Category: Tips, Tricks & Trends

May 15

Ultimate Guide to a Flawless Summer Road Trip: Top 10 Pro Tips

Prioritize Preparedness: Unlocking a Seamless Summer Road Trip Experience

Getting ready for unexpected issues on the road goes beyond basic safety; it’s about crafting a seamless, pleasurable summer journey. Embrace the classic Scouting motto “Be Prepared” and enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’re ready for anything, despite the occasional jest from friends or family.

Car Maintenance Essentials: Your Road Trip Preparation Guide

Thorough vehicle maintenance is fundamental for a flawless road trip. Below is your pre-departure checklist to ensure your vehicle is road-ready:

  • Tires: Regularly check your tires for adequate pressure, tread depth, and general wear. Rotate them as needed and verify the condition of your spare tire.
  • Brakes: Assess the condition of your brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. Consider a professional inspection to ensure reliability on the road.
  • Oil and Filter: A fresh oil change can enhance your engine’s performance, especially under the high demands of a long trip.
  • Battery: Avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery by checking for corrosion and ensuring a full charge.
  • Belts and Hoses: Inspect for any signs of wear or damage. A check-up from a trusted mechanic can prevent mid-trip malfunctions.
  • Fluids: Refill all necessary fluids including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Storing extra supplies can be a lifesaver.
  • Air Conditioning: Ensure your air conditioning system is efficient for your comfort during the trip. Have it evaluated by a specialist if performance seems lacking.

Emergency Preparedness: Essential Gear for Roadside Issues

It’s best to equip your vehicle with an emergency kit before you encounter a problem. Essential items include:

  • Reliable flashlight, jumper cables, and a tire pressure gauge to address basic car troubles.
  • A comprehensive first aid kit, along with non-perishable snacks and bottled water, ensures both health and hunger needs are covered.
  • Store these items within easy reach to efficiently manage any roadside emergencies.

Vehicle Clean-up: Setting the Stage for a Pleasant Drive

Kick off your road trip with a meticulously cleaned car, both inside and out. A spotless and orderly vehicle sets a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and enjoy every mile. An organized space also simplifies accessing necessities throughout your journey.

Route Planning: Strategizing for a Smooth Adventure

Although spontaneous trips can be exciting, a bit of preliminary planning can ward off typical road trip setbacks. Acquaint yourself with your intended route and identify key locations such as gas stations, rest stops, and attractions. A well-thought-out itinerary reduces delays and enhances your travel experience.

Bonus Tip: Essential Road Trip Playlists

Since mobile service can be unreliable, prepare a diverse playlist downloaded directly to your device. Music enriches the road trip experience, providing a soundtrack that complements the freedom of the open road.

Traveler Insights:

  • Commitment to Preparation: Investing time in preparing your car and route ensures comfort and safety, making your road trip unforgettable.
  • Staying Emergency-Ready: An emergency kit not only offers peace of mind but also prepares you for any unforeseen events during your travels.

Adhering to these tips will elevate your status to that of a seasoned road trip aficionado, equipped to fully embrace the thrills of exploring new horizons with confidence and joy.

May 15

Chevrolet Needs To Bring Back the Chevelle But Not as an EV

The Chevrolet Chevelle is one of the best muscle cars of all time, although many refer to it as a traditional sports car. However, this is a vehicle that didn’t last very long on the market despite the degree of notoriety it has amassed over the years. Not only did it compete with the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette, but it still gets mentioned alongside the best years of those cars. Many people feel there needs to be a new version of the Chevy Chevelle, but not as an EV.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is one of the best muscle cars of all time

The Chevrolet Chevelle is one of the most dynamic cars from its era, as some models are among the best sports cars. Chevrolet introduced the now-long-discontinued car in 1964 as an attempt to compete with the Ford Fairlane. Of course, the car was a success in the beginning as it offered a diverse group of body styles. Notably, this is where the Malibu name came from, as it was a trim on the Chevelle.

However, the real star of the show for gearheads was the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. In the beginning, this was the car to get as it came with a V8 instead of the standard six-cylinder engine. For most, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 is the most iconic.

