Category: Consumer Guidance

Annually, a vast number of vehicles are recalled for safety issues, from minor defects to serious concerns such as malfunctioning airbags. It’s vital for vehicle owners to stay updated about these recalls for their safety and the safety of others….

When it comes to maintaining and servicing your car, one important decision you’ll need to make is whether to take it to a car dealership or an independent mechanic. While both options have their merits, servicing your vehicle at a…

Tires are what separate your vehicle from the road. They’re critically important for helping supply a safe, comfortable ride and are one of the few components not warrantied by the car manufacturer. Are you familiar with the key language or…

When a vehicle that was previously considered salvage is reconstructed, it is given a rebuilt title. Before being permitted on the road, most states mandate an examination by a licensed garage or body shop, as well as the state department…

When a hurricane impacts America, the damage is sometimes extensive. Lives are turned upside, property damage assessed, and a long rebuilding process begins. Flood cars are one part of the equation, vehicles are damaged beyond repair. Even so, tens of…

Smash! You never saw it coming — a driver runs a red light, and slams into the side of your vehicle, leaving behind a trail of twisted metal, broken glass, and thousands of dollars in damage. Airbags saved the day…

When shopping for a new vehicle, you have a choice of purchasing or leasing. With a purchase, you’ll typically make a down payment and follow with monthly loan payments until the vehicle is paid off. With leasing, you’ll have certain…

Despite technological advances, the motor vehicle theft rate in the United States continues to rise. According to the FBI, more than 810,000 vehicles were stolen in 2020, an increase of 11.8% over the previous year. A staggering $7.4 billion was…

Hybrid electric vehicles are passenger models that use two energy sources: gasoline or diesel fuel and electricity. The Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid model, but there are dozens of other hybrids sold by a variety of manufacturers. Because hybrids…

You are out for a drive, enjoying the scenery, and only semi-aware of the road signage. Suddenly, a bank of fast-approaching blue flashing lights visible in your rearview mirror has you startled. And then a sinking feeling overtakes you: you’re…

Is it possible to refinance an auto loan? Unequivocally, that answer is “yes.” We may believe that only houses are refinanced, but that isn’t true. Indeed, just as you can save a bundle by refinancing your home, there are savings…

Register your vehicle through the DMV to make it drivable. Purchase a used car and you may have saved yourself a heap of money over the cost of a new ride. Indeed, with the average cost of a new car…

You have a car and need multiple parts for it. Or perhaps you have set your eyes on a jalopy that no longer runs. Fixing it and bringing it back to its former glory is an option. Either way, you…