The winter weather can do a lot of damage to your car if you don’t protect it properly. Rain, snow and even heavy wind can damage paint, tires and hub caps. The best way to protect your car is with a car cover. But with so many companies out there making them, where do you get the best one?

Good quality car protectors can be expensive, so you want to make sure you get the most out of your money. Many people try to find ways to save by getting used car covers, only to find that they are damaged, which defeats its own purpose. A cover that is torn or one whose material is worn out will not do the best job in protecting your car. Heavy winds or rain can cause part or all of it to come off, exposing your car to the extreme weather which can damage it.

Sure, you may find something that looks good on a site like Craigslist or eBay that is cheaper and looks like it will be fine, but you may actually have to spend more money later to replace not only the used car cover, but also to repair the damage that may be done to your car. Winter is an especially important time to make sure your car has the protection it needs. Something that doesn’t remain on sturdy or has holes can cause damage to your car.

You can also find covers in retail stores like Best Buy, Walmart or Target, but the prices at those places may not be the best deals you can get. Walmart and Target for example will have very inexpensive car covers for around $30.00, but the quality will be lacking. You can go to Best Buy and find better quality covers for your car, but the prices are usually marked up.

What I’ve found to be the best places to buy car covers, especially for the winter, is through an online wholesaler. Many times you can find retailers that sell car covers at wholesale prices, but they are still excellent products that are perfectly dependable for your car. I also feel much more calm and able to make a better decision about my purchase when I’m doing it at home on my computer, rather than being persuaded by salespeople, and feeling the anxiety of all the different options. This way, you can sit back, relax, and browse through your options.

If you’ve never had to jump start a car, it can be a very good thing to learn. If you have ever experienced getting into your car, turning the key and nothing happens, then you probably know how frustrating it can be. Your car doesn’t have enough current to activate your high amperage motor. You have to find someone else to give you the currency you need to get to a location to change out your battery. Here are the steps you need to take to get your car jump started.

You should first call someone that can come and help you. If it’s in the winter you should always keep blankets with you to make sure you aren’t left in the cold. Many times batteries die because of the extreme weather people live in. If this winter is freezing and colder than normal winters you may need to end up changing your battery at some point.

Once someone comes to help you they should park their car close enough to yours so the cables can reach both of your batteries. You should open both hoods and keep them open with prop rods. The car that is giving the jump should be shut off. You should then clamp the jumper cables onto the car that is providing the jump first. Connect the red (positive) clamp to the red post of that battery first. Make sure the charges on the other end are not touching before placing the black (negative) clamp on the black post. Then you can connect the other end of the cables to the car battery that is dead. Connect the red first and then the black, making sure they never touch.

After you have successfully connected the cables to each car you should then turn on the car that is giving the jump for five to ten minutes to allow the dead battery to receive some charge. Then you should shut it off. You can then turn on the car that has the dead battery; if it doesn’t start you may need to allow it to stay plugged into the cables longer. If you need to do this, only keep the car that is doing the jumping on for the time needed. Once you get a good enough charge you should first disconnect the black (negative) charge of the car that is providing the jump and then the red. Then you should repeat this process on the car that received the jump. You should then keep the car that received the jump running to ensure you can get somewhere to fix it and close both hoods. You can then get back on the road and get your battery diagnosed. You will usually have to replace all parts that are out of current, but there is usually a warranty given with it. The average warranty for a brand new battery is 7 years, if it dies before that you can go to the place you bought it and get it replaced. Many mechanics will test your device before they fully diagnose and replace it to ensure they need to replace it. You’ll be able to get back on the road quickly after you know how to jump start your car.

Although it is not likely that you are reading this while you are stranded in your vehicle, it is wise to think about what you should do before you get stranded. This way you will know what to do if your car or truck fails you and you find yourself at the side of the road waiting for help to arrive.

First, there are some basic car safety tips that you are more than likely aware of. It doesn’t hurt to repeat them.

1. Always make sure you have your cell phone with you in the car and that it is fully charged.

2. Plan your route away from less than desirable neighborhoods. You don’t want to be stranded here!

3. Don’t ignore possible signs of trouble with your vehicle before it is too late.

If you sense your car is about to die on you, try to safely get your vehicle to the side of the road before it does. Obviously, it is much better to be stranded at the side of the road than in the middle of the road.

If, however, you find yourself in the middle of the road, there are some things you should do. More important than anything else is to use your common sense.

Right away, put on your hazard lights. You want to immediately let other cars know there is a problem.

Call for assistance. If you do find yourself without your phone, more than likely a law enforcement officer will find you or the other drivers will call to report that you are stranded.

