![Headshot of Alyssa Trostle](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/26152801/headshot-2.jpg)
Alyssa Trostle
EditorAlyssa Trostle is an editor at USA TODAY Homefront. Having read dozens of warranty booklets from every vehicle manufacturer and over 100 sample contracts from third-party providers, Alyssa is an expert in the auto categories of warranty and shipping categories. Alyssa earned an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in creative nonfiction from Chatham University, which honed her skills in writing and editing both creative and professional content. In her spare time she enjoys reading contemporary fiction and following Pittsburgh sports.
Recent Stories
![Close up of High efficiency modern AC-heater unit](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20053648/AdobeStock_113183200-600x400.jpeg)
When your AC unit isn’t turning on, it could be power supply issues, broken parts or problems with the refrigerant or airflow. You can troubleshoot by checking the thermostat and power supply. If those are working, check the outside unit for blockages, noises and signs of damage. Sometimes the reset button or clearing visible blockages…
![Poison ivy with three green leaves with ridges attached to one stem.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18192811/AdobeStock_15985972-600x432.jpeg)
Poison ivy is a common summer lawn care nuisance due to the irritating, rash-causing oil in its leaves: urushiol. Urushiol gets on the skin when poison ivy leaves are damaged, torn, bruised or burned. It leaves behind itchy rashes and blisters. Knowing how to kill poison ivy can keep your outdoor space irritant-free. Poison ivy is…
![painting a gutter](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17005243/AdobeStock_154407227-600x442.jpeg)
With all the foliage and debris gutters collect, it’s no surprise that they can get quite grungy over time — after all, gutters redirect the rain runoff roof away from your home’s foundation, making gutters crucial roofing features. However, don’t rush to replace them once they start to look a bit rough. Instead, paint your…
![Professional mechanic working on the car engine](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/16200211/AdobeStock_726970417-600x267.jpeg)
When your car’s engine fails to start, the hefty repair bill is the last thing you should worry about. Extended car warranties bring peace of mind for such a situation, as vehicle service contracts provide additional protection for certain expensive repairs once your car’s factory warranty runs out. You’ll need to know how to buy…
![Side view of three cars that are parked in the auto salon.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12204717/AdobeStock_773119054-600x400.jpeg)
Purchasing a vehicle comes with the responsibility of maintaining a complex machine. Showcasing various mechanical, electrical and digital components, your car will likely require repairs or updates as you hit the road. That’s why many consumers choose to get protection through warranties. An extended manufacturer’s warranty, or vehicle service contract, is an optional product offered…
![Couple unpacking boxes](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12200258/AdobeStock_135240473-600x400.jpeg)
Moving to a new home is more than making a space your own and exploring the new area — it entails some chores, too. After scheduling movers and starting to pack up, the next step is finding out how to set up utilities when moving. The process of setting up utilities may take some time,…
![empty basement in abandoned old industrial building with little light and a wooden stairs and cement walls](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10204750/AdobeStock_207543307-600x400.jpeg)
Basement waterproofing costs range from $2,000 to $10,000, according to our experts. Exact costs “vary depending on the size of the basement, the extent of the water damage and the method of waterproofing chosen,” said Kyle Leman, CEO and founder of Crossroads Foundation Repair in Lafayette, Indiana. Our experts provided us with average prices for…
![Cement blocks laid wall for foundation of house on construction site.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03202422/AdobeStock_582327931-600x400.jpeg)
The block foundation is made from concrete cinder blocks. These blocks are a mix of cement, sand and water, and are reinforced with steel. This makes them strong, while the two holes in the blocks make them easier to handle and better for insulation. Cinder blocks are a cost-effective option. Choosing the proper foundation is…
![a male worker checking ceiling](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02195438/AdobeStock_495848538-600x400.jpeg)
A foundation inspection can uncover serious issues in your home that may otherwise go unnoticed. This type of inspection goes beyond surface-level charm and aesthetics to assess the foundation that holds your home together. If you have cracks in your foundation, an inspection will tell you if they’re nonstructural or serious. Whether you’re a homeowner…
![Crack in the foundation of the house](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/30050302/AdobeStock_436820273-600x400.jpeg)
