What drivers need to know about glass damage insurance

2025-09-09T08:31:00

(BPT) – While road debris can damage your vehicle’s windshield at any time, seasonal severe weather events are also a major cause of glass damage. With extreme weather on the rise especially at this time of year, hazards like hail, projectiles blown by high winds and drastic temperature fluctuations can all wreak havoc on your car’s windshield and windows.

But did you know such damage may not be fully covered by your auto insurance? The experts at Glass Doctor®, a Neighborly® company and leading provider of glass repair and replacement services, encourage all drivers to review their insurance policies so you’ll know what’s covered, to help you avoid costly surprises.

Here are some things you should know about protecting your vehicle.

Minor chips can quickly become major hazards

Even if you only see a small chip in your windshield, it’s best to be proactive and get it repaired as soon as possible. Minor chips or cracks can expand rapidly, reducing your visibility as well as your safety. In most states, extensive windshield damage or damage that limits the driver’s visibility also makes your vehicle illegal to operate.

Comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle

If you own a vehicle, check your policy or contact your insurance agent to ensure you’re fully covered for glass repairs from collisions, debris, extreme weather events and more. But you’ll also want to ask about the following:

  • ADAS calibration: Vehicles today rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which require calibration after a windshield replacement. It’s important to know that not all policies cover this crucial step, so make sure to confirm whether ADAS calibration is included to avoid safety issues and unexpected costs after necessary glass repairs.
  • Choice of provider: While many insurance companies recommend or direct customers to their preferred repair networks, policyholders often have the right to choose their own glass repair service provider. Ask your agent or check your policy to see if you’ll have that choice in the event of damage. Opting for a trusted, locally owned company, like Glass Doctor, can lead to better service and fewer surprise expenses.

To help make glass repair and replacement simple, timely, and stress-free, Glass Doctor offers a Windshield Protection Plan designed to help drivers quickly and affordably address common road hazard damage quickly and affordably. The plan includes unlimited windshield repairs or one full replacement within one year of the original installation, along with ADAS calibration when necessary.

Representative from Glass Doctor talking with a couple about their protection program while their car is in the shop.

Don’t forget about your home’s glass

Like vehicles, your home’s windows are vulnerable to damage from storms, accidents, or simple wear and tear. But did you know some insurance policies have home glass damage exclusions? That means the policies won’t cover certain types of glass damage, such as gradual wear, flooding, earthquakes, and accidental damage. Regular maintenance of your windows and a solid understanding of your policy’s limitations can help ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy remains effective.

Couple talking with a representative from Glass Doctor about window replacement in their home.

No matter the cause of the damage, Glass Doctor experts work closely with insurance providers, offering support to customers throughout the glass-related coverage claims process for auto and home glass repairs. To help prevent unpleasant surprises after an accident, review your policy in advance rather than after damage occurs for long-term financial protection and peace of mind.

“Glass damage to cars and homes often happens at the worst times, like during a family road trip or following a sudden, severe storm,” said Thomas Patterson, director of New Product Development and Technical Training for Glass Doctor. “Safeguarding your property with the right insurance coverage can protect your investment and reduce stress when the unexpected happens. Not all policies are the same, so check your coverage before damage occurs to protect your investment fully.”

Representative from Glass Doctor replacing glass on a table top in a couple's home.

Learn more about Glass Doctor’s auto and home glass repair services at GlassDoctor.com.

How to paint smarter: 3 time-saving tips for Pro-level results

2025-09-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – A high-quality paint job for indoor or outdoor projects doesn’t happen by accident. Investing time to find the right tools and paint, as well as applying the right techniques, goes a long way in achieving a polished, long-lasting result that takes the least amount of time.

Whether you’re a professional painter or a homeowner who is ready to take on your next project, Purdy® is here to help make your paint job a better paint job. Since 1925, Purdy has crafted a wide range of high-quality painting tools for Pros and DIYers alike. What started with one good brush 100 years ago has evolved into the #1 brand preferred by Pros.*

To celebrate a century of painting excellence, Purdy offers its top three tips that can help you save time and deliver Pro-level results.

