Cash transactions, traditional auto loans, and used vehicle leases are the three primary methods of paying for, or financing, a used car. There are significant differences between the three-most notably how much of the vehicle is actually owned during the financing period. Understanding how financing methods work, and choosing a method of financing, is the first step towards purchasing a used vehicle.

How often do you check your tires for wear and proper air pressure? If you're like most Americans, not often enough. A September 2006 survey by the Rubber Manufacturer's Association (RMA) found the majority of motorists are not paying enough attention to the only component that keeps a car on the road: the tires. According to the survey, only 15 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure regularly, inflating them to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure; 26 percent of drivers mistakenly believe the best time to check their tires is when they are warm after being driven several miles; and only 36 percent of drivers know where to find the recommended tire pressure for their vehicle --- it is in the owner's manual, and also usually printed on a tire information decal attached to the driver's door jamb.

Maintaining your vehicle's radiator and cooling system is important for keeping your car in good working order. Regardless of the temperature outside, a vehicle's engine produces enough excess heat to quickly damage or destroy the engine if it is not properly cooled by the cooling system. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can keep your car's radiator and cooling system in top shape.

American drivers appear to be more concerned about keeping their cars clean than keeping their tires properly inflated. According to the federal government, 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year as a result of low tire pressure-related crashes. A survey by the Rubber Manufactures Association Survey found that nearly 70 percent of drivers wash their vehicles at least once a month while only 15 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure.

Spring is a perfect time for automotive maintenance. You can undo the wear and tear of winter driving and get ready for the busy summer season ahead. Trouble is, with today's busy lifestyles and complex vehicles, many car owners have neither the time nor inclination to perform car care. Instead, they will be shopping for professional auto services. The following tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians, will help vehicle owners choose wisely among the many automotive repair facilities out there.

Spring training gives baseball players a chance to stretch their muscles, improve reflexes, and test their equipment. The automotive enthusiast would be well served to treat this time of year with the same approach. How can you take the same "batting practice" approach with your vehicles? There is a long checklist of maintenance procedures that car and motorcycle owners can follow, including: checking tire treads for wear and tear, checking engine fluid levels and giving your automobile a good washing. Even more importantly, Philips suggests using spring as the time to replace the headlamp bulbs in your vehicle.

As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of your vehicle. Fall is a great time to focus on preventative maintenance and to make sure that your vehicle is in top shape before the harsh winter months set in. "Fall is the best season to enjoy driving," says Pat Goss, host of PBS' "MotorWeek" and Washington Post automotive columnist. "Between sports tailgating, hunting, and taking leisurely drives to enjoy the changing leaves, there's no shortage of activities to do in your car. It's also an ideal time to focus on car care before winter hits." This fall, Goss recommends caring for the three main areas of your vehicle, otherwise known as the "IOU"-inside, outside and under the hood. Here are some specific things that you should focus on in each area to prepare your car for the coming winter months

Special occasions aren't the only times to celebrate your loved ones. As the calendar year marches on, it is always important to let the people (and things) that matter the most to you know how much you care for them. Send the special woman in your life flowers for no reason at all. Treat the kids to double scoops of their favorite ice cream. Take the dog in for a grooming session. And while you're at it, don't forget to show your second love some affection too-your car, of course! According to Greg Damon, an ASE-certified technician and this year's winner of the Amoco Ultimate® Golden Mechanic contest, to ensure that a vehicle performs at its best, drivers need to treat their vehicles with continuous, loving care. This helps drivers avoid the pain of unnecessary breakdowns and long-term auto repair problems.

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle running safely for years to come. Yet a recent survey found that for many drivers, maintenance takes a backseat to other priorities. In fact, results of vehicle check-up events during Car Care Aware Fairs across the country revealed that nearly nine out of 10 vehicles needed service or parts. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses, and lights.

Smart shoppers, like smart motorists, make better decisions when they know all of the options. When your car or truck suffers major engine damage, often the first reaction is to buy a new or used vehicle. However, many times that simply is not necessary or cost effective. "Oftentimes you'll learn that choosing to repower your current engine with a remanufactured/ rebuilt engine is your most reliable and cost-effective choice over the long term," said ERC Chairman Tom Shrader. "This is especially true compared to trading in your vehicle, patching the specific engine problem, or installing a used or new engine."