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Car dealerships used to be the only name in the game if you wanted a new car, but nowadays you have another option: buying a car online. So how can you decide if buying a car from a dealership is the right move for you?Here’s how you can decide if you should buy a car from a dealership.What are the advantages of buying a car at a dealership?Buying a car from a dealership has some significant advantages over buying online. The human element is one of the top advantages, as you can actually talk to a salesperson and let them guide you through your options. You can get advice.Car dealerships have salespeople who can help you immensely if you are unsure on the exact vehicle you want. Even if you know the make and model you want, there are endless options when it comes to upgrades and trim levels. Salespeople can help explain your options and pick out the exact car that will work for you.You can negotiate. Dealerships also provide a way for you to negotiate. When you buy a car online, you are unable to negotiate the price. Everything is cut and dry online, whereas shopping at a dealership will allow you to cut down the sticker price or possibly have some fees waived. You may get a manufacturer incentive. Buying at a dealership means that you may be eligible for manufacturer incentives. These incentives can vary greatly and may include 0% financing, a cash rebate, or equipment upgrade. What are the disadvantages of buying a car at a dealership? There are some disadvantages to buying a car at a dealership as well. Your options may be more limited and you may get swayed into options that you do not want or need. So for some people, buying online may be a more comfortable option. It takes more time.It’s hard to beat the convenience of shopping for a new car from the comfort of your home. Buying a car at a dealership will take much more time and may require multiple trips to multiple dealerships to get the car that you truly want. The negotiation process will take more time as well, as you cannot simply click a button and wait for your car to arrive. You may have less options.When you buy online, everything is at your fingertips. Whatever make, model, color, and options that you want are available to you. This may not be true for your local dealership, which may not even carry the make and model car that you are interested in.  You may get persuaded into something you don’t need.Salespeople earn commissions, so it’s in their best interest to increase the amount you are paying as much as possible. And this may mean that you will get talked into something that you don’t really want or need. It’s much easier to simply go online and select exactly what you want. You may also find that it is more difficult to walk away, even if you know that the car is not right for you.How can I prepare for buying a car at a dealership?If you feel like a dealership is your best option for purchasing a car, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure that you get the best deal (and best car) possible.Do your research.Do not make the mistake of going into a dealership unprepared. You should have a loose idea of what you are looking for (at the very least you should have a list of what you are looking for in a new car) and you should have a loose idea of the price. The more you know about what you want ahead of time, the more you can prepare for the price of the car. This will help you spot if you are being taken advantage of or if a dealer price is fair.  You should also know how much you can afford to pay every month in car payments. Your total cost for transportation (car payments, insurance, maintenance, gas, parking, etc) should never be more than 20% of your total monthly income. Get pre approved.Getting pre approved before you set foot in a dealership will help you in a few different ways. First off, it will show the salesperson that you are serious about buying a car and are prepared to do so. It will also mean that if the dealership wants you to finance with them they will need to work hard to beat your pre approved financing offer.Shop around.Do not go to just one car dealership when you are looking to buy a new car. Going to a few different dealerships will give you some more negotiating power and let you compare offers. Break down your financing into components.When dealerships sell you a car they tend to focus on your monthly financing payments. They want you to focus on your monthly payments rather than showing you the overall picture. But this can get confusing. Monthly payments are largely determined by your repayment period. Any car is affordable if you are given a long enough time to pay it off. The longer that you are repaying your loan however, the more money you will pay over the life of it.  Instead, focus on the out the door price first–the total cost of the car. Try to negotiate your sticker price down in a separate transaction before moving onto how exactly you will pay for the car. Putting a larger down payment will help keep your payments affordable and help ensure your loan won’t become underwater. Be prepared to walk away.Dealerships can be intimidating and there may be a lot of pressure to sign on the dotted line. But you should only sign when you are 100% happy with all of the terms. Make sure that you have the exact car that you want and that the financing terms are fair. Dealers want to pressure you into making a sale because they know that once you leave the dealership their odds of making the sale have decreased significantly. But do not let their pressure sway you into a car and a deal that is not what you want.That’s how you can decide if you should buy from a car dealership or not. There are pros and cons from buying at a dealership, but if you decide to purchase a car that way be sure to do your research and stand your ground. If you are in an unhappy relationship with your current car lender, contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you have the know-how and inclination to work on your car yourself, then hurray! While it will eat up more of your time, you will save yourself money and probably a few headaches. But if you are like most of us and don’t have the knowledge or the time (or both), then finding a good mechanic is critical. But how can you find a good mechanic that is reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable? Here’s how you can find the mechanic that’s right for you and your vehicle.What are signs of a good mechanic?When we say “good mechanic”, what are we actually talking about? There are quite a few traits that contribute to a good mechanic. They listen to you.When you go into the shop, it is sometimes hard to describe what the problem is if you are not a car person. You may even resort to saying things like “It’s making a ‘clunk’ sound when I turn”. A good mechanic will listen to as much information as you can give them and not dismiss your issues. You know your car and what is “normal” behavior, and a good mechanic will understand this and use your information to diagnose and fix the problem at hand. If a mechanic is dismissive or repeatedly tells you there’s nothing wrong, find a mechanic who will listen. They stick to their word.Cars are essential parts of our lives, and having a car in the shop can really mess up our plans. So when a mechanic says that they will have your car back to you on xxx date, it’s of the utmost importance that they keep their word. Mechanics have busy schedules with lots of cars moving in and out, so it’s easy to see how they can get backed up. But a good mechanic will be sure to give you a realistic date and keep their word. They won’t rip you off.If you are not super familiar with cars, you may not have a great idea of how expensive things are to repair. From the time it takes to fix to the parts that need to be bought, taking a car in for a repair can be expensive. Finding a mechanic that will not take advantage of you can be quite a feat. Doing some research ahead of time to approximate a repair cost can help you determine whether or not a mechanic is being fair in their pricing. They value your business.There are lots of little things that mechanics do to show us they value us as customers. Cleaning up any messes that make and leaving your car in better condition than when you brought it in is a major part of this. If they take the time to explain the issue, recommend maintenance, give you some insight into how you can prevent future issues, and greet you with a friendly face, it’s safe to say they see the value of your business and want to keep you happy.How can I find a good mechanic?If you live in a suburban or urban area there are probably dozens if not hundreds of mechanics to choose from. So how can you sort through and find a mechanic that is right for you? Step #1. Narrow your search to mechanics that specialize in your make.While cars generally all work the same way, they vary drastically from make to make. Mechanics tend to specialize in a few different brands, making them more familiar with the problems your car is likely to have. They will be able to diagnose and fix issues more quickly when they are more familiar with your car. Step #2. Get a recommendation. Friends and family are the best people to lean on when looking for recommendations, especially if they have a similar vehicle. They can give you feedback from their experience, letting you know how reliable and trustworthy a given mechanic is. Step #3. Look online.If you don’t have friends or family in the area or they are not able to help you in your search, the internet is your next best option for research. Services like Google and Yelp can help you find local mechanics and read reviews to determine how good a mechanic is. You should also use Better Business Bureau (BBB) to be sure that the business is accredited and see if there are any reviews or complaints. Step #4. Test them out with some routine maintenance.Once you’ve found a place that you want to check out, try taking your car in for some routine maintenance. An oil change, tire alignment–whatever your car may need. This is a great way to test the waters before a bigger issue comes up with your car that needs immediate attention.  