Practical tips for keeping America's youth safe when behind the wheel
Today's teen drivers face an increasing number of risks and distractions, making safe driving habits more important than ever. At the same time, teen driving laws are evolving, and fewer public schools across the country can afford to offer drivers' education.Many community organizations and even large businesses have stepped in to proactively help teens learn the importance of practicing safe driving skills.


Tips for planning a last-minute family vacation
Whether it's the sudden need to get away or the last chance to escape before the kids head back to school, many families find themselves in a position to book a last-minute vacation. With the fluctuating economy wreaking havoc on the airline and hotel industries, there is now a greater chance of finding availability and bargains for savvy researchers.


Simple tips to keep your vehicle running its best
All motorists want their vehicle to last on the road and perform at its best. As the summer finally begins to wind down, it's important to make sure your car is properly prepared for cooler weather and weekend road trips. Since a car is typically the second largest investment Americans make, and families are now keeping their vehicles longer than ever, protecting and maintaining this investment is key to keeping cars running smoothly and efficiently.


What you need to do to prepare for your fall camping trip
If you're used to only getting outdoors in the summer, you're in for a whole new experience with the crisp air, fresh scents and colorful leaves that come along with a shift in the season. Before you head out, take a look at this checklist to ensure you and your belongings remain warm and dry.


Car safety: dealing with blind spots
With SUVs, trucks and large cars growing in size, backing up can pose a serious problem for drivers. Even the most accomplished driver can't see blind spots, which can lead to costly repairs or serious injury. A back-up sensor is a small investment to protect your car and those around you.


Tractors can be safer with seatbelts and rollover protection
Tractor rollovers are all too common among both professional operators and rural lifestyle families alike. So what can you do to help keep yourself and your family safe? Make sure that your tractor is equipped with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt.


Technology tips for traveling with tots
Traveling with children can sometimes seem like a challenge, even for the most patient parents. Long stretches in car or airplane seats can easily leave kids bored and hungry. Packing plenty of snacks can fill the hunger need, but what's a parent to do when the Goldfish are all gone? Technology is a great tool to keep kids entertained while traveling.


Five tips for maintaining your motorcycle or ATV
Americans have purchased more than 15 million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles over the past 10 years. Along with the thrill of the ride, or the convenience of chores made easy, comes the responsibility of maintaining these machines.


Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer
Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car.


Get your teen's attention when teaching the dangers of distracted driving
Teens are inundated, and rightfully so, with statistics and horrific stories that point to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. However, new research shows that distracted driving is among the leading causes of auto accidents, and the problem is getting worse. Here's some advice of helping teens avoid the dangers of distracted driving.


Five ways to ensure your older car costs less to keep running
Hanging on to a car - and taking care of it - can definitely save you money versus taking on a new-car payment. The key to maximizing your savings on an old car is actually to spend a little on regular maintenance. Follow these simple steps to ensure good maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs.


Save money, stay safe: Keep tires properly inflated
Gas is pretty expensive so you certainly don't want to waste it. The U.S. Department of Energy says that properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent and help you save 9 cents per gallon at the pump. Here is some advice to help ensure your tires stay in top shape.


Where to go for an insider's knowledge of car insurance
Buying, selling, trading in and insuring cars are all major tasks you will likely face at some point if you own or plan to own a car.


Preparing your vehicle for the long haul
Warm sunny days mean vacations or weekend getaways, and many families take to the road with a camper in tow. Whether you are towing a camper, trailer or boat - regardless of the size - it means you will want to take steps to make sure the vehicle you are using for towing is ready for the haul.


Ten tips to keep teens safe behind the wheel
Waiting for a teen driver to return home safely probably causes the most anxiety and lost sleep for parents. And with good reason - car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, accounting for 35 percent of all fatalities among young people 15 to 20 years old, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.


What to do when you're ready to get rid of your old car
Many Americans are holding on to their vehicles longer, working hard to keep everything running smoothly with good upkeep and maintenance. In fact, 82 percent of Americans intend to keep their vehicle longer than originally planned due to the economy, a 2009 survey indicates. But situations are always changing, and if you've been waiting to get a new car for some time, you're probably ready to start shopping immediately. Have you thought about what you want to do with your old car?


How to make your vehicle vacation ready
Despite gasoline prices, the old-fashioned auto vacation will once again be a popular choice for families looking for convenience and ready mobility. But heavy stop-and-go traffic and cooler weather can cause marginal systems to fail. Here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for your vacation.


On the road: do-it-yourself moving tips
Millions of Americans take on the task of moving every year, whether it's for a job opportunity, to be closer to family, or to simply try out living in a new place. Whatever the reason for your move, you can make the task more pleasant by planning ahead and taking advantage of resources designed to make moving easier.


Four important steps to take before purchasing your next vehicle
Despite the economic hardships the auto industry has faced, financing a vehicle is still possible. Once you've researched reviews and valuations, and decided on the vehicle you want to buy, consider these four tips.


What you should know about credit before you go car shopping
Before you set foot on a dealer's lot or peruse the auto section of the newspaper, take these steps to ensure you're in a position of power when it comes time to negotiate your auto loan.


Protect your ride for best resale value
This summer doesn't have to be a scorcher - for your health or your car's resale value. It's hard enough keeping the sand and dogs off your leather seats, let alone remembering to wear sunscreen during those afternoon cruises. And while Mother Nature might not praise you for all of that hard work, it's important to keep maintaining your car's appearance - and protecting your health - top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season.


Is your teen with diabetes hitting the road? Take these precautions
Any parent who's had a teen leave the house in the car alone for the first time knows that anxious feeling. But for parents of teens with diabetes, there are a few extra things they should make sure their child knows before they are handed the keys for the first time.