Pickup trucks are selling well right now – partly due to the increased demand for housing and construction -- so this edition of "Steals on Wheels" is focused on large discounts on pickup trucks.

The OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service gives you the info you need to help you find a great buy. To help with your new-car search, in each edition of “Steals on Wheels” shares some of the very best prices we can find to help shoppers find the best deal on their next new vehicle.

It doesn’t matter where you live, these “Steals on Wheels” deals are available nationwide and demonstrate potential savings on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). These steals may feature manufacturer’s rebates and cash incentives, or may also include special leasing offers, depending on what our data shows to be the greatest opportunities for savings for new car shoppers in the upcoming weeks. As the end of the month nears, salespeople will want to sell more cars to qualify for their monthly quotas, so watch for additional discounts as dealers strive to reduce their end-of-month inventory.

This edition’s deals offer something for every truck shopper’s needs, with potential savings ranging from 10.6% to 15.7%. Market average pricing on these affordable workhorses demonstrates a range of discounts off Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) equaling as much as $5,141 off these full-function trucks. Another feature of this week’s truck deals are that all discounts are available on extended cab styles, offering additional functionality for drivers requiring space for extra passengers.

Our chart also includes fuel economy figures to help you compare not just savings at the dealership but savings at the pump, as well. Note: With trucks of this size, fuel economy isn’t great, but most of these trucks have highway ratings around 20 mpg, with the lowest at 18 mpg, and the highest coming in at 22 mpg. They're all hard workers, but keep these differences in mind if your fuel budget is tight.

Once you have made the decision on the right vehicle, now it’s time to turn to financing and getting your loan tied up before stepping foot into the dealership is the best move. Apply online in the comfort of your home or office and get a truck loan decision back in minutes. From there, download your loan docs and eCheck and you are good to go pick up that truck of your dreams at the dealership. 

Boasting the largest potential discount among this week’s selection at 15.6 percent off, the Nissan Titan King Cab actually sits in the middle of Manufacturers Suggested Retail Pricing of this edition’s list of MSRP’s at $32,695; after potential discounts its national market average is $5,141 lower at $27,554. Offer a 20 percent down payment of $5,511, and you might drive away with 60 monthly payments under $400.

The Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab offers a potential discount of up to 12.8 percent. That translates into a possible savings of as much as $4,325, bringing the MSRP of Ram’s work truck from $33,730 down to a market average price of $29,405. Ram offers plenty of storage, creature comforts, and a standard 310-horsepower/4.7-liter V-8 engine as well as fuel economy of 14 city/20 highway/16.2 combined; near the bottom of this pack.

Smack in the middle of the pack thanks to its potential 11.6 percent discount off the $40,340 MSRP, the Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat bears a possible savings of $4,692 and a market average of $35,648 for Ford's high-trim pickup truck. The most expensive model on this list, the F-150 SuperCrew carries a $512 monthly payment after a whopping $7,130 down payment but fuel economy for this trim level of F-150 is the best on this list, coming in at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18.8 mpg combined.

The Toyota Tundra CrewMax sports a national market average price of $28,080 and a potential discount of 11.2 percent, or $3,550 off the $31,630 MSRP of Toyota’s extended cab pickup truck. Fuel economy with the 270-horsepower/4.0-liter V-6 engine is midpack at 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17.4 mpg combined. A monthly payment of just about $404 is possible with a down payment of $5,616.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab bears a potential 10.6 percent discount off the $28,610 MSRP, equaling a possible savings of $3,037 and a market average of $25,573 for Chevrolet’s popular pickup truck. Fuel economy for the Silverado is at the average for this list, coming in at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17.8 mpg combined. As the most affordable vehicle on this list, a 20 percent down payment of $5,115 could give you monthly payments as low as $368 for 60 months at 3% APR.

Ready To Go Shopping for a New Truck?

Each installment of “Steals on Wheels” demonstrates potential savings on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Keep in mind, each vehicle included in “Steals on Wheels” may benefit from potential savings from such special offers as manufacturer’s rebates, cash incentives, or special leasing offers, which helps place them among the greatest opportunities for savings for new car shoppers over the upcoming weeks. As always, here are some really important things to keep in mind, such as:

• Incentives and leasing programs are subject to change and should be confirmed with your dealer.

• Deals are limited to inventory on hand. Your Certified Dealer must confirm that actual inventory, including your preferred options and colors, is in stock.

• “Market Average” is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change, but does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees, or any other charges or fees allowed by law. This is a national average, so you might find better pricing based on sales in your local area at OpenRoad Lending. Be sure to visit www.openroadlending.com/resources/autobuyingservice.aspx to view local pricing on any car and to be connected with local Certified Dealers who will provide you pricing information for the vehicle you are researching.

