Cars to Consider for 2019

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(BPT) -  Car buying - It's crucial to know how to navigate what can be an overwhelming and exhausting process.

“USAA helps members find, finance and insure vehicles that are right for their personal needs and financial goals,” says Heather Pollard, vice president of Auto Experience at USAA. “We want to avoid you ever having to regret your purchase decision, or worse, lead to financial hardships where you can no longer afford to keep your vehicle.”

If you are one of the millions of Americans looking to buy a car, here are the five things you need to know before you step foot on a dealer’s lot.

Know what you can afford.

The first and most important question to answer before launching into the car-buying process is “how much can I afford?” Figuring this out will help you determine whether you are in the market for a new or used vehicle. A good starting point is to use 15-18 percent of your take-home pay as a gauge for your total vehicle budget including the loan, insurance, gas and maintenance.

Next decision, how will you pay for it? There are numerous ways to manage the financial burden for purchasing a new car, including taking out a loan. If you have decided to go the loan route, determine how much you can afford in monthly payments. Banks or another financial institution might offer lower interest rates than a car dealer. Aim to pay off the loan within three to five years.

“Get pre-approved for an auto loan amount and interest rate so you know where you stand before you begin shopping,” says Renée Horne, vice president of Consumer Lending at USAA Bank. “Look for low loan rates and flexible terms to fit your budget needs versus being steered by dealers into a decision solely based on monthly payment, which often results in paying more in interest for the overall loan term.”

Another idea is to sell or trade in your new graduate’s current vehicle. If you plan to do this, factor in the cash value of that car and then add your planned down payment, typically 15-20 percent. You can use online tools such as USAA’s Auto Loan Calculator to get an estimate of what the end price tag will be.

Determine the total cost of ownership.

It is important to understand the total cost of ownership before surprising your graduate with the car of their dreams. Everything from gas to auto insurance will be an extra expense added on to the monthly cost for a new or used car and something everyone in the family needs to consider.

When receiving an auto insurance quote, note that collision and comprehensive coverage generally cost less for used cars. If purchasing an older car, consider getting pricing for Extended Vehicle Protection coverage before you go to the dealer.

Keep an open mind.

Once you have established what you can afford and the total cost of ownership, it is time to discover what features and styles you or your teen want in a car. Prioritize a list of the features you would like to see. For the teen in your life, safety is usually at the top. Next, assess how much they will be using this car and what for. Are they commuting to school or a job? Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible — stay open to two or three models that would meet your teen driver’s needs and your or their budget.

Do your research.

Everyone can agree that dealerships can be overwhelming and intimidating. Research your market first. Try the USAA Car Buying Service to see what’s out there and find vehicles that come with exclusive member discounts.

If you are looking into the used car market, always run a background check. You can get a vehicle history report from Carfax, which can help verify ownership history, mileage and accident history. Also, make sure the used vehicle has never been salvaged by entering the vehicle identification number into the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s system.

Go for a test drive.

After picking out a few of your top favorites, it is time to see how the car operates on the real road. Hit the highway to properly gauge a car’s performance, and inspect the car for mileage, tread, etc. If possible, run the car by a trusted mechanic for an under-the-hood inspection to forecast longevity and maintenance needs. Remember, factory warranties usually transfer depending on the mileage.

(BPT) - The onset of warmer weather means taking to the outdoors, be it boating, camping or simply tackling big jobs in the backyard. The result is a heavy increase in traffic on the roads — and often tagging along with the extra vehicles are the trailers, boats and campers that can put motorists at risk.
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In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year as a result of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles.

These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing the right way:

Get hitched: A starting point to towing is knowing the pulling capacity of your vehicle, as too much weight can cause a load of problems, no matter how much power your engine has.

When it comes to connecting a trailer to the towing vehicle, a critical component, of course, is the coupler — the part of the hitch system that is attached to the trailer. The coupler needs to be secured, tight and locked.

On the towing vehicle, avoid using a ball mount and hitch that is rusted, cracked, corroded or poorly designed — anything that can compromise its integrity. A safe answer is applying a new hitch, like the Ultra-Tow Complete Tow Kit, which is a durable and easy solution to pull whatever you’re towing.

Bottom line: Always reference the “coupling to tow vehicle” section of your vehicle manual to make sure it is done right.

Feel the (tire) pressure: An often forgotten element on the trailer towing checklist is making sure the trailer’s tire pressure is at the right level. In addition, inspect tires for wear or trauma — and be sure to have a spare.

