Fall is right around the corner. While this chilly season is prime for hayrides and pumpkin picking, it's also a time when road conditions get a little tougher. From slick streets to high winds, there are several factors to keep in mind while you're on the road this autumn. To help you avoid spooky scares while you're behind the wheel, here are five tips to help you prepare for fall driving. Avoid hard braking It can be hard to avoid hard braking because usually you don't intend to do it. There might be a squirrel in the road or flying debris that startles you and send your foot rocketing onto the brake pedal. But it's important to avoid hard braking when you can, especially on leaves. During the fall, the pretty wet leaves coating the road can be extremely slippery. It's a good … [Read more...]

Being a car owner goes hand-in-hand with a certain amount of responsibility. Knowing how to take care of your vehicle and when it needs to go to a shop for repairs is part of that responsibility. So what can you do yourself and what needs to be done at a shop? One of the biggest reasons you'll want to learn certain repairs for your car that you can do yourself is because it can save you money. The total average repair cost for a vehicle in the United States is $305.55, which means knowing how to change your own oil and tires or even fix your own breaks may be worthwhile. Here's a brief breakdown of some car repairs you should be responsible for learning yourself. Change the Oil One of the most routine car repairs you can do yourself is to change the oil. Oil should be changed every … [Read more...]

For a teenager, there’s nothing more exciting than getting your driver’s license. Not only does it signify that they’re closer to becoming full-fledged adults, but it also provides an opportunity for freedom like they’ve never known before. After all, what’s better than hopping in the car on a sunny summer day and going for a drive with friends? As exciting as it is to have a driver’s license and to be able to (possibly) have their own car, the fact of the matter is that many teens aren’t as well versed on the rules of the road as they need to be. So what does your teenager need to know to be a good driver? There’s actually quite a lot. Knowing what to teach them and how to teach it will keep your teen safe (and make you feel more comfortable as a parent). Staying Safe On the … [Read more...]

When it comes to car safety, many parents may be left with more questions than answers. Are new cars safer than used cars? How dangerous is distracted driving? How do you safely use car seats? Above all, keeping kids safe is the driving factor behind all of these questions. If you’re a parent who is curious about car safety, here is everything you need to know so that you can stay as safe as possible behind the wheel. Are Used Cars Safe? In the United States, used cars make up three of every four automotive sales, but when shopping for a new vehicle, most parents are still hesitant to choose a used vehicle over a new one. However, used cars can be just as safe as new vehicles provided you keep in mind a few things. Look for used cars that are certified. What this means is that the car … [Read more...]

It's one thing to buy a car when you're single. When you're single, you can prioritize what you want, and you can spend the amount of money that you feel comfortable spending. You don't need to think about what other people are looking for or need in a car, and you certainly don't have to waste any time worrying about how much space you need in a vehicle. As with many other things, this all changes once you have a family. Once you have a partner and kids, you have to consider not only what you want and need, but what they want and need as well. Furthermore, chances are that you'll want to find a car that will last you a lot longer -- because, as your kids grow, the car needs to work with them and accommodate their activities and necessities. While many of us think of bigger cars as … [Read more...]