Before taking off on a road trip, make sure you do the proper maintenance on your car. Doing so can make the trip memorable ... for the right reasons!

Your "check engine" light is a vital signal that your car is not functioning at peak performance. Here's what it could be telling you.

What motivates you to make sure regular maintenance is done on your car? Having a safe and dependable vehicle has long been the driving force, but because of today's rising gas prices, getting better gas mileage is becoming a bigger motivator.

Did you know that making sure your tires have the appropriate air pressure may help you avoid a fatal accident? Tires are one of the most under appreciated safety features of our cars. Make sure you know how taking care of your tires can keep you safe.

Going to an auto repair shop can sometimes seem daunting. Will you get the service you need? Will you get charged fairly? Follow these tips when servicing tires, belts, hoses, batteries, alternators, starters, and having your oil changed.

Did you know that almost a quarter of all cars on the road may have low pressure in their tires or worn treads? And 19% of cars don’t have working windshield wipers. Find out how to make sure your car is not one of the thousands of unsafe vehicles on Arizona highways.

There’s nothing like going to your car, putting the key in the ignition, and hearing a “click” when you turn the key. Having a dead battery is usually a miserable experience, but learn these tips on how to use jumper cables to get back on the road again.

You can't wait to get on the road for this year's family vacation. But soon after you start your trip, you find yourself and your family on the side of the road, standing next to your broken-down car. Learn what to do before the trip to prevent a vacation nightmare.

Safety features are obviously an important aspect you think about when purchasing a car. Some safety features, such as anti-lock breaks and airbags can save you up to 15% on your car insurance premium. Other safety features such as security systems, automatic seat belts, and etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your windows can also lead to savings on your car insurance premium.

While SUVs seem to have been the most popular vehicle on the road for many years, compact cars are now gaining in popularity because of both their price tag and fuel economy.

Driving a car can be an expensive proposition. If you're interested in keeping your car repair costs down, read how your short-term decision to buy cheap gas can have long-term consequences in higher auto repair shop rates.

All of us would enjoy driving a shiny, brand-new car. But is that the wisest financial decision? Your car is usually your second largest investment behind your home, so make sure you understand the pros and cons of buying a new car versus hanging on to the one you have now.

With gas prices skyrocketing, finding ways to make our cars run more efficiently makes good sense. Learn some simple and inexpensive ways to help your car run better, and save some money at the same time.

With the price of gasoline skyrocketing, all of us could use some help in learning how to save fuel in our cars. While these tips will help you do that, they’ll also help you increase the life of your car.

Roadway conditions and traffic camera images from Arizona Department of Transportation

Check your car's crash test and rollover rating before you buy a new or used car

File a complaint, check for recalls, defect investigations

Vehicle safety information from the government

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Easy access to services from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division