The wind-powered Greenbird is the fastest vehicle of its kind. It
Classic Cars Aren’t as Powerful as You Remember
Because horsepower rating standards themselves have changed, the high-power classic cars from the past might not be as powerful as you think.
Why You Should Never Buy a Tire Based on Its Warranty
If you’ve driven cars, you’ve likely experienced a flat tire at some point. Whether it’s a blowout on the highway or deflation in your driveway, a flat is a major inconvenience. Your first instinct might be to call road service. Or you speed-dial your insurance company, knowing your policy covers roadside assistance. Or you might …
Can Cold Weather Affect a Hybrid Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency?
If you currently drive a hybrid car or are planning to buy one, then the main highlight of owning it is to get the best fuel economy possible. However, everyday traffic congestion, driving over different types of terrain, and even the weather can have an effect on any car’s overall fuel efficiency. But can cold …
Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy a Car if You Use It Only on Weekends? Consumer Reports Weighs in
It’s a question you might’ve asked yourself since the pandemic forced many of us to stay home and cut back on spending: Is it cheaper to rent or buy a car if you use it only on weekends? A viewer recently posed that question to the hosts of Talking Cars, Consumer Reports’ video podcast. And …
What Is Autocross Racing and Is it Dangerous?
If you want to experience your sports car at its maximum potential without getting in trouble, then autocross racing might be for you. But what is it?
Will J.D. Power Founder’s Death Change the Company?
The market research site J.D. Power lost its namesake, James David Power III, at the age of 89 this past January. The company he founded, known for its auto industry data, is trusted by car companies and consumers alike. With his practical insights and critical data derived from detailed customer experience, Power is credited with …
Here’s How You Can Rent a Car From Lyft
There are many reasons to hire rental cars. You might need one after flying to a new destination. Or you might rent a car for a long road trip to avoid wear-and-tear on your vehicle. Or maybe yours is inaccessible or unavailable. Whatever the reason, it’s good to know your car rental options. And you …
Are Sports Cars Really More Expensive to Insure?
Buying a sports car is exciting, however, having to buy car insurance can be a drag. Considering your technically paying monthly, semi-annually, or annually for coverage in the case that something “might” happen to your car, insurance can be looked at as being an unnecessary expense. And that expense can fluctuate depending on what kind …
Is a ‘Kill Switch’ Effective in Preventing Car Theft?
Having your car stolen is one of the most devastating experiences you can ever go through, but there are several ways to prevent that from happening. An aftermarket alarm can help and a steering wheel lock can add another layer of security, but a “kill switch” can do wonders in keeping your car firmly planted …
Least Boring Sports Cars Under $15k That Are Reliable, According to Consumer Reports
Does Subaru make the best sports car? Check out this list of three used sports cars under $15k that can be yours for a reasonable price.
Is Zipcar Cheaper Than Renting a Car?
The car rental industry continues to shift during the pandemic. And one of the more recent solutions to consumers’ rental needs is Zipcar. This car-sharing subscription service existed long before COVID-19. But with a surging need for on-demand rental options, Zipcar is growing. In fact, it might even be in a city near you. However, is renting through Zipcar …
Rad For Sale Is Your One-Stop Radwood Auction Shop
Auction sites like Cars and Bids are a great tool for those searching for their next car. Especially for those after a classic vehicle, or a performance-oriented modern one. The former one especially comes in handy for those wishing to bring in something for Radwood. This is why the car festival’s organizers have started an …
5 Cars That Might Not Last 100,000 Miles
If you’re in the market for a used car, then there’s a good possibility that reliability is high on your list. A good, reliable car can not only last you for many years and many miles, but it can also cut down on your ownership costs during the time that you have it. And if …
Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster With These 5 Hacks
Do you currently have a seemingly endless car loan that you’re paying monthly for? Here are five helpful tips for paying it off early.
Should You Shine Your Car Tires?
Washing your car isn’t just about improving its appearance—it’s a form of maintenance, too. But, as with any task, doing it wrong can cause damage, as can going too far in the pursuit of a quality shine. Speaking of shine, detailing often involves giving your car’s tires a good shine. But is that something you …
Is Investing in a Radar Detector Worth It?
From new windshield wipers to extra power outlets, there are plenty of accessories available to make life easier for motorists. And if you’re planning a road trip, one common recommendation is a police radar detector. Anyone with a history of speeding tickets would likely consider it a must-have. But is it an accessory worth buying? …
J.D. Power’s Newest Study Proves New Cars Are More Reliable Than Ever
Based on J.D. Power’s 2021 study, car reliability is at an all-time high. However, one category is still lagging behind the rest.
Is Buying a Diesel Car Worth it?
