With more snow in the forecast, now is the time for drivers to protect and prepare their vehicles.
“Drivers who just finished digging out their vehicles and driveways might be cringing as they see more snow predicted for this weekend,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “But a few relatively simple steps can help keep drivers safe in their vehicles ahead of this next storm and the rest of what winter sends our way.”
AAA Northeast recommends drivers do the following:
Completely clean vehicles of all ice and snow. This is critical for visibility and safety, since ice on the roof could slide onto your windshield once you start driving. One spot you might not think of cleaning? Tires and wheels. Buildup of snow and ice in the wheels and tires can cause the tires to become unbalanced, resulting in the vehicle shaking when driving. Use your snow brush to remove snow from the spokes of the wheels. Cleaning off the wheels and tires should eliminate the shaking.
Check your windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid. If your wipers became warped or otherwise damaged during the last storm, now is the time to replace them. Top off windshield washer fluid, and you’ll be in the best possible shape to maintain a clean windshield, especially when slush, sand and salt get kicked up onto the windshield.
Fill your fuel tank or charge your EV to avoid the rush ahead of a storm and the possibility of getting stuck in the snow and running out of gas or charge. Keeping the gas tank at least half full also helps prevent frozen fuel lines. EV drivers should charge their batteries to avoid relying on public charging during a storm.
Check your tire pressure. Tires lose about one PSI (pound per square inch) of air pressure for every 10 degrees the air temperature drops. With sustained temperatures below freezing, drivers should make sure tires are properly inflated according to information on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Lubricate door seals with silicone spray. It displaces water to prevent doors from freezing shut. WD-40 is another option to avoid frozen doors, but silicone spray is less greasy.
Lastly, AAA Northeast reminds drivers of the impact cold weather has on car batteries. Consider having the battery and charging system tested at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility if your battery is older than three years, you’ve noticed recent difficulty starting your vehicle in the cold, or you’ve recently needed a jump-start. If you have a dead battery and need a replacement, AAA members have access to mobile car battery replacement.
Q. I see many Tesla vehicles on the road. In the back of many, it states Dual Motor. What does that mean? Are there indeed two motors? I know electric cars are fast, but how fast?
A. Yes, the single motor Tesla is rear wheel drive, the dual motor is all wheel drive, and the high-performance Plaid uses three motors (one front, two rear) for extreme acceleration. The Plaid model claims 0-60 in two seconds and over 1000 horsepower, so very fast.
Q. My 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid Sport continues to drift to the right. Since I last contacted you about it, the following have been done. Multiple tire rotations, wheel alignment done by Honda and the tires are wearing evenly. When I asked service manager at Honda, his response was that all Florida roads have a crown to the right. Well driving from Florida to New York the car still drifted right. The car is still under warranty, any thoughts?
A. The service manager is correct, all roads are crowned to allow water runoff. On your Honda, the front and rear toe-in and front camber are adjustable. What a good alignment tech will do is add a bit more (still keeping within the specification) positive camber to the left front wheel to compensate for the crown in the road. I would ask if that was performed to try to eliminate the drifting. Additionally a good alignment shop will swap the tire left to right. If now the car drive straight or drift left, the issue is a tire problem.
Q. I have a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback with only 29,000 miles on it. I purchased the car brand new and have had nothing but emissions issues with check engine light going on. Chevrolet has changed out oxygen sensors on couple of occasions, and spark plugs. The car was fine for some time until about a month ago, when the check engine light came back on. This time I took the car to my mechanic, who cleared the code, the check engine light went away, but he also told me the car will not pass Inspection until you put car through a complete drive cycle. Sure enough it failed Inspection! Both my mechanic and Chevrolet told me due to lack of highway driving; you will continue to have these emissions issues. I drive regularly but only local driving, hence the very low mileage. My question to you is how or what do I have to do to get this car to pass emissions portion of inspection, and what is drive cycle I have to put car through?
A. First off, clearing the code does not fix the problem and does nothing other than temporarily turning off the check engine light. All newer cars that need emissions inspection have monitors that need to be completed before the car can be inspected. When the code was cleared, it also reset the monitors to incomplete. To complete the driving cycle, the fuel tank should be between one quarter and three quarters full. Then start the vehicle from a cold start, let the engine run on idle. Turn the A/C and rear defroster on. The next step is to get on the road and accelerate to 55 mph. Hold a steady speed of 55 mph for three minutes. Next, coast until the vehicle hits 20 mph. Don’t apply brakes to slow down. Then accelerate again to 60 mph. Hold steady for five minutes at 60 mph. Coast to slow down. This is the typical driving cycle that will set the monitors. The important part of all of this is, the this drive cycle should be completed after the repair is performed that caused the check engine light to come on in the first place. Based on what you have told me, that repair has not been completed.
Q. There is a rattling sound for two seconds when I start my car in the morning. During the day there is no rattling. My car is a 2012 Honda CRV. I called the dealer, and I was told it’s common in winter. This noise started recently and was not there in past winters. Any ideas, other that it “is common in winter” and do I need to fix it?
A. Your car’s engine, like many, uses variable valve timing. More than likely the variable valve timing actuator has worn which is fairly common on this Honda engine. This happens when the oil drains from the engine overnight and until the engine builds oil pressure the actuator will cause a rattle. Typical repair costs are $900 to $1500 depending on labor rates. Regarding do you need to fix it, recently I received an email from a reader who mentioned that the VVT actuator in his Honda Accord has been noisy for 100,000 miles. My suggestion is if the noise stats to last minutes rather than seconds, then get it repaired.
Q. My 2014 Honda CRV takes five to six turning the key to get my car to start. I replaced the battery and starter earlier this year because I was having the same problem. The engine does not crank and only clicks. Also the weird thing is once I get it started; it will start up fine again for the rest of the day. Wondering if it is something that I can fix or if its due to the freezing weather?
A. Certainly this is something you can fix. At this point, you need to go over the basics once again. You or a technician should start with testing the battery and then perform a voltage drop test. The voltage drop test will test for poor connections from the battery to the starter. The technician should also perform the same test on the negative side of the battery. Now it is possible that the replacement starter is faulty (not unusual these days with some aftermarket parts). But I would be looking at poor wiring to the starter and ground circuit. The is best done with a voltmeter looking at voltage drop. After the starter and battery failure the most common issue is a battery cable with high resistance due to corrosion.
