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.
Cars
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
Tips for donating your car to charity
Donating a car to charity requires almost as much research as buying one. These tips will ensure there’s a tax benefit for you and that you're donating to a legitimate group.Know what your car is worth. Your vehicle does not have the same value to a used car dealer and to a charity. Current … [Read more...] about Tips for donating your car to charity
Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals
Tools can be very expensive. Unless it's part of your trade, it's often not cost-effective for "do-it-yourself-ers" to buy tools for quick repair jobs around the house or on a car. Thanks to Auto Zone's Loan-A-Tool, there's no more need to pay for tools you need temporarily. Using the FREE service … [Read more...] about Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals
How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print.Do your pre-trip homeworkThis may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
How to find out if your car has been recalled
If you own a car made between 2002 and 2008, you might need new air bags.Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an agreement with the Japanese company Takata that doubled the number of cars it will recall due to the potential of faulty air bags. The first Takata … [Read more...] about How to find out if your car has been recalled
Where to get a free car seat inspection
You read the manual and installed your baby’s car seat, but how do you know it’s safe? According to the CDC, child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. One study showed 72% of 3,500 observed car and booster seats were misused in a way that could increase risk of injury. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Where to get a free car seat inspection
Pack a mini-emergency kit for your car
For many people, summertime means lots of time spent in your car, from running to various activities to taking road trips. Save your sanity and some money by packing a little pouch or bag to store in your car with things that you may need occasionally, but don’t want to carry in your purse or … [Read more...] about Pack a mini-emergency kit for your car
AAA: Good for drivers, great for discounts
Even when you’re not behind the wheel, belonging to AAA offers potential perks.AAA partners with a variety of retailers, restaurants, hotels, attractions and other businesses to offer discounts to its members. Various online outlets, including Reebok and Target, also offer perks for AAA … [Read more...] about AAA: Good for drivers, great for discounts