The problem with the Chevelle is that Chevy didn’t keep it in production for very long. According to HH Classic, by 1978, the automaker had decided to decrease its lineup as a way to cut costs, and the Chevrolet Chevelle was a victim. In essence, Chevy replaced it with the more family-friendly Malibu. Notably, sales were down for the Chevelle as fewer people were interested in high-performance cars.

Will there be a new Chevy Chevelle?

There have been rumors for years that Chevrolet will produce a new Chevelle. Notably, TransAm Worldwide has released a version of the car based on the sixth-generation Camaro. However, there has been no official word from Chevy about bringing back the car despite the high demand from those seeking the best modern sports cars.

There have also been talks that the new Chevy Chevelle could be an EV. While EVs are the future, this might be a mistake for what many call one of the best muscle cars. Yes, electric cars are fast and powerful, but if the automaker brought back the Chevelle, it would need to consider what type of buyer has supported the car for all these years on the used market. After all, look at the backlash over the Dodge Charger EV.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to offer a version of a new Chevrolet Chevelle as an EV. However, having this as the only powertrain could be a failure, especially considering how sales for even the Ford Mustang Mach-E are cooling. Still, a new Chevelle could be a real game changer as it’s been so long since there’s been a new one.

May 15

LA Car Chase Suspect Nearly Lost the Cops— By Hiding Beside a Car As a News Helicopter Watched

Everyone loves car chases. Especially those where an escape seems ridiculously possible. Somehow.

Car enthusiasts love car chases. Memphis Raines running from the police in LA in a Shelby GT500. Baddies fleeing from Steve McQueen in his Ford Mustang GT 390. It’s a natural affinity. However, in real life, chases seldom end with a picture-picture escape. Such was the case with an LA car chase suspect who thought he could hide from police by hiding behind a parked car.

After crashing a stolen car, an LA car chase suspect hid beside a parked car to elude police– and it worked right up until it didn’t

Just imagine the scores of onlookers glued to their mobile devices and television screens, hollering impotently as multiple Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers passed a car chase suspect as he hid. Most frustratingly, it wasn’t some inspired escape plan worthy of an “Oceans” franchise film. No, the suspect picked a blue Honda sedan and, well, laid down beside it. You can’t make this up.

When I say “suspect,” there’s no confusion that the car thief was fleeing pursuing police officers. In a stolen SUV, the suspect attempted to outrun the cops. However, he crashed into several unsuspecting motorists, damaging his ill-gotten ride beyond repair in the process. After the last of the substantial impacts, he disembarked the silver SUV and fled on foot.

That’s right; he took a page from the “Grand Theft Auto V” book, likely thinking that out-of-sight does mean out-of-mind. Not quite. However, and frustratingly so, the suspect took a left into an alley and crouched behind a parked Honda sedan. As police officers closed in, the man flattened out into a prone position, hoping to out-hide his pursuers. Still, it seemed to work for a moment. Not one, not two, but six LAPD officers ran right past the crouching fugitive, hidden runaway.

The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter next to a rainbow.
The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter | Stu Mundel via Instagram

Better yet, the would-be escapee and his white shirt were in plain view of a Fox News helicopter as the suspect attempted to shake the officers. FOX 11’s Stu Mundel yelled “Come on guys! He’s right there!” as he and the pilot covered the event. Fortunately for LA’s Finest, a backtrack revealed the suspect’s hiding spot.

In all seriousness, LAPD policy isn’t quite the same as the non-player characters (NPCs) in Grand Theft Auto V. Even without the news chopper orbiting above, additional police units would have almost certainly discovered the fugitive– despite his spectacular hide-and-seek skills.

May 14

If You Never Own An EV, You Might Spend More Than $100K on Fuel in Your Lifetime

Depending on where you live in the U.S., you might even spend closer to $200,000 on fuel.

A personal finance outlet released a study this month on how much money Americans might spend on fuel in their lifetimes, depending on which state they live in. If you live in Wyoming, by the way, you’re about to spit out your coffee.

GOBankingRates analyzed a set of metrics related to individual fuel consumption. Using the average fuel tank capacity, the number of years of driving in a typical American’s life, and the mean gas price so far in 2024, the group compiled a list of lifetime fuel spend by state.

