You Don't Ever Have To Get Lost Again With New Auto Navigation Systems.

I was checking out a friend's new car a couple weeks ago when I noticed that he had one of those cool auto navigation systems in it. I had seen those things in rental cars before, but hadn't actually known of anyone that had one. I asked him to take me out for a ride so I could see how it worked. Since he wanted to show off his new wheels anyway, he quickly agreed.

I kept my eyes on the auto navigation system the entire time we were on the road. My friend excitedly explained how the thing worked. Apparently, he had purchased a top of the line GPS auto navigation system that tracked the car's position using satellite. I watched the map closely, and sure enough, it was as correct as could be.

I mean, we would pass a landmark out on the side of the road while the on screen map was showing the exact same thing. I asked my friend how easy it was to find new locations using these auto navigation systems. He said all he had to do was type in an address or phone number using the touch screen menu, and the shortest route would appear within seconds.

I decided there and then that I had to check out some auto navigation systems for my own car. When I got home, I immediately logged onto the Internet to do a bit of research. I still didn't know very much about these devices, so I wanted to read a few auto navigation system reviews before spending my money. I wanted to know which brands packed the most features into each unit, which brands had the best prices, and which brands had the most favorable consumer reviews. I was able to find all of this information quickly and easily, which made shopping for an auto navigation system as peacefully as I could have hoped.

After I was satisfied that I knew enough about auto navigation systems to make an informed decision, I went ahead with my purchase. I was even able to find a website that specializes in selling auto navigation systems for much less than the retail price. I got a fantastic deal on the model I wanted, and ended up saving hundreds of pounds.

I've only had my auto navigation system installed for a short time, but it's already helped me out quite a bit. I've been able to avoid traffic, find shorter routes to the places I visit regularly, and save me money by alerting me to alternative exits when I'm driving on tollways. All in all, I can't imagine ever driving without one of these auto navigation systems to guide me when I'm out on the road.

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Winter Outdoor Shopping For Automotive Essentials

Winter can pose many hazards to people that must leave the confines of home and venture out into icy conditions on roadways and into cold weather temperatures that could make shopping almost impossible. To make winter outdoors shopping more bearable, many townspeople will go outdoors shopping for salt spreaders that will keep the roadways near their home free of ice. Some town governments might go winter outdoors shopping and buy snow plows to clear the roadways everywhere.

People that live in areas where snow falls most of the year will get quite accustomed to going winter outdoors shopping even if it is summer or springtime. The items that they are intent on buying are those that will winterize the house and the items that they will be intent on buying are the ones that are designed to keep the warm air inside the home during winter, and ones that keep the cold inside the house during the summer. People will purchase weather stripping to keep drafts out of any room in the house at all times of the year.

People who live in rugged terrain areas need to have certain essentials in the car when they leave the house after a deep snowfall. If the automobile has been outside for a while, there is a good possibility that the electronic jump starter bought on an winter outdoors shopping trip will come in very handy when the automobile owner tries to crank it up and leave the driveway to get more shopping done before the Christmas holiday arrive.

Some winter outdoor shopping trips will be earmarked for buying things that will keep the family warm and safe, should the car break down on an isolated roadway. Some engines might not freeze up if the automobile owner had thought ahead and purchased an engine heater when the car was purchased many years before. Even if the automobile did break down, the heated cushions on the car seats could make things seem quite cozy until help arrives in the knick of time.

The automobile is a great asset to own but some things that are purchased on winter outdoor shopping expeditions will make owning it even more enjoyable. People can find great bargains on ski racks at internet retail sites and have enough money left over to make the ski resort reservations into two rooms or more. The wintertime provides sports enthusiasts with many opportunities to own gear that makes playing in the snow a brand new experience each year.

People that love playing in the snow might use the outdoor shopping sales to buy snowmobiles, snowboards and snow shoes to keep out the chill. Every snowmobile will have its own cover because the winter outdoor sales priced them with great discounts. A recreational vehicle owner might use the sales ads in winter to buy RV covers and a new set of windshield wiper blades. These items are all essential to vehicles be ready for the road when the idea of a ski trip happens one weekend.

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What Level Of Auto Insurance Do You Need?

The level of auto insurance that someone might need depends on the financial circumstances of the individual concerned and the cost of the car involved. Take for example someone who has a brand new £50,000 motor, it would be sheer folly to do anything other than take out one of the best auto insurance policies available and the cost of the auto insurance is likely to be insignificant when considering the overall annual cost of the car.

However, if you have a car that is nearing the end of its life, have a low cost car and previous claims or are a new driver then the cost of the auto insurance versus the benefits you might receive need to be given greater consideration. Comprehensive auto insurance premiums are likely to be disproportionately high for older vehicles, new drivers with low cost autos or drivers with accident history.

Whatever your circumstances you are legally obliged to take out a basic level of auto insurance that will cover you against third party claims and given the level of damages awarded seem to be increasing out of control then my advice would be to get the best possible third party liability auto insurance cover that you can afford.

The legal requirements for auto insurance does vary from state to state so you’ll need to clarify the level of cover you require when taking out auto insurance but only insuring to the legal minimum isn’t necessarily the best choice to make.

If you have a lot of money sunk into your car or your auto is leased then you really should take out comprehensive and collision auto insurance to cover you for things such as fire, theft, acts of god or collisions that are your own fault.

If you live in an area where cars are regularly vandalised you might want to consider comprehensive auto insurance when perhaps you wouldn’t have otherwise done so. The cost of your auto insurance will generally be higher if you live in such an area but that is something you have to weigh up against the cost of repair.

Personal Injury Protection is something that everyone should consider as this element of your auto insurance will cover medical costs associated.

Despite legal requirements some people still persist in driving around without auto insurance leaving the others with a need to insure against the uninsured motorist. Uninsured auto insurance will cover you for damages in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist. Again, insurance that everyone should give serious consideration to given an auto accident could leave you unable to work or your family without any means to earn.

