What to Know About the Gears in Your Vehicle

Drivers tend to use the same few gears in parts of the country where hills are few and far between. But those other gears do serve a purpose, and it is important for drivers to know what the differences are, both for safety reasons and practical ones.

The typical gear selector in an automatic car includes:

  • P (Park)
  • R (Reverse)
  • N (Neutral)
  • D (Drive)
  • S (Sport)
  • L (Low – sometimes D1, D2, etc.)

In case these weren’t all covered in Drivers Ed, here’s how they might come in handy next time you’re behind the wheel.

When to Use Lower Gears

People who drive on flat, even terrain tend to stick to Drive, the default gear for flat, straight roads. You can shift into L, which puts your car in a lower gear, if you have extra weight in your vehicle or are being towed.

When on steep inclines or declines, automatic cars usually shift to a lower gear for you. Still, shifting into L, D1 or D2 (depending on the vehicle) can help out in hilly areas, or should you venture into mountainous territory. It’s best not to ride your brakes when driving downhill, and being in a lower gear takes the burden off of your brake system. In some cars, D3 exists to add control when roads are wet and slippery or in certain off-road situations.

Check your manufacturer’s manual to find out more about the low gears included in your model.

What About the Sport Gear?

While not necessary, some cars allow you to shift into Sport (S) for a more dynamic feel when driving. This leaves the car in gear for longer periods of time between shifts. Doing so can give you a feel of more power on winding roads when coming out of those turns.

When Should You Put Your Car in Neutral?

Neutral means you are unable to accelerate or reverse but are released from the park position. Shifting to neutral enables your car to move slowly backwards or forwards, which it might do if it is on an incline or because it is being pushed. This gear is usually used when the car is unable to be driven – for example, if it is stuck in snow or needs to be pushed out of mud and back onto a drivable surface. Having the vehicle in neutral protects it from jumping forward in these types of situations, putting you or someone else in danger.

The Left Button and Other Things to Consider When Shifting Gears

Not all gears shift precisely the same way in every car. Many current models have a button on the left that needs to be pushed inwards any time you’re shifting out of park. This is included for safety reasons. Similarly, the button must be pressed to shift from drive into reverse. However, it isn’t intended for shifting between gears that are used when moving forward.

Modern automatic vehicles tend to shift smoothly and seamlessly, with little effort. But the process is quicker on some models than others. You may even notice a slight delay when putting your car in reverse. Drivers should wait a moment after shifting into Reverse or Drive before accelerating to be sure they are fully in the proper gear, and then proceed cautiously.

There’s a reason you don’t want to be too rough on your gear shift. Impatient drivers put more wear and tear on their gears, brakes and other parts of their car, and eventually these parts may need to be replaced. Treating your gear shift with care will help you get a little more mileage out of your vehicle.

Be Sure to Learn the Gears on Your Specific Vehicle

The gear shifts don’t appear the same on every model. A Prius, for instance, shifts gears when you rotate a gear ring near your dashboard. Whether you use a manual stick shift or drive an older automatic model, be sure you know your way around the gear shift. Getting a feel for the gear shifts is also a consideration when shopping around for a new car.

Talk to an Auto Insurance Agent to Get the Best Deal Available

For other important safety questions, talk to an auto insurance agent about getting the most appropriate coverage for your situation. It’s vital to ensure you have all of your bases covered when it comes to car insurance, and an agent at Amigo can help you get the best deal available.

At Amigo, our insurance agents can give you a free quote on the best insurance for your needs today!

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4 Things You Need to Drive Legally

The number of drivers is increasing in the U.S., making it more important than ever for the general public to take steps to operate their vehicle legally and safely. Nearly 90 percent of adults in the country carry a driver’s license, showing just how much we depend on driving to get around.

But you need more than a valid driver’s license to be able to legally operate a vehicle in this country. As the steps – and the timing – for staying up to date with the laws vary state to state, it’s vital to know what the rules are in your area. This knowledge not only keeps drivers from getting penalized and owing fines, but it protects the quality of cars on the road, as well as the environment as a whole.

Take a look at the top four things nearly every driver will need before getting behind the wheel.

1. Getting a Valid Driver’s License – and Keeping it Up to Date

States generally require people to have a valid and current driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Driving without one can have serious consequences that may include paying a hefty fine, being arrested and having the infraction on your record. The requirement for carrying a license has multiple purposes:

  1. It shows you are a licensed driver
  2. Designates which class of vehicles you may legally operate
  3. Allows you to drive in any state and even out of the country
  4. Functions as a form of proper documentation and identification for many purposes
  5. Indicates a sense of personal responsibility
  6. Enables you to drive at some point in the future

In some states, driving without a valid license is considered a misdemeanor. Depending on where you live, that might be punishable by jail, and your car could even be impounded. Your driving privileges may also be suspended.