Many might assume California would be the priciest state for lifetime fuel spend. However, Wyoming is the most expensive state to fill up your car over time. If you live there for life, you can expect gas to tally $201,698.22 between the ages of 16 and 77.

Other states high on the list are California ($167K), Nevada ($158K), and Georgia (also $158K).

The majority of states fall in the $120K-150K arena.

New York and Rhode Island are the cheapest states on the list. Their lifetime fuel spending is in the $90K range.

An illustration of a large blue fuel pump with a drip containing a dollar sign and people and red cars underneath
invincible_bulldog via iStock

Admittedly, I see a couple of holes in the study. For one, fuel prices have varied significantly over the decades. Zippia’s 2024 demographics data reflect an average American driver age of 47. That means most Americans are already halfway through their lifetime of driving. Therefore, their spending has been less than 2024 gas prices.

Furthermore, global transportation trends point toward electrification. 2030 is looming as automakers’ zero-emissions cutoff date. As such, personal fuel spending will likely end for many of us before we actually stop driving. However, depending on how long it takes to mass-adopt EVs, some of us might be using gasoline until the end of our proverbial roads.

Hopefully, we’ll shift away from what some feel are the far-too-expensive individual costs of owning and operating a car. Fingers crossed that things change before any of us hit the $100K mark on fuel expenses.

May 14

New Fear Unlocked: Some Car Air Fresheners Can Explode and Burn Your Face

Certain types of car air fresheners are prone to exploding and splashing chemicals.

A well-followed doctor recently took to social media to share an unexpected injury suffered by an influencer. The woman, Kyndal Bret, had been keeping a liquid car air freshener inside her vehicle. While she trusted the widely-used brand to lightly scent the car’s interior, it ended up putting her in the hospital.

Dr. Kunal Snood has more than a million followers on Instagram. He often posts informational quick takes explaining general health topics or poking fun at his career and daily life. This month, he posted a reel explaining how a Bed, Bath, & Beyond liquid car air freshener became overheated and exploded. The contents caused chemical burns on the influencer’s face and to her eyes. The reel is embedded below and has been viewed more than 5.5 million times.

In addition to the ER bill, Bret’s car headliner was stained from the chemicals. In Bret’s original TikTok, which has been viewed more than 60 million times, commenters share their own experiences with the liquid air fresheners.

A woman's reflection in the rearview mirror of a car as she covers her face with her hands
FTiare via iStock

Some are saying that the same thing happened to them. When the vehicle cabin gets hot from direct sun, the car air freshener may burst, causing injury and staining. The commenters have said that you can notify the brand and possibly be compensated for damages.

Yet others say that they also use these air fresheners and that this has never happened to them. However, a Reddit user said that the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) clearly states that the contents are volatile when heated.

One commenter recommended using hanging, soaked paper or wood fresheners, not encapsulated liquids. If you’re concerned about car air freshener units overheating and exploding, you might consider this, too.

May 14

The Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Failed to Snag Caitlin Clark

Sorry fans, Cailtin Clark isn’t driving the Indianapolis 500 pace car. Another celebrity will have to sit behind the wheel.

Caitlin Clark and race cars go together, right? Well, it’s more like Caitlin Clark and basketball, even if she never got a national championship ring. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to go without this rising WNBA star. See why Caitlin isn’t driving the Indianapolis 500 pace car.

Why isn’t Caitlin Clark driving the Indianapolis 500 pace car?

Unfortunately, fans have to miss out on Caitlin Clark during the Indy 500 because she’s too busy to drive the Indianapolis 500 pace car.

She was recently drafted to the Indiana Fever after completing her college basketball career, and has a game against the Los Vegas Aces the night before the race. Therefore, getting back to Indiana would be an issue.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles shared that she can’t make it because she’s playing ball and that’s where she should be. But eventually, when their schedules match up she will drive a pace car.

Former IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher will drive the pace car during the race instead. Officials are still trying to pick a celebrity to drive the 33-car field to the green.

An Indy 500 pace car leading the race
Indy 500 pace car | Getty Images)

A few contenders include food influencer Keith Lee, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, and former Indianapolis Fever WNBA star, Tamika Catchings.

But if you won’t see Caitlin Clark in the Indianapolis 500 pace car, what does she actually drive? It’s safe to assume that she spends time behind the wheel of a Buick.

