Author: Paulo Abad

By mastering driving skills such as controlling, directing, accelerating, and decelerating a vehicle, you’ll be able to become a very efficient driver indeed. However, that’s not all it takes to become a responsible motorist; you also need to focus on safety while on the road. So to help you out on that score, here are some techniques you need to learn.

Constantly Glance at the Mirrors

Part of being alert while driving is continuously getting a sense of what’s happening behind you. Thus, you need to use your rearview and side mirrors to monitor the surrounding traffic. Glance at the mirrors every now and then, keep your eyes moving, and always stay alert and awake.

Properly Hold the Steering Wheel

Your grip on the steering wheel is essential. Think of the steering wheel as the face of a clock, and position your hands in the 10:10 position. In normal driving, keep your left hand placed at the 10 o’clock hand and your right hand at the 10-minute hand. Your grip must be firm but not too tight. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times except when shifting gears or giving hand signals.

Regularly Check the Speed Control

Proper speed control is also essential while driving. Driving beyond speed limits can be dangerous and is not allowed by law. The same goes for driving too slow since it can cause traffic to stack up as well as cause other motorists to become impatient and attempt to overtake you unsafely. Thus, if you’re cruising on a road that has two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, best move to the rightmost lane and allow the others to pass.

Use Signals

Signaling your intentions while driving is another crucial technique to learn. It is your way of communicating with other motorists, and it helps avoid confusion as to what you intend to do. So whenever on the road with your brand new or secondhand car, best maximize the use of its built-in signal lights.

Keep Your Feet on the Brakes

The ability to slow down or stop your new or pre-owned car when necessary is crucial. So better keep your foot near the brake pedal. However, don’t press the pedals too hard; otherwise, you’ll cause your ride to jerk and stop abruptly as well as wear out your brakes and tires.

Wrapping Up

Being a good driver means having ample knowledge and intuitive understanding of your vehicle (flaws and all), as well as the ability to recognize your own physical limits. By learning the techniques above, you’ll be able to become a competent and responsible motorist.

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Driving Techniques to Ensure Your Safety on the Road

Turning your vehicle involves proper handling of the steering wheel, knowing where to position your vehicle on the road, and some techniques to easily complete the turn. Below are tips you can follow when turning left or right.

Steps When Making Left Turns

When turning left, get in the lane immediately to the right of the centerline in a two-way traffic road or in a lane designated for left turns. Do not cross the centerline while at the intersection. After you have completed the turn, maintain your lane until it is safe to change lanes.

1. Signal at least 10 cars length or 30 meters away from the intersection before slowing down.
2. Check all mirrors for areas around your new or secondhand car to see if the lane is free. Stay on your lane to avoid swerving.
3. Stay closest to the centerline or center divider (island) of the road.
4. Make a full stop upon reaching the intersection then check if traffic is clear. Check your right side for any incoming automobiles.
5. Turn your steering wheel to the left when the front wheel reaches the center of the intersection.
6. When your car is already in the straight position, turn the steering wheel back to its normal position to straighten the front wheels before increasing your speed.
7. Make sure your signal lights are turned off after you made the turn.

Steps When Making Right Turns

When turning right, you need to be in the right hand lane or a lane designated for right turns. After making your turn, stay in the right lane until you are at a proper distance from the intersection.

1. Signal at least 10 cars length or 30 meters away from the intersection and slow down.
2. Check all mirrors for areas around your vehicle and see if lane is free. Keep to your lane to avoid swerving.
3. Allow a one-meter distance away from the curb or sidewalk.
4. Make a full stop upon reaching the intersection then check if traffic is clear. Check your left side for any incoming vehicles.
5. Turn your steering wheel to the right when the right from wheel of your new or pre-owned car reaches the corner.
6. When your car is already in a straight position, turn the steering wheel back to its normal position to straighten front wheels before increasing speed.
7. Make sure your signal lights are turned off after you made the turn.

One Last Tip

Following the steps above will help you properly turn your car left or right. However, if you’re driving on multi-lane roads, be sure to check if there are arrows painted on the road that show whether or not left or right are allowed from other lanes. If there are, you must make your turn as indicated by the road markings.