If you want a more comprehensive auto insurance policy but want to limit the cost then you could look at opting for a higher level of deductibles. Deductibles are the amount you would have to pay before you could make a claim against your auto insurance policy and generally, the higher level you agree to the lower your auto insurance premiums.

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The Six Worst Things When Getting An Auto Loan For Bad Credit.

(1) Purchasing the wrong auto. As mentioned earlier it's important to meet your needs and not your wants. Pick an auto that fits with your budget and daily lifestyle. If you drive a great distance everyday then you'll want to choose a car that is more comfortable for long distance travel or is more economical in terms of gas mileage. If you have kids it may not be a good idea to pick a sports car.

(2) Showing your emotions in the showroom with the dealer or manager. Emotions cloud our judgment and the dealers know it. Auto dealers take full advantage of this when they see a potential client dreamy eyed and salivating over their fantasy car. Once they know this they will be much less willing to negotiate on price or terms. You'll also be more likely to accept a bad deal if your emotional. In most states they have a three day "cooling off" period where you can take the car back if you want too. (For this exact reason!)

(3) Choosing a dealer by a specific limited location: Not all dealers are the same. Dealers have what’s called a CSI which is their Customer Satisfaction Index. These indexes vary from dealer to dealer and could be a good indication of the kind of service you can expect from them. You should probably also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against the dealership or the manager of the dealership.

(4)Talking about your possible trade in too soon: Don't mention your trade in until the final price has been firmly set. If you prematurely mention that you are going to trade in your existing vehicle you may find yourself playing their favorite trade-in game. If you do decide to trade in your car make sure that you have it clean to give them the impression that you value your car. If you bring it in dirty then they will have the impression that you do not value your car and want to reduce the trade in value.

(5)Going it alone unprepared. If your not mentally prepared for the negotiating process then you may want to consider an auto brokering service which gives members special pricing through authorized dealers. This definitely eliminates the hassle of the negotiation process.

(6)False sense that the deal has been over and done with. Dealers may think you've completed the deal when they come back and charge you for more stuff like dealer preparation charge, undercarriage treatments, delivery charges etc.. Make sure you have all of the upfront information before you make the final deal.

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The Mysterious World Of Auto Leasing

Auto leasing and the marketing thereof have been somewhat under the radar the past few years due to very low interest rates offered up by lending institutions. For most, the allure of leasing a car has been the advantage of lower monthly payments. With the low financing rates, this advantage has been shifted to traditional financing.

The world of car leasing has a long history of being somewhat less than straightforward. Even now one can find some pretty good deals out there, but the financial process around leasing a car can still be more than a bit confusing. And it’s this confusion that can leave you with a less than warm and fuzzy feeling after your leasing transaction is all said and done.

So, in an effort to avoid or mitigate the confusion when it comes to auto leasing, let’s take a look at some basics.

In auto leasing you are only paying for (in the form of monthly payments) the portion of the car that you use over the life of the lease (the part you use is how much the car depreciates). As part of your monthly payments, you’ll also be paying sales tax and finance charges.

Yes, finance or interest charges. In car leasing vernacular this is known as the ‘money factor’.

What determines how much of the car you will use is the car’s residual value. The residual value is a predetermined number as to what the market value of the car will be at the end of the lease.

For example – if a £20,000 car has a residual value of £11,000 at the end of your 36 month lease – this means that you will have used £9,000 of this car; so your monthly payments will be based on £9,000 over 36 months. As you can see, the better a car holds its residual value or the higher that value is... the more favorable your monthly payments will be.

More often than not the money that you will need to come up with up front is your first monthly payment and a security deposit. Of course, you are more than welcome to put more money down (cap cost reduction) just like when purchasing a car; if you want to lower your monthly payments even more.

The cap cost or capitalization cost is another name for the price of the car you’re looking at. And, just like purchasing, you can and should negotiate the price or in this case the cap cost of the car. In fact, I wouldn’t even disclose the fact that you’re considering leasing until you’ve negotiated and agreed on an actual selling price of the car you’re looking at.

As you see, doing your homework is every bit just as important as and probably more so than when you are actually purchasing the car. Negotiating and leasing a car based solely on achieving a monthly payment is probably the number one reason consumers get stuck paying too much.

Cap cost reduction is almost always negotiable. If a dealer tells you that it is not or unwilling to do so… they are plenty of other vehicles and dealers that offer and will.

We touched on the ‘money factor’ which is the leasing equivalent of the interest rate. Are you getting the best possible ‘money factor’? Just like the purchasing side, the dealer can add points to a money factor just like they can to an interest rate in order to maximize their profit. This is why it is extremely important for you to know your credit score and at what interest rate you qualify for before you even set foot in a dealership or you could really get … well … made love to.

Many factory warranties on vehicles run for 36 months. This is a good reason not to be looking at leasing a car for longer than the factory warranty. In addition, once you get out past 36 months on a car lease, you rapidly start losing the advantage of the residual value since most depreciation occurs early on.

Lastly… well, maybe not lastly when it comes to leasing but lastly within the scope of this article; if you have good credit, or perhaps have been a good or repeat customer, ask the dealer to waive the security deposit andor the acquisition fee. First of all, they won’t if you don’t ask; and secondly this is certainly a fair request as part of the negotiating process. Worst case they say no. Best case... you save some more of your hard earned money.

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The Classic Automotive Product The Ford Model A Motor Auto

Creating a replacement for the phenomenally successful; Model T Ford will always be recognized as one of the toughest tasks in all the entire history of the automobile industry.  Later successes in an established industry are always easier – the groundwork has been done.  It is early on in the marketing cycle of a car , an industry or a sales territory  is where  the greatest efforts are usually required and the results success or failure are more dramatic.   Mr. Henry Ford was confident and eccentric enough to want the Tin Lizzie to remain in production forever.  Announced in 1908, the machine that put the world on wheels was destined to notch up just over 15 million sales before Mr. Ford accepted the fact a new model was vital and essential.

