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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You know the basics: Come to a complete stop at a red light, follow the speed limit – and so on. But what about the more obscure state traffic laws? Here are 50 of the craziest state driving laws: Alabama – No driving while blindfolded Alaska – It’s illegal to tie a dog to...
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It’s easy to overlook your auto weather stripping, the pieces of rubber and soft plastic that help seal the insides of vehicles and make closing the door quieter. Car weather stripping seals gaps and helps to keep dirt, wind, rain and snow out. But with time the stripping can crack and split. You can usually...
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For some people, cars aren’t just for driving; they become part of a collection. Whether it’s a particular marque or vehicles from a certain era, collectors have different reasons for wanting to add more cars to their fleet – and oftentimes, it has little to do with driving them. “I collect for a car’s ability...
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There’s no doubt that sports cars are easy on the eye. But, sadly, they can also be hard on your bank account. Knowing what you’re getting into before buying a sports car is essential, so here’s a look at when to go all-in and when to walk away. Reasons to buy a sports car 1. ...
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Finding a leak under your car can be concerning, but it happens to everyone! So how do you know which leaks are serious and which to ignore? And better yet, how soon do you need to get it fixed? Before racing to the mechanic, check out our guide to help identify what fluid is leaking...
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Choosing the right contractor for your renovation or building project is one of the most important construction decisions you will make. A good contractor can ensure quality work and a smooth renovation, while the wrong one can trigger nightmares. Here are eight tips to help you make the right choice when hiring a contractor: 1....
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Classic car shows are the auto lover’s equivalent of a candy store. There are so many different makes, models and marques all in one place. There’s also no better place for car enthusiasts to find one another, to gawk admiringly at a lovingly restored vintage vehicle or swap a story or two about your experiences...
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Around the Earth 116 times or 3 million miles. That’s how far the longest-lasting car has been driven. Proud owner Irv Gordon and his 1966 Volvo earned a Guinness World Record for this impressive feat. Does your vehicle have what it takes to do the same? It’s possible. How long do cars last? With the...
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The cardinal rule about displaying the American flag is to do it respectfully. In 1924, a committee of Army and Navy representatives met with other nation groups to work out a code of flag etiquette, establishing a set of rules for displaying Old Glory. The code, was approved by the committee on what became Flag...
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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....
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As a boy, Brendan Droppo loved watching NASCAR races with his dad. He was mesmerized by the many different colors and paint schemes; after the races, the young artist would spend hours drawing pictures of the winning cars. “Then I’d draw a second version with my own paint scheme,” he says. “I fell in love...
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As a NASCAR fan, you already know there’s a lot to love about this sport. You’ve experienced the thrill of watching your favorite drivers battling it out on the track. But you know that, like most things in life, NASCAR is better when shared with a friend. But what if your No. 1 friend hasn’t...
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A plate of cookies can go a long way. “Getting to know people is a peacemaking strategy,” says Laura Jeffords, an Asheville, N.C. community mediator who is on the board of the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Starting off as a friendly neighbor Making friendly overtures to newcomers sets the tone for your own...
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Most boaters quickly pick up the rules of the water – how to pass, navigate, dock and minimize wakes. Not everyone, however, learns how to be courteous and considerate of other boaters. “Safety is mandatory,” says Scott Croft, vice president of public affairs for the Boat Owners Association of the United States. “Etiquette, unfortunately, is...
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