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How to Properly Make a Right or Left Turn
"I have the right-of-way!" This is something you’ve probably heard someone driving a pre-owned car yell at one point or another while you’re on the road. In case you don’t know what that means, right-of-way is the factor that helps drivers determine whether they should proceed ahead of other motorists or let them go first. It’s a very important albeit underappreciated rule of the road since it helps minimize accidents and bottle-necking. Now there are different right-of-way rules you need to remember while behind the steering wheel. If you’re unfamiliar with any of them, then here’s a few you should start learning. When a Car is Ahead of You If another vehicle gets into an intersection before you do, it has the right-of-way. Let it proceed ahead of you. When a Car is Beside You If you enter an intersection at the same time as another vehicle crossing your way, the vehicle to your right has the right-of-way. When You’re at an Intersection When turning left in an intersection, signal your intent to turn and yield to approaching traffic until it is safe to complete the turn. When Coming From Your Driveway If you are entering a public street from a private driveway, stop and yield the right-of-way to the vehicles already on the road. When There’s a Pedestrian Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks. It is also safe practice to yield to pedestrians who are not using crosswalks on the street. When in a Roundabout If you are about to enter a roundabout or circle or rotunda, yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the roundabout. When the Intersection is Backed Up If you are about to cross an intersection where traffic on the same direction you are headed is backed up, you must wait until the traffic clears before proceeding. When You’re a Pedestrian Stop at any limit line or before a crosswalk. Yield to all approaching vehicles on the through street; proceed only when it is safe for you to cross. That is, cross only when approaching vehicles are slowing down and allow you to get across safely. Remember These Right-of-Way Rules These right-of-way rules may seem simple at first glance, but they can significantly help you prevent unexpected and unwanted mishaps on the road. So whether or not you’re driving a brand new car or a used one, you would do well to learn and remember these rules.
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Right-of-Way Rules You Need to Obey While Driving

Did you accidentally leave your keys inside your car? No need to worry! There are quite a few ways you can retrieve them (in case you don’t have or just don’t want to use a spare). If you don’t have any idea what those ways are, then best follow the guide we’ve prepared for you below.

Keep Calm

Panicking during tough situations is normal. Unfortunately, that won’t help you much. So instead of losing it, better do your best to keep a cool head. Double-check the car doors to make sure it is unlocked; the last thing you want to do is call for help only to find out the doors are unlocked the whole time.

Think of Your Options

As mentioned in the intro, there are several ways to retrieve your keys inside a locked car. For example, if your vehicle has pull-up locks like most pre-owned cars, then you can either pick it using a string. Just make a slip knot at the center of the string, slide the string through the door’s corner, position the loop around the pull-up lock, then tug one end of the string to unlock the door.

You can also use a crowbar to pry the car door open, although you should try not to look too suspicious while doing this or people might think you’re trying to steal your own car. Worse comes to worst, you can always break your car windows open (this is something you must avoid doing unless absolutely necessary since replacing car windows can be pricey).

Ask Assistance

Of course, it’s not a bad idea to go get help if you got your keys locked inside your car. One person you can call is a locksmith. These days, locksmiths are readily available to respond to such emergencies. So if you ever find yourself locked out of your car, better have their phone numbers at hand.

You can also call roadside assistance to help you retrieve your vehicle keys. Being all too familiar with this type of car trouble, they’ll be able to help you recover your keys without damaging your sweet ride. Lastly, you can call the police. Like road assistance personnel and locksmiths, they also have the tools that can pry your car door open with little to no damage.

Wrapping Up

Getting your keys locked inside your brand new or secondhand car can be very frustrating. By following the steps laid out above, however, you’ll be able to get them back in a jiffy.

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What To Do If You Lock Your Keys in the Car
It’s crucial that you save cash while studying. Not only is doing so a good habit to make, but your saved money can also prove helpful in case of emergencies. But if you’re still unconvinced about it, let the following reasons change your mind.

