Category Archives: Auto

For several decades now, emissions tests have been a familiar routine for most people who drive legally in the U.S. They are part of a larger effort to limit greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate pollution, and getting your vehicle’s emissions levels tested every year or two is a common requirement that helps keep dangerous emissions from gas-fueled cars as low as possible to protect the air quality around us.

Because it is not an annual requirement, it can be easy to overlook this pesky rule until it comes time to renew your plates. A failed test does not mean you can no longer operate your vehicle legally. However, it may mean you won’t be able to renew your plates until you make the necessary repairs.

When Do Emissions Tests Take Place?

If you are a registered driver in Illinois, you will receive a “Test Notice” in the mail about four months before your license plate is set to expire. Online resources such as this one provide a list of the nearest test locators, with information on where and when drivers can go to have the test done after being notified.

What Is an Emissions Test?

An emissions test is just what it sounds like – a test to ascertain whether harmful emissions are leaking from your vehicle to determine whether repairs should be made. The “On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test,” as it is called, only takes a few minutes, and most drivers pass. According to the Illinois Air Team, “The OBD test consists of connecting a scan tool to a vehicle’s on-board computer to determine the OBD system status (readiness checks) and whether the Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Light (MIL) is commanded on (in which case it would be illuminated), and to retrieve any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).”

In short, drivers leave with a report following the test that lets them know what the results are. Whether you pass or not, you are legally allowed to continue driving; nothing else is required at that moment.

Does Every Vehicle Need to Pass an Emissions Test?

The answer is no. Most cars do need to pass in Illinois, but certain types of vehicles are exempt. While you should certainly double check, below is a list of just some of the vehicles that typically do not need to pass a test:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Certain older cars and custom vehicles
• Diesel trucks
• Motorcycles
• Equipment and other vehicles that don’t get registered

Failed Emissions Tests Help Drivers Know What to Fix

Some drivers dread the news that their car has failed an emissions test. But the good news is that it lets them know something is wrong with their vehicle that needs to be fixed. Your local mechanic can take a look at the report, as well as your car, and determine what repairs can be made to get your car’s emissions back down to acceptable levels.

Passing an Emissions Test is Required of Most Illinois Drivers – But It Varies State to State

Passing an emissions test is required in most but not all states. Keep in mind that emissions rules have changed over the years, along with the frequency tests are required and where testing stations are located. Some states, such as Kansas, don’t require the tests at all. If you think you’re supposed to test your vehicle but haven’t received a notice in the mail, contact your local government to find out what steps to take next. The last thing you want is to be penalized for not having up-to-date plates just because your notice got lost in the mail!

Renew Your Plates at CFSC Auto Services

Driving with expired plates does pose a possible financial risk. While most drivers must pay a fee to renew their plates each year, they can face additional risks for driving with expired plates on top of that original fee they owe. In other words, if you are a driver, it doesn’t pay to ignore your emissions test or your local plate requirements.

But dealing with lost, stolen or out-of-date plates can be a hassle. That’s why the team at CFSC Auto Services is here to help. We will renew your plates for you so you can be in and out and avoid all the headaches! All you have to do is come in with the proper ID and payment and we will handle the rest. Call us in advance to make sure you have the proper paperwork and pay amount before heading over.

Stop by your nearest CFSC location to pick up your plates or stickers and to make sure all your other auto-related paperwork is in order.

Rideshares provide a wonderfully convenient service for folks who don’t own cars, or do but choose not to drive. They can also be a handy source of income for great drivers who are also adept at getting others whenever they need to go.

However, whether you are a rideshare driver or you use one now and then, it’s vital to take safety precautions. Both drivers and riders are strangers, so they should do everything they can to ensure they are protecting themselves from any unfortunate occurrences.

What Safety Precautions Can Rideshare Drivers Take?

There are numerous precautions drivers of rideshares like Uber and Lyft can take to boost their safety when behind the wheel. At the top of the list:

1. Keep Doors Locked – Especially at Night

Locking your doors is one of the best ways to ensure the wrong person doesn’t enter your vehicle at any time of day. If you’re out at 2 in the morning, then you want to be particularly mindful of this small but helpful safety measure.

