You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's needs. … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program
Cars
Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car
Can a retired construction worker visiting his daughter in New York City run up a $912 bill for car rental tolls in a week? Hertz says yes. Robert Watson, the traveler with the tab, says no way. Tolls are on the rise for rental car customers. And while Watson’s may be an extreme example that … [Read more...] about Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car
12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
Spending some time preparing your car for winter not only can help prevent a breakdown or accident, but it can also save you money on repair costs and gas. If you don’t know how to get your car ready for plummeting temperatures and icy roads, follow this checklist of 12 quick and easy fall and … [Read more...] about 12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying
There’s a lot of wiggle room in between having enough coverage in case of an accident and not paying extra for coverage you may not need. It can be confusing to navigate the lawyer-speak in a policy, especially if you're buying insurance for the first time. But with a little research, you can save … [Read more...] about Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying
How to live without a car
Whether it's to save money, reduce environmental impact, or be safe, a lot of families find themselves living with one car – or none at all. The number is likely to increase as the population ages, too. Cars are useful but costly: along with the purchase price and monthly payments, you have gas, … [Read more...] about How to live without a car
Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series. But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Want to live without a car? Car sharing may be an option
With the prices of car ownership steadily increasing, more people are wondering if they can become a one-car family or even get rid of their personal vehicle entirely. In the past, this was only realistic in big cities with good public transportation. Nowadays, though, the "sharing economy" that … [Read more...] about Want to live without a car? Car sharing may be an option
DIY steps to get your car road-trip ready
If you're traveling by car for a holiday getaway, you want to get your vehicle ready to go. Auto maintenance can be a strain on the wallet, but there are some ways to beat the costs, even for those who rarely look under the hood. Below are three tips to help get any car ready for a road trip, … [Read more...] about DIY steps to get your car road-trip ready
Is it time to buy a car online?
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Buying a car is often a stressful and confusing process, with salespeople pressuring for the sale while you try to juggle sticker prices and discounts and upgrades in your head. Smartphones helped alleviate some of the stress of a visit to the car lot, as you can now quickly search and compare … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a car online?
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
Apps that can help you shop for cars
If you are in the market for a new or used car, these car shopping apps will help you find the best deal and save money. What I love about these hand-held tools is that you can use them to find a better price than a dealer is offering you even while you are inside the dealership, and use that to … [Read more...] about Apps that can help you shop for cars
What to know about buying a car now
Even during a global shut-down, sometimes you need to buy a car. After all, if you have to get from Point A to Point B, you have to get there – and this isn’t a time when a lot of people want to take public transit. Of course, you may have financial reasons for wanting to buy a car now despite … [Read more...] about What to know about buying a car now
Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
If you are in the market for a used car for yourself or a first car for your high-school or college student, you usually begin with a price range. But once you know how much you can spend, do your research on vehicle safety, average gas usage, and reliability. Here's a five-step plan to help you … [Read more...] about Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
How to get the best new car deal
You are ready to buy your first car. You can see yourself, driving in that shiny red convertible, feeling the wind in your hair. You might even go look at one in the dealership. But then, reality hits. The payments for that glam roadster are more than your rent payment. So it's time to shop smart. … [Read more...] about How to get the best new car deal