• We highlight the top discounts (this week on pickup trucks) off the MSRP by the particular trim level, since potential discounts can vary greatly between all the trim levels in any model line. So for this week, the two-wheel-drive King Cab version of the Nissan Titan (for example), was the most highly discounted trim of the entire Titan lineup in relation to its MSRP, and was a high enough discount to make our list.

The OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service gives you unlimited access to TrueCar Price Reports so you can see what other’s paid in your area for the truck you want. Working with one of our Certified Dealers will also ensure you have a hassle-free car buying experience and you receive any eligible savings. 

Vehicle owners beware: In the past, thieves broke into vehicles to steal such valuables as the stereo system or expensive items unwittingly left in plain sight. Today's thieves have upped the ante by increasingly looking to the glove compartment for items such as your vehicle registration and insurance cards. Some have also taken to the practice of also removing license plates from vehicles.

How To Protect Yourself

• Instead of leaving the original document in your glove compartment, make a copy of your insurance and/or registration cards. Then, strike through the personal information thieves could use (address, date of birth, etc.) and make another copy. Leave that in your glove compartment.
• Find a more creative place to store the original document. For example, here we revealed the glove compartment as one of the main targets thieves go to when breaking into a vehicle; therefore, move your originals to places like the trunk (especially in the trunk underneath the spare tire) or underneath the floor mats. Remember, when thieves break into your vehicle, they are working quickly; anything that's difficult to find or remove gets left behind.
• If you ever store your vehicle, be sure to take any identifying documents out of the vehicle.

In stealing your identity, thieves can go as far as applying for all types of items—including another vehicle—all in your good name. That's one reason why having a identity theft protection service such as LifeLock can make a huge difference. Their surveillance methods are terrible news for would-be thieves, but terrific news for you.

Vehicle Cloning

Breaches to your credit aren't the only things that can be done with these documents. In fact, vehicle cloning—while a more sophisticated practice—is also becoming more popular among criminals, according to worktruckonline.com. Vehicle cloning happens when thieves take your vehicle's identification number, which is unique to that vehicle alone, and use it to create a legitimate identity for another vehicle, usually a stolen one. With a legitimate VIN, title and registration, stolen cars can move around legally and sold to the unsuspecting.

Again, hiding your insurance documents and striking through the identification number should help insulate you against such challenges. When buying a car, research the VIN numbers of any you're considering prior to making a purchase.

Stolen License Plates

Criminals can attach stolen license plates to vehicles they have already stolen or use your stolen plate on a vehicle slated to be used as a getaway car. Thieves with a penchant for petty violations (such as running red lights or committing parking or moving violations) also may use a stolen plate on their own car, since cameras zero in on the license plate anyway. As the registered owner, you'll get the bill in the mail.

Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Remember, thieves want as few witnesses as possible. Also, auto parts shops offer one-way screws for license plates that are both inexpensive and tough to remove.

Simply put, when you refinance a car loan, you pay off your existing lender and get a new loan at a lower rate and lower payment with a new lender. The benefits to refinancing are well worth the effort it takes to complete one. A significant savings in interest, lower monthly car payments, the ability to build equity faster and get your loan paid off early are just a few. It pays to do your homework and find the right online lender to complete the process.

In order to save interest with car refinancing, the first thing that you will have to do is find out exactly what the payoff amount for your vehicle is. This amount is usually available on the most recent statement. Your final payoff could be higher due to more interest that could accrue since your statement date but this will give you a ballpark of what you owe. Once you have that information at hand, it's time to apply for the new loan.

While the ability to save on interest with car refinancing is an attractive part of refinancing auto loan, many consumers are also interested in paying the vehicle off as quickly as possible. Depending on your particular financial situation, you may want to consider paying the same amount every month that you are currently paying. With your interest rate lower but your payment unchanged, you can shave months, or possibly even a year, off of your loan. This will mean that you will be able to get out of debt faster and it will be very beneficial for your credit rating. When it comes to saving money and making a budget stretch farther, refinancing auto loan is a great choice.

Most consumers are shocked at the amount of money they can actually save with refinancing. A recent study showed that consumers that refinance their existing car loans save on average $102 per month. If you assume the average remaining term on all car loans is around 47 months; that is a $4,700 lifetime savings in interest payments. A savings of just 1% in your interest rate can make a significant difference in your monthly payments.

So why can you get a better interest rate now versus when you purchased the vehicle originally? It could be one of several factors. This most obvious is the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. You see, the financing is where the dealer makes their largest profit of a car sale transaction. When you refinance with an online lender, you "cut out the middle man" and pay wholesale prices on your financing. The other large factor is your credit score. Your credit fluctuates based on many factors such as outstanding debt balances, number of payments made on time, etc. It is not uncommon for your score to fluctuate 20-30 points monthly. That swing can make a significant different in the interest rate you pay.