Many car safety websites advise you not to attempt to cross the road unless you are absolutely certain that you can do so safely. If you are on a busy freeway, you more than likely can not do this safely and without harm!

If you can get out of your car or truck safely, put up the hood of your car. This will help others to spot you and avoid your vehicle. It will also signal to law enforcement personnel that you need assistance. Remember, do this only if you can get to the front of the car safely.

If you are lucky enough to be able to get to the side of the road, you need to put the hood up, make sure your hazard lights are on and wait for a marked law enforcement vehicle to offer assistance.

If you have your phone, do not immediately call 9-1-1. This number is for true emergencies. If you are safely out of traffic, you can call a local towing company and wait for your own tow.

No matter what your situation is, always remember to use your own best judgement. Do not get into a strangers vehicle. Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Keep in mind at all times, that other drivers may not be paying attention or notice that your vehicle is stranded.

These are just a few things to think about when stranded in your car. Each situation is different and safety is not a guarantee, but with some basic precautions, you can improve your chances of getting help and leaving the situation safe and secure.

Quick! Which passenger vehicles sold in the United States were discontinued before the calendar flipped to 2012? Quite a few models, actually. Each of America’s three major manufacturers discontinued one or more models, but several foreign companies dropped one or more models too.

Why the demise? For numerous reasons including slow sales, outdated designs or replacement by a new model. We’ve pulled together a list of vehicles that were last produced in 2011 and likely won’t ever be seen again new:

Cadillac — GM killed off several large sedans last summer including the Buick Lucerne and two Cadillac models: the DTS and STS. The Lucerne will not be replaced. The DTS and STS are being replaced this year by the XTS, a large front- or all-wheel-drive sedan.

Chevrolet — So long, HHR! This heritage high roof model was developed to compete with the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Riding on the extinct Cobalt platform, the HHR’s time was limited. Good thing too: the PT Cruiser was ended last year, making the HHR a true anomaly on the market.

Dodge — Three Dodge models were axed, with only one expected to be replaced. The Dodge Nitro, a compact SUV based on the Jeep Liberty was terminated. The Dodge Dakota, a small pickup truck that first was sold in the late 1980s was discontinued. The compact Dodge Caliber, a product of the DaimlerChrysler debacle, saw its end after a 6-year model run. Only the Caliber will be replaced with the 2013 Dodge Dart coming to the market this year.

Ford — Police car fleets are dominated by the Ford Crown Victoria, but even that car has seen its end. First introduced three decades ago, the “Crown Vic” received only minor updates over the years. The new police car of choice is either the Ford Taurus sedan or Ford Explorer crossover SUV. Also discontinued: the Ford Ranger, a compact pickup truck that may someday reappear if Ford decides to introduced its replacement now on sale in many global markets.

Honda — Honda sells some of the longest running model names on the market including the Civic and Accord dating back to the 1970s. Alas, its boxy Element has been deep-sixed, a utility vehicle that was popular with dog owners and yard sale fans. The Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey will take over those responsibilities.

Mazda — Mazda may yet bring back a rotary-powered car, but with the RX-8 being canceled, the technology it embraced so strongly 40 years ago won’t be available in North America. Its Mazda Tribute small crossover has been ended too, but its replacement, the CX-5 is already waiting in the wings.

Mitsubishi — We’ve seen countless Mitsubishi products sold since the 1970s, first as filler products for Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler line ups, then as its own brand. The Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and convertible is now dead as is its big, bulky and dated Endeavor SUV. Surprisingly, the dated Galant sedan soldiers on, but we know that a replacement for this aged vehicle will eventually arrive.

Saab — Three Saab models have come to an end because Saab no longer exists as of Dec. 19, 2011. The company is bankrupt, facing liquidation, but as of this writing you can still find new 9-3, 9-4X and 9-5 models looking for a home. Saab may one day reemerge, but for now this Swedish brand and is model line is gone.

Should you buy an orphaned model? If you’re looking for a good deal, go ahead and consider one from a viable manufacturer. Otherwise, steer clear of Saab and be mindful that the vehicle you buy isn’t quite worth anywhere near its pre-discounted sticker price.

The Chrysler brand is a premium make, but its competition is Buick not Cadillac, Lexus or Lincoln. This means that Chrysler lacks a true luxury brand, something it hasn’t had since the Imperial was its flagship sedan.

Chrysler, however, has a line of rear- and all-wheel-drive models that derives its platform from Mercedes-Benz technology. Its 300 and 300C stem from the automaker’s days as part of the failed DaimlerChrysler entity, vehicles that were updated in 2011 and continue to lead the Chrysler brand.

