Lifestyle & Trends - Automotive

What you need to know to improve your vehicle's longevity

There are a number of car care considerations that can protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle, beginning with motor oil - your vehicle's life blood.

Don't be a multitasker when behind the wheel

America is the land of multitaskers. Admit it, you are among those who talk on the phone while putting away dishes or folding laundry, and eat breakfast and/or lunch on the go while traveling from one appointment to the next.

The 4-1-1 on how auto insurance premiums are calculated

Whether you've been paying your own auto insurance premiums for decades, or are a new driver about to take them over from your parents for the first time, you may be wondering how premiums are calculated.

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.

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 with warmer weather come special automotive maintenance challenges -- extreme heat, humidity and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause marginal systems to fail. Here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for your vacation.

Gas-saving tips from the pros

In today's economy, consumers are more cost-conscious than ever. The following advice is from the pros at ASE, who note that these tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle.

Helpful hints: shopping for a car online

With a down economy and struggling domestic automakers, now may be the perfect time to consider investing in a new vehicle. Gone are the days when entire weekends were spent scouring newspaper ads, pacing through endless car lots and haggling with aggressive salesmen.

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?

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.

Lifestyle Trends