To Buy Books and School Supplies

Books, particularly college textbooks, don’t come cheap. Sure, you can forgo buying them and hit the library instead, but there are moments when professors require you actually to have a copy of your own. And aside from books, you’ll also need to buy certain other school supplies (e.g., laboratory gown and goggles, bond papers, t-squares, and what-not), which can really take its toll financially. By saving money, you’ll be able to meet these challenges head-on.

For Emergency Purposes

As mentioned above, having extra cash can come quite handy in times of emergencies. For example, what if you suddenly get sick and need to be taken to the hospital? Sure, your parents are there to help money-wise, but what if their aid gets delayed and the management requires you make a down payment? By having emergency money, you’ll be able to ready yourself in case of unexpected financial constraints.

In Case There’s an Awesome Party

Saving money and getting good grades should be your topmost priorities while in school. Still, every once in a while, somebody throws a party where your campus’ who’s who will be attending. And no matter how smart you are, socializing is also vital if you want to succeed academically. So best be where all the fun is every now and then. And with saved cash, you’ll be able to go there in style.

So You Can Go on Dates

Say there’s a cute girl or guy in your class and you somehow managed to ask them out on dates. Obviously, you won’t impress them too much if you still have to ask your parents for an allowance just to take them out to some fancy restaurant! Instead of humiliating yourself that way, better get your date cash from the money you saved up while studying.

For First Car Purchase

It is during this phase when our want to finally have our own car starts to intensify. Not only because we see it as a good possession, but because we sense its importance in keeping us mobile given all activities there are in school and our soon-to-have jobs. Luckily, there are tons of affordable pre-owned car units students can choose from when selecting their first own ride.

Final Thoughts

Being a student can be difficult financial-wise. For one thing, you have to depend on your parents for your tuition fees and pocket money. And even if yozu do manage to land yourself a sweet part-time gig, you still need to balance your time between your work and your academics, both of which can be pretty challenging at times. By saving money, your academic life would be much more comfortable.
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Why Students Need to Save Money While in School
Due to brand new vehicles’ prices soaring at ridiculous levels, most Filipinos opt to buy pre-owned cars instead. Not only are they cheaper, but they can also be better in many ways. However, one of the hurdles you need to face should you ever go secondhand is transferring the ownership of the auto to your name. So to help you out, below are the steps you need to follow.

Photocopy the Vehicle’s OR and CR

This step is relatively easy since you’ll probably get the principal copy of the car’s Original Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) during the purchase. Photocopying these papers is also easy and cheap, taking only 5 minutes (or less) and just Php 3.00 (as of early 2019).

Confirm Car Registration

Next, you need to make sure that the vehicle is indeed legally registered. You can do this by visiting the nearest LTO branch and going to the Records section. The process would take 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the office is at that time.

Get the Documents Approved

Afterward, go to the Approving Section of LTO so that the documents you bring would be authenticated and okayed. Like confirming the car’s registration, this step would take around 15 minutes give or take.

Get the Circular

Then head back to records for the circular (You’ll need this later on). This step will take 15 to 20 minutes. Once you’re done, bring the documents back to the Approving section before returning again to the Records section where the papers would be returned to you. This process would take 30 to 50 minutes.

Mail the Documents

After getting the papers back, you can proceed with sending them to the LTO branch where the vehicle is registered. With courier services like LBC, you won’t have a problem doing this. Aside from the car’s OC/CR, you also need to send a copy of the Original Confirmation and a photocopy of the Deed of Sale.

Wait for the Papers

Then all you need to do is wait for the LTO branch to send your documents back. The time frame for this process varies, depending on how busy the LTO branch is.

Before You Go

As you can see, transferring ownership of secondhand cars in the Philippines is relatively easy, although you have to be patient about it. Just follow the steps, and you’re good to go. You can even save up of LTO fees if you do things right!
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LTO’s Guide on Transferring Vehicle Ownership
With all the bells, whistles, and attractive financing options that come with a new car, getting one seems the right thing to do. However, you have another option: used cars! There are lots of reasons why you should pick a secondhand car over a brand new one. Not only would it save you money, but it also brings with it many perks, some of which are laid out below.

