Posted on 8/31/2015
Test-driving a car before buying one is crucial, even if it is new. After all, no article, review or guide in the world can accurately convey what it feels like to interact with a vehicle in person. As such, your best bet is to visit a dealership and test-drive each potential purchase yourself. You can also use this opportunity to collect price quotes. Keep in mind that a test-drive is one of the last steps in the car buying process, which means that you should already have a good idea of the  ... read more
Posted on 8/24/2015
Well, it’s that time again: The kids will be heading back to school and I think that makes many parents very happy. Having four kids myself, I look forward to getting back into a regular routine once again. However, with an older son who now is heading to college, there are a few things that are different with him driving every day versus walking to school each day. If you’re a parent facing the same things, here are a few tips you may want to consider. First and foremost should be the safety of the vehicle. Since one of your own flesh and blood is making that daily commute to school, it’s a good time to have a maintenance check performed on the vehicle ... read more
Posted on 8/17/2015
The dog days of summer are here! As families try to make one last road trip before it's time to head back to school, we're sharing a few tips to make sure those adventures go off without a hitch... Unless, of course, you've got a trailer hooked to one! #1) Start with a Tuneup: If you're taking an extended road trip, make sure your car is in tip-top shape. If it's almost time for a scheduled maintenance or oil change, make a visit to your trusted mechanic and get it done before your vacay to reduce the chance of breakdowns along the way. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you should check and fill your fluids, including engine oil, radiator coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check the groun ... read more
Posted on 8/10/2015
Parents know that coaching a teenager on safe driving skills is vital. Their concern for their young drivers is more than just instinct – the numbers back it up. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. is nearly three times the rate for drivers ages 20 and older. And the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says more than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts. So, who is there to remind teenagers to buckle up when their parents aren’t around? How will they know when the radio is a distraction, or to slow down? While practice, awareness, education, and continued learning are the most important tools a parent can share with their ... read more