As a driver’s ultimate connection to the road, tires need to be regularly inspected and properly maintained or replaced to preserve their performance and handling characteristics.
Consumers need to be choosy when purchasing new tires, because when it comes to tires, one size does not fit all.
Basic Tire Maintenance Tips
A few simple tire maintenance steps can help identify and address problems before needing replacement:
• Check for uneven wear or excessive tread wear.
• Make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. Inflate tires to recommended pressure.
• Properly rotate tires at recommended intervals.
• Properly align and balance wheels.
How To Tell If You Need New Tires
Tire wear depends on several factors. One way to know when to replace tires is when treadwear indicators appear. A tire’s builtin treadwear indicators are “wear bars” that look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it’s time to replace the tire.
A new tire is needed if:
• The indicators at three or more places around the tire are visible.
• Cord or fabric is showing through the tire’s rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bulge or split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To determine what kind and size of tire are needed, check the vehicle label.
Ways To Tame Your Traffic-Related Stress
Aggravation on the nation’s roadways has become a frequent topic of conversation over the last decade or so. Incidents that involved traffic-related acts of violence have gained increased attention over that span.
The automotive group AAA estimates that nearly eight out of 10 drivers demonstrate aggressive driving behaviors. While data indicating the number of road rage cases per state is not available, The Trace’s study on road rage with a firearm found 522 people were shot in 2021 due to road rage, and that Texas, Florida and California have the most road rage incidents involving guns.
Road rage is the extreme outcome of impatience or frustration behind the wheel. Many times this frustration stems from traffic-related stress. There are more cars on the road than ever before, which can intensify stressful traffic conditions. Drivers can take steps to reduce stress while behind the wheel and recognize be
haviors that may contribute to road rage.
• Don’t rush. Leave plenty time to get to a destination. You are less likely to be impatient and react to traffic stressors if you are not racing the clock.
• Calm down. If there is
something that has angered or upset you, take time to calm down before getting behind the wheel.
• Be patient. Recognize that someone driving slowly may be lost, aging with diminished abilities or be a new driver.
• Keep a safe distance. Tailgating can create animosity among drivers. By leaving room, you can avoid aggressive interactions between drivers that can contribute to frustration.
• Don’t honk unnecessarily. Honking out of frustration is unproductive and also may exacerbate your levels of stress and anger other drivers.
roadways are plagued by traffic, then figure out a route to avoid the traffic, even if it may be longer.
• Change your schedule. It’s not called “rush hour” for nothing. Certain times of the day feature busier roadways than others. If possible, alter your schedule so that you commute during offpeak hours.
• Share the driving. Split driving duties with others, particularly when feeling stressed out. Breaking up particularly long trips among a few drivers can relieve anxiety.
• Take an alternative route. If you know that certain
Driving can be stressful, but there are various ways to mitigate feelings that may escalate into anger and road rage.
Automotive Fluid Replacement Schedule Information
Do you know how to check motor oil levels? Are you aware of what type of water to use to tap off a car battery? Could it be time to add washer fluid?
If you’ve answered “no” or you aren’t sure about any of these questions, it might be in your best interest to learn the basics of car maintenance, which includes maintaining fluid levels to keep your car operating optimally. Otherwise you could be unnecessarily spending extra at the nearest service station.
There are a few areas of attention on a vehicle that require periodic checking and refilling of automotive fluids. These fluids include oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, washer fluid, and coolant. The key is knowing how often the fluids should be refilled or changed.
1. Motor oil: The overall consensus is that oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whatever comes first. Cars that are used less frequently may be able to go 6,000 miles between oil changes. However, if you notice performance issues, such as sluggish acceleration, it could be time for an oil change.
2. Transmission fluid: Most transmission breakdowns are traced back to poor transmission maintenance. Therefore, stay on top of transmission fluid. This
should be topped off whenever needed, and actually flushed and replaced once a year for optimal performance.
3. Coolant: Because engine components have become more compact to save space and weight, cars actually run hotter than they used to. This means that maintaining the cooling system is imperative. Change coolant annually, preferably before large fluctuations in weather temperature.
4. Washer fluid: This fluid is expended often, so it should be checked regularly and replaced whenever the level seems low.
5. Brake fluid: This is probably the most ignored fluid in the car, and the most important. Brake fluid is not petroleumbased, so it can absorb moisture from the air, which diminishes its effectiveness and lowers braking performance. Check this fluid with every oil change to make sure levels are adequate. Brake fluid should be replaced every two to three years so that
sludge does not build up.
