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Consider these five distracting driving habits and how to change them:

1. Eating or drinking
   Hot coffee spills, greasy hands or stray crumbs could distract you from the road. Eat before you get behind the wheel or after you’ve reached your destination. If you need a snack now, find some place off the road to stop.
    
2. Making hands-free calls
   You may not take your hands off the wheel, but calls can take your mind off the road. Turn off your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities before you drive off, and silence your phone to help prevent temptation. If you really need to make a call, safely pull over to talk.
    
3. Messing with dials or controls
   Adjusting volume, looking for a radio station, plugging in GPS directions or turning up the heat diverts your eyes from the road. Take care of all of the above before shifting into gear. If you must make adjustments, wait until you come to a complete stop at a stoplight, pull over safely, or ask your front-seat passenger to handle them.
    
4. Paying attention to other passengers
   Young children and infants can be up to eight times more distracting than adult passengers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Make sure your little ones have something to occupy them. Or stop the car and pull over safely before investigating the cause of screaming or crying.
    
5. Applying makeup or shaving
   The vanity mirror blocks your eyes from the road. Give yourself enough time before leaving home to finish getting ready.

As a union member, you have access to auto insurance with MetLife Choice^SM allowing you to quickly and easily compare auto coverage from top insurance companies.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

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Here are four things to keep in mind when you’re considering an offer in a car ad:

1. The fine print is important. Read the entire ad. The small print shouldn’t contradict the big print.
    
2. Compare offers from multiple dealers. If you don’t understand what an ad is offering, you can look for an offer from another dealer.
    
3. Speak Spanish? All of the ad should be in the same language. A company should give you all the important information in the same language, so you can understand the entire offer. Be skeptical if the ad you see is in Spanish, but parts of it are in English. The FTC recently announced a case against a dealership that advertised attractive terms in Spanish, but had other important information in English.
    
4. Asking questions is important. When you visit the dealer, you should ask many questions. If you decide to buy, be clear on the terms you’re agreeing to before signing anything.

When you see a car ad, keep a critical eye. If the ad offers, for example, low monthly payments or 0% rates, and if the fine print at the bottom of the ad contradicts the offers in large print on the same ad, the ad may not be telling the whole story.

To find the best car deal, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from different dealers. Also, consider various financing sources like banks or credit unions. Learn more about buying and owning a car at www.FTC.gov/cars.

For small vehicle repairs:

• Canned, compressed air with tire sealant
• Spare tire, vehicle jack and lug wrench
• Tarp to kneel on
• Portable battery charger and booster cables
• Basic tools: a set of socket and open-end wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver, and pliers
• Empty gas can
• Shovel
• Chains, rope or tow strap
• Road salt, sand or cat litter to help with wheel traction

For signaling help:

• Cell phone and charger
• Emergency flares
• Brightly colored flag or help signs
• Reflective hazard triangles
• Whistle

For staying warm:

• Extra winter clothing: boots, hats, coats and mittens
• Blankets: wool or fleece maintain insulation even when wet
• Sleeping bags
• Chemical heat packs
• Waterproof matches and candles
• Fire extinguisher

For your health and safety:

• Small water bottles
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods: protein bars, raisins, nuts, etc.
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Basic sanitation supplies: toilet paper, baby wipes, plastic bags, etc.
• Multi-tool pocket knife
• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications for serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and allergies

As you stock up, familiarize yourself with each item so you know how to use it. Also keep your safety kit up to date in your car throughout the season — especially before long trips. Make sure everything works, and replace broken or expired items.

These tips were brought to you by the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance program. Drivers saved an average of $536 a year on their auto insurance when switching to MetLife Auto & Home^® .

Take advantage of the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance Program by calling 855-666-5797 today! REMEMBER to mention your discount code: DJ7.

Perhaps even worse is buying a used car with hidden damage from an accident, flood, or other incident that might affect safety and performance. Shoppers don't want to pay thousands of dollars for someone else’s problems.

Consumer Reports' Auto and Finance experts have come up with these savvy tips to ensure that you're getting a good used car. Remember that when buying a new or used car from a dealership, you should carefully double-check the agreement and all the numbers.

1. Don't Skip the Test-Drive

   Why you shouldn’t: This is where you first determine if the vehicle is worth your consideration.
   
