There is no cargo that you will ever carry that is more important than your kids. Keeping them safe in the car is one of the most important tasks you have as a parent, and a key to that is making sure that they are in the proper car seat or booster seat. From selecting the right seat to ensuring you are using it properly, let’s talk about how car seats work.
Here’s your guide to car seats and booster seats.
How effective are car seats?
Car seats are imperative when it comes to traveling with children. Experts agree that the use of a car seat reduces the risk of injury in a crash by 71%-82%. Booster seats reduce the risk of injury in a crash by 45% for kids ages 4-8 according to the CDC. It’s estimated that since 1975 when car seats were first introduced, over 11,500 children's lives have been saved. But car seats are only effective if they are size appropriate, installed properly, and used correctly.
What are the different types of car seats?
As your child gets older and heavier they will gradually transition to different car seats and booster seats.
#1: Infant Car Seat, rear-facing used from birth until ages 1-2.
The first car seat you will get is a rear facing seat that is installed in the backseat of your car. This type of seat should NEVER be placed in the front of the car, as an airbag deployment can cause death or serious injury. Your baby should stay in a rear-facing seat as long as possible, until they are either too tall or too heavy for the seat. Most children will stay in their infant car seat until they are between one and two years old. It’s important to check the limits on your infant car seat and get a new car seat when your child has outgrown it.
#2: Read-facing convertible seat.
When your child outgrows their infant seat the next step is the convertible seat. It should be used in a rear-facing position for as long as possible, as this is the safest position for a child. The age, height, and weight that your child will outgrow this will depend on the specifications of your car seat.
#3: Front facing convertible seat.
When your child reaches the height and weight limit for rear-facing mode, it’s time to switch to a forward facing car seat. This typically happens between ages 4 and 7, depending on the size of your child.
#4: Booster seat.
When your child outgrows their car seat they still must remain in a booster seat. They should be at least 4 years old and be able to sit up independently for an entire car ride. If your child is still unable to sit up comfortably for a long car ride, it may be better to get a car seat with a higher height and weight limit until they are comfortable on their own. Booster seats are designed to give children a boost so that the vehicle’s seat belt straps can fit them properly and work effectively. Kids should remain in a booster seat until they are at least 4’ 9”.
How do I properly install my car seat?
Each car and car seat is different in how they install and operate. It’s best to consult your car’s owners manual in conjunction with the car seat manual to determine how to install it. If you are unsure if your car seat is installed properly, check with your local fire department or hospital to find out when the next car seat checkup event is. Here’s how to know if your car seat is installed properly:
It will not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back.
The harness straps are at or below the baby's shoulders for a rear-facing seat.
The harness straps are at or above the child’s shoulders.
You should not be able to pinch any material on the shoulder straps.
The angle of the car seat is correct, as indicated by a level marker on most car seats.
When is it time to get a new car seat?
As your child reaches the weight and height limit for each car seat, it’s time to get the next size car seat. But there are a few other times that you may need to get a new car seat:
Your car seat has expired.
Car seats come with expiration dates that help ensure that certain components do not become too worn or damaged. The lifespan of a car seat is typically 6 years. Refer to the owner’s manual to determine when your car seat is no longer safe for use.
Your car seat was in an accident.
If the car seat was involved in an accident it’s a good idea to replace it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing it if any of the following things occur:
The collision caused any injuries.
The vehicle was towed.
The door nearest to the car seat was damaged.
The airbags were deployed.
If the accident was a simple fender bender with no real damage, the car seat is most likely fine. But exercise good judgment when determining whether or not to replace the seat.
There is any damage.
Car seats put up with a lot of abuse over time, and it’s possible for daily wear to cause substantial damage to the car seat. If you notice any cracks or loose parts, it’s best to replace the seat. Damage can cause the seats to be less effective.
How can I keep my kids safe in the car?
Aside from properly installing and using a car seat, there are other things you can do to keep your children safe in the car.
Keep kids under 13 in the back seat.
