Author Archive: Chad Baus

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently conducted a study showing significant evidence that distracted driving is an epidemic causing more serious traffic accidents among teen drivers than previously known – playing a role in 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe crashes. That number is four times that of official estimates stemming from police reports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), distracted driving describes anything that takes your attention away from the act of driving. The list of distractions isn’t limited to texting. In fact, it’s an issue that predates cell phones entirely. Beyond chatting on the phone or texting, distractions include acts as simple as having a conversation with a passenger, singing, applying make-up, reaching for an object, using a knee to steer or even thinking about something other than driving. The CDC [...]

There is little denying that summers can take a toll on your car. So here’s a list of tips to help your car beat the heat.

1. Essential Checklist:

a. People often tend to be overlook the condition of their car’s tires. An under-inflated tire tends to protrude and put unnecessary pressure on the sidewalls that can cause the tire to eventually blow. On the other hand, an over-inflated tire lead to lack of grip.

b. Other than tire pressure, car owners must also check for worn-out treads. You can either use a tire tread depth gauge or use a penny to check if the depth is within the advised limits.

c. Check the car’s oil, for it not only helps the engine run, but also keeps its parts clean and cool.

d. A car’s air conditioning is of [...]

As computers become more and more integrated with vehicle technology, concerns are being raised about the possibility of automotive-focused cyber attacks. From air bags to theft protection, navigation to ignition timing and many areas in between, computers aid in controlling various aspects of your vehicle. The good news is that there are already steps being taken to prevent attacks to these systems before they even begin.

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What automotive technologies will go from science fiction to commonplace in just the next 5 years? The rate at which technology is changing personal transportation accelerates every year, which can make predicting the arrival of future car tech a dicey proposition. I’ve listed these below in an effort to identify the top 10 advanced car technologies we’ll see in showrooms by 2020.

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Gas prices historically rise with the temperature and so do the miles we drive. We head to the beach, transport kids to summer camps, take summer vacations and ferry college-bound students to explore university campuses. “With so much warm weather driving ahead, it pays to take steps to maximize the amount of miles you can get out of every gallon of gas,” says Bob Abram, product planning manager with Yokohama Tire Corporation. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a hybrid to reduce the amount of gas you’ll use this summer. Try these unbelievably easy tips to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage…

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Memorial Day, summer’s kickoff, is often seen as a time to think about slowing down, relaxing, spending time with loved ones and taking to the open road for a break.

For families with teens, however, it’s got a darker side: teen driving deaths. Memorial Day marks the beginning of what many experts now call the “100 deadliest days” for traffic-related deaths of teens.

During all of 2012, 1,919 teens ages 15-19 died in crashes involving at least one teen driver, with 550 of those teens’ deaths (nearly 29 percent) taking place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the National Safety Council. It analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Another data analysis tells a similar story: In 2012, 2,823 teens ages 13-19 were killed in crashes, according to the Insurance Institute [...]

Crude oil prices determine around two-thirds of the price consumers pay at the pump every time they fill up and forecasts are showing the average price per barrel for Brent crude oil in 2015 to be around $68 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate is showing $63 per barrel. However, it’s important to understand that there are many factors that could change these numbers, as industry price forecasting is not an exact science.

The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) notes, “Federal, state and local government taxes contribute to the retail price of gasoline. Additionally, county and city taxes may have a significant impact on the price of gas in certain locations”.  Also, “Distribution, marketing, and retail dealer costs and profits are included in the retail price of gas. Most gas is shipped from the refinery first by pipeline [...]

Many on-the-road inconveniences and even tragedies can be avoided with some preparation. From facing bad weather to avoiding breakdowns, proper planning can make a difference.

Follow these five steps to put the odds in your favor.

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When you’re looking for a new car, calculating monthly costs is imperative to ensure you’re not committing to spend beyond your means – especially when you consider that most car financing terms are up to around five and half years, according to Edmunds.com. For even the most modest of vehicles, when you add in things like maintenance costs, gas mileage and insurance, what once seemed like an affordable option can quickly become out of range for your budget. That’s why it’s important to establish how much you can truly afford to pay for your new vehicle while you’re still in the research phase. Here are some key factors to help you determine the right price range for your budget.

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