Depreciated Value

A brand new vehicle’s value begins to depreciate the moment you take it out on the road, and it will continue to do so in subsequent days, weeks, months, and years. With pre-owned cars, however, this deflation has already occurred, allowing you to purchase a premium automobile at a fraction of its original cost.

Cheaper Insurance

Insurance prices for secondhand vehicles tend to be lower than those for new ones. That’s because it’s mainly based on the car’s current value. In short, the lower the value, the lower the insurance premium. Plus, insurance companies also factor in the car’s age, lowering the premium costs further.

No Exaggerated Fees

Say you opt for a brand new ride and you get offered a terrific bargain. You still won’t be able to enjoy it afterward since this great deal would come with hidden and crazy fees more likely than not. These charges include shipping and delivery, destination fees, and something that’s called “dealer preparation.” Thankfully, none of these exaggerated fees are included in almost all secondhand car purchases.

More Affordable Service

Whether you choose a new car or a used one, you’ll have to take it to the shop at some point. For secondhand vehicles owners, services for car maintenance and tune-ups tend to be more affordable and budget-friendly. In stark contrast, brand new automobiles have to be taken to its manufacturer for major and minor repairs, which could strain you financially.

Low Customization Costs

Should you also decide to get a pre-owned car, you won’t have to face any of those expensive dealership add-ons common in brand new car stores. Instead, you can buy and install these extras at your own pace and budget. Doing so would make you feel less harried as well as save you a lot of money.

Go Secondhand

Buying a pre-owned car might not seem as glamorous as going for a new one, but it’s still one of the wisest decisions you’ll ever make. So instead of going for that shiny ride being advertised on your TV, better choose the pre-owned yet still functional vehicle instead.
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Perks of Buying a Pre-Owned Car

A lot of aspiring car owners and motorists tend to look for a pre-owned car instead of a new one because it helps them save money. Still, you need to be careful when buying a secondhand car since it may come with hidden risks or damaged components. To help you out, below is a list of reminders when inspecting a used car before buying it.

Don’t Buy During Nighttime

Never visit a car dealership at night to check out their models. Instead, you should visit during daylights hours. You need to see your preferred ride in good sunlight. Doing so would enable you to check whether or not its panels are aligned or tampered. If it’s uniform, then the vehicle is good to go. Otherwise, it’s on its way out.

Check the Tires

Tires are essential when you’re checking out pre-owned cars. You need to make sure that the vehicle you’re going to pick doesn’t have worn out tires; otherwise, you might end up spending more than you intend to. You also need to inspect whether or not the wheels are correctly aligned, as feathered or cupped tires indicate that it’s not in tip-top condition.

Check the Car’s Fluids

Open the car’s hood and inspect the liquids circulating within, including the transmission fluid, the engine oil, and the brake fluid. If the transmission fluid is reddish and does not smell, then it’s good to go. The same goes for the engine oil, although it’s not always a tell-tale sign that the car you want to buy is in good shape. And a full brake reservoir indicates that the vehicle has functional brakes (you also need to take this with a grain of salt since this is not always a sure sign).

Inspect the Belt

The vehicle’s timing belt is also critical to look out for if you plan to buy secondhand. It needs to be relatively unused before you make a purchase. Otherwise, you might leave yourself vulnerable to car trouble in the future.

Inspect the Coolant

Car antifreeze or coolant not only regulates a car’s engine during extreme temperatures, but it also helps maintain proper fluid levels in a vehicle and help prevent its parts from corroding. So best make sure the car’s coolant container has optimal amounts of the liquid before you proceed with purchasing it.

One Last Tip

Keeping in mind the parts listed above will help keep you from buying a vehicle that’s going to be a problem down the road. But before you buy a car, here’s one bonus bit of advice: Once you find a vehicle that you like and you’re interested in it, call a parts store first. Ask if there’s a lot of parts ordered for the model you’re targeting (i.e., wheel bearings, brake pads, etc.). That way, you’ll know if the car currently in the dealership has recently had its parts replaced.

To shop now for the best used cars in the Philippines click here.