Damage caused by ice damming is one of the most common home insurance claims in the Northeast. Learn how you can prevent ice dams from wreaking havoc on your home.
While seeing your home decorated with long, sparkling icicles hanging down from the roof might look pretty enough to paint, ice dams can cause damage to the interior and exterior of your house. The key to ice dam prevention is staying on top of regular home maintenance before and during the winter.
What Are Ice Dams?
Created by melting snow running down from the roof and refreezing as the temperature drops, ice dams form at the cold eaves of the house and jut down like frozen stalactites. This barrier of ice prevents melting snow from getting the proper drainage that it needs, causing water to back up and possibly leak through the shingles, down into the home.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams need three things to form:
Snow.
Heat from a building.
Cold air to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice.
“In New England, ice dams tend to form in more northern exposed parts of the roof because of the limited sun that they get,” said Jodi DeSantis, vice president of insurance sales for AAA Northeast.
As water continues to melt and refreeze, it can cause the dam to get bigger and bigger. “What happens over time is that the forming ice tends to clog any gutters, and subsequent melting and freezing cycles will start to form these huge icicles hanging off of the roof’s edges,” DeSantis said.
Ice Dam Damage
National data collected between 2018 and 2022 lists water damage and freezing among the most common homeowners insurance claims, according to the most recent report from the Insurance Information Institute.
For some homeowners, the weight of ice dams can rip off gutters or lead to broken shingles. But it’s the resulting water damage that can be the most devastating. Water damage caused by ice dams can be extensive and expensive, affecting ceilings, walls and insulation, and can eventually lead to issues with mold.
Water stains on the ceiling or walls are usually the first sign of damage caused by ice damming.
Ice Dam Prevention
To avoid the potential risks, knowing how to prevent ice dams is imperative. If you start to notice an issue with ice dams forming on your home, there are some precautions you can take.
Add Insulation
Adequate attic insulation is one way to winterize your home, which keeps the heat inside your house from escaping into your attic and prevents snow from melting too fast. Proper attic venting also helps to maintain a cooler temperature on your roof.
Clean the Gutters
To lessen the chance of ice building up around gutters, you should try to clean out leaves and debris before the first snow.
How to Get Rid of Ice Dams
To decrease the chance of ice damming, “the only thing you can do is to get rid of the ice as quickly and as safely as possible,” DeSantis said.
Immediately after a storm, use a roof rake to clear as much snow off as you can, even if it’s just around the gutter line. Do not climb onto the roof to do this. If you need a more thorough cleaning, consider hiring a contractor to do the job for you.
Longer-term solutions include replacing your roof and gutters, especially if they appear worn out. A qualified roofer should inspect your roof every three years for leaks, cracks and other faults, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
How You Are Covered
Standard homeowners insurance will generally cover water damage or any roof damage that occurs as a result of ice dams, though you may need to pay a deductible. If you own a condominium, Unit Owners Building Property Endorsement Special Coverage (often called Unit Owners Special Coverage A) broadens condo coverage to what are referred to as “open perils,” and allows for the coverage of ice dams. Without this coverage, many insurance companies will not cover ice dam damage on a condo.
Once ice damming damage has occurred, there is a typical requirement that obligates the homeowner to take the necessary action to limit any further damage such as moving furniture or artwork from the path of the water coming into the house.
Ice dams can be destructive, but extensive damage can be thwarted with preventive home improvements and maintenance. Preparing your house for wild winter weather will save you money and stress in the long run.
Have you ever experienced any trouble from ice damming? Tell us about it in the comments.
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This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Securing financial aid can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. AAA pros provide all the answers you need to successfully navigate the process.
The average yearly cost of tuition, fees, room and board at U.S. colleges is currently $38,270. If you’re after a four-year degree, it will cost you more than $150,000. This is all to say that you’ll likely need help paying for school in the form of student loans.
But taking out a loan is usually unchartered territory for teenagers. And more questions can arise when beginning to pay back the loan. To help guide you through the process, we asked Donald Kerr, AAA Northeast’s director of student lending, to answer some of the most common student lending questions.
When should I apply for a loan to cover the next school year?
Usually after May 1 is a good time to start looking around at options.
What are the qualifications to be approved and get a good rate?
Most loans are based on income and credit so the stronger your income and credit is the better chance you have of being approved and getting a good rate.
Are the interest rates variable or fixed?
Most lenders will let you choose from either fixed or variable rates.
Do I need a co-signer?
This is a popular student lending question, as most applicants are still quite young. While co-signers are not required they are usually needed to meet the income and credit eligibility guidelines, as most students do not work full time or have credit established.
There are no stupid questions when it comes to loans. Listen to Season 2, Episode 3 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Buy Now, Pay Later? The Ultimate Guide to Loans
Most lenders allow you to choose from five years, seven years, 10 years or 15 years with the most common being 10 years.
Do I apply for a loan for the whole year or by semester?
Most people apply for a loan for the entire academic year and the funds are sent by the school’s semester schedule.
Can I use the loan to pay for expenses related to college such as off-campus housing or books?
Yes, you can use the loan funds to cover expenses related to the cost of education but all the funds are sent to your school so it is a good idea to ask them what the refund policy is so you have an idea what to expect.
How long does the application take and when does my school receive the money?
You can apply online in as little as 15 minutes and your school will choose the date they want the lender to send them the money.
The school awarded me the subsidized and unsubsidized loan. Should I use them?
Yes, these are government loans and they usually have the lowest rates and best terms so we always recommend that if you have to borrow you should use these loans first and then look at other options to cover any remaining balances.
Do I have to apply every year and will I have multiple loans when I graduate?
The most common option is to apply every year but you might find a lender that will allow you to apply for all four years at once. Keep in mind that if you have multiple loans all with the same lender, they will offer you a combined bill so you only have to make one payment and they will split it up to the individual loans. You can also consolidate all your loans into one after you graduate.
Can I defer my payments until after I graduate?
Yes, most lenders will give you a choice of paying your loan immediately while you’re in school, interest-only payments while in school or defer all payments until six months after graduation. But interest does add up during the deferment period.
How does the One Big Beautiful Bill impact student loans?
On July 4, 2025, the president signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which makes changes to some federal loans used to pay for college, effective July 1, 2026.