Step #5. Try to learn from them.A good mechanic will talk to you and explain any issues that may come up with your car. Try to learn as much from your mechanic as possible when you can. This will help you become knowledgeable and may help you down the road. Step #6. Leave a review.If you like your mechanic, be sure to leave a review for them so that other people can find a trustworthy mechanic. Reviews help small businesses to grow and help other people in your situation find what they need. Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List are just a few places where you can leave a review. If you are unsure where to leave a review, ask your mechanic if they have a preference on where to start. How can I save money at the mechanic?Going to a mechanic can cost you a lot of money, even if you are going to a reliable and trustworthy one. Cars are expensive to buy and they are expensive to maintain. But there are steps you can take to try to lower your bill. Know if your car is under warranty.If your car is still under warranty you will have to take your car into the dealership or into another accredited shop for it to be covered. But if your car is not under warranty, stay as far away from the dealership as possible. Dealerships are in the business of making money first and fixing cars second. They tend to replace parts rather than fix them, charge higher hourly rates, and may even talk you into other “repairs” that are not necessary. Get multiple estimates. Finding a mechanic that you like doesn’t mean you can’t shop around. Taking your car to a few different places will help you compare prices and may help you negotiate your repair bill lower. At the very least it can help you be sure that your current mechanic is giving you a fair price. If there is a discrepancy, discuss it with your mechanic. There might be a completely valid reason for the difference in pricing, but it’s worth bringing to their attention. Check to see if your insurance offers discounts.Many insurance companies have a network of auto shops that they work with that may offer discounts. Using a preferred shop may make the process of getting your car repaired go a little more seamlessly as well. The insurance will pay out quicker and there may be less paperwork required on our end. These shops may also offer warranties on their parts and help you get a little more bang for your buck. Ask for a labor and parts estimate beforehand. Understanding how the shop is determining their cost can help you be sure that you are not getting ripped off. You can easily verify the cost of parts by looking online, and you can even get a sense for how long a repair should take.  Get your repairs done quickly.Waiting to fix a problem will almost always result in more repairs down the road–and more costly repairs at that. Going to the shop as soon as you can will help you fix the problem for the least amount of money.  Build a relationship.Having a good relationship with your mechanic can add up to savings. They may be more inclined to cut you a deal or work with your budget if you are a repeat customer. A good mechanic knows that their business isn’t much without good customers, so it’s mutually beneficial for you to have a good relationship.That’s how you can find a good mechanic. Finding a good mechanic can feel daunting, but it’s important to have a trustworthy and reliable person by your side to help you with your car troubles. After all, most of us can’t afford to be without our cars for too long. If your issues are with your financing company and not your mechanic, get in touch with Auto Approve! We can help you refinance your car loan to a lower car loan APR and save you money every month on car payments. There are lots of great reasons to refinance your car loan, so don’t wait to reach out! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Have you ever let a friend or family borrow your car and wondered if they were covered under your insurance policy? The answer is yes–in most cases–under permissive use auto insurance. So what exactly is permissive use auto insurance and what does it cover?Here’s everything you need to know about permissive use auto insurance.What is permissive use auto insurance? Permissive use auto insurance allows a person who does not live with you and is unlisted on your car insurance to drive your car legally. Permissive use is a feature of most auto insurance policies but it is always a good idea to ensure that it is outlined in your policy. Permissive use insurance allows for people who drive your car infrequently to use it from time to time. A big part of permissive use insurance is that the use is infrequent, typically defined as less than 12 times per year.   Does all of my insurance coverage transfer to the permitted driver? If someone is driving your car who is not listed on your policy, does all of your coverage transfer to them? In short, yes, as long as you are abiding by the guidelines in your policy. But there may be exceptions to this. Most states require that a driver be insured to some degree. The most common type of coverage is liability insurance, which pays for injuries and/or damages from a car accident, including those of the other driver and their passengers. But some states require other coverage, such as:Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Covers the cost of injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your car and other property, if you're hit by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.Personal injury protection: Covers medical expenses for insured drivers and their passengers. It can also cover lost wages and other expenses that result from the accident.Medical payments coverage: Covers medical expenses due to injuries from a car accident. It is similar to personal injury protection but does not cover lost wages or other expenses. Comprehensive and collision coverage: These are not required by any state but can offer additional coverage for collisions, theft, vandalism, and acts of nature.Most insurance policies transfer all of your coverage to the permissive driver. But it’s important to note that not all policies do. It’s important to check your specific coverage to see who is insured for what.How do I know if I should add someone to my insurance policy? Permissive use is specifically for people who do NOT reside at your address and only use your vehicle infrequently. Drivers are covered for 12 “uses”, and every time a driver enters and exits the vehicle it counts as one use. So if a friend is going to be using your car for a few days or weeks, or is taking a road trip with your vehicle, it’s a good idea to add them to your insurance policy to ensure you don’t have a problem. You can always add a driver temporarily, which means that you will not have to pay for them for an extended period.Are household members covered on my insurance policy? Spouses are generally covered on auto insurance policies, even if they are not specifically named on the policy. This also extends to other relatives who are living in the same house. They can be related by blood, marriage, or adoption.  If you have a roommate or foster child the rules are less clear, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company if you are not sure. If someone else uses your car a lot and does not reside with you, you will need to have them specifically listed on your insurance policy.Who is not covered under permissive auto insurance? Permissive use is just that–permissive. This means that if you do not authorize someone to use your vehicle, they are not covered under your insurance. Here are the the instances where permissive use will not cover a driver under your policy:Unauthorized drivers. If someone takes your vehicle without your permission they are not covered.Unlicensed drivers. If someone who does not have a license uses your car they are not covered under permissive use.Excluded drivers. If someone is specifically named on your policy as an excluded driver, permissive use will not apply. Business use. If someone borrows your car for business use, such as driving for a rideshare, permissive use will likely not apply.Criminal activity. If a person uses your car for criminal activity, permissive use will not apply. Intentional acts. If a person uses your car to cause intentional damage, permissive use will not apply. What is a named driver policy? A named driver insurance policy means that only those who are specifically named on the insurance policy will be covered by that policy. There is no permissive use. Most standard auto policies include permissive use, so a named driver policy is somewhat non-standard. People may opt for named driver policies however because they can be cheaper. The insurance company knows exactly who will be driving the car, including their ages and driving histories, so they can give more accurate coverage rates. Standard auto policies must inflate their premiums slightly to account for the permissive use of people that they are not vetting beforehand.  