2. Confirm Your Passenger’s Identity

It is all too easy for someone to inadvertently hop into the wrong vehicle. To keep this from happening, drivers can simply lower their window halfway and ask for their name.

3. Stick to the Rules

Rideshare rules exist for a reason. Stick to such protocol as the maximum number of passengers you may allow at a time. Doing so enables each person to use a seatbelt. It will also help you drive more safely and avoid unnecessary confrontations with undesirable passengers.

4. Dismiss Unsafe Passengers

Even though you’ve agreed to a pick up, you don’t need to pick up someone visibly intoxicated or unsavory in other ways. You’re allowed to protect the inside of your vehicle along with your personal wellbeing.

What Safety Precautions Can Rideshare Passengers Take?

Similarly, it is of the utmost importance that rideshare passengers take their personal safety as seriously as possible. Here are a few rules of thumb to make that happen:

1. Confirm Your Driver’s Identity and Car Model

First and foremost, do not ever enter a vehicle that you haven’t confirmed is the one intended for you. Fortunately, rideshare apps make it easy to do so by providing the name and car model of the driver.

2. Use the Seatbelt

Just because you’re not in the driver’s seat doesn’t mean seatbelts don’t apply. Using one could save your life.

3. Carry Charged Cell Phone & Credit Card or Cash

Be sure you’re prepared to pay and make a call if necessary.

4. End the Ride if Necessary

Trust your gut! If something seems off, feel free to end the ride and request one with a new driver. You may also want to report any suspicious behavior to the company.

5. Consider Rideshare That Conducts Background Checks

Some newer options are popping up to help passengers feel more comfortable. This might involve selecting the gender of the driver or a company that conducts background checks. Do a bit of research to find the brand most suited to your needs.

CFSC Auto Services Help You Manage Important Car Tasks & Drive Legally

There may be moments when you need to create your own rules in a scenario involving a rideshare. For instance, some drivers may only feel comfortable driving a certain distance to pick up a passenger. The same type of idea applies to people searching for a lift.

One last thing. If you work for a rideshare company – or drive at all – it is imperative that you stay on top of routine tasks that enable you to operate a vehicle legally. Visit the nearest CFSC Auto Services to make sure these are up to date:

1. Vehicle Title & Registration
2. Stickers
3. Other Items

Check out CFSC Auto Services online to make sure you’re driving legally and safely!

If you’d love nothing more than a new set of wheels, there are a few ways to achieve that dream. One popular option, according to Cartelligent: “Around one-fifth (20%) of all new cars in the United States were leased in 2022.” Certain high-end vehicles are even more likely to be leased than purchased. Which path makes most sense to take may depend on a host of factors:

• Your budget
• Driving habits
• Ability to get a loan
• Financial history
• How long you’ll use the vehicle

To make an informed decision that’s in your best interest, first educate yourself about the main differences between leasing and purchasing a vehicle today.

What Does It Mean to Lease a Car?

Leasing a car still provides you with a vehicle that is new to you – just with an alternative form of financing it. This option is typically made for a predetermined period of time. Like renting, you make monthly payments until the end of your lease, at which point you are expected to return the vehicle. If you’re in town for six months and need a car to get to work, then leasing might make more sense. The monthly payments you will owe will likely be less than if you purchase the vehicle.

However, when you lease a car, you need to consider a few details in the contact. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, particularly if there’s a chance you might purchase it eventually:

• How much the value will depreciate
• Interest you will owe over time
• Taxes included in payments

One benefit to leasing you may not have considered: you won’t have to sell it someday. Cars are. They break down. Eventually, car owners need to figure out what to do with their aging vehicles. That’s why if you know your driving needs are limited, leasing might be a more practical and attractive option.

What Happens When You Buy a Vehicle?

The main limitation of leasing is that it doesn’t give you ownership over your vehicle. Buying the car outright gives you full ownership from day one. If you don’t want a company having any say over what you do with the vehicle – and you have the means to pay for it – this might be a better option. You can drive it whenever and wherever you want with no restrictions. This option is good for people who plan to use the car for a long time, as opposed to someone with temporary needs.

Prepare to make a bigger upfront deposit than with a leased vehicle. Most folks apply for a loan to finance their new vehicle, which can be done online or in person. A few things you may need to finance your purchase:

1. Your Credit Score

Do you know your credit score? A low score will be necessary to secure a favorable loan.