1. Prepare the surface before painting

Before you begin painting, prep the surface by repairing any holes, sanding rough surfaces and cleaning away dust to ensure a perfect finish. These measures can save you time down the road by improving paint adhesion and preventing the need for time-wasting repaints.

To save on prep time, use a multi-tool that is designed to remove nails, clean cracks and spread compound — all in one — to create a smooth surface before laying paint.

Man using a Purdry three-in-one tool while preparing a door frame for painting.


2. Select the right tools for the job

The next step is to select the right tools for the job. Using the right paint applicator is key to a professional-looking finish. From brush bristle and filament types to roller cover material and nap sizes, each applicator is designed for specific paint types, surfaces and project needs.

Additionally, the right tools can help simplify your painting project and ensure a smooth finish the first time without time-consuming touch ups. When painting walls, ceilings and other tall surfaces, use an extension pole like the Purdy POLE+. Designed for maximum performance, it features a secure pin-lock every 3 inches, providing twice the adjustability when compared to the Wooster® Sherlock® GT® Pole. This pin-locking mechanism also ensures stability to prevent slippage and increase reliability.

3. Focus on efficiency

Efficiency is not just about moving quickly. Efficiency requires a painter to balance time and quality with tools built with productivity in mind.

The Purdy Altitude™ Roller Cover, for example, is made of a microfiber and polyester blended fabric that delivers an ultrasmooth, uniform application and superb hide, allowing painters to complete jobs fast. When compared to the Purdy WhiteDove™ Roller Cover, the Altitude produces a superior smooth finish with 50% more coverage when used with premium paints.

Man using an extension Purdy POLE+ and a roller to paint at wall in the livingroom.

Similarly, the Purdy Pro-Extra® High-Capacity Brush is built to increase productivity, with a patented design that holds 40% more paint compared to the Purdy Pro-Extra® Glide™ Brush, when used with premium paints. This brush helps Pros finish jobs fast by reducing trips to the paint bucket.

Whether you’re a Pro or a DIY homeowner, these three expert tips can help you save time on painting so you or your clients can enjoy the final product. To learn more tips, find professional-grade products and celebrate a century of making tools that work as hard as you do, visit Purdy.com.

*2024 inPAINT Magazine Brand Preference Survey, Brush and Roller Categories. May/June Issue.

5 back-to-school tips to get kids excited about reading with Marvel books

2025-09-08T16:31:00

(BPT) – Getting kids to read when they’re not natural bookworms can be challenging. Marvel books are a fun and easy way to get them motivated. Check out five cool and awesome ways to get your kids into reading and prepare them to go back to school.

1. Tap into their beloved Marvel characters

Get kids engaged in reading by selecting books featuring their favorite Marvel characters. Discover great (off-screen!) adventures with Spidey and His Amazing Friends.

At bedtime, how about choosing a copy of 5-Minute Spidey and His Amazing Friends Stories? This collection of 12 short tales easily incorporates reading into your kids’ bedtime routine. Find the perfect read for your young webslinger with plenty of options. Consider Super Readers Pre-Level Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Go Team Spidey! and World of Reading Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Webs Up! These books are sure to create a memorable reading experience.

2. Engage your kids with age-appropriate book alternatives to movies

With the recent release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Fantastic Four books are a great way for kids to learn more about Marvel’s iconic first family of Super Heroes in an off-screen mode. From the Fantastic Four Little Golden Book to Fantastic Four: My Mighty Marvel First Book to Fantastic Four: A Family (Anti)Matter, discover exciting books sure to provide your child with an enjoyable and age-appropriate alternative to their favorite Marvel movies.

3. Enhance their reading experience with creative activities

Take your kids’ reading experience to the next level by pairing creative activities and books! Activity books will keep your kids entertained and engaged in storytelling.

Marvel activity books featuring beloved characters such as Spidey and his amazing friends or the Fantastic Four are a fun way to create a special reading moment. With multiple activity sheets, stickers, markers, and more, Marvel books will spark your kids’ creativity at home, in the car or on a plane.

4. Create core family memories with awesome activities for everyone

Calling all Marvel fans! Engage your kids with activities involving Marvel books and make reading a fun family moment. Bring comics to life with a copy of the 64-page Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Jumbo Coloring and Activity Book, or re-create a theater experience at home with Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Movie Theater Storybook & Movie Projector.

