Tag: AAA

Cars & Trucks & Life

Is Your Battery Zapped?

July 26, 2017. Roberto Cruz

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 on…

North American Tours

Memphis Pulses to a Rock ‘n’ Roll Beat

July 01, 2017. Jill Fergus

When the music started, the people who had been standing around began to tap their toes, bounce their heads and move their hips to the beat. But this wasn’t a dance hall or a dimly lit club. It was a museum. Yet people couldn’t help themselves when the distinctive sounds of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry…

Cars & Trucks

4 Car Repairs to Make Before It’s Too Late

July 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz

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 Car…

Hotels & Resorts

Putting a Five Diamond Shine on the Big Apple

July 01, 2017. AAA Staff

If you’re looking to experience the finer side of New York City, AAA has you covered. For more than 80 years, AAA has inspected and rated both hotels and restaurants on behalf of AAA members. The highest ranking – AAA’s Five Diamond Award – is reserved for the best of the best. Earlier in the…

Hotels & Resorts

New Massachusetts Four Diamond Hotels for 2017

July 01, 2017. AAA Staff

AAA added four Massachusetts hotels to its exclusive Four Diamond list for 2017. Boston Park Plaza: This hotel is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year after completing a multiyear, $100 million renovation in 2016. Furniture and fixtures throughout the hotel were replaced, the 1,060 guestrooms and communal areas were completely redone and a library room…

Cars & Trucks

Don’t Break the Bank on Unexpected Car Repairs

June 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz

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, the…

European Tours

Travel Europe by River Cruise, Train or Car

June 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Backpacking is probably one of the most creative ways to see Europe, but it’s not the only way to explore the continent off-the-beaten path. Consider these modes of travel if you’re looking for a different perspective of Europe. River Cruising It’s easy to see why river cruising’s popularity is on the rise. Guests on these…

Mortgages

Explaining Mortgage Insurance

June 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Q. Can you explain mortgage insurance? A. Mortgage insurance, sometimes referred to as private mortgage insurance or PMI, protects lenders against borrowers who default on their loans. Any borrower who puts down less than 20 percent on a mortgage should expect to pay mortgage insurance, which is often paid on a monthly basis with other…

European Tours

Friendly Spots for Solo Trips

June 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Traveling solo has its advantages. You’re free to set your own itinerary, and you don’t need to convince anyone else about whether a destination is worth visiting. That said, it’s understandable that a solo sojourn, especially your first, can be a little intimidating. If you’re a bit apprehensive about going it alone, consider these destinations….

Home

Pet Allergies: When an Itch Means Something More

June 01, 2017. Nick Tavares

Ever think your pet might be allergic to you? While that may be a rare scenario, it’s increasingly clear that cats and dogs, like their human companions, can have allergies. Cornell University’s Baker Institute for Animal Health classifies potential pet allergies into three categories: atopic dermatitis caused by pollen, dust, mold and other natural irritants;…

Homeowner's Insurance

3 Questions to Know If You’re Ready to Buy a House in 2017

May 06, 2017.

Here are three questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering whether 2017 is the year you’re ready to make such a commitment.

Auto Insurance

When It’s Time for Kids to Get Their Own Insurance

May 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Here are some considerations to weigh when it’s time to leave the familial coverage nest.

Cars & Trucks

Keep an Eye on These 3 Car Parts As Your Car Ages

May 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz

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 the…

Home

Curb Appeal Tips to Help You Sell Your Home

May 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Summer is a hot season for home sales. In fact, after a slight dip in May, home sales tend to climb well above the annual average in June and July, according to Trulia real estate listings. Curb appeal is always important, perhaps more so in summer when snow can’t hide patchy lawns and untrimmed hedges….

Home

3 Fun Backyard Games for Pets

May 01, 2017. Nick Tavares

Daily playtime is vital to your dog’s physical and mental health. Get creative with your backyard games this spring and try some of these suggestions from Kurgo, a pet travel, toy and outdoor products company. AAA members save up to 20% on Kurgo products.  Flyball Flyball is actually a competitive team sport for dogs. To…

Cars & Trucks

Car-Inspired Gifts Mom Will Love

May 01, 2017. AAA Staff

Another Mother’s Day is upon us and figuring out what to get mom year after year can be a daunting task. Why not get her something creative, beautiful and offbeat inspired by the automotive world? Harveys Seat Belt Bags These purses and bags made from cool-colored seat belts caught my eye many years ago. I…

Food & Dining

Make Delicious Smoothies 3 Ways

April 01, 2017. Nick Tavares

For a healthy snack, try blending up one of these satisfying smoothies. Green: Pineapple green smoothie This lean, green healthy snack packs in nutrients and flavor. EatingWell.com created this smoothie with almond milk, pineapple, banana, chia seeds, Greek yogurt and baby spinach. The result – a tasty drink full of essentials like protein and fiber….

Food & Dining

Favorite Childhood Foods Reinvented

April 01, 2017. Dana Laverty

If you’re feeling nostalgic, try these “grown-up” versions of childhood foods and feel like a kid again! Gourmet grilled cheese Betty Crocker ups the grilled cheese game with this beer-battered recipe. Hickory-smoked bacon, provolone and cheddar cheese, and an ale-based batter reinvent a childhood staple for grown-up taste buds. For a sophisticated twist, try adding…

Cars & Trucks

Top Teen Driving Tips from a Teen Expert

April 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz

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 has…

Cars & Trucks

Ready Your Motorcycle for the Road

April 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz

The do’s and don’ts of preparing your motorcycle for the open road.