Common Car Mistakes Parents

The smallest error in properly securing a child's safety seat can compromise the effectiveness of the device in the event of an accident. AAA has put together a list of 12 of the biggest mistakes parents are making when installing a car seat. Read the tips here and learn how you can prevent them.

AAA has put together a list of the twelve biggest mistakes parents make when using a car seat. Some items on the list may seem like insignificant oversights, but even the smallest error in properly securing these safety devices can compromise their effectiveness in the event of a crash. 

Read on to see the mistakes parents are making and how you can prevent them from happening to you. 

1. Moving a child out of a booster seat too soon.
Seat belts are designed to fit adults, not children. Putting a child that isn't ready into an adult seat belt can result in an abdominal or neck injury in the event of a sudden stop or crash. AAA recommends keeping your child in a booster seat until they are absolutely ready to fit into adult seat belts, which usually occurs between ages eight and twelve, depending on growth and development. Children should be able to sit with their back against the seat, knees bending at the edge of the seat and feet touching the floor. The lap belt should be positioned low across their hips and upper thighs with the shoulder belt across their chest and collarbone. 

2. Not installing the car seat tightly enough.
If a car seat is installed too loosely, it can subject a child to much greater force during a crash. A car seat should not move more than one inch front-to-back or side-to-side when installed correctly. 

3. Harness straps too loose.
Having the harnesses too loose on a child is very dangerous, as they will not be properly restrained in the event of a crash. This can result in subjugation to much greater force and even ejection from the seat entirely. Harnesses should lie flat without any twists. Ensure that they are snug enough that you cannot pinch any extra material at the child's shoulder. 

4. Retainer clip (or chest clip) is too low.
The retainer clip helps keep the child secure in the car seat. If a retainer clip is too low, a child can come out of the harnesses or the hard, plastic retainer clip can cause internal damage. AAA recommends ensuring that the clip is placed at armpit level. 

5. Turning your child forward-facing too soon.
According to AAA, children in the second year of life are 5 times less likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash if they ride in a rear-facing car seat. A child should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once this happens, then switch to a rear-facing convertible car seat with higher height and weight limits. 

6. Allowing a child under the age of 13 to ride in the front seat.
Children under the age of 13 are almost always too small to ride in the front seat, and they can be seriously injured by air bags in the event of a crash. Be safe and do not allow a child up front until they are a teenager. 

7. Forgetting the top tether.
Neglecting to use the top tether on a car seat will subject a child's head and neck to excessive forward movement. When recommended, always use the top tether with either LATCH or seat belt installations. 

8. Adding additional toys, padding or mirrors to a child's seat.
Don't add additional stuff to a car seat, as it can interfere with the seat performing the way it was designed to during a crash. Toys and mirrors can turn into dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident, as well. AAA recommends only using products that come with the seat or are recommended by the seat manufacturer. Secure all loose items in a vehicle trunk or storage space. 

9. Installing a car seat using LATCH in the center rear seat of a vehicle (when not permitted by the manufacturer).
Most vehicles do not support LATCH in the center rear seat. Using lower anchors intended for the outboard seats could cause the whole system to fail and the car seat to be thrown in a crash. Refer to the vehicle's owner's manual and only use lower anchors in approved seating positions. 

10. Transporting unsecured, heavy items (including pets) in the vehicle.
Loose items can turn into nasty projectiles during a crash. Secure items in a trunk or other storage location. Properly restrain pets with approved devices. 

11. Installing a car seat using both LATCH and a seat belt.
More is not better in this scenario. Using more than one system to secure a car seat can put unnecessary stress on the seat, affecting its performance during a crash. 

12. Having children wear bulky coats/sweaters while buckled into a car seat.
Unapproved padding, including coats and sweaters, placed behind or under the harness can compress in a crash, resulting in slack in the harness system. AAA says that you should always place blankets or jackets over the child after the harness is snug and secure.

Click the link to read the full article at AOL Autos: http://aol.it/18upxb8

Must-Have Tools for DIY Car Maintenance

Do you ever do car maintenance in your own garage? If you do make sure you have these tools! AOL Autos has listed tools you don't want to be without when you do DIY car maintenance:

1. Screwdrivers
Quality screwdrivers are some of the most basic tools you should buy. While you should have one medium-sized flat head screwdriver and one medium-sized Phillips screwdriver at the very least, you can often buy quality name-brand sets for less than $15 at your local home-improvement store. Having multiple sizes of screwdrivers can help you get into tight spaces, and can also prevent you from stripping delicate screw heads. 