6. Power steering fluid: This should be checked twice a year and topped off whenever necessary.
7. Car battery: If your battery is an unsealed variety it will need water to operate correctly. The cells on the top of the battery can be opened to check the water levels. Only use distilled water to bring up the levels.
Changing Your Cabin Air Filter
Let’s say you are about to take a long road trip. It’s one thing to have to clean out your car ahead of time to create enough space for you and your family to be comfortable inside. But did you know that you could also help them breathe more comfortably, especially if some of them suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma?
Breathing in dirty roadside air that enters through the vents affects everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, those that are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
If breathing clean air is a concern for any reason, checking and replacing the cabin air filter should be on every vehicle owner’s list before taking a long trip.
A new cabin air filter is designed to protect the vehicle’s occupants from breathing in air that is contaminated with roadside dust, pollen, dirt, soot and mold spores and even noxious gases and odors.
Most motorists are not aware that more than 80 percent of new domestic and import vehicles sold in the United States today come equipped with cabin air filters, says the Car Care Council, an automotive consumer group. And, it is even less likely that they know about the important function these cabin air filters perform, and yet, they are inexpensive and usually quite easy to replace.
Just ask your automotive technician to show you an old, dirty one. One look at a clogged cabin air filter will convince you that there’s a great deal of dust, dirt, and other contaminants floating around in your car’s cockpit. Breathing in that debris can be damaging to the health of anyone, especially those that suffer from allergies or breathing problems.
Replacement is usually simple for doityourselfers or professional technicians Most can be installed in about 15 minutes. The cabin air filter may be located behind the glove box, under the hood near the windshield, or under the dash.
Refer to your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has one.
and plan their itineraries for the adventures that lie ahead.
While it may be tempting to get behind the wheel and see where the road takes you, those who have been around the block — or highway — a few times likely know that road trip planning involves careful packing for the voyage ahead. Bringing the right items along can go a long way toward ensuring a trip is enjoyable and runs smoothly. This list of musthaves can get anyone started on the road trip ahead.
• Proper paperwork: Don’t forget to bring along a driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your rental car agreement if you are renting a car. In certain instances, you may need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/ or a negative COVID test. Double-check that you have it all before leaving.
• Vehicle manual: Even the most wellmaintained car may suffer a breakdown on the road. Bring along the vehicle manual, which can help you diagnose minor problems. Keep your roadside assistance membership card at the ready in the event you need extra help.
• Important phone numbers: Bring a written list of important phone numbers in case your phone dies or gets lost.
• GPS and maps: GPS systems on phones and other devices provide stepbystep directions and can alert to traffic jams. But GPS can be compromised in areas where cellular or satellite service is interrupted by mountain ranges or buildings. The Maps.Me app enables you to download detailed maps that can be accessed while offline. Paper maps can serve as backups as well.
• Entertainment: Long road trips are full of opportunities to visit roadside attractions. For the times when the highway is a long stretch of nothing new, bring along movies, music, books, handheld games, and even trivia or mind puzzles to pass the time.
• Cash: Credit and debit cards are a reliable form of payment, but cash is king.
Having cash on hand is a smart move in the event bank cards get lost. Cash
also is especially useful when patronizing smaller establishments that might not take credit.
• Cooler with refreshments: Dining out is a great way to sample local cuisine from various regions of the country. But having snacks at the ready can save time and money.
• Roadside emergency kit: Keep a tire changing kit, flares, tools, jumper cables, duct tape, and work gloves in the vehicle for emergencies.
The list of road trip essentials continues, but this is a good start. The list can be customized based on drivers’ interests and their destinations.
The Top Five Distractions Behind The Wheel
Did you know that a vehicle driven at 55 miles per hour or faster can traverse the length of an entire football field in a matter of seconds?
Driving requires not only knowledge of the rules of the road and skill behind the wheel, but also concentration on the task at hand. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates distracted driving has been a significant factor in fatal car crashes. NHTSA says as many as one in 10 deaths are now attributed to driver distraction.
Distractions can come in many forms but fall into one of three categories: manual, visual and cognitive. Any distraction has the potential for serious consequences, including deadly accidents. Here’s a look at some of the common distractions and how to avoid them.
• Mobile phone use: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Texting combines cognitive, manual and visual distractions. Turn off phones while behind the wheel to help reduce the temptation to grab the phone.