For aspiring cartoonists, consider Marvel: How to Draw Awesome Characters. From Iron Man to Captain America to Black Widow to Black Panther and many more, there is a beloved character for everyone.

5. Celebrate reading accomplishments with fun treats

A fun and delicious way to celebrate reading accomplishments is with A Taste of Marvel: Snacks: Bite-Size Recipes in a Snack-Size Book! Inside this tiny but mighty book, you’ll find mouthwatering snack recipes from best-selling Marvel cookbooks such as Marvel: Spider-Man: The Official Cookbook, Marvel: Black Panther: The Official Wakanda Cookbook and Marvel: Cooking with Deadpool.

For kids who love stickers, check out Marvel Studios: Discover the Multiverse: Ultimate Sticker Collection. With more than 1,000 stickers, young readers will re-create favorite moments from epic team-ups and battles.

Little artists and lovers of hands-on activities will discover fun projects in Marvel Crafts: 100+ Activities and Art Projects Inspired by Marvel Comics. Filled with photography and clearly illustrated instructions, this book will boost your kids’ creativity.

That’s a wrap! Five awesome tips to foster a lifelong love of reading. Discover more Marvel books for more fabulous and engaging ideas on Amazon.

Back-to-school health check: 5 common issues to watch for

2025-09-08T09:03:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school is a season of checklists, from supplies and schedules to sports signups and lunchbox prep. But amid the flurry of getting your child back into the classroom routine, certain common health issues can be easy to overlook.

That’s because the start of the school year brings a perfect storm of stress, germs and hectic schedules. In the midst of it all, some everyday aches and pains can sneak by undetected until they turn into something much more serious.

“Parents and kids are juggling a lot this time of year,” says Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, Associate Chief Medical Officer at MD Live by Evernorth. “It’s easy to chalk up certain symptoms to stress or adjusting to new routines, but some can be early warning signs of something that needs medical attention.”

Here are five common health issues that doctors say could easily fly under the radar during the back-to-school rush, and how a virtual care visit can help you stay one step ahead.

1. Tummy troubles that won’t quit

Nervous stomach? Maybe. But if tummy troubles like cramping, diarrhea or nausea linger, it could be more than nerves about the new school year. “These gastrointestinal symptoms could point to newfound food sensitivities or allergies, foodborne illnesses, parasites picked up during summer travel or camp, and even anxiety,” says Roundtree. “It’s easy for these to be mistaken for nerves or a sensitive stomach, but if the child’s symptoms are interfering with their daily activities, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any of those issues.”

2. Fatigue that feels excessive

Back-to-school routines are tiring, especially for younger kids. But excessive fatigue, especially when paired with pale skin, irritability or trouble focusing, can point to an underlying issue like anemia, often caused by an iron deficiency, which is common in school-aged children and teens. This symptom can be easily misinterpreted as the stress of adjusting to early mornings. However, when fatigue is combined with physical or behavioral changes, it is worth exploring further.

3. Headaches that hit at school

If your child is suddenly complaining of headaches more frequently, especially after a long day in front of computer screens or taking notes from the whiteboard, they may be dealing with eye strain, vision issues or even stress-related tension. “These symptoms often show up once kids are back in structured, indoor environments,” Roundtree notes. “It’s absolutely worth bringing up during a doctor’s visit, especially if you find they’re interfering with your child’s concentration or sleep habits.”

4. Frequent bathroom breaks or bedwetting in older kids

If your child suddenly takes more bathroom breaks during the day or has started wetting the bed again, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other underlying condition. While these symptoms might indicate something physical, they can also stem from behavioral or emotional factors. Either way, it’s worth discussing with your child’s doctor.

5. Mood swings that keep swinging

Back-to-school jitters are normal. However, unusual mood swings, outbursts, increased irritability or withdrawal may signal something deeper, such as anxiety, sleep disruptions or even a physical issue like undiagnosed strep, which can sometimes cause neurological symptoms in kids.

“Emotional and physical health are connected,” Roundtree explains. “Changes in mood and behavior may be early signs that something deeper is going on.”