Be a chain agent: Once you place and pop in the coupler over the ball mount, the next step is applying the safety chains, which need to be rigged to the tow vehicle. Avoid the common mistake of rigging the safety chains to the hitch or ball mount itself. Safety chains are federal law and will keep the trailer from drifting in the event the trailer coupling separates from the ball mount.

Light it up: No matter what you’re driving, communicating with other vehicles is paramount to safety — and that means having properly working brake, tail and turn signal lights. Before departing, sync up the trailer lights with the tow vehicle and test it out so that other motorists will know your actions.

Locked down and loaded: Once everything is hitched, it’s time to load up the cargo. It’s best to be balanced with weight distribution, but put heavier cargo in the front of the trailer. And of course, do not overload.

This pre-departure checklist is only a start. Once on the road, remember the basic safe driving practices when towing a trailer: Drive at moderate speeds, avoid sudden stops, don’t use cruise control and allow more distance for stopping.

No matter how much of a rush you are in to hit the road this summer, don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to towing safely.
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(BPT) - The idea of a new car or truck is exciting. What’s even more exciting is making that new vehicle your own.


There are countless ways to personalize a vehicle, but one of the easiest ways to spruce up a vehicle is by adding a new set of wheels. In fact, wheels are typically the first thing vehicle owners upgrade on a car or truck after purchasing it from the dealership.


According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in its 2017 Market Research Report, wheels are among the most purchased items by consumers in the $42 billion aftermarket industry. Because there are many wheel options, SEMA recommends researching the various wheel types available for your specific vehicle and learning about the different wheel finish options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.


Here are basics about wheel finishes to keep in mind:


Painted: Opting for painted wheels will give you an endless amount of options when it comes to colors and effects, allowing you to personalize your vehicle exactly how you desire. Painted wheels are typically primed before wet paint is applied, and they are finalized with a clear topcoat to protect the paint. To minimize damage or discoloration due to heat or dust brought about by daily use, painted wheels should be cleaned with a non-acidic and non-abrasive soap that should not be allowed to dry onto the wheel.


Polished: Polished wheels are great if you want a wheel with a shiny look or mirror-like finish that is not heavy, which could aid in fuel economy. The wheel is polished to a high luster by buffing it using a machine or by hand before being protected with a high-gloss clear coat. Polished wheels can be cleaned with mild soap and dried with a microfiber towel, then coated and hand-polished with a non-abrasive wax to help it maintain its luster.


Chrome: If you want the shiniest look possible, opt for a chrome wheel. This popular and classic type of wheel finish is achieved by adding layers of metals, such as copper, nickel and chromium, to create a very reflective finish. You can easily clean chrome wheels with soap and water, then dry them with a soft cloth. To prevent dirt and dust from sticking to the wheels, add a layer of wax after cleaning them.


Powder-coated: For an extremely durable wheel finish that is resistant to scratches and fading and comes in many color options, go with a powder-coated wheel. To achieve this finish, a wheel is grounded and sprayed with a powder-coat (usually a polyester or epoxy), then exposed to heat (usually in a heating oven), essentially baking on the smooth finish. Like their painted counterparts, powder-coated wheels can be cleaned with a mild soap that should not be allowed to dry on the wheel finish. You can further protect the finish by applying a wheel sealant or coating solution.


These are but a few of the many types of finishes available in the wheel segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that can help give your vehicle an updated look. Every type of wheel finish provides variations in shine, color and required maintenance, so take the time to research what’s available. Regardless of the wheel you decide to go with, it will surely help get you on the road to creating a vehicle that meets your unique, individual needs.


Manufacturers introduce new wheels and many other products annually at the SEMA Show, the leading trade-only show for businesses in the automotive industry. Consumers can connect with some of these businesses at the official SEMA Show after-party, also known as SEMA Ignited, where one-of-a-kind custom vehicle builds featuring the newest aftermarket products, including wheels, parade out of the convention center before making their way to the ultimate car show open to the public. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.

(BPT) - Need help finding the perfect vehicle? If you're in the market for a new car or truck, consider purchasing one you can make your own. While just about any vehicle can be transformed with a few simple products, there are certain makes and models that are more accessory-friendly than others.

To find out which vehicles those are, car shoppers can look to the winners of the SEMA Award before making their purchase. Presented annually by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade association representing the automotive customization industry, the SEMA Award is given to vehicles that can easily and affordably be improved to better fit your needs.

