WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 19, 2022) — So far this year, flight cancellations, wintery weather and the COVID-19 omicron variant have all combined to create the perfect storm for travelers. However, AAA’s travel advice makes it possible to travel in the pandemic without losing your mind or your money.

What to Know Before Traveling in 2022

Anticipate the expenses associated with delays and cancelations including the possibility of having to stay longer if stranded.

Pack N95 or KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves in your carry-on and make sure it is easily accessible.

Purchase travel insurance that specifically provides coverage for travel interruption and additional expenses due to COVID-19.

Notify credit card providers of your travel details (specify location and duration) to reduce the risk of frozen cards due to unusual activity.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 18, 2022) — Gasoline prices rose a penny last week, driven primarily by the cost of crude oil, which has vaulted above $80 a barrel. The primary reason for the rise in oil prices is the perception that the COVID-19 omicron variant may ebb, allowing the world’s economic engines to kick into high gear. The potential increase in oil demand, coupled with lagging crude production, will only increase prices. Since the price of oil accounts for roughly half of what consumers pay at the pump, higher oil costs will likely result in higher gasoline costs. The national average for a gallon of gas rose one cent to $3.31.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen the price for a barrel of oil slowly work its way from the mid-$60s to the low $80s,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And the primary reason is global economic optimism, whether well-founded or not, that the worst of COVID may soon be behind us.”

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 11, 2022 -- With enthusiasm for the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra already at a fever pitch, full-sized trucks now have a new entry at the upper echelon of the segment. The new Tundra Capstone grade provides a premium collection of features and upgrades for those looking to elevate their truck experience. As the new halo grade in the Tundra lineup, Capstone builds on the already impressive features of Toyota's all-new full-sized truck. Tundra Capstone will be arriving at dealerships this spring.

The new flagship of the Tundra lineup seamlessly crafts together premium, plush and power into an exceptionally loaded package. Eyes will certainly be drawn to the largest wheels ever offered on Tundra thanks to the standard 22-inch chrome rims. At its ruggedly handsome front, Capstone's unique grille features a color-keyed outer frame and a chrome inner mesh pattern complemented with subtle-yet-eye-catching chrome mirror caps, chrome "TUNDRA" tailgate inserts and chrome trim accents.

Automatic running boards welcome everyone into the premium cabin experience that is no doubt highlighted by standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats. Not only are the seats luxury-grade, but they also tout stylish perforation and a Capstone-only black-and-white color combination. The center console and passenger-side dash are accented with authentic Dark American Walnut with an open-pore finish that highlights the wood grain. On the dash the Walnut inlay surrounds a Capstone logo which illuminates when the doors are opened. Speaking of letting a little light in, a panoramic moonroof is standard on Tundra Capstone. To help provide an even quieter cabin, Capstone is the only Tundra grade to feature acoustic glass on the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 27, 2021) — Gasoline prices fluctuated over the past few days as fears of an omicron-driven economic slowdown were countered by news of a severe fire at a major oil refinery. Last Thursday, four people were injured when a fire erupted at the Exxon Mobil Corp refinery in Baytown, Texas. The plant is one of the largest refining and petrochemical facilities in the United States. If the damage forces the plant offline for long, the disruption could negatively affect gasoline prices. As a result, the recent steady decline in pump prices has slowed, with the national average for a gallon of gas falling two cents on the week to $3.28.

CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2021 -- Being stranded in the cold with a dead battery is the last thing any driver wants, but dead batteries are a leading cause of breakdowns in winter months, say the battery experts at CTEK.

Cold temperatures require a battery to use up to twice the normal current to start the engine, an extreme demand that shortens battery life.

"A battery loses as much as 35% in performance when temperatures hit freezing, and up to 50% if temperatures sink below that," said Bobbie DuMelle, Executive Vice President of CTEK North America, the leading global brand in vehicle charging and battery management solutions.