The passing of Memorial Day typically begins the summer travel season as students across the country end the school year and anticipate summer vacations -- or new careers. The three-day weekend traditionally begins a new season of new-car shopping, with dealerships nationwide taking advantage of the holiday as families and graduates celebrate the end of the school year and look forward to a life away from the scholastic routine.

All these vehicles are available on the OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service and we have focused on great discounts available on small cars that are sure to appeal to recent graduates, regardless of whether your graduate is leaving behind high school or college.

It does not matter where you live, our regular “Steals on Wheels” deals are available nationwide and demonstrate potential savings on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). These steals may feature manufacturer’s rebates and cash incentives, or may also include special leasing offers, depending on what our data shows to be the greatest opportunities for savings college graduates seeking to buy a new car.

These deals offer something for every new graduate’s needs, with potential savings ranging from 4.5% off Kia’s all-new 5-door Forte, or even as much as 15.0% off Ford’s small Focus sedan. Market average pricing on these affordable delights demonstrates a range of discounts off Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) equaling as much as $2,746 off these popular vehicle choices.

Our chart also includes fuel economy figures to help new graduates understand how much you can save at the pump -- in addition to potential savings at the dealership. With the small cars and utility vehicles on this list offering fuel economy figures ranging from 23 to 51 miles per gallon in the city and as much as 30 to 48 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s easy to see these small cars also offer great deals on fuel efficiency as well. The clear winner this week is the Toyota Prius hybrid, boasting a whopping 49.3 miles per gallon combined, but even the last cars in the pack still offer better than 26 mpg.

Here is a little more information about the top five deals from this week’s selection. If you’re considering shopping for an affordable new car for your recent graduate, keep these inexpensive small cars in mind as you do your research.

1) The best potential deal on this week’s list of graduate deals is the Ford Focus sedan. Boasting the largest discount among this week's selection, the popular Focus offers a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $16,995, but its national market average is $2,542 lower at $14,453; that’s a potential savings of 15.0% off the suggested MSRP of Ford’s small sedan. After a 20% down payment, monthly payments on the fun Focus can be as low as $208.

2) The Jeep Compass comes in second place in this list, offering a potential discount of up to 13.4 percent. That translates into a possible savings of as much as $2,746, bringing the MSRP of Jeep’s small crossover sport/utility vehicle from $20,490 down to a market average price of $17,744. Fuel economy for this conveniently sized crossover is rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26.4 mpg combined.

3) The Mazda3 small sedan rides in the middle of the pack this week: Even though the Mazda’s original MSRP starts at $18,345, its potential savings of 9.3 percent translates to $1,700 — bringing the national market average price of Mazda’s functional small car down to a super affordable $16,645. After putting 20% down, monthly payments on the spirited little Mazda3 can be as low as $239.

4) In fourth place is the Toyota Corolla, sporting a national market average price of $19,738 and a potential discount of 7.5 percent, or $1,607 off the $21,345 MSRP of Toyota's familiar small car. Toyota's little Corolla promises fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29.1 mpg combined, and a possible monthly payment as low as $284 a month after a 20% down payment.

5) Sitting solidly in the middle of this list of affordable small cars is the Volkswagen GLI. Our data shows a potential 6.5 percent discount off the $25,840 MSRP, equaling a possible savings of $1,678 and a market average of $24,162 for Volkswagen’s sporty small car. As would be expected, fuel economy is also extremely affordable, coming in at 24 mpg city, 27.8 mpg highway, and 27.8 mpg combined.

Before you head out to the dealership to pick up that snazzy new car, you need to get your car loan financing taken care of. With an online auto loan from companies like OpenRoad Lending, you can savings hundreds of dollars on your financing by dealing directly with the lender. Being empowered to shop like a cash buyer also pays dividends. 

Ready To Go Shopping for a New Car?

Each edition of “Steals on Wheels” demonstrates potential savings on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Keep in mind, each edition of “Steals on Wheels” may include potential savings from such special offers as manufacturer’s rebates, cash incentives, or special leasing offers, which helps place them among the greatest opportunities for savings for new car shoppers over the upcoming weekend. As always, here are some really important things to keep in mind, such as:

• Incentives and leasing programs are subject to change and should be confirmed with your dealer.

• Deals are limited to inventory on hand. Your OpenRoad Lending Certified Dealer must confirm that actual inventory, including your preferred options and colors, is in stock.

• “Market Average” is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change, but does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees, or any other charges or fees allowed by law. This is a national average, so you might find better pricing based on sales in your local area at [new car shopping program]. Be sure to visit [new car shopping program] to view local pricing on any car and to be connected with your local [Program Certified Dealer] who will provide you pricing information for the vehicle you are researching.

• We highlight the top discounts off the MSRP by the particular trim level, since potential discounts can vary greatly between the trim levels. So for this week, the “S” trim of the Ford Focus sedan (for example), was the most highly discounted trim of the entire Ford Focus lineup in relation to its MSRP, and was a high enough discount to make our list.