For current and prospective borrowers:
The Graduate PLUS loan is being eliminated. This is a loan program that graduate students could borrow to cover the cost of attending without the need for a co-signer or help from their parents. This loan did not have any annual limits and only required a light credit check for approval, making it possible for many students to find a way to pay for college.
Graduate students can still borrow the same unsubsidized loan they used as an undergraduate student, but these loans now come with borrowing caps: a standard annual limit of $20,500 and a lifetime limit of $100,000. Students pursuing professional degrees, such as medicine or law, will have higher limits — $50,000 annually and $200,000 over a lifetime.
Changes are also coming to the Parent PLUS Loan program, which is a loan parents can borrow to pay for their child’s undergraduate degree. Parents will now be limited to borrowing $20,000 annually, with a lifetime cap of $65,000, versus today’s annual limit of the cost of education with no lifetime limit.
With today’s cost of college, eliminating the Graduate PLUS loan and putting limits on the loans parents and graduate student can borrow will force families to find new ways to pay for college or place more focus on choosing a college that is affordable for them. Families and students will have to turn to private student loans or home equity loans and lines of credit which rely on credit and income to determine eligibility. It will be important for families to get their credit into shape now so they can access these options later. Of course, the sooner you can start saving for college the less of an impact all of these changes will have on you.
For graduates:
For borrowers who have graduated or left college and are in repayment, the number of repayment plans they have to choose from will be reduced to two options by July 1, 2028. Some of the safety nets to help them when they cannot make payments will be limited as well.
Today, borrowers can choose from a variety of repayment plans that are based on their current income. There are lots of them, including the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income-Based Repayment (IBR) and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans.
Borrowers will have only two repayment plans to choose from in the future. The standard repayment plan or the repayment assistance plan (RAP), which will replace all income-based repayment plans.
The standard repayment plan will be a 10- to 25-year loan term based on the total amount you owe in federal loans. So, those with higher amounts of debt will have more time to repay the loan.
The RAP loan will base your monthly loan payments on 1% to 10% of your adjusted gross income with a $10 per month minimum. In most cases this will result in a higher monthly payment than the older income-based repayment plans.
Hardship forbearances are a way for a struggling borrower to temporarily postpone loan payments if they are unemployed, working part time or cannot make payments for some reason. Today they have up to three years of this type of relief to use. Under the new rules, they will be limited to using no more than nine months in a two-year period.
Recently, the Department of Education resumed all collection activities such as garnishing wages, taking portions of tax refunds and even Social Security checks. When combined with the changes to loan repayment, borrowers should be as prepared as they can be to pay back their student loans.
What is the difference between refinancing a loan and loan consolidation?
Consolidation is the act of combining multiple loans into one and refinancing is getting a lower rate and different terms on a single or multiple loans.
Is now a good time to refinance my loans?
Whenever you are ready. College Ave Student Loans and AAA Northeast have partnered to provide members with a better student loan experience and help them save. AAA Northeast Members receive 0.50%, up to $599.99, off the loan amount paid back to the borrower on all refinanced loans. Learn more.
Are there any costs to consolidate or refinance my loans?
No application fees, no origination fees and no closing costs.
If I change the term of my loan from 10 years to 15 or 20, am I locked into this?
No, if you refinance your loans into a longer-term loan you can always refinance again and change it back into a shorter-term loan.
If I have a co-signer can they be removed from the loan?
Some lenders do offer this as an option but it is important to note that in order for a co-signer to be removed you have to have the income and credit to support the loan on your own. Once you do, you can always refinance the loan again in your own name and remove the co-signer.
How long does the refinance process take?
You can apply online and receive an initial credit decision in as little as 15 minutes. If you are approved and want to move forward with the loan you will go into a loan closing process in which you will have to supply documents such as a pay stub, driver’s license or other documents such as a payoff letter. You will then sign the contract for the loan electronically and the lender will pay off your existing loans and create the new loan. So from the initial application to when your new loan goes into effect can be on average 30 days or longer.
Puzzle Day is Jan. 29, a time to celebrate brain teasers of all types.
The date was designated decades ago by professional puzzle maker and syndicated columnist Jodi Jill, who dedicated her birthday as an occasion of shared enthusiasm, and it has grown to a monthlong celebration.
It’s mainly celebrated by schools and libraries with activities posted on the official Puzzle Day website, though it is gaining popularity worldwide. In recognition of Puzzle Day, here are a few new games to try.
Jigsaw
Put scattered pieces together to form a complete photo.
Click the arrow to open the jigsaw puzzle.
For how to play, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.
Sudoku
Use logic to figure out the correct placement of numbers in a grid.
Click the arrow to open the Sudoku puzzle.
For how to play, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.
Word Search
Find given words amid a grid of random letters.
Click the arrow to open the word search puzzle.
For how to play, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.
WordroW
Guess a hidden term in six or fewer attempts.
Click the arrow to open the WordroW puzzle.
For how to play, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.
Word Flower
Make as many words as possible from given letters within a time limit.
Click the arrow to open the Word Flower puzzle.
For how to play, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.
With all the distractions available today, one would think dragging a cranky, groggy rodent out of its burrow at dawn every Feb. 2 to predict the remaining length of winter wouldn’t draw much interest.
Unfortunately for the nation’s groundhogs (also known as woodchucks), that’s not the case. Groundhog Day celebrations continue in communities across the U.S. and Canada with parades, food, dances, contests, drinking and of course, the highly anticipated prediction by the rodent of honor.
How Did Rodents Become Weathermen?
According to tradition, if a groundhog emerges from hibernation Feb. 2 and sees its shadow, we can expect another six weeks of winter, and the groundhog will return to its slumber.
If there is no shadow, spring is on its way. The ritual was even immortalized in the 1993 film “Groundhog Day.”
The practice has its roots in Celtic rituals marking the start of spring, according to History.com. When Christianity spread in Europe starting in the first century, the pagan spring rituals coincided with Candlemas, a holy day celebrating Jesus’ presentation at a temple in Jerusalem. Some believed a sunny Candlemas meant another 40 days of winter. The Germans maintained that it was sunny only if a small animal saw its shadow, and German immigrants brought that practice to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Groundhog Day’s first official celebration was Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, which has been Groundhog Day central since.
Party Like a Groundhog
Here are a few popular Groundhog Day events in the Northeast. Search here to find a weather-forecasting groundhog near you.