• Daydreaming: Being lost in one’s thoughts can be a big distraction. Driving with something heavy on one’s mind can cause a person to lose track of the road. This may occur when experiencing intense emotions, particularly anger or stress. There’s also a condition called “highway hypnosis” that causes drivers to “zone
out” while driving. It often occurs while driving on open highways for extended periods of time. Taking breaks and pulling over if you notice your mind wandering can help.
• Pets and children: Young children or unsecured pets can be very distracting in the car. As a child calls out,
begins to cry or wants his or her needs met, drivers may turn to address those needs and take their eyes off the road. Pets that are moving around the vehicle also may distract a driver. All pets and children should be secure in the vehicle at all times.
• Adjusting the GPS: Recalibrating the GPS or entering an address while driving can be a distraction. It’s best not to touch the GPS unless the car is in park and at a complete stop.
• Eating or drinking: Taking hands off the wheel to enjoy that drivethru meal can be a mistake. Looking down at food and removing hands from the wheel reduces one’s ability to steer and react immediately to sudden traffic hazards.
If drivers become knowledgeable of the significant hazards of distracted driving, they can make changes to improve overall safety. Completing certain tasks before leaving home or while the vehicle is parked can reduce the need to multitask while driving.
Vintage Vibes
When it’s time to shop for a new car, some people focus on new models, some people focus on used models and some people focus on classic models. For some people, only a classic car from another decade will do. If you’re joining the ranks and looking to buy a vintage car, here are some tips.
You can shop for a vintage car anytime, but for the best selection and deals, fall is ideal. It is more of a buyer’s market then due to the lack of winter storage and inventory reductions. Newspaper ads, collectors’ meets, car shows, car auctions and vintage auto club events are useful resource.
Vintage cars are used and pose more of a risk than new cars. Plus, they are older, so you need to be careful that you choose a good one. Before you make any offers, do your homework. Determine whether you are looking for a vintage car ready to drive off the lot or one to restore. Either way, you will find several models available, and to ensure you get a good deal, you must
find out what the cars of interest are worth in their present condition. You must also set up a time to have the cars of interest inspected. You can do this yourself, but to ensure there are no surprises, you might want to bring in a mechanic or appraiser specializing in vintage cars. Not only can they tell you about the condition of the car inside and out, but about any restoration that has been done.
If you plan to sell the car at some point, you might want to check into its collectability status. Some classic cars are more popular than others and therefore will sell easier. Check with vintage auto clubs for the popularity of models. You might want to ask about where to go for parts, too.
Finally, research what the costs of owning a vintage car will be. Vintage cars are typically harder to repair and therefore costlier to maintain. Classic car insurance rates may also run higher. Get in touch with your mechanic and insurance agent and know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
Did You Know?
One of America’s most famous roadways technically no longer exists. 2025 marked the 40th anniversary that Route 66, which has been mentioned numerous times in pop culture, was officially removed from the United States Highway System. The reasoning behind the famed route’s decertification was its practical irrelevance, as the road had long since been bypassed by travelers for more convenient routes.
However, the route’s decertification has not done much to decrease its historical notoriety. In fact, several portions of the road have been designated a National Scenic Byway, including stretches in Missouri, New Mexico and Arizona. What’s more, a handful of Route 66
associations sprouted up shortly after the route’s decertification. These associations were established to preserve and restore the route, while also promoting its rich history.
Each state along the route, which spans Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, has its own Route 66 association.
Travelers with a love of history can even find “Historic Route 66” signs along the old route, and those traveling through Flagstaff, Arizona, can even travel along Route 66 by driving down Santa Fe Avenue, all but a few blocks of which was renamed Route 66.
Perhaps due to its presence in pop culture lore, Route 66 might never be forgotten, as there is even a movement afoot to have the famed roadway returned to road atlases.
The Importance Of Enrolling Teens In Driving School
As teenagers eagerly await the arrival of the birthday that makes them eligible to get their drivers’ licenses, they may be anticipating the freedom that being able to drive alone provides. But that excitement can overshadow the immense responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.
According to Geico, 25 percent of 16yearold drivers are involved in a car accident during their first year of driving. Expertise behind the wheel comes with practice, and starting teen driving journeys with a good foundation of information and instruction is key. Enrolling in a driver’s education program can be a wise investment, and one that reduces the number of collisions on the road.
