Car Car Tips & Other News

Family hiking: Letting dog be your guide

One North Carolina native believes she has found a way to unlock the beauty and wonders of nature to America’s internet-crazed youth.

For Ellen Eastwood the answer lies in four paws and a discriminating nose. Her guidebook, “The Trail Hound’s Handbook, Your Family Guide To Hiking With Dogs,” teaches kids how to have fun in the wilderness with man’s best friend.

Don't let all the small electronics turn a good day bad

It’s not enough anymore for your car’s battery to just help start the engine. It also needs to power a navigation system, charge your cell phone, operate a back-up camera and a plethora of 21st century conveniences. 

So how do you ensure your battery has enough strength to do all that and prevent you from being stranded thousands of miles from home on your summer road trip?

Get a grip on winding roads with summer tires

They are known as summer tires or ultra high-performance tires--and they are an effective way to increase your car’s traction in dry weather and handle faster speeds. 

There’s no industry standard for what constitutes a summer tire, according to Rubber Manufacturers Association, but they commonly wick away moisture, grip the road well and are softer than tires formulated for cold weather driving.

Rinseless wash lets you drop the hose, save water

Sometimes using a hose and bucket just doesn’t make sense for washing a car.

That’s especially true in drought-stricken areas where water is an expensive commodity. Apartment dwellers and urbanites also face challenges looking for an available faucet and appropriate location.

Steering vibration may signal brake problems

You’re driving down the block and a bike rider appears from a side street. As your vehicle slows down, you notice an unsettling vibration in the steering wheel. Lately, you’ve also noticed the vibration anytime you use the brakes.

Your first instinct tells you something has gone wrong with the tires, but a new set was installed a couple months ago.