   What you should do: Note unusual squeaks and rattles, or any items that need to be repaired. A car that pulls to one side might be showing signs of previous damage. Paint overspray on the backs of body panels and doorjambs can signal body work from an accident. The smell of mildew or mold could indicate water damage, which you definitely want to avoid. CR chief mechanic John Ibbotson says to avoid vehicles with signs of deep water exposure. “Even if a vehicle looks acceptable, and may be working when you inspect it,” Ibbotson says, “water damage could lead to many electrical problems down the road.”
    

2. Check the Car's Title

   Why you should: This will help you avoid surprises that could pop up when you go to register the car.
   
   What you should do: First, make sure the seller has the actual title for the vehicle on hand. Examine the title document for signs that the vehicle has been wrecked, repurchased under a state lemon-law program, suffered flood damage, or had another problem. Many state title documents will have that information disclosed on them. Some state titles do not have that information; in those states, you should check the vehicle history report (see below). Verify that the odometer statement on the title agrees with the number in the car and that the vehicle doesn’t have any outstanding liens. If the dealer doesn’t have the title or won’t show it to you, consider a different car or different dealer.
    

3.  Expect to Get a Free Vehicle History Report

   Why you should: Savvy dealers and private sellers will pay for these reports—from CarFax or AutoCheck—as a way make their car stand out to shoppers. These reports often detail whether a vehicle has ever been in a crash, its maintenance records, and how many owners the vehicle has had.
   
   What you should do: Even though the seller may give you the report, you should still verify the information with the service. Along with total-loss information, the reports might provide warnings about odometer tampering, non-total-loss collisions, and any outstanding recalls.
   
   If the seller won’t spring for one, you should get your own. Shoppers will pay $35 for a single Carfax reports and $30 for an AutoCheck report. As an extra precaution, you can go to NICB.org to get a free VinCheck report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and visit CarsForSale.com to get a free NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) report.
    

4. But Don’t Rely Solely on That Report

   Why you shouldn’t: While helpful, vehicle history reports aren’t perfect. There are many reasons why they can miss accidents, flood damage, vehicle theft, and other events that can seriously affect a used car's value as well as your decision about whether to buy it. 
   
   What you should do: Remain vigilant. Among the reasons these reports might be missing information: The services rely on information from insurance companies and police departments. But the owner might not have reported an accident or other incident to an insurer or police if the vehicle didn't have collision coverage or if the owner decided to pay for repairs himself. In addition, damage to rental cars may never be reported because rental car companies often self-insure. Finally, after an incident occurs, it can take months for the event to show up on a history report. By that time, the vehicle may have been repaired and resold. So make sure you get your own inspection. 
    

5. Get a Mechanic’s Inspection

   Why you should: Even if the car looks super-clean and the seller promises it was driven gently, you should get an expert opinion on its roadworthiness.
   
   What you should do: Have the vehicle inspected by a reliable mechanic. “If you can, have a mechanic experienced in auto bodywork and accident repair give the vehicle a detailed inspection,” says Ibbotson. The results of this inspection give you ammunition to negotiate a final price: Either you can get a lower price because you’re going to fix the problems, or you could offer to pay their price if they fix the problems. Of course, you could ask that the problems be fixed and continue to haggle over the price. If the seller won’t let you take the car for an inspection, it’s time to walk away from the deal.
    

6. Check for Recalls

   Why you should: Check whether any safety recalls apply to the vehicle you are considering.
   
   What you should do: First, visit NHTSA.gov/recalls to research any open recalls. You’ll need the vehicle's 17-digit vehicle identification number. Recall-related repairs are made for free, but the work must be done by a new-car dealer that sells that brand of vehicle. If you find any recalls for the VIN, ask the seller to provide receipts showing that the fixes have all been performed. Consumer Reports recommends that shoppers not buy any vehicle with an open recall. With any vehicle you buy, make sure all of the recalls have been completed before you take possession.



7. Contact the Previous Owner

   Why you should: Because you never know what you might find out.
   
   What you should do: If you’re buying from a dealer, ask if you can get the name and contact information of the previous owner. Unless it’s a former rental or leased vehicle, you often can find the former owner’s name on the title, or you might get lucky and find it on a document in the glove box or somewhere else in car. Don’t believe a dealer that tells you federal law prohibits the dealership from revealing former owner information. In fact, some states—including Kentucky, Maine, and Massachusetts—require dealers to turn over former owner information if it’s reasonably available.

Copyright© 2006-2017 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission.

