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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When it comes to others, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., doesn’t just lend a helping hand, he throws in the gloves, too. This season, the NASCAR star will again auction off four sets of his famous skeleton-themed Alpinestars gloves, with all of the proceeds going to the Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Driven to Give Gloves...
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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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If you’re in the market for a new car, safety, fuel economy, size and color are just a few things to consider before you make a final decision. But you will also have to decide whether Two-wheel drive (2WD) or Four-wheel drive (4WD / AWD) will best fit your needs and lifestyle. We weigh the...
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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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It’s safe to say we don’t leave our homes thinking an accident is just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave the house prepared for one. Planning ahead means that, in case an accident does happen, you’ll know what to do. Here are five things you need to do to make sure...
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Maintaining your tires is one of the most important things you can do for your car. Next to your brakes, tires are the most important safety feature your car has – yet many times we don’t give them a second thought. But tires affect the way your vehicle handles, the quality of your ride and...
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When it comes to owning a personal watercraft, or PWC, there’s a lot to consider. First, you have to learn the skills, and then invest in the right safety equipment. But what about keeping your PWC running smoothly? Like any other vehicle, a personal watercraft needs regular maintenance and upkeep. Review this guide to get...
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Ever get the urge to freshen up your humble abode? Whether it’s new paint in the living room or trendy front yard landscaping, you can never get enough of those DIY projects. While do-it-yourself seems more fun and less expensive, it’s not always the best option. Let’s explore which home renovation projects are safe to...
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The forecast calls for a blizzard. School will be canceled and the office will close. But before you get too excited about a snow day, make sure your home, your car and yourself are prepared for a winter storm by following this blizzard preparation list. Preparing Your House Clean out gutters and remove tree branches...
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When temperatures skid to below freezing, you don’t need to garage your motorcycle until spring. You just need gear and gadgets designed for cold-weather riding. Like these: Gear Rather than pile on the layers, get better layers. Motorcycle gear with innovative materials, used by the likes of BMW and Rukka, adapt to the weather to...
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Learning how to drive is a major milestone in anyone’s life. If your son or daughter is getting behind the wheel for the first time, you’re probably a very proud parent. And you know it’s important to teach your teen that driving is a privilege - not a right.
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More accidents occur there than you’d think. Here’s how to protect yourself. While it may be overlooked as a potential danger zone, you shouldn’t ignore the risks of driving in a parking lot: In findings based upon its claims data, Nationwide estimates that 13% of automobile accidents occur in parking lots. Why? Because parking lots...
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You can lapse into bad habits no matter how experienced you are. Even seasoned motorists can slip up on certain, potentially unsafe practices. To find out what those mistakes are, we recently spoke to Bill Windsor, associate vice president of consumer safety for Nationwide. Pushing the limits of a yellow light. It’s easy for a...
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Take these steps the next time you run into a traffic jam. Auto manufacturers are creating smart cars that initiate braking activity when you get too close to a vehicle in heavy traffic. And highway departments can report when there are dangerous conditions ahead. But when in heavy traffic, the ultimate influence on your safety...
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