Named driver policies can be problematic however. Even if your car is used by someone else in the case of an emergency (and you are in the car with them), an insurance company can deny coverage. Many states are currently trying to pass legislation to make sure drivers are aware of all of the limitations before signing a named driver policy.How much does permissive use auto insurance cost?Permissive use comes standard with most auto insurance policies. This means that it is already built into the cost of your auto insurance premium. Your car insurance premium is based on a number of factors, including the following:The insurance coverage you select. Insurance requirements vary greatly from state to state and can vary greatly from person to person. Some people like to have more coverage for the sake of security, while others prefer to keep their coverage on the more affordable side and take their chances. Your driving record. The better your record is, the less likely they are to have to pay out, therefore the less you will have to pay for insurance. Accidents, moving violations, and DUIs will all increase your insurance premium significantly.How often you drive. The less you drive, the less chance there is for an incident.Where you live. If you are located in an area with heavy traffic or higher rates of vandalism you will pay more for car insurance.Your credit score. Your credit score is another indicator that insurance companies use to predict your chance of being in an accident. Having a poor credit score will significantly increase your cost of insurance. According to a LendingTree study, those with poor credit scores pay 72% more than those with excellent credit scores. Your gender. Women tend to get in less accidents than men and therefore will generally pay less for insurance.Your age. Older drivers tend to have more experience driving and will get lower rates.Your car. There are a lot of variables that your car has that will affect the insurance premium. The cost of repairs, likelihood of theft, and the general safety of your car will all affect your premium. Some features of your car may reduce your premium, such as certain anti-theft devices. There are a lot of discounts that you may be eligible for that can help reduce the cost of your insurance. Good student discounts, good driver discounts, and military discounts can all help to reduce your premium. Having multiple vehicles and/or multiple policies with one insurance company can also help you to save money overall. Paying your policy in full and upfront can also give you a significant discount. Can I still be held liable for damages or injuries caused by someone driving my car under permissive use?If someone is using your vehicle and gets into an accident, permissive use will likely cover the damages. But if there is something that is not covered by your policy, you may be legally responsible for the damages. It does depend on the situation however. You can also expect that your premium will increase in the future.That’s everything you need to know about permissive use auto insurance.If you are unclear whether or not someone is legally allowed to use your car you should check with your insurance company. You don’t want to risk having an insured person driving your car, as the damages will most likely be your financial responsibility. If a friend frequently uses your car, consider adding them to your insurance policy to ensure that you are both covered.  Paying for insurance can add a lot of stress to your finances, and so can overpaying on your car loan. Contact Auto Approve today to see how much you could be saving with a car loan refinance!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Let’s face it: owning a car is expensive. From buying your car to insuring it and paying for gas, the price tag on owning a car is only getting higher. For the first time ever the average annual cost of owning a car broke $10,000 in 2022 according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This represents nearly a 20% price increase in car ownership over the past decade. But it is more expensive to own a car in some places than others, and there are a lot of reasons for this variance.These are the most expensive states to own a car.What costs are associated with having a car?When we talk about the costs of car ownership we are talking about a lot of different factors. The car’s priceWhen we think of car ownership, the main cost we think about is the car itself. Car payments make up a large part of our monthly transportation expenses. These payments are based on the total price of the car and the interest rate that you are offered. InsuranceAuto insurance is required in almost every state. The specific requirements and the cost of insurance vary greatly depending on where you live. A big part of this difference has to do with the likelihood of accidents. Areas with high populations will have higher rates as the density makes the likelihood of accidents increase. Other factors include:Crime rateOccurrence of natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanesCost of livingThe other major factor that varies by state is what coverage is required. Almost all states require liability coverage, but other coverage requirements such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and personal injury protection are only required by some states. This can greatly affect the insurance premium you have to pay.Maine offers the lowest rates in the country with an average premium of $696 according to the Insurance Information Institute. Compared to Michigan, which has the highest premiums in the country at $3,785 per year, this is a huge difference.GasThe price of gas is another major variable from state to state. Gas price varies for two main reasons: different state tax rates and the proximity to oil refineries and pipelines. Gas prices change often and are one of the most variable expenses for a driver. According to AAA the average driver paid $.18 a mile for gas in 2022, totalling about $2700 per year. The cost of gas however is very dependent on the type of car you drive and how often you drive.Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee have the lowest gas prices in the country in 2023 while Washington, California, and Hawaii have the highest gas prices.Maintenance and repairsMaintenance and repairs are inevitable costs of car ownership. Maintenance such as oil changes, tune ups, and new tires can add up to a lot of money every year. For a new car AAA estimates that owners spend about $121 per month on maintenance and repairs. Registration, fees, and taxesRegistration, fees, and taxes vary significantly from state to state. The average car owner spent $675 in 2022 to legally drive their car according to AAA. Registration fees are lowest in Arizona, Mississippi, and Nebraska, all of which charge less than $15 to register a car. The highest registration fees belong to North Dakota ($274), Montana ($225), and Florida ($225).Fees associated with buying a new car vary from state to state and even from dealership to dealership. These fees may include origination fees, destination charges, advertising fees, and more. On average Oregon has the lowest fees when buying a new car, with the average buyer spending about $130 in extra fees.State tax rates vary widely, with Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon all boasting 0% sales tax, while California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.25%.Are car prices different in each state?New cars have similar prices from state to state but the registration and taxes will vary significantly. The price of used cars however can vary significantly from state to state based on a number of factors such as supply and demand and registration requirements. What states is it most expensive to own a car in?So which states have the highest cost of car ownership? According to a March 2023 study from Forbes, the following states have the highest and lowest cost of car ownership. Forbes looked at gas prices, car repair costs, insurance rates and monthly auto loan payments to determine their rankings.California and Nevada have the highest cost of car ownership. California has the second highest price of gasoline ($4.76 per gallon), the third highest cost for repairs and maintenance ($415.66), and has the eleventh highest cost for full coverage insurance. Nevada has the third price of gasoline ($4.24 per gallon) and has the sixth highest cost for full coverage insurance ($3,342 annually). Colorado, Florida, and Alaska are next in line as the most expensive states for car ownership. Ohio has the lowest cost of car ownership.Ohio has the lowest cost of car ownership in the United States. With an average annual insurance premium of  $1,112, average car payments of $500, and an average gas price of $3.17 per gallon, it’s the most affordable state to own a car.  Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Maine round out the list of the least expensive states for car ownership. How can I reduce the cost of car ownership?If you live in a state where it is expensive to own a car, you may be wondering how you can reduce the cost of owning a car. While you could move to Ohio or Iowa, that’s probably not a realistic option for most. But the good news is there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the cost of owning a car.  Cut down on gas usage.One of the biggest things that you have control over at any given time is the amount that you drive. While you may have a commute that you cannot control, you can cut down on unnecessary trips by combining errands, carpooling when possible, and walking or riding your bike if that is an option.  Shop around for insurance.You can change your car insurance whenever you want, not just when your policy is up for renewal. It’s worth the effort to look around and see what other companies may offer competitive coverage in your area. Contacting your existing company and inquiring about discounts and promotions may also help you save some money on insurance.   Do your research when buying a new car.When you buy a new car, consider all of the costs that you will have to pay. Selecting a car that is reliable and does not need as much maintenance can save you a lot of money and hassle. A car with good gas mileage will also help you to save thousands every year if you are a high mileage driver.Negotiate fees and APR when buying a new car.When you are buying a new car you should also shop around for the best car loan possible. Comparing APRs and fees across lenders and dealerships will be more work for you but it will result in big savings. When you close, be sure to negotiate the dealer fees. Some fees can be reduced by the dealer while others are mandatory, but negotiating will help you to keep your overall car cost as low as possible.Refinance your car loan.If you already bought your car, you may be wondering how you can reduce the cost of car ownership. The good news is that you are not tied to your lender until your car is paid off. Refinancing your loan will help you to reduce the APR that you are paying, and this can result in thousands of dollars in savings every year. Refinancing is simple when you use a company that specializes in auto loan refinance. Auto Approve can help you determine which lender is right for you and help you to negotiate the best APR possible .Refinancing your car loan will be most effective when your finances are in good shape. Taking the time to work on your credit score and pay down debts will help you to secure the best car loan terms.Those are the most expensive states to own a car.Unless moving states is in the cards for you, you will have to resort to other ways to reduce the cost of car ownership. Buying a reputable and gas-conscious car, cutting back on gas use, and refinancing your car loan are a few of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of owning a car, no matter where you live.If you are paying too much on your car loan, consider refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. It’s free to get started and couldn’t be easier. So what are you waiting for? GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

We all like to think that we are good drivers. Of course we all have the occasional lapse in judgment or close call, but we at least try to be good drivers, right? But there are some drivers out there that are breaking the rules of driving every day. So what are the most common–and most dangerous–rules that bad drivers break?Here are the ten most common driving rules that bad drivers break.#1. Not wearing a seatbelt. In today’s day and age there is no excuse to not wear a seatbelt. Seat belts have been proven time and time again to save lives and minimize bodily damage in the case of an accident. According to a study by the CDC seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 45% and reduce the risk of serious injury by 50%. In SUVs and minivans their effectiveness only increases, with seatbelts reducing the risk of a fatal injury by 60 percent and reducing critical injury by 65 percent. Experts estimate that seatbelts save nearly 15,000 lives every year.Despite all of this data, one in ten people do not wear a seatbelt when they are in the front seat of a car. While seatbelts are not failproof, they are our best chance for survival in case of an accident. By breaking this driving rule you are not only putting yourself at risk for a ticket, but you are putting yourself in actual danger.#2. Distracted driving. Distracted driving comes in all forms. Distracted driving is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” While it is only second nature to do some of these things, distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk, including you and your passengers. Roughly 3,000 people die every year in accidents caused by distracted driving, accounting for almost 10% of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States.  Talking and texting is the most common reason for distracted driving. The NHTSA estimates that cell phones are involved in 26% of all car crashes. Stowing your phone away to avoid the temptation will help ensure that you are focused while driving.#3. Not obeying the right of way laws. Right of way laws are in place to ensure that people will safely and efficiently get through an intersection. For the most part these laws are uncomplicated and rely on common sense. Yet we have all ended up at an intersection where the laws were not followed. This results in confusion, slowed traffic, and possibly even an accident. But it’s important to note that even if you have the right of way, you should still drive defensively and cautiously. A right of way does not make you immune to accidents and we should all work together on the road to stay safe.#4. Driving under the influence. Most of us know to not drive when we feel tipsy, but some ignore this rule blatantly. The legal limit for driving in most states is a blood alcohol content of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL). Driving with a BAC above this can carry serious penalties and is dangerous for everyone on the road. In fact 32 people are killed every day in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol in the United States. If you ask “is it safe to have one drink and drive”, the answer is actually no. You can get a ticket even if you are under the legal limit if the police think that your judgment is impaired.  Driving under the influence doesn’t just apply to alcohol either. “Influence” can mean marijuana, illicit substances, and even prescription medication. The bottom line is that if something can alter your state of mind–intentionally or unintentionally–you need to avoid it if you are getting behind the wheel. #5. Running through yellow lights. A yellow light does not mean “speed up and get through the intersection before it turns red”. A yellow light indicates that a red light is coming and you should prepare to stop. The only time that you should not stop for yellow light is if there is not enough time to stop safely. Busy intersections that have a lot of traffic, pedestrians, and bikes can be a dangerous place when everyone is trying to make it through the intersection at the last minute. So unless you cannot stop in time, you should not race through a yellow light. #6. Not using a blinker.Blinkers are designed to alert other people on the road of your intentions while driving. More and more people are failing to use their blinkers to communicate, causing confusion and accidents. You should use a blinker in any of the following situations:Turning at an intersection.Turning into a driveway or parking lot.Changing lanes.Pulling over on the side of the road.Parking on the side of the street.Changing lanes.Passing another vehicle.Merging with traffic.Leaving a roundabout. The more people use blinkers, the safer we will all be. You should use blinkers even if no other cars are around as you should make is a habit to use them whenever you are turning.#7. Not obeying the speed limits. Speed limits are put in place for a reason. State and local authorities look at roads and use the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to determine what a safe speed is for a given section of road. In general the following things are considered when determining a speed limit:Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.History of accidents.Highway, traffic, and road conditions that may not be obvious to drivers.Residential density.Pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Speed limits are pretty cut and dry: if the speed limit is 50 and you are driving at 51, you are breaking the law. While most cops won’t bust you for speeding one mile an hour over the limit, they have the right to. But while you may be able to go slightly over the limit without getting into trouble, it’s important to remember that speed limits are put in place for a reason. Maybe there’s a lot of foot traffic that makes driving fast dangerous, or maybe there are twists and turns on a road that come up abruptly. No matter what the reason is, speed limits will keep you–and everyone else on the road–safe.