1. Chevy Equinox
   
   The Chevy Equinox is considered a family friendly SUV for its roomy interior. This well-equipped ride is perfect for all your summer, winter, spring and fall road trips. 
    
2. Chevy Silverado
   
   Like its competitors, the Chevy Silverado is a master at the haul, tow and carry routine. But this pickup goes miles ahead of most by sporting a ton of configuration options and hi-tech features. 
    
3. Ford F-150
   
   If you’re in the market for a pickup, this workhorse won’t disappoint. It also has a reputation for speed and hi-tech functionality. In fact, the Ford F-series pickup trucks have been the bestselling vehicles in America for decades! That’s quite a distinction. 
    
4. Jeep Cherokee
   
   They say variety is the spice of life, and with the Jeep Cherokee, there are several different varieties to choose from. So, spice things up from sporty to luxury with this popular SUV.
    
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
   
   Purpose-built luxury is Jeep’s claim for this modern and elegant SUV. But even with a grand dose of stylish design, the Grand Cherokee still upholds Jeep’s reputation for a sturdy and powerful vehicle that exudes confidence in every way.
    
6. Ford Escape
   
   A compact crossover with great looks inside and out, the Ford Escape is also popular for practical features like generous cargo space and gas mileage.
    
7. Chevy Cruze
   
   This little go getter has something for everyone. It’s sporty and hi-tech for the young-at-heart; compact for the city driver; gets great mileage for the commuter; and low-priced for the multi-car household looking for savings. 
    
8. Chevy Traverse 
   
   As one of the newest SUVs on the market, the Chevy Traverse makes a name for itself with the features of a full-size (seats 8) and the pricing of a compact. 
    
9. Dodge Ram 1500
   
   The Ram 1500 packs a mean punch both visually and with its horsepower and towing capabilities. But with the air suspension to improve handling, this fierce pickup easily offers the most comfortable ride.  
    
10. Chevy Malibu
    
    More into the mid-size vehicles? The Chevy Malibu might be your speed. Fun fact: the car was named after the city in California. 

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Safety is often cited as a top priority among car buyers and rightfully so, considering automotive fatalities have increased in recent years and continue to result in over 30,000 deaths per year. To date, automotive fatalities are the number one cause of accidental deaths in the USA. As grim as those truths are, there is a bright side. Automakers continue to develop technologies that minimize danger to drivers, occupants and pedestrians every year. In fact, the National Highway Transportation & Safety Agency (NHTSA) is exploring changes to the New Car Assessment Program (Star Ratings) to address the rapid developments in vehicle technology, especially in the area of crash avoidance.

As safety technology improves, it means that new vehicles today often have more safety equipment than the most advanced vehicles from 10 years ago.

Overwhelmed or confused about what safety systems are out there and how they work? We’ve put together a list of key safety technologies for you to consider during your next vehicle purchase.

Blind Spot Monitor

We love Blind Spot Monitor systems because the technology is remarkably easy to use, and something we interact with nearly every time we get behind the wheel. When another vehicle is traveling alongside you and is a bit too close for comfort, a notification light will turn on letting you know that it’s unsafe to change lanes. These notifications are often found on the side view mirrors, but we prefer applications where the warning lamps are on the inside of the car within the line of sight of the mirror. This eliminates any obstruction due to moisture, dirt or snow. Some automakers are now including notifications in the Heads Up Display that projects onto your windshield, so a driver doesn’t even need to turn his/her head to know if a vehicle is in the blind spot.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB combines multiple technologies to minimize or eliminate collisions. While the technology was first used in applications for vehicles traveling forward, the technology has been applied to prevent crashes while traveling backwards. Sensors in the vehicle calculate vehicle speed against required stopping distance and applies the brake when a collision is imminent or likely. The system alerts the driver, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, automatically applies the brakes in rapid succession. Often, AEB works with seatbelt pretensioners that retract the seatbelt, holding occupants snugly in place to reduce injuries that may occur from a collision. Many automotive safety experts believe that AEB is the single most valuable technology available today to reduce the traffic accidents on the road.

Surround View Cameras

Starting in 2018, all new vehicles in the US will be mandated to come equipped with a rear-view camera. This is in response to an incident in 2002 where a child was tragically killed when a driver was unable to see them as they backed out of a driveway. While danger of injury to pedestrians located on the side or in front of the car is less likely, surround view monitors provide a 360 degree, overhead view of the area surrounding your vehicle. This helps keep your car safe too, reducing the likelihood of dents and scrapes while negotiating tight parking spots or alleyways.