Once you have chosen your desired vehicle, why not connect with one of our Certified Dealers at OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service to get your savings and ensure a fast and convenient car-buying experience.

Chances are, you would enthusiastically – and effectively – research nearly every aspect of a new or used car purchase prior to heading to the showroom.  In fact, 6 out of 10 of us do.  We learn makes, models, colors, interior fabrics, and how fast it would take you to get from zero to 60.  But would you research with the same intensity how to go about financing this major purchase?  Probably not.

In fact, most Americans do not even check their credit reports before heading to the dealership showroom. A new study from Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics (AWARE – www.autofinancing101.org), reveals that 3 out of 4 consumers do not research financing options before making what is, quite possibly, the second largest purchase of their lives. 

Next time you’re considering purchasing a new or used vehicle, consider the following:

1. Determine what you can afford.  If you haven’t already done it, now is the time to create a budget for your family.  When trying to determine a comfortable monthly car payment, be sure to adjust other costs as well – insurance, gas and maintenance costs might be different than what you’re paying now, for example.
2. Learn what affects your finance charge.  Lenders use a number of factors to determine the finance rate they will offer you.  Typically, they review your credit score, which is based on an automated analysis of your credit history.  Other factors that may affect the financing offer include:  the price of the vehicle you would like to purchase, the availability of manufacturer incentives, the amount of your down payment, your debt repayment options, and the length of the finance contract.  The rate offered to you may be negotiable.
3. Review your credit report.  This way, you will know what creditors will see before they do.  This will give you an opportunity to try to correct any errors on your report, and to know if you will be considered a good credit risk.  Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for yours.
4. Educate yourself.  Learn the difference between leasing and buying.  Know the meaning of terms like “APR,” “Guaranteed Auto Protection” and fixed versus variable rate financing. Visit http://www.openroadlending.com/FAQ/Car_Loan_Finance_Terms.aspx for a good glossary of financing terms.
5. Research your options.  Knowing what financing options are available to you will put you in the best decision-making seat.  Research online lenders, call your bank or credit union; talk to dealerships; consider options such as a home equity loan.  The current vehicle financing system is intensely competitive, so dealers and other financing sources have every incentive to offer you a competitive rate or risk you going elsewhere.  In the end, however, whether you finance through your dealer or elsewhere, there typically are no penalties to refinance if you’re not satisfied. Most experts will tell you to get your car loan financing taken care of before visiting the dealership to give you the best options for negotiating. 
6. Focus on the overall package.  Make a list of pro’s and con’s for every option, including how long you’ll be paying, the total amount you’ll pay over time, how much cash or trade in value can be put toward a down payment, the APR, and any manufacturer incentive programs.  In the end, be sure to consider the whole package offered, and not just the monthly payment.
7. Apply for credit within a focused period of time.  Generally speaking, multiple credit inquiries can adversely affect your credit score – but not if you limit your applications for auto financing within a 14 day period.  Shopping around for vehicle financing may cause multiple lenders to request your credit report, even though you’re only looking for one source of credit. To compensate for this, credit scoring software counts multiple auto financing inquiries in any 14-day period as just one inquiry.  Additionally, vehicle financing inquiries made in the 30 days prior to scoring are ignored, so your score won’t be affected while you’re shopping.

These tips were brought to you by AWARE, a non-profit organization seeking to build a greater understanding about how auto financing works. AWARE is supported by leaders of the vehicle financing industry, and is perhaps the only resource that focuses exclusively on auto financing education in materials, a Web site, and other educational offerings that are entirely free of marketing, advertising, or sales efforts. 

The biggest mistake a car buyer can make, especially in the age of the Internet, is to buy a car without doing research first. Some buyers are so eager to get through the car-buying process that they don't take the time to find out everything they can about vehicle reliability, pricing and financing. ConsumerReports.com and other sites host reliability studies; Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, TrueCar.com, AutoTrader.com and other sites provide details about pricing for new and used vehicles; and any local bank or credit union can supply information about current financing opportunities. Even look online at Auto Buying Services like the OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service can provide a lot of useful information.

The most common car-buying mistake is that many people base their buying decision on emotion rather than facts. You will realize that you will reject many cars from consideration because of how you would feel behind the wheel, rather than because of how well the vehicle fit your needs or your budget. Pride of ownership is important, but it may lead to mistakes when it comes to buying a car.

Experts agree that you should get your financing approved with an online lender or at a credit union before visiting any dealerships. Failure to pre-shop for financing is one of the top mistakes new car buyers make. There's nothing wrong with investigating the financing that a dealer can offer. Dealers will always have access to factory sponsored financing like 0.9% that an online lender or credit union will not have, however, only a very small percentage of consumers qualify for that financing. Getting your car loan online before walking into the dealership allows the consumer more bargaining power when it comes to negotiating over the price of the vehicle.