#8. Tailgating. Of all of the irritating driving habits that bad drivers put on display, tailgating is perhaps the most annoying of them all. It is an aggressive tactic that some bad drivers use to pressure drivers in front of them to either go faster or move over. But in reality it creates a very dangerous situation where the driver in front gets distracted or feels frightened. The car that is tailgating will not have sufficient time or space to stop in the case of an accident. Accidents caused by tailgating are incredibly dangerous and can result in neck and back injuries, traumatic brain injury, and even death. #9. Rubbernecking. Rubbernecking is when a driver takes their eyes off of the road to look at something such as an accident or arrest. Rubbernecking can severely disrupt traffic patterns and cause accidents. While curiosity is human nature, rubbernecking is just another form of distracted driving and can cause serious accidents and even death. #10. Merging incorrectly. Merging is an essential part of driving. While some merges are easier than others, it is imperative that everyone safely merges with traffic to avoid accidents and traffic disruptions. Here’s how to properly merge to keep traffic moving safely:Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic.Yield to drivers on the highway but avoid stopping if possible.Find a gap in traffic to merge. Use your turn signals early.Wait for the solid line to end before merging.  Coming to a full stop while trying to merge, hanging out in another car’s blind spot, not using turn signals, and not keeping an appropriate speed will all cause issues when you merge. Those are 10 rules that bad drivers break all the time.While everyone has lapses in judgment from time to time, we all need to do our best to keep these lapses to a minimum. In general we need to simply pay attention: pay attention to the road, to the speed limit, to the laws, and to other drivers on the road. Taking these measures can help ensure that we all get from point A to point B without a problem and without an accident. Let’s agree to not break driving rules–and to not break the bank with our car payments. If you are overpaying on your car payment every month, contact Auto Approve to see how we can help! Drivers can save hundreds of dollars a year (if not thousands) by refinancing their loan with Auto Approve. So don’t wait!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

We drive all of the time, and we think we know the rules, right? But it turns out there are actually a lot of rules out there that not everyone knows (and that many of us break all of the time!) Here are 15 things that are illegal to do while driving (that a lot of us actually do).1 - Using your fog lights when the weather is clear.A lot of people like to keep their fog lights on at all times, but this is actually illegal to do in many states and can result in a fine if a cop chooses to pull you over. There are 26 states where this is illegal including California, Texas, and Virginia. 2 - Not moving over in an emergency situation.We’ve all seen an accident on the side of the road with emergency vehicles. The safest thing you can do is pass by one lane over to give ample space for emergency workers. If you fail to move over one lane it is illegal in 43 states under “Move Over” laws. Gawking and getting in the way can result in additional accidents.  3 - Using a cellphone.We know that it’s illegal to make calls while holding the phone up to your ear. But it’s illegal to handle your cellphone at all while driving, even if you are just looking at directions. Mounting your phone to your dash will help you avoid handling your phone and becoming distracted.  4 - Driving with your hazards on.When it’s raining many people drive with their hazards on to signal to other drivers that they are going slower. But in many states this is illegal. Think of it this way: when it’s raining you have poor visibility and you may see a car pulled over with their hazards on. You go to approach and pass them, only to find out they are actually driving. This can create a dangerous situation. Hazards are meant to signal that you are pulled over, not that you are merely driving slow. It’s illegal in many states including New York and North Carolina.5 - Driving with a cracked windshield.A cracked windshield might seem like a vanity issue. After all, if it's still intact it’s still protecting you right? But driving with a cracked windshield is incredibly dangerous. The glass is weakened significantly and any number of small incidents could cause a bigger problem. Laws vary by state, but most states agree that once it starts affecting your field of vision it is a legal matter.6- Speeding past a funeral procession.Funeral processions have the right of way in at least 15 states, which means they do not have to stop at red lights once the lead car has passed through safely. While you do not need to pull over (although it is the polite thing to do), you can absolutely not try to get around them or ride on the coattails of the procession. This law will vary state by state but if you are unsure, play it safe and hang back until the procession is over.7 - Blasting your music loud.If you are a fan of blasting your music as loud as you want, you may be considered a nuisance in the eyes of the law. There is no federal law that dictates how loud you can play your music, but in many states if your music is “clearly audible” at 25 feet from your vehicle you can be issued a fine.8 - Driving without your headlights on.If it’s getting dark and you can still see clearly, you may not feel the need to turn on your headlights–or maybe you just don’t remember sometimes. But either way driving without your headlights on can get you a fine in most states. The specific laws will vary, but in general if it is getting dark out you are required to have your headlights on.9 - Driving too slowly.There are speed limits on every road, we all know. But most roads don’t have minimums posted. It doesn’t really matter though; if you are driving slow enough that it is deemed to be disruptive you can be issued a ticket.10 - Driving while tired.Many of us have driven tired, whether it was from driving through the night to get to a vacation destination, or just driving home from work after staying late. If you are feeling sleepy or driving through the night, you may think that your tiredness only affects you. But driving while sleepy is dangerous and can lead to reckless driving. In New Jersey the famous “Maggie’s Law” was passed after a 20 year old woman was killed in a head on collision caused by a man who was up for 30 hours. The law makes it a criminal offense to drive while fatigued, and if an accident results from your actions you can be charged with vehicular homicide.11 - Driving slow in the left lane.The left lane is for driving faster and for passing (although it is NOT for speeding).  If you are cruising along in the left lane driving under the speed limit, you are most definitely creating an unsafe driving environment. If you prefer to take it slow, keep it in the right lane so the faster cars can safely get around you.12 - Wearing earbuds while driving.When you are driving you need to have all of your senses, and this includes your hearing. If you wear earbuds you will severely impact your ability to hear. Whether it's the honking of another motorist or the sound of an emergency vehicle, if you cannot hear while driving you may put yourself and others in danger. If you can’t agree on what music to listen to, make your passenger be the one to compromise and listen with earbuds.13 - Mounting a GPS on your windshield.Many are unaware that it is illegal in 28 states to mount your GPS directly on your windshield. This is because it can hinder visibility. Instead, your GPS should be mounted on the dashboard.14 - Over-tinting your windows.Window tint is not illegal, but tinting your windows too much (which means above your state’s regulation) can result in a fine. If your tint is too dark you will not be able to see properly ahead of you. It also poses a threat to police officers who may wish to approach your car but cannot see what or who is inside. 