Ignoring a foundation crack can lead to costly repairs and compromise your home’s integrity. You should address foundation cracks immediately to prevent further damage. Whether you notice a crack in your basement wall or crawl space, understanding the best repair methods is essential. To provide the most reliable advice on foundation crack repairs, we consulted…
![cracked concrete floor of the house](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/30051953/AdobeStock_625393638-600x400.jpeg)
While foundation cracks can be concerning, spotting a fissure on your basement wall doesn’t mean your house is doomed. However, as a homeowner, it’s important to understand the different types of foundation cracks, what they relay about your home’s structural health and whether or not you need your foundation repaired. We spoke with Joshua Parrish,…
![Electrical outlet overloaded with extension cords and adapters. Electricity safety, fire hazard and circuit overload concept](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/29031300/AdobeStock_543079040-600x400.jpeg)
What are you up to this evening? Chances are you’ll turn on the AC when you get home. You’ll make dinner. You’ll watch TV or scroll on your phone. In short, you’ll use electricity — a lot of it. Electricity has become so seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives that safety concerns can easily recede…
![Tawny Mole Cricket (Neoscapteriscus vicinus) on tree bark, ventral view](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/15025229/AdobeStock_423041902-600x382.jpeg)
Mole crickets, which get their name from their mole-like burrowing habits, disrupt your grass’s root systems, leading to patchy spots and unsightly damage. To get rid of mole crickets, start by identifying these pests, then choose the appropriate control methods, which could include hiring one of the best pest control companies. Regular monitoring and proper…
![Danger of tick bite. Shows close-up mite in the hand](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/16012911/AdobeStock_204568661-600x400.jpeg)
Bedbugs and ticks have a few similarities but many differences. Bedbugs trigger more frequent calls to the best pest control professionals, while ticks, often outdoor pests, don’t usually establish long-term infestations in homes. Still, both of these tiny, blood-sucking pests can wreak havoc on your peace of mind and health. “Both bedbugs and ticks cause…
![Hand holding remote control aimed at floor standing mobile air conditioner.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/15013207/AdobeStock_684818043-600x390.jpeg)
Portable air conditioners can work well when you need to cool individual rooms without using a more effective air conditioning system, such as a window unit from one of the best air conditioning brands or an evaporative cooler. Portable air conditioners must be vented out a window and plugged into an outlet. You can use…
![Portrait of happy brunette woman steering car](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/07032939/AdobeStock_346504143-600x400.jpeg)
An extended warranty is worth it on a new car when you plan to keep the vehicle for longer than the duration of its factory warranty, when the factory warranty is too short for your needs, or when you purchase a car that may need expensive repairs further down the line. Though the best new…
![Insect feeding on paper - silverfish](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/07044249/AdobeStock_176328545-600x407.jpeg)
Like earwigs and centipedes, silverfish are known in the pest industry as “occasional invaders” because they enter homes seeking more hospitable habitats than they can find outdoors. Homeowners taking a nighttime visit to the bathroom might spot a metallic creepy-crawly darting across the floor. Silverfish are common household pests, earning their moniker from their fish-like…
![red sports car](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/03155945/AdobeStock_4210167-600x433.jpeg)
The Chevy warranty protects the brand’s models, including the Chevrolet Silverado, the second-most popular-selling vehicle in 2024 thus far. The Chevrolet factory warranty only has 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, meaning it’s not the best new car warranty available. While its factory warranty isn’t the longest, you…
![stone home with a pathway](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/03022247/AdobeStock_615968196-600x400.jpeg)
A residential service contract is also called a home warranty or home service contract. While it doesn’t protect everything in the home — home warranties don’t typically cover the repair or replacement of structural elements of a home or specialty systems such as solar panels — they do cover the repair and replacement of certain…
![closeup front headlight and passenger side of black car](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20162338/AdobeStock_332804782-600x400.jpeg)
American Honda sold over 1.3 million vehicles in 2023, increasing its sales by 33% from the previous year. The company is generally praised for the reliability of its vehicles, with the Honda warranty providing 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. In addition to offering standard coverage, the Honda…