Here is a list of the top car buying mistakes to avoid.

 #1: NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK - The Internet has democratized the car-buying process. Now, anyone can get access to facts and figures about vehicles, features, pricing and financing. There's no reason to step foot in a dealership without having first researched vehicles and their competitors.

 #2: CHOOSING THE WRONG CAR FOR YOUR NEEDS - With all of the choices available on the dealer's lot, you have to have a very good idea of how you need to use your car so that you can find a car that suits your needs. How often will you really carry seven passengers in that big SUV? Don't settle with a car that only suits occasional needs -- you'll do better matching your general needs, and renting a vehicle for the special occasions, like family road trips.

 #3: SKIMPING ON THE TEST-DRIVE - Many car buyers fail to spend enough time behind the wheel to really get familiar with a vehicle's performance and features. A thorough test drive should include a wide range of conditions, including bumpy back streets and smooth highways. The time to discover that your car is noisy and harsh at 65 miles per hour is not after you've already taken delivery.

#4: BUYING NEW WHEN USED WOULD DO - Every potential new car buyer should consider used vehicles before buying. Certified Pre-Owned programs by many of the manufacturers have raised the bar for used cars. Most include a detailed vehicle inspection and refreshing, along with an extension of the new car powertrain warranty that might run up to 7 years/100,000 miles. Used car financing is cheaper than ever before – in many cases competitive with new car financing.

#5: RUSHING TO BUY - Cars are commodities, and there will always be another one coming down the road. This much is certain. So don't rush into the purchasing decision. Take your time, even if it means that you have to rent a car for a few weeks in order to bridge the gap between your old car and your new one. Car dealers love buyers who are in a hurry -- it shifts the negotiating leverage toward the dealer because the buyer is much less likely to walk away without making a deal.

 #6: BLOWING THE BUDGET - You've done your research. You've arranged for financing. You've assessed your needs. Then, you go to the dealership and get talked into a car that costs way more than you've budgeted for. Stick to your budget, make sure that you can afford the car that you're buying, and avoid buyer's remorse.

#7: FAILURE TO PRE-SHOP FOR FINANCING - Once the dealer's F&I (Finance and Insurance) guy gets his hands on you, the opportunity for mistakes escalates. If you haven't taken the time to pre-shop for financing at an online lender like OpenRoad Lending, your personal bank or credit union before you step into the dealership, you are ripe to be pushed into financing that profits the dealer more than it helps you pay off your debt. Know how much you qualify for, and what interest rate you can get on your own. Better yet, arrive at the dealership with a loan preapproval in hand. Then, you will be in a position to assess the offer that the F&I guy slides across the desk.

#8: TRADING IN YOUR OLD CAR - This is a big mistake that will always cost you money. Even if you owe money on your old car, you'll do better selling it on your own, or even selling it to a dealer, if you don't get involved in the trade-in process. Trading in your old car gives the dealer one more opportunity to profit on your convenience, and a chance to muddy the waters on the details of your new car purchase.

#9: FOCUSING ON THE PAYMENT - The most important part of the financial transaction is the purchase price. When you focus on the payment, you're leaving yourself open to getting locked in to loan terms that are not as good as you might qualify for. You may get that $300 per month payment, but you may wind up paying an inflated percentage rate for a longer term than you hoped.

 #10: LEASING INSTEAD OF BUYING - Leasing makes sense for a lot of buyers, and we're experiencing another perfect storm for low lease prices: Low interest rates combined with high residual values. But that doesn't mean that it's smart to get seduced by leasing's low down payment and monthly rates. At the end of a lease, you don't own a car; you have to go out and repeat this process all over again. And who knows what lease rates will be then. Only lease after consulting your accountant to make sure that you are a candidate for tax benefits -- very few of us are.

In summary, do your homework, get your financing ahead of time and relax. Car buying can be fun if you can avoid the mistakes above. Happy shopping to you!

A vehicle’s abilities should help you choose different tires. A high-performance vehicle, such as the Ford Mustang, requires some meat for excellent control, whether you like to hug the curves or go as fast as you can go on a straightaway. You could choose stock tires when it’s time to change them; or you could upgrade to tires that are designed specifically to handle your car's speed and agility. 

But What About the Ride?

If you want a tire so you can scream around the corners in your Mustang, the Nitto NT05 is the tire for you.

If you want to better ride for longer rides, choose the Motivo, according to europeancarweb.com. The Motivo’s tread pattern gives excellent traction on wet roads and during inclement weather. It allows you to really hug the corners when you feel the need for speed. The Motivo also has alignment indicators that show you when it’s time to rotate the tires or get an alignment.

If you’re not concerned about the ride, but more about hooking up at the track on racing nights, try Mickey Thompson’s street/strip tire, such as the Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R, according to mickeythompsontires.com. The Sportsman S/R is made for the street, but can be driven on the strip and has enough traction for tight corners. It is speed rated for 130 mph.

