Car ownership
- The maintenance scheduleFollow the owner's manual schedule for your kind of driving, not the shop's upsell list.
- How to jump-start a carRed to dead +, red to good +, black to good −, last black to bare metal on the dead car.
- How to change a flat tireLoosen the lug nuts before jacking, tighten in a star pattern, and keep a compact spare under 50 mph.
- Checking for recallsEnter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
- What to do after a crashCall 911 if anyone is hurt, move out of traffic if it's safe, then swap insurance information and take photos.
- Dashboard warning lightsRed oil or temperature light: pull over and shut off the engine. Battery light: drive to a shop. Flashing check engine: go now.
- Getting pulled overSignal, pull right, radio off, window down, hands visible. Have your license, registration and insurance ready, and argue later.
- Tickets and a towed carTicket: pay, fix or ask for a trial by the deadline, and ask about traffic school. Towed: call the sign's number and go fast.
- Registering and renewing your carCheck the exact expiration date, get any inspection, have insurance proof, and renew early. New state? Register within weeks.
- Auto insurance basicsNearly every state requires liability insurance, but state minimums may not cover a serious crash. Compare quotes with identical coverage. In Money
- Buying a car without getting takenGet loan pre-approval and written out-the-door prices first, and pay an independent mechanic to inspect any used car. In Money