Category: Driving Tips

Stay prepared for anything your next road trip might throw at you.

I’ve taken a lot of road trips in my day, from moving myself across the country in a stick-shift sedan I didn’t know how to drive, to dozens of nights camping in my truck deep in the desert. I’ve also had my fair share of breakdowns, flat tires, spin-outs in snow drifts and dead batteries. While a car emergency kit can’t solve all of these problems, having a compact, comprehensive set of tools and emergency aids at my disposal has helped in plenty of circumstances. A well-stocked kit can provide crucial items like first aid supplies, tools for minor repairs, and essentials like food, water, and blankets.

…What I’ve learned through research and experience is that roadside emergency kits come in various sizes with multiple tools and safety items, including jumper cables, flares, tow ropes, and hand tools. The approach of the cold winter [...]

The holiday seasons mean many things to many people. Some of our celebrations are religious, while others are secular. Sometimes we gather with family members and at other times with friends. One thread that likely connects us if we’re parents, however, is the need to drive long distances with our children under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Holiday road trips can be stressful. If little minds aren’t occupied, little bodies squirm in their seats. Fatigue-induced tantrums are a possibility for both children and adults, and the term “blowout” can apply to tires and diapers. So we’ve compiled a range of helpful tips, including how other … parents keep their kids occupied on the road, what you must be sure to pack for your upcoming road trips, and how to make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever winter throws at it.

Click here to read the entire article.

Road trips with children are often difficult ordeals punctuated by endless variations of “Are we there yet?” But they don’t need to be! The next time you’re venturing out on the open road, try these 21 fun car games to keep your young crew entertained.

When they’re distracted by these car games, your kids will (hopefully) behave in the backseat, making the drive more enjoyable for the adults, too. You’ll feel less stressed when you finally reach your destination, whether it’s Grandma’s house, Legoland, or anything in between.

And an added bonus? Engaging car activities give kids the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of play. A real win-win.

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Some of us keep absolutely nothing in our cars’ trunks, while others have enough packed in there that they could live in their car for weeks. Somewhere in between is this list of 30 things we think every car owner should always have on hand.

You can buy packaged emergency safety kits which includes a booster cable, flashlight, first aid kit, and many other items—but the DIY approach is more satisfying and cost-effective, as you probably already have many of these items lying around. It’s not just about emergencies or safety, either, so we’ve separated the checklists by category.

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You don’t have to travel far to take in the phenomenon of fall foliage. All across the U.S., from New England to the Pacific Northwest, deciduous trees put on their dazzling display of color. Leaf viewing is one of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to experience America’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Check out our picks for the ten best destinations for fall foliage or get out there and discover your own.

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Fall is a time for hay rides, leaf peeping and pumpkin picking. It’s also a time when road and weather conditions make getting there a little tougher.

Stay safe on the road this season with these smart driving tips.

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It’s perhaps surprising, but true: Driving on a rainy day is more dangerous than driving on a snowy one. When the rain starts to fall and pavement is wet, your likelihood of a crash is higher than during wintry conditions like snow, sleet and ice, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

After averaging 10 years of statistics, NHTSA researchers found that 46 percent of weather-related crashes happened during rainfall, but just 17 percent while it was snowing or sleeting. Those statistics are partially explained, of course, by the fact that many drivers have the good sense to stay home during a bad snowstorm, says Debbie Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, which offers defensive driving courses. But the statistics also reflect a sobering truth, she says: Drivers often do not respect the rain, and fail to adjust their driving habits to hazardous conditions.

Here is how to [...]

Has this happened to you? You go shopping for a new car and great fuel economy is high on the list of things you want. You buy a car that’s rated 30 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg overall by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But after a month or so of driving around, you find that the best fuel efficiency you can get is a measly 24 mpg average. You might acknowledge that you drive a little faster than the speed limit, but you’re no hot-rodder.

So why doesn’t your fuel economy match the EPA rating?

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A key element in assessing the EPA rating for a vehicle’s average fuel economy (EPA combined) is the split between highway and city driving. Almost all cars and trucks deliver better fuel economy while cruising at 55 mph on the open highway than they do while stopping and starting at low speed on city streets.

The [...]

Want to save fuel on those long summer highway drives? Don’t open the window. Crank up the air conditioning.

That’s just one of the useful — and frequently surprising — tips available from fueleconomy.gov , the go-to web site for information on fuel economy.

While running the AC does increase fuel consumption, it’s more efficient than driving with the windows open at highway speeds. The open windows increase the car’s aerodynamic drag, and that makes the engine work harder…

For other fuel-saver tips, click here.

There’s no better way to spend this sweltering season than on a road trip. The United States is brimming with the most beautiful and diverse views on the planet, from the glittering waters of the Pacific to the majestic Rocky Mountains and down to the mysterious swamps of the South.

There is a road trip for everyone, and we’ve compiled a list of routes that will take you anywhere. The slideshow shows you some of the must-see stops along the way. So what else makes these places so special? We explain, starting with Route 66.

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