A car is simply a wheeled vehicle used for transportation. Most commonly defined by most dictionaries, the words car and automobile mean “a light, sturdy vehicle powered by manual or electric engines.” However other definitions of automobiles say that they are passenger vehicles, transport people instead of goods, and generally run on road rather than surface streets. In other words a car might be a motorcycle, truck, bus, tractor, or any other type of vehicle. With the advent of the internal combustion engine, which was invented in the late 1800’s, the car became a much more specialized vehicle. The internal combustion engine has also broadened its appeal, resulting in many different types of gas-powered and fuel-electric hybrid vehicles currently on the market.
Every vehicle has characteristics that make it unique, which makes each vehicle a potentially dangerous vehicle. Driving a compact vehicle, such as a minivan, places both greater stress and potential threat on the driver in case of an accident. Minivans, both sports and family models, are generally driven less often than most cars, which means less fuel consumed during the same amount of time. Additionally, small vehicles have been shown to have lower crash test performance than many full-size cars, which could mean a higher insurance rate. This is due to the higher probability of damage or accident occurring to the small vehicle, which could result in higher costs to replace.
Another way to reduce costs for the insured, particularly for those who drive infrequently or use only part of their home (such as a house sitting rental), is to raise the car’s trim level. Many car makers offer trim levels starting at three hundred dollars or more. These higher trims can reduce wind resistance, ground resistance, and increase the stability of the vehicle while driving, which can lead to a more safe and secure ride.
Most people know that older vehicles tend to be less “cushioned” in the passenger compartment. That is not always the case. Many newer cars have built-in air conditioning systems that can keep a passenger comfortable. However, these systems typically come with reduced size controls, meaning that it may be difficult to access the various features offered by these systems. In order to access the features offered by these air-conditioning systems, an individual may need to open and shut the dash or switch panels.
One area that is often overlooked when shopping for new vehicles is the vehicle’s warranty, which often has a “one-time payment.” Because these warranties can be so expensive, many consumers avoid purchasing cars with extended warranties. The easiest way to save money on this aspect of a vehicle purchase is to purchase a car that has no warranty. Car buyers, however, should be aware that many extended warranties do require that the vehicle be sold with a down payment, and that these cars will have higher prices.
Finally, a car buyer should think about the options that are available for engine and transmission upgrades. Upgrading the engine can increase the horsepower of the vehicle. Some people opt to upgrade their trim levels to produce a more powerful engine. Others upgrade the transmissions to suit more powerful engines. Cars that come with an automatic transmission can also be enhanced by a change in transmission fluid.