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U.S. Car Loans for Foreign Nationals- Fact or Fiction?

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CarLoan

Let’s face it. Driving your own car gives you flexibility and freedom to come and go as you please. But if you are living abroad can you get an auto loan if you are not a U.S. Citizen? The answer is: yes, you can.

Luckily, citizenship is not a factor in creditworthiness. Lenders primarily base their loan decisions on borrowers having a verifiable and positive credit history. Since you will be securing credit in your name without a U.S. credit history, other forms of documentation may be required, including:

• Finance/Lease Qualification Form- requests information about your assignment, credit history, living arrangements and employment in the U.S.
• Copy of Work Visa in the U.S.- helps finance companies verify your intention to stay in the U.S. for the duration of your lease and loan term.
• Employment Letter- confirms your salary, additional benefits and allotments, as well as your term of employment.
• Housing related payments- including rent, utilities, phone bills, and cable TV service.
• Insurance-related payments- including medical, life and automobile insurance. Note: an automobile insurance binder is required in order to take delivery of your vehicle.
• ITIN- even if you are not a U.S. taxpayer, the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the Department of the Treasury is commonly used for opening a bank account and getting a driver’s license.
• Ability to pay the loan back- copies of current paystubs and recent W-2 forms show proof of steady employment. At least a 12-month employment history is typically required.
• Proving that you are “lawfully present” in the U.S.-  documents showing this can include a Driver’s License, Passport, Social Security Card, a Permanent Resident or Green Card, an Employment Authorization Document Card, and your Visa with a legible entry stamp.

Whether financing through a car dealership or through a lender, getting into the driver’s seat in the U.S. is just a few steps away…

Apply- submit a loan application with your personal and employment information, required documentation and the loan amount, (price of the vehicle plus sales tax).

Get a Loan Decision- Turnaround time can take a few days or a few hours, depending on the lender. If approved, you will get a statement of intent listing specific payment details, surcharges, down payments, rebates, sales tax and your monthly payment.

Shop- Negotiate the best pricing you can for your favorite vehicle. Haggling is expected at most dealerships, so do your research. Having financing already in place can lead to exceptional pricing, especially at the end of the month when dealers have a lot of inventory they are trying to move out. Make sure to do price and rate comparisons because the “easier” and “faster” it is to apply and drive, the more likely it is that prices and loan rates are inflated to pay for these “conveniences.”

Sign your Contract- You will sign a finance contract in agreement to the terms provided when your loan was approved. It will include important details about your loan, and payments will coordinate with the price agreed upon when you shopped for your car.

Take Delivery- The car dealership will collect a registration fee from you of $200 or less in order to obtain license plates and a registration sticker on your behalf. Registration renewals are required every two years, which costs under $100. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) assigned at registration is required by your insurance agency in order to provide you with an auto insurance binder.

Drive into the Sunset- Soon you will be driving your own car to wherever the U.S. roads take you!

Feel free to contact AutoSource for more information on how we help you get financing on a car in the US!

Across the Pond: How to Meet Expats in the US

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MeetingExpats

The bags and boxes are unpacked. School and work have begun. Now it is time to have some fun! School-aged kids can just go to class, find others with common interests and soon they are comingling with their new bff’s. But it is more complicated than that for adults to make new friends. Thankfully, technology makes it easy to locate others with common interests and backgrounds.

Meeting in cyberspace

The Internet is an excellent way to get the lay of the land before actually stepping onto it. You can do your research in the privacy of your home to find like-minded people from your neck of the woods. (Please practice cyber-safety and always be careful about providing identifying information- you just can’t be too careful these days!)

Keyword search

One of the most powerful websites for a keyword search is www.google.com. By typing in “British expat” over 800,000 results come up, including britishexpats.com. Not from Great Britain? Try these other variations for your search on the Internet:

  • (Your town/country) expat community groups in (US city/state)
  • (Your town/country) expat organizations in (US city/state)
  • (Your town/country) expat in (US city/state)

The following sites offer directories or forums that list places you can go to meet other expats:

  • Internations.org- complete a short application to gain entry into the free portion of this site to look into guides and forums in your new city. This site also has city guides to help find apartments, restaurants and more. A minimal fee per months gives access to more information, but the free basic membership is fairly robust in itself.
  • Expatforum.com- with country-specific forums and articles and over 60,000 members worldwide, this site gives access to others who have already relocated to your destination.
  • Figt.org- offers cross-cultural education and training to support the entire ex-pat family. Free articles and information are listed in the resource center.
  • Expat-blog.com- touted as the living abroad website by expats for expats, simply choose your continent and then find country and city-specific information including leisure activities and more.

