(NAPSI)-When buying a car, there’s more to consider than the make and model. Price, size, gas mileage–even the way it feels behind the wheel–affect your decision. You should also weigh your options when buying auto insurance. With many brands and features and price ranges out there, it pays to do your homework.

Here are some common questions people ask Progressive when they shop for insurance:

What type of auto insurance can I choose from? There are two types of auto insurance: Liability coverage pays for damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people that you cause. Physical Damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle. These two coverages are the foundation of your policy.

How much coverage should I buy? The state defines the minimum amount of coverage required, but after that, the amount of coverage you buy is up to you. You choose based on your comfort level, budget and lifestyle.

Some people want as much coverage as possible for all of life’s “what ifs.” Others are satisfied with bare-minimum coverage. If you have a newer vehicle, you may want more coverage to protect your investment. If you can afford higher deductibles (the amount you’ll pay out of pocket in the event of an accident), you can raise them and pay less premium.

How is my rate determined? Rates are based on a combination of pieces of information about you, your driving record and your car. It’s important for you to provide accurate information to your agent or to the insurance company. It helps determine the best options and rates for you.

Can I get a lower rate? Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your rate. For example, Progressive offers discounts for good student drivers, paying your premium electronically and having more than one policy.

Some companies offer rewards for renewing your policies with them. At Progressive, the longer you stay a customer, the more benefits you gain, such as lower deductibles and accident forgiveness. Ask your agent or customer service representative about available discounts and programs.

Where should I shop for insurance? If you prefer to look on your own, begin your search online. If you want to talk to someone about insurance, contact an agent. To find an agent, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

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Plastics Create Oil With Energy to Spare (380) (NewsUSA) – America’s quest to reduce its fuel consumption and dependence on foreign oil may lead it to look for energy sources in new places — like the bottom of a trash barrel. JBI, Inc. (OTCBB:JBII), a global technology company, has developed a process, called Plastic2Oil (P2O), that converts raw, unwashed, unsorted plastic waste into a fuel similar to biofuel. In April 2010, an independent laboratory, Islechem, validated the P2O process through extensive chemical, analytical and process engineering testing. Islechem tested the process over 40 times using multicolored, mixed plastics. The laboratory determined that the P20 process is repeatable and can be done on a large scale. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the hydrocarbon composition in the feedstock is converted into a “near diesel” fuel, while about 8 percent is converted to a usable off gas much like natural gas. In addition, only 1 percent of the plastic becomes residue, and that residue does not contain any highly toxic elements and is safe for landfill disposal. Even better, more energy is produced than consumed by the process. Early data suggest that the process creates twice as much energy as it uses. “It takes energy to produce energy. The key is to get more energy from the final product than it takes to make it,” said JBI, Inc. CEO John Bordynuik. “Our process has a high positive energy balance of 2.0, while gasoline from crude has a negative energy balance of 0.81.” The fuel produced by the P20 process has another major advantage over gasoline from crude oil — its production, including labor, costs only about $10 a barrel. Gasoline from crude oil uses more energy than it produces and currently costs between $75 and $85 a barrel — and yet gasoline companies yield high profits. A process like P20 could revolutionize the market by creating high-quality fuel at much lower costs, while also helping to reduce the amount of plastic that becomes pollution or ends up in landfills. JBI, Inc. is currently in talks to create P20 processing facilities in Europe, Florida, New York, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia and Ohio. The company is also looking for waste disposal or recycling companies, and people with under-utilized facilities to convert into P2O factories. For more information, visit www.plastic2oil.com or www.jbiglobal.com.

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(NewsUSA) – What could be more embarrassing than riding around with scratched or damaged wheels? Except for a bad paint job, nothing can make your car or truck look less appealing or bring down its value more.

Regardless of where you drive, wheel damage is a common problem caused by a variety of culprits: curbside rash, stone nicks, road scuffs, potholes, pitting, corrosion, chemicals and weather. Fortunately, there is an easy answer to the problem, and you don’t have to buy a new wheel or take your vehicle to a restoration shop. You can fix your wheels yourself and save hundreds of dollars and hassles in the process.

A new, easy-to-use Wheel Restoration Kit has been developed by Permatex, an automotive repair products producer. The Wheel Restoration Kit helps you to fix the damaged surface on your wheels, and restores the original silver metallic finish and overall appearance. The kit comes with simple, step-by-step instructions and everything you need for a complete wheel restoration, including a premium, high-performance wheel paint. The finished repair is permanent and resistant to chemicals, brake dust, heat and chipping.

To help you make a professional quality repair, Permatex has also developed three bi-lingual online demonstration videos: “Dents and Grooves,” “Curbside Rashes, Scuffs and Scratches,” and “Corrosion, Rust and Minor Scratches.” Each video takes you through the repair process, step by step. The videos are available for free and can be viewed online at www.permatex.com.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a professional mechanic, you can easily restore your wheels to “like new” condition, without the need of special tools or training. The kit works on all types of metal wheels including aluminum, alloy, steel and mixed metals.

You should be able to get Permatex’s Wheel Restoration Kit at leading auto parts stores for less than $25.00. If not, you can contact Permatex (877-376-2839, www.permatex.com) directly, and they will help you find a retailer near you.

Caution: This repair is not recommended for use on chrome wheels or plastic wheel covers and should not be used for structural wheel damage

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Driver’s license photos in North Carolina will soon be captured in 3-D.

The state Division of Motor Vehicles said Thursday it is planning for the changes for 2012. The new photos will come from a camera with multiple lenses. The black-and-white photograph will be laser engraved to the card to provide a clear image.

North Carolina has worked with the FBI to test whether the state’s facial-recognition software can be used to match photos of fugitives with license photos. DMV spokeswoman Marge Howell says the 3-D images will improve that effort.

Read More News:Mync.com

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Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, AAA Carolinas will begin to broadcast a graphic anti-texting video on cable television.

In a press release sent out by AAA, the video will begin airing June 30 in hopes of educating Carolinians the possible consequences of texting while driving.

“This video may shock some viewers and that is the intent: to create a lasting impression that texting while driving is deadly,” said Thomas Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Read More:MYNC.COM

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Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer


(ARA) – Baseball, barbecue, pool parties – when you’re tallying ways to celebrate summer, don’t overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun – the muscle car.

“Summer and muscle cars go together perfectly,” says Steven Magnante, former technical editor of “Hot Rod” magazine. Magnante will be SPEED’s on the block reporter during the Inaugural Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector Car Auction in Costa Mesa, Calif., this summer. “Summer is a time for enjoyment. Winter snow and frigid temperatures become distant memories when you’re motoring along in a high performance car on a sunny summer afternoon.”

If you’re lucky enough to have a muscle car in your garage, summer is certainly the perfect time to roll it out. If you’re an admirer but not an owner, you’ll find plenty of collector car auctions, auto shows and TV programs (SPEED will show 18 hours of live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event) to indulge your interests this summer.

“America was the perfect breeding ground for the muscle car phenomenon,” says Magnante, who has hosted “Off-Road Adventures TV” and “Classic Car Restoration” on cable’s DIY Network. “We’ve got the best primary and secondary roads in the world, vast expanses between major cities and towns and a higher level of prosperity. Add in our free spirit, quest for individuality and competitive nature, and the arrival of high-performance passenger cars was inevitable.”

Here are Magnante’s picks for the top five muscle cars of summer:

5. 1983-’93 Mustang GT Convertible

“Many of us just can’t afford to spend what it takes to obtain a classic ’60s muscle car,” Magnante says. “But if you can get past the somewhat dated styling, any 1983 to ’93 Mustang GT convertible will bring you endless smiles without draining your wallet. Clean 5.0 drop tops are easy to find for under $7,500 and make great budget-conscious, summertime-fun machines.” A 5.0 liter engine makes the GT a great performer. The 225 horsepower 1987 Mustang GT was a 14-second drag strip performer, capable of running with some of the Mustang greats of the ’60s.

4. 1968-1974 Big Block Corvette Roadster

“Some say it’s a sports car and doesn’t belong in the muscle car category, but any car that can smoke tires at 60 mph, run 13s at the strip and strike fear into the hearts of Street Hemi owners is a muscle car,” Magnante says. Big block ‘Vettes with V8 engines deliver 427 cubic inches of brutal performance. Though earlier cars (pre-1971) were less encumbered by smog controls and reduced compression (for compatibility with unleaded gas), even a de-tuned ’74 454 roadster (270 horsepower) has plenty of torque for excitement when you mash the gas pedal – especially when coupled to a four-speed stick.

3. 1968-1975 Plymouth Road Runner

“Plymouth went fishing in the shallow end of the marketplace by pricing the original Road Runner below $3,000 ($2,870 for a stripped pillar coupe),” Magnante says. Plymouth kept the price low by doing away with frills like power windows, bucket seats and air conditioning. A very potent 335 horsepower 383 big block engine and rugged four-speed manual transmission were standard equipment. “With no exaggeration, it was the first muscle car that was affordable to the average teenaged supermarket checkout clerk,” he says.

2. 1965-1970 Mustang High Performance Convertible

“This selection is only valid for Mustang convertibles built with the top engine option for its respective year,” Magnante says. “Mustangs built with lesser engines are fun to drive, but do not qualify as muscle cars.” In 1966, Ford produced 72,199 Mustang convertibles – the peak year of production for the model.

1. 1964-1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible

“Experts will always argue about who invented the muscle car,” Magnante says. “Controversy aside, nobody can deny that the 1964 Pontiac GTO was the first mass-produced Detroit muscle car to really get the mix of image, marketing and performance just right – and spawn a host of would-be imitators from every competing make.” The car was so successful that although Pontiac expected to sell just 5,000 of them in 1964, by the end of the year Americans had driven 32,450 GTO convertibles off the lot … and a legend was born.

“For summertime enjoyment, nothing beats a GTO convertible (preferably with a 4-speed stick), so let’s call it No. 1 on our list,” Magnante says.

To see more amazing muscle cars, classics and great vehicles, tune in to the Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector car auction June 25 to 27 on SPEED. Log on to www.speed.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year

(ARA) – An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.

Your vehicle can be a great “vehicle” to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle’s health.

After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.

To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here’s a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear’s new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.

* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Keep it clean: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car’s finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.

* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Road Trips With Pets

(ARA) – Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.  

According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.  

Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:

* If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.

* Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

* Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.

* See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.

* Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

* Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.

* If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.

* Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.  

* In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

* Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.  

To download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure, visit
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RALEIGH – Raleigh police say Dillard Roe Johnson stole gas cards from an engineering company, then hung around gas stations offering motorists fill-ups for $20 a pop. Now police are trying to track down everyone who took advantage of the special offer — possibly hundreds of people.

Johnson, 27, of 507 Dacian Drive was charged Thursday with three felony counts of financial card fraud, three felony counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and one count of financial card theft, according to a Wake County jail spokesman. Police said he broke into work trucks at Bass, Nixon and Kennedy in West Raleigh over the weekend.

Company president Ed Davenport said whoever stole the cards set up an illicit gas business at Triangle gas stations. “By Monday morning, $23,000 worth of gas had been charged on the cards,” he said.

Scott Wilson, the firm’s survey manager, said the cards were used more than 300 times at more than two dozen gas stations in Raleigh, Smithfield, Morrisville, Wake Forest and Youngsville. Gas purchases ranged from $5 to $400, with most falling between $50 and $100.

“He would stay at some stations for more than an hour, moving from pump to pump,” Wilson said.

Bass, Nixon & Kennedy officials learned of the break-ins Sunday morning. Wilson said they were not too concerned because the thieves did not have the cards’ activation numbers. Wilson said he isn’t sure how someone gained the cards’ numbers, though at some stores an activation number isn’t needed to purchase gas at the pumps.

Johnson confessed to the break-ins and card thefts, according to a search warrant made public Thursday.

Read More:News & Observer

Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.

(NewsUSA) – What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.

According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.

Electric cars – the ones that run without gasoline engines – are no longer science fiction.

One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.

These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.

Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.

As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.

According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas – and around $2,500 – each year.

Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.

State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.

Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.

Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.