Most people think of car maintenance as something optional – it’s nice to do if you have the time and money, but beyond changing the oil, lots of people don’t know what that entails. If you think you know (or you’d like to know), then take this car maintenance quiz to find out where you stand on caring for your ride.

They say that first impressions are everything, and while you occasionally may be able to pull of a charmingly rocky start here and there, some things cannot be unseen. Like the piles of dirty clothes in the back seat of a car, or the clear indication that one eats most of their meals out of a to-go bag in the driver’s seat. When picking up a potential mate in your car, you may think they won’t judge your book by it’s cover, but when it comes to what your car tells your date about you, this quiz will reveal what you really know.

If you participate the all-American activity of dating, chances are that you’ll eventually arrive or be picked up in a car. And hopefully you’ll be inclined to present yourself and that modest, partially paid-off vehicle in the best light possible, because, believe me, it says something about you. Many a gal or guy has been shocked by car interiors that house mummified French fries under seats, and parking tickets stuffed into the console. That hoarder vibe is not something you want to give off on a date; it’s fascinating on A&E, but tragic in your car. Here are a few ways to easily spruce up your car before a date, and you (and your romance meter) will thank me.

If you’re around my (undisclosed) age, then Driver’s Ed may have been more than a few years ago for you. And while we all do our best to remember everything that was taught to us in good faith, some of the more obscure traffic violation rules may slip through the cracks. There are plenty of people who inadvertently violate traffic laws every day because they simply don’t remember them or don’t care. You’ve seen this guy – he’s the one that makes the rolling stop at the stop sign, or who doesn’t yield for the pedestrian who puts a foot into the crosswalk.

Below is a list of traffic violations that people may need a refresher course on, or are so bizarre and specific, that no one could ever fathom in the first place. Remember: every state is different, so be sure you check your state’s DOT rules about being a conscientious driver. Safety first!

Some people like to say that good things come in small packages, but those good things better not put a big dent in my wallet, which is where the best cars under 15K come in. All of the car manufacturers have become more mindful of doing more with less these days, and that doesn’t result in a lesser car; it results in a more well-rounded vehicle. And, much like the people purchasing these vehicles, they are practical, comfortable, stylish, technologically savvy, and they make a mean breakfast. Okay, maybe not the last part – that’s me I’m thinking of.

If you’ve ever heard anyone wax on and on about the legendary status of LA traffic, then you’ll know that the best cars for Los Angeles are the ones that are well-rounded and can survive some pretty tough environments. And, let’s be honest, LA cares about looks, too, so we aren’t talking about purely functional vehicles here. That would be a tall order under any circumstances, but factor in that epic SoCal sun, and you have yourself quite a tall order when it comes to what to drive. Fortunately, I’m here to help with my selection of the best cars for Los Angeles.

So, no one ever exactly sat down and taught me how to negotiate when I was a kid, but like children do, I was wont to negotiate the offer of good behavior for an extra round of cream cheese and jelly sandwiches. Those skills can sometimes follow you into your later life, and if you’ve got negotiation skills, this car quiz will suss them out. And if you don’t, taking this car buying quiz will help you realize your secret weaknesses and beef up before you head off to buy your next car, truck, or day-old bagels from the bakery down the block.

If you’re looking for a bargain, and I’m not saying you are, but if you were, then the best cars under $25K would be a good place to start. If you’re a first-time new car buyer, or looking for a second, more affordable vehicle, you’ll be happy to know that $25K will get you a lot these days in terms of quality and options. That’s because car makers, just like the rest of America, have learned to do more with less over the past few recession-filled years, and that’s good news for you and the state of your debt. Take a look at my picks for the best cars under $25K.

New car names are a bit like new baby names – there may be a few you think are clever or cute, but you’ve got to wait until you meet to find out which one is the best fit. New cars, just like newborns, have a personality all their own that should be taken into account before just bestowing a name all haphazardly.

As we’ve rounding the bend into a new year, lots of people were giving thought to making yearly charitable donations, and that includes car donation. You may have heard ads for car donations or seen billboards that promise you a tax donation, regardless of what a clunker piece your old ride might be. The good news? It’s actually a thing, you can get rid of those vehicles riddling your front yard, Ma Clampett, but like everything else, it pays to be mindful. Make sure you donate directly through your charity of choice, otherwise your car donation might go through a middle man – one who keeps a cut for himself, naturally. Here’s a list of 5 nonprofits where you can donate that old car before it turns your driveway into a hazardous waste site.

Busy is a word that most Americans overuse, myself included, hence the car buying guide for busy folks. We’re more strapped for time than we’ve ever been – the average person has a schedule that makes people need an extra cup of coffee just to read over it. Tackling something as daunting as buying a car can make it seem like a mission impossible, but I’ve got a few shortcuts to help shave off some time, and prevent you from having to skip another week’s worth of meals just to get the job done.