     “Sixty-four today and the biggest job of my life is ahead”  Ford exclaimed as work began on the Model A,  which was given the designation as the first car ever produced by his company , back in 1903.  Believe it or not Ford Model T production ended nearly six months before the first of the newcomers was delivered : the hiatus appearing all the more extraordinary when you appreciate was then a one model automotive car company.  In terms of cars for sale; the immense River Rouge plant built nothing for the almost a half of 1928.

      Although far more complex than its predecessor , the parts count was 40 % higher, and most of these automotive  components were new -  the Model A is a miracle of simplicity by today’s modern standards – mechanical and of course electronic.  Today’s vintage classic car fans appreciate the fact the Model A was designed to be fixed by blacksmiths of what was then the outback wilds of North Dakota.  Key features of the Model A vehicle included a traditional frame-type suspension, transverse leaf springs, front and rear hydraulic dampers, a conventional ignition system, a safety-glass windshield, and a brake for each wheel.  Like the Tin Lizzie, the newcomer was offered with an assortment of two door and door bodies, from a roadster and phaeton to sedan and taxi.  Prices started at £ 460 in 1928.

       It has been said about driving a Ford Model T that the driver should forget almost everything that they know about and are familiar with driving.  For a driver sitting at the wheel of a Model T it is as if he is a driving novice.  The only thing rather conventional about the setup for driving a Model T is the steering wheel.  Not so with a Ford Model A.  Anyone who can handle a standard manual transmission with proficiency need have no qualms about driving the Model A.  The 3.3 liter engine’s four cylinders provide strong torque at very low engine revs, so there is no need to work up on down the three speed transmission.  When one does, the shift’s silent simplicity will make you wonder why a vintage Bentley’s “cogs” can be so difficult to master.

       The Ford Model A can maintain a cruising speed of 50 miles and hour with top bursts to a maximum of 65 miles per hour.  This is all the more amazing when one considers that the engine is a 40 horsepower 4 cylinder engine running at 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm).
       
          The Model A was remarkable in that it set a new standard with high quality that provided  a rugged , more than reliable and characterful motoring , in an economical fashion all in return for more than  a sensible amount for purchase price of an automotive product of its time from the market leader of its day  - The Ford Motor Company.

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Statistics - Auto Safety

Statistical Facts:

• Rollover crashes kill one of every four people who die in automobile accidents (1).

• Rollovers tend to occur when a vehicle runs off a road and turns over at least on its side (1).

• Sport-utility vehicles account for 17 of the 20 vehicles with the greatest risk of rollover (1).

• Three SUVs, the Chevrolet Tracker, the Suzuki Vitara and the Toyota RAV4 are most likely to roll over in more than four of every 10 accidents (1).

• The least likely SUV to roll over is the Ford Excursion (1).

• The vehicles that are least likely to turn over are the Bentley and Rolls-Royce, possessing a 1% chance of rolling over in accidents (1).

• Minivans can be expected to roll over 10% to 17.9% of the time in an accident (1).

• The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has the greatest chance of roll over out of SUVs in a single vehicle crash at 34%. The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-DR and the 2005 GMC Yukon 4-DR have a 28% chance of rollover in a single vehicle crash (2).

• The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica 4-DR wSAB and the 2005 Ford Freestyle 5-DR have the smallest chance of rollover out of SUVs in a single vehicle crash at 13% (2).

• The 2005 Ford Ranger 2-Dr, the 2005 Ford Ranger

Extended Cab, the 2005 Mazda B-Series Extended Cab and the 2005 Mazda B-Series 2-DR have the greatest chance of rollover out of pickups in a single vehicle crash at 30% (2).

• The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2-DR, the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 4-DR, the 2005 GMC Sierra 2-DR, and the 2005 GMC Sierra 4-Dr have the smallest chance of rollover out of pickups in a single vehicle crash at 15% (2).

• The 2005 Ford E-150 has the greatest chance of rollover out of vans in a single vehicle crash at 29% (2).

• The 2005 Nissan Quest Van w SAB has the smallest chance of rollover out of vans in a single vehicle crash at 12% (2).

• The 2005 Pontiac Vibe 4-DR, the 2005 Subaru Forester 4-DR wSAB, the 2005 Toyota Matrix 4-DR, and the 2005 Toyota Scion xA 4-DR Hatchback have the greatest chance of rollover out of passenger cars in a single vehicle crash at 15% (2).

• The 2005 Mazda MiataMx-5 Convertible and the 2005 Mazda RX-8 4-DR wSAB have the smallest chance of rollover out of passenger cars in a single vehicle crash at 7% (2).

• There are nearly 2 million injury-causing automobile crashes each year (3).

• The majority of injury-causing automobile crashes are either frontal or side crashes (3).

• More than 10,000 people die each year in rollover crashes (3).

• Safety belts can reduce the chance of being killed in a rollover by 75 percent (3).

• The purpose of safety belts is to keep a person inside of a vehicle and reduce the risk of hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield (3).

• The Anti-lock Brake System prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking, enabling the driver to have greater steering control (3).

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps allow drivers to control their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers (3).

• A tire is severely underinflated if its pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure (3).

• Frontal air bags do not eliminate the need for safety belts and typically do not offer protection for rollovers, side-impact, or rear-end crashes (3).

• More than 5,000 people are killed each year in large truck-related crashes (4).

• More than 110,000 people are injured in large truck-related crashes each year (4).

• Fatalities among motorcycle riders have increased by more than 89% since 1997 (5).

• Motorcyclists are about 21 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and four times as likely to be injured (5).

• Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries for motorcycle riders (5).

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all Americans ages two to 33 (6).

• 117 people are killed daily in motor vehicle crashes (6).

