“Never go through a tunnel, never cross over a bridge.” If you live in the swath of Washington County that runs between Rt. 19 and I-79, chances are your vehicle is your best friend, taking you through tunnels and over bridges throughout the region. If you make a daily commute into Pittsburgh, you regularly ignore that well known Western Pennsylvania saying. In fact, you are dependent on a reliable vehicle. Even if you don’t commute every day, chances are your car, SUV or truck is an integral part of your life.

After a house, a car is probably the most expensive purchase most people make. Choosing the right vehicle, however, is about much more than price. In these days of environmental change and increasing gas prices, you may be considering whether to “go green” and buy a hybrid. Do you need an extended warranty? Then, once you have the car, there is the upkeep, including replacing tires and regularly washing your car to keep it in showroom condition.

In the pages that follow, you’ll read about all these issues of automotive ownership and more. Since your car is such an important part of your work and recreational life, it pays to educate yourself and protect your investment.