The used-car buying process isn’t always fun. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself. Buying a car is a big decision. Whether choosing a new or used vehicle, stepping onto a car lot or into a dealership and being confronted by a more-than-enthusiastic salesperson who you know works on commission can create a mixture of anxiety and frustration. It’s a tough job that usually gets little respect from consumers and serves as a stereotype – often unfairly – for anyone who’s willing to shake your hand while simultaneously reaching into your pocket. The used car business is changing, though. S ..read more

Following a Collision with an Automated Vehicle, What Do You Do? Seven out of ten drivers wouldn’t know what to do Drivers today share the road with automated vehicles* more and more, with tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel and just about every automaker developing and testing self-driving cars and trucks. Auto manufacturers are phasing automated vehicle technologies into new models, including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, blind spot cameras, parking assistance and lane departure warning systems. These semi-automated technologies are the first steps toward a fully ..read more

Summertime typically means family road trips, sunscreen and hats. However, while you’re taking personal precautions to beat the heat, make sure to do the same for your car. High temperatures and direct sunlight can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s interior, exterior and engine. If you want to keep your ride safe during the summer, then follow these tips on how to protect your car in hot weather. Drive when it’s cooler It may seem like a no brainer, but avoiding the sun when driving can help mitigate heat-related issues. Hitting the road early in the morning or later in the evening ca ..read more

By Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Claims and Customer Experience at Mercury Insurance  Drivers, it’s time to be honest. How do you really feel about semi-autonomous vehicles? Chances are that you or someone you know has recently driven a vehicle equipped with intelligent or adaptive cruise control, parking assistance or collision alert systems. If so, it’s official – you’ve driven a semi-autonomous vehicle! While there may be a lot of confusion from drivers over what semi-autonomous means or how safe semi-autonomous features may be, there’s no denying the influence semi-autonomous vehicle tech ..read more

Road signs and emojis are two very different kinds of symbols that are ubiquitous in our daily lives. While one is designed to keep our roads safer, emojis are a fun way to enhance and convey emotion in text conversations. Both are engrained in how we communicate. With the rise of mobile technology, do we now know more about emojis than we do common road signs? Take this quiz to put your knowledge to the test. Whatever the outcome may be, always remember as a driver that emojis and road signs should be kept separate and to put your phone down while driving.   The post How Well Do You Know You ..read more

Properly maintained brakes are crucial to a safe driving experience. Know what it means when your brakes begin making a noise. When it comes to driver safety, one of the most important components of any automobile is the braking system. The performance of a car’s brakes can spell the difference between avoiding a collision and a terrible tragedy. If a car’s brakes begin making an unusual noise, it’s important to have them checked by a professional to determine if there’s an issue that could lead to a serious accident. To understand the types of noises a car’s brakes can make, it helps to under ..read more

Several automobile manufacturers offer diesel-powered cars, but are they a good option? Many of us have pulled up to the gas pump at our local convenience store, absentmindedly picked up the nozzle at the end of the green hose and spent a few seconds of confusion wondering why it wouldn’t fit into the fuel filler of our car. We eventually realize[SJH1]  it was the hose for diesel, not gasoline, and put it back on its holder. Seeing those hoses at the gas pump does[SJH2]  make us wonder, though. What’s the difference between a gasoline engine and one that runs on diesel fuel, and why would some ..read more

Many college graduates are in the market for a vehicle to get them to interviews or a new job reliably. While there’s a vast selection of vehicles to choose from, important considerations like safety and affordability can help narrow your search. Vehicle safety should be a priority when making a purchase decision, as it helps ensure you’re protected in the event of a collision. Many newer vehicles are equipped with technology like lane departure warning, blind spot information systems, and braking assistance technology to help prevent a collision or lessen its severity. The National Highway T ..read more

Whether it’s a family trip to an amusement park or a cross-country adventure with friends, road trips are a part of American culture. However, the first step toward a fun-filled and safe excursion is to ask yourself, “Is my car ready for a road trip?” Savvy drivers can find and take care of most minor vehicle issues by doing a little maintenance before hitting the highway. Follow this road trip checklist to make sure your car is ready before your next adventure. Check Your Lights Be sure all of your lights work properly, including headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals ..read more

Year after year, motor vehicle accidents continue to take the lives of thousands of U.S. teens. That’s why it’s vital for young people to treat driving as a privilege that comes with great responsibility. To bring attention to these startling statistics and help parents teach teens safe driving habits, Mercury created the Drive Safe Challenge. The Drive Safe Challenge champions not only safe driving but provides education as well, helping young people understand traffic laws and the importance of proper car maintenance, while also offering tips on how to select the right vehicle. As part of th ..read more