The following are some ways driving school can benefit young drivers.
instructor to have a clear view and also to act, if necessary, to avoid a collision while the student is still learning.
pass the
Vehicle
While Mom, Dad or another trusted adult may have the best intentions when teaching teens how to drive, they may be rusty with some of the rules. Furthermore, they may have adopted habits or shortcuts that, while they work for them, may not be the proper way to instruct new drivers. A driving school helps teens learn how to drive well and safely.
road test. A probationary license will then be issued. If rules are followed during the probationary oneyear period, a basic license is issued at age 18.
• Pass your test the first time: Though requirements are different depending on where drivers live, they typically must pass both a written and a road test to earn their licenses. Driver’s education courses go over the rules of the road and the laws governing safe driving. A road instructor will go over driving basics and help you put them into practice while behind the wheel.
• Access to an expert:
• Specially equipped vehicles: The vehicles that driving schools have in their fleets have been modified to be especially safe. Most feature a rearview mirror and an additional brake pedal on the passenger side. This enables the driving
• Meet requirements: Most states in the United States require driver training courses in some shape or form before a teen is able to get his or her license. In New Jersey, for example, obtaining a license is a multistage process. At age 16, teens may apply for a learner’s permit with proof of enrollment in a behindthewheel driver training course and a passing grade on the written test. At age 17, the student must then
Driving schools also may facilitate contact between teen drivers and a local motor vehicle department, such as setting up road and written test appointments and enabling teens to use their vehicles for the road test. Such factors only underscore the ways families can benefit from enrolling young drivers in driving school.
New Jersey Motor
Commission
And Features That Are Now Obsolete
Each model year vehicles evolve a little further. What once was popular or essential gets updated with something new and a little more innovative. While certain car parts may always be necessary, others may age out or evolve over the years.
One of the challenges automotive repair professionals often face is the constant need to stay abreast of the changes in automotive design. As features change, so does the knowledge required to keep vehicles on the road. The following are some of the components you likely won’t find rolling off of the assembly line these days.
• Carburetor: Vehicles previously used a carburetor, which was a bulky device that sat on top of the engine. Classic cars have carburetors, but modern ones do not. Most car manufacturers stopped using carburetors in the 1980s because fuel injector systems proved to be more efficient and improved fuel economy. Carburetors created an airfuel mixture needed for engine combustion. Very often carburetors were the culprits in poor engine performance because they weren’t creating the right air and
fuel mixture. Also, jets on the carburetor could easily become clogged.
• Generator: Modern automobiles no longer use a generator, which is a device used to produce electricity through the rotation of fine wires in a magnetic field.
Cars today use alternators. Instead of an armature rotating inside a stationary magnetic field as with a generator, an alternator has a magnetic field that rotates around a stationary armature, according to the online resource Electrical Technology. Alternators are more efficient because they can produce more power, even charging a car battery, at low engine speeds and idling.
• Audible turn signals: Turn signals, also called blinkers, typically have a clicking sound to alert the driver that the signal is still engaged and needs to be switched off after a turn. However, many modern cars are phasing out audible turn signals.
• Car keys: Newer vehicles do not have stamped metal keys, which have been replaced by electronic fobs. When the
fob is near to the vehicle, doors automatically unlock. The fob is used in combination with a pushbutton ignition, making a key start obsolete.
• Full size spare tires: Not too long ago, if a flat tire required a roadside change, drivers could rely on a fullsized spare in the trunk or under the vehicle. According to AAA, spare tires have been replaced by tire inflator kits on millions of vehicles in the last 10 model years. Finding a fullsized spare is a rare occurrence.
• Control knobs: Radios, heating and cooling systems and other car features are increasingly being activated by buttons or digital displays. Gone are knobs and actual levers. This may be one feature that may have decreased safety and efficiency. Buttons rather than easily manipulated knobs require drivers to take their eyes off the road to find them and engage.
People in the market for new vehicles should familiarize themselves with features that already are extinct or are slowly becoming obsolete.
Things To Do Before Buying A
Used Car
Used cars can be quite a bargain. Whether purchased from a dealer, private citizen or even a family member, a used or preowned vehicle can prove just as reliable as a new vehicle but at a fraction of the cost.
While plenty of people have had good experiences purchasing a used vehicle, consumers know that a used car is never a sure bet. However, shoppers can employ the following tips to learn as much about a used vehicle as possible before any money exchanges hands.
• Ask for a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report can show potential buyers how many owners a vehicle has had as well as the vehicle’s accident history. A vehicle with
several previous owners and an extensive accident history is one many consumers would prefer to avoid. Consider it a red flag if a seller, be it a dealership or private seller, does not want to share the vehicle history report. For a nominal fee, the Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System provides information about a vehicle’s title, its odometer data and certain aspects of its accident history.
