(ARA) - If you’re traveling by plane in the coming months, chances are you ll be renting a car when you land. Driving an unfamiliar vehicle in an unfamiliar city can be stressful. But with a little foresight, you can be prepared and relaxed.

Before You Go

Your safety preparations should begin when making your rental reservations. While you want to get a good deal, you also want a good car. Web sites such as that operated by Consumer Reports can provide information on car safety ratings. Your insurance company may also have safety statistics on various makes and models, says Jeff Beyer, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Farmers Insurance.

Rent a car that is suited to your needs. If you are traveling with a family of four and lots of luggage, a compact car may not have enough room. Also, make any special requests when you arrange your reservation. For example, if you know you will need a child s car seat for your two-year-old, be sure to reserve one early — don t expect one to be available on the spur of the moment when you arrive to pick up your car.

You ll also want to check with your insurance company to find out how your coverage works for rented cars, says Beyer. Find out if your insurance will cover service calls on rental cars, and ask your agent if you will need to buy any supplemental insurance from the car rental company. By doing a little research before you leave on your trip, you may be able to save money by not purchasing unnecessary and overly expensive insurance through the car rental company, he adds. Some credit cards also provide supplementary insurance if you use them to pay for the car rental. Check with your credit card company for specifics.

When You Pick Up Your Car

Check the contract to make sure you re getting the rate and the car you were promised when you made the reservation. Ask the agent what to do if the car breaks down. If you re not sure how to get to your destination, request a map and driving directions from the agent.

Once at the car, do a quick check for any damage; if you spot anything significant, call it to the attention of the rental company before you take the car off the lot, so you won t be penalized for damage you didn t cause.

Before You Leave the Lot

Familiarize yourself with the car: be sure you know how to work the headlights, turn signals and interior lights. Check the windshield wipers to make sure they work and that there is washer fluid; you don t want to get caught in rain or snow with bad wipers.

Adjust the seat and mirrors. Check the seatbelts; is there one for every passenger? Are they easy to latch and unlatch? If you like to listen to the radio as you drive, tune in a local station that meets your tastes before you hit the road.

Enjoy Your Visit

Because rental cars are attractive targets for thieves, remove all valuables from the car when it is parked, if possible. If you have to leave your luggage or other property in the car, lock it in the trunk, out of sight.

By planning ahead and taking a few easy precautions, renting a car will be easy. Now if you can just fit all those gifts into your luggage for the return trip home.

For more information on Farmers Insurance, visit www.farmers.com.

About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

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info@ARAcontent.com

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Tips for Searching Used Cars Online

Searching for used cars online is easy and convenient. Here are a few tips on how to use the internet to search for used cars online.

1. Make use of the internet’s convenience advantage.

What’s so great about online used car searching? For starters, it means you can do most of the tedious work of canvassing for cars right in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to travel mile after mile to a car lot only to learn that the car of your dreams does not exist there. This means you have to travel another stretch to find another car lot that, unfortunately, might not have the car you are looking for as well.

This painful experience could take anywhere from a day (if you are lucky) to a few weeks (on a busy schedule). Plus you can only visit these places during the day. If these businesses have flyers, or do advertising, it may be easier on you since you at least have a list (however incomprehensive it may be) of the models they have available.

Enter the internet. You can surf for cars from dozens of car dealers in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Plus these sites will most likely have comprehensive information on their products - and this even includes pictures.

2. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable online entity, One way to do this is before seriously considering a certain online car site, look up their physical address. This means you have to jot down their address, phone numbers, and other contact information so that you can make inquiries with the local business listings and organizations.

3. Upon matching up with the car of your dreams, consider visiting the dealer. In actuality, it is possible to conclude the whole business process of purchasing a used car online through the internet. However, you may want to visit the physical address of the dealer for a physical inspection of the car you wish to purchase.

4. Make sure you understand the contract, and terms of agreement these online search companies carry. This will inform you of your rights and responsibilities when entering negotiations online.

5. Do background research on the car site and make sure you know what plans they offer. Some used cars websites offer certain guarantees and even insurance. You may want to explore these options to make sure you get the best value for you money.

About the author:



Jay is the web owner of http://www.new-cars-in.com New Car Prices, a website that provides information and resources on searching for new cars, new car pricing, loans, and dealers. You can visit his website at: http://www.used-cars-in.net Used Cars Online

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As the weather turns colder, it is time to think about your car for a second. A little preparation can go a long way to making your winter travels a lot safer. Here is a checklist to get you started.

1.Check the antifreeze. The freezing point can be checked with a simple tool available at any auto parts store. Make sure you check the antifreeze when it’s cool. Opening a hot radiator can be a dangerous thing.
2.Check the air pressure in your tires. As the air gets cooler pressure drops in your tires. Maintaining your tire pressures will reward you with higher gas mileage and longer tire life.
3.Make sure you have the following items in your car.
- Ice Scraper
- Salt or sand for traction
- Blanket in case you are stranded and need to keep warm
- Good first aid kit (not just for winter)
- Road flares
4.Check all belts and hoses. As the temperature drops rubber tends to stiffen and break allot easier. Make sure all your rubber hoses and belts are in tip-top shape.
5.Treat your gas tank to a can of gas line antifreeze before the cold weather strikes. The additive will remove any water in the system and prevent your fuel lines from freezing.
6.Check your tires for wear. Make sure you have plenty of tread left to get you through the snow. Nothing is worse than 3″ of snow and bald tires.

About the Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair