By guest contributor Tami Mittan Normally, a car sliding on snow causes panic. Here, that’s what you’re supposed to do. “Alright, Tami – you’re up! I want you to accelerate to 30 MPH as you go down this next hill, and on my mark just stomp and hold.” My winter driving coach, Kubo, was…
6 Real Life Reasons Why Everyone Should Learn to Drive a Stick Shift
Why should anyone drive a manual on today’s roads? They are complicated, cumbersome and inconvenient. A design feature from the olden days of the automobile. With the overwhelming majority now tilting towards automatic vehicles, it looks like the days of the manual are over. I did not always drive a stick shift, but after I…
How to Clean Your Car Like a Pro
These car cleaning tips will get your car looking new again. Or at least new-ish. Growing up with a dad and brother who were both “motor heads,” I learned to have pride in the car I drove. I learned to pull out all the gear in the backyard and get the outside to shine, down…
What Not to Do When You Get an Out of State Traffic Ticket
It’s OK to just ignore that ticket you got on your road trip this summer, right? Wrong. Each of the 50 states that make up our nation is unique in its culture and attractions. Driving in each state can also be an experience in and of itself (and not always a positive one). Travel by…
Leasing vs. Buying a Car: Which is Better for Families?
Is leasing a car a better alternative than buying for families? In the not too distant past, it was companies that leased cars. It was an easy way to get a tax write-off and ensure executives and employees could tool around town in the latest models. Today, about one-third of new vehicles are leased rather…
2019 Cadillac XT4: Luxury Keeps Everyone Happy. And That Matters
Guest post by Tomika Bryant Space and luxury in the 2019 Cadillac XT4 keep everyone happy when quarters are close and the road is long. We are no strangers to long road trips but, it can become difficult to ensure everyone is comfortable. Because all people think of is “How far is it?” or…
What Drives Her: Lara Harrington, Honda US Chief Engineer is Focused on What You Want in a Car
This is why you love Honda SUVs. By LeeAnn Radonski As Lara Harrington looked out over her graduating class at Ohio State University, one thing was clear: out of the 100 Aeronautical Engineers who just received their diplomas, she saw only three women. Did she feel out of place? “No,” she confidently answers, “I grew…
Taking the Long Way Home, Intentionally, in the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Finally getting off the road, and seeing what I’d missed before On a recent road trip home, I decided to take the Pacific Coast Highway to my hometown of Cupertino, California. Toyota handed me the keys to the new 2018 4-Runner TRD Pro and it was the perfect opportunity to opt for the scenic route. We woke up at…
Surprising Style and Grace in the 2019 Toyota Avalon
I’m not a full-size sedan person, so this one caught me by surprise. By Jessica Doll, HejDoll.com I grew up around cars. My grandpa raced cars, my dad was into cars and in high school I hung out with the car club. I have taken a few autocross lessons and had fun. I like to drive!…
The Toyota Tacoma Then (Monster Truck!) and Now: Luxury and Capability for Adventures
I have a confession to make: I’m a truck girl. by Amanda Rodriguez, Dude Mom. Not just because I’m a mom of dudes and I spend a lot of time with boys. But because I learned to drive in a pickup truck. Not just any truck, but a Toyota Tacoma stick shift that my dad…