Do Your Brakes Need Service? Check for These Signs

 

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe: Comfort, Power and Utility

 

The Chevrolet Tahoe has long been a favorite for those seeking a full-size SUV that combines comfort, power and utility. For 2025, Chevrolet has refined its flagship SUV further, offering thoughtful updates, modern technology and impressive performance options.

Performance and Capability

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe delivers exceptional versatility with three engine choices. The base 5.3L V8 remains a dependable option, delivering 355 horsepower and solid towing capacity. For those who crave more power, the 6.2L V8 puts out an impressive 420 horsepower, giving the Tahoe spirited acceleration and robust performance.

For eco-conscious buyers or those seeking better fuel efficiency, Chevrolet offers a Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel inline-6 option. Its 277 horsepower may sound modest, but the 460 lb-ft of torque ensures robust towing capabilities and smooth highway driving, making it a standout in its class for efficiency.

The Tahoe’s performance isn’t confined to just engines; the 10-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifting, and the available Magnetic Ride Control suspension ensures a smooth ride, even on rugged terrain. Add to that the optional 4x4 system, and you’ve got an SUV ready for both city streets and off-road adventures.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the 2025 Tahoe, and you’re greeted with Chevrolet’s innovative blend of luxury and convenience.

The Tahoe gets a big upgrade to the display technology that General Motors is introducing throughout its lineup. There's a sizable 17.7-inch digital multimedia touchscreen that is bright and well positioned. And many folks will appreciate that Chevy hasn’t yet fully incorporated touch-sensitive controls, so there are still hard buttons for frequently used features.

The High Country trim model’s interior now has real wood and leather, which is pleasant but will certainly add to the sticker price. 

Speaking of pricing, the Tahoe starts at around $61,000 and ranges to about $82,000.

Belize: Rich with Culture and Adventure

 Belize City, the largest urban center and former capital of Belize, is often seen as a gateway for travelers venturing into this Central American gem. However, to bypass it entirely would mean missing out on a city teeming with culture, history and uniquely local experiences. From its historical landmarks to its vibrant markets and access to stunning natural wonders, Belize City offers a blend of urban charm and adventure that’s worth exploring.

Why Visit Belize City?

Belize City is steeped in history and serves as a microcosm of the country’s diverse culture. Its streets are alive with influences from the Creole, Mestizo, Mayan and Garifuna communities while its food, architecture and public spaces reflect a fascinating mix of Caribbean and Central American identities. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the reef or spending a few days getting acquainted with its attractions, this city offers a feel of authentic Belizean life that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Top Attractions in Belize City

1. The Belize City Swing Bridge

One of the oldest manually operated swing bridges in the world, the Belize City Swing Bridge is a piece of history that connects the city's north and south sides. Local fishers docking and selling their daily catch near the bridge add a splash of color to its daily backdrop, offering visitors a glimpse into the rhythms of life here.

2. The Museum of Belize

Once serving as a colonial prison, this historic building has been turned into an engaging cultural hub. The Museum of Belize showcases the country’s rich Mayan and African heritages, colonial history and artifacts, including ancient pottery, tools and jade carvings. It’s a must-visit for history buffs wanting to understand the nation’s complex past.

3. St. John’s Cathedral

Constructed in the 1800s, St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. Built with bricks brought as ballast on British ships, the cathedral is more than an architectural wonder—it’s also a symbol of colonial history.

4. The Belize City Market

For those looking to soak in the city’s bustling atmosphere, a visit to the Belize City Market along the Haulover Creek is in order. Vendors selling fresh produce, local crafts, and unique Belizean delicacies make this the perfect place to sample the everyday sights, sounds and tastes of the city. Try some rice-and-beans or tamales from a street vendor for an authentic dining experience.

5. Baron Bliss Memorial and Fort George Lighthouse

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this iconic landmark honors Baron Bliss, a prominent benefactor who greatly contributed to the country’s welfare. The area surrounding the monument provides stunning coastal views and a relaxing spot for visitors to unwind.

