Put on your driving caps, because it’s time for Ask Patty’s Week Around the Auto World Blog Carnival! Thanks to all of those who submitted this week and last week. If you haven't checked out last week's carnival, you need to. It's SCARY in honor of Halloween, and we have an Ask Patty pumpkin carving contest! Enough of last week and on to this week! We have some newcomers to the garage this week and we welcome you!

Do women really prefer Dodges? Well, if it’s true gentlemen prefer blondes, then you bet your boot Dodges are top on the female list, according to the Detroit Free Press. It’s an interesting theory because that bull logo and those Hemi engines are far from feminine. Apparently the new models Caliber and Nitro are adding a womanly appeal to the traditionally testosterone-laden vehicles. Grab that bull by the horns ladies!

And now a few helpful words form BuyAnAuto blog: “Winter is just around the corner and is upon us in some places. That makes it perfect weather for new car tires.” But, like most people, even our tipster gets a little green in the face when looking at those tire prices. Ouch! Well his new post on tire deals will help you keep your color.

And besides tires, BuyAnAuto recently did a nifty review on the Honda Ridgeline. We at Ask Patty prefer to let you make your own decisions about cars, reminding you to test drive every vehicle you are interested in. But if you want to know more about the humongous Honda truck, look no further.

The Pixar film “Cars” is out on DVD! Now you can watch Sally, Lightning, and our personal favorite, Mater, in all of their four-wheeled, rubber-squealing adventures. Check out the review on the AutoBlog and revisit all of your favorite characters in Disney’s model showroom.

Recently we were hanging out with all the automotive folks at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas, checking out the new products and hobnobbing with other auto femme fatales. Edmunds Driving Woman was no exception! She went on a tour of all things cool at SEMA and we’re here to tell you to be sure to read her spot on the Cubic Zirconia Mercedes!

And Carsopia is here to bring you Part Tres of “Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car.” This episode he covers important topics like rust and vehicle upkeep. Are you absolutely sure that previous owner took care of that vehicle? Read up to find more hints on how to know you are getting a good deal.

Ask Patty always loves hearing about women who run the ship, especially if it’s at a car dealership. Jacki Nyberg, General Manager of Proctor Acura GM in Tallahassee, Florida. Nyberg took over as General Manager after working 10 years as the office manager at the dealer. They call her the “dealership mom, ” which she accepts with good humor. Ask Patty wishes you luck in your new position. Show those boys how it’s done!

How many of you know your credit score? Hmm, I don’t see many hands. Even mine is down. According to Dealer Communications, fewer than 15% of shoppers know their credit scores before walking into a dealership.  There are so many options out there for you to find out your score. Try FreeCreditReport.com for your free, once-a-year report.

Speaking of finances, Canadian Financial Stuff has a few opinions on warranties and repair. He encourages you to weigh some important factors before you decide to plop down your cash for a new or used vehicle. Check out the 5 hot tips he shares. And if you want to be debt free (or close to it), read up on some tips from the Debt Free blog before you decide whether o lease or buy.

And to cap off our lovely ride down carnival lane is Boston Gal’s Open Wallet and her story about how her car battery didn’t last forever.  It’s a troubling experience to wake up and head to garage ready for work and well… darn it… it started last night. Why won’t it fire up? Turn the key… chug chug—nothing. Check out Boston’s educational post on car batteries.

Check out next Tuesday's edition of the Blog Carnival at Ask Patty. Be sure to submit your post, either through the submit form or by emailing Breanne at breanne@askpatty.com.