• Over 500 children under the age of four, 487 children between the ages of four to seven and more than 1,600 children ages eight to fifteen were killed in motor vehicle crashes (6).

• Occupant rollover deaths accounted for 10,553 fatalities in 2006 (6).

• SUV rollover deaths increased by nearly ten percent between 2005 and 2006 (6).

• Motorcycle deaths have increased by 89% since 1997 and by 8% since 2005 (6).

• More than half of those killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2004 were not protected by a seat belt (6).

• Motor vehicle crashes cost an estimated £230 billion annually in property and productivity loss, medical and emergency bills and other related costs (6).

• Every American effectively pays a crash tax of £792 each year to cover the cost of motor vehicle crashes (6).

• Seat belts are credited with preventing 11,900 deaths and 325,00 serious injuries annually (6).

• 55% of passengers who were killed in automobile accidents were not wearing seat belts (6).

• The use of belt-positioning booster seats lowers the risk of injury to children in crashes by 59% compared to the use of vehicle seat belts (6).

• In over 5,000 child passenger deaths more than 60% of the children who were killed were riding in the car driven by an impaired driver (6).


Cited Sources:

1. Stoller, Gary (2000). Formula Predicts Rollover Risk. Retrieved on May 18, 2006 from http:www.autosafety.orgarticle.php?did=779&scid=175

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2005). Model Year 2005 Rollover Ratings. Retrieved May 18, 2006 from http:www.nhtsa.dot.govcarstestingNCAPRollRatings2.cfm

3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2006). Buying a Safer Car. Retrieved on May 18, 2006 from http:www.nhtsa.dot.govcarstestingNCAPBASC2006index.htm

4. Public Citizen. (February 2006). Trucker Hours-of-Service Rule Creates Hazard, Allows Drivers on Road for Too Many Hours, Safety Groups and Teamsters Tell Court. Retrieved on May 18, 2006 from http:www.saferoads.orgpresspress2006HOSpressrelease022706.pdf

5. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. (2005). Fact Sheet: Motorcycle Helmets. Retrieved on May 18, 2006 from http:www.saferoads.orgissuesfs-helmets.htm

6. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. (2006). 2006 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws. Retrieved on May 18, 2006 from http:www.saferoads.orgRoadmap2006.pdf

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Learn More About Auto Insurance Facts

With so many choices currently available in the auto insurance market, it can be quite difficult to know which products to choose. Understanding some basic facts about the insurance market can help you to make informed decisions. Following are five facts that you need to know about the auto insurance market.

1) Premium Plan - Is it worthwhile? It is now possible to purchase a deluxe insurance package that includes new car replacement and accident forgiveness among other services. You will pay heavily for these add-ons, so be sure that you understand exactly what you are getting. You may be able to get similar benefits without purchasing the premium insurance.

2) Shared Market versus Nonstandard Market - Drivers with below average driving records should shop extremely carefully for auto insurance. Shared market insurance companies are regular insurance companies that share the risk of poor drivers. Consequently, their rates are rather high. A new entrant to the auto insurance business is the Nonstandard market. This market consists of a series of specialty companies that exist solely to insure nonstandard drivers and competition keeps their rates somewhat lower.

3) Most and Least Expensive Cities in America for Auto Insurance in 2006 - The least expensive city in America was Roanoke, VA. There the average annual premium was only £912. The most expensive was Detroit, with an average of over £5,800. While you cannot plan a move based on insurance prices, knowing the insurance market as well as other cost of living concerns can help you decide between two comparable cities.

4) Downtown is the most expensive - As you may already know, auto insurance rates are always higher in cities than they are in small towns and suburbs. What you may not know, however, is that even within a city your zip code matters. Simply choosing a home in a more residential portion of the city rather than downtown may save you hundreds of pounds.

5) Purchasing auto insurance is a numbers game - It is entirely possible that you will pay for auto insurance for years and never need to use the policy. However, it is equally possible that you will need your insurance as soon as you drive off the lot. You cannot predict all things that could theoretically happen to your vehicle. Hence the necessity of playing the numbers game. Look over your budget and think through what would happen if you had an accident. Also determine how much you can realistically spend each month. Then shop around to get the best insurance for the money you can afford to spend. Be sure to consider varying deductibles.

There are so many options available in today’s auto insurance market that it would be quite time consuming if not utterly impossible to make the “perfect” choice. However, understanding the market and the variables over which you have control will assist you in making a smart decision. Take the time to consider your options and you will find auto insurance that works well for you.

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Is It Time To Reconsider Your Automotive Insurance Policy?

Americans are a busy group of people, and once we take care of something, such as purchasing automotive insurance, we tend to forget about it and move on to the next task. However, purchasing an automotive insurance policy only to neglect it could end up costing you more money in the long run, or even leaving you unprotected. There are times in our lives when we need to stop and evaluate our current automotive insurance policies.

Reconsider your automotive insurance policy when you get married. When two people get married, they can get an automotive insurance policy together, thus spending less money and possibly even getting additional discounts.

Reconsider your automotive insurance policy if you purchase a new car. If you’ve borrowed money from a lender to purchase your new car, chances are your lender will require you to purchase full coverage insurance. Even if your lender doesn’t, your state most likely will. If your automotive insurance policy only covers liability because you own one of your cars, or the car you traded in, you need to increase the coverage of your automotive insurance policy.

Reconsider your automotive insurance policy if you relocate. If you currently live in a quaint little country town that sees very little wrongdoing aside from the occasional cow-tipping, you probably don’t have a very high amount of automotive insurance. However, if you’re moving to a larger city with a higher crime rate, your car will be more at risk and you should make sure you add the extra coverage.

Reconsider your automotive insurance policy if you’re getting on in years. Most insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who are a certain age – usually 55 years old. If this is you, give your agent a call and find out about discounts you may qualify for.

Remember, certain tasks are worth completing and forgetting. Taking out the trash is one of them; purchasing automotive insurance is not.

