GeekSugar

Rent Cars From Strangers to Save Money

Emily Co — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:45:45 PST

Introducing . . . another new wave of startups that will help you save on car rentals. Bay area companies like Getaround, RelayRides, and Spride Share, are providing a cheaper zipcar-like alternative, according to the New York Times. However, instead of renting cars from a company, you'll be able to get your car from an individual who has decided to rent his car out.

This online peer-to-peer lending service is a bonus for both parties, because as a car owner, you'll be able to earn money on the side when you're not using your car, and as a renter you might be able to fork out less if the stranger decides to charge a lower rate. This new trend in car lending has come about due to the new changes in California's auto law, which fully insures both drivers and owners who participate in car-sharing services. What do you think - is this a service you would use?

Is Your Car's Brand a Part of Your Identity?

SavvySugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:48 PDT

Thanks to the recession, consumers are questioning their brand loyalty for just about everything. People who once faithfully bought one brand of paper towels or detergent are switching to lower-cost, generic versions to save money. These brand name concessions seem small, but what if the downturn coincided with your time to buy a new car - could you be faithful to your brand of choice?

Sure, when it comes down to it, a car is just a car - it gets you from point A to point B, and so, serves its purpose. Still, others would argue that, today, cars aren't just the things we drive - they become extensions and statements of who we are and what we believe. To a certain extent, some might view their car's brand with the same staunch loyalty with which they view their political party affiliation.

Still, over the course of the past year, this is all changing. Only about 20 percent of car shoppers stayed with the same brand when they purchased a new vehicle, whereas in the past, nearly four out of five American car shoppers were faithful to their car brand as repeat customers for years - or even across generations. So, tell me, how much does your car's brand matter to you?

Car Decals With a Purpose: Bark Buckle Up Safety Kit

PetSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:59 PDT

Summer usually is the time for family road trips and, for most, this includes your four-legged family members as well. I hate to put this out there, but if by chance you get into an accident with your pet in the car (knock on wood, this hasn't happened), first responders can have a heck of a time trying to get you out of a mangled car safely, which can become even more difficult if they have a scared or injured pet on their hands.

First off, pets should always be belted in for their (and your) own good, but adding this Pet Safety Kit into the mix can help even more. Just by signing up and creating a free profile on Bark Buckle Up, you'll get an alert decal, a pet ID card, a subscription to their helpful newsletter, as well as full access to their website.

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What to do then? Find out when you

By attaching the decal to your driver's side door, help will know that you may have a pet riding along with you. These are very much like the fire safety decals I told you about before, but are made to be used in your car. In conjunction with the decal, keep the Pet ID card in the glove box, so responders know where to take Fido if he's been hurt, too. And the best part is, all of this is free, so you really have no reason not to sign up before your next outing!

Pampered Pals: Zip Line Dog Car Harnesses

PetSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:00:10 PDT

I can't stress enough the need of securing a pet during car travel but I know many people don't have a crate or belt to strap in a large pooch. So that's where the Zip Line Dog Car Harness ($40) comes in. This new product from Brookstone (makers of North's seat) will let your pooch roam freely in the backseat or rear of an SUV but still securely holds him in case of sudden stops.

Operating like a zip line between rear seatbelt handles, your dog can move back and forth but not climb out the window or fly forward into the front seats. And, for furry families on the go, the included, padded harness can be detached from the zip line and added to a seat belt (for a more secure fit) or even straight to the normal leash for walkies!

Tips For Sex in the Car

DearSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:00 PDT

Whether you think it's sexy to get it on in the backseat of your boyfriend's car or it's the only private place you can find because you both live with roommates, it can be a little awkward. So here are some tips to make your automobile makeout session as comfy and pleasurable as possible:

Park in a secluded area. No, I'm not saying you should drive to some sketchy parking lot or abandoned factory; just choose a place that's private so you don't have to worry about unexpected people walking by and disturbing your alone time.
Bring a blanket along so you can lay it on the seat. Not only will it make you feel more like you're at home in a real bed, but it'll also prevent your skin from sticking to the seats if they're made of leather. It's also nice to bring another blanket or sheet along in case you get cold or if you need to cover yourself up quickly (just in case your secluded place is not secluded enough!).
Have your birth control ready, if you need it. Stopping to put on a condom tends to put a hold on the mood anyway, but it'll be even worse if you have to stop and look around to figure out where they are. So before you start getting busy, put the condoms in the backseat pocket or in the side door.
Make a CD or playlist on your iPod of romantic tunes to play. This may help to get you in the mood and may make you feel less like you're in a car.

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Love It or Hate It? Wiper Mirror

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:00:46 PDT

I love design that solves minute daily frustrations, like wiping off the condensation of my mirror after every morning shower. But a pet peeve of mine has always been that car wipers don't wipe off the entire surface of the window. So while I think the Suck UK Wiper Mirror (inquire for price) is clever, I haven't been won over by it. I think I'd just prefer a heated bathroom mirror instead.

Relationship Protocol: Sharing the Road

DearSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 PDT

Relationships are all about sharing, from feelings to responsibilities. But some things are not as easily shared as others, like driving. I’ve found that many individuals in relationships consider themselves a better driver than their counterpart so much so that they either demand to be the driver or won’t allow their significant other to drive their car. And all the way on the other end of the spectrum, there are the couples who argue over who should have to drive because neither wants to. Sure, it’s just driving, but I think it’s also an issue of control. So how do you and your boyfriend divvy up the driving? And who’s the better driver?

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Casa Quickie: Move on Over to the Dark Side

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:05 PDT

This weekend marks the Summer Solstice, and do you know what that means? Heat! If it hasn't already gotten steamy in your hood, your time will come. Summer heat is fun when you've got Italian ices and a pool, but it also translates to a couple of not-so-eco-chic things. A/C and gasoline. If you park your car in the sun, when you return, you'll immediately reach for the a/c dial. The heat also causes the gasoline in your car to evaporate, which is certainly not good for your wallet or the environment. So, get in the habit of using your garage, or park under the shade of a tree in your lawn. Don't have a tree? Plant one.
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Protect Your Interior With Canine Covers

PetSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:30:56 PDT

With the weather getting warmer, I'm sure you'll be headed outdoors to get some play time in at local beaches, lakes, rivers, and maybe even doing some camping with your four-legged friends. North especially loves the beach, but I don't love what the sand and salt water do to my car's interior! Try as I might, putting towels down in the car and in North's car seat doesn't always do the trick. Sometimes they even end up as toys before he even gets in! So when I saw this car Canine Cover ($200), made just for these types of situations, I immediately put it on my Summer wish list.

To hear more about what makes it so necessary,

Made from a water repellent top and nylon bottom, this cover is primed to stop claw marks, pet hair, and wetness from seeping into your leather or cloth seats. Plus, they come in a number of sizes, so it's bound to fit my Mini Cooper, all the way up to a big 'ole SUV. What's better, it securely straps behind your headrests and has openings for seatbelts so you can still strap your pooch into his car seat. Which, of course, is a necessity for all road trips!

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Road Trip in a . . . ?

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:15:17 PST

Because I clearly can't say it enough, riding in a car with unsecured pets is dangerous for both of you! I've shared my love for North's carseat, but this clip takes it one step further, explaining some of the risks of tackling the open road with free-roaming pups.

I'd like to add that airbags can severely injure dogs riding shotgun, so please, please, please think twice before allowing a pup to ride in the front seat (or, worse yet, on your lap). Although I don't know the exact details, I do know that cutie pie Ruby lost her legs in a car accident (before she was rescued). Now it's time to 'fess up – when your pet goes bye-bye in the car, how does he travel?