Author: Linda Steil

When you’re out driving around, how often do you think about the road on which you’re actually driving? As long as the weather is clear, snow isn’t in the forecast and there isn’t an obstruction blocking your path, there really isn’t anything to consider. Or is there? Until recently, outside of complaining about the potholes on I-35 (really, if you’ve EVER driven through Dallas you know exactly what I’m talking about), I’ve never given much thought about roads, road maintenance or anything else pertaining to roads. They take me where I need to go, some more quickly than others, but in general, they do their job. In the last couple of years, I’ve learned a great deal about types of roads. Specifically private (or nonmaintained) roads, which I didn’t previously know existed outside of what I would have considered a long driveway. But they do. And they are, perhaps, more common than you might think. Living on a private road has many ups and downs, and by that I’m not referring to the grade. Some find the cons of living on a nonmaintained road too much hassle. Others agree that the benefits surpass any additional cost and/or work that may be involved. I used to live on a private road. I liked it a lot. To me, there were a … Read More

If we’re taking a long road trip (sometimes even a short one) I will typically kick off my shoes and make myself comfortable in the passenger seat. This generally includes leaning back with my feet on the dashboard. My daughter does the same thing. Judging strictly from random glances at others along the highway, we are not alone. Recently, however, a friend pointed out why we definitely should NOT be doing this. After reading an article she forwarded me, and then reading portions of the same article to my daughter, going forward, we will be finding alternative methods for making ourselves comfortable during long car rides. Here’s why. While I’ve been involved in a couple of vehicle accidents, one of which caused the airbags to deploy, I never gave a second thought to what could happen if one of those air bags were to deploy while my feet were occupying the same space from which the bag bursts out. Have you? Consider this – the purpose of an airbag is to prevent your body from, upon impact, being propelled forward toward the dashboard of the vehicle. In order to do so, it must deploy at a rate of speed that is faster than your body is being thrust forward. I don’t know what that rate is, but it’s fast. And … Read More

There is the wave. The tire covers. And the go-anywhere, do-anything, free-spirited outlook on life. But outside of that, what makes being the owner of a Jeep® Wrangler so awesome? In truth, the reasons are too numerous to count. While undoubtedly Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate summer vehicle, a quick look at all four seasons proves that the Wrangler is a great vehicle all year through. Spring Melting snow and spring rains mean mud. But mud is just another word for fun to Jeep owners who wear theirs streaked across and caked on their Wranglers with pride, as a badge of honor. April 4 is National 4X4 Day. Summer Warm temperatures mean the top comes down and the doors come off, which is just cool. Jeep hair is cool. Summer adventures are best when you hook up the camper and head off for places unknown. Fall Off-roading is fun any time. But in the fall you can get off the beaten path and experience the fall colors in a way that non-Jeep owners only wish they could see. If you’re headed off to school, there is more than adequate space to haul the necessary contents for a dorm room. Winter Four-wheel drive comes in handy when Old Man Winter decides to dump a few inches (or feet!) of the white … Read More

Remember the old “how I spent my summer vacation” essays from grade school? These days, I’m afraid mine would be pretty boring. Gone are the days of rushing to get my morning chores out of the way so I could spend the afternoon with my friends at the pool. Or riding bikes. Or whatever other kind of adventure we found interesting on any given day. Recently, though, I have been reminded that time away from our structured lives is important. Time to rejuvenate, relax and be “unstructured” for a bit is good for everyone. As the end of summer approaches and the back-to-school frenzy begins, you may find yourself thinking, “There just isn’t time!” Ah, but there is. Relaxing doesn’t have to mean a week at the beach. Take time out for a weekend away (a long weekend would be even better!). Or, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a weekend during this crazy time of year, try one day – one electronic-free day where everyone leaves any kind of mobile device at home, jumps in the car and heads out for a family adventure. Now that you have the right idea about WHAT to do, are you perplexed about WHERE to go? No worries. Here are a few ideas that may either work for you or get your own … Read More

If you are like most parents, your kids’ activities keep you on-the-go. We only have one at home, but she still manages to keep both of us busy. Have you ever found yourself wishing that there was a kid’s version of Uber or Lyft? You know – a safe way for your kids to get from point A to point B while you finish up at work, make dinner or get some work done around the house. (Maybe even, dare I say, take a much-needed nap?) Kango is your wish come true. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, that is. Founded by CEO Sara Schaer and CTO Kaliyuga Sivakumar, Kango is an app-based, on-demand ride and child care service for families on the move. And what else would you expect from an innovative rideshare service but a first-of-its-kind partnership with an auto manufacturer? That’s right. Kango recently partnered with Chrysler, providing lease opportunities of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan to eligible Kango drivers. “Kango is excited to partner with Chrysler,” said Schaer. “In addition to being a green vehicle with the best mileage of any minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will help us meet the growing demand for shared carpool rides for groups of kids going places. Drivers save money on gas. Kids are delighted with the … Read More