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Here Is A Method That Is Helping Automobile Enthusiasts Connect With The World

For decades we have seen the national auto shows, where the major manufacturers roll out their new models and a few flashy "prototypes" that will never see an assembly line. Then there are the rod and custom shows, populated thirty years ago by twenty- and thirty-somethings and filled these days with middle aged and older auto enthusiasts who still love classic American cars, both stock and in all the different permutations of customization they have gone through over the years.

And of course there's the Concourse D'Elegance crowd, oohing and aahing at priceless Ferraris from the fifties and sixties as well as the older exotics such as Packards and, going even further back, Hispano-Suizas and Auburns.

For those who lived American Graffiti and those who live for the foreign classics, if you're involved at all in building, maintaining or participating in the fellowship that has built around classics and exotics, you should consider utilizing a website.

First of all, it's a great way to show off your car or cars, whatever you've got in the garage that is carefully driven once a week and towed, gleaming, to car shows. Secondly, it's a communications device for like-minded collectors or builders that may be interested in your specialty - whether old Corvettes or sixties Alfa Romeos. There are current web sites for national and regional organizations as well as a number of sites that specialize as classified advertising for scarce auto parts.

A personal site, however, is going to give you a far different type of interaction with your fellow wrench addicts. Instead of searching impersonal national websites for parts or people with similar interests, you can use your site to bring them to you. Proper use of keywords and perhaps a classified ad or two online will bring potential contacts to you personally, and there they will find a site with photos of your car(s), your shop and a little history about your involvement.

You don't have to find contacts like that at shows or in pulp publications for parts and project cars. A properly designed site for a car enthusiast that elaborates on his area of interest and the history of his cars will give that person a potentially national social role in the company of his peers, just as the kids are using MySpace to communicate.

You can advertise for parts, show vehicles for sale - with unlimited photos and videos, if you wish - and put the word out for a car you might be seeking for your next project. This approach will also limit your needs for entering ads in national locations. All you need to do is mention "55 Chevy for sale at www.old55.com" or whatever your site address is, and the interested parties will come to you. No more details listed in long paragraphs done in tiny print - and no more photos of your car on a page or in a lineup of dozens of other vehicles.

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Hartford Auto Insurance Company Is A Financial Giant Time To Switch?

The Hartford Auto Insurance programs offer competitive rates, high-quality coverages and benefits that are more than just a promise - they guarantee it. Wow, now that's some statement.

Lets see why millions of drivers are insured with The Hartford.

Combined Auto and Homeowners Discount
If you insure both your auto and homeowners coverage, you could save as much as 15% off the premiums for both policies.

Passive Restraints Discount
Is your car is equipped with automatic safety belts andor air bags? If so, The Hartford can save you up to 30% off your medical andor personal injury coverage.

Renewal Discount
The Hartford offers renewal discounts as a special thank-you for your business. Once your insured with them you'll be eligible to receive this additional discount.

Multi-car Discount
More than one car? You can receive a discount of up to 25% on each car when you insure them with Hartford Auto Insurance Company.

Anti-theft Devices Discount
Do you have car alarms and other anti-theft devices in your car? If you do Hartford Auto Insurance can save you up to 15% off the cost of comprehensive coverage.

Do you park your vehicle in a garage?
Vehicles parked inside garages are not so probable to be stolen and struck by additional vehicles. Owning a garage to park your automobile may give you a slight cost discount.

Other Credits Offered
Depending which state you reside, other credits may be available such as discounts for anti-lock brakes, defensive driving course credits, and more.

AARP Auto Insurance Program
Are you 50+ years?  Can you afford £12.50yr membership fee? Well, AARP offers member discounts for auto insurance through The Hartford. These are benefits and services designed exclusively for members and their changing needs.

You want your auto insurance company there for you when you need them the most, so it's important to know that The Hartford is a long established company that was founded in 1810 and is recognized for its financial strength, superior track record and excellent customer service.

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Economical And Affordable Green Automotive Technology

Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging £3000 to £7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.

These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.

Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.

Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at £3gallon.

The CVT’s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have “the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.”

Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ‘shift shock’ or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ‘gear hunting’ or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.

You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.

The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800’s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950’s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.

So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).

Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.

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Consumer Perception: The Rise Of Market Research In The Automotive Industry

Knowing your target market can be a company's key to success in modern business. Niche marketing, particularly with the availability of much more targeted advertisement using television commercials and online ads, is growing in popularity because of its high-yielding results.

With car companies putting out commercials and ads specifically targeting groups of consumers, like women, young people, parents with small children, and even successful CEOs, does anyone wonder where
they're getting their information? The answer: market research firms. The business of capturing information about segments of the consumer population has become a business in and of itself – and a big one at that.

For example, let's start looking back at 2005 when Harris Interactive – the 15th largest marked research firm in the world – conducted a study to find out what automotive brands people felt were not only the most technologically savvy, but also which brands were perceived to be driven by socialites. Six brands made both lists: Volvo, Jaguar, BMW, Lexus, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu.

While the results are no surprise to the first four on the list, Mitsubishi and Isuzu have never actively tried to position themselves in either market. Currently, Isuzu offers four models to U.S.

consumers – its high-performance SUV "Ascender" – and three pickup trucks: the i-290 Extended Cab, the i-370 Crew Cab, and the i-370 Extended Cab. One wouldn't necessarily assume that when the majority of your line are pickups – traditionally marketed to Middle America for their rugged hauling and towing capacities – that you'd be perceived as a company known for progressive technology and appealing to socialites. But, in all honesty, that should be no surprise either.

Isuzu's recent upgrades, like the i-370's Crew Cab Comfort Package proves that Isuzu drivers appreciate luxury as much as anyone else.

It includes high-back 8-way power driver seats (and 6-way power seats for the front passenger) with lumbar support and integrated adjustable head restraints. The driver window controls are one-touch automatic and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. In addition to the CFC-free refrigerant air conditioning and an AMFM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, it offers a state-of-the-art 6-speaker audio system.