Meeting in reality

The Internet is great for a preliminary search, but eventually you will want to meet people face to face. “Let your fingers do the walking” is the catch-phrase of The Yellow Pages directory and it is as easy as that to find local expat groups. You can look in the book alphabetically for your country or city to find local groups from your area. To find expats in your new town consider looking up or going to the following:

  • Libraries- go to the information desk and ask a librarian for help to find what you are looking for, including the local Yellow Pages directory. Libraries also offer lectures and other events that are often free or low-cost.
  • Local colleges or universities- their country-specific clubs can yield alumni in your age-range if you are past college age.
  • Work- it doesn’t hurt to compare notes with others who have recently relocated about how they meet people socially and spend their free time.
  • Churches, synagogues and other religious groups in the area
  • Retail establishments that serve your country’s cuisine and wares
  • Cultural events and shows
  • Museums

With a little research and some determination you can meet other expats in your new neighborhood. All it takes is a little time, some creative searching and soon you will have a new school of fish to swim with on the U.S. side of the pond.

The 2011 Audi S5: Luxury Performance

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The new 2011 Audi S5 is a leader in the sports-car market with a pleasing balance of luxury and performance. Available as either a coupe or a convertible, this performance-tuned vehicle has great features that add to its attractive style.

Specifications

The expected specs on the new 2011 Audi S5 are as follows:
  • Engine: An extremely efficient 3.0-liter V6 supercharged that produces 333 horsepower.
  • Fuel Economy: 24 miles per gallon
  • Acceleration: The 2011 Audi S5 will get from zero to sixty in an impressive 4.9 seconds - competitive with other cars that are more costly.
  • Transmission: Seven-speed S-tronic and Quattro drive transmission. The cabriolet has the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

Exterior Features

The elegant body design of Audi's S5 is somewhat unchanged for 2011. New LED headlights and taillights plus daytime running lights were added, as well as a new wide grille with the Audi logo distinctively in the middle. Heated rearview mirrors and windshield washer nozzles prevent fogging in order to maximize a driver's visibility on the road.

Interior Features

The S5's attractive and high-quality cabin is one of its strong points, with many functions through an innovative Audi Multi-Media control knob mounted on either the dashboard or the center console. The front sport seats are excellent for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising. A short-seating profile adds to the sporty feel of the car, using refined materials that include Silk Nappa leather upholstery and decorative inlays such as birch wood and stainless steel throughout the car. Climate controls are available for front and back-row passengers, and the rear seatback folds down in both the coupe and convertible to accommodate a larger storage area.

Performance

The all-wheel traction of the Audi S5 makes for an excellent driving experience, even in the cabriolet, where you might expect to experience some shaking or body roll. The S5 was designed to handle all types of roads and driving conditions, so it performs well for the driver on highways and streets alike. The transmission is capable and quick, leaving little lag time as the car accelerates.

With top performance capabilities and luxury designs and features, the all-new Audi S5 should be a strong contender when shopping in the sports-car market. Compared to other models in the market, the S5 is more affordable while delivering the same results during the driving experience.

Are we there yet? Tips for traveling with your children in the US

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Traveling with your family can be an exciting and enriching experience. It can also be a bit daunting when children resist staying in their seats for long periods. Whether driving your car, taking a bus trip or flying to your destination, a little bit of prep-work before your trip can add some peace and tranquility to your travels.

Preparation- Let children know about your travel plans in advance by using the internet to show them where you are going. Keep a count-down calendar so your family knows when travel day is near. If your child gets over-stimulated or is unenthusiastic during travel prep, create a simple rewards program that ties cooperative behavior with earning vacation spending money. The goal is to get everyone on board and actively participating in your travel preparations.