More About Nitto

The Nitto tire is a Toyo Tire brand. The Japanese Toyo Tire and Rubber Company opened a plant in Georgia to produce its tires in the U.S., according to siteselection.com. The plant opened in 2005 and has an operating capacity of 2.5 million tires every year. Toyo has plans to expand its plant to produce more tires each year.

Toyo uses a proprietary production system called the Advanced Tire Operation Module, often referred to as ATOM. The process produces highly uniform and consistent tires, an important factor when decided which high-performance tire to choose for muscle cars, hot rods or even SUVs.

Upgrading Tires

Upgrading tires could be intimidating to some because there are so many brands to choose from. Choose a tire for your application. You might have a high-performance car, but do you often push the car to its limits on the road? If you do, you need a higher speed rating.

If you use the vehicle for commuting but take it out on the drag strip once in a while — or even weekly — you need a tire with softer sidewalls so it will hook. Soft sidewalls generally don't handle very well, especially in corners. Soft-sidewall tires are not tires you want to take a long trip with, either.

If you drive long distances, but like to drag race, you can always get two sets of tires — the Nitto Motivo for comfort and driving long distances and a soft-sidewall tire for drag racing. Change the tires before you leave the house for the track.

If you don’t want to swap out tires every time you want to have fun with your muscle car, stick with the Nitto for a good compromise. If you prefer road racing or do a lot of highway driving, check the speed rating on the tire in addition to the size.

Car Financing

When you settle on the right wheels you want to add to that new sports car  you are purchasing, do not forget about the car loan you will need to finance it. Look online to companies like OpenRoad Lending where you can get a low rate car loan in a matter of minutes and be down the road in that new or used vehicle you are looking at. There is no cost or obligation to apply. 

It has not been that long ago when many of us thought we only had to watch our credit cards to avoid our identity being stolen. If the criminals didn't get the numbers on our credit card, we thought, they couldn't live it up and go on a wild shopping spree like the one in the movie Identity Thief.

But ID theft scams are all over the map, both in terms of geography and kinds of fraud, according to Federal Trade Commission data.

In many states — including Michigan, Kentucky, California, Texas and elsewhere — the largest area for ID theft complaints involves fraud relating to government documents or benefits.

Maybe, someone steals your identity so they can use your health care insurance or an ID thief can steal information to falsely apply for jobless claims, he said. Or fake IDs are used to create fake tax returns that are packed with lucrative tax breaks, such as education credits or the Earned Income Tax Credit, to create generous tax refunds for criminals.

No, you don't want to leave your credit cards easily in view. But pay attention to your other paperwork, too. You'd be shocked where you'd spot a Social Security number just casually tossed around in your own home.

Digging through a stack of old papers in the attic, I found my Social Security number just casually written on an old economics test from back in college. I guess that was OK back in the day. But if I'm cleaning, I sure don't want to carelessly toss that paper in the trash. Time to shred it.

Snowbirds with winter homes in Florida may want to be even more cautious about their Medicare cards, bank statements and other ID when heading south. Florida ranks No. 1 for ID theft among 50 states, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission.

Florida's seniors are vulnerable as fraud targets; it doesn't hurt that there are many people who travel to Florida on vacation, either. Georgia is No. 2 on the FTC Consumer Sentinel report's list of states with the highest per capita rates of identity theft. California came in at No. 3, and Michigan ranks No. 4.

Equifax — which launched IdentityProtection.com to give an in-depth look at ID theft — noted that areas that have had surges in unemployment or foreclosures may be at more risk for ID theft.

In some cases, some people may feel desperate for cash and be more willing to hand over the Social Security number of a child to someone who is going to create a fake tax return. Or they might be more willing to participate in other ID theft scams if they think they can get quick cash and won't get caught.

Seventy-two percent of the complaints out of Florida involved government documents or benefits fraud. Credit card fraud ranked No. 2, and bank fraud ranked No. 3 in Florida.

Here are some scams that ID crooks use:

• The fake landlord. Spot a great deal on a vacation condo? Maybe a super price on a dream house? Consumers have lost deposit money — and sensitive information that can be used for ID theft — when agreeing to a rental property scam, and they don't realize they've been scammed until they go on vacation.

Realtors warn that consumers need to watch out for phony listings for homes and apartments on Craigslist and elsewhere online. Craigslist warns consumers that they should not agree to credit checks or background checks for a job or housing until actually meeting an interviewer in person or landlord in person.

• The free prize that pops up on your cellphone. The Federal Trade Commission took action earlier this year against marketers that sent unwanted text messages offering "free" gift cards. Once spammers have your personal information, it can be sold to marketers or even end up in the hands of ID thieves.