Lane Keep Assist

While fully self-driving vehicles are still years away, we can already enjoy the benefits of this emerging technology today. Semi-autonomous driving systems use sophisticated sensors to detect traffic lanes and vehicle surroundings. These sensors enable the vehicle to control speed, distance between vehicles and steer within a lane. Some vehicles now offer the ability to change lanes automatically as well. These systems are not designed to completely take over control of the vehicle, and require consistent monitoring from the driver (or the system will shut off). While the systems don’t allow for drivers to be inattentive, they help reduce driver fatigue over long hauls and assist the driver in maintaining awareness of driving conditions.

Lane Departure Warning

A step below Lane Keep Assist systems is Lane Departure Warnings. While these systems don’t actively steer the vehicle, they detect traffic lanes and alert the driver to any drifting outside of those lanes. The alerts vary from audible chimes, to visual cues, to haptic seat feedback, to a slight nudge from the steering wheel to get you back on track.

Cross Traffic Alert

Nearly every driver has experienced pulling out of a driveway or parking spot at the mall and had their heart skip a beat as a car goes whizzing by. Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems act as a spotter to oncoming traffic that can be difficult or impossible to see. The system is often integrated with rear camera monitors and can also indicate which direction the traffic is coming from. The haptic seat feedback systems that give your seat a buzz rather than audible chimes assure only the driver is alerted.

Driver Awareness / Heads Up Display / Voice Recognition

We are bundling a variety of emerging technologies into a category that minimizes driver distractions. Heads up displays project an image onto the windshield, just above the steering wheel, in a driver’s line of sight and provide a snapshot of relevant data like vehicle speed and navigation instructions. Voice recognition allows for common functions like temperature settings and audio playback. And driver awareness monitors driver inputs from the steering wheel and throttle; in some cases, it watches your eyes to detect drowsiness or lack of attention. These features are designed to make sure your eyes stay on the road, your hands stay on the wheel, and your attention stays focused on arriving to your destination safely.

SOS Services

If an accident occurs, many vehicles now offer post-accident emergency services to automatically dial 911 and send help. These telematics systems may require a cell phone to be paired to your vehicle or a subscription to an automaker supplied service, so be sure to talk to your local TrueCar dealer to ensure that you are set up to take advantage of all the safety systems available on your vehicle.

Rear Seat Occupant Warning (GM)

In 2014, over 30 children died from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. In an effort to prevent further tragedies, General Motors introduced a feature that would alert the driver with an audible alarm, typically using the horn to notify the driver that they may have left an item in the rear seat of the vehicle. The technology uses a simple logic to perform this check. If a driver opens a rear door, enters the driver’s seat, exists the vehicle and doesn’t open the rear door again, the vehicle will trigger an audible alert.

1. Tend to your tires.
   Check your tire pressure - and check it often. Also, make sure that you have season-appropriate tires on your car.  Use your union member Union Plus Goodyear Coupon for car tune-ups and new tires, including union-made tires.

2. Stay on top of your fluids.
   Oil and coolant are the two key fluids during the summer months to keep your car cool and running smoothly. And in the winter, anti-freeze is a key fluid to monitor.

3. Give the rest of your car a once-over.
   Check the battery, belts, and hoses or have a mechanic do so before you head off on that cross country trip. Also, make sure your wipers are ready and don't forget your windshield wiper fluid.

4. Prepare an emergency kit for your car.
   Keep the number of Union Plus Motor Club - 24 Hour Emergency Automotive Roadside Assistance Plan handy.

5. Pack smart.
   Keep snacks, drinks, and sandwiches handy.

6. Load smart.
   Don't block your view with a backseat piled high and keep the weight even for maximum handling.

7. Stay awake.
   Switch drivers every few hours even if you don't think you are tired.

8. Be careful when you tow.
   Check your owner's manual to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle a trailer hitch for towing campers or trailers, and that it can handle the weight.

9. Take the scenic route.
   Give yourself time to enjoy the ride.

10. Be nice.
    Use your signals. Let faster drivers pass. Don't tailgate. Share: it's not your road.

Car prices change all the time, for all kinds of reasons. Using industry sales data from previous years, the experts at TrueCar identified the best times to buy a new car by month, day and even segment.