What to pack- help your child navigate the unknown by holding onto something familiar. For school-aged children, provide a small back pack and institute an "if you can carry it, you can take it rule".  They can put a favorite stuffed animal, doll or small toy in their travel pack, as well as travel-friendly games, books and activities. Note to Parents: give contents final approval so that noise-making items like horns or kazoos are kept to a minimum, and toy guns and similar items are kept out of their bags, especially when flying. Sunglasses are a must, as the sun is bright in any season.

Comfort items- Since a full mouth gathers no complaints, snacks help to deflect and distract. Pretzels, cheese crackers, trail mix and other low-sugar items can buy you time between stops. Bringing drinks along helps too, (make sure to time when your children drink vs. rest-stop availability.) Consider bringing garbage bags and zippered bags for left-overs or wet items. Place a change of clothes, toothbrush, and wash cloth or travel wipes in an easily accessible place save you time and effort if your travels take longer than expected or present surprises along the way. Children especially like to bring their favorite snuggly pillow or blanket along with them, so if there is room, go for it!

What to play- from technology to simple pleasures, children travel better when they have something productive to keep them busy. Older kids will enjoy hand-held games, videos/DVDs, and CD or Mp3 players. (Remember those cords for recharging these techie toys!) Younger kids can enjoy a travel-size magna doodle or etch-a-sketch, model magic dry modeling clay, sticker books and coloring books with crayons. Everyone on the trip can play games including eye spy, license plate states, who can stay silent the longest, and sing-a-long songs.

Safety and good health on the road- Always discuss the importance of not speaking to strangers and staying together at all times. Remember Passports and ID and review knowing their name, phone number and address, as well as where you are going. Put business cards with your contact information in little one's pockets otherwise. First-aid kit items to remember can include sunscreen, motion sickness medicine, band aids and topical medicines, sanitizer spray and/or wipes, tissues, and a bit of toilet paper, just in case. Writing a checklist with medications will help you manage your first-aid kit once you are ready to pack it.

By engaging the entire family in travel preparations, everyone has something to do and to look forward to until travel day arrives. May your travels bring you laughter, enthusiasm and lots of terrific family memories!

2010 Lincoln MKS: Modern Comfort

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The new 2010 Lincoln MKS boasts modern design and luxurious features that any driver would be interested in. Coming in three trim levels the MKS offers different amounts of power to engage the driver, as well as endless options that add convenience and comfort to the driving experience.

Trim Levels

The 2010 Lincoln MKS comes in three trim levels: FWD, AWD and EcoBoost. Both FWD (front-wheel-drive) and AWD (all-wheel-drive) trim levels share the same powertrain, a 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and paddle shifters. The more powerful all-wheel-drive EcoBoost model comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost is faster without taking away from the vehicle's fuel economy.

Key Features

Some of the MKS's stand-out features include:
- rain-sensing wipers
- heated power side view mirrors with memory and auto-dimming on the driver side
- keyless entry/ignition
- power rear sunshade
- the voice-activated Sync system
- heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats
- Sirius Satellite Radio and an auxiliary jack
- Ford's venerable touchpad entry system that's embedded in the base of the B-pillar

If you desire a more luxurious ride there are a number of optional add-on features, which include:
- dual-pane sunroof
- touch screen hard-drive-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link
- back-up camera
- adaptive cruise control (which uses radar to adjust speed based on traffic in front of the car)
- upgraded 14-speaker THX-certified surround-sound system with two subwoofers and 10GB of digital music storage

Safety

The 2010 Lincoln MKS receives top ratings in safety tests, coming standard with stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and antilock brakes with brake assist. A collision warning system with brake support comes with the optional adaptive cruise control. In government crash tests, the MKS received a perfect five-star rating for occupant protection in both frontal and side-impact crashes.

Design

The 2010 MKS's overall interior design is enjoyable, featuring standard leather upholstery and an attractive dash layout. Lincoln's ventilated seats are a pleasant touch, as are the MKS's standard rear heated seats. The 2010 MKS offers plenty of space for comfort in the interior and cargo space; the trunk holds 18.4 cubic feet for storage while the rear passenger area is particularly impressive. The exterior is decorated with chrome accents and sleek lines that give the vehicle an attractive appearance which is sure to draw attention.

