For the last 40 years, two-car families have been the norm in the United States. And it hasn’t been uncommon for some families to own three or more cars But auto-industry experts now say societal and technological changes could spell the end of the two-car family. “Right now in the U.S., 57% of households have...
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VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a string of characters that identifies a car. Every passenger vehicle manufactured for U.S. sale since 1981 has a standardized VIN, while the VINs on older cars may vary in length and character type depending on the manufacturer. How many numbers are in a VIN? Each VIN consists of...
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If you love motorcycles, the lure and appeal of the bike seems almost overpowering. While different enthusiasts love them for different reasons, most have a pretty well-formed opinion about which manufacturer (or even model) is the “best” one. Some motorcycle lovers steer clear of the modern-day bike with its high-tech features and state-of-the-art creature comforts....
Read more about What’s in a Name? Vintage, Classic and Antique Motorcycles 101
Classic Car Swap Meet Guide from Hagerty Whether you call them swap meets, flea markets or auto jumbles (the British term) any gathering of folks wanting to buy and sell cars, parts, collectibles and related materials is a place that serious collectors will go. Even with the rise of the Internet, flea markets remain a...
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It’s hard to imagine a road trip nowadays without a soundtrack playing on your car’s stereo. In fact, music is a mainstay of pretty much any car trip, whether it’s a quick drive across town or a long-distance trek. Of course, the way we listen to music – and the devices on which that music...
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The most sophisticated technology owned by consumers today isn’t held in their hands; it surrounds them every time they get into their vehicles. High-tech touches that previously were reserved for luxury vehicles are becoming commonplace even in the most affordable models, and those features will continue increasing as costs come down while interest and demand...
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Once the kids fly the coop, it’s a time of change for parents. For many it can be a time to do things they’ve dreamed about doing – traveling or resuming a sport or hobby they’d set aside. While some might dream about what they’ll do, others dream about what they’ll drive. A family car,...
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As the general manager of My Fit Foods in Hermosa Beach, Calif., Brandi Guerra hears about her customers’ desire for convenience every day. The company, with more than 50 stores in five states, specializes in creating healthy meals to go. “Everyone wants it fresh, and everyone wants it now,” says Guerra, whose customers range from...
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While technology is transforming the automobile in dramatic ways from alternative fuel engines to self-driving vehicles, automotive design is changing just as drastically. It’s touching all aspects of a car including the shape of the exterior, the placement and use of lighting, and the look and feel of the interior cabin. Cars of the future...
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Rock salt is one of the most important factors when it comes to winter driving safety. Regularly salting roads can help melt ice and sleet and improve friction under tires. Here are a few things you didn’t know about where rock salt comes from and how it’s used. In addition to properly salted roads, these...
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Lately, much fuss has been made about the collector car market’s current state, with opinions ranging from wildly optimistic to downright dire. The market, of course, isn’t necessarily a unified entity, which means one can find evidence to support a particular stance, even when those stances may be conflicting. An objective look shows that the...
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Contrary to general perception, most classic cars aren’t fragile flowers. In fact, many are anvil-tough, particularly American cars of the 1950s and 1960s, built with real Pennsylvania steel and very little plastic. But even these rolling bank vaults can be seriously screwed up by these five things: 1. Non-use This one is really is counterintuitive....
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Ladders are a common part of home repair and maintenance. They enable homeowners to complete tasks that would otherwise be difficult to reach. But as is the case for any tool, it’s important to use ladders safely. Ladder-related injuries send more than 90,000 people a year to emergency rooms throughout the United States, according to...
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In the 1980s, scooters and mopeds enjoyed brisk sales and became a popular way for getting around town. But the demand for these low-cost rides seemed to disappear almost immediately, thanks, in part, to more economical cars and falling gas prices. Recent years have seen consumers revisiting the idea of hitting the street on two...
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Next to your home, your car is probably the most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. So it makes sense to want to protect it. For many consumers, that means buying an extended warranty – but it might not always be your best value. What is an extended warranty? An extended warranty is designed to provide...
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