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.  

Get a Life Insurance Quote

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.

Find AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities near you.

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.

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game 4

Game 5

Game 6

Discover more traditional and nontraditional pastimes to take up in 2026.

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.  

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 Resort

Newry, Maine

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 Resort

Stratton, Vt.

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.

Crotched Mountain

Bennington, N.H.

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 Mountain Resort

Hancock, Mass.

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.

Camelback Mountain

Tannersville, Pa. 

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

Jeffersonville, Vt.

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.

You can’t ask for a better service organization. I would never give up my membership in AAA.”

Are you a AAA member? Join or upgrade your membership.

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.

The Civil Rights Movement was one of the most transformative times in American history. It would be impossible to summarize its significance in a single museum or honor its participants’ efforts with a sole monument. Fortunately, there is the U.S. Civil Rights Trail to do just that.

Created in 2018, the trail guides visitors to more than 130 locations across 15 states. It was created through the combined efforts of several official state tourism agencies. Joining all these locations into a single trail helps highlight the breadth and significance of the Civil Rights Movement.

“For too long the churches, courthouses and schools where significant civil rights activity had occurred were ignored or otherwise unappreciated,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. “Linking the historic places focused a spotlight to honor the contributions that courageous activists had made at great personal risk.”

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail has also sparked tourism in the Southern states. “Since the U.S. Civil Rights Trail was launched, most of the sites have experienced substantial growth in the number of visitors seeking to learn more about the history of the movement,” Sentell said. “Equally important, those Southern states that hadn’t previously developed a trail highlighting their heritage landmarks have now done so.”

Here are some of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail’s most noteworthy destinations.

Rev. Arthur Price Jr. Interview Birmingham, Ala. from U.S. Civil Rights Trail on Vimeo.

Alabama

Birmingham

The 16^th Street Baptist Church — still an active church today — served as a meeting place for organizations participating in marches and other civil rights activities. In 1963, the church was bombed, killing four young girls. The event spurred the government to act on civil rights legislation.

The Alabama city is also home to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The 58,000-square-foot museum features a rendition of a 1950s segregated city, a replica of a Freedom Riders bus and the actual door from the jail cell that housed King when he wrote his famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”

Montgomery

Alabama’s capital city was one of the epicenters of the Civil Rights Movement. It is justly well-represented on the trail. The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church was the first church where King served as a pastor. It also hosted meetings that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Rosa Parks Museum is located at the site where Parks boarded a public bus and was arrested. The Freedom Bus Museum is found at the bus station where Freedom Riders were attacked in 1961. Take a virtual tour.

Montgomery is also home to the Civil Rights Memorial Center and National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The former serves as a tribute to all those who died during the Civil Rights Movement, and the latter is a memorial recognizing the thousands of lynchings that occurred across the country during this time.

Selma

The most iconic site in Selma is the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The National Historic Landmark was the site of the first march for voting rights on March 7, 1965. Unfortunately, the location became etched in history due to the brutal beatings of marchers that took place that day in a conflict that became known as Bloody Sunday. The events were televised across the country. This prompted public support for civil rights activists and the voting rights campaign.

Tennessee

Memphis

The Lorraine Motel holds a solemn place not only in the Civil Rights Movement, but also in the collective history of the country. The site of King’s assassination is now part of the National Civil Rights Museum. This collection of historic sites tells the story of the movement from the 17th century to present day.

Arkansas

Little Rock

Little Rock drew the eyes of the country in September 1957. Following the decision in Brown v. Board of Education, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called in the Arkansas National Guard to block nine black students from entering Central High School. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to protect the students and allow them to enter. Eventually, the Little Rock Nine were all admitted in what was a major milestone in the fight to integrate schools.

Although it’s still in operation today, the museum and visitor center located across the street offers tours of the high school. There is also a memorial to the Little Rock Nine at the Arkansas state Capitol.

Georgia

Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta in 1929 and the city has been sure to honor its native son. The National Historic Site named in King’s honor consists of his childhood home, where he lived the first 12 years of his life, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized, ordained and served as co-pastor with his father until 1968.

The King Center is the burial site for both King and his wife Coretta Scott King. It also houses many of King’s papers.

Also of note in Atlanta is the Center for Civil and Human Rights. This multicultural center includes exhibits highlighting the civil rights and modern human rights movements.

Robert Tyrone Patterson Sr. Interview Greensboro, N.C. from U.S. Civil Rights Trail on Vimeo.