Punxsutawney
Punxsutawney is home to the nation’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. The town hosts several days of events, including a dance, talent show, dinner and music. Phil’s appearance at nearby Gobbler’s Knob draws hundreds of thousands of spectators from across the globe before dawn each year. Check here for event tickets and visitor information. Don’t forget to purchase your black top hat, like Phil’s handlers wear.
Jay Lundy, a local attorney and a member of The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, said the uniqueness of the day is part of the reason for its appeal.
“It’s an unusual, quirky, fun holiday, but with a real history,” he said.
The Inner Circle members are responsible for taking care of Phil, upholding the tradition and ensuring his prognostication is shared worldwide,
“He is the only true weather forecaster groundhog in the world. He is the seer of seers,” said Lundy.
In the spring, the town holds a special ceremony to serve Phil a sip of an elixir of life, which grants him another seven years of life for each sip.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Buffalo Groundhog Day is celebrated with Buffalo Bert the Saturday before Groundhog Day, making his weather prediction the first of the groundhog season. Not surprisingly, Bert has been 100% accurate since 2017 in his forecasts of six more weeks of winter in Buffalo.
Bert’s motto mirrors that of city residents: He fears no weather and never met a party he didn’t like. His mother, Buffalo Mack, will join him at the festivities. Tickets are required; proceeds benefit the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter and the Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, where Bert makes his home.
Essex, Conn.
Essex hosts a Groundhog Day parade featuring Essex Ed, an oversized groundhog replica that is the town’s mascot, and wears a different costume for the parade each year. You’ll hear the parade before it comes into view — organizers urge attendees to wear their best groundhog attire and bang on pots and pans to “wake up” Ed.
Staten Island, N.Y.
Staten Island Chuck, a resident of the Staten Island Zoo, is New York City’s official weather-predicting groundhog. A tradition since 1981, Chuck, whose formal name is Charles G. Hogg, is greeted by music as well as students, local officials and city residents. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., Feb. 2, and Chuck makes his appearance about 8:30 a.m. Chuck has a stellar weather-predicting accuracy rate of 85%, compared to his fellow groundhogs, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
West Orange, N.J.
Turtleback Zoo pins its hopes on Lady Edwina of Essex, who has been rendering predictions since 2022, although the zoo has been home to a line of “prognosticating groundhogs” since the 1970s.
Lincoln, Mass.
Ms. G, Massachusetts’ official state groundhog, is slated to reveal her weather prediction at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary on Feb. 2. Schoolchildren led the campaign to get her the state designation, and she has held the title since 2014. Unlike other groundhogs, Ms. G does not work just one day a year. She is an animal ambassador who visits schools, scout troops and local organizations to help educate the public about wildlife.
No matter what your views are on holidays honoring rodents, Groundhog Day will always have a special place on the calendar, ensuring people have something to celebrate in the depths of winter.
“The timing is great — it’s an excellent reason to get up at 4 a.m. and watch a groundhog,” Lundy said. “The holiday can appeal to all generations. And when you have people come from all over the world for a singular purpose, you have a really happy environment.”
Which groundhog do you trust the most? Tell us in the comments.
With temperatures predicted to plummet this weekend and the potential for a major snowstorm in the forecast, AAA is encouraging drivers to understand the impact of these extreme conditions on their vehicles and homes — and prepare accordingly.
Know How the Coldest Temperatures Affect Vehicles
Freezing temperatures can negatively impact vehicle performance in several ways, including:
Drained batteries: A typical battery requires 30% more power to start a vehicle when the temperature reaches 32 degrees. Additionally, a battery can lose up to 50% of its capacity when the temperature approaches zero degrees. This combination of cold-diminished batteries requiring more energy to start a vehicle is why many cars fail to start during cold snaps. Consider having the battery and charging system tested at an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility if your battery is older than three years old or you’ve noticed recent difficulty starting your vehicle in the cold. If you have a dead battery and need a replacement, AAA members have access to mobile car battery replacement.
Decreased tire pressure: Cold also negatively affects tires, which lose about one PSI (pound per square inch) of pressure for every 10 degrees the air temperature drops. Tires also normally lose one PSI per month due to aspiration. Before hitting the road, drivers should make sure tires are properly inflated according to information on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Frozen fuel lines: Any moisture in a vehicle’s fuel lines can freeze, preventing gasoline from reaching the engine. Drivers should keep their gas tanks at least half full during the winter so that there will be no room for air or water vapor. If drivers suspect there is water in the fuel tank, they can use a gas line antifreeze.
Stay Safe on the Roads, and Stay Home if You Can
AAA recommends travelers consider adjusting their travel plans, if possible, to avoid driving during or immediately after peak periods of snowfall. If you really don’t have to go out during or right after a storm, don’t! Even if you think you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out. Otherwise, driving in ice and snow requires an adjustment to driving habits:
Remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. This is critical for maximum driver visibility and to prevent blowing snow and ice from possibly blinding other drivers.
Slow down. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice. Curbing your speed provides you with more time to react.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
Increase your following distance. Allow five to six seconds of following distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. This space allows time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
AAA also urges all drivers to keep a cold-weather emergency kit in their vehicles, complete with warm clothing, blankets, extra water and food, extra chargers, an ice scraper and any medications they may need in the event of an emergency.
Protecting Your Home From Winter’s Worst
The frigid temperatures can also bring winter-related damage for homeowners. The most common types of insurance claims related to severe winter weather include frozen pipes, ice dams building up along roof edges, damage from falling trees and limbs and even house fires.
AAA Insurance recommends that all homeowners take these steps to effectively winterize their homes for safety and to avoid costly repairs:
Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to allow melting snow and ice to flow freely. To help prevent ice dams from forming, keep the attic well-ventilated and the attic floor well-insulated. Heat tape may also help prevent ice buildup and can facilitate melting.
To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, insulate exposed pipes, seal cracks in outside walls near pipes, keep cabinet doors on exterior walls open and keep a slow trickle of water flowing through unprotected pipes during cold spells.
Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage.
Ensure your heating system is up to snuff by having the furnace, boiler or chimney serviced at least once a year. Be sure to have ducts, vents and filters inspected.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Residential fires and carbon monoxide poisonings increase in the winter as people rely on indoor fires and heating systems. Detectors should be checked at least twice a year.