Don’t wait for the school nurse to call

Many of the most common back-to-school health issues can be assessed and addressed virtually from the comfort of your home.

“With MD Live, parents can access board-certified pediatricians quickly, whether they need fast answers, peace of mind or trusted guidance on next steps,” says Roundtree. “Virtual visits are a powerful tool for staying proactive during a hectic school year.”

This year, add health to your back-to-school checklist. If something feels off, trust your instincts and give your family a healthier start to the school year.

Easily renovate your bathroom and kitchen with one appliance

2025-09-05T20:33:00

(BPT) – As home prices continue to rise, many homeowners are choosing to stay and put their time and money into renovating their existing homes. According to a survey by This Old House, 48% of homeowners have renovation plans for 2025. Of those planning to renovate, two groups stand out: millennials and baby boomers.

Two generations with different priorities

When broken down by generation, millennials are leading the home renovation trends. In fact, the survey found that of those homeowners planning to renovate, millennials made up 60% of the group.

Millennial home renovations are largely focused on making their current home match their lifestyle with projects that boost home enjoyment, style and quality of life.

While boomers are less likely to pursue home renovations, their requests for age-in-place (AIP) renovations are on the rise. According to an article by the National Association of Home Builders, 75% of industry leaders say that requests for AIP features have significantly or somewhat increased in the last five years. Also, 56% of remodelers are currently involved in home modification work relating to AIP.

Renovations all generations agree are important

Regardless of age, This Old House found that the most common spaces homeowners plan to improve are bathrooms (53%) and kitchens (51%), two high-traffic areas. Because these areas see the most use, bathroom and kitchen renovations can improve homeowners’ daily comfort and boost a home’s value.

Another feature that younger and older generations are prioritizing is utility upgrades. America’s housing stock is aging — with the median age of owner-occupied homes sitting at 41 years — and with it, major system replacements have become more common. For example, according to a Houzz report, nearly 30% of 2022 renovators replaced plumbing systems, often including installing new water heaters.

This isn’t surprising since conventional tank water heaters generally last about 6-12 years. That’s why many homes built in the mid-2000s are now due for replacement of their original systems.

How tankless water heaters make bathroom and kitchen renovations simpler

Given that bathroom and kitchen renovations are top projects for younger and older homeowners, replacing a water heater is essential. While homeowners could replace their old conventional water heater with a similar yet newer model, a more energy-efficient option is a tankless water heater.

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t require a storage tank that must be continuously heated. Instead, tankless water heaters like Noritz EZ Series Pro models flash-heat water on demand.

Noritz EZ Series Pro tankless water heater mounted on a wall in the garage.

With a tankless water heater, homeowners will never run out of hot water, and they can save on utility costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, on-demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. For homeowners who want to save money, run a more eco-friendly house or both, a tankless water heater can help them achieve this critical home upgrade.

There are other home renovation benefits that tankless water heaters offer. They take up less space than a tank water heater — leaving more room for other renovations — are easy to install and have a longer life expectancy. Compared to storage water heaters that last 10-15 years, tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years. Because of their modular design and easily replaceable parts, a tankless water heater can last even longer. To learn more about tankless water heaters, visit Noritz.com.

Hot water on demand without breaking the bank

One thing homeowners should keep in mind when considering a tankless water heater is the cost. Installing a tankless water heater is a long-term investment that can net homeowners savings, but it’s also a pricy upfront cost. That said, some programs can make this home upgrade more affordable.

“Many homeowners don’t know that there are local, state and federal agencies that offer rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades,” said Emily Logan, Director, Utility Data and Programs at EcoRebates. “By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can save on their water heater upgrade, leaving more money for other home renovations.”

That said, it’s important to look into rebates and tax credits now. Some federal energy tax incentives, like the Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit and Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, will be phased out after June 30, 2026. If you’re a homeowner who is considering upgrading your bathroom and kitchen with a tankless water heater, visit Noritz.com/rebates to find applicable savings programs.

