| Before you shop online, you may want to review some of the information provided below. To read these brochures and handouts, you will need Adobe Acrobat software on your computer.. It is available free by clicking here. These materials are provided for your information only. No claims are made for their completeness, accuracy, or current application. |
| 66
Ways to Save Money by Consumer Literacy Consortium
Tips for saving money on airline fares, new cars, auto leasing, car repairs, gasoline, auto insurance, home owner/renter insurance, life insurance, checking, savings and investment products, credit cards, auto loans, first mortgage loans, mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, home purchase, home improvement, renting, major appliances, electricity, home heating, telephone service |
| Air
Bags & On Off Switches
Discusses when using air bags is unsafe and specific steps to take to reduce the risk. Describes on-off switches and who should consider installing them. Includes the required form to request an on-off switch. |
| Automobiles
- Protect Yourself
Protect Yourself: Choose a Safe Vehicle -- Crash tests can help you determine how well a vehicle will protect you in a crash. |
| Automobiles
- Renting a Vehicle
Federal law does not cover short-term car and truck rentals, but some state laws do. Contact your state or local consumer protection office for information or to file a complaint. |
| Automobiles
- Secret Warranties, Recalls and Lemon Laws
Sometimes a manufacturer makes a design or production mistake on a motor vehicle. If dealers report a number of complaints about a certain part or vehicle, the manufacturer may allow dealers to repair the problem at no cost to you even if the warranty has expired. A service bulletin notifies the dealer of the problem and how to resolve it. Because these free repairs are not publicized, they are called “secret warranties.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) maintains a database of service bulletins filed by manufacturers. |
| Automobiles
- Vehicle Repossessions
When you borrow money to buy a car or truck, the lender can take your vehicle back if you miss a payment or in some other way violate the contract. You should also be aware, the lender: |
| Buying
a New Car by the FTC
Provides helpful facts for consumers on buying a new car and trading in your old one. |
| Buying
a Used Car by the FTC
Discusses your limited rights when buying from a dealer or private owner. |
| Child
Transportation Safety Tips
This illustrated guide provides nine tips on how to protect your baby, what type of safety seat to use, how to secure a safety seat, and air bag safety |
| Choosing
the Right Repair Shop for Your Vehicle by ASE
No matter what you drive - SUV, sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment. |
| Collecting
Used Oil for Recycling
Contains tips on changing your own motor oil and explains why recycling oil helps the environment and saves energy. |
| Finding
the Best Used Car
Covers what to look for on the test drive, warning signs of hidden damage, and how to verify the car's history |
| Gas
Saving Products: Fact or Foolishness
Avoid fraudulent "gas-saving" advertising claims and get better gas mileage. |
| Getting
Your Vehicle Ready For Summer by ASE
Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician. |
| Getting
Your Vehicle Ready For Winter by ASE
Mechanical failure -- an inconvenience any it occurs -- can be deadly in the winter. Preventive maintenance is a must. Besides, a well maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, will last longer, and could command a higher resale price. Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of an auto technician. |
| How
to Choose the Right Body Shop by ASE
Your chances of needing the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are greater than you think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or an automobile accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know how to select a body shop. People often think "the insurance company will take care of it for me. In fact, it is your responsibility to choose who will do the repairs for you. This is not a choice that should be taken lightly. |
| How
to Communicate for Better Automotive Service by ASE
Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past. But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of repair facility you patronize -- dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise -- good communications between customer and shop is vital. |
| How
to Find Your Way Under the Hood and Around the Car
Instructions for 14 preventive maintenance services you can perform on your car. |
| How
to Get a Great Deal on a New Car by the FTC
Step-by-step details for a proven negotiation technique to save money on your next car. 4 pp |
| Keeping
Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment by ASE
Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer, and will last longer -- up to 50% longer, according to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians. The following tips should put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care. |
| Keys
to Vehicle Leasing
Learn the difference between leasing and buying a car. Explains required information on a lease agreement, as well as your rights and responsibilities. |
| Nine
Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs by the USDA
Helpful information on reducing your expenses. Includes a chart to compare discounts when shopping for insurance. |
| Primer
on Gasoline Prices
How prices are determined, what causes them to fluctuate, and why they differ according to region. |
| Taking
the Scare Out of Auto Repair by the FTC
Keep your car running smoothly with these practical tips on spotting trouble, choosing a repair shop, and working with your mechanic. |
| U.S.
Government Auto Auctions by the GSA.
Learn about the General Services Administration (GSA) Auto Auctions program and use the handy checklist to buy a quality car at a great price. 5 pp. |
| Underhood
Tips to Help Keep Your Car Cool
Your vehicle's air conditioning system probably contains Freon, which is no longer produced. Here are tips on how to maintain your a/c system and what to consider to convert your system to a non-Freon alternative. |
| Understanding
Vehicle Financing
Get the facts on dealership financing—what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebate eligibility, and more. |
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