For motorists, delaying car care is a costly decision
Drivers count on their vehicles to get them to their destinations safely, but how well a vehicle runs depends on how much effort motorists put into protecting their investment in their cars.
Tips to keep your vehicle safe and looking great this summer
Small inconveniences can become much larger problems if not taken care of early, and unfortunately, many drivers fail to address vehicle problem signs until it's too late. Frequent checks and proper maintenance can make all the difference between a safe, attractive vehicle and an unreliable eyesore. With a few tips, you can get your vehicle into top shape for easy cruising this summer and beyond.
Put kids' dental health on the fast track
When you're a NASCAR driver like Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, nothing makes you smile like a trip to victory lane. Biffle is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits like brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and making smart food choices.
How your smartphone can help you care for your car
If you can resist the temptation to reach for it while you're behind the wheel, your smartphone can be a great asset as you care for your vehicle. A smartphone can give you instructions for maintenance procedures while you are under the hood, help you find a part that needs fixing and get you to a trusted mechanic quicker and easier than ever before.
Buying a car? Avoid these wrong turns
Buying a car is like an epic adventure. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help ensure your car buying experience is a great adventure that doesn't turn into a detour to financial disaster. Here are some common wrong turns and how to avoid them.
Get in gear for better gas mileage this spring with eco-friendly tires
With warmer weather working its way across the country, people's attention is again turning to the environment and spring and summer driving. And as fuel prices continue to climb, gas mileage needs to be a consideration, as much for budgetary reasons as environmental impact.
Eight secrets to safely buying a car online
The Internet has made it possible and practical to expand your car shopping search virtually across the country. Buying a new car online, however, is a lot different than other online purchases you might make, such as a book, music or movie. Buying a used car online is even more complex, because there can be far more unknowns to deal with.
Taking a test drive: Do it right
When shopping for a new or used car, the test drive is an essential part of the process. While the test drive may be exciting, experts advise car shoppers keep emotions in check and evaluate the car in its entirety to make a good purchase decision.
Step one in your car-buying adventure: Shape up your credit
It's likely you'll need to finance your vehicle purchase, especially if you're buying new. A good credit score can help reassure potential lenders that you'll be a good credit risk - and make them more inclined to offer you a lower interest rate for your auto loan.
Road trips: A mature guy's guide to the open road
The classic American road trip is no longer just for cashless college kids; men of all ages are taking to the road for a unique vacation where driving is just as much a part of the trip as the destination itself. If you work hard every day, maybe it's time to exchange that button-up for a casual T-shirt and gather your crew to experience the freedom and adventure of the open road. If you're wondering if a road trip is right for you and your more mature friends, a few practical measures can help ensure it is fun for everyone.
Distracted driving laws quickly changing use of smartphones while driving
Distracted driving is receiving lots of attention - in the media and in the legislature. One cause of distracted driving is use of electronic devices. Due to quickly advancing technology, people are more reliant on mobile phones for both personal and business use. Hands-free devices are allowing people to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, while still being able to take calls and handle email using their voice.
If you've ever been in a car accident, you know it can be tough to think clearly. Car accidents can be traumatic events, even if everyone ends up unharmed. Since the scene of the accident can be chaotic, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the things you should do if you're involved in an accident. Here are six things to remember if you get into an accident.
Adapt your vehicle and driving habits to combat rising gas prices
Just as Americans are gearing up for warm-weather road trips and family vacations, prices at the gas pump are rising. For most people, driving is essential for getting to work, taking kids to school and going out to have some fun, so filling up the tank is a non-negotiable expense. However, costs add up quickly as fuel prices climb higher, taking up more of your budget.
Essential insurance you can't live without
Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move to help ride out a recovering economy, but don't be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet. Here are tips on which insurance protections you can't do without.
In today's super-connected world, it's possible to hop on the Internet, or even flip open an app on your phone, to find which gas station is offering the lowest prices on gas in your neck of the woods. While this might be a fun pastime, and you may end up saving a few dollars, it's not likely to result in noticeable and significant savings at the pump - especially if you're driving any significant distance to get to that filling station.
Truckin' toward economic recovery
Everyone, has an opinion or two on the economy and whether it will improve. Some cite stock market trends. Others point to consumer confidence numbers. Many crank out complex charts and colorful graphs to validate their claims. Rick Phillips studies the trends on the commercial trucks rolling down the road for his answer.
How far can you go? Demystifying the oil change interval
For years, 3,000 miles was touted as the optimum interval for changing your motor oil and filter. It's also an oil change interval that continues to be encouraged by the automotive oil change industry. Recently, automobile, oil filter and lubricant manufacturers have been educating consumers that oil drain intervals can be safely extended, saving you time, money and reducing the impact on the environment.
How automotive technology lightens the burden on drivers' budgets
Now more than ever, car buyers are focused on fuel efficiency. At the same time, they have demonstrated no desire to sacrifice performance, safety and style. To satisfy car buyers' tastes, automakers have been busily developing ways to squeeze more miles out a gallon of gas. In addition to better engine design, an often overlooked transformation has led to increased fuel efficiency: more and more, automakers are replacing heavier materials with lighter-weight plastics.
Hot wheels vs. smart wheels: How to find a safe car for your teen
When the time comes to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you're looking for reliability and affordability. Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind.
The average driver today estimates that a vehicle should go for more than 200,000 miles before sending it into retirement, according to a new national survey. Even though some cars might not run as well as they used to once they reach 75,000 miles, car owners do not begin to consider their vehicle "old" until it hits the 147,000 mile mark. The reality: It's never too early to take the extra steps to promote long vehicle life.
Four survival tips for your family vacation
You know the old saying that the journey is just as important as reaching your destination? It can also be applied to your family vacation. Some even believe that the journey is half the fun of getting there. While you may already have a getaway destination in mind, traveling as a family presents its share of challenges for the journey ahead. Preparing for vacation travel is all about using your resources, staying organized and snacking smartly.
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