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Checking A Used Car You’d Like To Purchase

Driving is a privilege, not a right. That’s why anyone who wants to drive a new or old car is required by law to obtain a driver’s license. In the Philippines, this mandate is based on Republic Act 4136 and Batas Pambansa Bilang 398, while the license itself if obtained through the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Below are the four types of driver’s licenses LTO issues.

Student’s Permit

This license is bestowed to people who wish to learn how to drive. A person must be at least 16 years old or above to obtain this license, and they must present the duly-accomplished application form, proof of their identity, and their TIN if they already have one. You should take note that while it is technically a driver’s license, you’re legally not allowed to take your vehicle on the road with this license unless you’re accompanied by a person holding a Professional Driver’s License. This license is mainly used in order for aspiring motorists to enroll in driving schools or as a prerequisite to getting a non-professional or professional license.

Non-Professional License

Next, you have the Non-Professional Driver’s License. This license is given to people who have already learned to drive and whose Student’s Permits are at least one month old. You have to be at least 17 years of age to qualify for this license, and it grants you the privilege to operate vehicle for private use. To obtain this license, you must submit all the required documents (i.e., application form, medical certificate, etc.) as well as pass the written and practical examinations.

Professional License

Meanwhile, Professional Driver’s Licenses are issued to people who need to use a vehicle to earn a living. You must be at least 18 years old to get this license, and alongside submitting the required documents and passing the exams, you also need to present an NBI Clearance, a Police or Court Clearance, and a Certificate from Commanding Officer (in case you’re driving as a military personnel).

International License

Lastly, the International License is issued to permanent residents of the Philippines, including students, employees, and government officials, who wishes to drive a car in other countries. It’s granted by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and is valid for one year. Requirements include a valid driver’s license (along with at least two photocopies of it) and two copies of your latest two-by-two-inch pictures with white background.

Get a License Before Driving

Everyone may know how to drive, but only those who have valid driver’s licenses can do so legally in the Philippines and beyond. So before you start your car engine, hit the pedal, and take your car out for a spin, better make sure you’re duly licensed first.
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Types of Driver’s License Issued in the Philippines
Alertness and concentration is essential if you want to take your ride out for a spin. Anything that can affect these two should be avoided at all costs. And the best way you can do that is by making sure you’re in a good state to drive. Below are factors that can determine your fitness.

Good Health

Make sure you are well enough first before hitting the road. One of the main things required to obtain a driver’s license is a medical certificate. How you feel affects how you drive. If you feel sick, it is advisable to refrain from taking your own ride out for a while. Sickness can also negatively impact your concentration and alertness levels, adversely affecting your presence of mind and reaction time. Thus, compromising your safety by driving in a weakened physical state must be avoided at all times.

Good Eyesight

Having clear vision is also essential in order for you to drive safely. Therefore, it is advisable to have your eyes checked to make sure they have acceptable vision range as well as to detect any defects that could affect your driving for the worse. In any case, good eyesight is a prerequisite to obtaining a driver’s license. And if you’re using corrective eye wear, it is recommended that you have your prescription glasses or contact lenses on before you rev up your car engine.

Medicines

Certain medications have side effects that can negatively affect your driving capabilities. These effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, among others, and they could impair your concentration and alertness while on the road. Thus, you need to be aware of the medicine you need to take shortly before driving. Check the labels for warnings and indicated side effects.

Alcohol

Alcohol impairs your ability to concentrate, adversely affects your reaction time, and gives you a false sense of confidence that could lead to unwanted and unnecessary risks. Drunk driving is also a prime threat to safety (yours and other people’s), and it is punishable by law. So don’t drive while you’re drunk under any circumstances.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine chloride, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin have unpredictable if not downright dangerous effects to begin with. Not only would these substances impair your ability to drive, but it could also damage your state of mind and physical well-being. Thus, driving under the influence of any of these drugs is a big no-no.
Be Fit Before You Drive
Making safety your prime consideration when driving is an important and responsible decision. By keeping the things listed above in mind, you’ll be able to better ascertain your fitness to drive and ensure your safety while on the road.
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Things to Check to See If You’re Fit to Drive