The 300 series is as close to being a luxury car as you can get and with the introduction of the Luxury Series, this model is now the most luxurious Chrysler product ever built, even topping previous Imperial models that stood for luxury.

Here is what you’ll find in the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series:

Exterior Enhancements — The 300′s athletic, but luxurious stance receives several important exterior treatments in the Luxury Series. RWD models are equipped with 20-inch polished face wheels while AWD models are outfitted with 19-inch painted pocket aluminum wheels. Its fascia features platinum chrome accents, side mirror caps and chrome door handles. Its grille is unique to this series too and features a platinum-chrome finish with platinum chrome mesh.

Engines and Transmissions — Choose the V-6 engine with rear-wheel-drive and this motor is paired with a ZF-licensed 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine enables the big Chrysler to attain a class-leading 31 mpg on the highway. A 5.7-liter V-8 is available too and comes paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Interior Upgrades — How do you define luxury? Step inside the Luxury Series and a cabin full of enhancements are included. An 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Garmin navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, an LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC are among the features present. This model also includes a power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory settings; power-adjustable pedals with memory; a power backlight sunshade; Berber carpet floor mats featuring satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo; dual heated and cooled cup holders; foot well lighting; LED-illuminated interior door handles and map pockets for the front and rear. Many of the standard features found in the Luxury Series are optional in other editions if available at all.

Safety Measures — Front, side and driver’s knee airbags are standard with the Luxury Series as are side curtain airbags that offer protection for outboard sitting passengers. This sedan is equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and features active head restraints to protect occupants.

Chrysler Warranties — If you’re ever stuck, towing assistance is provided for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This vehicle offers a bumper to bumper warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Drivetrain and corrosion warranties have Chrysler models protected for 5 years or 100,000 miles. Extended warranties are available through your Chrysler dealership.

Cost for the well-appointed 300 Luxury Series begins at $40,145 or about $12,000 more than base models. However, this Chrysler is competitively priced with other full-size luxury sedans, offering a lower beginning price point than most.

Buying a new car means finding out what it comes equipped with including safety equipment. These days, most new cars offer a suite of airbags, traction and stability control, and four-wheel antilock brakes. Some vehicles offer important safety enhancements including a rear view backup camera, collision avoidance and active head restraints.

What every car shopper should understand before buying a car is how well this vehicle performs in crash testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates most vehicles and that information will not only tell you how safe a car is, but give you a good idea on its insurance costs. Indeed, those vehicles that score highest in IIHS testing also offer reduced insurance premiums.

Lets take a look at the four categories the IIHS uses to determine a passenger vehicle’s crashworthiness:

Frontal offset — Head on collisions are oftentimes deadly, thus this test can determine whether a vehicle’s front crumple zones and airbags will help you survive an accident. Even the smallest models such as the Fiat 500 and Toyota Yaris perform well in these tests.

Side impact — If you’re t-boned in an accident, your chances of survival decrease as speeds increase. Many cars employ rigid steel beams in doors and offers side impact and side curtain airbags to provide an extra measure of protection. Many compact cars including the Mazda 3, Nissan’s Leaf and the Chevrolet Cruze have measured up to the IIHS’ requirements.

Roof strength — Rollover accidents can be deadly, more so with high-profile vehicles such as SUVs. Roof strengthening measures undertaken by manufacturers have made roof pillars stronger even for some large models such as the Buick Enclave and Ford F-150. Stability control keeps these vehicles planted, equipment required by the IIHS for 2012 models.

Rear crash protection/head restraint — Get hit in the rear and you may survive the accident, but have whiplash injuries. Many cars employ rear crumble zones and some come with active head restraints, the latter offering another measure of support in such accidents. Volvo models are among those big on such safety measures as are certain Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Volkswagen vehicles.

The IIHS assigns Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor ratings for each test area. For any vehicle that gets four “good” marks, the IIHS awards it with its “Top Safety Pick” award. For the 2012 model year 115 vehicles received the top rating the most ever. So, before you buy know the rating and call your insurance agent to find out what rate you’ll pay before you make a purchase. If your rate is higher than you expect, it could be that she hasn’t received the latest IIHS ratings as posted to IIHS.org.

Tires do not wear evenly and it is preferable to take steps to ensure that all four tires wear at an even rate. In this way it is possible to extend the overall life of a single set of tires. Not only will the tires last longer, but the vehicle will perform better and the safety of the passengers will be better protected.

