Automotive

To upgrade, or not to upgrade - that is the question, and it's one you've probably made or will make regarding your car several times in your life.

You've been dreaming about swinging a leg over the seat of a bike for a long time - hearing the purr of the motor as you turn the key, feeling the warm sun on your back as you slowly cruise down the road and enjoying a very up-close and personal experience with the outdoors.

Taxes are on nearly everyone's mind at this time of year. Even if you've already filed and paid what you owe or received your refund, you're probably still thinking about ways you could have changed your income, donations or even your filing status to garner a better outcome.

Accidents can happen when you least expect them - even minor fender-benders can cause a lot of anxiety - so it's important to know the correct steps to take.

When you are ready to purchase your first car - whether you just received your driver's license, or have been borrowing Mom and Dad's for several years - there's one thing you must think about during the process: car insurance.

They can happen at any time of year, but auto emergencies are even more on people's minds during the snowy, icy, cold months of the year. Low visibility, freezing temperatures and slippery roadways - and drivers trying to adjust to those conditions - can spell disaster if you're not driving cautiously or prepared to cope with an emergency, whether it's an accident or a car breakdown.

As you drive to your parents' or grandparents' home this holiday season, listen to the hum of the engine and imagine taking the trip 40 years ago. Your car would have looked very different, and many of the safety features you now have evolved greatly - or not even existed.

When ice glazes the roads and frigid gusts buffet your car along the highway, you know you have to drive more carefully. But your car-related cautions shouldn't stop after you pull into the driveway. If you want to stay safe and keep your vehicle performing well all year round, make your best winter car care efforts now.

Just as cleaning is likely a part of your spring routine, you should consider adding routine vehicle maintenance to your fall to-do list.

Have you ever considered how much you rely on your car? You need it to get to work, get the children to school, to run errands or just to have a relaxing evening away from home. If your car is a vital part of your life, how important is your relationship with the people who take care of it?

When you hit the road on a beautiful summer day, you're probably going to see at least a couple of motorcycles - or maybe you'll be riding one yourself. In recent years, the number of people traveling by motorcycle instead of by car has increased dramatically. And while the vast majority of motorcycle owners today are still men, things are changing, and changing quickly.

In many American communities, the end of summer signals an uptick in the number of cars on the road in the morning, as kids return to school and parents return to work after summer vacations. With more youngsters in vehicles - either teens behind the wheel, or elementary schoolers riding with parents or on the bus - driving safety should be front-of-mind for anyone on the road.

Whether you've been riding a motorcycle for years, or just recently purchased one for the first time, there has never been a better time to make sure the insurance policy you are carrying is suitable.

Whether you're driving a new car, a certified pre-owned vehicle, or an older used car, you'll need to purchase an auto insurance policy before you take to the road. However, the specific kind of insurance, as well as the coverage amounts, can vary depending on your needs, comfort zones, and the value of your vehicle.

America is the land of multitaskers. Admit it, you are among those who talk on the phone while putting away dishes or folding laundry, and eat breakfast and/or lunch on the go while traveling from one appointment to the next.