Keep kids rear-facing for as long as possible.
Remove coats and bulky clothing before securing your kids in the car seat. This will keep the harness closer to their bodies and provide more protection. Use a blanket or drape their coat over them to keep them warm in the winter.
Resist using car seat accessories that did not come with the car seat, such as padded straps. These items have not been tested for safety.
Register your car seat with the manufacturer. This will keep you up to date on any recalls or product updates that you may need to know.
That’s what you need to know about car seats.
There are a lot of car seats on the market, but the best car seat is one that fits your child, works with your vehicle, and is used properly. Proper installation and proper daily use are imperative.
You know what else is imperative? Saving money on your car payments! Contact Auto Approve today to find out how much money you could be saving!
Maybe you’ve heard of refinancing, but what is an auto loan refinance, and how does car refinancing work? These are good questions to ask, especially if you want to save money, because, yes – a refinance can, in most cases, help you put a little cash back in your pocket.But how? In this article, you’ll discover what refinancing is, how car refinancing works, and how it may be beneficial for you to do right now.In short, we’re here to answer all your burning questions about the how, what, and why of refinancing a car.How Does Car Refinancing Work? Your Questions, AnsweredLet’s start with the basics.What is a Car Loan?A car loan is a secured loan that can help you finance a new or used car. A car loan works in a similar way to other types of loans. A financial institution will pay for your car and you will repay them in monthly installments with an additional fee (interest). Your car acts as collateral and, if for any reason you cannot repay the lender, your car will be taken away. It's because these loans have this collateral that they're considered "secured."What is Refinancing?Simply put, refinancing is paying off an existing loan with a new loan, ideally a loan that has better terms. Refinancing a car to better terms often results in saving money, either in the long run by reducing the payment period or interest rate, or in the short term by reducing monthly payments.What are the Benefits of Refinancing?There are many! Here’s a few of the top ones.1. Save Money with a Lower Interest Rate You may be able to secure a lower interest rate! This is true when rates fluctuate, when your personal financial situation improves, and – commonly – when you didn’t get the best rate available to you in the first place. Many people who financed their vehicles through dealers received marked up rates, meaning they’ve been eligible for a better deal from the get-go. This is the primary motivator for people to refinance. By lowering your interest rate, you are lowering your monthly payments and will end up saving money over the course of the loan.2. Save Money with a Shorter Payment Period When you refinance, you may be able to change the terms of your payment period and shorten the period. This can save you money overall, as the sooner you pay back the loan, the less interest you will ultimately pay.3. Reduce Your Monthly Payments with a Longer Payment Period If money is a bit tight for one reason or another, car refinancing may allow you to lengthen your payment period. This will allow you to pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. You will end up paying a bit more over the length of the loan because you will be paying interest for a longer period of time, but it can give you breathing room if you need it.Benefits sounding pretty good?If you’re already convinced, find out how much you can save right now with Auto Approve. With just a little information about your car and current loan, we can help you get a sense of how much you could save, no commitment required. Get your free quote now!When Should You Refinance?Now that we know what a car refinance is and what’s so great about refinancing, let’s talk about timing.1. When Interest Rates Are LowRefinancing is all about striking when the iron is hot. And by that we mean when the interest rates are hot. Interest rates are adjusted based on how the economy is performing. If the economy is not performing well, or is anticipated to not perform well, banks will lower their interest rates to encourage spending. If interest rates are lower than when you first took out your auto loan, it may be a good time to consider refinancing. Rates have fluctuated greatly over the past several years, so there is a good chance you can get a lower APR now than you could previously.2. When Your Credit Score Has ImprovedInterest rates are largely dependent on the finances of the applicant. Your credit score is one of the most important factors in securing an auto loan with good terms. Credit scores are generally categorized by the below parameters:800 to 850: Excellent credit740 to 799: Very good credit670 to 739: Good credit580 to 669: Fair credit300 to 