Get the Facts Before You Enroll in Medicare

2025-09-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Medicare comes with important decisions — and areas that often need explanation. For instance, many people think Medicare is free or that it covers everything, including long-term care and routine dental or vision — but that’s not the case. Enrollment isn’t automatic for everyone, and missing your Initial Enrollment Period could lead to penalties unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Understanding what Medicare actually covers — and when and how to enroll — can help you avoid surprises and choose the right plan for your needs.

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Elevate your tailgate with these 4 simple tips

2025-09-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – National Tailgating Day is coming up! If you’re a frequent tailgate host — whether you gather outside of the stadium or in your living room — you probably have your own game day traditions, but it may be time to call an audible and change your strategy.

This football season, be open to new ideas that can take your tailgate to the next level. With just a few adjustments, you can make your football parties so memorable that your friends, family and fellow football fans will be begging you to host a tailgate for The Big Game later this season.

Not sure where to start? Check out these four tips to help you turn your tailgate into a championship-winning touchdown.

1. Double down on decorations

Show your team spirit with team-themed decorations! You can, of course, find official merch with your team name and logo, but don’t be afraid to get creative.

When shopping, look for tablecloths, cups, balloons and banners in your team’s primary and secondary colors. Head to your local craft store and find stickers, permanent markers and paint to turn these seemingly plain items into bespoke party decorations. Short on time? Print out themed signage, menus and rally banners, turn boxes into party displays or get creative with food spreads that mirror footballs, fields and jerseys — all the small details will help set the scene and get your guests in the zone.

Table set with plateted chicken wings, cups, napkins and box of Bota Box wine.

2. Switch up your beverages

Beer and cocktails are traditional game day beverages, but they’re not the only drink options. This year, add boxed wine to your football shopping list. Wine may seem a bit formal for a sports gathering, but a box of wine is a game-changing addition to any fan or tailgater’s playbook.

Choose a high-quality boxed wine like Bota Box for your next game day. Its portable, durable and no-fuss packaging is shatterproof, doesn’t require a corkscrew and is recyclable, making it perfect for any gathering at home or in the stadium parking lot. For large gatherings, each 3-liter box offers the same amount of wine as four bottles and a pourable spout makes it easy for guests to serve themselves a glass. Heading to a stadium tailgate? Toss a few Bota Box “Minis” in the cooler to add variety. Each 500ml “Mini” carton holds the equivalent of three glasses of wine in a lightweight, recyclable sipper that’s just right for sharing with friends before kickoff.

3. Get everyone involved with football game predictions

It’s always fun to try and guess how the game will play out. Make prediction sheets for your guests. This activity can foster team spirit, encourage social connections and ramp up the fun before the game starts.

There isn’t one right way to make a prediction sheet. However, think about questions like who will score the first touchdown and what the final score will be. Don’t forget to have a prize for the winner, like football memorabilia!

Pro tip: If you’re strapped for time, you can even download prediction sheets online to use for your tailgate.

Small white plates with three varieties of chicken wings with dip, celery, and glasses of wine.

4. Serve up a selection of homemade wings

Switch up your usual burgers and hot dogs this tailgate season and try cheffin’ up wings at home. You can stick to one flavor or provide a selection of sauces for a customizable tailgate experience. Make sure to offer a mix of beverages to bring out the saucy, savory flavors of your wings and take the tasting experience to the next level.

Pro tip: Do you have a wing recipe you’re proud of? Consider entering the “Wing It with Bota” recipe contest for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Bay Area for a recipe cook-off at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate, and compete for the ultimate grand prize: two tickets to attend The Big Game. To learn more, visit BotaBox.com/Football.

Are you ready for kickoff?

Whether you’re watching in person or at home, make your next tailgate one to remember. With these four tips, you’ll be ready for game day, no matter if your team wins or loses.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at responsibility.org.

Your lunchtime playbook: Easy lunch routines that save time

2025-09-04T06:01:00

(BPT) – Waking up can be a whirlwind of activity, from making breakfast and packing lunches to getting everyone out the door on time. Luckily, finding a moment to prepare a delicious and healthy lunch for your kids without sacrificing precious sleep is easier than you think.

With a few simple strategies, you can transform lunch-packing from a last-minute chore into an easy routine. Here’s how to get ahead of the morning rush and start your day feeling calm, organized, and ready for anything.