The new 2010 Lincoln MKS has a sense of modern relevance that gives it a high-tech lead in its segment. With multiple options for customizing, the MKS can be tailored to any driver's preference for an enjoyable driving experience.

Alternate Fuel Cars- what's right for you?

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The exploration of alternative fuel cars brings with it dreams of making better use of natural resources for the improvement of our local environment, and for our world in general. But choosing which type of vehicle to drive takes some consideration. Investigating the various alternative-fuel technologies is a good place to start.

Alternative fuel options include:

Hybrids- in this case, the alternative "fuel" is actually electricity. Hybrids combine the use of traditional internal combustion engines with electric batteries and electric motors to run the car in the most energy-efficient manner. There are several variations in the way the hybrid car will use the gas and electric features:

  • Mild hybrids- use an electric battery and electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine.
  • Full hybrids- make use of the two systems, electric and combustion, either separately or together.
  • Plug-in hybrids- use the internal combustion engine only as a back-up to the electric motor and battery.

Since hybrid cars, trucks and/or SUV's are available through Chrysler, Dodge and Ford, many variations of hybrids are readily available.

Biodiesel- is made from new or used vegetable or animal fats. It can be mixed with petroleum diesel to cut down on emissions. There are millions of diesel engines already on the road that are ready to accept this domestically grown and produced fuel. When you see B5 or B20 on the gas pump, those fuels are either 5 percent or 20 percent biodiesel mixed with petrol. Neat biodiesel, or B100, contains no petroleum at all.

Interested in test-driving a biodiesel vehicle? Check out Audi, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, or VW.

Flexible- fuel vehicles (FFV's)
- can run on gasoline, or E85, or a combination of both fuels. A combination of 85% ethanol and 15 % gasoline, E85 is the popular choice for FFV's. The mixture is often seasonably adjusted for cold weather and can be less than 85% ethanol at times. Because ethanol is very corrosive,
flex-fuel vehicles are made with synthetic or composite fuel system parts that can tolerate high levels of alcohol. Some car owners are already driving vehicles that are FFV's, but they may not know it. Over 6 million flexible-fuel vehicles have been sold in the US alone. Make sure to check your owner's manual so that fuel specifications are followed for your FFV.

Electric- also known as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEV's, these cars have especially large electric batteries that not only recharge with on-board recharging capabilities but can also be plugged into a household outlet for recharge. Standard hybrids require a combination of regenerative braking and energy from the combustion engine to recharge the batteries and propel the vehicle, while a PHEV operates as an electric vehicle with a combustion engine backup.

Hydrogen- in its simplest form hydrogen is a by-product of combustion, water vapors; it has the potential for zero-emissions motoring. Clearly, there are some kinks to be addressed in order to harness this element, whether through the use of solar, wind or geothermal processes. But progress is being made through the use of hydrogen fuel cells and these types of vehicles are expected to become more prevalent in the years to come.

Natural Gas- compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) can both be used to fuel vehicles. Consumers can order cars or light trucks directly from the manufacturer to operate on natural gas or be set up as a bi-fuel vehicle to operate on either natural gas or gasoline. Since natural gas is available where many people live, a filling station can be set up in your own garage.

Propane- also known as liquefied propane gas (LPG) propane offers fewer ozone emissions with a lower expense than gasoline. Many taxis, buses, and other fleets are using this alternative today. Over 10 million propane vehicles are currently in use. With thousands of filling stations across the US, the clean power of propane is gaining in popularity.

Unfortunately, you just cannot go to a dealer to purchase this type of vehicle. Retro-fit packages are available, however to convert your existing car so that it can use propane. The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a searchable database for propane makes and models back to 2001.

While alternative fuel vehicles have been slow to come to market, they are gaining in popularity and are here to stay. And like any other commodity, the bigger the demand for this technology, the bigger the supply will become. With tax breaks and other incentives it won't be long before every household owns their favorite alternative fuel vehicle.