North Carolina

Greensboro

Greensboro is home to the former Woolworth department store, site of one of the most critical events in the movement. In February 1960, four students from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University sat at the counter and ordered coffee but were refused service. The four remained sitting until the store closed. Over the ensuing days, the sit-in grew to include more than 300 students and nearby businesses. It spurred a widespread movement of peaceful demonstration across the country.

Woolworth’s has since been incorporated into the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. The lunch counter and four seats the students occupied the remain in their original positions. A monument of the four students sits on the North Carolina A&T campus.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital has numerous sites that honor the civil rights movement. Most notably is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Opened in 2016, the Smithsonian Institution museum contains 36,000 artifacts and is the only national museum dedicated entirely to the African American experience.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, a 30-foot stone sculpture, was dedicated in 2011. The monument made King the first African-American to be honored with a memorial on the National Mall.

Are you planning on traveling to a few of these different landmarks? Click here to rent a car. AAA members can save on Hertz rentals.

Plan your next trip with a AAA travel advisor.

Have you been to any of these sites? Tell us about it in the comments below.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

The dual delights of ship and shore have always been part of the secret sauce that makes cruising special. But if sea gazing from a lounge chair and a traditional game of shuffleboard aren’t enough to fulfill your days at sea, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do on a cruise ship that will satisfy the adventurous, the adrenaline-seeking and the curious.

Corkscrew waterslides, rock climbing walls, bowling alleys, escape rooms and even zip lines readily await aboard some of the most incredible vessels at sea.

These over-the-top cruise ship activities and attractions are sure to blow your mind. Can’t wait to experience them for yourself? Book a cruise with AAA Travel.

Ropes Courses

Many of the newer ships from Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises offer ropes courses, allowing cruisers to navigate across bridges, around obstacles and zipline to your next stop.

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The Cliffhanger

Featured on MSC Cruises, the four-seat Cliffhanger swing rests above the top deck of the ship, until a hydraulic arm moves it up and over the railing, 164 feet above the ocean. Then the swinging starts!

Typhoon and Cyclone

Twin waterslides Typhoon and Cyclone on Royal Caribbean cruise ships allow passengers to race each with clear sections of tubing offering views of the sea.

Beginning in 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is bringing even more fun to the ocean!

Go-Karts and Bumper Cars

Rev your engine and burn rubber on the multi-deck speedways aboard ships from Norwegian Cruise Line. Helmets with intuitive sound, hairpin turns, sections of track that swerve over the sea and competitive timing systems up the adrenaline ante. If demolition derby is more your style, bumper cars beckon on select Royal Caribbean ships.

Skydiving Simulator

Don a flight suit and defy gravity while floating on air in the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulators aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships. These clear, vertical wind tunnels soar nearly 25 feet. Diving into one is a surreal adrenaline rush, but even kids as young as three can try to fly.

BOLT Roller Coaster

Zoom motorcycle-style above the upper decks and careen around the iconic whale tail funnels of Carnival’s largest ships on the first roller coasters at sea. The electric coasters reach speeds of up to 40mph, but the coolest feature puts passengers in the driver’s seat. So, you can slow down and enjoy the view whenever you want.

AquaMouse

Disney’s AquaDuck and AquaDunk water coasters deserve kudos, but the AquaMouse (on Wish, Treasure and Destiny) makes the biggest splash. Hop in a two-seater raft and prepare to get flushed through a tunnel of animation, swept inside the ship’s forward smokestack and shot out over the ocean in a translucent tube. This flume also boasts surprise special effects and a charming storyline. 

SkyRide

Pedal your way to jaw-dropping views and an exhilarating workout on this creative contraption composed of recumbent-style bikes suspended from aerial tracks 150 feet above the ocean. Carnival ships sport the attraction, which comes courtesy of the same person who invented Rollerblades.

North Star

Rise 300 feet above the surface of the sea in this observation pod, which looks like the elegant cousin of a construction crane with a crystal ornament dangling from its arm. North Star rotates over the open water and earned Royal Caribbean a Guinness World Record for highest viewing deck on a cruise ship.      

Planetarium

Stargazing is a shipboard rite-of-passage, but Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 invites guests to journey beyond the boat to galaxies far, far away via the first planetarium at sea.

Lawn Club

Real grass? That’s right! Fields of green adorn the top decks of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class ships. Frolic barefoot, play bocce ball or grab a basket and picnic. You can even grill some grub like it’s your own backyard.

Ultimate Abyss and The Drop

Waterslides abound on cruise ships, but these dry slides (from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, respectively) deliver a daring 10-story plunge with no bathing suit required. Dueling tubes characterize Ultimate Abyss, while The Drop distinguishes itself as the first free-fall dry slide at sea.