Once upon a time, vehicles with diesel-powered engines were known to be dirty, smelly, and loud. However, as time went on, diesel technology improved drastically and during the early 2010s, automakers like Volkswagen, Audi, and even Chevrolet were producing diesel cars that were popular with the general public at the time. But now that diesel …
2 Nazi License Plates Got a State DMV in Trouble
Cruising down the highway in an expensive sports car is a surefire way to catch other drivers’ attention. But realistically, most people don’t have the bank account to support that type of self-expression. That’s where personalized license plates come in. For a small fee, drivers can select a unique combination of letters and numbers to …
What Does It Mean When an Engine Is a ‘Stressed Member’?
Designing a car or a motorcycle goes far beyond just its looks. The suspension, the transmission, the engine—all of that and more is part of vehicle design. And when it comes to the engine, it’s not just a matter of cylinder count or its relative position. There’s also the option of making the engine a …
Social-Distanced Valentine’s Day: Turn Your Car Into a Date Night Oasis
The world has changed since its last rotation around the sun. We are now starting to see the vast trickle-down effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses, such as car manufacturers, have taken the brunt of the hit. But holidays like Valentine’s Day aren’t the same, either. Getting creative for holidays is the new norm. So, …
AutoNation’s First Woman CEO Gone After Less Than a Year — What Happened, and Where Is She Now?
In 2019, Cheryl Miller made headlines and history as the first woman to lead AutoNation. The appointment also made her the first woman to become CEO of a publicly traded car sales company. However, only months after accepting the position, she stepped down. What happened? And where is she now? Cheryl Miller’s path to the top …
What Is Snap Oversteer and Why Is it Dangerous?
Have you ever wanted a mid-engine, rear-drive car like a Toyota MR2 or a Honda S2000? If so, then you’ve probably done your research as far as the current market pricing of the car, its specs, and maybe even some worthwhile modifications you would do in the future. During your research about either car, you …
7 Wild Car Facts That You Probably Never Knew
Everyone knows at least a little bit when it comes to cars, but here are some wild and random car facts that you probably never knew.
What Is a Vehicle Monroney Sticker?
Every new car has a vehicle Monroney sticker. If you’ve ever heard someone talking about cars and they say something like “check the Monroney,” you may wonder what the heck that means. You’ll see them grace many a window if you are buying a new car and shopping models. What is a Monroney decal and …
If You Own One of These 10 Cars, Your Sunroof Could ‘Explode’
Having a sunroof in your car is an open-air luxury that used to actually be an option in new cars. Nowadays, it seems like every car, even in its base form, now comes with a moonroof and what’s even better is that many automakers are incorporating panoramic moonroofs in many of their models. However, did …
Why Are Unreleased Cars Wrapped in Camouflage, and How Does It Work?
Whenever a new model or redesigned car makes it to testing, there’s always that itch to get that first peek. It’s not uncommon to see cars in spy shots months before the vehicle makes its debut. Automakers know that people are eager to see the new cars, so they do their best to keep each …
How to Add Satellite Radio to an Older Car
Does anyone really listen to satellite radio anymore? Actually, according to Statista, there were around 34.4 million Sirius XM satellite subscribers as of the third quarter of 2020. And while that doesn’t mean that every subscriber actually makes use of their satellite radio function, it’s safe to say that there are millions that actually do. …
What Happens to Cars That Are Abandoned on Public Roads?
Have you ever seen a random car sitting on the side of the highway or even on a regular road? If so, you’ve probably wondered why it’s sitting there all by its lonesome with no owner in sight. Maybe they ran out of gas and needed to walk to the station, or maybe they just …
Vroom Shows the Torturous Side of Car Dealerships in its Super Bowl 2021 Commercial
Whether you’re an avid football fan or just a casual observer, everyone likes to watch the Super Bowl for one reason or another. Some people like to watch the actual game and some just tune in to watch the commercials, but either way, it’s typically a lot of fun. What’s not fun, though, is spending …
You Might Score a Free 2021 Volvo During Super Bowl LV
Usually, the Super Bowl is when automakers try to use ads to sell you on their cars. But football games can also be a chance for people to win cars, too. And for Super Bowl LV, Volvo is pulling a little from both categories. The Swedish automaker is planning to give away a significant number …
The Secret Dashboard Indicator That Will Save You a Lot of Trouble
Unless you drive an electric vehicle, stops at the gas station happen frequently. But regardless of how many times you pull up to the pump, there’s always a moment when you don’t know or forget which side the gas tank is located. That’s especially true for rental cars. But among modern vehicles’ many features is …
5 Everyday Things That You Shouldn’t Let Touch Your Car
Out of all of the things that you use in your daily life, your car is probably the most important. It takes you everywhere you need to go, including work, and it allows the rest of your family to live their lives as well. So it’s a good idea to take care of your car …
How to Add a Backup Camera to Your Car
Backup, or rearview, cameras have been widely popular over the past decade due to their widespread use in new cars as well as the added layer of safety they provide. Of course, having a backup camera in your car doesn’t mean that you can completely forgo looking over your shoulder to ensure that the coast …
A Beloved Vintage Car and Bike Museum Has Burned To the Ground
Whether you visit virtually or in-person, motoring museums offer an excellent opportunity to learn about and view classic cars and bikes. Especially since some historic and obscure models can only be seen in museums like the Henry Ford. Sadly, the vintage car and motorcycle world has just lost one of these repositories: the Top Mountain …
Your Throttle Cable Could Use an Adjustment
Getting an internal-combustion engine up and running requires a lot of moving parts. And without proper maintenance, the entire process can grind (sometimes literally) to a halt. Hence why fuel injectors sometimes need cleaning and spark plugs need changing, and so on. But some maintenance items need attention even if the part in question isn’t …
A Car Spoiler Is Not the Same Thing as a Wing
Spoilers, whether factory equipment or aftermarket accessories are usually visual shorthand for a performance-oriented car. Or at least a vehicle pretending to be one. Given their shape, car spoilers are understandably often referred to as wings. However, although these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not synonymous. Wings don’t help cars fly—they help them not …
Can Nokian’s New All-Season Tire Really Last for 80,000 Miles?
