The rising pollution levels are making the future bleak, the time may soon come with all of us walking with our own personal supply of oxygen. So let’s take steps to reduce car pollution and get rid of the deadly smog. Read on to know more.

• Warm up your car, since it tends to take more time to start in early winter mornings. This starting time can also be longer if the vehicle is a couple of years old or the fuel type is diesel. So, just make sure to start a few minutes early for your destination and warm up the car for a few minutes before you leave. This helps in reducing the fuel consumption.
• Keep the tyres inflated properly with the correct pressure in relation to the tyre, make and model of your car. This simple step will help to run your car smoothly and save the precious fuel.
• Turn off the air conditioning system whenever you can, especially at the red lights. Whenever we switch on the air conditioning of the car, we indirectly put extra load on the engine of the car causing it to burn more fuel. If you are driving on the highway and the atmosphere is cool and pleasant, we can definitely turn off the AC, bring down the windows and save some precious fuel and produce lesser exhaust.
• Regular servicing and tune-up of your precious car on the on-set of every season increases the life span of your beloved car. Besides, it also reduces the pollutants emitted and keeps your car healthier and greener. You should regularly change the oil, check the oil and air filters, and tune the engine to its best. This results in increased efficiency and fuel saving.
• Fill up your fuel tank always from a reputed and known fuelling station, this will help in getting un-adulterated and good quality fuel. Good fuel keeps your car’s engine health in peak condition and keeps pollutants well within the prescribed limits.
• Keeping your car fuel efficient saves you good money. It also keeps the environment clean. This method also helps to keep your car lighter. Remove any extra or unwanted things from your car to make it lighter. You can also look at keeping the fuel tank filed only up to 60% if you drive in the city only. A relatively lighter fuel tank will lower the weight of the car, burn less fuel during climbing a flyover or pickups.
• Use strict pedal control. Having an efficient acceleration technique can save you up to 10% fuel. When you constantly floor the accelerator to rush past other vehicles and then brake again, you are damaging your car’s engine and the environment at the same time. Therefore, drive properly and at correct speeds.
• Give your vehicle a proper pollution check at regular intervals of say 3 months. Regular pollution check may help in finding out any problems that might exist or occur in future.
• You may also use any public transport for few days to rest your vehicle. . Even bringing down the number of cars running on the road considerably can help big time in reducing the pollution. As the public transport system like trains, metros, etc. run on electricity, it helps in bringing down the pollutants being released in the air.
• If you are not comfortable using the public transport system or your destinations are not connected by the public transport system you can try carpooling. Reducing even a handful of cars on the road on a regular basis can add up into a big advantage for the environment.

The non-profit Insurance Information Institute helped me tackle five common auto insurance myths:

Myth 1:  Red cars cost more to insure 

“Frankly, it doesn't matter whether the car is red or green or purple," said Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute.

Insurers are not concerned about color and neither is law enforcement.

“We look at behavior, not appearance,” said Bob Calkins, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol. “We don’t profile people, and we don’t profile cars.”

Insurance companies do care about the type of vehicle you drive, including the make, model, sticker price, engine size and year. Is it popular with thieves? Is it more costly to repair? Does it have a good safety record?

There does appear to be correlation between vehicle model and the likelihood of a traffic ticket. A recent study by Quality Planning (a San Francisco-based analytics company that works with auto insurers) found that drivers of flashy cars are often more aggressive and therefore a greater risk.

Based on this study, drivers of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible are four times more likely to be cited for a moving violation than the average driver. Quality Planning’s list of Top Ten “Spirited Vehicles” includes Toyota’s Camry Solara Coupe, Scion’s TC Coupe and the Hummer H2/H3 SUV.

Other factors that go into determining your premium: how many miles you drive each year, when you drive, where you drive and if you’ve had any previous accidents. These days your credit history is also considered. Insurance companies say their data show people with a good credit history are less likely to file a claim.

Myth 2:  Older drivers pay more for car insurance 

Many drivers who are 55 or older can get their rates reduced — by up to 10 percent for three years — if they successfully complete an accident prevention course.

“Insurance companies look at these mature driving courses and find them to be a good thing,” Loretta Worters told me. “It helps refresh an older driver and keeps them sharp and keeps them safer on the road.”

Check with your insurance agent to find defensive driving courses that are approved by your insurer. If you are retired or no longer working full time, see if you qualify for a discount based on driving less.

Myth 3:  Your insurance policy covers any damage to your car  

If you want to fully protect your vehicle for all types of damage, you need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage. But many people with older cars sometimes drop these coverages in order to save money.

“If the vehicle is worth less than a thousand dollars or less than 10 times the insurance premium, purchasing this optional coverage may not be cost effective,” Worters said.

Myth 4: Soldiers pay more for insurance 

“Many insurers also provide discounts for former members of the military and their families,” Worters said. “So it’s a good thing for military families to look into.”

