Are Modern Cars Getting Heavier?
It makes sense if you’re worried about car weight. Heavier vehicles are harder on the road and the environment, and they cause more damage in crashes than lighter cars. But are modern cars getting heavier? Yes and no. If you compare the current light-duty car models to previous entries in the same line, you’ll see […]
Autonomous Future Brings Changes in Car Insurance Industry
We’ve already written about the upcoming changes in car insurance with autonomous cars edging their way onto the roads. Warren Buffet has even weighed in on the future of car insurance. After a couple of years, we now have an idea of how car insurance companies will adapt to the autonomous revolution. The good news […]
A Winter Coat Endangers Children in Car Seats
It’s cold outside, and you’re bundling your children up with puffy, warm coats. But a winter coat can actually endangers your child when he or she is buckled into a car seat. Know How: To properly winterize your car Jason Waugh, the valet supervisor at West Virginia’s Cabell Huntington Hospital, has a Child Passenger Safety […]
The Scent of Roses Can Help Lower the Number of Car Accidents
Rose-scented air fresheners in cars can reduce the number of crashes, scientists claim : Scientists from Sussex University have found that in driving simulators, spraying a pleasant, calming smell at drivers reduced the number of accidents. https://t.co/CJwVCaBRL3 pic.twitter.com/KNvjX93Xf8 — RushReads (@RushReads) December 31, 2018 When you think of roses, you might think of Valentine’s Day, […]
Rainy Weather Confounds Self-Driving Cars in Michigan State Study
Recent Michigan-based research shows that self-driving cars have a long way to go before they can safely handle nasty weather conditions. Autonomous vehicles have managed to operate effectively (with some notable exceptions) in the sunny Southwest. But they haven’t fared so well in testing at Michigan State University, where the weather tends to be much […]
California Allows First Self-Driving Car Transport Permit
Autonomous vehicles are getting closer to reality. Last Friday, California added to the 60 companies that have testing permits for the latest driving phenomenon. It gave the first self-driving car transport permit to Zoox Inc. under a pilot program that began back in April under the California Public Utilities Commission. While this is huge news […]
3 Cars Nab 2019 Top Safety Pick+ Awards for Mercedes-Benz
Luxury and safety make for great companions on the roadways. This shows as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced three 2019 Top Safety Pick+ awards for Mercedes-Benz models, including the GLC, GLE-Class, and E-Class 4-door sedan. Learn More: About the GLE and other Mercedes-Benz SUVs To be eligible for a Top Safety Pick+ nod, the […]
The New Majority: Millennials and Gen Xers Dominate Classic Car Market
According to Hagerty, one of the world’s largest communities of classic car aficionados, millennials and Gen Xers now comprise the majority of the classic car market. These two demographics used Hagerty’s Valuation Tools and sought out classic vehicle insurance quotes more often than baby boomers and pre-boomers by a margin of approximately 53-47 percent. If […]
Surprising Factors That Affect Car Insurance Premiums
Knowing which factors can lower your car insurance rate can help you make a wise decision when shopping for a new policy or negotiating a lower rate with your current carrier. Here are four lesser-known factors that insurance companies consider when calculating your monthly premium. Profession Auto insurance carriers take your profession into account when […]
Top Car-Themed Toys for 2018
Christmas is just around the corner, but it’s not too late to find the perfect auto-themed gift for the car-loving kid in your life. We’ve gathered some great ideas ranked by age, to help simplify your holiday shopping. Maintenance Reminder: Why oil changes are important 3 months and older https://t.co/siOh9ZBsJ9 (Oball 81510 Rattle and Roll […]
Mazda Is Once Again the US News Best Car Brand
U.S. News & World Report has announced its 2019 Best Vehicle Brand Awards, and unsurprisingly, it has announced that Mazda is the Best Car Brand. Mazda won that award last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. In particular, the U.S. News editors appreciated the Mazda passenger car lineup for its […]
Hot Wheels: Why Cars Catch Fire
You are driving down the highway on this beautiful day, and you smell something funny. “Something’s burning,” you say. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have abandoned that leftover Rapid Fired Pizza in the car last night.” You look to your right, and straight ahead is a parked SUV engulfed in flames off to the side of the […]
Smart Car Tech Significantly Reduces Drivers’ Annual Fuel Costs
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have released the first study that evaluates the energy impact of in-vehicle smart tech. The study indicated that smart tech features save drivers $6.2 billion a year on fuel costs. During the study, researchers evaluated the energy impact on lower levels of automation. They also focused on individual technology features […]
AAA Tests Remind Us Cars Still Can’t Drive Themselves
As we go into one of the busiest weeks of the year in terms of traffic, AAA has released results of tests that remind us all that systems like Autopilot or ProPILOT Assist aren’t self-driving vehicle tech. AAA warned not to think that these systems will drive for you—they are only a kind of assistance. […]
Two Mercedes-Benz Models Make US News’ List of Cars with the Best Safety Features
In their round-up of the 25 Cars with the Best Safety Features, the experts at U.S. News & World Report singled out two Mercedes-Benz models — the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Check Out: The best Christmas gifts for car fans With advanced driver assist tech, such as driver drowsiness monitoring, brake […]
IIHS Study Finds That GM’s Front Crash Prevention Systems Really Do Work
Vehicles equipped with GM's front crash prevention systems, such as forward collision warning and autobrake, experienced 43 percent fewer front-to-rear collisions
Unsurprisingly, automakers continually state that their front crash prevention systems keep drivers safe on the road. Still, evidence from independent organizations has begun piling up in support of these statements. Most recently, a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded that the front crash prevention systems installed in various General Motors vehicles […]
Analysis of the Verstappen/Ocon Crash
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was poised to win yesterday’s 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix when he clashed with Force India’s Esteban Ocon, the 22-year old Frenchman against whom he had driven in Formula 3. Ocon was already lapped, but strove to un-lap himself, as the regulations allow. He was on a quicker tire and sought […]
Waze Carpool Service Now Offered Across the U.S.
You might know Waze only through its helpful and massively popular navigation app — but now the company can also help you find or share a ride. Earlier this month, Waze introduced the Waze Carpool smartphone app as a nationwide service. Previously, it had only been available in five states and Israel, where Waze was […]