1. Pick lunch themes for faster decisions

Boost your creativity and simplify meal prep by choosing a weekly theme like “Taco Tuesday,” “Breakfast for Lunch,” or “Italian Favorites.” Once you have a theme, it’s easier to choose ingredients, prep in batches, and avoid the morning “What should I pack?” scramble. Kids also love the fun twist, making them more likely to eat what you send.

2. Build your own lunch station, and let your kids pick their weekly lineup

During your weekly meal prep, slice and wash fruits and veggies, prep sandwiches, and portion snacks into easy grab-and-go servings. By getting the work done ahead of time, weekday mornings become a breeze — just hand your kids their lunchboxes and let them choose their favorites.

Store items in Hefty® Slider Bags to help them stay fresh. The easy-to-use slider is perfect for independent eaters to open and close on their own at school. Plus, the expandable bottom makes filling easier, and the secure Clicks Closed seal lets you know it’s shut tight.

3. Freeze drinks to keep food cool

Freeze a juice box or water bottle the night before to double as a lunchbox ice pack. By lunchtime, it will be perfectly chilled and ready to drink while keeping the rest of the meal fresh. You can also freeze foods like PB&J sandwiches, muffins, or yogurt tubes to help keep lunch cool and make meal prep even easier.

4. Lean into leftovers

Leftovers aren’t just for Friday night dinners. You can easily pack leftovers for lunch! For busy parents, leaning into leftovers can be a huge time saver and a simple way to ensure your child is eating a healthy, nutritious meal. Plus, you’ll save on food waste, helping you save money on your grocery bill.

As soon as dinner is over, pack your leftovers into Hefty Slider Bags, so you don’t have to worry about portioning food out later.

5. Fill up the freezer with frozen meals

During your weekly meal prep, consider making frozen meals for lunch (or even dinner). You can cook multiple dishes in bulk, like breakfast sandwiches, pizza bagels, and taco meat, then freeze them for quick, ready-to-go meals. You’ll have plenty of lunch options, and your kids can even choose which ones they’d like to eat the most.

Once you’re done cooking, store the meals in a large, resealable bag like Hefty’s Gallon sized Freezer Slider Bags. It clicks closed to help keep your food fresh and secure.

Pro tip: Keep some large slider bags on hand. These Hefty Jumbo Storage Slider Bags are perfect for anything life throws at you, from muddy jerseys and sparkly art projects to family-sized snack mixes.

Are you ready for an easier school year? Using these simple tips, you can save time, money and streamline your morning for a positive start to your day.

How Well Do Drivers Know Their Cars?

2025-09-03T14:01:00

(BPT) – For some drivers, their vehicle is just a means of transportation, but for others, it is a reflection of their own personality and, at times, even a partner for adventure. Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index Survey revealed new insights into how deeply connected Americans are to their vehicles, highlighting the emotional bonds and confidence drivers have in knowing their cars inside and out.

Drivers’ Emotional Connection

Most American drivers feel a connection to their cars, with over three-quarters of respondents saying they have some sort of emotional attachment. This bond isn’t uniform across generations, however — younger drivers, on average, feel a stronger emotional connection to their cars while older generations are more likely to think of functionality.

For the youngest generation on the road today, Gen Z, having a car creates a sense of pride: 43% of surveyed Gen Z drivers say they are proud of their cars.

More experienced drivers demonstrate an appreciation for their vehicle’s role in their day-to-day life. The majority of Millennial drivers (43%) say they are dependent on their vehicles. Similarly, when describing their car’s personality, Gen X (45%) and Boomers (50%) were most likely to label their cars as reliable and dependable.

Personalization to Match Personality

The connection that drivers feel with their cars can also be shown in how they personalize its interior and exterior, or even how they create a persona for their vehicle: One in four Americans has named their car, which is especially common among Gen Z (40%) drivers and those living in cities (35%). When it comes to accessorizing, most drivers personalize their cars with wheel or seat covers (27%) and performance upgrades (23%), tailoring their vehicles to match their own style and needs.