Robotron

Not for the faint of heart, Robotron is a giant mechanical arm aboard the MSC Seascape, 174 feet above the water that spins, twirls and flips its three riders. Passengers can choose from the light, moderate or fast speed and select a song to accompany their spin. According to MSC, it’s the first of its kind at sea.

Culinary Center

Hone skills in the hands-on teaching kitchens aboard select Oceania ships. Culinary excellence and experiencing travel through the lens of cuisine and cooking is core to Oceania, so the tricked-out workstations are top-notch. Expect everything from private prep sinks and stoves to utensils and gadgets guaranteed to make foodies swoon.

Magic Carpet

It’s not a ride, but this external platform does travel up and down the side of Celebrity’s newest ships, defining their profile and morphing into unique venues – from stable tendering dock to exclusive dining pad – depending upon where it rests. 

Carousels

Tap into your inner child and merry-go-round to your heart’s content on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships. Or, simply delight in watching real kids ride, while you appreciate the detail on these hand-carved works of art. Either way, it’s trippy nostalgia.

4D Theaters

All mainstream ships have theaters and most offer lovely poolside “dive-in” movies, but Carnival takes cinema to another level with multi-sensory 4D and IMAX theaters. Strap into your full-tilt seat and prepare for wind, rain, fog and even nose-tingling aromas. 

Bespoke Bars

Slip on a parka and sip vodka at one of Norwegian’s Ice Bars, where everything — from the frosty glasses to the tables, chairs and artwork — is carved from ice and maintained at a nippy 17 degrees. Or, belly up to Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar, where robot mixologists guarantee perfect cocktails. Rising Tide Bar, another Royal Caribbean treat, levitates like an extravagant elevator. And, for flights of craft beer and brewmaster tours, Carnival weighs in as the first line with brewpubs.

Enchanted Art, Magic Portholes and Virtual balconies … Oh, My! 

Revel in the tech takeover at sea. Enjoy inside cabins with outside views via Royal Caribbean’s Virtual Balconies (floor-to-ceiling LED screens complete with railing overlays that make them look legit) and Disney’s Magic Portholes (round LEDs displaying live scenery augmented with character cameos). Disney also touts Enchanted Art. These pieces recognize the presence of an admirer, triggering animated sequences.

Snow Grotto

Revitalize circulation Scandi-style at a Viking Ocean Cruises’ spa, where passengers literally chill out as snowflakes fall. These frosty chambers are part of a superb thermal suite, so warming rituals counterbalance the cold.

SeaWalk

Famous skyscrapers sport thrilling, see-through floors and Princess Cruises presents the high-seas equivalent. Muster your courage and traipse across this 60-foot, glass-enclosed walkway suspended nearly 130 feet above the churning ocean and 30 feet from the ship’s edge. 

Trapezes and Trampolines

Cruise away and join the circus with Royal Caribbean. Its SeaPlex activity center includes a trapeze school. Prefer bouncing? Lose your shoes and romp around Carnival’s Sky Zone trampoline park.

AquaTheater

In Royal Caribbean’s Boardwalk “neighborhoods,” marvel over dancing fountains, synchronized swimmers, aerialists and daring high divers, who plunge from 30-foot platforms into the deepest pool afloat. Cameras reveal underwater shenanigans, too. 

Surfing

Hang ten or just boogie board in one of Royal Caribbean’s iconic FlowRider surf simulators, where the waves never end. You’ll feel 30,000 gallons of water rushing at 20mph, yet the pools are less than three inches deep. Thankfully, they’re well-padded, too, which makes wipe-outs a softer affair.

A sea day aboard a boat stacked with wild attractions is like the cherry on top of a vacation sundae already loaded with delicious destination fun ashore.

What are your favorite things to do on a cruise ship? Tell us in the comments.

Featured image: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

If you’re in the market for auto, homeowners or life insurance, you may wonder how much coverage you really need. If you already have these policies in place, you may question whether you’re paying for enough coverage to protect you and your loved ones from the unexpected.

Insurance is personal, and no two policies are the same. Whether to take a higher policy limit is a discussion to have with an insurance professional, which is why we reached out to our own AAA insurance agents to break it down.

What Is an Insurance Policy Limit?

An insurance policy limit is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered claim. The higher the policy limit, the higher the payout ceiling.

What Does a Higher Insurance Policy Limit Entail?

A higher policy limit generally results in an increased premium, so you will be paying more monthly or annually. In the case of life insurance, there are some caveats.

“A higher policy limit could mean more thorough medical exams and possibly justifying the need for a larger policy limit and a greater payout to your loved ones,” said Tanzania Steele, field life insurance agent with AAA.