The 2017 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study™ was recently released and Dodge Challenger proved that it’s classic, sleek lines, throaty exhaust note and muscle-car attitude can still smoke the competition. For the fifth time in seven years, Challenger took the top spot in the Midsize Sporty Car segment. Not to be outdone by its iconic and boisterous cousin, the slightly (?) more reserved and all-new Chrysler Pacifica cruised to first place in the Minivan segment. Just a few, short weeks ago, the Pacifica also claimed the top spot as the highest-ranking minivan in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS). Only seven other models in the automotive industry have ever achieved the same back-to-back honor. “We’re pleased to see results like this as they reflect our commitment to quality, which is evident not only with new product launches like the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, but also in mainstay vehicles like the well-regarded Dodge Challenger,” said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality. “My colleagues and I are focused on not only launching new vehicles with industry innovations and segment firsts, but also consistently improving vehicles in our existing product portfolio.” But when it comes to APEAL-ing cars, trucks and SUVs from FCA US, the hits just keep on coming. Dodge Durango rolled away with a second-place finish in the Midsize … Read More

If you’ve got kids headed off to college or new drivers that are ready for their own wheels, back-to-school shopping might mean more than backpacks and notebooks. No matter what the case, FCA US has a complete lineup of great vehicles to suit your needs. Check out these budget-friendly vehicles that would be a great addition to your family fleet. Jeep® Renegade The Renegade might be a small SUV, but it’s big on personality. With a rainbow of colors and plenty of options to choose from, your new driver will be able to select a vehicle as unique as he or she wants. Meanwhile, with a starting MSRP of $17,995, you can rest assured it won’t break the bank. FIAT® 500 If you have a teen who is always on the go, the FIAT® 500 is the ultimate get-up-and-go city car. You’ll get a starting MSRP of $14,995, plus up to 38-mpg highway which means fewer stops at the pump. Your teen driver will get a fun, stylish car with unique Italian flare. FIAT® 500X Like its smaller cousin, the 500X has plenty of personality and Italian flare. You’re teen driver will be happy with the look and feel of this fun-to-drive FIAT. On the other hand, the available AWD feature and knowing it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick will … Read More

Never mind the kids – are YOU ready for back to school? Alarm clocks, lunches, homework, after-school activities and the taxiing that goes along with that … it can be overwhelming. But if you have a new driver in the family that can help out with some of the shuttling, it can take some of the load off and ensure that everyone makes it to practice on time. Does the thought of your teen driver helping drive younger siblings to practice make you jump for joy or cringe at the thought? In either case, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to your teen’s responsibilities behind the wheel is a good idea. Things like proper use of the turn signal, obeying traffic laws, etc. are all very important, but those are items you likely covered well before his or her license was actually issued. I’m referring to those driving habits that keep them on the right track not only with the law, but also with you. iMom.com has six easy tips that can get you started down the right road together. Start with a contract. The editors at iMom.com created a Teen Driving Contract that you can download, review and sign with your teen driver. It outlines some good-driver basics and leaves some space for you and … Read More

Let’s talk used car shopping. I know, I know. Yuck. But let’s do it anyway, just for a little while. Why? Because all good things must come to an end and as leases expire, quality used cars are hitting the market. According to Automotive Lease Guide, three million off-lease cars were returned last year and an estimated 3.5 million are expected this year. Have you added a driver to the family and are now looking to add a vehicle as well? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about getting something that gets better gas mileage to use for your daily commuter. If so, it’s a good time to get out there and start kicking some tires, even if that means kicking virtual tires by means of online research. So, that’s the good – now is a good time to buy a low-mileage used car because, well, they’re available! The bad part of today’s used car market, isn’t really so bad, depending on how you look at it. The bulk of the off-lease inventory, as stated above is car inventory. Given that the larger trucks and SUVs are some of today’s most popular vehicles, a car may not be exactly what you envisioned as your next vehicle. If that is the case, consider the purpose of your next purchase. Would a car … Read More