Fun tips for the family road trip

Few things bring a family together and create wonderful memories better than a summer road trip. And after several years of taking backyard "staycations" to save money, experts say families are again packing their cars and hitting the roads to see beautiful natural and manmade landmarks all across the country.

How smart truck drivers get better gas mileage

If your family has started to rethink your travels because of fuel prices, you may be looking for ways to save a few dollars at the gas pump when you fill up your truck. And if purchasing a new, more fuel-efficient truck isn't an option for your family, here are some ways you can save gas money now.

Auto insurance agents reignite credit-scoring debate

Agents in Massachusetts are so dead set against allowing insurers to use consumers' credit histories in setting auto premiums that they are taking two separate paths toward outlawing it. Insurers claim that analyzing personal credit information helps them better predict risk and more accurately price policies, while consumer groups and other critics maintain that it disproportionately punishes low-income Americans and minorities.

Keep your engine cool when temps heat up

You've waited so long for summer vacation, and now you're ready for that family getaway or road trip. Whether you're cruising down the open road or taking the kids to summer camp, the last thing you want is a vehicle problem that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

Dream drives for summer: An expert's picks for great road and vehicle pairings

Summer and scenic drives go hand in hand, and even high gas prices can't keep Americans away from miles of highway that wind through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. If you're looking for a dream drive, here are five great road and vehicle pairings for scenic summer cruising.

Make the pinch at the pump less painful and enjoy driving

With the price of $4 a gallon for regular gasoline becoming a common occurrence across America, relief is miles away. Even with tighter budgets, millions of drivers are hitting the roads for a summer road trip with a desire to make every dollar count. For motorists, now is the time to make sure their vehicle performs at full strength, to save at the pump.

Slowing the gas price roller coaster

Gas prices are on a roller coaster ride again. A bargain these days is anything under $4 a gallon, which is especially difficult since it's summer and everyone's hitting the road for vacations. Inching closer is fall's "back-to-school" drive cycle. In short, there is a lot of driving ahead and higher gas prices are now the norm, so it's time to look at ways to alleviate the pain at the pumps.

Help keep your car from early retirement

Many Americans are trying to get the full value out of their vehicle, evident by the recent findings that the average age of a vehicle on the road has reached over 10 years old, according to an R.L. Polk & Co. study. In order to make sure that their vehicles remain durable, it is important that motorists look for ways to help keep their vehicles running smoothly, longer.

How your credit score drives your auto insurance rates

You know that where you live, what you drive and how you drive can affect how much you pay for auto insurance. But did you know that your credit score can also influence how much your insurance company charges you for coverage? Most vehicle insurers now use your credit score as one of many factors when determining your level of risk, and how much to charge you for insurance.

For better automotive performance, reconsider the old maintenance standbys

We often make our decisions based on the people who influence us every day. These influencers could be parents, friends, professionals and advertisements in the media or on the Internet. Unfortunately, what was once the best product to meet our needs a few years ago or even a month ago, may not be what we need in our lives today. This is particularly true when you consider car products such as motor oil.

Eyes on the road: Safe driving tips for teens

While celebrities and parents alike have tried to educate teens about the dangers of driving while distracted, many have not heeded the lesson. Distractions include talking on the phone, texting, eating and changing channels on an MP3 player. This reality is especially alarming as traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teens. A teen's first priority while driving should be to pay attention to the highway.

Do guys take better care of their cars or themselves?

It's no secret that guys love their cars, but are they more likely to always change the oil on time than to visit the doctor for their annual checkup? The answer may surprise you.

Auto insurance carriers turn focus toward direct channels

More American consumers than ever are bypassing agents and buying auto insurance straight from insurers, prompting several big-name carriers to focus on a more direct approach to selling policies. Financial data from several major coverage providers, coupled with new research on consumers' buying habits, show a fast-growing trend that is aided in part by consumers' increasing use of the Internet.

Cruise into summer with simple auto fixes

Summer is here and chances are your vehicle is in need of a little restoration. Returning your car to optimal condition may be less expensive and time-consuming than you think. Use these tips to get your car back in shape for a summer of smooth and smart travel.

Automotive technician: a great technology-based career opportunity

It used to be all a car mechanic needed was a good set of tools, some oil and knowledge of a car's parts and pieces. But in today's highly technical world, automotive technicians are going to school for a lot more training, especially in the technology fields. Qualified technicians are in great demand.

Pack the fun on your next family vacation

Whether heading to a theme park, campground or flying to faraway places, a family vacation provides lasting memories for both parents and children to cherish forever. From making reservations to packing and activities, there are many elements that go into planning a vacation the whole family will enjoy. Here are a few suggestions to make for a fun trip and get the whole family involved.

How a personal watercraft can get you into the boating lifestyle

Wondering how you can take advantage of local waterways and be one of the people out there enjoying the boating lifestyle? One of the easiest and most fun ways to enjoy everything the water has to offer is by taking a ride on a personal watercraft (PWC).

Five tips for greening your ride and your wallet for the summer drive

The peak driving season is upon us, and warm weather typically means the windows are rolled down, the radio is turned up and there's nothing ahead but the open road. High fuel costs and the extra mileage on your vehicle, however, can hit your wallet - and the environment - harder than you'd like. Some small steps can help you increase fuel efficiency and miles per gallon.

Auto insurance costs are on the decline - aren't they?

If you look at two sets of data often used to track pricing trends for auto insurance in America over time, you would see that the price of insuring a car in the United States dropped by a total of 6.75 percent between 2004 and 2008, and it also rose by a total of 3.4 percent during the same period. But just how could two reputable sources of information report that the average cost both went up and down at the same time?

Tips for safely sharing the road with big rigs this summer

Regular vehicle drivers can do a lot to help ensure truck accident statistics stay low - by following some safety rules for sharing the road with big rigs. Here's some expert advice.

What gives Harley-Davidsons their distinctive sound?

Some engines hum. Some whine. Others roar. But Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines rumble. Harleys produce a low, deep-throated, somewhat syncopated vibration many aficionados describe as "potato-potato-potato-potato." The sound is so distinctive - and so closely associated with the brand - that Harley-Davidson once sought to have it trademarked. What exactly gives Harley-Davidson motorcycles their distinctive sound?

As summer winds down, cars still suffer effects of heat exposure

While summer's record-setting temperatures may be starting to fade, many motorists are unaware that their cars may be experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion. From batteries to tires, heat takes a toll on vehicles.

Avoid youth equipment accidents: Develop a 'safety first' attitude

The change of seasons from the warm summer months to the fall harvest season is one of the most beautiful times on the farm. Crops are in full-swing, fruit is abundant and families often make annual trips to local farms and festivals during this time. Whether you live on a farm or plan on visiting one, now is the perfect time to remind children about important safety tips for working and playing around equipment.