Where to Eat and Drink

Belize City boasts an eclectic food scene that combines Creole, Caribbean and Mayan influences. Be sure to sample the following while visiting:

• Seafood – Fresh catches like lobster, snapper and conch are staples in local dishes.
• Rice and Beans – This Belizean classic, typically served with stewed chicken, is a must-try.
• Local Restaurants – Check out Bird’s Isle for oceanfront dining or CELEBA for authentic Creole flavors.
• Street Snacks – Enjoy fried plantains or meat-filled empanadas from the always-lively street vendors.

If you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll find a handful of lively bars and lounges scattered around Fort George and its surrounding areas. Enjoy a rum punch or Belikin, the national beer, for a true Belizean experience.

Day Trips from Belize City

Belize City’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for day trips to surrounding attractions:

• Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Take a riverboat tour to the ancient Lamanai site, where impressive ruins rise out of the jungle. You’ll learn about the fascinating Mayan civilization and enjoy plenty of wildlife encounters along the way.

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Just a short boat ride from Belize City, this world-famous snorkeling and scuba destination offers the chance to swim with nurse sharks and rays amid vibrant coral reefs.

• The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center

Half an hour’s drive from Belize City, the Belize Zoo houses a variety of rescued animals native to the country. This family-friendly spot is an ideal way to learn about the region’s unique wildlife.

• Altun Ha

Located 30 miles north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a well-preserved Mayan site known for its iconic "Temple of the Masonry Altars." The pyramid’s summit offers incredible views of the lush jungle surroundings.

Practical Tips for Visiting Belize City

• Best Time to Visit

The dry season, running from November to May, is the best time to visit Belize City. You’ll enjoy sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

• Getting Around

While Belize City is walkable in parts, taxis are a convenient way to get around, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Always agree on a fare before starting your ride.

• Safety

Though Belize City has an authentic charm, it’s important to stay mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night. Stick to well-traveled areas and consider joining guided tours for added peace of mind.

The Heartbeat of Belize

Belize City may be overshadowed by the tropical cays and jungles that dominate travel brochures, but its cultural and historical significance can’t be understated. It’s a place where stories unfold at every corner, offering travelers a spirited introduction to the rich identity of Belize.

When you arrive, take time to appreciate the layers of history and vibrant energy that make Belize City more than just a stopover—it’s a destination worth exploring, one cup of Belizean coffee or plate of seafood at a time.

Why have Auto Insurance Rates Increased So Much? Check these 3 Factors

 

Even though the Federal Reserve has long attempted to keep inflation at the rate of 2% over the long run, over the last two years vehicle insurance premiums have risen at a significant rate, far outpacing that target. Fed officials even told Congress last year that insurance, including vehicle insurance, was largely to blame for the lingering high rates of inflation. Let’s talk about some of the reasons vehicle insurance is so high and how it impacts decisions consumers make.

Skyrocketing premiums Although the cumulative rate of inflation in the United States has increased 7.8% between 2022 and 2024 – still well above that 2% goal – vehicle insurance premiums have increased 50.8% in the same time frame. That’s a significant increase that impacts many American families. A CBS News article from last July interviewed a top executive from the Insurance Information Institute who gave three reasons vehicle insurance rates have increased: repair costs, risky behavior and lawyer involvement.  First, the cost of repairing cars, including labor, has simply become more expensive – at the time the article was published, the costs had increased more than 40% – and those costs are being pushed to customers. A Washington Post article last month examined the impact in more detail, explaining that although new technologies have made cars safer, they are also much more expensive to repair and replace. Additionally, research shows that risky driving behavior – including aggressive, distracted and impaired driving –  increased during the pandemic, leading to an increase in deadly accidents. A study also showed that speeding increased in 2020 when the roads were relatively empty and that trend did not stop the following year as more people began to fill up the roads. Finally, an increase in lawyer involvement in accident claims, and excessive litigation, is believed to be contributing to the rising cost of vehicle insurance. A survey by the Insurance Research Council found that consumers believe there is a link between the two, and lawyers have clearly found accident litigation a very profitable business venture. A list of the largest legal advertising spenders in 2023 is filled with law firms specializing in accident and personal injury litigation.

