Tag Archives: cars

Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers

Forget about the goofy tie and the poinsettia set in a terra cotta pot. If you have frequent travelers on your holiday gift list you need to be thinking about function at 35,000 feet, or at least behind the wheel of a car. This blog was actually inspired by an item I saw on sale at Target this week—-a road emergency kit. This one retails for just $25 and includes the basics. However, if you have the time and inclination you could get even more creative and tailor the contents specifically for your special traveler. Simply get a sturdy duffel … Continue reading →

Disney Recalls: “Cars” Backpacks, Baby Einstein Blocks and Cookies

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Disney has recently initiated recalls on three products that Disney fans and visitors should know about. “Cars” Backpacks, made in China and sold at Target department stores from February through September of this year for $13 each are being recalled for the magnetic game pieces in them. The magnetic pieces are not child safe and, if swallowed, could lead to blood poisoning and even death. If you’ve purchased one of these backpacks, please be sure young children do not have access to the magnetic pieces and return the backpack to your nearest Target store. Baby Einstein Discover and Play Color … Continue reading →

Bumper Stickers and Personalized License Plates—-Crack Ups and Controversies

“My cat is smarter than your honor student.” “Stable relationships are for horses.” “I thought I was indecisive; now I’m not so sure.” “Without geometry, life is pointless.” “I’m schizophrenic and so am I.” And, my personal favorite: “WWJD (Who Wants Jelly Donuts?)” Those are just some of the many hilarious bumper stickers I saw adorning vehicles this summer as my family traveled across the Midwest. Honestly, I’m still smiling as I write this. I don’t know where people come up with the material that eventually appears on bumper stickers, but I have to say, I am glad someone’s coming … Continue reading →

In-Car GPS Systems

I don’t know where I would be without our car’s GPS navigation system. No doubt I’d probably be somewhere in Cap Cod, Massachusetts, despite the fact that I live in suburban/rural Pennsylvania and was only trying to get to the grocery store. You see, I am one of those rare people that is directionally challenged. Tell me to turn right at the gas station, and I’ll probably turn left at the convenience store. I read somewhere that birds may have some sort of organ or dedicated area of their brains that can sense the north pole and is dedicated to … Continue reading →

Back-to-School Driving Tips For Teens

Did you know that vehicle crashes are the No.1 killer of U.S. teens? Studies show many of these deaths are the result of driver error to due to inexperience behind the wheel… AND they are preventable. It’s a fact that many parents of teen drivers need to be aware of especially with fall just around the corner. In less than 10 days millions of teens will be back on the roads heading to and from class and after-school activities. Experts say this last week in August is an ideal time to speak with your student driver about the rules of … Continue reading →

Avoid the Gas Gouge

Here is a little secret I just recently learned about saving money on gas. I think you’ll like it, since you can probably save an average of 20 cents a gallon on gas without any special calculations, gas watching or long distance driving (which actually wastes gas). This tip is so obvious, I wonder why I never thought of it before. And if you are traveling this summer, you’ll really want to take advantage of this little piece of advice. When filling up on gas, avoid the gas stations that are right near interstate exits. These stations know that they … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: New Rules About Bumping and Reviewing Rules About Tire Pressure

NEW RULES ABOUT BUMPING How many times have you been bumped from a flight? If the answer is one too many (more like once is enough) then I have good news for you. The Transportation Department is considering making airlines pay big bucks when they overbook a flight and bump passengers from prepaid seats. Currently, if an airline forces passengers onto another flight that takes them to their destination less than two hours after their original arrival time, the carrier must pay the value of a passenger’s ticket, plus up to $200. In addition, if the airline does not meet … Continue reading →

What’s In Your Glove Compartment?

Glove box… glove compartment… whatever you call it I have a feeling that you aren’t storing your gloves in it. In fact, my vehicle’s glove box has just about everything in the world crammed in it except for a pair of gloves. And, I’m not alone. According to a new survey, 84% of Americans no longer use the glove compartment to store gloves. Despite the fact that the original use for the space — when car manufacturers originally introduced it in the 1920s — was for the sole purpose of storing those handy hand protectors. (By the way, according to … Continue reading →

Pay Cash for Your Car

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A car is not an investment; it simply helps you get from point A to point B. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider the following tips to save money in the process. 1. Pay cash for your new car. Make every attempt to minimize the amount you borrow to purchase a car. Whether it is new or used, a car instantly loses value. This is different from a home purchase for example, where the cost of borrowing is often eliminated by the increase in equity over time. 2. If you don’t have enough cash saved … Continue reading →

Travel Warning: Hide Your GPS Units

What car thieves really want is a free set of wheels, but apparently they will settle for expensive GPS units. Just ask my neighbor. He was parked on a busy street, in a well-lit area and ran into a store to pick up a box of battery packs. When he returned less than 15 minutes later he found his car had been hacked into and his $750 GPS unit was gone. Yes, you could wag your finger and make the comment that he shouldn’t have left the unit exposed in his vehicle. But he figured he was in a well-traveled … Continue reading →