• Watch your child's ID. The most stolen piece of identification from a child is a Social Security number, and sometimes it's a family member or friend who commits this crime. Keep birth certificates and paperwork that contains a child's Social Security number, such as your tax return, carefully locked away.

Three ways to avoid ID theft:

• Shred papers, especially those with your Social Security number on them.

• Take extra care with your information during times of life-changing events, the birth of a child, a divorce, a death in the family. Experts say fraud is more likely to take place when people are vulnerable. Pay attention on vacation or during a big move to a new house, too.

• If something sounds odd, it probably is odd. Take time to look up some potential scams. See www.onguardonline.gov.

Source: Detroit Free Press research

With Memorial Day sales promotions at the end of the month leading to the beginning of summer travel season, May is a great month to be shopping for a new car, regardless of whether you are seeking to lease or buy. As one of the best new-car sales weekends of the year, Memorial Day weekend promises lots plenty full of inventory, and salespeople ready to make plenty of deals -- but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until Memorial Day weekend to get your car! If you shop ahead of time, you’ll catch the sales team before they get busy, and before the lots get crowded – but you can still get these deals.

If you’re shopping for a new car in May, consider the following ten manufacturer lease, finance, and cash incentives: perhaps these opportunities for savings will help you decide between a lower monthly lease payment and lower upfront and financing costs to get you into your next new car for the summer travel season. May incentives are built into our car buying program at the OpenRoad Lending Auto Buying Service.

If you aren’t sure whether you want to lease or buy your next new car, consider this: Car-leasing deals usually offer the new-car shopper a choice between a low down payment or low monthly payment for a nice short term to help keep out-of-pocket automotive expenses minimal. On the other hand, promotional finance deals can take the form of thousands of dollars in cash back (that can help increase your down payment) or APR financing rates as low as 0%.

Because some of these incentives may also be contingent upon purchasing through a Certified Dealer, and other special incentives and leasing programs may be subject to change by region, please be sure to confirm these offers with your dealer at the time of purchase.

Interested in financing instead of leasing? Look no further the OpenRoad Lending’s online application that lets you apply from the comfort of your own home. Once approved, download all of your paperwork, including your OpenRoad eCheck that can be used at any franchised dealership within your state. Getting a low rate car loan is just that easy.

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Top Lease Deals on New Cars – May 2013

2013 Chevrolet Cruze
$149/month for 36 months with $2,469 down
12,000 miles/year
Expires: 7/1/13

The Chevy Cruze is not fancy or expensive, but it’s a likeable little compact sedan that provides everything a buyer wants in its affordable segment. The Chevrolet Cruze offers peppy driving quality, comfortable interior with room for five, safety, and connectivity, all while sharing the attractive design cues found in its larger sibling, the Malibu. Standard is a 138-horsepower Ecotec 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine promising 25 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 29 combined (with manual transmission) or 22 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 27 combined (automatic).

2013 Buick Enclave
$349/month for 24 months with $3,309 down
10,000 miles/year
Expires: 7/1/13

The eight passenger Buick Enclave SUV provides ample interior and cargo space for family-friendly functionality, with premium interior cabin and well-equipped standard features making it a solid consideration for those who want to drive comfortably with a family aboard, yet don’t necessarily want to drive a minivan. Enclave is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, can tow up to 4,500 pounds and is powered by a fuel-efficient 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Enclave features a standard rear vision camera system and available Side Blind Zone Alert with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Enclave also boasts 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 115.2 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the front row of seats, providing ample room for passengers and their gear.

2014 Subaru Forester
$239/month for 36 months with $1,939 down
12,000 miles/year
Expires: 6/3/13

The completely redesigned five-passenger 2014 Subaru Forester carries nearly the same footprint as the outgoing model, but boasts expanded room, comfort, and utility and is powered by a choice of the new high-performance 250-horsepower/2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged boxer engine also found in the BRZ or a 170-horsepower/2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that, when mated to the continuously variable transmission (CVT), is expected to achieve all-wheel-drive fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined. Inside, maximum rear cargo area room with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks lowered is 74.7 cubic feet, which Subaru says is among the best in class.

2013 BMW 3-Series
$299/month for 36 months with $3,774 down
10,000 miles/year
Expires: 5/31/13

BMW's 3 series sedan delivers plenty of rear-wheel-drive performance thanks to a 240-horsepower/2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that promises to deliver you from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.  Meanwhile BMW's spirited sixth-generation 3 Series sedan also boasts fuel efficiency of up to 24 city, 36 highway miles per gallon.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
$309/month for 36 months, $2,499 down
12,000 miles/year
Expires: 6/3/13

The Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the sweet spot of premium on-road performance and legendary Jeep off-road capability while also offering such luxurious options as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and premium wood and leather interior trim. The Laredo is powered by a 290-horsepower/3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Passenger entertainment is provided by uConnect; passenger safety is thanks to standard full-length side-curtain as well as driver and passenger seat-mounted pelvic and thorax airbags.

