Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Cool gear to take on your next road trip or vacation

Gas prices are falling and travel is surging and Americans are again adding road trips again to their vacation plans. Whether a short weekend trip nearby or a long month road trip, there are several products you may take on your next adventure. Here are some cool products displayed at the Taiwan Excellence booth during this year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Show. Whether you’ve brought your own food or plan on fast-food dining, eating will likely be a part of drive on road trip. Why not forego the plastic utensils and cups and make it a plastic-free trip? Options abound, from bringing your own cups and silverware to using sustainable alternatives like Ju Tian Straws, Cutlery and Cups. JuTian transforms raw

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The basics of properly taking care of a car

Investing in a car often involves a substantial amount of money. With rare exceptions, vehicles don’t come cheap, particularly with the continuing cost of living increases. Taking care of your vehicle will ensure it operates properly and it will maintain its resale value when it’s time to sell it and purchase another vehicle. Proper maintenance is important for comfort and general performance. Longevity is an important trait, but regular vehicle car care isn’t easy for all owners. Often, they don’t know how, when and where to start. Here are some tips for proper maintenance: Exterior Cleaning The exterior of vehicles are constantly exposed to elements, which meant they accumulate a lot of dirt — mud to grime, salt to bird

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Traffic Ticket Options For First-Time Offenders

When a driver disobeys the rules governing cars on the road, it is considered a traffic violation. A Florida driver who violates the traffic laws may be fined, forced to attend traffic school, have negative points on their driving record, or even have their license suspended. With nearly 10,000 accidents to date this year recorded in Polk County alone, the importance of safe driving is paramount as we head into the holiday season. Discover the two types of traffic tickets a driver may receive for breaking the below-mentioned regulations. Movement Infractions When a driver transgresses the law while operating a vehicle on a public road, it is referred to as a moving traffic violation. Significant penalties and points are frequently

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#244, Insurance expert talks all things winter driving

It’s a family affair. Several relatives have been or are in the field and now for nearly a decade, Melanie Musson has cultivated her expertise in the car insurance industry. With Halloween and the winter on the horizon, Musson, a published car insurance expert with CarInsuranceComparison.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Musson about the importance for drivers and pedestrians to remain acutely vigilant during the time of the year when nightfall occurs earlier. Musson provides expertise in many areas of car insurance, notably the increased accidents and other concerns during winter driving. Statistics tell the story: • Seventy percent of drivers who live in regions of the

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Make sure you don’t make these mistakes while driving

Drivers who enjoy driving like to get the most from the road. But sometimes those activities have many potential risks and do more harm than good. As such, discovering how to avoid automotive problems is the most important step toward achieving safer driving conditions. Here are three common mistakes drivers make in different areas of the automotive experience and how to avoid them: Purchasing Having a dream car or truck is great, but it’s not always practical. Having a vehicle suited to your needs is a better approach. Expensive cars not only involve a substantial initial investment and insurance. Maintenance costs will be also higher for a vehicle whose engine capacity is greater than what is necessary for your needs.

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5 hobbies to consider as a car fanatic

Car fanatics may be looking for ways to spend their time and energy when not behind the wheel. Hobbies abound. Whether you’re into racing, restoring cars or simply admiring them from afar, there’s something for everyone. Here are five automotive-related options: Racing From local drag strips to a V8 supercar experience, ways to get a “fix” are plentiful. If there’s not a track readily available, online tracks are available with different events and racing series from which to choose. Restoring For automotive enthusiasts who like working with their hands, restoring cars can rewarding. It’s also a great way to learn about car history and mechanics. Whether restoring a classic or a modern car and depending on your preferences,  many resources

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5 Tips For Drivers To Practice Being Safer Drivers

Most drivers want to drive safely. No one wants to get into an auto accident and potentially seriously injure or kill themselves or others. However, many drivers aren’t as safe on the road as they think. And many drivers do many things little and large that can increase the odds of a disaster. Drinking and driving are likely to result in the offender speaking with a DUI accident lawyer. Not properly maintaining a vehicle is a roadside recovery scenario waiting to happen. But there are many things you can do (or not do) that will make you a safer driver, including the following: Adjusting Your Setup Properly adjusting various parts of a vehicle for the most efficient driving can help

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4 Major Causes of Car Accidents (Where You’re To Blame)

Most car accidents are caused by human error and even good drivers cause accidents. If we want to be better drivers, it’s crucial we look at our own driving skills before blaming other drivers for mistakes. Here are four major reasons for car accidents: Reckless Driving Reckless driving, like aggressive driving, can lead to devastating car accidents. Recklessness while driving is akin to carelessness. When drivers change lanes too quickly with disregard for other drivers, more problems can occur. Speeding is the second most common cause of road accidents on the road. Reckless driving compounds problems. Speeding is the second most common cause of road accidents on the road. Reckless driving compounds problems. Reckless driving may play a key role

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Traffic Ticket Options For First-Time Offenders