City drivers tend to customize their cars more than those in other areas: Nearly a third (32%) of drivers in urban areas have upgraded their car’s performance, including changes to their engine, exhausts and even tires, compared to less than a quarter of rural (20%) and suburban (19%) area drivers. Urban area drivers have also customized the look of their cars more than others, with nearly a quarter (22%) of city drivers having had aesthetic work done to their cars, compared to rural (8%) and suburban drivers (13%).

Knowing the Car Inside and Out

Getting to know your car is more than just how it looks and feels. Many drivers report they understand their vehicle’s performance and what it can handle. For example, 85% of all drivers say they know their car well enough to continue driving with the fuel light on. Exactly half of the drivers surveyed tend to fill up their tank before the light appears on their dashboard, yet more than a third (36%) say that they know their cars well enough to push those limits regularly.

Despite how many people say they know their cars’ fuel limits, running out of gas isn’t as rare as it might seem — almost half (46%) of all drivers say they have run out of gas before, and over half of those respondents say that it has happened more than once. More experienced drivers tend to pay closer attention to their fuel level, with three-quarters of all Boomers saying they have never run out of gas while driving, compared to 67% of Millennial drivers who have, and often more than once.

The blend of emotional attachment and practical understanding underscores a unique relationship that Americans have to their cars: Personalizing vehicles, naming them and knowing their quirks all point to a deeper, more meaningful connection that drivers have with their cars.

This vodka iced tea is a standout according to hospitality insiders

2025-09-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are having a moment. Vodka iced teas and vodka lemonades have become summer’s hottest drink trend, covering the crowds in sports stadiums, lining the beaches, and flying from coolers during backyard hangouts. And Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka is leading the pack for good reason – made with real iced tea, premium vodka and without carbonation to achieve the perfect balance of light sweetness and big refreshment.

Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team at a ballgame, vibing at a concert or unwinding at your go-to local bar, chances are you’ve probably spotted a Sun Cruiser can in the wild. Hospitality insiders agree: Sun Cruiser’s super smooth, deliciously refreshing profile with no bubbles is the perfect choice when looking for something both familiar and fresh. And with just 1 gram of sugar, 100 calories and 4.5% ABV per 12oz. serving, Sun Cruiser’s smooth flavor is the perfect choice for savoring the final days of the summer season.

Hand reaching into a cooler for a can of Sun Cruiser IceTea Vodka.

New hospitality survey reveals increased interest in ready-to-drink beverages, with recent entrant Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka making waves across industry

Since launching in market just over a year ago, Sun Cruiser quickly became the fastest-growing RTD in on-premise locations nationwide, selling faster than long-established competitors like High Noon, Surfside and Nutrl1.

According to a recent survey2 of hospitality industry professionals conducted by Dynata, about 60% prefer RTDs when off duty, with 72% who said they choose RTDs instead of mixing a drink for themselves when off the clock. Among survey respondents who have tried Sun Cruiser, two-thirds say they would recommend it to others, with more than half crediting its convenience – particularly its portability and no-mix format – as major factors in their choice.

Woman pouring a Sun Cruiser Vodka Ice Tea into a glass of ice

Savor the Last Summer Moments with Sun Cruiser

Curious to try the new RTD that hospitality insiders are buzzing about? The Sun Cruiser variety packs slide perfectly into any cooler situation — lakeside lounging, post-volleyball celebrations in the sand, pool parties and outdoor concert moments. It’s the sweet spot between effortless and elevated. Sun Cruiser is available in a variety of flavors, including Classic Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Raspberry Iced Tea, Lemonade + Iced Tea, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade.

People taking a cold Sun Cruiser out of a cooler filled with ice.

Summer days may be coming to an end, but Sun Cruiser is here to let the good times cruise all year long. Visit DrinkSuncruiser.com and follow @DrinkSunCruiser on socials to find Sun Cruiser near you and make the most of your warm weather days and transition into fall.

Please drink responsibly. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, visit Responsibility.org.

1 Nielsen CGA On Premise Data Total US L12W Through 6/14/25

2 About the Survey

1,000 U.S. Hospitality industry professionals aged 21+ at venues serving alcohol were surveyed in a project commissioned by Boston Beer and conducted by Dynata (formerly Research Now/SSI), an independent research firm, between June 21 and June 30, 2025. The maximum margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.