Is It Worth It to Spend More on Insurance?

“Absolutely, yes,” Steele said. “It is worth spending additional finances for an opportunity to be sure that you, your loved ones and the things that you have worked for are protected and secure. No amount of money is worth your security.”

Of course, everyone’s reasoning for getting insurance is unique to their situation, but the bigger your policy limit, the more protection you are giving yourself and your loved ones.

“Having adequate protection for your loved ones to handle expenses and standard of living in your absence, replacing lost income, covering major debts (mortgage payments, estate planning/inheritance) and peace of mind are all benefits to a higher policy limit,” Steele said.

In the case of homeowners or auto insurance, if you’re found legally responsible for an accident or loss that exceeds your coverage, increasing your policy limits reduces the risk of personal financial responsibility. It also means less worry about worst-case scenarios, like serious injuries, major damage to someone else’s property or catastrophic loss to your home. If something big happens, you don’t want to wonder if your policy will cover it.

How Do I Know if Taking a Higher Limit Is Right for Me?

It’s important to review your policy with a licensed agent to make sure you have coverage that meets your long-term needs. A thorough assessment should be made of your income, debts, assets and the needs of your loved ones.

In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to not exceed your means.

“When choosing the right plan, the premium must be paid comfortably,” advised Peter Velez, senior life insurance specialist with AAA.

For life insurance, the suggested policy limit can be up to 10 times your annual salary. People who are breadwinners of the family or own a business would benefit from a higher policy limit. However, those who are looking only for the basics may not need a higher limit.

Higher limits are especially worth it if you have significant assets like home equity, retirement accounts, investments or savings and business interests. If losing any of these would be devastating, higher policy limits make sense.

When is the best time to make changes to my policy?

The ideal time to make changes to your policy is at your annual review with your insurance agent or after a significant life event occurs — marriage, divorce, birth of child, purchase of a home and so on.

AAA has you covered for insurance. Get a quote today.

Member Tony Scafariello of Wallingford, Connecticut, has been using AAA travel services for years.

“Whenever we plan a vacation, we can always rely on AAA, and their travel agents,” said Scarfariello.

He and his wife have planned many memorable trips at their local AAA branch in Hamden and even have a favorite travel advisor.

“It’s Yannick Gonzalez and all those affiliated with their travel department who provide great feedback on locations, destinations, travel routes and excursions. If they haven’t gone personally, they know of customers with similar interests and demographics as us to give us great advice.”

Gonzalez has been with the Hamden branch for four years and brought four decades of travel-planning experience with her.

“I’m very happy to hear Mr. Scafariello was happy with my services. I’ve booked two cruises for him and his wife,” said Gonzalez. “I do have a number of repeat clients, which is nice.”

From life milestones to quick getaways, Scafariello has always made the most of his AAA membership.

“I’ve been a member as far back as when my dad had me on his plan, in the 1980s,” he said. “In fact, I booked my honeymoon with your travel department in 1984. I have used the travel services numerous times, whether it was for a weekend jaunt, an 11-day New England and Canada cruise this past fall or a land/cruise Alaska vacation, like we did in 2023.”

Interested in booking your next trip with AAA? Contact a travel advisor.

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.

January is typically when gasoline demand — and pump prices — hover near their lowest levels of the year. It’s also when supplies tend to replenish as refiners maintain steady production while drivers log fewer miles. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) suggests that the trend might be taking shape in the early weeks of 2026.  

Last week, the EIA reported a huge build in gasoline inventories to the tune of 7.7 million barrels — the largest single week increase since the last week of 2024. Supplies now stand 4.3 million barrels ahead of last year as demand significantly cooled to 8.17 million barrels a day, a nearly 400,000 barrels a day decline from the prior week.  

Along with more supply and less demand, oil prices remaining in the $58 to $63 range are contributing to the downward pressure on gasoline prices. Although oil prices ended last week about 3.5% higher than the previous week, they remain roughly 20% below where they sat at the start of 2025. 

“As pump prices continue to slide on seasonal trends, we’re seeing high supply and low demand push prices lower and lower,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “If demand remains diminished as inventories climb, oil prices will be another major factor impacting how low prices go this season.”  

The AAA Jan. 12 survey of fuel prices found the national average down 2 cents from last week ($2.81), averaging $2.79 per gallon. The Jan. 12 national average price was 14 cents lower than a month ago ($2.93) and 27 cents lower than this day last year ($3.06). 