Follow all safety guidelines when using supplemental space heaters to prevent electrical fires or fires caused by the placement of heaters too close to flammable materials.
Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property.
Clear your driveway and walkway of snow as soon as possible to prevent slips and falls.
It’s one of the worst feelings — you are driving on a snowy, icy or wet road when suddenly the car starts to slide.
Do you know what to do if your car starts to skid?
The sudden loss of control is scary, but it’s important to stay calm. These simple moves can help get the car righted and your blood pressure back to normal.
What Causes Car Skidding?
Skidding occurs when tires lose their grip on the road, usually because ice, snow or water make the surface slippery, causing the car to be unable stop or to slide to one side. Driving too fast for the road conditions often contributes to a car skidding.
What To Do If Your Car Starts to Skid
If your car starts skidding, try not to panic. Slowly take your foot off the accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want to go, not the direction the car is heading.
“Your hands tend to follow your eyes, so looking toward a hazard almost guarantees you will hit it,” said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.
You generally want to avoid slamming the brakes, as this can lock the wheels and make the skid worse. However, antilock braking systems — which most cars have — are designed to prevent this from happening. If you know your vehicle is equipped with ABS, and you are skidding toward a crash, push the brake pedal down firmly to engage the brakes and keep steering in the direction you want the car to go. This will keep each wheel braking as hard as possible to try and gain traction, according to Car and Driver.
Once you have regained control of the car, slowly return to normal speed.
The ABS can also transmit a chunky or lumpy feeling through the brake pedal when driving on ice, which is normal, according to Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “The ABS can rapidly apply and release the brake as it tries to gain or hold traction, causing this sensation,” he said.
Remember, a car with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is not skid-proof. While these cars usually can accelerate without slipping, they still can slide if you are braking or turning.
How to Prevent Skidding
To prevent a car from skidding, gentle pressure on the accelerator and brakes is essential.
“Slow and easy keeps the wheels from spinning,” Paul said.
AAA offers these additional tips:
Don’t use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
Drive slowly. Always decrease your speed to account for reduced traction when driving on snow or ice.
Accelerate and decelerate gradually. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t be in a hurry to start moving and take extra time to slow down for a stoplight. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
Increase your following distance. Allow at least 5 to 6 seconds of following distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. This space allows you time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a significant difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little momentum going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly. Don’t stop going up a hill unless you must.
Watch the traffic ahead. Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency flashers.
Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes, which could cause loss of vehicle traction.
Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you are approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
Do not brake and turn at the same time. Asking your vehicle to do two things at a time makes it more likely that your tires will lose traction. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate.
Winter tires or all-weather tires also are a good defense against skidding.
William Boyar remembers the time his daughter called from college needing a jump-start. They turned to AAA, which came through — just as expected.
My daughter Madeline called and told me her car wouldn’t start, and she needed to be at diving practice in an hour. She goes to college three hours from our house.
Her housemate had a jump box, but they were nervous about using it. I walked them through it, but it wasn’t starting the car.
My daughter said, ‘Dad, this is a job for AAA!’ I said, ‘No problem, Mad.’
She was familiar with AAA because I sent them the year before when she had a flat tire, and they came and put the spare on for her, so she could take it to get repaired.
I went to the app, put in her address and phone number, and she was all set. The AAA Auto Club App is great. She could track the progress of the technician, and it told her they would be there in 10 minutes. They showed up, jump-started the car, and she was on her way to practice.
Your service is priceless. It’s peace of mind when you have three kids away at college, and you know you can get them help whenever they need it. Thanks again AAA!”
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Marli Von Stutterheim of Mansfield, Massachusetts, never forgot the AAA “angel” who helped her over 40 years ago.
I have always been disabled and use a wheelchair. After visiting a relative in the hospital one evening, my car would not start. This was in the mid-1980s, and there were no cellphones.
After wheeling around in the cold icy streets, I was finally able to find a pay phone and called AAA.
The wonderful fellow who arrived could not get my car to start. But seeing my situation and the dismay in my face, he solved it by picking me up and putting me and then my wheelchair in the cab of his truck. He took me home and said that after work he would go back to get my car to start.
I never even learned his name, but in the morning, my car was parked in my usual spot in my building’s parking lot. I’m convinced that AAA only employs angels.”
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Member Bonnie Bopp of Mahopac, New York, talks about the time AAA helped her with a new car battery and saved her day.
It was a chilly night. I had just left work. I went to my car, and it would not start. I didn’t know what to do. Thank goodness I thought of AAA. I called them, and a roadside technician came in less than an hour. In fact, they gave me a time when they would arrive, and they were a few minutes early.
I don’t know much about cars. Fortunately, the gentleman from AAA was very knowledgeable. He checked the car over and discovered my battery was dead. ‘Now what do I do?’ I thought. The AAA technician gave me a few suggestions, including the option to buy a new battery.
He was not pushy; he was very efficient and honest. He told me I could get home after he charged the old battery, but he showed me how weak my battery was.
I decided to purchase a battery from AAA. It was reasonably priced. He put the battery in, took the old one, and we were both on our way. It was a really good experience, and knowing that I had someone there to depend on — my hero — was priceless.
I wanted to get the gentleman’s name, but I was so in awe of his professionalism and so very excited to get back on the road, that I missed it. But I thank him and AAA for being there for me. This wasn’t the first time you pulled me through, and I am grateful for your service! Thanks to my hero.”
Learn more about AAA Battery Service. Our all-in-one pricing includes testing, delivery, installation and recycling. We come to you wherever you are.
Note: Due to high demand because of cold weather, the wait times for mobile battery service may be longer than usual.
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Is a AAA membership worth it? For generations, members have sworn by the peace mind that AAA Roadside Assistance provides, but there are even more perks and services that can make your annual membership worthwhile.
How Much Is AAA Membership?
Basic membership starts as low as $4.30 per month with a one-time $15 enrollment fee. Plus and Premier memberships go up incrementally (as do the perks), but even the highest level of membership is never more than $14 a month.
Teen drivers in your home between the ages of 16 and 19 can receive a free Associate membership for one year. Family members ages 20 and up are eligible for the same offer.
Don’t have a car but still want to enjoy AAA membership benefits? AAA Everyday membership gives you everything but roadside assistance for just $2.50 a month.
