Have you ever wondered, “How do I choose the best car for my needs?” There are so many makes and models available on the market with a vast array of features from which to choose. When you know the important steps to take before you go car shopping and follow these tips for finding the right car, you increase the chances of making the best choice. Because the car buying should be based on research, not emotions, it’s critical to follow these steps.

Whether you buy a new car every couple of years or every decade or more, car shopping can be an exciting process. You’ll see a dizzying array of makes and models in a rainbow of colors, some packed with extra features and cool gadgets. It's important to research the looks and features of a vehicle before you commit. Before you become caught up in the excitement, do your homework and narrow down what you want, need and can afford.

According to analysts, including Forrester Research, online shopping sales are expected to top $370 billion in 2017, up from just over $230 billion in 2012. But in our technology-centered world, this news probably comes as no surprise. More shoppers of all ages are reaching for their keyboards rather than their car keys to buy a variety of products, ranging from clothes to furniture. However, there’s one important purchase most customers still insist on buying in person: a vehicle. Read on for three reasons why your local car dealership is the best place to buy your new automobile.

You’ve done your research, shopped around, requested a vehicle history report if you’re looking at pre-owned cars and finally found “the one” at a price that, on the surface, seems right. That’s just the first step in buying a car. Once you’ve made your decision, the poker game begins. It takes place not at a table surrounded by your friends, but at a desk face to face with someone whose desired end game is opposite of yours. He wants to sell you a car at the highest price he can and you want to buy that car at the lowest price possible. Have you perfected your poker face?

With each model year, car manufacturers try to add bells and whistles to entice consumers to buy their vehicles. In recent years, one innovation that has become popular and touted as a luxury feature is a technology called direct injection. If you’re like many car buyers, you probably assume any innovation in vehicle technology is a good one. Sometimes, though, new technologies have unintended negative repercussions. The evidence is mounting that direct injection may be an example of such a technology. So, is direct injection helping or hurting your car? That depends on how diligent you are about maintaining your car.

As with most vehicle parts, car batteries have limited lifespans. Even the best batteries eventually fail and need to be replaced. Before you assume your best bet is to head to the local auto parts store to buy a car battery, think again. There are several key advantages of having an auto technician replace your battery.

The purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. Deciding which car to buy will also affect your safety and comfort, and that of your passengers, for years to come. Before you buy a car, do your homework and ask yourself what features are most important to you in a vehicle. Read on for three steps to take when selecting the ideal car for you and your family.

When it comes to necessary yet affordable preventive maintenance for your vehicle, you may rank an oil change service at the top of your list. Unless, that is, you have brought your car in for an oil change recently and discovered the recommended oil most vehicle manufacturers are moving toward is not exactly “cheap.” Before you shun the recommendations, though, take time to learn why car makers recommend pricier oil. It will save you money in the long run.

When you’re ready for a new car, you have plenty of options. Among the cheapest is leasing a new vehicle or buying an older car. However, many people ask themselves, “Is leasing a new car the best idea?” In short, everyone loves having something new, but when it comes to new versus used cars, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure you make the smart choice.

You may be under the impression occasionally adding antifreeze and water to your radiator to replace evaporated fluid is all the maintenance your car’s cooling system needs. If so, you’re wrong. Like all vehicle components, the cooling system needs preventive maintenance. This important service is called a coolant flush. Your engine relies on a steady flow of antifreeze to keep it at optimal operating temperature. Your car’s cooling system is what protects it from temperature extremes so it will run as reliably in subzero temperatures and in triple-digit temperatures as it does on a balmy spring day. Even if you live in an area not typically subject to extreme temperatures, your vehicle’s cooling system still needs regular service to keep your engine operating as intended.