With advancements in the world of technology, fuel-powered cars are becoming dormant, and hybrid and electric vehicles are gaining popularity. They are becoming a leading choice since they boost a vehicle’s efficiency, and a growing number of manufacturers are building their base in the hybrid and electric cars segment. Here are some tips to help you choose between hybrid and electric cars when you’ve to make the decision: 1. Efficiency Since electric cars run only on electricity, they do not have a backup for fuel. So, they are more efficient and leave behind a zero-carbon print. On the other hand, the batteries in a hybrid vehicle have high voltage, which is dangerous in the case of an accident, as it increases the risk of electrocution of the riders. 2. Environment-friendly An electric car does not need gas as it functions entirely on electricity. However, a hybrid vehicle uses relatively less fuel compared to an entirely fuel-powered car, making it comparatively more eco-friendly. 3. Replacements and maintenance An electric vehicle does not need repairs or maintenance like an oil change. At the same time, these cars require an additional set of equipment like charging cable. Also, you may often need to replace such items in a span of 3-5 years.

SUVs are often set apart from other vehicles by their spacious seating, higher ground clearance, off-road features, and their sport styling. The SUV has been around since the 1930s with the old-fashioned “Suburban” but became more commonly used in the early 1970s with the “Blazer” style. SUVs are far smaller and have better fuel economy than bulky trucks but have more room and capabilities than cars. The SUV is an absolute go-to for anyone looking for adaptability to multiple-use vehicle needs. While SUVs are known for their durability, they also are known for adventuring, and the number one need for adventuring individuals besides wanderlust is safety. So here are 5 of the best SUVs with top-of-the-line safety features: 1. Toyota Rav4 The Toyota Rav4 has cutting edge safety features such as the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which detects pedestrians and other vehicles in the path of your vehicle and alerts you to a possible collision. The Rav 4 also includes a front and rear parking assist which is a system that warns you of stationary objects when parking and will ease engine power and apply the brakes to avoid a costly fender-bender. Along with blind-spot detection and 8 airbags, the Rav4 is a big name in safety.

Several factors determine the car insurance amount you have to pay. Everything from your driving history and the kind of coverage you possess to where you park your vehicle impacts the premium amount. Although the parameters may vary with each company, here’s how car insurance is usually calculated: 1. Age One of the factors that most insurers consider is age. Young drivers typically have a lower experience behind the wheel, so they are, statistically, more susceptible to be involved in an accident. This means drivers between 17 and 25 years of age have to pay a higher premium amount. Many believe that drivers enjoy the benefit of a lower insurance premium after they reach the age of 25. While this may not always happen, there are also other ways you can use to reduce your premium amount. 2. Type of coverage Generally, there are several options to pick from when you’re shopping for a car insurance policy. Naturally, the more comprehensive the policy coverage is, the higher the premium amount will be. For instance, an auto insurance policy that only covers liabilities will be relatively inexpensive as compared to a policy that covers liability, collision, medical payments, underinsured, or uninsured motorist insurance.

Vehicle leasing is a type of financing where you rent the vehicle for a particular time-frame. After the rental duration ends, you have to return the vehicle. However, in the case of a car loan, the car’s ownership remains with you. In both cases, you have to make monthly payments and would need to have a decent credit score. In this article, we will talk about credit scores for leasing versus financing: Credit scores for leasing 1. Importance of credit scores The exact credit score required for leasing a car differs from dealership to dealership. But a minimum score of 620 is acceptable by all dealerships. It is advisable that you keep your score above 620. This is because a score that falls in the range of 620 and 679 is considered near ideal. But the moment you land between 680 and 739, the dealerships will start offering appealing lease offers. 2. Impact of leasing on credit score Lease payments amount to 35% of your credit score while the installments account for 10%. The number of payments you make also impact your credit score. Making regular payments towards your lease is essential as these amount to 30% of your FICO score.

With winters around the corner, you must understand the dos and don’ts for maintaining winter tires. Don’t wait for snowfall before you buy the right set of tires for your car. Instead, do it as soon as chilly weather sets in. Here are some essential dos and don’ts for winter tires that you must follow to ensure safety: Dos for winter tires Here are some tips to keep in mind while fixing new winter tires for safe and comfortable driving on cold days: 1. Check for wear and tear Snow can put excess pressure on the tires, leading to wear and tear. So, you must test the tires from time to time and ensure that they are good to use. This is especially important before setting out on a road trip or a long drive. 2. Get them fixed early Avoid the last-minute rush and get an appointment for fixing your new tires as soon as winter sets in. 3. Add the right balance You can feel vibration during a drive if the wheels are not balanced, but a simple tip that can help you prevent this is to get them balanced on their rims. 4. Keep them on only as long as needed Some laws require drivers to put winter tires on their cars for specific durations or for a time of the year.