• Test drive the car under as many conditions as possible. When test driving a used car, try to drive it in as many conditions as possible. Test the vehicle on hills, in stop-and-go traffic and test how the vehicle responds to accelerated speeds on the freeway.
• Have the vehicle inspected by your own mechanic. Once the vehicle changes ownership, it will need to pass inspection before you can legally drive it. However, many used cars are purchased asis, mean
ing you won’t be protected if the vehicle fails inspection after you have paid for the car. As a result, it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by your own mechanic before any money changes hands. The mechanic can point out any issues with the vehicle and give his recommendation as to whether it’s worth buying.
• Research the model of vehicle. Before buying a used vehicle, it also helps to research the specific model. Some models have better reputations for longevity than others. Such research won’t necessarily be easy, but autorelated consumer magazines typically produce stories examining the frequency of repair and maintenance costs with specific models.
Buying a used car requires a leap of faith, but a few tricks of the trade can make consumers much more confident that they will find the right vehicle.
Car Insurance
Myths
Debunked
Do red cars really cost more to insure? Is Comprehensive coverage really comprehensive? Should you and your neighbor be paying the same amount for car insurance?
Myth: Red cars cost more to insure.
Reality: Vehicle color is not a factor used to calculate car insurance rates. Factors that do matter are the year, make, model, body type, engine size and age of your car, as well as information about the drivers on your policy.
Myth: I only need the staterequired, minimum amount of car insurance.
Reality: Many states have minimum car insurance requirements, but the required liabilityonly insurance may not cover all your costs. If you cause an accident, your insurance might not cover all the damages. Consult with your local independent agent to select the coverages and
sufficient limits that meet your needs so that a fender bender doesn’t cost you big bucks.
Myth: Comprehensive coverage protects drivers in all situations.
Reality: Comprehensive coverage is one type of protection available on an auto insurance policy (others being Collision, Uninsured Motorist, etc.). Comprehensive coverage pays only for damage caused by an event other than a collision, including fire, theft, vandalism, weather and more.
Myth: My car insurance rates will be similar to my neighbor’s rates.
Reality: Car insurance rates are individually determined, so factors such as age, driving record, type of vehicle, and marital status are considered.
Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows, and my new car is covered.
Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy.
In recent years, more and more car buyers are considering preowned vehicles as the world continues to confront supply shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Certified preowned dealerships may be the first place used car buyers go when looking to replace their current vehicles, but they might be able to find even better deals if they look at the private seller market.
Buying vehicles from private sellers was once relatively common but has fallen out of favor over the last few decades. In fact, the insurance comparison site The Zebra reports that roughly 61 percent of car buyers prefer to buy from a dealership. But that doesn’t mean buyers can’t still find great cars on the private seller market, especially if they keep a few strategies in mind as they begin their vehicle search.
• Get as much paperwork as possible. Many vehicle owners prioritize recordkeeping, saving maintenance receipts for everything from standard oil changes to more significant repairs. When buying from private sellers, buyers should not hesitate to request a vehicle history report as well as all documentation of maintenance that has been performed on the car since sellers have
owned it. Consider it a red flag if sellers do not have any paperwork or refuse to provide it.
• Be patient. Patience is a buyer’s ally when shopping for a preowned vehicle.
Certified pre-owned vehicles at a local dealership have already been vetted and met certain standards to earn that designation, but buyers must do their own vetting when buying from private sellers. That requires patience as buyers peruse vehicle history reports provided by the seller (or gather them on their own) and don’t rush to buy cars that could ultimately
prove to be lemons if they’re not vetted properly.
• Insist that a mechanic be allowed to examine the car.
One of the biggest risks of buying from private sellers is that such vehicles are rarely under warranty when put up for sale, and sellers likely won’t guarantee parts. That underscores the importance of having a vehicle thoroughly examined by a certified mechanic before buying it. Private sellers should have no issue allowing this, especially when buyers pay for the inspections. If sellers are unwilling to let mechanics inspect the car, look elsewhere for your next car or truck.
• Confirm the number of owners. There’s no magic number of owners a vehicle can have before it’s considered too risky to buy, but the more owners a car has had, the less likely buyers will learn its full history. In addition, if sellers were not the first owners, they won’t know how the car was treated or driven prior to them buying it. That’s another potential red flag to consider before buying a car that has had more than one owner.
The private seller market can be a great place to find a reliable preowned vehicle. But caution and patience is of the utmost importance when buying vehicles from private sellers.
