3 Ways You Can Make Your Family Car Last Longer

It's no secret that cars can last a while with full coverage car insurance, proper maintenance and care. In fact, the average vehicle on the road in 2017 was 10.1 years old, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation. With car prices steadily increasing and interest rates climbing on auto loans, it's more important than ever to make sure your family car stays in great shape. Even though Eisenhower added more than 42,000 miles of highway to the country back in the 1950s, traveling such long distances demand a little online research. After all, the last thing you want to worry about during the holiday season is your family vehicle biting the dust on the way to Grandma's house. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your family vehicle last longer without worrying about … [Read more...]

A Gal’s Complete Guide to Prepping Her Car for Winter

Driving is one of those things we do every single day that has the power to transform our mood. Depending on the way you look at it, sitting behind the wheel of your car can either be a stressful, or infinitely enjoyable experience. You simply put your favorite tunes on, and you watch as the road unfolds before you – a truly calming sight. That said, come wintertime and driving can prove to be a stressful task with numerous perils waiting on the road ahead. Avoiding car accidents in winter becomes more and more difficult as the temperatures get colder and the show starts to cover up the dormant ice on the roads. Here to help you have a safe and fun time driving in winter is your complete guide to prepping your car just right! Change the tires and check the … [Read more...]

5 Car Malfunctions that Could Cause Accidents

Many of us spend time every day in a vehicle, but driving daily can make it easy to forget the dangers of being on the road. In 2014 alone, 30,000 fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S. According to experts like an auto accident attorney, those thousands of accidents have almost as many causes-- distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and driving while sleepy all lead to dangerous operation mistakes. Sometimes, however, the driver isn't necessarily at fault. Vehicle malfunctions also contribute to car accident statistics every year. Here are just a few common car troubles that can lead to life-threatening accidents: Brake Failure Brakes might be a car's most important safety feature. When a car can't be slowed or stopped properly, accidents ensue. In fact, in crashes caused by … [Read more...]

How to Prepare Your Car for Fall

Unsplash.com: Patrick Tomasso Now is the perfect time to prepare your car for fall with the auto repair it needs.  The season is just beginning, the weather is still warm and that winter's chill has not crept in enough to make it a hassle to head outdoors.  Think of this as getting ahead of the game.  Prepare now and you won't have to do much to get your car ready for winter. 10 Steps to Prepare Your Car for Fall Check Your Tire Pressure.  When the temperature dips just 10 degrees your tire pressure is often changed by 1-2 pounds.  I know my car already did this over the weekend. Check the pressure and fill your tires accordingly. Check Your HVAC System.  Frost will begin to cover your windshield on cold mornings, the chill will seep into your car interior.  To ensure proper … [Read more...]

Seniors: Don’t Buy a Car Without Considering These Innovative Safety Features

An estimated 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 by 2030. While more and more public transportation options are being developed and implemented in various parts of the country, many senior citizens still rely on their own driving abilities to get around safely. That being said, senior citizens often face a unique set of challenges that make it more important than ever to invest in a car that's safe and reliable. Here are just a few safety features all seniors should consider when shopping for their next vehicle. Advanced Airbag Technology There are approximately 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year, and airbags have saved countless lives during these accidents. For extra safety, however, it's ideal to invest in a vehicle that has not only front airbags, but side, … [Read more...]

Summer Driving Safety

Summer time.  A time when Americans hit the road for a series of adventures that involve a lot of time in the car with loved ones. That's why summer driving safety makes for an important and timely topic, especially because during the months of June, July, and August we see about 29% more road deaths than in winter months, making it the most dangerous driving season. I know for me I can get distracted with everyone in the car asking for one more snack, to look at that crazy car or roadside oddity.  It's a wonder we get where we are going.  Alarms.org created this infographic to help us out this summer. … [Read more...]

4 Defensive Driving Tips for the New Teen Driver

As a parent of a new driver, you tense up every time your child gets behind the wheel. There are an estimated 37.2 million injury-related emergency room visits each year according to the CDC, and you pray your child isn't one of them. You trust them and their newfound freedom, but you know how dangerous the roads can be. Rather than sheltering your child, or stressing every time they take the car, you can teach them the skills they need to be defensive drivers. Defensive driving can be the deciding difference between a life or death situation on the road, and it's imperative that your children have these skills. Here are a few defensive driving tips for your children to ensure that they stay safe and you can relax. Stay Focused Even though it may not always feel like it, driving is a … [Read more...]

How to Make Sure Your Car is Road Trip-Ready This Summer

With kids out of school and tons of family activities planned, you're bound to be doing a lot of driving this summer. But there's one thing that can put a major damper on your summer fun: a broken-down vehicle. So before you head off on a summer road trip, check out these few tips to make sure your car is road-ready. One of the first things you should do is check your vehicle for any damage or wear and tear that the harsh winter weather may have caused. You should look both inside and outside and check for rust or other damages. Additionally, give your wiper blades a once over to make sure they're ready to handle the summer rain storms. And lastly, you should wash your car. Both the interior and exterior take a major beating during the winter, so make sure your car is free of any … [Read more...]

How to Make Sure Your DIY Car Repair Isn’t a Disaster

Each day, you use your car to get from one point to another. Whether it be to and from work or just to run errands, you rely on your vehicle to take you anywhere. And since you rely on it so heavily, it has to always work. If you’ve been driving for a while, chances are you’ve dealt with your fair share of car problems. Regardless if it’s a small or major problem, knowing what you can do to fix it can help you out a ton in the long run. You can choose to take your car to a mechanic, but Money Crashers says you can do the job yourself. According to Money Crashers, you can easily fix your own air filter. You don’t need any tools and it only takes a few minutes to complete. For every 12 months, or 12,000 miles your car racks up, you should be changing your air filter. Lift up the hood … [Read more...]

3 Ways to Drive Safe This Spring

We often think that winter is the most hazardous of driving seasons.  That may be true with the snow, ice and sleet mess that can muck up the roadways but spring runs a close second.  That old phrase, "April showers bring May flowers." can signal heavy rain or even hail.  Not to mention that springtime signals the end to hibernation for many animals.  That's why it is important to keep these tips and bits of advice in mind when hitting the road so you can drive safe this spring. First, keep in mind that while the warmer temps make us want to get outdoors that means others are out on there too.  More pedestrians and bikes are out and about.  Stay alert and utilize your extra car features like blind spot monitoring and make sure your wipers and lights are in good working order.  Ditto for … [Read more...]