State	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$2.87	$2.91	$3.03	$3.03
New Jersey	$2.77	$2.81	$2.94	$2.99
New York	$2.99	$3.02	$3.10	$3.13
Massachusetts	$2.91	$2.94	$3.01	$3
Rhode Island	$2.83	$2.87	$2.95	$2.94

*Prices as of Jan. 12, 2026 

As of Jan. 12, Oklahoma and Arkansas had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.21 and $2.35, respectively. Hawaii and California held the highest prices in the nation at $4.40 and $4.22 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.  

April Capone of North Branford, Connecticut, shares her story about how AAA has been there for her in the eight years that she’s been a member.

The AAA team member arrived at the retail parking lot to find me barely holding back tears next to my car with the keys locked inside.

This was something that had never happened to me until I started going through a messy divorce. I was so stressed that this was the third time I had locked my keys in the car in six weeks.

The driver saw how upset I was and reassured me it was no problem. Through my distress I exclaimed: ‘But this happened yesterday!’ He said, ‘you’ve been waiting since yesterday?’ I explained that no, this was the second time in two days that I had locked my keys in the car, and I had also done it a few weeks before. It was unlike me, and I felt dumb, irresponsible and guilty.

He said, ‘April, that’s why we are here, and you know what? If you do it again tomorrow, or even later today, we’ll come back to help you. It’s OK.’

I felt so relieved by his kindness that, as I thanked him, I burst into tears. By this time, my car was open … He told me it was going to be OK.

Later that afternoon, he texted to check up on me. He was so incredibly kind and thoughtful that I think about him often.

I haven’t locked my keys in the car since, but I know that, if I do, AAA will be there to help with kindness and compassion.”

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.

Hit the start game button to break this photo of Mount Snow, Vermont, into 88 pieces. Then, have fun trying to put it back together again. For more instructions, click the three horizontal lines on the top left of the puzzle.

Photo by Leah Thresh.

Looking for more winter fun? Check out The Coolest Winter Festivals in the Northeast.

Stepping onto the slopes can be incredibly intimidating for beginner skiers, so finding the right resort can make all the difference. However, with more than 100 ski areas across New England and New York, deciding exactly where to go to sharpen your skills can be tricky.

Good ski resorts for beginners include access to lessons, well-groomed trails, a variety of gentle terrain and a friendly atmosphere to ease into the sport without feeling overwhelmed.

Practicing at a less-crowded ski resort will make it easier to navigate the slopes without constantly dodging other skiers. It’s also helpful when resorts have lift ticket options like half-day passes if you’re not ready to ski all day, or discounted areas, so you’re not paying for terrain you don’t have the skills to use.

Finally, you should also consider the quality and availability of beginner-friendly amenities like magic carpets and designated learning areas. Learning to ski can be challenging enough, so you don’t want to worry about managing a rope tow or T-bar lift on top of it.

Keeping these criteria in mind, these Northeast ski resorts stand out for creating an approachable environment for new skiers.

Berkshire East

Charlemont, Mass.

This resort, surrounded by state forests and the Deerfield River, is known for minimal crowds and long green runs (beginner trails), perfect for practicing turns. Plus, most beginner trails are separate from advanced terrain, so there’s no need to worry about faster skiers passing by. For those not ready for a full day on the slopes, four-hour tickets are available starting at $29. Berkshire East also has a learn-to-turn ski package, which includes a lower mountain lift ticket, ski or snowboard rental, and a one-hour first-time group lesson.

Bromley Mountain

Peru, Vt.

Head to southern Vermont for a mix of gentle green and blue runs that are ideal for beginners. This resort offers half-day lift tickets starting at $104, making it an excellent option for those not ready to spend the whole day on the slopes. First-timer lesson packages ($259) include lift tickets, rentals, and an introduction to skiing or snowboarding. In addition to great skiing, Bromley’s location near Manchester makes it easy to find cozy accommodations and the perfect apres-ski spot.

Greek Peak

Cortland, N.Y.

The instructors at this resort in the Finger Lakes region use an innovative terrain-based learning model, which uses special snow features to naturally regulate speed and body position, helping to alleviate the anxieties of first-time skiers. The Intro2Snow package provides all-day access to the resort’s learning center, rental equipment and lift tickets for just $115. For skiers looking to practice, the beginner area pass grants access to gentle slopes for just $64. You can also ski at night for $75. on Tuesdays, find all-day lift tickets for $48. Plus, kids under 6 always ski for free. As a bonus, Greek Peak is just 40 minutes outside Ithaca, a lively college town with cultural attractions and superb dining, which means you can plan a comprehensive getaway that combines skiing with off-slope activities.

Pats Peak

Henniker, N.H.