Whether you have just started working or have a family, small and compact cars prove to be great for daily commuting, as they’re easier to maneuver on city roads. So, here are some of the best compact car brands that are rich in features and deliver great performance for the price tag they carry: 1. Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best compact car brands of 2020. It is priced between the range of USD 28,595 and USD 37,295. It comes with a decent fuel economy, which is capable of delivering 24 MPG (miles per gallon) in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The car offers comfortable seating for five. Volkswagen GTI has upscale and premium interiors. Its safety features include blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control, rear child safety locks, and low tire pressure warning. 2. Honda Fit Falling in the price range of USD 16,190 to USD 20,620, the Honda Fit can be a great choice if you are looking for a compact and fuel-efficient vehicle. It has a decent fuel economy of 33 MPG in the city and 40 when you take it on a highway. It comes with leather seats that can accommodate up to five people with no hassles.

Pickup trucks are available in a variety of sizes and price brackets, so you can choose one depending on your needs. When understanding how to choose a pickup truck that suits you best, ensure that you check the size, features, and towing capacity in addition to verifying whether it fits your budget. Let’s look at a few tips to pick the best pickup truck for your needs: 1. Be prepared that you are going to pay more An average pickup truck can cost you approximately $20,000-$25,000 more than a mid-size car. This means you will have to make higher monthly payments, so analyze your budget before choosing a truck. As a guideline, the payment you make for the truck shouldn’t exceed 15 percent of your take-home pay. Additionally, you can opt for pre approved financing from an online lender, bank, or credit union. 2. Decide between two-wheel and four-wheel drive If your job requires you to take many off-road trips, or if you’re an adventurous soul, chances are you will need a pickup that offers more traction. In that case, a four-wheel-drive would be a better option. Otherwise, a two-wheel-drive pickup truck is a decent choice. Also, bear in mind that a four-wheel-drive can cost you a little more than the standard.

If you’re planning to purchase a family car, you must be looking for the best SUV and crossover brands in the market. SUVs are both practical and spacious, and they offer decent features to ensure a comfortable ride. Here are some of the best SUV and crossover brands you can check out before making a purchase: 1. Kia Sorento Kia Sorento has a starting price of $26,690. All standard trims come with eight-way driver seat adjustment, and 185 horsepower is the standard, with six-speed automatic transmission. You can also choose the 290 horsepower variant, which is equipped with eight-speed automatic transmission and packs a V6 engine. As for other features, it comes with Android Auto integration and Apple CarPlay. Plus, it delivers superb security, thanks to the brake assist. The front-wheel-drive Kia Sorento averages 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 2. Mazda CX-30 The plastic-bodied Mazda CX-30 has become a popular choice and is among the best SUVs and crossovers from the brands. You can own it for a starting price of $21,900. It comes with a standard front-wheel drive, but you can also get the all-wheel drive for an additional $1,400. The Mazda CX-30 packs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower.

In today’s society, driving a car enables a person to get to work, travel, and have more economic independence. Unfortunately, it also exposes the driver to the many dangers that are on the road, like inattentive drivers, traffic congestion, and poor road conditions. When a thousand-pound vehicle is combined with human error, things can turn deadly pretty quickly. This is why car manufacturers have begun to use technology to improve safety features and narrow that margin of error. Here are six examples of safety technology in today’s cars: 1. Forward-collision warning Using the same laser or radar technology as ACC, forward collision warning systems will alert the driver to possible hazards directly in front of their vehicle. Typically, the car will make a loud beeping noise or flash a warning light if it detects a possible obstruction in the road. Some cars combine this warning system with the automatic braking function, dramatically decreasing accident risk. 2. Automatic emergency braking This safety feature is designed to automatically apply brakes if the car detects an imminent collision. It can also dramatically reduce a car’s speed, which can make the difference between a fender-bender and a devastating accident. 3. Adaptive cruise control Also known as ACC, this function allows the vehicle to automatically adjust its speed based on the distance between itself and the vehicle or object in front of it.

If you’re in the market for a new truck, safety is likely one of your top priorities. Fortunately, many of today’s trucks—from big brands like Ford, Ram, GM and more—are equipped with advanced safety features that can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Here are five trucks, ranked in order of safety, that are worth considering: 1. Ford F-150 The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks on the market, and for good reason. In addition to its impressive towing capacity and rugged good looks, it also boasts some of the most advanced safety features available. These include a suite of driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. 2. Ram 1500 The Ram 1500 is another truck that puts safety first. Like the F-150, it comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance technologies that can help you stay safe on the road. These include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. 3. GMC Sierra 1500 If you’re looking for a truck that’s both stylish and safe, the GMC Sierra 1500 is a great choice. In addition to its bold design and powerful engine options, it also features a range of advanced safety technologies like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.