The i-370 also excels when it comes to desired safety features. The pickup boasts an automatic front-passenger airbag suppression system, power locks, remote keyless entry, and a content theft-deterrent alarm system. The interior is available in cloth or leather.

With ten exterior paint options to choose from like Deep Crimson Metallic and Pacific Blue, the pickup looks like it should sport a much higher price tag. It's truly and impressive looking vehicle.

Driving the i-370 is bound to prove that this ain't your grandfather's pickup. All that power handles as beautifully as many luxury cars handle thanks to a hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion power steering system , triple door seals to block road noise, and Isuzu's own Electronic Traction Control.

So with all this, it's no real surprise that Isuzu ranked right up there with legacies of luxury like BMW and Lexus. In an effort to design the best possible product for their buyers, they ultimately opened the door to markets they weren't specifically aiming for. But that just goes to show you that comfort, performance, and style appeal to everyone.

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Cheap Auto Insurance - 10 Crucial Tips For Traveling Teens And Petrified Parents

Cheap auto insurance can cost you a bundle if you don't keep a few crucial tips in mind. You have to do your homework to ensure that you understand the fine print - especially if you have a teenager on the verge of discovering the joys and freedom of driving. You don't want to discover too late that your cheap auto insurance policy doesn't provide coverage for a young driver...

It is an unfortunate fact that teenagers cause a spike in claim rates. Research has shown their accident rate to be up to ten times as high as that of older, more experienced drivers. This high risk group has a direct effect on quotes. The premium can almost double in some instances. Fortunately there are ways to soften the blow as far as your cheap auto insurance package is concerned.

1. Type Of Vehicle: While choosing a low risk vehicle for your teen may have you out of the running as far as the popularity contest is concerned, it will affect your insurance quote significantly. Companies frown on an   expensive, fast sports car with a teenager behind the wheel. Don't dangle temptation in front of your teen. Choose that older, heavier car and you will qualify for a much lower premium, as well as a measure of peace of mind. Get a list of the no-go wheels from your insurer.

2. Driving History: Try to get your teen to understand that their driving history is just as important as their credit history. Avoiding a black mark in any shape or form is vital. Don't claim for small mishaps. Tickets for speeding are a no-no.

Passing a course at a reputable driving school will also enable your carrier to see the teen as less of a risk. Why not join your child in a Defensive Driver Program, in order to qualify for a cheap auto insurance discount? This will equip both of you to cut the risk of rear-end crashes, while teaching you and your teen to use emergency brake procedures correctly, to use safe following distances, and to drive safely in foul weather.

Expecting your teen carry his or her share of the coverage is a great way to create a careful driver and teach responsibility.

3. Avoid Distractions: Teach your teen to concentrate on driving and driving alone when in the car. No distractions are allowed. No cell phone calls. No fooling around with passengers. In fact, putting restrictions on carrying passengers during the first year or so of driving is probably sensible and can help to get you cheap auto insurance. In some states teens are now barred from carrying more than one passenger. It has been proven that having three or more passengers makes the driver up to three times as likely to be involved in an accident. The new laws also prohibit driving during the dangerous late night and early morning period. This already seems to have a beneficial effect on premiums.

4. Seat Belt Safety: Seat belt use is without question one of the most vital aspects of driving. Your teen must know that his wheels will be confiscated if he ever drives without wearing a seat belt. This also applies to passengers. By signing a seat belt wearing undertaking, you may increase your chances of landing cheap auto insurance.

5. You Are The Role Model: Remember that you are your teen's role model when it comes to driving. If you don't stick to the rules, you can't expect your kids to do so. Your example over the years will play an important role in the way they approach their own driving later on.

6. Change Driver Status: Your teen may qualify to be an occasional driver, which will draw a lower premium. At first it will also be less expensive to have teens covered under your personal protection plan. They can change to their own plan later on, once they have established some sort of record.

7. Liability Coverage: Never, ever try to save on liability coverage when taking out cheap auto insurance. This is absolutely vital. If at all possible get a comprehensive umbrella policy. This will give you a huge cushion in case of a serious accident. It is astonishing how costs can add up if such an unfortunate incident occurs.

8. Get Good Grades: A number of companies allow generous discounts of up to 25% for good grades! Make a B average or higher a provision for allowing your teen on the road.

9. Company Car: If you have your own business, your teen may be able to use the company car without you
being slapped with a higher premium. Investigate this possibility.

10. Carry-Over From Your Teen: An important fact that is often overlooked is that your teen's carelessness or risky behavior may bump you into the high risk category with sky-high premiums! Your kid has to understand that his or her driving record is serious business, likely to affect the whole family. If not handled with responsibility, it may void your chances of ever getting cheap auto insurance.

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Bad Credit Rating High Auto Insurance There Is No Appeal

Believe it or not whether you pay your bills on time can make a hefty difference in your car insurance premiums.

The adage of an experienced home contractor was that “If the yard is neat you will have no trouble being paid. If the yard is messy then you will have trouble being paid for the home repair job.

It seemed in this case that a neat lawn showed an organized person who could asses priorities and follow through with projects. A messy lawn’s inference was that if the person could not take of their lawn - the same in most cases would be true of their finances and their ability to take care of the money – including paying bills – whether it was for the contractor, a mortgage or car payments or even home or income taxes.

Car insurance premiums are assessed in the same way by auto insurance companies. In the majority of states in the United States and in the provinces of Canada a key factor. taken into account. In the algorithm of the calculation of a motorist’s auto insurance premium is the individual’s credit rating and credit history. It is estimated that up to 90 % of vehicle insurance firms use credit ratings as a standard factor in the determination of the premium rates assessed on individual motorists and the other vehicles in the families fleet of vehicles – whether they be car , truck , can or SUV.