15 - Driving with a broken horn.Horns serve a very important purpose: they allow you to warn others of dangers on the road. If your horn is not functioning properly you will not be able to communicate with other drivers on the road. Those are 15 things that are illegal to do while driving.Staying safe means learning the rules, and saving money means refinancing your loan with Auto Approve. GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, and with good reason. There are a lot of benefits to having an electric car and their technology is only getting more and more impressive. In twenty years it is safe to assume that most cars will be electric, so now is a great time for many people to dip their toes in the world of EV. But if these are uncharted waters for you, you might be wondering where to start. Here’s your ultimate guide to buying an electric car.What is an electric car and how is it different from a hybrid car?An electric car is exactly what it sounds like: a car that runs entirely on electricity and uses no gas. They are different from hybrid cars, which run on both electricity and gas. These hybrid vehicles run on their electric engine until they reach a certain speed, and at that point the gas engine takes over. There are a lot of benefits to hybrid cars as well, especially if you are nervous to make the jump to fully electric. But electric cars are undoubtedly the cars of the future.What are the pros of buying an electric car?It’s good for the environment.One of the biggest benefits of an electric car is that it is good for the environment. It’s no secret that fossil fuels have countless negative effects on the world we live in, from greenhouse gasses to the effects of fracking. But electric cars can help us to greatly reduce the amount of gas we are dependent on and help the environment a great deal.It’s good for your wallet.Aside from the big picture benefit, switching to electric can save you a lot of money. Not only do you save money on gas (it’s hard to say exactly how much, but in general EV owners spend about a quarter on electric charges than gas car owners spend on gas) but they also save on maintenance and repairs. Some studies have found that for every $30 a gas car owner spends on repair and maintenance, an electric vehicle owner spends $7. This number is expected to decrease as more mechanics become familiar with electric vehicles. When it comes to monthly costs, an electric car is far better for your wallet than a gas car. It’s good for your driving experience. Electric cars can offer a better driving experience than their gas counterparts. This is because gas engines need to build torque and power, while electric engines can yield more instantaneous results. With every new generation of electric vehicles the acceleration becomes more instantaneous and the experience becomes better overall. What are the cons of buying an electric car?The range can be limiting. Many electric vehicles on the market today cannot match the range capacity of a gas car  on a single tank of gas. Some EVs have very short ranges (such as the Mazda MX-30 which only has a 100 mile range) which may not be a practical option for many people. The infrastructure is not yet in place.Perhaps the biggest issue with electric cars is that our world is not yet set up for them. There are far fewer places where you can charge your car than there are gas stations, so you need to be hyper aware of the range that your electric car has. If you live in a rural part of the country that is slower to adapt to technology, your town may be totally unequipped to handle EVs and you will therefore need to rely solely on your at home charges. They are more expensive upfront. While your charges and repair costs are significantly lower than gas cars, the upfront cost of buying an electric vehicle is much higher. Many EVs cost $10,000 more than equivalent gas cars. This can be especially limiting for many people and can make electric cars a non-option. There are incentive programs in place to make this additional cost more palatable. The electric car tax credit is one of the most well known incentives. It offers:A federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 on select new EVs.A federal income tax credit of up to $4,000 on used EV purchases (cars must be less than 2 years old) .While this can help soften the price, it might not be enough for some people.What to consider when picking an electric car. If you think that an electric car might fit your lifestyle well, there are a few things to consider when selecting the perfect car for you. While ten years the options were extremely limited, today it is a different story. Most major brands have at least one electric car option, with some offering a whole fleet. So here are some questions to ask when deciding which electric car is right for you.What range do you need?A major consideration for most people is the battery range that you will need. If you generally have a short commute and only take your car out for nearby errands, this won’t matter too much for you. But if you routinely take long trips or have a longer commute, it is important to get a car that has some significant range. The 2023 Lucid Air currently has the longest range with 516 miles on a single charge. Some other great options for long ranges include the 2023 Tesla Model S (405 miles), the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 (361 miles), and 2023 Mercedes EQS Sedan (350 miles).What type of charging capabilities do you have?You will also need to think about what sort of charging situation you have available. Electric charging capabilities can be broken into three categories: level 1, level 2, and DC fast charging. Level 1 charging is what most of us have in our homes: standard 120 volt charging outlets. While it is possible to charge on this level, it will take a very long time to do so. In fact an empty 250 mile range EV would take 50 hours to charge from empty on a standard 120 volt outlet. If you are considering buying an electric car you should try to have a level 2 charging option available to you, which is a 240 volt outlet. While you may be able to use an adapter and charge off of a heavy duty outlet in your home (such as what powers your clothes dryer), it might be worth it to you to have a hard wired charging station installed in your garage. This can reduce your charging time significantly.  Level 3 charging is the most powerful charge for EV. It is unlikely a residential area will have this, but your work or another nearby area may have the capabilities. Some makers offer discount clubs if you use their affiliated charging stations, so this may affect which vehicle is best for your location.What is your budget?As we mentioned before, electric vehicles are more expensive than gas cars. But there is a large range of prices in this bracket. The most affordable EV on the market right now is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV with a price starting as $19,995. But after Cherovlet the next most affordable option jumps up to $29,135 with the 2023 Nissan Leaf. There are a considerable number of options in the $30,000 - $50,000 range, including the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 with a price tag of $32,790 and the Tesla Model Y AWD at $41,630. As the price approaches six figures there are even more options. As the price increases, so does the charging range, the luxury, and the power. So it will very much be a question of what your budget is.What are your other vehicle requirements?Again, ten years ago there were very few options available for EV. But now there are electric vehicles that can fit into many different lifestyles. Do you want a small and simple car for getting from here to there? A Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf may be perfect. Do you need lots of room and extra cargo space? A Rivian R1S SUV and Ford F-150 Lightning pickup might be better options for you. Are you all about the luxury experience with all the bells and whistles? The BMW i7 or  Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan might be better options. But with the amount of EVs on the market today you can certainly shop around and look for a car that meets all of your needs.And that’s your guide to buying an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are the future and it's safe to say that soon we will all be making the switch. So if now is the right time for you to dive in, do your research and make sure you are making an informed decision. If you aren’t in the market for a new car but are in the market for a new car loan, contact Ayot Approve today! Our experts can help you refinance your loan and save you a lot of money.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Cars are expensive assets, so it only makes sense that we should keep documents that pertain to its history and its value. Service records are an important part of your car’s history, so it’s important to keep these records organized. So what exactly are service records and will they increase your car’s resale value?Here’s what you need to know about car service records and how they can affect your car’s resale value.What are service records?Car service records are similar to a person’s medical records. They give a history of your car’s “health” per se. Service records typically document the following:Information on previous owners. This may include the zip code of where the owners lived, which may give you an idea of how the car was used. If your car was in a city, you know that the miles are city miles. If the car was in the country, you will know that the miles are not stop-and-go. Car maintenance records. If the car was taken in for routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, there should be a paper trail. If the owner performed their own maintenance, this may not be documented. This will also give the dates of when these services were performed.Car repair records. Similarly, this will make note of what repairs were performed on your car. Dates on these records are also important. Keeping these records will give any future owners some confidence in the car that they are driving. If they can see proof that the car’s oil was changed according to the manufacturer's instructions, they will feel confident that the car they are buying was maintained correctly. If you bought the car new you have the opportunity to keep great records from the start. You can keep all of the records organized either physically or digitally. If you have maintenance performed at the dealership, they will most likely keep records. But it’s a very good idea to keep them yourself so that you always have access to them.What are the benefits of keeping service records?It can help