Myth 5: Your policy covers you if you drive the car for business 

A lot of young people who take pizza delivery jobs don’t know this, for example, so if you’re not an employee of the pizza restaurant, you’re not covered by the company’s insurance policy. If you have an accident while making a delivery and you’re on your own. Your personal insurance will most likely deny any claims.

The talks on electric cars is everyone. Most of the top auto brands and big car manufacturers worldwide have moved towards adopting innovative technology and producing their own version of electric vehicle. It is easily understood that, it is presently going through the beta or testing period and auto experts are making plans to integrate electric car models into the present auto market paradigm. One of the vital gaps that needs to be addressed seriously in order to make successful electric car usage is the understanding on of the functioning along with usability of electric cars among the car owners, driver sand also auto mechanics. Now let us understand the main factors that are dependent on bringing the age of electric cars and making it a reality in the near future.

Is electric vehicles going to become a reality in the near future? What the benefits of using electric cars over traditional vehicles? Learn about the trends in the automobile industry and the recent urge of going green through driving electric vehicles in the wake of excessive natural and ecological damage.

One of the most important things that all the electric car enthusiasts must know before thinking of buying them is understanding the mechanisms that goes into making EVS work. The price of electric car batteries is very high and it costs a lot to replace the batteries.

For that purpose, it is important to maintain the car batteries properly. Moreover, there is huge shortage of electric car charging stations in the country and also worldwide. Thus, it is necessary to build the required kind of infrastructure in order to compel people to buy EVs.

Another important factor that may are making people move towards the goal for having environment-friendly solutions to their everyday problems. The world is suffering from the looming danger of uncontrolled pollution, deforestation and also use of harmful chemical against the nature.

The recent corner for restoring ecological imbalance have forced car manufactures to control carbon-emission and roll out hybrid and electric vehicles which run partially or completely on electric batteries. The national governments also need to understand the gravity of the problem.

Another important hindrance that have amounted to less growth of the electric cars in the automobile market is less infrastructure required for the growth of this types of vehicles. Many charging stations need to be made in order to service in the ever-increasing number of electric vehicles.

Along with providing charging stations, more and more car manufacturers are also looking for providing car charging stations for the garage of electric car owners. Moreover, having proper knowledge of charging and how the battery works is also important.

There are many new electric cars in the market already. So, the costs are relatively high in the present times and talks are of the price subjected to increase in the coming years. Also, we have discussed in previous articles about the costs of electric cars.

Moreover, in order to buy electric and hybrid vehicles, you also need to have electric car insurance. Most of the top auto insurers who are functioning in the market, have come up with car insurance plans specially for electric vehicles sector.

So, now that we have understood about the electric car market, there is recent talks about bring completely driver less electric cars in the fold. With the advent of technology, we have developed autonomous cars that drive with any human interference.

Moreover, it  needs to be noticed that the driver less cars can only be possible after the initial success of electric vehicles. The road infrastructure needs to be changed completely and the other kinds of regular cars need to be removed completely.

Now, the question that remains in the mind of people is whether this quest for bringing electric cars is a success. It is to be taken into account that the buying power and stranded of living in increasing both in the developed and developing economies.

The countries that have already taken the initial step and is serious about implementing path-breaking solutions for manufacturing electric vehicles for the masses are Norway, Japan and also China. Many other nations are also thinking of building the required strategy for electric cars.

Thus, the future of electric cars are dependent on several factors over the course of time. In order to make electric car – a complete success story, there is a need for complete infrastructural upheaval. In addition to that, the mindset or spending capabilities in terms of cars and transportation also needs to be changed. It is easily understood to be a gradual transition and the results and affects cannot be viewed just overnight. Moreover, along with electric vehicles there is rise of driver-less cars in the automobile market- thanks to the artificial intelligence boom. However, in order to make driving in complete electric cars not the hybrid models possible on a large scale, initiatives must be taken in the governmental or federal level and also supported by favorable laws in favor of electric cars regulations.

1. Drive Less
Between the rising cost of gas and the slumping economy, there are a number of reasons why people are driving less today. It’s not so hard to do either. Combine your errands into one trip to avoid repeat drives into town. Consider walking instead of driving for nearby pick-ups, or drag out that bicycle that’s gathering dust in the garage or shed.

2. Warm Up Your Car for Shorter Lengths of Time
If you wake up to a cold morning, don’t warm up the car for longer than 30 seconds (up to one minute if you must). If you idle the engine for more than a minute, you waste fuel and pump nasty greenhouse gas emissions into the air. Engines of modern cars do not require the extensive length of time that older models needed to warm up.

3. Buy Gas Early or Late in the Day
Purchase gas early or late in the day, especially during warm months. Gas is cooler earlier in the day, and more dense. As temperatures rise, gas density falls and you get less of it when you pump.

Also, buy gas early in the week. Prices typically rise between Wednesday and Saturday, but stay lower during the early days of the week.

4. Slow Down and Drive Steady
Driving fast may be fun, but it also increases drag, which increases fuel consumption. Driving just below the speed limit and driving smoothly (not accelerating quickly) uses gas more efficiently, so you may have to fill up a lot less often.

5. Monitor When and How You Brake
Braking excessively wastes gas and causes your brake pads to wear out quickly. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you when you’re in heavy traffic – that way, you won’t need to brake as often as if you were tailgating.

Also, by keeping a bit more distance between you and the car ahead, you can begin braking earlier, especially when approaching a traffic light. By not having to slam on the brakes at the last minute, you’ll improve the efficiency of your car and save gas.

6. Turn Off the Engine
If you’re waiting outside for your spouse to finish getting ready for your night out, or you’re waiting at a railroad crossing for the train to cross, turn off the engine. Idling is a major waste of gasoline, and contributes massive amounts of pollutants to the atmosphere.

7. Eliminate Wind Resistance
An open window increases drag and costs you fuel in the long run – so keep your windows closed whenever possible. Also, remember to remove unneeded car racks and carriers. If you normally drive around with a ski rack, bicycle rack, or luggage rack on your roof, take it off when it’s not in use to make your vehicle more aerodynamic.

8. Avoid Gas Stations Near the Highway
The first gas station that you encounter after a long stretch of highway will usually be pricey. If possible, plan ahead or drive a little farther toward the nearest town to find a cheaper station.

9. Don’t Wait Until Your Tank Is Almost Empty to Fill Up
If you wait until your tank is almost empty, you may be stuck paying for whatever gas you find conveniently nearby, as you won’t be able to search for the best deal.

1. Avoid Long Idling

2. Clean Out the Trunk and Eliminate Unnecessary Weight

3. Keep Tires Inflated to the Correct Pressure

4. Don’t Buy Premium Fuel

5. Encourage Drivers to Observe Posted Speed Limits

6. Shop Around for Best Fuel Prices

7. Make Drivers Energy Conscious

8. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

9. Make Your Vehicle More Aerodynamic

10. Encourage Carpooling

11. Anticipate Traffic Flow

12. Avoid Uphill Speed Increases

13. Use Cruise Control During Highway Driving

14. Avoid Aggressive Driving

15. Monitor Preventive Maintenance Schedules

A company advertising full coverage auto insurance is being slightly disingenuous; there's actually no policy that can be defined as "full," since the upper limits on, say, liability coverage, can differ from company to company. Full coverage auto insurance usually means your car is protected from physical damage and from liability. For physical damage, you need two types of coverage: collision insurance will protect you from damages caused by direct impact, like an accident; comprehensive insurance includes damage such as broken glass, or caused by theft and vandalism. The liability aspect protects you from damages you cause to other cars and/or drivers. This can include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and other coverage.
The liability part of your policy under full coverage auto insurance is determined largely by the state. In order to be "fully" covered, you have to purchase a minimum amount of liability insurance as defined by state law. This differs state to state. In Alabama, every driver must buy bodily injury liability of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 total per accident, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability. Other states also require coverage for uninsured/underinsured drivers; Oregon, for example, requires a minimum bodily injury policy of $25,000/$50,000 for uninsured/underinsured drivers. Some state laws call for proof of "financial responsibility," but a car insurance policy is usually the easiest and most affordable way to show such proof.
Aside from state laws, the amount of coverage you need is a personal choice. For a brand-new car, you'll probably want a policy with extensive collision and comprehensive coverage. You expect to drive this car for a while, so you want it fully protected. And if you are going to re-sell someday, it's important the little details --paint job, bumpers --are in good shape for the buyer. A comprehensive policy will cover, for example, a crack in your windshield caused when a flatbed truck driving on the interstate in front of you kicks up a rock. For a used car, you may have gotten a great deal on a car, and want to cover physical damage to maintain its condition. For a car with a few scratches and dings, you'll probably want less collision coverage, and may want to skip comprehensive altogether. Or, you may want to purchase these coverages for a couple years, at which point you decide your car's value has fallen too low to warrant the premium you're paying, so you might decide to lower or eliminate collision/comprehensive coverage and begin shopping for a new policy.
If you want full coverage auto insurance, think about ways to save on your policy before you start searching. High school and college students may be eligible for good student discounts. Placing multiple drivers on a single policy often saves hundreds of dollars per driver. Or you might choose a higher deductible, which will lower your annual premium. Someone with an older car, for example, may raise his deductible by $250, knowing that he won't file a claim for something like a scratch in the hood (and thus, will encounter fewer times he has to pay that deductible). To save money, all you have to do is try. This means, in part, asking about potential discounts. It also means that, once you decide how much coverage you want, you compare as many quotes as you can find. Through an easy service like NetQuote.com, you can see what premiums companies are willing to offer for full coverage auto insurance and then take your pick. You'll get more, for less.