|
|
|
What happens if a tree falls on my car while it's parked? |
|
There are some situations you just can't avoid: a baseball thrown by the kid across the street dents your car's roof, a rock kicked up by the truck driving in front of you crashes through your windshield, or a windstorm uproots a tree and it comes crashing down on your vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
Practical tips for keeping America's youth safe when behind the wheel |
|
Today's teen drivers face an increasing number of risks and distractions, making safe driving habits more important than ever. At the same time, teen driving laws are evolving, and fewer public schools across the country can afford to offer drivers' education.
Many community organizations and even large businesses have stepped in to proactively help teens learn the importance of practicing safe driving skills. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Five ways to ensure your older car costs less to keep running |
|
Hanging on to a car - and taking care of it - can definitely save you money versus taking on a new-car payment. The key to maximizing your savings on an old car is actually to spend a little on regular maintenance. Follow these simple steps to ensure good maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs. |
|
|
|
|
How to pick the right car for a young driver |
|
Getting a brand new car on their 16th birthday is every teen's dream, but many parents may have mixed feelings. For most folks, getting that first car for a new driver is not as easy as simply heading to the car dealer and picking the best-looking one. |
|
|
|
|
Ditching your old car? Why donating benefits you |
|
When you buy a new car, you probably tend to trade your old one in for a reduced price on the new vehicle, or advertise it for sale yourself. But if you have a charity you like to support, you could always turn your car into a tax-deductible donation and feel better as you support a non profit organization. |
|
|
|
|
Car safety: dealing with blind spots |
|
With SUVs, trucks and large cars growing in size, backing up can pose a serious problem for drivers. Even the most accomplished driver can't see blind spots, which can lead to costly repairs or serious injury. A back-up sensor is a small investment to protect your car and those around you. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do I need auto insurance for a used car? |
|
Whether you're driving a new car, a certified pre-owned vehicle, or an older used car, you'll need to purchase an auto insurance policy before you take to the road. However, the specific kind of insurance, as well as the coverage amounts, can vary depending on your needs, comfort zones, and the value of your vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Many states are banning texting to improve driving safety |
|
There's no disputing the fact that distracted driving is a huge problem in America. According to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008 nearly 6,000 people died and more than 500,000 others were injured in accidents caused by drivers who had their attention on something other than the road when they crashed. |
|
|
|
|
Is your teen with diabetes hitting the road? Take these precautions |
|
Any parent who's had a teen leave the house in the car alone for the first time knows that anxious feeling. But for parents of teens with diabetes, there are a few extra things they should make sure their child knows before they are handed the keys for the first time. |
|
|
|
|
Technology tips for traveling with tots |
|
Traveling with children can sometimes seem like a challenge, even for the most patient parents. Long stretches in car or airplane seats can easily leave kids bored and hungry. Packing plenty of snacks can fill the hunger need, but what's a parent to do when the Goldfish are all gone? Technology is a great tool to keep kids entertained while traveling. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why join a roadside rescue service? |
|
Automobile owners know that it's not a matter of if something will go wrong, but a matter of when. But wouldn't it be nice to know that the next time your car won't start or you get a flat, help is on the way? That's where a roadside rescue service comes in. |
|
|
|
|
How do you protect yourself from auto insurance fraud? |
|
On the road or when shopping for affordable auto insurance, it is easy for drivers to fall prey to auto insurance fraud, or auto insurance scams. Here are some things to look out for to avoid auto insurance fraud when looking to purchase low-cost auto insurance. |
|
|
|
|
Protect your ride for best resale value |
|
This summer doesn't have to be a scorcher - for your health or your car's resale value. It's hard enough keeping the sand and dogs off your leather seats, let alone remembering to wear sunscreen during those afternoon cruises. And while Mother Nature might not praise you for all of that hard work, it's important to keep maintaining your car's appearance - and protecting your health - top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season. |
|
|
|
|
What you need to do to prepare for your fall camping trip |
|
If you're used to only getting outdoors in the summer, you're in for a whole new experience with the crisp air, fresh scents and colorful leaves that come along with a shift in the season. Before you head out, take a look at this checklist to ensure you and your belongings remain warm and dry. |
|
|
|
|
Simple tips to keep your vehicle running its best |
|
All motorists want their vehicle to last on the road and perform at its best. As the summer finally begins to wind down, it's important to make sure your car is properly prepared for cooler weather and weekend road trips. Since a car is typically the second largest investment Americans make, and families are now keeping their vehicles longer than ever, protecting and maintaining this investment is key to keeping cars running smoothly and efficiently. |
|
|
|
|
Don't be a multitasker when behind the wheel |
|
America is the land of multitaskers. Admit it, you are among those who talk on the phone while putting away dishes or folding laundry, and eat breakfast and/or lunch on the go while traveling from one appointment to the next. |
|
|
|
|
Tractors can be safer with seatbelts and rollover protection |
|
Tractor rollovers are all too common among both professional operators and rural lifestyle families alike. So what can you do to help keep yourself and your family safe? Make sure that your tractor is equipped with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. |