How are consumers responding? Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot consumers can do about the rising rates of vehicle insurance if they want to continue driving a car. New Hampshire and Virginia are the only two states in the United States where you do not have to purchase auto insurance to drive a car off the sales lot, though there are other caveats to their laws (such as paying an annual fee or having liability insurance). Therefore the only way to get out of paying auto insurance is to not have a vehicle. Some consumers have chosen to get rid of their vehicles in favor of public transportation, but that option isn’t available in the vast majority of American towns. Most drivers feel they have no choice but to use personal vehicles to get where they need to go because of their town’s transportation infrastructure. Research has shown that car ownership plays an important role in social mobility, accessing healthcare, and employment opportunities. After housing, costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle – including insurance – is the largest expense Americans have, accounting for about 17% of a household’s budget. When those costs increase, consumers may have to make choices about what to cut in their budgets to make up for it – assuming there is room to make cuts. -REYNOLDS CENTER

AAE Presents Top 10 Tested Vehicles of 2024

 

No. 10 Audi Q7

 

No. 9 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

 

No. 8 Kia Sportage

 

No. 7 Mazda3

 

No. 6 Infiniti QX50

 

No. 5 Nissan Sentra

 

No. 4 Nissan Rogue

 

No. 3 Subaru Forester

 

No. 2 Honda CR-V

 

No. 1 Mazda CX-5

 

2024 Nissan Rogue: A Nice Refresh for a Good Crossover

 

Nissan gave a refresh to the popular Rogue compact SUV for the 2024 model year with a modified face and revamped infotainment system. The new Rogue uses the Google Built-In interface, pioneering this technology for Nissan.

The exterior has an updated version of Nissan’s V-Motion grille along with redesigned taillights and badging. The SV trim also gets a new 18-inch alloy wheel design, and the Platinum variant adds gloss-black exterior trim and a new 19-inch wheel design.

The interior has been altered with new colors, textures and trim for the door panels, seats, center console and passenger-side dashboard, plus newly available Chestnut brown leather upholstery. New standard features for the SL include a wireless device charging pad, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Rogue has drawn praise for its easy touchscreen infotainment system, with its large knobs, responsive screen and clear menu structure. For 2024, Google took over the operating system on the uplevel SL and Platinum trims. The system uses a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Nissan says it allows for seamless connection to a user’s Google account without pairing or plugging in a phone. When signed in, users can automatically access things like addresses or points of interest saved on Google Maps, as well as connect to Google Play and talk to the Google Assistant to navigate to their next destination, listen to music, or call or text a contact.

The Rogue is Nissan's first U.S. model to exclusively feature USB-C ports, with two front USB-C ports standard on the base S trim; SV and higher trims add two charge-only ports on the rear of the center console.

Also on the tech front for the 2024 model, SL and Platinum variants get access to the Amazon Alexa system, which gives users access to music, audiobooks and connected smart home devices via voice command.

Lastly, Nissan upped the free trial for its NissanConnect Services; it’s now free for three years instead of six months. The telematics system is standard on SV and higher trims and gives users access to remote door lock and unlock, remote engine stop-start, vehicle health report and emergency calling functions via an app, according to Newcars.com.

The 2024 Rogue is offered in S, SV, SL and Platinum trims. The powertrain is turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission. All trims are again available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Pricing ranges from $29,000 to around $41,000.

2024 Subaru Forester: Great Quality and Reliability

 

Subaru has long been known for making high-quality, reliable vehicles and the 2024 Subaru Forester is no exception. 

This five-seat compact SUV has standard all-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving; this drops to 26 mpg if you pick the off-road-themed Wilderness trim, which has a raised suspension and all-terrain tires. 

Standard features include:

• 6.5-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Split, folding second row
• Satellite radio
• Four-speaker stereo
• 17-inch steel wheels
• LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Lane departure steering assist
• Rear-seat reminder
• Adaptive cruise control with lane centering

Available features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Heated front seats
• Leather seating
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• Raised suspension (Wilderness)
• Panoramic moonroof
• Rear air vents
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power liftgate
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind spot warning

With a reasonable price tag ($28,000 - $38,000), a fuel-efficient engine and a roomy interior that looks nice and is made of quality materials, the Forester is a formidable competitor. It has adequate horsepower and the standard AWD is a selling point for some, especially in colder climates.