About the Author
Articles by Roberto Cruz
What Difference Does a Drivetrain Make?
Four-wheel drive. All-wheel drive. What does it all mean? Is either one worth the money? Here’s a brief explanation of what each type of drivetrain can do with a good set of tires. Front-Wheel Drive Most sedans have front-wheel drive because it’s cheaper to design and build. In this system, engine power is transferred toRead More
Unreliable Cars, Artificial Intelligence and a New CUV
The Tesla Model X and Cadillac Escalade have tied as the most unreliable cars on the market, according to a new study by Consumer Reports. The 2017 reliability report found that Model X owners experienced a large number of issues with body paint, hardware and climate control systems. Escalade owners noted issues with power equipment,Read More
Bright Ideas for Holiday Home Decor
Who has the best holiday lights in your neighborhood? You do. Or at least you could with these helpful tips from industry experts. Game Plan A good plan helps you avoid surprises – and you certainly don’t want surprises on top of a ladder in the freezing cold. Measure the roofline, windows, trees and otherRead More
Dig Out Your Car Like a Boss
You need your car stuck in the snow like you need to listen to “Macarena” over and over again for three straight days. But if you do find your vehicle caught in a snowy trap, don’t freak out. Here’s what to do. Don’t Get Mad – Get Digging It’s frustrating to find your car buriedRead More
Protect Your ID While Shopping Online This Holiday Season
Don’t let cyber criminals be the Grinch in your Whoville this holiday season.
A Plan for Paying Back Student Loans
College is an incredible experience. You make new friends. You explore new places. You learn how to write a seven-page research paper the night before it’s due. But on a serious note, one thing you might not learn at college is how to manage and pay back the money you borrowed to pay for yourRead More
Shop for Tires With Confidence
When shopping for tires, some drivers will pick the cheapest set available. Others will choose the ones made by the brand with the best reputation. It’s less likely that a vehicle owner will spend hours on research to find the best set to suit his or her vehicle needs. The good news is you don’tRead More
Understanding Extended Warranties
Nobody wants an unexpected car repair bill dropped in his or her lap. An extended warranty is a safeguard against that headache.
Life Insurance 101
No matter how far you are along life’s path, a life insurance policy can help protect those who mean the most to you.
In Alaska, Fiery Fall Foliage is a Breathtaking Contrast to Snow-Capped Peaks
Fall is far from a shoulder season in Alaska. In fact, for those who enjoy travel without the crowds, it could be the best time to visit the Last Frontier. From late August through October, the Alaskan sky shimmers in shades of pink, purple, yellow and blue while the red and gold foliage provides aRead More
Is Your Battery Zapped?
Car batteries hate extreme temperatures. It’s one reason so many fail in the summer heat. Periodically disconnecting the car battery to clean its terminals with water and baking soda can help extend its life, said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul. But all automotive batteries will fail eventually. Here are a few signs yours is onRead More
4 Car Repairs to Make Before It’s Too Late
Paying for car repairs is about as much fun as a trip to the dentist. And, like the dentist, some people will go to great lengths to avoid a trip to the shop. But drivers who skip or delay important repairs expose their vehicles to dangerous situations and costlier fixes down the road, AAA’s CarRead More
Don’t Break the Bank on Unexpected Car Repairs
Unless you’re rich Uncle Pennybags, spending $600 on car repairs is a tough pill to swallow. Unfortunately, that’s the going rate for the average car repair bill today, according to new AAA research. What’s more, an estimated 30 percent of Americans are unable to pay the average car repair bill without going into debt, theRead More
Keep an Eye on These 3 Car Parts As Your Car Ages
Even the most reliable cars depreciate over time. Here are three parts to keep an eye on as your car ages. Water Pump This part circulates coolant throughout the engine to prevent overheating. It’s a moving part, so it’s prone to wear and tear; in this case, leaky seals, bad bearings and issues with theRead More
Top Teen Driving Tips from a Teen Expert
Four years ago, Shelby Fix, The Car Coach 2.0, lost a friend in a car crash that involved texting while driving. “It really hit home,” said Shelby, the daughter of The Car Coach Lauren Fix, a nationally recognized automotive expert. Because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Your AAA caught up with Shelby, who hasRead More
Ready Your Motorcycle for the Road
The do’s and don’ts of preparing your motorcycle for the open road.
Bounce Back From Pothole Damage
AAA estimates pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion in vehicle repairs each year. Minimize their effect on your car and learn how to bounce back after you hit one with this advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul. Slow your Roll The best way to avoid a pothole is to swerve around it, butRead More
Choosing the Right Car Seat
Keeping your little loved ones safe when you drive is a year-round responsibility. Having a high-quality car seat will help ensure that happens. Here’s some advice from AAA Northeast car seat expert Karen Blackburn. Choose the right seat You should get a seat that fits your child and your car. Check the manufacturer’s height andRead More
Love Your Car? Show It That You Care
Sometimes it’s nice to do things because you care. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, show your car some love with any of these three helpful, but sometimes ignored, preventive maintenance techniques. Set things straight. A properly aligned set of wheels makes your car drive straight and prevents tires from wearing out unevenly. While mostRead More
4 of the Most Influential Automakers
If the American automobile industry had its own Mount Rushmore (on the side of a cliff somewhere outside Detroit), the sculptor creating the monument would have plenty of faces from which to choose. Here are four pioneers who fit the bill, whose visions and innovativeness in the automotive sector helped make the car what itRead More