DETROIT—With the average new-vehicle price in the United States at nearly $48,000 and the cost of a used automobile averaging almost $29,000, many people are getting repairs done and keeping their vehicles longer. That’s boosted the average age of a vehicle on U.S. roads to a record 12.5 years this year, according to state registration…

DETROIT—With the average new-vehicle price in the United States at nearly $48,000 and the cost of a used automobile averaging almost $29,000, many people are getting repairs done and keeping their vehicles longer. That’s boosted the average age of a vehicle on U.S. roads to a record 12.5 years this year, according to state registration…

By Dakota Kim From Los Angeles Times Los Angeles—It’s a common refrain I grumble to my husband: Why is quality outdoor gear so expensive? His response: Stop complaining and find a solution. He’s right. We’re REI Co-op members—a $30 lifetime membership you pay only once (and one that keeps giving, with regular sales and coupons…

Salt. It’s mandatory in a human diet. But in other situations, salt can be as destructive as it is needful due to its ability to eat holes through metal and leave ugly stains on footwear. Salt stains on leather are a problem, but not without an easy, effective solution. Dear Mary: I have several pairs…

You’re worried that the washing machine is on its last spin cycle. It makes a horrible screeching sound and needs a lot of coaxing to make it all the way through a full cycle. It’s not like it’s still under warranty. You’ve had it for four years, and it wasn’t new when you got it….

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service As one of the most hardworking pieces of furniture in your home, your sofa or couch deserves to be taken care of and kept clean. We’ve previously shared how to pick out a perfect piece of upholstered furniture, so this time I thought it would be helpful to…

By “taking out the trash,” a garbage disposal creates a healthier kitchen and, ultimately, a happier home. Just think: When you toss a banana peel into the trash can, it immediately begins to decompose, attracting bacteria, germs, and perhaps bugs. It’s much more sanitary to dispose of food waste down the drain. To do so,…

Cleaning gutters is an essential home maintenance task that helps ward off damage to your foundation, leaks and other serious issues. Although clearing debris from your gutters seems straightforward, this chore can be dangerous if it’s not done properly, especially since you’ll likely be working on top of a ladder. It’s even riskier if your…

MOSCOW—A key Russian natural gas pipeline will shut down for three days of maintenance at the end of this month, the state-owned energy company Gazprom announced Friday, raising economic pressure on Germany and other European countries that depend on the fuel to power industry, generate electricity, and heat homes. The latest shutdown will come a…

Performing a deep clean on a coffee maker is important to extend its useful life and ensure you’re brewing the best-tasting coffee possible. A buildup of hard water scale and rancid coffee oils in a coffee maker is to be expected. Allowing that buildup to remain (and multiply) can be very hard on the machine…