AAA Roadside Assistance may be more comprehensive than what you can get from a dealership or your insurance company. Your AAA membership will cover you in any car that you are driving or riding in. And the perks don’t end at the roadside.
AAA Battery Service can get you back on the road in a hurry. Technicians provide on-site battery testing and replacement wherever you are. Batteries come with a three-year warranty and members get a $25 discount.
For car repairs and maintenance, visit your nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Members can save up to $75 per visit — that pays for your membership!
AAA Manhattan branch. Photo by Adam Glanzman.
Branch Services
From passport photos to foreign currency exchange, there’s a lot your can do at your local AAA branch.
Select locations even offer DMV and RMV services. Make an appointment to renew your driver’s license or registration and take advantage of other offerings.
In the branch or online, you can also book your next vacation with a AAA travel advisor. These travel pros have been around the world, are experts at planning trips and will work to find you the best deals and exclusive member savings. It’s a free service with your membership, so take advantage!
AAA has policies for all of your insurance needs: Not just for auto, home and life, but also for jewelry, pets, small businesses and even classic cars. Members can save an average of $506 on car insurance over other plans. Sleep well knowing you have insurance for a special event or even an engagement ring. Agents will work with you to get you the best coverage at the best price.
Are you ready to buy a home or car? Or maybe you’re getting ready to pay for college tuition? Let AAA’s Financial Services team help you find the best loan or refinance an existing loan.
Members can call, chat online or meet with a counselor in a branch.
Discounts and Rewards
AAA members can enjoy exclusive savings on all of the services mentioned above, plus discounts on everything from entertainment and amusement parks to auto parts and restaurants.
Need a ride for your next road trip? AAA members get exclusive savings on Hertz car rentals.
More
All AAA members get free identity theft monitoring from Experian with Protect My ID.
You can also work with AAA employees on projects in your community, such as beach cleanups and volunteering in a food pantry.
So, what do you think? Is a AAA membership worth it? If you are already a member, what are some of your favorite benefits? Tell us your AAA story in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
From covering the cost of funeral and burial services to contributing to your child’s college fund in your absence, the protections life insurance provides for your family are far-reaching. Without it, you risk leaving your loved ones with significant financial challenges.
Plus, the earlier you start thinking about life insurance, the less you can expect to pay. Below, we’ll explore what life insurance is, the best time to purchase it and the cost of not having a life insurance policy.
What Is Life Insurance?
Life insurance is a type of coverage that protects your loved ones from the costs associated with your death. It can also help fill the financial gap left when your income is no longer available. Life insurance is a key aspect of retirement planning that’s often overlooked.
Over half of Americans believe life insurance costs more than they can afford, according to LIMRA, but often, this isn’t the case.
The Cost of Not Having Life Insurance
From funeral arrangements to unpaid debts and end-of-life care, the unfortunate reality is that there are often significant costs when a person passes. Life insurance can help alleviate this burden for loved ones. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of not having coverage.
Funeral and Burial Costs
The cost of cremations, burials and services is often significant — the average funeral with a burial or cremation is $7,848, according to the latest stats from the National Funeral Directors Association. Choose to be buried in a different state, and this can increase even more.
Life insurance can relieve this financial burden. In some instances, it can even help cover the cost of travel expenses so your out-of-state loved ones can say goodbye. If your family can’t afford to cover the cost of a funeral, a coroner may perform a cremation without holding a family service.
Unpaid Loans
Without life insurance, the burden of mortgage debts, car loans or unpaid student loans may fall on your loved ones. With car loans alone averaging around $50,000, according to Consumer Reports, this cost can be significant.
End of Life Care
In some cases, end-of-life care may be necessary. Without life insurance, your loved ones may be responsible for any outstanding costs.
Family Members Dependent on Your Income
Without your income, your family may not be able to continue living in the family home. Stay-at-home partners should not underestimate their monetary value, either. In your absence, additional child care, cleaning or meal preparation services may be necessary. Life insurance can help cover the cost of these essential services, relieving your family of financial stress.
Children’s Education
In the event of your passing, you may not be able to accumulate the savings you’d planned for your child’s education. In your absence, life insurance benefits can help fund their education.
When Should You Consider Life Insurance?
The cost of not having insurance is significant. But is life insurance for everyone? And when is the best time to buy? We’ll dive into these questions below.
When You’re Young
Young people need life insurance, too — in fact, it’s often the best time to buy. For a healthy, 20-year-old nonsmoker, life insurance averages only $14.75 per month. After this, premiums increase an average of 8% to 10% per year. Plus, the younger you are, the easier your approvals will be.
You Have Debt
It’s not unusual to pass away with unpaid debt. With Gen Z’s total debt averaging over $34,000, according to Experian data, this is unlikely to change. To avoid passing debt to your loved ones, consider a life insurance policy.
Others are Dependent on Your Income
If your income suddenly disappeared tomorrow, could your family afford to stay in your current home? Or would your spouse be able to retire as planned if you were no longer in the picture? In some cases, your income may be essential to keep your family afloat.
You’re Not Self-Insured
Some people may choose self-insurance, meaning they save money to protect their family after they pass. If this doesn’t apply to you, life insurance is likely your best option.
Facing up to the reality of life after we’re gone can be overwhelming. But failing to plan for your family’s future can put them at a major financial disadvantage.
Fortunately, once you’ve purchased a life insurance policy, you can rest assured knowing your family will be protected. Purchase life insurance when you’re young, and your policy may even cost less than your favorite streaming service.
Be sure to reassess your policy if and when you incur new debt. This will help ensure adequate coverage in the event your policy goes into effect.
With predicted temperatures well below freezing and a major snowstorm predicted for much of the Northeast this weekend, AAA is encouraging drivers to understand the impact of these extreme conditions on their vehicles — and prepare accordingly.
Freezing temperatures can negatively impact vehicle performance in several ways, including:
Drained batteries: Vehicle batteries lose 30% of their power when the outside air temperature hits 32 degrees. At 0 degrees, batteries can drain 60% of their cranking power. This is because the cold slows the chemical reaction that creates an electrical charge, which makes starting a vehicle more difficult — especially with batteries that are three to five years old or those that previously went dead and needed a jump-start. If drivers have batteries older than three years or that have been previously jump-started, they should have their battery tested and, if necessary, replaced.
