Car and Driver, as it turns out, isn’t just for reading anymore.

The Hearst Autos media property already had recently expanded editorial reviews, car listings and pricing information.

Now, it has added a Trade-In Value tool and a Credit Score tool to make the buying process easier for both dealers and consumers.

“Dealers and consumers have continued to look for ways to make for an easier, more efficient vehicle shopping process that reduces friction and headaches during negotiations,” said Brian Abrams, senior director of product strategy at Car and Driver, in a news release.

“We’re excited about the new Car and Driver Trade-In Value and Credit Score tools, and how they will help consumers receive a more accurate trade appraisal of their current vehicle and a better understanding of their financing options when researching their next vehicle,” Abrams said.

“And for dealers, these products offer the ability to connect and engage with consumers at different stages of the shopping process, while providing more flexibility for trade-in offers and more personalized finance offers.”

The Trade-In Value Too, which is powered by Black Book, can give the shopper a value on their trade in three steps. It is also embedded into the vehicle details pages for dealers who have listings with Car and Driver.

Meanwhile, the Credit Score is powered by Equifax. It prompts the shopper to provide limited personal information in one form on one screen. The score remains private to the consumer but gives the shopper “a better understanding of what they can afford,” the company said.

Laste joins Hearst team

In other news from Hearst Autos — a group that also includes Jumpstart Automotive Media and Road and Track — former Cox Automotive corporate public relations lead Lou Laste has joined the team.

Laste will head up the Hearst Autos PR department as executive director and will work out of Atlanta.