There are many reasons why tires wear at different rates. When a vehicle turns, for example, more pressure is placed upon the front tires, especially the one facing the direction of the turn. Front wheel drive vehicles are especially said to place tremendous pressure on the front wheels, causing them to wear much quicker than the rear ones. Braking also has an effect. There is also a distinct difference between the weight distribution on the front and back tires. Mechanical problems can also cause uneven wear. For example, any wheel that is out of alignment will wear much faster than the others. Over or under inflation may also have an effect. All of these factors can be negated by rotating the wheels from time to time.

Most manufacturers recommend that this practice should be executed after a certain distance has been covered. Not only does it help to prevent uneven wear if the tires, but it can most certainly even have a positive influence upon the road holding, handling and traction of the vehicle.

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the question of how exactly and how often this procedure should be performed. Most manufacturers provide guidelines and it may be wise to ask the advice of a reputable dealer. It seems that the most common answer is that the procedure should be performed roughly every twelve thousand kilometers.

Traditionally, the rearward cross method has been favored. This involves swapping the front and back wheels on each side of the car. The left front wheel goes to the left back and vice versa. In recent years, however, experts have come to recommend the X pattern. In this instance, the wheels are crossed back to front. For example, the left front wheel is placed at the right back and the right front wheel at the left back and vice versa. This method, when performed regularly, is said to ensure the best chance for an even wear.

Experts agree that the methods described above may be beneficial for all wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicles, but that a different technique is necessary for front wheel drive cars. For these vehicles, the forward cross technique is recommended. This is because front wheel drive vehicles places particularly harsh demands on the front wheels. This method involves moving the back wheels to the front, but in a cross pattern. The left back wheel goes to the front right and the right back wheel goes to the left in the front. The two front wheels do not cross. The left wheel in the front goes to the left at the back of the car and the wheel in the front right side goes to the right back.

Detractors argue that there is little point in trying to ensure that all the tires wear simultaneously and at the same rate. They also point out that this practice necessitate that a complete set of wheels to be bought at a time, something not all car owners can afford. It is furthermore argued that it is best and safest to have the best tires at the rear, regardless of whether the car is front or rear wheel drive.

Yet many experts maintain that vehicles offer better handling when all the wheels are in the same condition. They admit that the replacement of all the wheels at the same time may prove to be an expensive exercise, but prudent automobile owners will certainly be able to plan for the periodic purchase of new tires so that a full set is available when it becomes necessary to replace the set.

When reviewing the various views, it seems as if tire rotation can only be beneficial. The practice allows for even wear on all the wheels, resulting in better handling and improved safety. Luckily, it is easy to perform this simple task at home by using only the tools that are supplied with the vehicle and that is used to change a flat tire.

Being trapped on the outside of your car, keys staring at you from the outside, is not the most desirable position to be in. Those without a spare set of keys on deck know just how frustrating this sticky situation can be. Being locked out of your car is not only an inconvenience, but it can be dangerous! In order to avoid getting yourself stuck in this sort of scenario, consider familiarizing yourself with your local locksmith. It is important to plan ahead as you can never predict when you will find yourself reaching your door realizing the mindless mistake you have made.

Locksmiths will work directly with people who have mistakenly locked their keys inside of a vehicle. No matter what time of the day it may be you can count on their service to arrive within an hour. Since each car has different windows and doors they have various equipment to reach in to all vehicles. Why spend more money breaking your window when the problem can be solved in just an hours time? With their technique you can be confident that there will be no damage caused to your car. Their tools glide so smoothly in to windows and doors that you can expect to have your keys retrieved within a matter of minutes.

Some times people will reach their vehicles and not just find themselves locked out, but unable to retrace where the key was initially left. Your first thought is most likely that your car is going to be stuck for days and leave you with no form of transportation. Well you are in luck because locksmiths specialize in making new sets of keys to provide you with. Whether you are locked out or simply just want a spare set for back up you can contact a locksmith for creating a duplicate.

Since making duplicate sets of keys can take time, locksmiths offer another option for a quick entry and start to your vehicle. These temporary starters are known as transponder keys which can start your car without actually needing the master set of keys. These keys can efficiently work on older model cars, but some newer cars resist them to prevent the wrong people from entering your vehicle and driving away. For this reason, locksmiths also have VATS keys which provide a better shot of starting the car to allow you to drive your car to a safe place. No matter the model of car locksmiths will try their best to either retrieve your keys or provide you with a new set. You can count on them to get you out of the bind and get you to your destination as planned in just a short time.

Since the 1970s, the federal government has taken a special interest in reducing the emissions produced by autos and trucks. In most US States, a car inspection (typically required yearly) tests not only your cars road-worthiness, but the function of your car in reducing emissions which could potentially damage the environment.