Rugged Luxury: 2010 Audi Q5

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The all new Audi Q5 is one of the most competitive vehicles in the compact luxury SUV market. With the performance of a sports sedan and a luxurious interior, the new Q5 has added features that reinforce why it is one of the top-rated vehicles in its class.

The 2010 Audi Q5 continues to stand out for its stellar, sedan-like performance. The Q5 is equipped with an active steering option, from which inputs are immediately translated into movement. The U.S. version of the Q5 comes with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine, rated at 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite being a sedan-based crossover, the 2010 Q5 is still able to perform off-road giving a rugged quality to this compact SUV. Its climbing capability of 31 degrees incline is respectable, with a short front overhang. Ground clearance is 7.87 inches, with a fording depth of up to 19.69 inches when driving through water.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with leather seating for five. However what really sets it apart is its versatility, which is aided by the sliding rear seat. Aside from comfort, the federal government gives the 2010 Audi Q5 top scores - five stars - for all seating positions in both frontal and side crash tests. The Q5 also gets a four-star rollover score, which means it has only a 15 percent chance of rollover in a single vehicle crash.

Standout features on the all-new Q5 include Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) dashboard screen and control knob, an optional heated/cooled cup holder, a panoramic sun roof (the largest in its class) with tilting capabilities, sun blinds for the rear side windows and an optional power tailgate. Additional technical extras include:

- The advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle
- Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes
- Adaptive cruise control, which maintains a constant distance between the Q5 and a vehicle in front
- Audi lane assist, the lane departure warning system
- Audi parking system with an advanced rearview camera

With advanced technology, high safety ratings, luxury features and exceptional performance, the new 2010 Audi Q5 deliveries everything a car owner would want and more.  

Take a closer look at the Audi Q5 using our virtual showroom, where you can build a free quote with custom options and specifications!

Concept Cars: Hybrid Hype

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Being "green" or "environmentally friendly" creates a lot of hype around Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs). In fact, all major car manufacturers are adjusting to the craze and are offering sedan hybrid models, as well as SUV and truck hybrids. Designed to increase fuel economy, increase power and cut down on emissions, the Hybrid is currently a popular vehicle for those looking to save money and remain environmentally conscious. So how does a Hybrid operate to conserve energy and ultimately save you money?

The answer is innovative technology that helps store maximum energy within the vehicle. This is done through the Hybrid's engine design and make-up. HEVs combine the best of the gas engine and the electric motor, making them far more practical than their Electric Vehicle counterparts that rely solely on a charged battery. By using an electric motor and a gas engine in tandem, the electric motor generates energy which means the gas engine doesn't have to work as hard or use as much gas. That allows manufacturers to use smaller gas engines, thus creating HEVs that are more fuel efficient, more powerful (than Electric Vehicles), and less polluting.

Gasoline-electric hybrid cars contain the following parts that all contribute to energy conservation within the vehicle:

  • Gasoline engine - The hybrid car has a gasoline engine much like the one you will find on most cars. However, the engine on a hybrid is smaller and uses advanced technologies to reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
  • Fuel tank - The fuel tank in a hybrid is the energy storage device for the gasoline engine. Gasoline has a much higher energy density than batteries do.
  • Electric motor - Advanced electronics allow the engine to act as a motor as well as a generator. For example, when it needs to, it can draw energy from the batteries to accelerate the car. But acting as a generator, it can slow the car down and return energy to the batteries.
  • Generator - The generator is similar to an electric motor, but it acts only to produce electrical power. It is used mostly on series hybrids.
  • Batteries - The batteries in a hybrid car are the energy storage device for the electric motor. Unlike the gasoline in the fuel tank, which can only power the gasoline engine, the electric motor on a hybrid car can put energy into the batteries as well as draw energy from them.
  • Transmission - The transmission on a hybrid car performs the same basic function as the transmission on a conventional car.

Another way Hybrids store energy it through a technology known as the "Regenerative Braking System." This works when you hit the brakes; the electric motor applies resistance to slow you down, which is transformed into kinetic energy. While you're slowing down, this energy from the movement of the wheels turns the motor which then takes on the function of a generator, converting the energy normally not used during braking into electricity. Then, the electricity is stored in the battery until the electric motor needs it. This means less work for the gas engine, less gas to be used and more money in your pocket!