with warranty claims.If your car is under warranty, service records will help with any claims that you may make. Warranties generally require that routine maintenance is performed for any repairs to be covered. If you are unable to prove that your car has been regularly maintained, you may be out of luck when it comes to having your repairs covered by your warranty. It can help with insurance claims.If you get into an accident, proving that your car has been regularly maintained can help you negotiate a higher diminished value. Diminished value is the difference between the car’s value before the accident and the value after. Cars with detailed records and histories tend to have higher resale values (more on the later), so this can help boost an insurance claim to be more accurate and more beneficial to you.It can remind you that it’s time to get your car serviced.Service records can also help you to remember when you need to take your car in for maintenance. If you have all of the records organized you can see that the time has come for an oil change or tune up. It can help a mechanic to pinpoint a problem.If you have records of the repair history, it may help a mechanic to determine what the problem is. If there are a number of different possible culprits, mechanics can look at the records to see what has already been replaced or repaired. It could also help a mechanic determine if a culprit is actually a mistake that a previous mechanic may have made. The more information you have to give a mechanic, the better chance you have of finding the underlying issue.Does keeping service records increase resale value?But of all of the benefits of keeping organized service records, an increased resale value is probably top of the list.Buying a used car can be nerve-racking. There are so many unknowns as compared to buying a new car. Service records provide more peace of mind for a buyer. Instead of taking someone’s word for it that maintenance was regularly performed and that the car was well taken care of, you have physical proof of that. Service records do not prove or guarantee that a car will be problem free, but they can show a potential buyer that you are the type of person who takes care of their car and is diligent about keeping records. That can mean a lot to a potential buyer, and that can translate to an increased resale value.Resale value is dependent on a number of factors. Brand reliability, model popularity, color, and trim level all contribute to the resale value. But the most important factors that you can control post-purchase are the mileage, vehicle history, and the condition of the car. By keeping your service records you can assure the future buyer that the car is in great condition and doesn’t have a shady past without documented maintenance and repairs.How should you store service records?You can store your records either physically or digitally, whichever is more natural or easier for you. Ideally you can keep a physical folder as well as a digital folder so that you have back ups of the information. Many people choose to keep their information in the glove box, but this can be a problem if your car is involved in an accident and is taken away. If the records are stored digitally you will always have access to them no matter where your car is.Are there privacy concerns when keeping service records? If you are concerned about your privacy, which is a valid concern, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. After all, you don’t necessarily want to show strangers your exact address and contact information.  Go through each document to ensure that your name, full address, phone number, and email address are covered completely. Using a marker or pen may not sufficiently cover your information, so instead get an identity theft protection roller stamp that will ensure your information is fully covered. It is very important to look through all of your documents thoroughly to ensure that you haven’t missed any important information that needs to be covered. That’s everything you need to know about service records and why they are so important.  If you are looking to sell your car, organizing your service records will help tremendously. If you are looking to buy a used car, asking for service records can give you peace of mind.  Already have a car? Consider refinancing your loan with Auto Approve! Get in touch to find out just how much you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Selling–or buying–a car from a stranger may be nerve wracking for both the seller and the buyer. When you don’t know someone there is a lot of risk involved on both ends. So what is the best and safest way to exchange funds during a private car sale?Here’s how you can exchange money during a private sale.How can I exchange money during a private car sale? There are six main ways that you can exchange money during a private sale. Some are faster than others, but others are safer (even if they take much longer). CashCash is king, as they say. On one hand cash is a very safe way to exchange money. The seller is guaranteed to get the full amount and there is no need to get another entity involved. But carrying around a fistful of cash can pose an inherent risk.  Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using cash, bring a friend or loved one along for added protection and consider meeting at a public spot such as a park. Digital PlatformNowadays more and more people prefer using digital payment platforms such as Venmo, PayPal, or ApplePay. These platforms have great benefits, as they are quick and secure. Because of this there is little risk of fraud. But the downside is that there are often transfer fees and there can be limits to how much you transfer. Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using a digital payment platform, determine what fees you will be responsible for and whether or not there is a transfer limit.Certified CheckA certified check is a personal check that is verified by a bank to ensure that sufficient funds are in the account. When a check is certified those funds are frozen and allocated to that specific check. This guarantees that the check will cover the price of the car. Some banks treat these checks as cash more or less, so the funds may be immediately available once you cash the check. But other banks have a delay in this process which means that the money may not be available immediately. Fraud is still possible even with a certified check, as the certification itself may be forged. Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using a certified check, meet at the buyer’s bank to make the exchange. If the buyer wants to use a personal check, insist that they certify it first. These measures will reduce the risk of fraud.Cashier’s CheckA cashier’s check is similar to a certified check but the funds will come directly from the bank. A buyer will essentially buy a cashier’s check from a bank. There isn’t the risk of inadequate funds, but as with any type of check there is the potential for fraud. An unscrupulous buyer could simply forge the check.  Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using a cashier’s check, meet at the buyer’s bank to make the exchange (just like with the certified check). This will reduce the risk of fraud. Bank TransferAnother option for exchanging money is to do a bank transfer of the funds. You will not need to worry about checks or certification, the funds will simply move from one account to the other. This is much safer than using a check, but the downside is that it can take up to 24 hours to make the transfer. Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using a bank transfer, double and triple check that all of the banking information is correct on both ends. EscrowA less used option for transferring money in a private car sale is to put the funds in escrow. When we think of escrow we typically think of buying a home, but the same idea can be applied to buying a car. An escrow service is a third party who holds the funds until the vehicle transfer is complete. This protects both parties as it ensures that the transaction is complete before releasing money and releasing the title. There is a paper trail which makes it even more secure for both parties. But the downside is that this can take some time to complete and comes with an added fee, typically around 2%. Top Tip: If you want to exchange funds using an escrow service, do your research to find a reputable company that charges a fair fee. Make sure that the other party signs off on the company as well.How can I safely buy a car from a private seller?Buying a car from a private seller can be daunting. After all, you are the one with the money, and they are the one with the car you don’t really know that much about. But there are steps you can take to help protect yourself when you are buying. Do your research. You should not only do your research on the make and model in general, but also on the VIN number. Ask if the seller will pay for a CARFAX report to be sure that the car hasn’t had any major damage and that there aren’t any recalls out on the car.Ask for maintenance records. If the seller has any maintenance records that they can share that will help you be sure that the car has been properly maintained. Have the car inspected by a mechanic. If you want to be extra sure that the car is in great shape, have it inspected by a mechanic before you complete the sale.How can I safely sell a car to a private buyer?There are risks when looking to sell your car as well. You don’t want to end up with no car and no money, which can happen if you get duped by a scammer. But again, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself.Avoid checks if possible. Checks have a high likelihood of being fraudulent, so you are better off with one of the other payment methods we outlined above.Walk away if something feels wrong. After all of that work to advertise and sell your car you are probably anxious to have it all be over. But if something feels wrong, it most likely is. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you get a bad feeling about the buyer–or the circumstances. That’s how you can safely exchange money during a private car sale.Selling and buying a car privately are inherently riskier than selling or buying a car from a dealer. But being smart and doing your research can help protect you, whether you are the seller or the buyer. If you are overpaying every month on your car payments, Auto Approve can help! Contact us today to find out how much you can save! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you buy a used car, there are endless amounts of questions and unknowns. Were there regular oil changes? Was the car ever in an accident? Did the last owner drive carelessly? And while some of these questions will never have certain answers, there is one thing that you can check relatively easily: if there has ever been a recall. Here’s how you can check for a recall when buying a used car.What is a car recall?In a nutshell, a recall is issued by a car manufacturer when there is a defect on one of their cars. Recalls can be divided into two categories: safety recalls and non-safety recalls. Safety recalls are mandated by the government to ensure that consumers are protected when there is a known problem with a car. Manufacturers usually issue these recalls voluntarily, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can also issue them if they feel that there is a safety risk. Safety recalls can include anything that can potentially cause injury to a passenger. Some safety recalls may include:Airbag issuesBrake pad stickingProblems with steeringWiring defectsDysfunctional wipersAnything else that can cause a safety problem Non-safety recalls are issued voluntarily by manufacturers to address cosmetic or function defects in the manufacturing process. These defects however do not pose any safety threat to the passengers inside. These recalls may include:Stereo issuesBroken air conditionerRustPoor paint job If a recall is for safety reasons it is very important to get the issue fixed for the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road. If a recall is non-safety related, it is not imperative for you to address the issue, but it’s still a good idea.How do car manufacturers decide to issue a car recall? A manufacturer will typically issue a recall after they notice a pattern of complaints and issues. If consumer complaints start rolling in and warranty claims increase, they will investigate to determine the exact issue. They will then determine how the problem can be fixed in the future and how they can conduct a recall that will address the issue.  If the issue is safety-related and the manufacturer does not issue a recall for some reason, the NHTSA will step in and issue one.Is it safe to drive a car with an open recall?Recalls are issued for all different reasons, so your car may be perfectly safe to drive even if there is a recall. If a recall is particularly dangerous, your recall will be issued with a “Do Not Drive” warning. But in general it is safe to assume that a car is relatively safe to drive if there is no explicit warning. What happens when you bring your car in for a recall?Dealerships are required to perform the necessary repairs in order to fix a recall. The manufacturer is responsible for paying the associated costs for the repair, so you should not have to pay for any car recall. There are a number of different ways that recalls can be addressed. It depends largely on what the specific issue is and how it can be resolved.  Most of the time you will be able to schedule a recall repair at the dealership. Many recall repairs can be done by dropping your car off for a few hours and picking it up later that day. If there is a large recall that affects a lot of people you may end up waiting for an appointment, but it can and will eventually be fixed at the dealership. Parts may take additional time to make it to the dealership, so this may further delay your repair.  In some instances if the recall is very intensive and requires a complicated fix, you may have to have your car shipped back to the factory for repairs. This can be hugely inconvenient, but if a recall is this involved it is safe to assume that it’s important enough to have fixed. Are car recalls common?Car recalls are relatively common, although some are more serious than others. And some brands have more recalls than others. In 2022 there were over 300 recalls issued for cars in the United States. According to a study published by Automotive News, the following makers had the most recalls in 2022.Ford Motors. Total of 67 recalls affecting 8,636,265 vehicles.Volkswagen Group of America. 46 recalls affecting 1,078,443 vehicles.Daimler Trucks North America (medium-and heavy-duty commercial truck maker). 42 recalls affecting 273,286 vehicles.Chrysler. 38 recalls affecting 3,041,431 vehicles.Forest River (recreational and commercial vehicle maker). 35 recalls affecting 203,694 vehicles. Rounding out the top ten list are Mercedes-Benz USA (34 recalls), General Motors (32 recalls, Kia America (24 recalls), Navistar (22 recalls), Hyundai Motor America (22 recalls). It is important to note however that many of these recalls were not safety related. When new technology is introduced there is usually an uptick in recalls as they work out the bugs. But it’s important to keep an eye out for recalls regardless.How can you check if there is an open recall on the car you want?When you buy a new car at a dealership it is standard for the dealership to alert you to any recalls. They will usually call you or send you a letter that will outline what steps you should take to get the issue resolved. But when you buy a new car, this is not the case.When buying a used car you need to be a little more savvy and do the research yourself. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration keeps an up to date list of all recalls that have ever been issued for just this reason. You can search safercar.gov by the make, model, and year on the NHTSA website to determine if (and what recalls) have been issued for the car you are interested in. This will help you determine what makes, models, and years should be avoided due to severe safety issues.If you have a specific car that you are interested in you can look up the car’s VIN on the NHTSA website to see what recalls have been issued AND if the recalls have been addressed. You can see quickly and easily whether or not the car is still in need of a fix.What should I do if there is an open recall? If there is an open recall on the car that you are interested in, it’s not an automatic dealbreaker. After all, if the recall fix was performed then the car is good to go. But if the problem was not fixed you still have some options. You are buying a used car from a dealership.If you are buying a used car from a dealer you may be able to request that the recall is addressed (at no cost to you) before you accept the car. If a dealer is able to do this quickly and easily this may work out in your favor. But if the dealer is unwilling to do this you will need to decide if you want to purchase the car and have it fixed at your own expense. If it is not a safety issue, you may not care if the recall is addressed. You are buying a used car from a private seller. If you are looking to purchase a car from a private seller, you can similarly ask that they have the recall issue addressed before you buy the car. This is less likely to be an option for most private sellers, but you can always ask. Again, if the recall is not a safety issue you may choose to forego having it fixed. But be cautious: if a car has open recalls it may indicate that the owner did not take the best care of the car. You should have it inspected by a mechanic to determine if the car is in good shape overall before purchasing it. When you are buying a used car it’s important to check if there was a recall on your car and whether or not it has been fixed. Recalls can vary greatly in their importance so it will ultimately be up to you to decide how you want to handle any recalls that are issued for cars you are interested in. But either way you need to do your research so that you can make an informed decision about the car you want. Many cars that have recalls issued are good, safe, and reliable cars–but it’s up to you to do this legwork.  If you are looking to refinance your existing car loan, Auto Approve can help! Our experts can help match you to the loan that is right for you and guide you through the refinancing process. It’s fast, easy, and can save you a lot of money. So what are you waiting for? Contact Auto Approve today to get started!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS