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Have you ever ignored that rattling in your engine in hopes it would go away? Or pretend you were imagining that hesitation as your car shifted gears? You're probably not alone if you've put off having a possible car problem checked out for fear of how much it would cost to fix.

But from an automobile safety standpoint, it's always a good idea to get a problem with your car checked out as soon as possible. If you're concerned about auto safety, you shouldn't risk a tire blowout or having your brakes go out on the freeway. And most of the time, getting something checked out early will save you money in the long run, even if the costs of repairs inflict some initial pain.

You may not be a car expert, but by following standard safe driving practices when it comes to car maintenance, you can save yourself some money and be a safer driver. Here are four easy-to-spot auto repair issues that you should never ignore:

* Cracked windshield. If you have a minor crack or chip in your windshield, it usually costs in the neighborhood of $60 to replace. But if that crack spreads and your whole windshield must be replaced, it can cost more than $300. Then there's the safety factor. A cracked windshield can not only obstruct your view of the road, but can also compromise the structural integrity of your car.

* Squealing brakes. Squealing brakes often mean your brake pads need to be changed. They usually cost $100 to $200 to replace. But by ignoring the problem, you may also damage your brake rotors, which can cost four times as much as pads to replace. And we all know it's not safe to drive on brakes that might not be working properly.

* Regular oil changes. Changing your oil regularly is perhaps the simplest way to prevent other costly repairs. Consult your owner's manual for how often you should check and change your oil on a regular basis. Not regularly changing your oil can contribute to engine failure, which could also put you in danger.

* Keep your tires in good shape. Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure your front tires don't wear more quickly than your back tires. Check your treads and sidewalls for cracks, wear and punctures on a semi-regular basis. Driving on worn out tires can cause you to lose control of your vehicle due to poor traction or lead to a dangerous blowout.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Despite gasoline prices, the old-fashioned auto vacation will once again be a popular choice for families looking for convenience and ready mobility. But with warmer weather come special automotive maintenance challenges - extreme heat, humidity and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause marginal systems to fail.

The experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready for your vacation:

* Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

* If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for a repair shop with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, modern equipment in the service bays, and signs of qualified automotive service professionals as evidenced by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced coursework and training classes, and national certification of the individual technicians by ASE.

* Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. If you are doing your own work, make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap and make sure you choose the proper coolant for your vehicle make and model.

* Have engine performance problems -- hard starts, rough idling, stalling -- corrected. You'll get better gasoline mileage and you might just prevent more expensive repairs later on. For example, something as simple as a rough idle could indicate an underlying problem that could ruin your vehicle's catalytic converter over time.

* The tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have the proper equipment.

* Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. The air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air through improper or incompetent service.

* Change the oil and oil filter as specified in the owner's manual. Properly dispose of used oil. Poll after poll of technicians indicate that this is one of the most neglected services, and one that can greatly reduce the life of your automobile.

* Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual.

* Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires "cool down" before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, "cupping," vibrations or "pulling" to one side indicate problems with your tires or suspension system.

* Don't neglect your transmission. Costly repairs can be prevented by routine service.

* For safety and convenience, inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer's dust and insects.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Visit www.ase.com for more information, including seasonal car care tips.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

On the road or when shopping for affordable auto insurance, it is easy for drivers to fall prey to auto insurance fraud, or auto insurance scams.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), here are some things to look out for to avoid auto insurance fraud when looking to purchase low-cost auto insurance:

* Always be wary of any unsolicited offer for low-cost auto insurance, whether it comes from the mail, the Internet via e-mail, or a door-to-door salesperson.

* Remember the old insurance adage - if something seems too good to be true, you are probably right. Be suspicious of any auto insurance quotes that are way below the competition. It could be a total scam, or you may not really be buying all the insurance you need, or that you think you are.

* Contact your state's department of insurance to make sure the company you are considering is legitimate. And check the business's rating with the Better Business Bureau. Visit autoinsurancefinders.com to receive quotes from quality companies in your area.

* If the company's policy requires you to use only a specified repair shop - steer clear - this is likely a co-owned or kickback arrangement with the shop. You cannot be forced to use a specific service center.

The road can be dangerous for a number of reasons, not the least of which is auto insurance scammers. Here are the things to watch out for while driving, according to the NICB:

* Be suspicious if a car suddenly pulls in front of you and then slows down - you could be set up for a forced collision and insurance scam.

* Trust your gut --, if something does not feel right on the road, if it seems like a car is following you, pull off to the nearest police station, or "safe" public place.

If you are involved in a collision - it may not be an always be an "accident." To protect yourself, the NICB suggests:

* Exchange all information with the driver - license, insurance card, vehicle registration.

* Take note of all occupants of the car including the driver and any indications of injuries.

* Take pictures of the car, the scene and the people involved if you can.

* Call the police and see that a police report is filed, even if you think nobody is "at fault" and it seems that things are amicable between you and the other driver.

* Do not speak to anyone who suddenly appears on the scene offering medical care or legal advice at a specific facility. The same for any wrecker or tow truck operator who offers a "special deal" at a given repair shop.

And finally always protect your insurance ID number just as you would your social security number and credit cards, because once it's obtained it could be used in a crime or a scam.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Life is full of things you have to do, whether you like it or not. One of them is to purchase auto insurance if you own and drive a car.

Auto insurance not only helps protect you from unexpected medical and repair costs due to a car accident, it can help shield you from the financial uncertainty of accident-related lawsuits. In many states, it's also the law.

But how much insurance do you need? A good place to start is by determining what is required in your state. Often referred to as the "Financial Responsibility Limit," this is the bare minimum amount of coverage you need to have to legally be on the road.

Most states require you to carry liability insurance, which will cover accident-related bodily injury and/or property damage costs incurred by the other party. Beyond the law, car insurance is a powerful tool that can help protect you, your family and your hard-earned assets. In addition to liability coverage, it's a good idea to also carry the following:

* Medical payments coverage - This will pay for any reasonable and necessary medical bills for you and the people in your vehicle.

* Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage - This provides you with coverage if a driver with little or no insurance damages your car, or injures you or someone riding with you.

* Collision coverage - This option helps protect you from repair costs to your car if you're involved in a covered accident that involves other cars or objects, like a tree or a streetlight.

* Comprehensive coverage - This option helps protect your car in covered situations that don't necessarily involve other drivers or vehicles, such as damage caused by storms or natural disasters, vandalism, theft, a broken window or windshield, hitting an animal or if something falls on your car.

Additional coverage options worth considering include personal injury protection (PIP), which helps reimburse you for income continuation, loss of services, funeral expenses and child-care expenses; towing- and labor-cost coverage which will help with the cost of repairs; and rental car reimbursement coverage which will provide you with a set of wheels while your vehicle is being repaired.

Once you've decided what kind of coverage you want, it's easy to price a policy online, where you can obtain free car insurance quotes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

There is a time in every family when Mom and Dad come to the sudden realization that their child is growing up. For many, that is when their son or daughter is about to turn 16 and ready to start driving.

Don't wait until the day the law says Junior is ready to get behind the wheel to start thinking about insurance. If you give it some thought well in advance, adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy won't have to cause sticker shock.

So what kind of insurance do you need? Many insurance agents say it's best to keep the same coverage in place for the teenager as you have for yourself:

* Liability - Protection from risk associated with property damage and bodily injury to others.

* Comprehensive coverage - Protection from the cost of non-collision damages, such as vandalism, theft and weather-related damage.

* Collision - Protection from the cost of repairing damages to your own vehicle caused by a collision with another object.

* Medical Payments - Pays medical costs to you or other parties for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

* Uninsured Motorist - Protection from the costs of an accident caused by another driver with insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.

It is also a good idea to carry coverage for towing in case the vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, leaving the driver stranded.

Until they turn 18, teenagers can't buy car insurance on their own, so if they want to drive, their parents will need to either add the child to their existing policy, or purchase one for them. According to LeaseGuide.com, you can expect it to cost between $500 and $3,000 per year to add a teenager to your policy. The cost is so high because teenagers have higher crash rates than older drivers.

To keep costs down as low as possible, be sure to look into all the different insurance discounts offered by your company. If you have both your auto and homeowners or renters insurance with the same company, make sure you are getting a multi-policy discount. A good student discount, which rewards teenagers for their commitment to doing well in school, is another easy discount to get. Many insurance companies also offer incentive programs families can participate in to keep costs down.

Holding your child accountable for the deductible is another way parents can make sure their teenage driver will take responsibility for their actions.

Courtesy of ARAcontent