BUYING AND OWNING A VEHICLE CHAPTER 17 BUYING AND OWNING A VEHICLE

BUYING AND OWNING A VEHICLE CHAPTER 17 BUYING AND OWNING A VEHICLE 17.1 BUYING A VEHICLE 17.2 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 17.3 FUEL EFFICIENCY, RECYCLING, ETC

DO YOUR NEEDS REALLY JUSTIFY OWNING YOUR OWN CAR? BUYING A VEHICLE DO YOUR NEEDS REALLY JUSTIFY OWNING YOUR OWN CAR?

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? PURCHASE PRICE DEPRECIATION FINANCING Vehicles value steadily drops over time FINANCING Shop around and look for best rate OPERATING COSTS Fuel, oil, tires repairs, replacement parts, licensing fees, registration, insurance, taxes, etc…..

WHAT KIND SHOULD YOU BUY? What will it be used for? Passengers, cargo? How many miles? Keep it how long?

VEHICLE SIZE Smaller, lighter = better gas mileage but does not offer as much protection Smaller = easier to maneuver Larger = more comfortable but more costly Larger = greater capacity for passengers

OTHER DECISIONS ENGINE TRANSMISSION OPTIONAL EQUIPTMENT Smaller more fuel efficient Larger more powerful for working TRANSMISSION Most automatic with overdrive Manual last longer, harder to learn OPTIONAL EQUIPTMENT Technological advancements means lots of toys!

Safety Features Electronic Stability Control Side-Impact Air Bags Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Back Up Camera Lane Departure Warning Variable Ride-Height Suspension

Side Impact Air Bags

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Back Up Camera

Lane Departure Warning

Variable Ride Height Suspension Adjusts the height of the vehicle based on speed or terrain

LEASING Cheaper than buying When lease is over you: Return the vehicle and lease another Purchase the vehicle at reciprical value Return the vehicle with no obligations

BUYING USED VEHICLE Buying from private owner may cost less but no warranty Used car dealers usually have a better selection Some now offer certified pre-owned warranties Read warranty carefully How much should you pay? Kelley’s blue book

CHOOSING A USED VEHICLE Make sure looks good and is in good mechanical condition Need to know if it was ever involved in collision before If possible talk to previous owner

OUTSIDE AND INSIDE CHECKS Doors and locks General appearance Fluid leaks Evidence of collision damage Condition of seats Lights and accessories Mileage Pedals & steering Spare tire and jack Hoses, belts, and fluids Battery and cables

TEST DRIVE Always test drive – make sure everything works and the car drives well.

HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED Take it to a trusted mechanic and have them inspect it.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE POWER SYSTEMS CREATE POWER SO YOUR VEHICLE CAN RUN CONTROL SYSTEMS CONTROLS THE BRAKES, STEERING, SUSPENSION, AND TIRES.

Electronic Control Module Computer located in engine compartment Usually a plastic box with wiring

Fuel Injection Provides higher performance with less fuel consumption Older vehicles have Carburetors which are less efficient

Catalytic Converters Used on exhaust to reduce the level of Nitrogen Oxides that contribute to smog They can reduce the performance of your vehicle but are important for the environment

Muffler Reduces noise from combustion

Oil Changes Recommended every 3000 miles

RADIATOR KEEPS ENGINE COOL AND PROTECTS FROM OVERHEATING

POWER STEERING

TREADWEAR RATING THE HIGHER THE NUMBER THE LONGER THE TREAD SHOULD LAST!

TRACTION RATING & TEMPERATURE RATING TRACTION RATING REPRESENTS THE TIRES ABILITY TO STOP ON WET CONCRETE OR ASPHALT. “AA” IS BEST DOWN T “C” TEMPERATURE RATING REPRESENTS TIRE’S RESISTANCE TO HEAT. A-C

THE “PENNY TEST” IF YOU CAN SEE ALL OF LINCOLN’S HEAD THEN YOUR TREAD IS TO LOW! TIME FOR A NEW TIRE!

SUSPENSION SYSTEM SHOCK ABSORBERS AND STRUTS HELPS TIRES GRIP THE ROAD ABSORBS BUMPS ENHANCES STEERING CAPABILITY

When your battery dies! You will have to jump start your car

MAXIMIZE FUEL EFFICIENCY CONTROL SPEED WARM UP THE ENGINE LIGHTEN LOAD REDUCE IDLING REDUCE DRAG

ALTERNATIVE FUEL CARS ELECTRIC CARS

DISPOSAL OF VEHICLE PARTS AND FLUIDS Vehicle batteries, oil filters, oil, gasoline, transmission, fluid, brake fluid, and antifreeze are hazardous substances. Never dump or put these in the garbage. Service stations usually provide reclimation for these used products

MASS TRANSPORTATION CAR POOLING ALTERNATIVE FUEL HOW CAN YOU HELP? MASS TRANSPORTATION CAR POOLING ALTERNATIVE FUEL