEVs - from dealers around the country. SULEV gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Honda are selling briskly, and many more offerings are coming. Alternate-fueled vehicles - those that run on natural gas, propane, ethanol or methanol - are also considered clean vehicles and are commercially viable. These alternate fuel vehicles, or AFVs, may be more suitable for car, truck and bus fleets where centralized refueling is available, but they're definitely low on emissions and offer real maintenance and fuel savings. Zero-Emission Vehicles For purists, ZEVs, or zero-emission vehicles, are available on a li...

End of Summer Marks Perfect Time for Car Care Preventative maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather period. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care. First things first Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe. Engine Performance Have engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filtersair, fuel, PCV, etc. Fuel Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in...

Smart Cars, Smarter Technicians Today's vehicles are sophisticated and complex machines. The average car has 6-20 computers that help manage everything from the sunroof to anti-lock braking system (ABS) to the electronically controlled transmission (ECT). And the technicians who service the vehicles need to be technologically savvy like never before. The increasing demand for automotive technicians combined with good salaries make this a career choice that neither students, parents nor guidance counselors should ignore. Alan Cherko, a shop owner in the Los Angeles area, says the potential exists for individuals who work hard at educating and certifying themselves to make "upwards of $80-100,000 per year." Cherko adds that "a willingness to continue education and pursue voluntary on-the-job training" helps put young technicians on the fast track. Students who want to become automotive technicians can usually begin their careers after two years of stu...

Don't Scrimp on Vehicle Maintenance Technician certification organization ASE surveys show a well-maintained vehicle not only lasts longer, it retains more of its resale value. With a sluggish economic recovery and today’s consumers watching their finances carefully, it’s no surprise that the average age of vehicles in the United States is more than 11 years old, according to automotive research firm R.L. Polk and Co. With motorists holding on to their vehicles longer than ever before, maintenance takes an even greater importance in keeping roads — and people — safe. The cost of neglect “It’s tempting to avoid car maintenance in tough economic times, but that’s not a financially sound method to manage the big investment you’ve made in your vehicle,” notes Tony Molla, vice president of communications for the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). “Surveys of our certified technicians show that a well-maintained vehicle lasts longer, retain...

Buyer's Checklist for Inspecting Used Cars By  Anders Abadie The inspection is one of the most important aspects of the car buying experience. The initial inspection gives the potential buyer the opportunity to check both the interior and exterior for problems such as rust, a faulty sound system, or mechanical issues. Although a buyer's personal inspection isn't a substitute for a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic, it is an essential step when purchasing used cars. Before investing in a used vehicle, follow this checklist for inspecting used cars. Examining the Exterior Before you actually get into the vehicle for a test drive, it's best first to examine the exterior for any defects. While minor cosmetic flaws such as small scratches or dents often remain unnoticeable, other blemishes like rust can spread when exposed to air and moisture long-term. When examining the exterior, check for the following problems: - Cracks in the windshield or windows...