Apps to Improve Your On-the-Road Experiences Track expenses, encourage driver awareness, find rest stops and earn rewards.  Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance®     Smartphones not only help drivers in an emergency, they can also make your travel more efficient, fun, productive and safe. Just remember, under no circumstances should you use these apps while driving. Pull off the road to a safe location before reaching for your phone. Here are some apps that can be of assistance to you ...

Renovations That Sell Your Home Make your house shine with a bit of cost-effective polish. Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance® Thinking of selling your home? Then you’re probably wondering what might attract house hunters’ attention in a competitive buyer’s and renter’s market. Knowing which upgrades are worth the money, dust and hammering is the key to getting a better return on your investment. “A common misconception among homeowners when it comes to renovation and remodeling is ...

Best Cars for Young Drivers Younger drivers may benefit from these special features. Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance®  “A younger driver doesn’t need sporty cars or tall, tippy SUVs or giant sedans with vague steering and a big appetite for gas,” says “The Saturday Mechanic,” automotive expert Mike Allen. “You need anti-lock braking and stability control. So start with mid-sized or compact sedans or crossover SUVs.” Research about possible vehicle choices gives you power. Start by ...

How to Escape a Car in an Emergency Be prepared with these tools and tips. Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance® It’s a situation that can send even the most cool-headed drivers into a state of panic: You’re in an accident, and you can’t escape from your car. If you’re alone in a remote, dark area, the anxiety can really build. So it’s best to prepare for this situation before it happens.For starters, there are products offered that claim to help you help yourself when it comes to escaping ...

Think Smart to Prevent Car TheftBrought to you by Nationwide Insurance®Here’s how you can help avoid being a victim:Hide tempting items. Think about what would appeal to thieves. If they can see purses, computer bags or even the ignition key from the window, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Stand out. If you don’t have a garage, try to park on a well-lit street with lots of traffic.Lock in before rolling out. When you step inside the car, lock it up right away.Stop smart. You’re ...

Under the HoodKeep your car running perfectly using this checklist. Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance®The tips below are general enough for most vehicles. Your owner’s manual may also suggest a different maintenance schedule—which you should follow. Also, have your routine work done by a mechanic you go to regularly to keep a consistent record of your car’s service.Brake Pads, Rotors, Fluid—Check every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; replace fluid every 2 years. Your brake pads and rotors provide ...

Sharing the Road with Cyclists Take extra precautions for everyone’s safety. Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance®Safe driving starts with mutual respect and consideration among all parties on the road. Motorists and cyclists share the same rights and must develop an understanding about safe driving practices.The following are safety recommendations courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists and SafetyXChange:For motorists: Keep a safe distance. Smaller vehicles like bikes can stop ...

Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance®Four-wheel drive (4WD) refers to vehicles in which the engine powers all four wheels at the same time. These vehicles often allow drivers to switch from two- to four-wheel drive as conditions require. The 4WD setting is very popular for going off-road into the thick of nature."The byproduct of seeing nature this way is that you gain respect for it,” says Bruce Elfstrom, the CEO of Overland Experts, an East Haddam, Conn.-based off-road driving ...

Find out how black ice forms and how to recognize it for a safer driveBrought to you by Nationwide Insurance®Call it the invisible menace. Black ice hides in shadowy seclusion, in the worst travel conditions, waiting to do damage to motorists."The term, ‘black ice,’ is a misnomer,” says Dennis Madden, CEO of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association. "It’s actually just a patch of smooth, clear ice. Because it’s clear, all you see is the roadway below. In fact, the only real ...

5 Car Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore Brought to you by Nationwide Insurance® When it comes to car clunks and bangs, ignorance isn’t bliss.Here's a multiple choice question. What do you do when you hear a funny noise from your vehicle? A. Ignore itB. Convince yourself that it's coming from the car next to youC. Turn up your stereo so you can't hear itD. None of the above The answer should be D. When your ride is making odd sounds—whether they're squeals, scrapes, pings or pows—it's telling you ...