When 2008 models hit the road, motorists will have the opportunity to take advantage of a new standard feature: tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These lights illuminate when one or more tires are low.

Federal law requires that all new vehicles made after 2008 must have the new system. The warning lights are not activated if a tire is less than 25%. This will make it unsafe to drive.

“It’s extremely important that motorists do not wait until the warning light comes on to check their tire pressure,”John Nielsen, director of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Network. “If a tire is losing pressure from a slow leak, a motorist could drive for weeks or months on an under-inflated tire before the warning light comes on.”

Checking your tire pressures is especially important in cooler weather. Tires lose approximately one to two pounds for every 10 degree drop in temperature outside (PSI).

For safe and efficient vehicle operation, it is important to maintain proper tire pressure. AAA research indicates that one out of three cars has an under-inflated tire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year as the result of low-tire-pressure-related crashes. For many reasons, driving on low-pressure tires can be dangerous.

* Unsafe. Tires that are under-inflated build up excessive heat, which can cause them to fail over time. It can also affect handling precision and increase stopping distances.

* Not fuel-efficient. Gas mileage will decrease by approximately 0.4% for every PSI drop in each of the four tires.

* Increasing tire wear. Tires that are under-inflated wear unevenly and reduce their lifespan.

Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.AAA.comYou may also visit your AAA Approved Auto Repair location.

Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of those surveyed have less than $1,000 to cover out-of pocket expenses. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are forcing employers into cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.