The Hybrid hype is one that is both economical and ecological, becoming a larger segment in the current vehicle market. With energy and gas conservation being two concepts that Hybrids thrive off of, the horizon of modern drivability is broadened. Available in many makes and models, Hybrids are sure to revolutionize the vehicle industry in the near future.  

At International AutoSource, we are proud to offer a variety of these innovative vehicles including the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid.

All- New “Sporty and Upscale” 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

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Volkswagen updates the new 2010 Tiguan, making it a popular crossover entry in the small SUV segment. With German driving dynamics and an expensive feel, this SUV is established as a front-runner in the ever growing crossover marketplace. With improvements to design, performance and standard features the Tiguan is said to be more "sporty and upscale" compared to other vehicles within the class.

Design

With bold chrome and a swoopy headlamp treatment, the Tiguan comes in three trims- the S, SE and SEL. Boasting a coupe- like silhouette, this VW has clean, graceful and modern effect. Leather upholstery is standard on the SEL and is optional on the SE versions. The rear seats move forward and lift up to six inches, allowing drivers to optimize the Tiguan for either rear cargo room or rear passenger comfort. The rear seats fold fully down giving the vehicle a nice cargo area, making it far more practical than a sedan. Adding to the sense of space, the '10 Tiguan also has a large panoramic sunroof that is a 13 square foot opening (about three times the size of an average sunroof), and includes a power retractable shade to let the air in but keep the sun out.

Performance

The Tiguan offers a pleasant and sporty driving experience, more so than most compact crossover SUVs. Front- wheel drive is standard in all Tiguan trims; however the SE and SEL are available with an all-wheel drive option. This 4-door wagon seats five and is powered by a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Tiguan's award winning engine drives with ample power; the direct injection helps it churn out a lot of useable force for its size allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds. With such power, the Tiguan has a 2,200 lbs towing capacity. It comes available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Along with top performance ratings, the new Tiguan is more economical with the high-performance turbocharged engine drastically reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Features

The 2010 Tiguan is one of the safest vehicles in its class, earning a 5-star crash test rating from the government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include a navigation system with rearview camera, sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to store data and digital audio files. With both safety and comfortable, the Tiguan will always ensure a pleasant ride.

Take a closer look at the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan using our virtual showroom, where you can research colors, options and more.

Tips for Winterizing and Summerizing Your Car

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As the seasons change to both summer and winter, it is important to take the proper steps in protecting your vehicle from the climate change. A lot of these maintenance essentials can be performed easily on your own, but sometimes it is difficult to determine what preparations need to be done to your car and for what season. Here are a few ideas to help you regulate your car according to the seasons:

Winterizing

During the winter, defrosting your windows may be a daily task. So, it is important to make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition, as well as the levels of antifreeze in your cooling system.

Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures. It's easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can pick up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed.

Keep your car stocked with some winter essentials just in case an emergency should arise when you are on the road. Gloves, boots, a blanket, flares, a flashlight and a few snacks could potentially save your life if you were to be caught in a winter weather emergency.

Summerizing

In the summertime your car engine's coolant can reach 250 degrees F, meaning your car could overheat. While you have the car in for its tune-up, make sure that the mechanic checks the radiator for any leaks or cracks.  If needed, have the radiator flushed and new coolant added.  If the coolant level is low, have them add coolant to the right level for your car.

The air conditioner should be inspected for any worn or damaged belts. You should inspect the air-conditioning hoses for any leaks or damage. You want to also make sure the clamps are tight; if they are loose you can tighten them with a screwdriver.

When the temperature goes up, so does your braking system's temperature. This can cause your brake pads to wear quickly. Have your brakes checked to see how worn they are and replace them if necessary. 

For both Summer and Winter

Weather and temperature change can take a toll on your tires. Checking their traction is important, along with checking tire pressure regularly to make sure your tires don't have any dangerous wear or nicks in the rubber. Rotating tires after every 7,500 miles will help you get better gas mileage.

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