Regularly rotating and changing your car’s tires are important parts of your maintenance schedule. But even if you’re not buying the most expensive car tires, quality ones don’t come cheap. So, naturally, most people want to make sure they’re getting their money’s worth when it comes to longevity. Especially if they’re buying all-seasons, even though …
Do Fog Lights Really Help You See Through Fog?
Whether you plan on upgrading to LED headlights or sticking with halogens, your car’s lights are vital accessories. But as bright as they’ve gotten in modern times, trying to drive through a foggy night can still leave you blinded. Given their name, you would expect fog lights to be the perfect solution. But do they …
Why Don’t More Cars Have 2-Spoke Steering Wheels?
Until a truly self-driving vehicle finally appears, cars will continue to need steering wheels. But just because cars need steering wheels doesn’t mean they all need the same one. That’s part of the reason why aftermarket wheels are available in the first place. And yet, for all the variety in wheel design, only a handful …
Jay Leno Ferrets Out an Armored Scout Car’s Secrets
Modern technology means that armored cars can be more discrete than their forebears. Discretion, though, goes out the window when you’re talking about ex-military vehicles, especially vintage ones. The subject of Jay Leno’s latest video, a 1959 Daimler Ferret armored scout car, is just such an example. But the armor plating is just the tip …
What Does Launch Control Actually Do?
From more power to stickier tires to sportier and stiffer suspension, high-performance cars benefit from a variety of accessories, features, and tools. And nowadays, launch control is a common sight amongst such vehicles. Even a few motorcycles like the Ducati Panigale and Streetfighter offer it. But how does launch control benefit your car? And can …
How Do You Adjust a Carburetor?
If you’ve been eyeing a classic car or motorcycle, know that their maintenance schedules are typically shorter than their modern counterparts. Oil changes are more frequent, for example. Plus, even the best-kept vintage vehicles are, well, vintage—and time decays all eventually. And one of the biggest changes is learning to live with and adjust a …
Don’t Want to Lease or Own? Try a Car Rental Subscription
For a long time, we’ve had the option to either own a car or lease one when car shopping, depending on what our needs are for the moment. Sure, we’ve been able to rent cars for decades now, but there’s a new service just gaining ground and it’s called a car rental subscription. Few people …
If 2020 Was a Car, It Would Be One of These Cars Says MotorTrend Followers
Every year people take time to reflect on what has happened during the previous twelve months. For some, it has been a great year – Congratulations to all those that got married! Yet, for others, it has been a time of great loss. For everybody, however, 2020 has been a more challenging year thanks to …
These Exotic Rental Cars Will Cure Your Quarantine Ennui
If you’re tired of pandemic quarantining and staying at home too much, it’s time to inject some excitement into your life. Whether you own a car or not, consider renting one to get out of the house and see the scenery. And, if you’re going to get a rental car, why not up the game …
Do ‘Odometer Fraud’ Scams Still Happen Today?
Finding the perfect used car can come with a lot of headaches and crossed fingers depending on what kind of shape it’s in. And while we always advise getting a pre-purchase inspection done when you purchase a used car, there could be hidden issues that you might find out about later on. One such issue …
Can Compressed Air Really Remove Dents On Your Car?
Do you have annoying dents on your car from a recent hail storm? Or does your car have battle scars from the local grocery store parking lot? Either way, those unsightly dents can put a frown on your face every time you look at your car. So why not repair it with a can of …
5 Tips For Finding the Right Auto Body Shop
Let’s face it, accidents happen. And whether or not your most recent accident was caused by another vehicle or just something as simple as hitting a pole when backing up, you’re likely faced with having to find a reputable body shop to repair the damage. However, with so many different body shops in the area, …
A Portable Car Battery Charger Can Possibly Save Your Life, or at Least Your Time
There’s almost nothing worse than getting into your car in the morning and turning the key, only to hear the clattering of the interior lights and the whine of the starter, but the car won’t start. Clearly, the battery is dead and the other problem is that no one else is around to help you …