It is important to keep your catalytic system in good working order as part of the overall exhaust health of your car. Not only can a failed or dirty converter lose its effectiveness in reducing harmful emissions, it can reduce the performance of your car. Your converter may become clogged by gasoline additives in the fuel used to run your car; these additives may come from improperly deleaded gas, or additives used in certain brands of gas to increase engine performance.

Signs that your converter unit requires maintenance may include: Changes in performance of your vehicle, such as sluggish operation. Your car may lose its ability to accelerate when you push the gas pedal to speed up. Another good sign that your system needs maintenance is a big change in your gas mileage.

Typical car engines release a few chemicals into the atmosphere after conversion. Before conversion, an engine releases products of combustion such as Nitrogen gas (N2), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Water (H20). The engine releases other emissions in smaller amounts. These include Carbon monoxide (CO), Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx emissions). With the exception of H20, all of the above chemicals pose potential hazards to environmental and human health.

Nitrogen and water are part of the earths atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is similarly part of the natural respiration process for all carbon-based life; however, too much carbon dioxide released in the air is thought to contribute to global warming.

Far more dangerous, Carbon monoxide is a poison, which in concentrated amounts can lead to asphyxiation in humans and animals. VOCs emitted by cars are released into the water table and are believed to be carcinogenic. NOx emissions are similarly undesirable, and regulated by the federal government. They contribute to smog and acid rain, which are damaging to the environment and to human and animal health.

Before emissions get to the catalytic chamber, an oxygen sensor reads output from the engine. The vehicles onboard computer can change the mix of oxygen in the engine so that more or less oxygen escapes in the emission process. This control is used to ensure that enough oxygen gets to the converter to allow the burning off of some of the chemicals (called the oxidation process). Oxygen is the key to the entire catalysis process.

The actual converter consists of ceramic beads, or a network of honeycomb structures housed in a metal body. These plates are dipped in a metal catalyst (a substance that creates a chemical reaction) such as platinum (Pt) or palladium (Pd), or rhodium (Rh). These catalysts start a chain reaction with emissions delivered by the exhaust system.

The car part called a catalytic converter is actually two types of converter in one piece of equipment. The converter reduces harmful emissions by turning them into safer compounds by means of reduction and oxidation catalysis. These are two different types of chemical reaction used to change bad chemicals into better ones.

Reduction catalysis occurs when NOx chemicals contact rhodium in the first portion of the converting process. The rhodium catalyst pulls the nitrogen from the molecule, leaving only oxygen behind (O2). The nitrogen atoms then attract to each other, and form up in pairs to form (N2).

Oxidization on the other hand, is the second part of the catalytic process. Hydrocarbons and CO2 from the fuel burning process are subjected to platinum and palladium. This transforms the previously harmful chemicals into CO, which then bonds with the oxygen left over from the first process to create CO2 (which is far preferable to its more dangerous, single-atom cousins, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide).

While the main purpose of a catalytic converter is to protect the environment and human health, the process is not without its flaws. Although CO2 is a far safer compound than the products that come out of the engine before the catalytic process, the release of CO2 into the atmosphere is a major cause for concern with regards to environmental damage.

The wide majority of consumers will undoubtedly find at some point in time the somewhat less than proud owners of the mangled remains of a formerly prized possession, now referred to as simply a junk car. What to do with it and how to get the last drop of their investment out of it might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little ingenuity and legwork, even the most demolished of vehicles can be turned into a tidy sum of money. There are a few ways to pocket that cash and move onto the next one. All it takes is the motivation to do so and an examination of what that pile of junk in your backyard in reality represents.

Any vehicle, unless completely ravaged by fire, will have some parts that someone somewhere would love to get at a bargain price. Once again, the Internet raises its metaphorical hand and says “try me”. At the top of my options for some reason Craigslist seems to be my go to place. Offering parts that can be salvaged and sold for a fraction of their replacement costs oftentimes can take as little as a few days before the phone calls start coming in. A visit to eBay’s want ads can also be well worth your time and effort. No matter how common or seemingly worthless the remaining salvageable parts to your “junker” might seem, there is always might be someone out there who will take it off your hands at a bargain price. Keep in mind that the more locally you focus your search the more profit it involves. Trying to ship a complete rear passenger door 1500 miles away is not going to result in much, if any, cash in hand.

Probably the easiest and most direct route would be to contact a local junk dealer or automobile salvage yard and tell them exactly what you have and want to do with it. Granted you won’t be offered as much as a package price as you might parting it out piece by piece, but there is much to be said about letting someone else do all of the labor required to disassemble the corpse of your former ride and either re-selling it or using it themselves.

For my money and time, a call to a reputable auto salvage yard is the first option on the list. It is the easiest solution to where to get cash for junk cars.