Cleaning your car often does a lot more than making it look pretty. In fact, having a clean car can extend its life and save you lots of money in the long run. Other benefits:

• Wash and wax to prevent corrosion.

• Clean the inside of the car as well, as dirt particles, spilled food and liquids and other substances can be abrasive, causing damage that can amount to thousands of dollars.

• Apply leather protectant or use upholstery cleaners (depending on the material) to keep the seats in top shape.

• Wash the floor mats frequently. They are meant to prevent dirt and debris from getting into other parts of the car or flying around. They also provide insulation during the winter.

• Check the weatherstripping and make sure it’s in perfect condition. If you feel wind or rain coming in, repair the area immediately to avoid damage to the inside of your car.

• Fix windowshield cracks or chips. This is not merely a cosmetic issue, as cracks can let water in and turn into major (and costly) problems later on.

Think the economic crisis has put an end to car loans? Think again.

Not only are loans still available, but companies are hurting to the point where they are willing to offer better rates than ever in order to get you to sign with them. So if you are in the market for a new car, don’t let sellers pressure you into a bad deal with the argument that “you won’t get any better out there.”

When shopping for the right car loan, you may be better off doing so online. Companies like Capital One Auto Finance and CarsDirect Car Loans offer a variety of plans to fit your budget and credit history. If your credit history is particularly bad, though, you may want to do as much as you can to clean it up before you apply for a loan, so you can get better rates. Always get a copy of your credit report and credit score before you head to the dealer. If you’re shooting for a 0% APR, you need to make sure you have the right credit history to support that amount.

Even if you receive a high loan interest rate, you should be able to negotiate and refinance it (sometimes immediately after getting it) by going online at places such as FirstAgain.com.

Buying a car that fits the needs of the whole family is a lot harder than buying a “personal” car. This is because the vehicle will most likely be used for a variety of purposes, from driving the kids to school to taking camping trips into the backcountry.

The first thing you need to do, before anything else, is to take a look at your budget. Then factor in the cost of the car, how much gas it will use, how often you will need to do maintenance and how expensive it will be. If your budget is small, this first step will most likely take some options out of the running.

Once you know how much you can spend, the next step is to look into the particular needs of your family. If you have small children, for example, you will need a car with the right size backseat, so you can strap the car seat or pack large toys. Have a dog? Make sure there’s enough room in the back to store a cage, in case you need to travel long distances. Look also into the types of activities your family is into. If you take lots of family trips, you would do better with a car that gives you the most mileages per gallon. If you often go into the countryside, a small car not fit for 4×4 driving will get you into trouble.

If at all possible, take a 24-hour test drive. If you have your eyes on a particular car that you have never driven before, you can try renting it for a day to see how your family “fits” into it.

Shipping your vehicle is an endeavor that requires planning and research before loading your car up for the long haul. Going with Joe’s Ship-A-Car could prove disastrous when your vehicle shows up three days late or you’re hit with hidden fees. What does a reliable shipping company look like?

• They’re licensed. Make sure the company has the appropriate qualifications and certifications to operate their business. Their compliance with both federal and organizational practices and procedures ensures some responsibility.
• They have experience handling the type of vehicle you are shipping and the necessary equipment/tools. If your vehicle has special needs because of size or make, double-check their ability to provide these additional services.
• They have good references. The Better Business Bureau is not after them.
• They deliver on time and at a reasonable price. They have a history of performance and great customer service. Check out their website or other online tools to research their track record.

Finding a company that meets these basic requirements for reliability will really save a headache in the long run. You can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe with a reputable company and will arrive in excellent condition.

When it comes to luxury cars, there’s a trick you may not be aware of: Many of the cars that cost millions and frequently appear on Forbes lists cannot be actually driven on the street because of local laws and regulations. So if you’re wondering what would a million dollar buy you when it comes to cars, here’s your answer:

#1 Bugatti Vevron ($1,200,000). The most expensive car you can actually drive is the Bugatti Vevron, which is, surprisingly, not the fastest one in the market. It does come equipped with a W16 engine, dual transmission (computer controlled), four-wheel drive and 10 radiators.

#2. Ferrari Enzo ($1,000,000). The Enzo is extremely low and close to the floor, making it legal only in certain parts of the world. Looking very much like a Formula One model, it features a carbon-fiber body and active aerodynamics.

#3. Pagani Zonda C12 F ($740,000). One of the smallest fast cars available (only two seats in all models), the Zonda it’s also one of the oldest (the first model came out in 1999) and the only one in the top five that is available in a convertible version.

#4. SSC Ultimate Aero ($655,000). This is THE fastest car in the world, with a maximum speed of 257 mph. Very limited production but legal to drive everywhere. Equipped with a Corvette ZR1 engine and made with a combination of titanium and carbon fiber, this is one of the most impressive vehicles around.

#5. Porsche Carrera GT ($485,000). The Carrera is the only car in the top five that looks like a “normal” car. No F1 looks, no aerodynamic tail, normal high and size. Take it to the roads, though, and it can match any racing vehicle, particularly because of its maximum acceleration speed of 0- 62 mph in under four seconds.