With beautiful views of Mount Monadnock and the Worcester Hills, this small, approachable resort has a relaxed environment where new skiers can build their skills without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds. The resort’s Passport Program ($669) for first-time skiers includes lessons over four days and, upon completion, a free season pass and set of skis. Pats Peak also offers pay-one-price (POP) packages for rentals, skiing and group lesson tips starting at $79 (only available on Saturday nights), along with the option for discounted lift tickets depending on the area of the mountain you want to explore.

Saskadena Six

South Pomfret, Vt.

Located near the New Hampshire border in eastern Vermont, Saskadena Six is a solid option for beginners looking for a stress-free day on the slopes. The resort features a well-maintained learning area perfect for first-time skiers, and you can access it for just $35. Skiers can also book the Unlimited Snow Sports Package, which includes unlimited access to Saskadena Six Ski Area, daily breakfast and two nights at the Woodstock Inn, located in historic Woodstock that, in winter, looks like a real-life Christmas village with plenty of shopping and apres-ski dining options.

Ski Butternut

Great Barrington, Mass.

For a beginner-friendly experience with approachable instructors and well-groomed trails, hit this resort located in one of the larger towns in the Berkshires. You’ll have multiple magic carpets, a beginner chairlift and a long green trail perfect for practicing your turns. The adult beginner package ($160) includes a beginner lift ticket, equipment rental and a group lesson for first-time or beginner skiers. Ski Butternut also offers some of the most affordable lift tickets in the region, with prices as low as $25 on Fridays and $40 on weekdays. The resort’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby museums, spas and dining for a well-rounded getaway that includes activities beyond skiing.

Check out AAA member deals at ski resorts nationwide.

Do you know of any other great beginner ski resorts? Is your favorite already on the list? Tell us in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

If you live in the Northeast, you’ve been through your fair share of snowstorms. You probably even have a memory of your own worst snowstorm — when the snow piled up high against your door, or the power went out or school was closed for a week. In honor of Mother Nature’s icy and relentless wrath, we present the biggest blizzards and worst snowstorms in United States history.

The Great Blizzard of ’88

In March of 1888, the Northeast was faced with one of the worst blizzards in American history. Also known as the Great White Hurricane, the Great Blizzard of ’88 left as much as 55 inches of snowfall in some areas, and caused disaster wherever it went. The entire area from Washington, D.C., to Maine suffered from brutal winds, massive snowdrifts and catastrophic damage. Over the course of the three-day blizzard, over 400 people were killed. Major cities like New York City and Boston ground to a halt as their railway and telegraph lines were buried or destroyed. The disastrous effects of the Great Blizzard of ’88 actually inspired Boston to create the first underground subway system in the country.

The Knickerbocker Storm – 1922

On Jan. 28, 1922, more than 2 feet of snow fell on Washington, D.C. The weight of the snow collapsed the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre, killing 98 people. This led to stricter building codes to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. To this day, the Knickerbocker Storm holds the record for the most snowfall in D.C., and the Knickerbocker Theater’s collapse remains its deadliest disaster.

The Great Appalachian Storm – 1950

On Thanksgiving weekend of 1950, as much as 62 inches of snow blasted the central Appalachians. As if that wasn’t enough, the area was also beset by frigid cold and intense wind storms. Right after the storm passed, temperatures became unseasonably warm, which led to extensive flooding from the snowmelt. Overall, the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 caused at least 160 deaths.

The Blizzard of ’78

The Blizzard of 1978 struck on Feb. 5, and didn’t dissipate until two days later. The nor’easter broke snowfall records in Boston (27.1 inches), Providence (27.6 inches) and Atlantic City (20.1 inches). The huge amounts of snow dumped by the storm were matched with hurricane-force winds and coastal flooding. The severity of the blizzard hadn’t been anticipated, and many people were forced to shelter in place for days at a time. Motorists found themselves stranded in their cars in the middle of snowy highways. An estimated 100 people lost their lives.

The Storm of the Century – 1993

In March of 1993, a great cyclonic storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico. As the storm progressed up the East Coast, it began to snow in regions as far south as Alabama and Georgia. The snowstorm stretched from those Southern regions into Maine and even Canada. The affected areas were battered with unseasonably frigid temperatures, powerful wind gusts and up to 60 inches of snow. At one point, every major airport on the East Coast was closed. It was one of the first major storms predicted several days in advance thanks to computer forecast models. While the advanced warnings no doubt saved lives, 318 people still lost their lives. The Storm of the Century is known as one of the deadliest American storms of the 20th century.