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Top Cash and Finance Deals on New Cars – May 2013

2013 Hyundai Elantra
0% financing for 60 months
Expires: 5/31/13

The Hyundai Elantra turns heads wherever it goes, thanks to its elegant styling and sporty profile. Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by a 145-horsepower/1.8-liter four-cylinder PZEV engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission that provides smooth performance along with fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Inside, the affordable Elantra offers 95.6 cubic feet of passenger space so your passengers can travel in comfort

2013 Honda Accord
0.9% financing for 36 months
Expires: 7/8/13

With nearly 40 years of heritage behind it, the new-for-2013 Honda Accord midsize sedan has been completely redesigned to offer stylish looks, roomy comfort for five, fun-to-drive performance, and a spacious trunk that can hold up to 15.8 cubic feet of cargo. Powered by a 185-horsepower/2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission, the Honda Accord promises fuel economy rated at 27 city, 36 highway, and 30 combined miles per gallon. An APR of 0.9% for 36 months makes it even easier to put the new Accord in your garage this summer.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox
0% financing for 48 months or $1,000 consumer cash
Exp: 7/1/13

For 2013, the Chevrolet Equinox crossover offers a more powerful 301-horsepower/3.6-liter V-6 engine.  A new touch-screen-enhanced MyLink radio system adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles and also integrates Internet radio stations such as Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio. Ideal for families and friends on the go, the popular Equinox seats five and thanks to its sliding second row, offers the most rear–seat legroom in its class. As for cargo, with the 60/40 split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet of storage. Boasting 32 mpg highway, Chevrolet says its standard 182-horsepower/2.4-liter Equinox offers highway fuel economy that the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 can't beat.

2013 Ford Explorer
0% financing for up to 60 months or $2,000 customer cash
Exp: 6/3/13

Completely reinvented for 2012, the 2013 Explorer is a full-size, three-row SUV boasting class leading fuel efficiency of 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway from Ford's 240-horsepower/2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. (The standard 290-horsepower/3.5-liter V6 engine offers 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway in front-wheel drive, or 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.) Fuel economy is impressive, but its safety is even more so: In back, the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts are available to protect second-row passengers by spreading impact forces across more than five times the area of conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Customer cash of $2000 or 0% financing make the Explorer's $29,100 base MSRP (not including delivery) even more affordable.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta 0.9% financing for 66 months Exp: 5/31/13

The Volkswagen Jetta is powered by a 115-horsepower/2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. With the five-speed, the EPA fuel economy is estimated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Features include standard air conditioning, one-touch auto up/down power windows, power locks with keyless entry, and power heated exterior mirrors. Safety features include six airbags, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System which reacts instantly in the event of an accident by deploying airbags, unlocking the doors, turning off the fuel pump, and activating the car’s hazard lights. Already affordable with an entry MSRP starting at $16,720 (not including destination and delivery), a 0.9% APR makes the sporty Jetta that much more attractive.

Shopping for a New Car or Truck?

If you’re planning to go car shopping during May, why not put these 2013 models on your list while you do your research. Hopefully, these lease, finance, and cash incentives will help you narrow down your choices.

If there is one thing that people all over the world have in common at the moment, it’s that they are all interested in saving money. The facts are that people all over the world are currently having trouble making ends meet. People all over the world are struggling to keep their jobs and to keep up with expenses. If you count yourself among these millions, which you probably do, you are probably looking for a safe and easy way to cut back on some of your expenses. When you look at the numbers, however, you may find that the answers are simply not there. You may be worried because you see the bills you get every month and realize that everything you are paying for, such as mortgage, rent, and utilities, are essential. This is the time that you need a refinance auto loan.

When we talk about a refinance auto loan, we are talking about restructuring the way you pay back the loan for your automobile. If you don’t keep up with these payments, a number of bad things can happen. In one scenario, you may end up going further and further into debt. This will increase interest. It will also destroy your credit score. A worst case scenario is that you end up having to file for bankruptcy. When this happens, you may end up having to actually forfeit your automobile. The truth of the matter is that none of these are good options. What you need to do is refinance, this way you can set up monthly payments that make sense for your current lifestyle.

Many people who are reading this now are probably thinking that they have tried a refinance auto loan already and have found that it is simply not possible. You have tried every option available to you and have tried to get lower monthly payments again and again but have been unsuccessful at every turn. If this sounds like you, then you should know that you have probably not tried every option available to you. As a matter of fact, if you have not looked on the internet yet for a chance to refinance, then you are doing yourself a major disservice.

You can go online now and find the best refinance auto loan that you can imagine. We are talking about the low monthly payments that you need in order to keep on top of your bills and other living expenses. You will also be able to discover reasonable interest rates that will make paying back the auto loan that much easier. Remember that even when times are tough, there are still ways to get back on top of your finances.