"The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for the newest and most innovative products," says Chris Kersting, president and CEO for SEMA. A variety of different products such as seat covers, wheels, tires, suspension and exhaust can all make for a simple yet immense difference on your new ride. Here are this year's SEMA Award winners:

Hottest Car: Ford Mustang

The iconic Mustang took home the Award for Hottest Car, which is no surprise considering it is one of the most popular cars for vehicle enhancement. Whether you're adding LED headlights or a new exhaust system, both the appearance and performance can easily be upgraded on the Ford Mustang. On and off the track, this vehicle continues to be reliable, customizable and in high demand among consumers today.

Hottest Truck: Ford F-Series

One of the most popular selling lines of trucks on the market is the Ford F-Series. Because of its unlimited versatility, the F-Series is the winner of the SEMA Award for Hottest Truck. Everything from tonneau covers to protect the bed, running boards for easy access or a new air intake system for instant power gains can be upgraded, transforming your truck into a bold, new ride.

Hottest 4X4/SUV: Jeep Wrangler

As the defending champion of the hottest 4X4/SUV, the Jeep Wrangler wins its sixth SEMA Award. There are a number of different ways to turn your Wrangler into the ultimate off-road ride or just personalize it as your everyday vehicle. If you're ready to hit the trails, consider a lift kit and purchasing off-road or all-terrain tires. Ramp up that rugged look while protecting the exterior with hood mounts, fender flares or rock sliders. As an enthusiast favorite in the off-road community, the Wrangler is known for its durability, unique styling and ability to be personalized in a way completely unique to you.

Hottest Sport Compact: Ford Focus

Ford vehicles are known for being accessory friendly, so it is no surprise that the Ford Focus was named the winner of the Hottest Sport Compact. As the industry continues to grow, more and more accessories are becoming available for this market segment. Whether it's a body kit, wheel/tire package or suspension and steering systems, your Ford Focus can easily be transformed into the ultimate tuner ride.

The SEMA Award is intended to guide consumers towards the hottest trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the road. Consumers spend nearly $36 billion a year on products and accessories to enhance the performance and styling of today's vehicles, according to SEMA. Winners were selected by exhibiting manufacturers at the 2015 SEMA Show, the world's premier automotive specialty equipment trade event where the newest and most innovative products are introduced each year. To learn more about the 2015 SEMA Award winners, visit www.semashow.com/semaaward.

(BPT) - For millions of Americans, the turn of seasons means it's time to tackle the big move. Whether you've purchased a new home or are changing apartments, moving is a lot of work - both physically and mentally. By planning ahead, packing smart and moving safely, you can avoid some of the most notorious moving day mistakes.


"AAA shares a longstanding commitment to driver safety with Penske, which is especially important during the spring and summer moving season," says Scott Denman, AAA, vice president, Financial Services and Discounts & Rewards.


To streamline your moving day, avoid these top mistakes and feel great about entering your new home sweet home:


Mistake: Renting the wrong size truck
In general, allow 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room. For example, a 12-foot truck offers 450 cubic feet while a 26-foot truck offers 1,400 cubic feet for your items.


Mistake: Packing items too early or too late
Begin with out-of-season and non-essential items several weeks prior to move day. Donate or sell anything you won't use at your new home. Pack essentials like personal necessities and basic cookware the day before or morning of moving day.


Mistake: Damaging breakable items
Poor packing can cause items to break during the move. Plan ahead and have plenty of paper and bubble wrap on hand. Towels, socks and other soft materials are great for packing breakables as well.
Mistake: Reserving a rental truck too late
Wait too long and you might not get the truck you need. Reserve a truck at least two weeks prior to the move. Access PenskeTruckRental.com from your smartphone and in a few clicks you'll reserve the perfect moving truck for your moving day, saving you time and headaches.


Mistake: Poorly labeled boxes
Where did you put those tools you now so desperately need? Always remember to label boxes clearly. Note the boxes' contents and what room it belongs in.


Mistake: Not having enough hands on deck
Now is the time to cash in some favors and elicit friends and family to help on moving day. This allows you to use your truck rental time efficiently while ensuring you're not too sore from doing it all yourself.


Mistake: Not utilizing truck space efficiently
Put the biggest items in the truck first followed by heavy boxes. Then stack with lighter boxes and other items to fill in the remaining space.


Mistake: Lifting incorrectly
When loading and unloading, be sure to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Work diligently, but be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated.


Mistake: Driving at peak times
Leave early in the morning. You'll run into less traffic and you'll leave yourself extra time to unload at your destination. Take turns driving and take breaks once every two to three hours.


Mistake: Unsafe driving practices
Driving a big truck is new for many people. Penske professionals will get you familiarized with your vehicle, verify the best driving directions to your new home, check the upcoming weather and give you any necessary driving advice.