When a driver disobeys the rules governing cars on the road, it is considered a traffic violation. A Florida driver who violates traffic laws may be fined forced to attend traffic school, have negative points on his or her driving record, or even have their driver’s license suspended. Here are the two types of traffic citations a driver may receive for breaking the below-mentioned regulations: Movement Infractions When a driver transgresses the law while operating a vehicle on a public road, it is referred to as a moving traffic violation. Significant penalties and points are frequently assessed for moving traffic infractions. Reckless driving, disobeying traffic control devices and making incorrect lane changes can lead to a reported moving offense. Some

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Top safety tips for running and cycling on roads

Keeping safe while enjoying the outdoors, such as running and cycling, is essential. The health benefits are many, but there are also risks to be avoided. Exercising safely on roads involves adhering to commonsense practices. It’s a must to know the potential dangers of exercise, including potential accidents with other pedestrians and vehicles. Here are some tips for exercising safely: Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings Just like when driving a car, watching out for vehicles is essential if you want to stay safe when running and cycling. Constant vigilance is required. Whether crossing a busy intersection or simply riding down a quiet residential street, paying careful attention can help you avoid potential hazards and accidents. It’s essential to remember

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4 tips to being a safer, better driver for you, others

Drivers are not just responsible for their own lives, they’re responsible for others on the road. It’s what makes you a responsible driver. Recklessness behind the wheel put lives at risk. Safe drivers keep others safe. A relaxed attitude toward the road can cause crashes and fatalities. Drivers should maintain the same vigilance and caution as they had when they received their first driving license. Being a safe driver means avoiding having a car accident lawyer call you because you are liable for somebody else’s injury. Being a safe on the road also means taking the time to understand your driving habits and to know your strengths and weakness. Here are some ways you could be a safer driver: Maintain

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6 steps to being a better driver when learning to drive

Safety is imperative when learning to drive — for ourselves, passengers, occupants in other vehicles and pedestrians. It’s also an appropriate time to develop proper driving habits, not unsafe or illegal habits like driving too fast. Here are some basic guidelines to follow, whether you’re learning to drive or have many years of driving experience. Fasten Your Seatbelt It might seem obvious, but many car drivers and passengers don’t wear their seat belts. Without wearing a seatbelt or if it’s not properly attached, a car occupant can be tossed around the cabin, thrown into a windshield or launched from a vehicle. Learning To Drive: Seatbelts A Must Correctly worn, seatbelts save lives. If not worn or attached improperly, accidents are

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#242, Sacramento collector talks California Automobile Museum

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:07 — 42.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreDavid Felderstein is a passionate collector of vintage automobiles and he shares his interests with friends and neighbors in East Sacramento and at the California Automobile Museum. Felderstein is the Exhibits Committee Chair and Board Secretary for museum, which opened in 1987 as the Towe Ford Museum. It was renamed the Towe Auto Museum 1997 and has has held it current name for nearly 15 years. Felderstein is my guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. While co-host Bruce Aldrich remains on assignment, I talk with Felderstein about his varied collection of vehicles and about the museum. The museum’s largest event of the

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3 reasons to visit a Mercedes-Benz service center in 2023

A Mercedes-Benz first needs servicing after 10,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance is then recommended every 20,000 miles or two years. The engine check-ups ensure a vehicle runs properly and provides the driver with a sense of road confidence. Two primary types of service are required: Service A includes oil replacement, fluid level check, component inspection, resetting maintenance counter, and tire inflation. Service B includes brake fluid exchange, cabin dust filter replacement, brake component inspection and inflation correction. The top reasons for automotive maintenance are increasing lifespan and overall performance of  a vehicle. A proper check-up routine also helps to ensure optimum luxury and a hassle-free, on-road experience. It’s no surprise the global automotive repair and

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5 SUV Must Dos And Must Haves For A Road Trip

Car travel is increasingly popular, with Americans experiencing fun-filled adventures, observing beautiful landscapes and collecting joyous moments  — and often in an SUV. But what cars are becoming Americans’ first choice to travel? Industry data details that sport utility vehicles outsold sedans two to one in 2019. And the trend is expected to grow. Sport utility vehicles are popular for their practicality, clearance height, power and cargo space. With the growing trend of SUVs, car riders need to plan and prepare for long road journeys. Here’s a list of essentials for traveling in your SUV: Maintenance Cars need maintenance, with particular importance on long journeys. To make your trip as smooth and safe as possible, make sure to do the

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Illinois is stunning state for a safe drive

Chicago, Illinois is a major transportation and museum hub. It’s well-known for its cuisine, including horseshoe sandwiches, deep dish pizzas and corn dogs. Illinois was also the first state to abolish slavery. Illinois offers a lot for visitors, particularly for those who want to drive around the state. Here’s a comprehensive list of places to visit: Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Spoon River Valley is a picturesque 140-mile trip with more than two-dozen attractions. The lovely byway hosts flea markets, antique shows and handmade delicacy businesses. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival is the main attraction of the valley’s scenic drive. The Spoon River has created a vast geographic valley across Fulton County. It offers remarkable richness throughout the

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