The Great Blizzard of 2003

From Valentine’s Day to Feb. 19, the Great Blizzard of 2003 swept across the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Every major city from Washington, D.C., to Boston was covered in an enormous blanket of snow, with many areas getting up to 2 feet. Airports across the Northeast suspended flights and shut down operations completely, while New York City, Boston and Philadelphia transformed into icy ghost towns as residents hunkered down against the bitter cold. The Great Blizzard of 2003 caused 27 deaths and put an entire region of the country on hold.

Snowmageddon – 2010

In February of 2010, two blizzards — one on Feb. 4-7 and one on Feb. 9-11 — hit within just days of each other. Most people agree that “Snowmageddon” refers to the first blizzard, but the second storm is sometimes included in the term. However you define it, it was called “Snowmageddon” for a reason: The storm wreaked havoc across the country, icing over roads in New Mexico and shutting down the federal government in the nation’s capital. The massive storm also led to transportation shutdowns and power outages, and killed 41 people in the U.S. and Mexico.

Snowzilla – 2016

A January 2016 blizzard, hailed as Snowzilla, paralyzed the entire East Coast, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Snow fell in areas as far south as Georgia, Alabama and even the Florida Panhandle. With intense snowfall, hail, wind gusts and whiteout conditions, it was unsafe to travel even short distances. In all, 55 people lost their lives. The snow reached a maximum height of 42 inches in Glengary, West Virginia.

December 2022 North American Winter Storm

The most recent storm on the list hit the United States and raged on from Dec. 21 to Dec. 26. The December 2022 North American Winter Storm was a bomb cyclone that buffeted the Midwest and the Great Lakes region with blizzard conditions, even dumping as much as 55 inches of snow in Buffalo, New York. A wide swath of the country also experienced extremely cold temperatures, even if they didn’t get hit with any snow. The unprecedented scope of this storm is estimated to have affected 60% of Americans, who received winter weather advisories or warnings, and caused massive disruptions for travelers during the busy Christmas season. As a result of the storm, 106 people across the United States and Canada lost their lives.

What’s the worst snowstorm in United States history that you remember? How did you stay warm? Tell us your story in the comments below.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

As the region endures winter’s frigid grip, AAA is reminding drivers to check their vehicle’s battery and charging system to prevent facing a dead battery to start the next cold morning.

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.

“The recent cold affecting the region could lead to a spike in dead batteries partly due to many vehicles sitting parked for extended periods of time over the holidays,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “If your car has been idle for several days, consider starting it and going for a drive before your next essential trip.”

The average battery reaches the end of its life between four and six years. As batteries age, they’re more susceptible to the impact of cold on capacity and starting power. The only way to gauge remaining life is with a battery test.

AAA offers the following tips to ensure your car will start no matter how cold it gets outside:

• Consider having the battery and charging system tested at an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility if your battery is older than three years 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.

• Short trips might not be enough to keep your battery charged, especially when heating systems cause extra strain in cold weather. If you don’t drive often, consider driving the car for at least 30 minutes once or twice a week. It won’t fully charge the battery, but it can help.

• When you first get in a cold car, make sure all the lights and accessories are turned off. If your car doesn’t start on the first try, wait 10-15 seconds and try again.

• If your car is likely to sit idle for days at a time, a trickle charger or battery booster pack might be a worthwhile investment.

The same advice applies to owners of electric vehicles, which also come equipped with 12-volt batteries. AAA recommends the following cold-weather tips for EV drivers:

• EV range can be reduced anywhere from 20% to 50% in subfreezing temperatures. To maximize range in cold weather, keep the vehicle plugged in so the battery is warmed by the cold weather preconditioning and remains at its optimum operating temperature.

• Warm the vehicle’s cabin when the vehicle is plugged in.

• Depending on the vehicle, seat heaters might be more efficient than the heater.

• Drive at moderate speeds to maximize efficiency and reduce battery drain.

Below are the most popular Car Doctor questions asked in 2025.

Q. My question is that I recently switched my oil changes from regular oil to synthetic. My car is a 2009 Camry LE with about 145,000 miles on it. The shop where I had the work done said that once I switch to synthetic oil, I can’t go back to using regular oil. Is the shop correct? Why would they say this?

A. There is no reason you can’t switch back to conventional oil although you may not want to. In most cases synthetic oil starts life as conventional oil and then is highly processed with different additive packages. Many shops are only using synthetic or blends these days. Synthetic oil offers better lubrication at all temperatures and easier engine starting in cold weather.

Q. My car battery is 7-years-old and the car starts just fine. Should I change it or can it go longer?

A. The average life of a battery in the Northeast is just under five years. Recently AAA replaced a 15-year-old battery. I have personally had a battery last seven years and also replaced one at four years old My advice is unless you test your battery on a regular basis, replace it before it leaves you stranded.

Q. When I talk with people about maintaining their cars I hear all kinds of advice. Even when I go to the dealership the personnel don’t always agree on when regular service should be performed. As an example, I have been told with my Toyota Corolla the oil should be changed every 3000 miles. I have also been told the oil should be changed yearly. How do I know what is right? 

A. Whenever in doubt, I refer to the vehicles owner’s manual. In the case of your Toyota the owner’s manual could list an annual oil change yearly or every 10,000 miles whichever comes first. What is important with long service intervals is that you routinely/monthly check vital fluids, tires and tire pressure as well as drive belts and coolant hoses. Spending a few minutes every month checking these items can help prevent a breakdown on the road.

Q. As I get older, I’m finding it a bit more challenging to drive at night. I’m going to use one of the headlight restoration kits to clean the headlight lenses on my Camry (I did them approximately 3 or 4 years ago and it seemed to help a bit).  I’m also thinking of changing the headlight bulbs.  I typically would just but whatever they have at the local auto parts store for comparable bulbs. However, I did some research on the internet and came across LED headlights; they get very good reviews and are supposedly “brighter” than the regular halogen bulbs that came with the vehicle.  My question is – is it ok to use LED type bulbs in place of the regular halogen type bulbs?  I plan to replace all four bulbs.  

A. Unfortunately as we age, we need more light to see. In fact we need three times as much light to see at age 60 than at age 20. Aftermarket LED bulbs that replace conventional headlights are actually illegal and violate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The issue is they are brighter but not particularly well focused. This extra light, dazzle and poor beam pattern also can blind oncoming drivers.  Personally I have had good results with  Sylvania Silver Star Plus bulbs. The Sylvania bulbs seem brighter and whiter. Although like most high-performance products, they don’t last as long as the stock blub. The other issue with LEDs replacement bulbs is that sometimes they can cause electronic issues. These issues can be minor such as a warning light illuminated or in some cases, I have seen the body control computer fail due to a poorly made LED bulb.

Q. I recently purchased a new Genesis GV70 which to date has been the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. The dealer told me that I need to have it served at a Genesis dealer to maintain the warranty. This was not the case with my last car, is this true?

A. That is false. You can have an independent shop do repairs and perform regular maintenance. You can even perform the service yourself. What is important is that you use original or a quality aftermarket part that meets the original specification. Also document all service performed with the date and mileage. This way if there is a warranty question you will have the documentation that the work was performed as required.

Q. When I step on the brake, I get a vibration. The steering wheel shakes a bit. I took the car into my local shop, and they said the brakes were okay but the brake rotors were out of round. I had the brakes replaced and now all if fine. How do I avoid this from happening again.

A. The number one reason that brake rotors become distorted is due to poorly tightened wheels. Whenever a tire/wheel is installed on a vehicle it should be tightened with a torque wrench to the specified “tightness”. Fully tightening a wheel with an impact wrench or even improperly by hand can cause a brake vibration. The vibration may not happen immediately but will show up over time.

Lower oil prices and light trading volumes in petroleum markets over the holidays contributed to cheaper gas prices. Over the holiday-shortened trading week, oil prices ended last week nearly 3% lower as markets monitored recent geopolitical activity impacting oil markets. 

The muted market activity last week occurred alongside a lack of data guidance. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) did not release its weekly supply and demand report due to the holiday closure of government agencies on Dec. 24 and 25. The report, which typically is released on Wednesday mornings, was delayed until Monday, Dec. 29. 

“As the end of the year approaches, the price of gasoline across the Northeast is at or near yearly lows,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Prices typically reach annual lows in the depths of winter, and time will tell when the bottom is reached.” 

AAA’s Dec. 29 survey of fuel prices found the national average down 3 cents from last week ($2.85), averaging $2.82 per gallon. The Dec. 29 national average price was 19 cents lower than a month ago ($3.01) and 20 cents lower than this day last year ($3.02). 

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$3.04	$3.06	$3.13	$3.12
New Jersey	$2.84	$2.87	$3.01	$2.92
New York	$3.04	$3.06	$3.13	$3.12
Massachusetts	$2.96	$2.97	$3.03	$3.02
Rhode Island	$2.88	$2.90	$3.01	$2.95

*Prices as of Dec. 29, 2025 

As of Dec. 29, Oklahoma and Iowa had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.23 and $2.34, respectively. Hawaii and California held the highest prices in the nation at $4.41 and $4.28 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.