Decreased tire pressure: Cold also negatively affects tires, which lose about one PSI (pound per square inch) of pressure for every 10 degrees the air temperature drops. Tires also normally lose one PSI per month due to aspiration. Before hitting the road, drivers should make sure tires are properly inflated according to information on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Frozen fuel lines: Any moisture in a vehicle’s fuel lines can freeze, preventing gasoline from reaching the engine. Drivers should keep their gas tanks at least half full during the winter so that there will be no room for air or water vapor. If drivers suspect there is water in the fuel tank, they can use a gas line antifreeze.
Extreme winter weather also impacts electric vehicles; the main issue is that cold temperatures may reduce the distance an EV can travel on a full charge. Research by AAA found the average EV’s driving range decreases by 41% when the outside temperature dips to 20 degrees and the car’s heating system is on.
EV drivers can improve their vehicle’s performance in the winter by utilizing the following tips:
Don’t let the battery charge drop too low: An EV reserves about 15-20% of its charge capacity to heat the battery itself, so it’s critical to be well above that level before hitting the road.
Use heat efficiently: Warming an EV creates a significant drain on the battery. If the vehicle has heated seats and steering wheels, that functionality offers a more efficient option to provide warmth than heating the entire cabin. Some EVs connect to a smartphone app that allows drivers to warm the vehicle’s cabin to an optimum temperature at a preset time before use, positively affecting range and leading to consistent vehicle performance.
Park your electric vehicle in a garage, if possible: Garage storage helps to ensure that harsh weather conditions do not affect the vehicle and helps maintain a warmer temperature, which will aid battery performance. And, with zero tailpipe emissions, EVs can be safely warmed up while indoors.
Plug in when parked for extended time periods: Keeping your vehicle plugged in helps maintain battery health and prevent range loss. This also helps to keep the battery above freezing to help optimize battery performance; this occurs whether the vehicle is actively charging or not.
Ensure tires are at the proper pressure: Due to their weight, tire pressure is critical to an EV’s handling and performance. Proper tire pressure also helps to maximize range and ensure the correct amount of tire surface grips the road. Overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to range degradation and compromise safety.
Slow down: Higher speeds can negatively impact range in all types of weather. More power is needed to overcome the increased wind resistance, especially in denser, colder air.
Know your vehicle: Some EVs have one motor and function as rear-wheel drive. This can lead to handling challenges in slippery conditions. Dual-motor EVs function as all-wheel drive, providing superior traction and performance.
Drivers of all vehicles should always remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. This is critical for maximum driver visibility and to prevent blowing snow and ice from possibly blinding other drivers. For EVs, removing snow is important to reduce weight and air resistance while driving, both of which can negatively impact range.
AAA also urges all drivers to keep a cold-weather emergency kit in their vehicles, complete with warm clothing, blankets, extra water and food, extra chargers, an ice scraper and any medications they may need in the event of an emergency.
When AAA Northeast roadside technician Kenny DiPina responded to a call for a flat tire from a member in Rhode Island, he never expected to be featured in a newspaper article.
To DiPina, it was just business as usual. But to Providence Journal columnist Mark Patinkin, it was service worthy of widespread gratitude.
Patinkin, a AAA member for more than 20 years, was so impressed by DiPina’s calm demeanor and swift action that he wrote about the encounter in his weekly column. He shared the full story on Facebook. Providence Journal subscribers can also read the story here.
The story unfolded just as he wrote, Patinkin said. He was driving through a Providence neighborhood when he hit a sharp curb that ripped apart his tire.
“Thump. Flat,” Patinkin recounted.
He called AAA. The member service counselor asked if he had a spare tire, an easy replacement that would get him back on the road quickly. He told them yes. But when he looked in his 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, all he found was “just one of those useless inflator kits,” he said.
Now he needed a tow, and he was told it would be about an hour.
“Then Kenny arrives early. Calm, upbeat, reassuring,” Patinkin said. “He tells me he won’t leave me stranded. He finds a nearby tire shop with a matching used tire for $65, loads my car and gets me there fast.”
And just like that, a bad day turned into a good one.
Before leaving, DiPina asked if Patinkin was OK
“I am. Because of him,” Patinkin wrote.
In the four years DiPina has been a technician for AAA, he has treated every member the same way.
“It’s super nice to engage with someone the way I engage with everyone every day and have them feel like it was special,” DiPina said.
But not everyone is like Patinkin.
“Not every person I get is a journalist,” DiPina said. “Otherwise, how would I know how much of a difference I made without his article?”
DiPina appreciated the recognition and reflected on the bigger picture.
“I think we (AAA) make a big difference in how breakdowns go,” he said. “This is like the worst moment for some people, and you’re going to remember this for the rest of your life.”
As Patinkin expressed, these efforts should not go unnoticed.
“We take for granted the people who show up when our day suddenly collapses,” Patinkin wrote, closing with “Thank goodness for the Kenny DiPinas among us.”
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Photo credit: Mark Patinkin; Courtesy of the Providence Journal.
For Jeffrey Gurian of New York City, what began as an inconvenience turned out to be luck. Here he tells the story of when a AAA-approved mechanic discovered that a flat tire could have put far more than his weekend plans at risk.
It was the flat tire that saved my life, and I owe it all to AAA Northeast and an observant mechanic.
I was about to go away for a weekend with someone special. When the [parking] garage attendant brought my car around, it was making an unusual noise. He said it sounded like something was in my tire and that I was about to get a flat. I was reluctant to tell my date about it when I picked her up, because it felt like a negative way to start a weekend, so I called AAA to ask for help. They told me they could only help me if my car was actually stranded, but they were nice enough to refer me to a garage that was nearby and told me that the garage would help me. It was like a garage from heaven.
AAA called them on my behalf and told them to expect me. They were waiting for me out in the street and guided me in. They put my car up on the lift and a nice mechanic told me he’d find the problem and have me back on the road in no time. A few minutes later, he called me over and showed me a screw and washer stuck in my tire. He said to me, ‘This was your problem. I’ll put a patch in the tire, and you’ll be fine and on your way.’
A few minutes later he called me over and looked upset. ‘I know you don’t know about cars, but do you see this rod? This rod controls your steering, and it was about to slip out. You would have lost control of your car on the highway and could have been killed. You’re so lucky you got the flat tire, cause the flat tire saved your life,’ the mechanic said.
