by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re a car enthusiast, then you have likely daydreamed about owning an exotic car at one point in your life. Maybe you picture yourself driving down the street in a Lamborghini Aventador, waving to every onlooker like a celebrity. Or perhaps, you’ve dreamt of having a 10-car garage filled with every exotic car that your heart desires. But what if you could have access to some of the latest exotic cars without even having to own them?

A supercar subscription is a ticket to your exotic car dreams

Car subscriptions are nothing new, in fact, Volvo has offered a car subscription service for the past year. However, why drive to work in a Volvo when you can do the commute in a Ferrari? Or course, the Volvo might be more comfortable, but I digress.

With a supercar subscription – like those offered by Freedom Supercars and ecurie25 Supercar Club – you can select from a collection of exotic cars and drive one at a time for a designated amount of time. You have to become a member and pay a monthly fee, but it’s better than having to shell out money to buy an exotic car and insure it yourself. Essentially, it’s like a timeshare program, but for high-dollar sports cars.

What kind of exotic cars can you drive?

The two supercar subscription companies that we found both have an array of exotic cars to choose from. If you go with Freedom Supercars, then you’ll get to choose from cars like C8 Corvette, Jaguar F-Type, and Mercedes AMG GT if you opt for the lower tiers. But if you have deeper pockets and want to test out some of the higher-end machinery, then the top tiers unlock cars like Ferrari California, Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, and even a Rolls Royce Wraith.

Ecurie25 has a tiered system as well. In the lower tiers, you’ll have access to cars like the BMW M2 Performance, Porsche GT4, and the Viper SRT. Unlock the higher tiers, and you’ll be able to drive an Acura NSX, Audi R8 V10, and a Ferrari F12, to name a few. Both companies have an impressive array of cars to suit almost anyone’s taste.

Joining a supercar subscription costs less than half the cost of owning a supercar

After drooling over the list of supercars that can be made available, you’re probably wondering how much it will all cost. Both subscription companies charge a $2,500 application fee upfront, which includes a high-performance driving course so you know how to handle these cars.

For the bottom tiers, both companies charge $1,400 a month, but that can increase to $3,800 a month for those wanting the higher tiers. It sounds pricey, but considering the average lease payment for most supercars is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month (for one car), we would say that it’s a pretty good deal. Keep in mind that insurance is included as well.

As far as locations, both companies reside and offer service in the Houston and Austin, TX, areas. However, they are slated to open more locations in the U.S.

Supercar dreams on an affordable budget

If you can afford the cost of the entry and the monthly payments, a supercar subscription is one of the best ways to make your dreams a reality. Best of all, you don’t need to maintain the cars or even have a 10-car garage to house them all.

RELATED: How Do Car Subscriptions Work?

The post A Supercar Subscription Can Make You Feel Like an Exotic Car Owner Without the Responsibility appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The dog days of summer are here with sweltering temperatures that require cars‘ air conditioners on full blast. Unfortunately, some people are all too familiar with a broken AC, making driving in extreme heat miserable. Maybe your car is too old to justify spending the money to fix your AC, or maybe you don’t have the cash to get the work done. Whatever the reason, driving with a broken AC is no fun.

Though nothing replaces cold air blowing on a hot summer day, several car air conditioning alternatives can help when your legs are sticking to your seat.

How to determine if your car’s air conditioning is broken

Broken car AC can be an easy and relatively inexpensive fix, but sometimes it can end up costing thousands to repair. Many drivers choose to ignore the problems or look for car air conditioner alternatives to stay cool.

According to CarGurus, “A properly functioning AC system should be able to cool the air in your car at least 40 degrees.” If your car isn’t cooling down and you feel warm air coming through the vents, the air conditioning system might be on its last leg.

Other signs of broken car AC include squealing or knocking from under the hood when you turn the air conditioner on or off. Even if cold air is still blowing, this could indicate the compressor is not functioning properly.

When you start noticing problems with your car’s air conditioning system, seek the help of a certified service technician, and resist the temptation to use a DIY kit found on the shelves of auto parts stores. For around $100, the mechanic can check for leaks and recharge the refrigerant. If leaks are discovered, you might need a new compressor, with repairs costing upward of $1,000.

Car air conditioning alternatives

When money is tight and paying for costly repairs is not an option, sometimes driving without AC cannot be avoided. Keep in mind that AC systems can deteriorate over time without the proper refrigerant levels, so try to get the repairs done as soon as possible.

Until then, consider car air conditioner alternatives to make driving a bit more tolerable. An inexpensive window shade and seat covers can reduce the temperature inside your car. Portable air conditioners or 12-volt fans can also move the air around and lower the interior temp. Window tinting is another alternative that can reduce the sun’s blazing glare by up to 78 percent.

The Zebra recommends sitting on a towel if you have leather seats and keeping a cooler of ice water with you at all times. It also says, “The best offense is a good defense: Park in the shade, and drive during the day whenever possible.”

Precautions to take when driving in high temperatures

You can take several precautions to ensure your car functions properly in hot weather. Make sure your car’s battery is in good working order and prepped for high temperatures. Check your tire pressure frequently because hot asphalt takes a toll on your vehicle’s tires. Regularly monitor fluid levels and ensure the engine has coolant to prevent overheating. Also, make sure the cabin air filter is clean to eliminate unnecessary exposure to pollutants.

When driving in extreme heat with no AC, remember to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks at air-conditioned stores or rest stops for a reprieve from the high temperatures.

Also, avoid touching metal parts, like seat belt buckles, because they can get scalding-hot in high temps. And, most important, never leave children, pets, or the elderly unattended in a hot car. Dangerous conditions can escalate quickly during the heat of summer. Stay cool out there.

RELATED: What to Do If Your Car AC Stops Working

The post How to Stay Cool When Your Car’s Air Conditioning Is Broken appeared first on MotorBiscuit.