2. Some States Require Passing Vehicle Safety Inspections

Find out what local requirements exist in your area. Certain states require cars to pass auto safety inspections to show that they are in good condition for safe driving. Find out what regulations are mandated in your area and what steps you need to take to pass the inspection. Your car may be tested to:

  • Ensure driving/operational safety
  • Ensure proper emissions
  • Verify your vehicle identification number(VIN)

3. Passing a Routine Emissions Test for Your Car

Most if not all states require that vehicles pass routine emissions tests to indicate they don’t have problems that could harm  air quality, and therefore the environment. If you have undergone emissions testing then you are aware it is a quick and easy process that assesses your car for pollutant emissions. If your vehicle fails the emissions, it indicates that one of several problems may be at fault:

  • Faulty injectors
  • A problem with the oxygen sensors
  • An issue with something else that affects vehicle emissions

This test may only be required once every two years, and failing it can be a good thing. As a driver, you want to know if something in your car is not functioning properly. A test will generally outline the reason it failed, allowing you to make the necessary changes and schedule another car inspection.

4. Carrying Proper Auto Insurance Coverage

As a general rule, states require every driver to carry proper auto insurance coverage. Driving

without it can cause individuals to face penalties if they are caught and even cause their license to be suspended. Speak to an insurance agent if you are in need of insurance or may need to update your coverage.

Some drivers avoid carrying insurance out of a fear of making the payments. If this is the case, speak to a professional to find out if there is a low-cost alternative that is within your budget. Keep in mind that failing to carry auto insurance might save you money upfront, but it could end up costing you more in the long run and probably isn’t worth the risk.

At Amigo, our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available! They will help you find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs.

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Top Tips for Avoiding Traffic Tickets

Auto insurance rates can be significantly impacted by traffic tickets, which not only include the cost of the fine and court surcharge, but can also remain on the driver’s record for years if the driver is convicted. This could lead to higher premiums on your car insurance policy. In some cases, traffic citations can remain with a driver from one insurance provider to the next.

To keep your insurance rates low, it’s best to steer clear of traffic violations. Driving with extra care and alertness will help to prevent the most typical traffic tickets. This will help drivers to keep their car insurance premiums low, elude penalties, and decrease the chance of a crash.

Obey Stop Signs, Red Lights and Other Traffic Signals

People are always in a rush these days, but trying to speed up the process by running a red light or failing to stop at stop signs is never a good idea. This can result in a ticket and cause a hike in your insurance premiums. Plus, there is the risk of an accident, which can influence your insurance rates if you are identified as being responsible. At stop signs, make sure to come to a full halt, and be aware as you near an intersection that you may need to stop.

Follow Rules of the Road

For example – making improper turns is a common traffic violation that can be tempting to ignore. But keep in mind that you could be cited for making a turn from the wrong lane. It is imperative to follow lane rules and to turn only when it is safe. Make use of your turn signals, as well, to give other drivers a chance to respond suitably, in order to prevent any potential accidents.

Pay Attention to Speed Limits

Everyone exceeds the speed limit now and then. But reckless driving, or driving at a speed that is too quick for the conditions, is an issue that can be seen on many roads. It is a major safety concern and can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Individuals who are caught speeding often face hefty fines and other penalties. It is essential to drive at a safe speed in order to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

It is also a very common infraction when it comes to traffic laws.

The easiest way to avoid a speeding ticket is to adhere to the speed limit and be mindful of your speedometer. Note changes in the speed limit when entering a town on a highway or when driving through a residential area, as it can differ significantly. Pay attention to posted signs and drive accordingly to avoid getting a ticket.

Always Buckle Up

Whenever you get behind the wheel, don’t forget to buckle up and make sure everyone else in the car does the same. Not wearing a seatbelt can have serious consequences. It is essential to always put on a seatbelt while driving or riding in a car to ensure safety. Taking the time to strap in can save lives and prevent injury.

The insurance rate consequences of this ticket are contingent on the insurance company. But, there can be a significant penalty – in some places, costing hundreds of dollars. Seat belt regulations must be followed while driving, and this applies to all passengers. Should a minor neglect to fasten their seat belt, the driver could face repercussions.

Get Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage at AMIGO

Finally, make sure you have comprehensive auto coverage in the event that you need it. If you’re already insured, check and be sure you have appropriate coverage to ensure all your needs are being met.

Drivers can discover the most suitable auto insurance rate by contrasting car insurance quotes from different companies. To guarantee you pay the lowest rate, even if you’ve been convicted of a traffic offense, compare car insurance quotes. Insurance companies compute premiums differently, which means one may have a more positive outlook on your driving record than another.

Contact Amigo Auto Insurance to speak with an agent who can help you compare quotes and find the best deal for you today.

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