2. Pliers
Pliers are very versatile tools with many different uses. They can be used to adjust metal parts, cut wires and grab objects in tight areas. There are many types of pliers, and they can also be purchased in sets relatively inexpensively. A decent set of three-to-six pliers can be purchased for less than $20 and will often include expandable combination pliers, needle nose pliers and wire cutters. 

3. Ratchet set
Depending on your vehicle manufacturer, you should have either a metric or SAE ratchet set. Imported vehicles tend to have metric bolts, while many domestic models tend to use SAE. Before deciding what to buy, do some research or call your dealer. Ratchet sets tend to vary tremendously in quality. While a quality consumer-grade ratchet set can cost as much as $100, it can last for many years, so consider it an investment. 

4. Wrenches
Although wrenches are used on the same types of bolts as ratchets, it's important to have both tools in the correct sizes (metric or SAE). While you can sometimes use an adjustable monkey wrench as a substitute, it's often much more convenient to have a set of different sized wrenches. These can be used on bolts that are inaccessible with a ratchet. They can also be used to hold a nut while you use a ratchet to loosen the adjoining bolt. Name brand wrench sets can often be purchased for less than $50. 

5. Allen wrenches
Many modern vehicles also require Allen, or "hex," wrenches. These are L-shaped steel wrenches that range in length from two to six inches. While these are the most simple and inexpensive types of wrenches, they can be lifesavers if you come across certain bolts. Of course, double check if your vehicle is SAE or metric. Often, a set will include both types for less than $20. 

6. Jack with stands
If you plan on doing any work under your car, make sure to pick up a jack with at least two stands. If you have a large truck or SUV, you may need a heavy-duty set that can support the full weight of your vehicle. Make sure you don't skimp on the jack stands, as they're used to support the vehicle when you're working underneath it. We don't have to tell you why that's important. Expect to pay $50 to $100 for one of these.

Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos:  http://aol.it/SqYYx7

Traveling Safely With Pets

If you're going on vacation this summer, you may want to take your furry friend(s) with you. Take a look at these tips from Cars.com to learn how you can transport your pet safely in your vehicle.

A 2011 online survey of 1,000 dog owners by AAA and Kurgo, a manufacturer of pet travel products, revealed 84 percent of respondents allowed their dogs to travel unrestrained in their vehicles; 65 percent admitted to engaging in distracting activities with their dog while driving.
In addition to being a distraction or becoming a projectile in a crash (at a driving speed of 35 mph, a 60-pound unrestrained dog can become a projectile exerting 2,700 pounds of pressure), an unrestrained pet is likely to be thrown into traffic following an accident - often leading to a lost pet, severe injury or death. 

Before you head out on a summer road trip with your dog, along with restraining Fido, remember these travel dos and don'ts: 

• Put small pet carriers on the floor between the front and rear seats, only secure with a seat belt if they were designed for use with seat belts. 
• Don't put a pet carrier on the front passenger seat; airbags could crush it during an accident. 
• Don't leave a pet in a parked vehicle in the heat, even with windows cracked; heat stroke can be deadly and can happen in minutes.
• Microchip your pet and have a tag with your information, including cellphone number, on all collars.
• Carry vaccination/health records in case of an emergency.
• Have a pet first-aid kit.
• Bring an in-car litter box for cats on long road trips.
• Locate a veterinarian near your destination(s).

Click the link to read the full article from Cars.com:  http://bit.ly/1wordeQ

Gas Myths Debunked

It's summer, which means it's time for road trips and running the kids to camp, sports events, play dates and more. This can be somewhat taxing on your gas tank and your wallet. It's understandable that you would do anything you can to save some dough. But don't let any of these common myths about how to save money on gas fool you!

Regular Maintenance
New air filters and regular oil changes are good for your car and wallet. Also, take a look at your tires before any road trip. The Environmental Protection Agency says even a slightly under-inflated tires can cost a car in fuel efficiency. By keeping you tires properly inflated, you can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, which works out to an equivalent gasoline savings of approximately $0.11 per gallon. 

Use Cruise Control
There are times when cruise control isn't appropriate, such as heavy traffic or when climbing hilly roads,
but if you're driving over relatively even terrain, cruise control can prevent unnecessary speed changes which waste gas. Cruise control can also keep drivers from creeping up in speed on long trips, saving you money on gas. 

Slow Down
Highway driving is the most efficient way to get around, but speed too much and those savings go out the tailpipe. Fueleconomy.gov estimates each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. You don't want to drive too slowly on the highway of course, but keeping your speed around or under 70 mph can save a lot of cash on fuel, not to mention speeding tickets. 

Travel light, store right
Excessive weight can ruin fuel efficiency in any car, so it is important to prioritize when packing for a long road trip. How you stow your stuff can also have a major effect on gas bills. Hauling cargo on your roof, for example, increases aerodynamic drag and lowers fuel economy by around 2 percent to 8 percent in city driving and 10 percent to 25 percent at Interstate speeds according to fueleconomy.gov.

Click the link to read the full blog from KickingTires.com: http://aol.it/1s8ZPDd

Keep Your Car Looking Great this Summer

Your paint job needs to be maintained if you want to keep it looking shiny and new. But summer can be rough on your your car's exterior. The sun beating down on the paint can leave it looking dull and dirt from the road can cause your car's exterior to look dull. These tips from Kicking Tires will help you keep your car looking great even throughout the summer months.

1. Wash regularly
The first step to preserving your paint job is the most obvious. In the normal course of driving, your car becomes covered in dust, tar and other dirty particles from the environment. Over time, these particles can get imbedded in your paint and become difficult to remove. By washing your car every 2-4 weeks with quality soap, you will prevent stubborn particles from getting stuck in there. Using a reputable brand of soap will protect the finish and prevent streaks and water spots. 

2. Park in a garage or covered spot
The summer sun can be harmful to your vehicle's finish if your car is always parked under its punishing rays. Cars that spend their lives in the sun will age prematurely, as the paint fades and the interior becomes dry and brittle. Although we can't always park in a garage or car port, it's nice to find a shady spot when possible. Parking in the shade will also prevent the headlights from fading and yellowing. 

3. Remove bird droppings immediately
It's a fact of life: No matter where you park your car, birds are going to find a way to poop on it. If these droppings aren't removed within a few days, they can leave a mark on your finish when you do finally clean them off. When removing dry droppings, be careful not to scratch your paint by scrubbing excessively. Instead, apply some water to the affected area and then after a few minutes, wash the droppings off with a hose. In some cases, you might need to gently agitate with a wet, soapy cloth. 

4. Remove superficial scratches
Superficial scratches are a normal part of your car's day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily, these scratches can be removed with special products that you can purchase online or at your local auto parts store. There are a number of rubbing compounds and waxes designed to safely remove small scratches and revitalize your car's finish. You can read reviews about the different products online, and also get advice from the auto-supply store attendant. If you've never done this before, stick to products that are applied by hand without the use of a special polishing machine. 

Click the link to read the full article at Kicking Tires: http://aol.it/1nhHVMm

Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

It's summertime! That means the kids are out of school and will be spending lots of time at the pool, going to day-camp or playing sports. You may even be taking a road trip vacation or two. Make sure your car is equipped with all the things you'll need for the summer! KickingTires has come up with this list of summer necessities for your vehicle. You don't want to find yourself stuck without them when you need them most!

Summer maintenance kit: A can of Fix-A-Flat, a jug of coolant and some protectant wipes. This magical trio will ensure that you won't be stuck on the side of the road with cranky kids and a flat; that any overheating radiators get relief; and that your car's plastic and leather surfaces look good despite the punishing heat. 

Sunscreen: Skin cancer is on the rise in young adults, and the crying of a sunburnt child is traumatizing on many levels. In addition to a bottle of sunscreen spray or lotion, you also might consider a sunscreen stick as it doesn't seem to melt in the car and makes application — especially on the face — easy and fun for kids. 

Bug spray: Nothing ruins a family outing like a swarm of mosquitoes. Keep a bottle of bug spray or packet of wipes handy to keep the little buggers at bay. 

First-aid kit: Summer is also a time of skinned knees, cuts and bug bites. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach. 

Towels: Whether you find yourself at the beach, the pool, a spray park in the city or in a mountain stream, keeping extra towels in the car is a must. They even come in handy for mess mitigation if it rains and the kids get all wet and muddy. 