|
|
|
|
What to do when you're ready to get rid of your old car |
|
Many Americans are holding on to their vehicles longer, working hard to keep everything running smoothly with good upkeep and maintenance. In fact, 82 percent of Americans intend to keep their vehicle longer than originally planned due to the economy, a 2009 survey indicates. But situations are always changing, and if you've been waiting to get a new car for some time, you're probably ready to start shopping immediately. Have you thought about what you want to do with your old car? |
|
|
|
|
How to make your vehicle vacation ready |
|
Despite gasoline prices, the old-fashioned auto vacation will once again be a popular choice for families looking for convenience and ready mobility. But heavy stop-and-go traffic and cooler weather can cause marginal systems to fail. Here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for your vacation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ten tips to keep teens safe behind the wheel |
|
Waiting for a teen driver to return home safely probably causes the most anxiety and lost sleep for parents. And with good reason - car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, accounting for 35 percent of all fatalities among young people 15 to 20 years old, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. |
|
|
|
|
Get your teen's attention when teaching the dangers of distracted driving |
|
Teens are inundated, and rightfully so, with statistics and horrific stories that point to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. However, new research shows that distracted driving is among the leading causes of auto accidents, and the problem is getting worse. Here's some advice of helping teens avoid the dangers of distracted driving. |
|
|
|
|
Five tips for maintaining your motorcycle or ATV |
|
Americans have purchased more than 15 million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles over the past 10 years. Along with the thrill of the ride, or the convenience of chores made easy, comes the responsibility of maintaining these machines.
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic tips to keep everyone safe during back-to-school season |
|
In many American communities, the end of summer signals an uptick in the number of cars on the road in the morning, as kids return to school and parents return to work after summer vacations. With more youngsters in vehicles - either teens behind the wheel, or elementary schoolers riding with parents or on the bus - driving safety should be front-of-mind for anyone on the road. |
|
|
|
|
Tips for planning a last-minute family vacation |
|
Whether it's the sudden need to get away or the last chance to escape before the kids head back to school, many families find themselves in a position to book a last-minute vacation. With the fluctuating economy wreaking havoc on the airline and hotel industries, there is now a greater chance of finding availability and bargains for savvy researchers. |
|
|
|
|
Motorcycle insurance 101 |
|
Whether you've been riding a motorcycle for years, or just recently purchased one for the first time, there has never been a better time to make sure the insurance policy you are carrying is suitable. |
|
|
|
|
Avoid these car maintenance mistakes |
|
After your house, your car is probably the most expensive purchase in your life. And because it has such a high price tag, you want to keep it around as long as possible, which means it's best to practice car preventative maintenance. |
|
|
|
|
Four auto repairs you should never put off |
|
Have you ever ignored that rattling in your engine in hopes it would go away? Or pretend you were imagining that hesitation as your car shifted gears? You're probably not alone if you've put off having a possible car problem checked out for fear of how much it would cost to fix. |
|
|
|
|
Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer |
|
Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car.
|
|
|
|
|
Save money, stay safe: Keep tires properly inflated |
|
Gas is pretty expensive so you certainly don't want to waste it. The U.S. Department of Energy says that properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent and help you save 9 cents per gallon at the pump. Here is some advice to help ensure your tires stay in top shape. |
|
|
|
|
How to build a great relationship with your mechanic |
|
Have you ever considered how much you rely on your car? You need it to get to work, get the children to school, to run errands or just to have a relaxing evening away from home. If your car is a vital part of your life, how important is your relationship with the people who take care of it? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Five misconceptions about auto insurance |
|
Hitting the open road is something most of us do every day. Handling an auto insurance claim is something none of us wants to do, but like it or not, may have to deal with one day. |
|
|
|
|
More women hitting the road on motorcycles |
|
When you hit the road on a beautiful summer day, you're probably going to see at least a couple of motorcycles - or maybe you'll be riding one yourself. In recent years, the number of people traveling by motorcycle instead of by car has increased dramatically. And while the vast majority of motorcycle owners today are still men, things are changing, and changing quickly. |
|
|
|
|
Is your ride ready for winter? |
|
In many parts of the country, winter can test even the most seasoned driver's skills with sudden road and weather changes. While you can't avoid unforeseeable weather changes, you can make sure your car is maintained and ready for winter driving. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the road: do-it-yourself moving tips |
|
Millions of Americans take on the task of moving every year, whether it's for a job opportunity, to be closer to family, or to simply try out living in a new place. Whatever the reason for your move, you can make the task more pleasant by planning ahead and taking advantage of resources designed to make moving easier. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preparing your vehicle for the long haul |
|
Warm sunny days mean vacations or weekend getaways, and many families take to the road with a camper in tow. Whether you are towing a camper, trailer or boat - regardless of the size - it means you will want to take steps to make sure the vehicle you are using for towing is ready for the haul. |
|
|
|