Amazingly there are laws to provide the individual with their credit rating, credit rating and history – as long as the individual asks for it, in the steps required by law. And the credit reporting agency.

Forewarned and informed and individual can take corrective action on credit problems – whether they be missed payments or debts. As well an informed consumer is the know to identify and proceed to correct mistakes in their credit history. Not so with a motorist’s auto insurance vehicle risk score. Not only will they not know that they are being dinged for a poor auto insurance risk score, because of a poor credit history so that their premiums will be much higher than they need be, but once a high premium rate is assessed it may stay in place for many years to come – on not one but a number of vehicles.In addition it is as if the insurance industry reporting system has tentacles in the insurance industry. Should you go to for a quote to a competitive auto insurance firm your poor credit rating has been attached already to your auto insurance risk calculations. Most likely you will find that you will have the same high assessed insurance premiums whoever you go to get a quote. There is no appeal process for this.

What is the message? First of all pay your bills on time. Whether you are irresponsible, disorganized or downright dishonest you should appreciate the fact that your credit rating is more than important to you. Sure you may think that there is nothing wrong in missing a payment – for a charge card, a bank loan or a home mortgage. The higher premiums that you may receive for your auto insurance are just one example that it does matter. On top of that bad business procedures and tactics on your part, on a business long ago dissolved may still sit on your credit history as unresolved debts and liens. You may even be named on such a financial document even though you left a company long ago and are not even employed by them. Check your credit rating for credit problems, that can be resolved and also for downright mistakes and inaccuracies on your credit history. It never hurts to be thorough and it never hurts to pay cash.

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Commercial Auto Insurance For Your Business

Commercial vehicle insurance is needed to cover the cars, trucks, and vans used in conducting your business. Large fleets, as well as small businesses, should be properly covered by a commercial auto insurance policy.

What is commercial vehicle insurance?

Commercial Vehicle Insurance is a policy of physical damage and liability coverages for amounts, situations, and usage not covered by a personal auto policy. Seems obvious, doesn't it? But, seriously, knowing the difference between a personal auto insurance policy and a commercial auto policy (and when you need which) is important business—for your business. This type of business insurance covers a variety of vehicles. You may also have heard of this coverage referred to as commercial auto insurance, commercial car insurance, truck insurance, or fleet insurance.

Why do you need commercial vehicle insurance?

That's a good question. Certain business usage and vehicle types may be excluded from personal policies. Why? Since personal auto policies were not meant for businesses, they are written and rated differently. More important to you—a business owner or manager—businesses often need the particular coverages found in a commercial auto insurance policy.

Determining whether your situation requires commercial auto coverage can still be confusing. Here's a little more information and examples of when you need commercial insurance.

What does commercial vehicle insurance cover?

Commercial vehicle insurance, like your personal auto policy, provides similar coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments (or personal injury protection) and uninsured motorist coverage. However, there are also differences between a commercial auto insurance policy and your personal auto policy that may include eligibility, definitions, coverages, exclusions, and limits.

What are the coverages?

• Bodily injury liability coverage – pays for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and in most cases provides you with a legal defense.
• Property damage liability coverage – provides you with protection if your vehicle accidently damages another person's property and in most cases provides you with a legal defense.
• Combined single limit (CSL) – Liability policies typically offer separate limits that apply to bodily injury claims for property damage. A combined single limits policy has the same dollar amount of coverage per covered occurrence whether bodily injury or property damage, one person or several.
• Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury coverage – usually pays for the medical expenses of the driver and passengers in your vehicle incurred as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.
• Uninsured motorist coverage – pays for your injuries and, in some circumstances, certain property damage caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, underinsured motorist coverage is also included. This is for cases in which the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.
• Comprehensive physical damage coverage – pays for damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, flood, fire, and other covered perils.
• Collision coverage – pays for damage to your vehicle when it hits or is hit by another object.

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What is car insurance? Learn About Auto Coverages

Auto accidents can happen, even to the best of us. An auto insurance policy can help cover repairs to your vehicle and medical costs in the event of an accident. Think of it as your firewall against economic disaster should you be found at fault for property damage or injuries to other people.

Have you ever compared auto insurance rates with a friend or a family member only to discover your premiums are different? Check out this video on how auto insurance rates are determined.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance

We admit it. Auto insurance isn't the easiest thing to comprehend. You may feel like you need a PhD, the Rosetta Stone, and Sherlock Holmes to de-code all of the language about your auto insurance coverages.

Really, though, it's not that complicated. Here's a quick overview that will have you understanding auto insurance so well, you may just want to read your policy for fun! (OK-maybe not.)

What are the coverages?

1. Bodily injury liability provides protection if you injure or kill someone while operating your car. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you.
   In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets.
   Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore, it's a good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars.
2. Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection coverage usually pays for the medical expenses of the injured driver and passengers in your car. There may also be coverage if you are injured by a vehicle as a pedestrian.
3. Uninsured motorists coverage pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver or, in some states, a hit-and-run driver. In some states, there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle.
   Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance.
4. Comprehensive physical damage coverage pays for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire or animals. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket.
5. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object.
   To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car.
6. Property damage liability protects you if your car damages someone else's property. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object.

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Colorado Registration Information

The Centennial State

Moving to Colorado? Register your vehicle.

If you have recently moved to Colorado, you must apply for a Colorado title and registration for your vehicle within 30 days from establishing Colorado residency. You will need to apply in the County Motor Vehicle Office in the county where you reside.

The following documents are required:

• Your out-of-state title, or current out-of-state registration.
• If you live in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Pitkin or Weld counties, you must show proof of a Colorado vehicle emissions test.
• A vehicle identification verification form (DR 2087) completed by a law enforcement officer, a licensed Colorado motor vehicle dealer or a licensed Colorado emissions testing station.
• A current and accurate odometer reading.
• Proof of vehicle insurance coverage (insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on the company's letterhead paper).
• If a lien exists on an out-of-state title, the lienholder's name and address must be provided if not shown on the out-of-state title or registration.

