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Can you imagine having a car that you’re financing declared a total loss because of an accident or theft — but still having to make payments on it?

Because I sold cars at dealerships for 12 years, I’ve seen this scenario more times than I can count. People fell into this situation not because of poor planning, some car dealership scheme or cosmic bad luck. It happened because many shoppers didn’t fully understand their car insurance policies or what they meant for their auto loans. These car owners assumed that if they were to lose their car to an accident or theft, their car insurance would handle the money part and they’d just go get a different car and move on with their lives.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, especially if you owe more on your car than it is actually worth.

This is where gap insurance comes in: As the name implies, it covers [...]

Does Saving Pennies on Gas Put Your Car’s Engine at Risk?

Gasoline is expensive and you’re looking for every way possible to save money at the pump. You already shy away from premium fuel, knowing that your car doesn’t require it. You’d like to save a few pennies per gallon more by going to an off-brand gas station. But you can’t get rid of the nagging fear: Is the cheap gas going to damage your car’s engine?

Edmunds.com put this question to experts in several fields, including an automotive engineer at a major carmaker, gasoline manufacturers and two engineers with the American Automobile Association (AAA). It boils down to this: You can stop worrying about cheap gas. You’re unlikely to hurt your car by using it.

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You might not be familiar with the term “beater.” But in all likelihood, you’ve owned or driven one in your lifetime. This is the hand-me-down, the junker, the old car that hasn’t received an ounce of love in at least a decade. It’s the vehicle that’s been beat on.

A big difference between those doomed to spend their lives in old, ugly, dented, fuel-thirsty beaters and those who can soon afford better rides is how they care for it. Neglect maintenance and it could lead to a crash, a breakdown or cost money you may not have.

In this article, we’ll offer tips on how to keep your old car running safely as long as possible for the least money. You can do a lot yourself, even if you have little mechanical experience.

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These little-known bulletins can save you money on repairs

Today’s cars are more reliable and low-maintenance than ever thanks to advances in engine technology, car computer systems and more robust build quality. But “low-maintenance” doesn’t substitute for “no maintenance.” Whether your car is brand spanking new or wearing the patina of age, it requires proper maintenance. Assuming you’re not doing the work yourself (and sometimes even if you are), you’ll be visiting a dealership or independent mechanic, with all the accompanying pros and cons of each.

The pros and cons of dealership service are numerous. In favor are technicians who are skilled in your brand, up-to-date repairs and methods, and manufacturer-backed warranties, while the cons include higher prices, limited parts choice and less personalized service. Independents, meanwhile, typically cost less and range from general repair and maintenance shops to expert technicians and specialists who can offer service tailored more specifically to your car and needs.

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Which oil should you use?

The choice of synthetic oil vs. conventional motor oil generally comes down to what your owner’s manual recommends. In most cases, however, you can go with conventional oil, which is the less expensive option. That said, there are several benefits of synthetic oil that are worth considering.

Every gasoline or diesel engine needs lubrication. An internal combustion engine is made up of thousands of metal parts rubbing against one another at any moment. Without the lubrication provided by engine oil, your engine can’t run. But knowing what kind of oil to use is another matter altogether. Generally, there are two categories: synthetic and conventional engine oil. So which one should you use?

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The Great American Road Trip can become even greater when you tweak a few simple things about your approach.

Heed our advice, grab a couple close friends, and get out there on the best trip of your life.

1. Make a plan, but not a rigid one.
If you’ve got a time limit (as most road trippers do), it’s smart to plot out which city you’ll sleep in each night before setting off. Plan so your driving time is eight hours or less per day, but don’t plan anything more than that. Then watch as your days become hilarious sagas of driving, wandering, and following your wild road trip whims.

2. Don’t research your stops beforehand.
Ahh expectation, the grand crippler of many a road tripper’s happiness. On a road trip, your schedule has extra room, so you can afford to enter a new city with no prior knowledge of what you’ll find. Being relatively clueless has [...]

Preventative maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter

The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather period.

The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.