Baby powder: An ingenious antidote to the sand that sticks to all parts of little bodies whether you're at the beach or your neighborhood sandbox. Baby powder gets rid of the sand and makes for a cleaner and more comfortable ride home. 

An umbrella: Not only for the rain, but also to shade yourself from the sun.
A blanket: For picnics, to sit on at soccer or baseball games, or just warming up during those inevitable summer rainstorms. It's all the better if it's waterproof. 

A cash stash: Instantly transform yourself into parent of the year with some extra dollar bills for impromptu ice cream purchases. Some places don't take debit cards. The kids will love it and it will give you a few blissful minutes of peace. Works like a charm every time.

Read the full article from KickingTires here: http://bit.ly/1oxVtTm

Unforgettable Road Trip Destinations

Have you planned a summer vacation yet this year? If you haven't, why not take a spur of the moment road trip? Our country has many wonderful cities that aren't usually thought of as popular vacation getaways. Visiting any one of them will make for an unforgettable vacation. 

Business Insider has compiled a list of the Top 10 Road Trip Destinations in the United States. We've listed a few of our favorites here. What city would you most like to road trip to?

Portland, Maine
Portland is the perfect road trip destination. Whether you’re looking for a quick road trip along the east coast (it’s a 5 hour drive from New York City and less than 2 hours from Boston) or planning a cross-country adventure (start at the Atlantic Ocean in Portland and head west!). 

Stretch your legs and burn some  calories on a  biking tour of  Portland’s historic lighthouses and stunning shoreline, from Bug Light overlooking the Portland Breakwater to Spring Port Lighthouse and 2 Lights State Park. You’ll have earned a lobster roll for the road, which beats a rest stop hot dog any day. 

Rumney, New Hampshire
Whether you’re headed west from Maine or just taking a short trip into New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, why not get an adrenaline rush (from something other than go over the speed  limit) with a short pit-stop for to scale a mountain? 

Head up to Rumney, one of the country’s premier destinations for rock climbing. Numerous crags dot the hillside of Rattlesnake Mountain above the sleepy New England town, offering exciting challenges for climbing novices and experts alike. 

Niagra Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is an ever-popular road trip destination, since it’s pretty impossible to get to the Falls without driving some leg of the journey. 

Once you’re there, you could check out the Falls from the shore or don a “stylish” plastic raincoat aboard the Maid of the Mist, but why not embrace a little adventure? Hop on a jet boat tour of the Niagara River, whose Class 5 rapids make for an exhilarating, and very wet, ride.   

Nashville, TN
An American road trip is incomplete without visiting some historic sites.  If you’re headed across the country, why not stop in Nashville, Tennessee?  

Not only can you take in the great sites of Music City (Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, the Hall of Fame) but you can check out the city’s Civil War past as well. In late 1864, the Confederate and Union army fought the Battle of Franklin, a bloody struggle that effectively destroyed the Army of Tennessee.  

There you can visit three Civil War era mansions: The Carter House, Lotz House and the Carnton Plantation that witnessed and withstood the battle.  

Chicago, IL
Chicago has long been a hub of American travel—road trips to or through Chicago save the pain of having to spend time in Chicago O’Hare, a notoriously busy and overwhelming airport.
If you plan a trip with Chicago on the itinerary, there is any number of things to see and do. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the Miracle Mile, Chicago boasts culture and history in spades. 

Why not soak it all up on a foodie bike tour of the city’s best bites and brews? Ride 13 miles through Chicago’s distinctive neighborhoods, taste Chicago delicacies like deep dish pizza, and wash it all down with the Lincoln Park-brewed Goose Island beer.  Try to get there in time for the world-renowned Taste of Chicago, taking place July 10-14 – you don’t want to miss this! 

Denver, CO
The Mile High City is a must-visit on many East-West road trips via I-70 or I-80. The city combines the best of the urban, with the fun-loving adventuresome spirit of the West.  

Those unaccustomed to the altitude might find biking, running or hiking a lot more exhausting than what they’re used to.  Don’t torture yourself, and instead enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty without huffing and puffing.  

Shake off the road by soaring at 50 miles per hour 200-feet in the air through Rocky Mountain pine forests on a zipline. Afterwards, unwind with a craft beer tour of Denver’s hippest breweries.

Click the link to see the full list of Business Insider's Top Road trip destinations: http://read.bi/TUPZWz