579: Poor creditIf your score has increased from good to very good (670 to 740), or from very good to excellent (740 to 800), it could be a great time to consider refinancing. The most favorable rates and terms are given to those with very good and excellent credit. Even if your score has increased within your bracket, but you haven’t crossed into a better category, it still might be worth getting a few quotes to see if you can get a better rate. 3. When Your Income Has Decreased or Your Expenses Have IncreasedIf money is tight due to a loss of income or an increase in other monthly expenses, refinancing might be a good option to give your wallet some breathing room. If you lengthen your payment period, you can pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. When Should You Hold Off On Refinancing?There are some situations where refinancing might be the wrong choice. Here’s a quick rundown.1. When Your Existing Loan Has Prepayment PenaltiesSome loans build in prepayment penalties to offset the lost interest that comes with paying a loan off early. These penalties can be quite high, so it is important to read the terms of your loan and decide if the savings from refinancing will outweigh the fees from prepayment. If you are unsure, call your lender directly to find out how much it will cost.2. When You Need a High Credit Score for Another ApplicationWhenever you apply for a loan or credit card there is a credit check, and hard credit checks (as opposed to soft checks) and new lines of credit can negatively affect your credit score for about a year.This is because how new your credit is affects your score – but, as long as you maintain a good history of paying on time, this new credit will actually help your score in the long run. And, fortunately, there's a fourteen day window allowed by the big three credit bureaus that allows for all credit inquiries in that span to count as one credit hit.All that said, if you're applying for a mortgage or starting a new lease, it might be wise to wait until after that is settled to refinance your vehicle.3. When The Timing of Your Loan Isn’t RightWhile you can technically refinance at any time during the life of your loan, there are certain times where it will not make sense or be beneficial to refinance. You’ve had your existing loan for less than six months. It takes some time for your credit score to bounce back after taking out a loan, so waiting at least six months will be helpful if you hope to get a better interest rate than before. If this is your first loan, it is recommended to wait at least a year to prove that you have a history of on time payments.You have less than two years left on your loan. Car loans accrue interest over time. Because of amortization, your earlier payments pay off more interest than your later payments. As you near the end of your loan, you are paying less and less on interest and more and more on principle. The longer you wait to refinance, the less beneficial it will be to do so.How Do You Refinance a Car?If it seems like car refinancing might be a good idea for you, you can start the process of refinancing today. It's a hassle-free process (especially when you use Auto Approve!) and can save you money in the short and long term. Here’s how.1. Do Your ResearchMake sure you are as prepared as possible. Request a credit report, which you can do once per year for free, and make sure your credit score is good. Check that everything is accurate on your report. You can petition the credit bureau if there are any inconsistencies or errors. Look at your current loan contract and make sure you are aware of any penalties for which you may be responsible. Call your lender directly if you have any questions or want to review any of the fine print.2. Apply to a Few Different LendersThe application process is similar to your original car loan application. You will need the following to get started:A Photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.Your vehicle’s information, which may include the bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year of your car.Proof of income and financial history, which may include pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report. Proof of residence, such as a mortgage statement, lease agreement, or utility bill. Note that PO boxes are not acceptable as proof of residence.Proof of insurance. 3. Compare Rates After all of your applications are submitted, you should start hearing back with different car loan APRs and terms. Compare all of your offers and choose the one that gives you the best rate and makes the most sense for your personal situation. When you use Auto Approve for this process, one of our agents will talk you through the best options and help make sure you understand your new contract completely. (Oh, and when you refinance with Auto Approve, there are no mark-ups, so you're actually getting the best rate available every time!)4. Sign and Start Saving MoneyOnce you have picked the best car refinancing option, sign on the dotted line and start seeing the benefits of refinancing immediately. Yay!That’s Everything You Need to Know About How Car Refinancing WorksRefinancing your car loan is a simple process that can save you a boatload of money.Auto Approve can make this process even easier and simpler for you! Just fill out some basic information and we can help you start comparing rates today. We never mark up your rates, because we're passionate about passing the savings right on to you. So if you're thinking, “Boy howdy, I better get to refinancing now!,” contact us today, cowpoke! (Seriously, what are you waiting for?)GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS
The Best Car Movies for Kids Who Love Wheels
It can be hard to find movies that are both suitable for kids and fun for adults, especially in the younger years when kids are super into cars, trucks, and wheels of all kinds. This list contains some of the top-rated kid-friendly car movies, whether you’re setting them up for a watch from the road, preparing for a road trip, or just planning a fun family movie night.Here are some of the best kid-friendly movies featuring vehicles and characters with wheels.Kids Movies with Cars and WheelsWe’ve included information about content suitability here, but it’s ultimately up to you to know what’s right for your child and your household rules, of course!1. Cars SeriesCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 5+ (up to 8+ depending on the film)Starting this list off with a bang, Pixar’s Cars and all its various sequels and spin-offs are probably the number one choice for parents and car-obsessed kids. There’s tons of content in the series, and all of it has the Disney-Pixar stamp of approval, meaning you know you’re getting good family fun.The series includes Cars, Cars 2, Cars 3, several TV series and short films, and the spin-offs Planes and Planes: Fire & Rescue. Cars (the original) has the highest Rotten Tomatoes score and Planes has the lowest, so prepare yourself accordingly.2. Herbie MoviesCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 7+Another well-known car-centric family friendly series, The Love Bug, its Herbie sequels, and the 2005 remake Herbie: Fully Loaded are widely accepted as car-centric kid-friendly classics. While older movies can sometimes come with discussion points about content, The Love Bug remains good family fun with little that hasn’t aged well – and Herbie: Fully Loaded might be better than some remember (or at least will keep the kids entertained).3. TurboCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 6+This animated movie about a speed-loving snail played by Ryan Reynolds may have slipped past the radar for adults without kids in 2013, but it’s a delightful little racing movie about a snail with a dream. While there are technically no cars featured in this movie – the snails themselves are the racers – it’s still a solid pick for kids that love all things vehicles as the gastropods hit the pavement. And the star studded cast, which includes Samuel L. Jackson, Maya Rudolph, Paul Giamatti, and Bill Hader, makes it fun for grown-ups too!4. It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad WorldCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 8+This beloved 1960s road race classic is a barrel of laughs for kids of all ages – and happens to feature tons of different vehicles, car chase scenes, and slapstick antics on the road. This movie skews a little older – its run time is almost 3 hours and there’s a character who drinks profusely – but things are kept light and broad. With memorable performances from Spencer Tracy, Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, and Mickey Rooney, it’s an old-school movie but well worth a watch.5. Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the FurryCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 5+If you haven’t thought about Tom and Jerry since you were a kid yourself, you wouldn’t be alone, but the classic cartoon is still releasing new films at a steady pace. The Fast and the Furry, a 75-minute long movie from 2005, is considered among the best, and follows Tom and Jerry racing around the world in hopes of winning a new home after accidentally wrecking their old house. Tom and Jerry fans and skeptics alike are apt to enjoy this short, zany, G-rated race movie.Kids can be expensive!If you want more money in your pocket for the things that matter most, consider refinancing your vehicle with Auto Approve. If you got your financing from a dealer, you’re likely paying a higher rate than you need to be. Auto Approve can help lower your monthly payment in just a few minutes.Get a free quote to see how much you could save.6. Rally Road RacersCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 6+A rookie race car driver, a slow loris named Zhi played by Jimmy O. Yang, tries to save his family’s home by betting he can beat a rally racing champion in this fast-paced animated movie. He trains with friends and gets help from a veteran racer (played by J. K. Simmons), and in the process sees more of the world. While Rally Road Racers will