She has a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Buick. Buick added her to its “See Her Greatness campaign to raise awareness to inequity coverage of women’s sports.

The campaign was created to increase the visibility of women’s sports, drive equity and inclusion, and create platforms to have women create meaningful conversations.

As a University of South Carolina alum, I need to be Cocky about the Lady Gamecocks. Caitlin Clark isn’t done bringing great things to women’s basketball, but I need to give a shout-out to Dawn Stanley, A’ja Wilson, Kamilla Cardoso, Te-hina PaoPao, and other excellent players.

May 14

Avoid These First Time Car Buyer Mistakes

Getting your first vehicle is a significant right of passage. This is especially true when you’re responsible for the ground of work before the purchase. However, there are mistakes that a first time car buyer can make that will negatively impact them. Truthfully, some more experienced drivers can make similar mistakes that can make ownership a nightmare.

A common first time car buyer mistake is not researching

Many first time car buyer mistakes can cause issues down the road. However, one of the worst is not doing research beforehand. In fact, some people know they want to buy a vehicle but show up at the dealership and only take the salesperson’s suggestions. According to Lending Tree, about 40 percent of buyers later regret their choice.

Research is necessary so that a first time car buyer can find a car they love, but they can also ensure that it has a history that makes it more likely to be reliable. Besides early maintenance issues with the car, one of the worst things that can happen is to realize you need something else out of a vehicle than what you bargained for. Ultimately, a test drive isn’t enough. Still, this is an important step.

Not shopping around

Another first time car buyer mistake is not shopping around. Instead, they see shiny metal on a dealer lot and decide to give that company their business. However, shopping around for a new vehicle gives buyers much more freedom because the vehicle they want could be priced differently at a different lot. It’s also important to investigate the history of any car lot you’re considering.

A first time car buyer might get a car that’s too expensive

A first time buyer could easily make the mistake of getting a vehicle priced beyond their budget. This is because they can negotiate lower monthly payments to, in their mind, offset the price tag. However, expensive vehicles have pricey requirements that many first time buyers can’t afford. This is especially true for people who get luxury cars before they’re financially ready.

This is also why research is necessary. There are some expensive but unreliable cars on the market. So, getting a long contract on an expensive vehicle with poor reliability ratings could be a significant mistake. Of course, the first time car buyer also needs to understand fuel costs and the economy their vehicle of choice grants.

Not considering used cars

Many first time car buyers who have a decent income don’t consider used cars. This is because some inexperienced buyers look down on even the best used cars. However, there are many solid options that people have people have owned previously. In fact, buying a certified pre-owned model offers some of the peace of mind that new car buyers have.

Overall, getting a new car is an exciting endeavor. However, people need to do research, know what they want, and perhaps most importantly, don’t buy a vehicle based solely on how it looks or drives. There’s much more to the process than this.

May 14

3 of the Steepest Streets in the US Don’t Even Look Drivable

Notably, our list is reserved for streets that are drivable by passenger cars and have an official grade, even if the steepest part is only a short section. We’re calling out the three steepest streets in the country below.

Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh

Journalist Ernie Pyle described Pittsburgh in 1937 as looking like “it was laid out by a mountain goat.” As such, there are many vertigo-inducting streets and stairs in the city.

While only 630 feet long, Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was long regarded by PA residents as the steepest street in the world. After all, it has a max gradient of 37% in a certain section. However, even until 2019, when the Guinness Book of World Records presented a plaque to a Welsh street with a 37.45% gradient, Canton Avenue had never been formally dubbed the steepest.

In any case, the cobblestoned road sure is steep. Canton Ave is a particular highlight in the cycling world. Due to the dangers associated with driving downhill, especially during winter weather, vehicle traffic can only go one way: up.

Bradford Street in San Francisco

Many would assume that storied Lombard Street would top the list of steepest drivable paths in San Francisco, California. However, its average gradient is a “mere” 18.7%. That doesn’t even come close to Bradford Street.

While Bradford averages a 24% grade, there’s a section above Tompkins Avenue that nearly doubles in steepness – up to a 41% grade. The section is 30 feet long.

After Bradford, Filbert Street in San Fran is known for a section with a 31.5% grade.

Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii

Located in Honokaa, Hawaii, Waipio Valley Road is nothing short of panic-inducing steepness. Some sections clock a nauseating 45% grade.

The road has been paved and is considered regularly maintained. However, only vehicles with all-wheel-drive are permitted to travel it. What’s more, each direction is known to cause damage to cars.

On the way down, brakes are known to overheat and get damaged. On the way up, engines spike and stall. In fact, driving up is so tough on cars and so tricky for drivers that folks going down must yield to anyone heading to the top.

Recognizably, most of the steepest streets in the U.S. are located in California. Of course, there are many roads around the country that locals consider dangerously steep. Would you take a shot at driving any of the above?

May 01

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car in 2024?

Shipping a car can be an effective way to send your car across the country without trailering it.

Ok, so you’re moving in 2024. That’s great! However, you have a couple of cars and don’t want to make multiple trips or rent a trailer. How much does it cost to ship a car, truck, or SUV in 2024? Is it worth the expense?

Depending on where you’re sending it, it could cost between $500 and $2,500 to ship a car in 2024

The national average cost to ship a car in the United States is around $1,150. However, that figure depends on factors like distance, vehicle type, shipping method, and price per mile. Fortunately, there’s plenty of competition among shippers, so owners can ship their cars for as little as $0.60 per mile.

While that may seem like a significant expense to contend with, it could be worth it. For starters, shippers can collect your vehicle, drop it off at an address across the country, and insure it against damages while in transit. That’s good news for owners looking to ship collectible or valuable vehicles like classic cars.

Teslas on a being shipped on a car transporter.
Teslas on a truck | Sundry Photography via iStock

Understandably, though, not every type of vehicle demands the same price to ship. For instance, Forbes reports that prices can often vary between $150 and $250 depending on vehicle type. However, at an average shipping cost of around $1,050 and $2,450, shipping a full-size pickup truck could realistically cost around $550 more to ship than a sedan.

Still, getting your vehicle sent directly to your destination could be worth the extra spending. A move is expensive and difficult enough without the hassle of renting a car trailer, loading your vehicle, and moving it cross-country. However, attaching a trailer with your vehicle to your rented moving truck or full-size pickup truck is much more affordable than commissioning a shipper.

May 01

How to Get Rid of a Car Payment

According to Experian, the average car payment at the end of 2023 was more than $700 for new cars and more than $500 for used vehicles. What’s more, your prime or subprime credit score wouldn’t have really impacted your payment compared to everyone else. In other words, if you had a “good” credit score, you’d be paying about $10 more per month than someone with excellent credit. In any case, if you’re tired of your car loan, here’s how to get rid of your car payment.

Know your car loan payoff and create a plan

Until you’re aware of your remaining loan balance, you won’t be able to strategize paying it off. Call your lender or log into your account portal to determine the full loan balance, otherwise known as the “payoff.”

Once you understand the remaining sum, you can begin to create a payoff plan that will free you from the car payment treadmill sooner than your loan term.

While rare, you might be able to pay off your car loan with a lump sum

A lump sum payoff is a surefire way to quickly avoid paying interest to the bitter end of the loan’s terms. However, you’d need a relatively large sum to do so early in the loan term. Ensure that if you choose this option, it won’t leave you in a worse financial bind without that cash on hand. Additionally, confirm that your lender will allow an early payoff without penalty.

By submitting an amount that’s larger than your obligated payment, any additional funds can go toward your car loan principal. The principal is the core loan balance before interest. By paying down the loan balance, you can shorten the life of the loan, hence paying less interest overall.

Make biweekly car payments

Making biweekly car payments will ultimately shave off a whole month’s worth of the total loan every year. How? By making a half payment every two weeks, you’ll actually submit thirteen months of payment within a twelve-month period.

Understand car your loan payment terms

Before you move forward with any of these ways to get rid of a car payment, ensure that your lender accepts them and will submit additional funds or a lump sum to your balance without any punishment fees.

Car payments can feel suffocating and difficult to move away from. Overall, choosing a car with a retail price well within your financial comfort zone is best. Avoid entering a car loan if you can. If you must borrow from a lender, try to keep the payment as low as possible and do what you can to pay it off quickly without damaging your overall financial health.