Once you arrive at the county Motor Vehicle office, you will need to pay the title and registration fees.

Your Colorado title will be mailed to you if there are no liens filed against the vehicle. If there is a lien, the title will be mailed to the lienholder. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

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Denver Car Insurance

Denver Car Insurance—Knowing More

Unlike many other metropolitan areas, residents of Denver are very car-dependent. Nearly 80% of Denver workers either drive or carpool with others to work. With all those vehicles out on the road every day, it's important to make sure you and your vehicles are covered by a dependable car insurance company. And even though you may live in the Mile-High City, it doesn't mean your car insurance rates have to be sky-high. See how much you could save on quality car insurance with GEICO by starting your Denver auto insurance quote today.

Finding Your Way Around Denver

While most of Denver's street grid is oriented north-south and east-west, the oldest parts of Denver—including much of the downtown area and the neighborhoods of Auraria Campus and Lower Downtown (LoDo)—were designed in a grid oriented diagonally (northeast-southwest, northwest-southeast). The NW-SE streets are numbered; the NE-SW streets are named.

While this diagonal design can be a bit disorienting to drive in, it is actually ideal for melting snow. In the diagonal grid, NW-SE streets get direct sunlight in the morning, and NE-SW streets get it in the afternoon. In the normal N-S, E-W street grid, only the N-S streets get direct sunlight.

The 17th street district is home to many of Denver's large corporate buildings, including Republic Plaza, the tallest building in Colorado at 714 feet, located at 370 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202.

Two major interstates cross through the Denver Metro Area: I-70 and I-25. Interstate 25 runs north-south, while Interstate 70 runs east-west. Most of the major thoroughfares in Denver intersect one or both of these interstates. Denver also has an almost-complete beltway, better known as "the 470's," which consists of SH-470 (also known as C-470) in the southwest, E-470 (southeast to northeast), and Northwest Parkway.

Denver Bicycle Laws: Share the Road

While you're driving in Denver, keep in mind that it is a very bicycle-friendly city. Bicycles are allowed on almost all Denver streets. Many of Denver's streets have designated bicycle lanes, so many Denver residents bike to work. There are also over 850 miles of paved bike paths through Denver's parks and along its bodies of water, such as the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. The Denver bicycle sharing program, B-Cycle, is one of the largest in the United States.

According to Denver's Municipal Code, bicycles are considered vehicles. Cyclists have equal right to the road and must obey the same rules of the road that vehicles do. But rules alone don't prevent accidents. Whenever you're driving in Denver, watch out for bicyclists and treat them as you would any other vehicle. By law, motorists must follow at a safe distance and allow for at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle.

Denver Curfew Law

The City of Denver has a strict curfew law which restricts residents and visitors under age 18 from being "in any public place or on the premises of any establishment during curfew hours" (Sunday through Thursday, 11 pm–5 am; Friday and Saturday, midnight–5 am).

More about Colorado Car Insurance

Need to know about Colorado required insurance coverages? How about Colorado's teen driving laws and graduated licensing program? Take a look at our Colorado auto insurance page for important info that will help you make the right choices about buying car insurance.

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Colorado Car Insurance

Colorado Car Insurance—Before You Start Driving Here

Whether you're hitting the slopes or heading to the office, make sure you have valid Colorado car insurance when you drive in the Centennial State. Drivers who fail to show proof of insurance can face penalties upwards of $500, points added to their driving record, and in some cases suspended licenses and community service hours. Drivers are also required to show proof of insurance to the Colorado Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order to register vehicles. If you need car insurance or want to switch companies, you can get Colorado car insurance quotes online.

Ski Rack Requirements In Colorado

There are laws on vehicle height and driver visibility that could cause you to be pulled over by the police. When fastening skis and other equipment to the roof, drivers need to make sure there's no visual obstruction, like ski tips that could block the driver's view through any of the vehicle's windshields or windows. If you place a ski rack on a tall vehicle, like an SUV or van, take notice that the rack does exceed the state's maximum allowable height of 13 feet. Violations are subject to fines and surcharges.

Colorado Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements

Vehicle owners driving on Colorado roads are required to have at least the following minimum limits on their insurance policy:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident*
• Medical Payments: $5,000 per accident*

*Uninsured Motorist and Medical Payments can be rejected by signing an option form.

There are additional optional coverages that you may carry to better protect yourself and your vehicles. A GEICO insurance counselor can assist you in choosing the best coverage for your needs.

Colorado Teen Driver Licensing Process

For Colorado teens who want to get their license on their 16th birthday, they'll need to start driver's education before age 15. Colorado requires teens to have held a learner's permit for at least 12 months before applying for a Colorado driver's license. Colorado law prohibits drivers under 18 years of age from using a mobile phone while driving unless it is to contact the police, fire department, or it is an emergency. Drivers 18 and older may not use a mobile phone for text messaging while driving unless it's to contact the police, fire department, or it's an emergency.

The process for obtaining a driver's license varies depends on the driver's age:

• If you start at or before age 15 and 6 months, you must complete a 30-hour driver's education course before you can apply for a learner's permit (minimum age 15). Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time, completed a 6 hour behind-the-wheel training course, and have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver's license.
• If you start between age 15 and 6 months up to age 16, you can either complete a 30-hour driver's education course or a 4-hour classroom driver awareness program to be eligible for a learner's permit. Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time (plus 6 hours behind-the-wheel training if you are younger than 16 years and 6 months when you apply for a license) and who have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver's license.
• If you start at age 16 or 17, there are no prior driver's education requirements before being eligible to apply for a learner's permit. Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time and who have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver's license. Additional 6 hours behind-the-wheel training is optional.

For the first year licensed driving is prohibited between midnight and 5 am, unless accompanied by an instructor, parent, or legal guardian.

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