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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
Truth be told, a manual transmission vehicle is more challenging to drive than an automatic one. Not only do you have to deal with shifting its gears depending on your speed, but you’ll also have to face various challenges while on the road. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to master it. By following the tips listed below, you’ll be able to become a pro manual car driver in no time.

Stalling

This usually occurs when the engine suddenly shuts down due to the clutch pedal getting released too quickly or there is not enough pressure on the gas pedal. To restart the engine, first make sure you’re in the correct gear. A common mistake is trying to start while in Gear 3 instead on Gear 1.

Hanging Uphill

Moving uphill requires more power to avoid engine shut down or stalling. By firmly pressing the brake pedal before releasing the parking brake while the auto is engaged, the additional power would also helps the new or secondhand car avoid rolling backwards, keeping it steady while on the road. To move forward, apply enough pressure to the gas pedal by quickly moving your right foot to the accelerator from the brake pedal. Then immediately and simultaneously release the clutch pedal to a little bit past the working level. Make sure not to press the gas pedal too hard so as not to have the car sprint out of control.

Hanging Downhill

Moving downhill requires just as much power and technique as moving uphill to avoid stalling or engine shutdown. In other words, you also need to firmly press the brake pedal before releasing the parking brake while the car is engaged if you want to keep your ride steady and avoid having it rolling forward. And in case you need to move backwards, just apply enough pressure to the gas pedal by quickly moving your right foot to the accelerator from the brake pedal. Then quickly and simultaneously release the clutch pedal to a little bit past the working level. As with moving uphill, make sure not to press the gas pedal too hard; otherwise your auto might sprint out of control.

Wrapping Up

Owning a new or pre-owned car that has manual transmission system can be challenging. By constantly learning how to drive it, however, you’ll soon be able to get the hang of it. So keep learning, and in case you don’t know where to start, try the tips we’ve listed above.
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Driving Tips for Manual Transmission Vehicle Owners

Although the Philippines is a breathtakingly beautiful country, it’s not without its hiccups. Being close to the Pacific Ring of Fire made the archipelago susceptible to some of the nastiest typhoons the world has ever seen. So if you happen to make your home in the Philippines, best be financially prepared for any incoming storms. Below are a few more reasons why you should take our word for it.

To Buy Food and Water

Typhoons in the Philippines can get really intense to the point that public markets get shut down. This leaves many people starving and parched during and after the storm, as well as leaves the country temporarily paralyzed. However, by having emergency funds saved, you can get enough food and water prior to the typhoon’s landfall and make sure you and your family have everything you need while waiting things out.

To Fix Your House

Sometimes, storms hitting the Philippines can leave your home damaged at its wake. By being financially prepared, you’ll be able to have your house fixed afterward. Did the storm rip out the roof from your ceiling? Just get new ones! Are any of your windows broken? Just have the glass replaced! With enough money, your house can weather any storm that comes their way.

To Replace Broken Stuff

Financial stability will also enable you to have enough cash to replace any stuff in your home that’s beyond repair. Say your home gets flooded and your couch and television set got drenched. Using your emergency funds, you’ll be able to get new sofas and appliances.

To Meet Medical Needs

Another thing you need to deal with after typhoons are yours and your loved ones’ health. More likely than not, the storm will leave you and your family ill. So it’s best if you set an appointment with your doctor as soon as the storm has passed. And saving money can ease your medical expenses tremendously.

To Make Cleaning Up Easier

Last but not least, storms can leave your house very messy indeed. Now you can do the clean-up all by yourself. However, that would take a lot of your time and will leave you bone-tired, especially if your home got flooded. By having extra money, you’ll be able to hire professionals to do the cleaning for you. They might even do a better job than you since that’s what they’re trained to do!

One More Reason

As you can see, having emergency money for storms and typhoons can be very helpful. But in case you’re still unconvinced, here’s one last reason: to help others. You’re not the only victim here, you know, so if you still have money to spare after you cleaned up your home, best use it to aid your neighbors.

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Why It’s Important to Have Savings During Typhoons
Are you thinking of going on a road trip with your used or brand new car? Then best make sure you have a good playlist! Whether it’s a short or long car ride, listening to songs is a terrific way to make your cruise smoother. From old classics to more recent releases, songs have a way of getting you on a good mood while behind the wheel. Try the following songs below to see for yourself.

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Written by Dave Keuning and Brandon Flowers, Mr. Brightside is one of the first songs The Killers ever made. And it would go on to become their signature tune. With its enduring and exhilarating melodic power, it’s definitely a song you’ll love listening or even singing along to while on the road.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Though he’s known to have collaborated with artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Christina Aguilera, it was his hit Uptown Funk that put Mark Ronson on the spotlight. This song serves as a blast from the past, combining slightly naughty modern lyrics with the funkadelics that defined the early 80’s. And its hooky, horns-and synths-filled shout out to funk is more than enough to keep you in a good mood while driving.

Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna

But if you’re looking for something with a more feminine note, then Rihanna’s Shut Up and Drive would be your best bet. Despite its music video mostly having a forward and seductive tone to it, its lyrics seem to empower Rihanna, proving that she (and all other women by extension) should be treated equally with men.

See You Again by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

Wiz Khalifa is known for making new great music every now and then. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise was being made, he developed one of its most popular songs. See You Again is a calm and emotional song, capable of making you tear up every time you listen to it. And the fact that it’s somewhat a tribute to the late Paul Walker makes it an even more fantastic song.

Wrapping Up

Belt out these hits in your new or pre-owned car and you’ll have a great time on the road. Or better yet, why not sing along to these songs with your friends in tow. That way, you’ll all have a terrific road trip.
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Fun Songs You Can Enjoy Listening to While Driving
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

GoDrive.com.ph officially teams up with Compass PH! Authorities from both institutions have signed a partnership agreement last month to ensure that more of our Kababayans abroad will get the assistance they deserve when it comes to purchasing and/or financing used or second hand cars for them or their families in the Philippines. Applying for a pre-owned car eligible for installment via financing is never this easy.

Compass PH: Safeguarding Global Migrants

Compass PH is home wherever you are, kabayan. Through the application, you can be part of a growing community of people with whom you can share your journey and seek help and assistance from. It’s a one-stop shop for all the services our Kababayans need, like remittance, loans, car financing, tuition fee, and even grocery purchases for their loved ones back in the Philippines. But there’s definitely more in the Compass PH application that embodies compassion from and for Filipinos all over the globe. Get to know more about the Compass PH app and its different features, including the functions of their SOS button, by visiting  www.compassph.com and liking their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/compassphapp/.

The No. 1 Pre-Owned Cars Online Marketplace in the Philippines

GoDrive is the Philippines' authority in online marketplace for matching interested and responsible buyers to quality used car units. The team offers second hand units which are being sold by dealers and private sellers, as well as repossessed units from the financing company Global Dominion Financing Inc., its mother institution. Through our platform, Filipinos are empowered to pick the best pre-owned car units at their fingertips, without the need to leave their houses. Now there's no need to sweat getting the highest quality second-hand car, and all you gotta do is #GoDrive!

Through the Compass PH app, OFWs can pick the best second hand car unit even while working abroad and connect to their families in the Philippines to proceed with the transaction here in the country until the used car unit applied for is finally released. Imagine how fast you and your finally can drive that dream ride of yours! Just look for GoDrive inside the Compass PH application.

If you’re ready to choose a used car unit now just click here.

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GoDrive Teams up with Compass PH for our Kababayans