2. Interest Rates

The interest rate will compound what you owe each month, so the lower the interest rate the better. Do some research to find out what interest rates are available on your vehicle for people in your credit score range to get a sense of what rates you might be offered.

3. Short-Term vs Long-Term Loans

Other terms will include how much time you will need to pay off the loan, and how often you will make payments. Take time to weigh your options so you know you’re choosing the best financing deal for your financial circumstances.

In other words, whether buying or leasing, some math should be involved in any decision. That’s why it’s so important to find out what terms and conditions you’re willing to accept beforehand. Lease-to-buy is yet another option. Either way, make calculations based on various factors, including monthly auto insurance payments and auto maintenance costs, both of which will boost the overall price of vehicle ownership.

Title, Plates & Registration at CFSC Auto Services Throughout Midwest

At CFSC Auto Services throughout the Midwest, we manage a whole array of needs for drivers and their vehicles. When you need stickers, plates, or to transfer ownership, we’ll take care of the paperwork for you and make sure everything is handled properly from day one.

Stop by at your convenience and find out about the many financial services we also provide. Check out CFSC Auto Services today!

As the year winds down, many people start thinking about donating their car to a good cause. Doing so helps ensure you can get a tax writeoff in the year to come. Some 700,000 vehicles get donated to charitable organizations throughout the United States annually, according to one consumer law group’s data.

If you’re thinking of replacing your car or truck, giving it to a charity can be an altruistic move that has practical benefits for the donor, as well. And making it happen through proper channels may be easier than you think!

However, acting too hastily can cause a well-intentioned donor to miss a couple important steps. First, be sure your documents are in order. Then, you may need to do a bit of homework, starting with this practical advice:

Research Your Options

Most people want to know they are supporting a good cause when they make donations. This requires doing a bit of homework on the group or organization taking them. For instance, you can ask if one hundred percent of the proceeds go toward the donation you are making.

The Federal Trade Commission provides several recommendations for looking up unknown charities on online navigators. When you look up a name, you can find information on a number of factors that will help you make an informed decision:

• Impact
• Results
• Accountability
• Financial information
• Past ratings

Consider Donating Your Car to Habitat for Humanity

The benefit of donating to a global organization like Habitat for Humanity is that it saves you some of the digging you might do on a less-known charity. This nonprofit has nearly four decades of experience providing help for people who lack decent housing.

Did you know they also take car donations? The donation of a vehicle to Habitat for Humanity is a great way to support local families who need your help. Car donations help raise millions of dollars each year for struggling families. All you have to do is fill out a vehicle donation form providing some basic information about your vehicle.

The steps for making a donation are simple:

1. Provide your information
2. Submit your donation
3. Arrange for a free pickup
4. Receive a tax receipt

That tax receipt helps lower the taxes that donors owe at tax time.

Determine You’re Giving to a Legitimate Charitable Organization

If you’re not familiar with the charitable organization, make sure the place you’re giving to is a legitimate organization before handing your ride over. Here are some signs you can trust a charity offering to take that old car off your hands:

1. It’s an established name in your community.
2. It’s an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
3. It is registered at the state or federal level.
4. It has a long track record of providing good services.
5. A search through a charity navigator turns up positive results.

Being designated as a 501(c)(3) lets donors know that their donations will be tax deductible. The organization should provide some form of receipt that can be used toward your deductions when you file your taxes.

Consider a Recycling Center or Junk Car Donation Program

Another option is to donate your clunker to your local recycling plant or other junk car donation program. Such places typically provide cash or tax deductions for used vehicles. Look for a place that bases its cash amounts on the Kelley Blue Book value. You can still feel good knowing you’re following a practice that has environmental benefits.

Get Help with New Car Title, License Registration and Stickers at CFSC Auto Services

Whether or not you’re donating your vehicle, CFSC Auto Services in Illinois and Wisconsin provides many helpful services to ensure you’re driving legally and avoiding financial penalties. This includes:

1. License plate services
2. Replacing stickers
3. License plates transfers
4. Other auto-related services

Stop by your nearest CFSC location for help managing your auto-related needs today.