likely appeal more to kids than adults, with John Cleese as Zhi’s nemesis, there’s enough to keep parents entertained.7. The Great RaceCommon Sense Media Age Rating: 6+Like It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Great Race is a slapstick comedy from the 1960s, this one featuring a suave hero – helped along by Natalie Wood, playing a suffragette in a top-notch performance – racing a dastardly professor (Jack Lemmon, with Peter Falk as his bumbling assistant) from New York to Paris. Is it a little dated? Sure. But it’s still a family fun film built around a car chase, and a nice break from all animation all the time!Special MentionsWhile those are the top movies for car kids, there are a few more movies with prominent vehicles worth checking out!My Neighbor Totoro: For small kids who love buses, the cat bus in My Neighbor Totoro is a classicBob the Builder (series and movies): For small kids (3+) who love construction vehiclesThe Lego Movie: For slightly older kids (6+) who love construction vehiclesLooking for ideas for older kids? These movies all feature cars, trucks, driving, road trips, or car chases – and content that may be a bit more mature than some of the other options on this list. Speed Racer (8+)Back to the Future (10+)Transformers (11+)Smokey and the Bandit (13+)Talladega Nights (14+)Blues Brothers (16+)Those Are The Best Car Movies for KidsReady to drive off into the sunset with one of these picks? Whether the cars are racing, chasing, or falling in love (hello, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo), there should be an idea here that’ll fit any wheel fanatic kid.And if not and the kids are old enough that you’re looking for something you’ll love, why not check out this list of the best road trip movies?Refinancing means more money for entertainmentThere are plenty of good reasons to want more money in your pocket, whether that’s more discretionary income for fun stuff or a little wiggle room in a tight budget. The good news is, the odds are good that Auto Approve can help you lower your monthly auto loan payment, your rate, or both!Simply tell us a little bit about your vehicle and current loan – no commitment or credit check required to get started – and you’ll be matched with an Auto Approve representative who can help you find the best deal for you, then do the paperwork for you.Get your free quote now.
The 3 Best American Road Trips To Take This Year
Thinking about a road trip this year, but not sure which of the many amazing classic American road trips to take? You’re in the right place.While it’s hard to say that any one singular road trip is the best most beautiful roast trip to take – the United States has tons of interesting terrain, stunning vistas, and cultural landmarks from sea to shining sea – we’ve compiled three favorites that you can start planning right now.There are many more great options. Traveling Route 66 or visiting the Grand Canyon are evergreen classics. But these uniquely excellent drives were selected for weather, accessibility, and combination of natural wonders and modern conveniences. American Road Trips to Take In 2025What’s the best road trip to take for you? Only you can decide that, but it’ll depend on who you’re driving with (or if you’re flying solo!), where you’re starting your journey, and how long you want to spend in the day, per car and overall. Each of these road trips can be shortened or lengthened with fewer or more stops, and each has their pros and cons. And once you’ve picked one, check out our road trip planner.1. New England: Jamestown to Acadia National ParkIf you’re craving a seaside getaway, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a drive up the New England coastline. This is a great option for summer and fall road trips. During the summer, you get cooler temperatures than much of the US, sea breezes, lobster rolls, and beach days. During the fall, you get stunning fall colors, script temperatures, bonfires, and apple pie.This is a particularly great road trip for families and those not inclined to spend endless hours in the car, since the total driving time is fairly short and the stop options are plentiful, from bustling city life in Boston to the amazing restaurants of Portsmouth, NH, and Portland, ME, to the lighthouses, ocean views, and sprawling forests of coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 6 hoursStop ideas: RI: Jamestown, Providence; MA: Cape Cod, Boston, Salem; NH: Portsmouth; ME: Ogunquit, Portland, Freeport, Augusta, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park You won’t want to make all these stops in a row, but if you’re driving round trip, you can always see the LL Bean boot in Freeport one way and make time for Salem’s witches (or lack thereof) on the way back.One word to the wise: This road trip won’t work in the winter due to the weather in the Northeast. Driving in winter conditions doesn’t make for a relaxing vacation!2. Smoky Mountains: Asheville to MemphisIf you’re interested in a road trip through classic Americana, a trip from North Carolina to Tennessee might be just the ticket. By stopping in Nashville and Memphis, you can see much of the heart of American music history, and the barbecue across the region is iconic. And the culture isn’t half of it – this drive takes you through the stunning Smoky Mountains and is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips you can take.Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 8 hoursStop ideas: NC: Charlotte, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (crosses multiple states); TN: Johnson City, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Chattanooga, NashvilleA few of these are out the way from the others – stopping Charlotte would really mean starting or ending in Charlotte, and Johnson City’s out of the way, but a fine place to stop if you choose to focus on exploring the Smoky Mountains.This trip is going to have the hottest weather of the options on this list in the summer, but nothing compared to what you might experience in Zion or Big Bend. The Smoky Mountains and Asheville stay pretty cool, but by the time you get to Memphis, depending on the time of year, it can get into the 90s Fahrenheit. The good news is, all these places stay relatively temperate through the winter, so there’s no bad time of year to visit.Be prepared: Cell service is weak or non-existent in some parts of the Smoky Mountains, so you’ll want to make sure you have a paper map and a well-stocked car emergency kit, just in case.3. Pacific Northwest Meets Big Sky Country: Seattle to YellowstoneWhen it comes to iconic American experiences, Yellowstone National Park is high on the list. But to get the full flavor of the Pacific Northwest and Big Sky Country, start or end the drive in Seattle. Taking time to stop in Washington’s wine country and see Puget Sound adds another incredible set of sights and experiences, and Seattle makes a great jumping off point to visit any one of Olympic, Mount Rainier, or North Cascades National Park. From there, you’re diving into the heartland, whether you want to head up to Glacier National Park, down to Grand Teton, or straight to Yellowstone.Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 11.5 hoursStop ideas: WA: Seattle, Puget Sound, Washington Wineries, Spokane; MT: Glacier National Park, Butte Historic District, Bozeman, Big Sky; ID: Boise; WY: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park:This is clearly the most time-consuming, robust road trip of the three. If you’re looking for a big trip, this is the one. Yes, it’s a commitment, but worth it for the stunning views and once in a lifetime experiences. Just remember, when you’re spending a lot of time in National Parks, you want to make sure you plan your road trip meticulously. Gas stations and places to stay the night can be few and far between, and some things may book up months in advance.Don’t have a ton of time but want to see Big Sky Country? You can also fly into Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and land just two miles from Yellowstone National Park.Which of These 3 Beautiful Road Trips In The United States Sings to You?There’s no wrong choice – you want to choose something that fits the amount of time you have, your budget, and your interests.Want to spend more on your dream road trip and less on your monthly car payment?Most people are paying more than they need to on their auto loan, thanks to dealership rate markups! AutoApprove can help you find a better rate in just a few clicks. Tell us a bit about your vehicle – no commitment required – to find out how much you could potentially save through refinancing. An AutoApprove representative will help you find the deal that’s right for you, and once you’ve selected your refinance, we do the paperwork for you, easy as that!That means more money in your pocket for the things that matter most – whether that’s a soul-searching solo trip or an unforgettable family vacation.Get your free quote now.
*APR and Fees Disclosure: Auto Approve works to find you the best Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which is based on factors like your credit history, vehicle and desired payment terms. Fees to complete your loan refinance vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV and title. Advertised 5.49% APR based on: 2019 model year or newer vehicle, 730 minimum FICO credit score, and loan term up to 72 months. All loans subject to credit and lender approval.
Auto Approve has an A+ rating with the BBB and is located at 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700 #3327 St. Louis Park, MN 55416-1233. Auto Approve works to find its customers the best terms and APR, which are based on factors like credit history, vehicle, and desired payment terms. Loan amounts, costs, and fees vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV, and title fees, depending on the lender and period of repayment. There is no fee to obtain a quote and all refinancing-related costs are included in the amount financed so there are no out-of-pocket costs! For more information, please go to AutoApprove.com.