I’ve kept that screw and washer for years as a reminder that I’m not the best judge of what happens in my life. Here I was cursing my luck for getting a flat tire when I was going away, and the flat tire turned out to save my life! A very important lesson.”
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Hobbies like crocheting, collecting or craftmaking evolve with the times giving them long-lasting appeal. Others, like flagpole sitting, come and go, never to return. Today’s pastimes may have surprising longevity — like 30 years of Pokemon. But will they outlast this trending word guessing game?
In WordroW, like Wordle or Lingo, you get a limited number of attempts to correctly guess the hidden term, in this case, the names of some of today’s favorite pastimes.
1. Enter your guess. After submitting your guess, you will receive hints based on the color of the letters:
Green: The letter is correct and is in the correct position in the target word.
Yellow: The letter is correct but is in the wrong position in the target word.
Gray: The letter is not in the target word at all.
2. Using this color feedback, refine your next guess.
3. Continue until you correctly guess the word or run out of attempts.
For more instructions, click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the game.
Winter Continues to Bring Declining Gas Prices for the Northeast
Like snow in January, gasoline prices are falling and inventories are piling up across the Northeast as U.S. refiners maintain steady production through the winter.
Gasoline demand and production typically wane in the winter, but so far this year, domestic refiners have been running at summer-like levels. Last week, refinery runs — a measure of how much crude is processed by refineries — reached 17.3 million barrels a day according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). That level, last reached in mid-August, is contributing to sizable inventory builds across the country.
An uptick of 134,000 barrels a day brought gasoline demand to 8.3 million barrels a day, according to the EIA. But production outweighed that demand: Refiners last week produced 8.9 million barrels a day. That helped total domestic supplies of gasoline climb by 9 million barrels, of which 3 million went into storage in the Northeast.
“Gasoline prices typically reach their lowest point this time of year as Americans drive less than in the warmer months,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “This year, stronger-than-usual production continues to push prices lower; and time will tell when prices eventually reach seasonal lows.”
AAA’s Jan. 19 survey of fuel prices found the national average up 3 cents from last week ($2.79), averaging $2.82 per gallon. The Jan. 19 national average price was 6 cents lower than a month ago ($2.88) and 30 cents lower than this day last year ($3.12).
Region
Current Price*
One Week Ago
One Month Ago
One Year Ago
Connecticut
$2.85
$2.87
$2.99
$3.08
Massachusetts
$2.89
$2.91
$2.98
$3.02
New Jersey
$2.76
$2.77
$2.89
$3.09
New York
$2.97
$2.99
$3.07
$3.16
Rhode Island
$2.82
$2.83
$2.91
$2.99
*Prices as of Jan. 19, 2026
As of Jan. 19, Oklahoma and Texas had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.31 and $2.41, respectively. Hawaii and California held the highest prices in the nation at $4.39 and $4.21, respectively.
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
If you like skiing in the daytime, you'll love it at night. More and more ski resorts throughout the Northeast are keeping their trails open after sunset.
Nothing beats a bright winter day spent carving up the slopes. But the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. More and more ski resorts throughout the Northeast are keeping their trails open after sunset to add another element of fun to the winter experience. And it’s not just for skiing and snowboarding. Parks have a host of exciting activities to keep your adrenaline pumping well into the night. These are a few of the top spots for night skiing, night snowboarding and much, much more.
Check out AAA member deals at ski resorts nationwide.
Sunday River’s South Ridge and North Peak trails stay open until 6:30 p.m. on weekends and during holiday weeks. All-season passes and daytime lift tickets are valid for night skiing, and specific night skiing tickets are available as well.
Stratton Mountain doesn’t have night skiing, but it does offer just about every other nighttime snow activity you can imagine. The Resort’s Coca-Cola Tubing Park features four lanes of lift-serviced snow tubing, plus a warming hut with light refreshments and fire pit. The park is open Friday through Monday until 8 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
Stratton’s snowshoeing season runs through mid-March. Evening guided tours are available for all skill levels on the resort’s Nordic trails. Stratton also offers ice skating Thursday through Monday until 6 p.m.
New Hampshire’s Crotched Mountain turns night skiing into an event. On select nights through the end of February, the mountain hosts Midnight Madness, when trails stay open to 12 a.m. Skiers can enjoy fire pits, giveaways and drink specials, all while listening to music from a live DJ.
Jiminy Peak offers night skiing until 10 p.m. on 26 of its 45 trails and all three of its terrain parks. Jiminy’s Mountain Coaster, one of the first in the country, is also open late on weekends and holidays. You can control the speed of your descent, allowing you to take a leisurely ride down the mountain or speed up to 23 mph through 3,600 feet of twisting, turning excitement through the woods.
While snow tubing has become a popular activity at ski resorts across the country, nobody does it quite like Camelback Mountain. With more than 40 lanes, Camelback is the largest snow tubing park in the country. Two magic carpet lifts take you to the top of the mountain where you zip down 100 feet. When the sun goes down the tubing park turns into an LED light show. If that wasn’t enough, the snow tubing park has its own lodge and dining options, as well as a waffle cabin on weekends and holidays. The park is open until 9 p.m. daily.
Smugglers’ Notch may not have night skiing, but it certainly offers more than enough nighttime activities to keep you busy. Glow Tubing on Sir Henry’s Hill is open until 8 p.m., as is the natural outdoor ice skating rink located next to the Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center.
What are your favorite ski resorts in the Northeast? Share them with us in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
AAA member Richard Farr of Torrington, Connecticut, tells a story of when AAA’s 24/7 roadside assistance proved invaluable.
AAA saved me in the dead of night in 2014.
I was working second shift for a manufacturer in West Hartford, Connecticut. I left work at 11:45 p.m. to begin my drive home, which was approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes daily, when 25 miles into it, I noticed my headlights were getting dimmer, and my dashboard lights had gone out completely. I reached a mini-mart in Farmington at about 12:30 a.m. I barely pulled into the lot when the car died completely, leaving me stranded there.
Fortunately, I am a AAA member, so I placed a call for assistance. Good thing I did, because the store was closing, and I had no idea what the address was. I got the information from the clerk so I could relay that to AAA just in time.
A AAA tow-truck showed up within three-quarters of an hour and towed my vehicle to a garage I used in Torrington and dropped me off at my house. The driver was excellent and a life saver.
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
