Know the Difference between a “Classic Car” and an “Old Car”

Classic cars often need so much attention, you can end up spending more time maintaining it than actually driving it. First-time buyers will generally be better off buying a car that needs little or no work, since buying a vehicle for restoration requires a great deal of expertise-and a much higher budget.

Some so-called classics are simply old cars, particularly if they are not rare models yet still need a lot of money spending on them. Always make sure you go for something that isn’t going to plummet in value as soon as you pull it out of the shop.

That said, everything fails eventually. Usually, broken vehicle parts mean a simple trip to your mechanic shop to fix whatever went wrong and the hope that your car insurance will help cover costs. But occasionally one of these small parts proves to be faulty by design.

Sometimes these design failures are dangerous. That’s when responsible vehicle manufacturers issue a recall of vehicles affected by the faulty part and take steps to redesign or repair it. That’s exactly what Hyundai has done recently with their recall of thousands of sedans and SUVs.

Which Hyundai Models Are Recalled?

Hyundai recently recalled 65,517 Genesis line sedans and SUVs manufactured between 2020 and 2023. Specifically, they’re recalling:

• 32,940 Genesis GV80s
• 21,917 Genesis GV70s
• 9,720 Genesis G80s
• 940 Genesis GV60s

Why Are These Hyundai Models Recalled

These vehicles are being recalled because of a possibly dangerous problem with their seatbelt pre-tensioners. Seatbelt pre-tensioners use a small explosive charge to tighten and lock seatbelts around the driver and passengers during a crash. Hyundai has determined that the seatbelt pre-tensioners in the models above could explode during a crash, potentially harming the vehicle’s occupants. Hyundai has recalled other vehicles over the last several years because of faulty pre-tensioners and is likely trying to correct this issue in more vehicles before anyone is injured.

How Do I Check for Recalls on My Vehicle?

Think your vehicle may be included in this recall? Visit the recalls section of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If your vehicle has been recalled, the NHTSA website will let you know.

Alternatively, you can enter your VIN in the recalls section on Hyundai’s website. Hyundai has also stated that it’ll be notifying all owners of affected vehicles on or before April 17, 2023.

What Should I Do If I Have a Recalled Hyundai?

Phone the nearest certified Hyundai dealer and explain that your vehicle has been recalled because of a faulty seatbelt pre-tensioner. Ask how soon you can make an appointment to receive the free repair offered by Hyundai. Make the appointment and get the repair done as quickly as possible.

The repair involves the installation of a protective cap on the pre-tensioner that prevents pieces of the device from flying out at dangerous speeds if it’s activated during a crash.

Now, another popular manufacturer recently issued a recall that could cause significant problems on the road and an increase in avoidable car crashes. According to a Feb. 16 recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Nissan has issued a recall for over 700,000 cars. Here’s everything to know about the recent Nissan recall and if it affects you.

Why Has the Nissan Recall Been Issued?

In Nissan’s recall report, the manufacturer cites a problem with a jackknife-style ignition key. The jackknife ignition key carries the risk of collapsing into a folded position while someone is driving. Per the Nissan recall report, “The jackknife key may not hold the key blade in the extended ‘open’ position. Over time the internal pivot of the jackknife key may weaken, and the key fob could unlock and rotate downwards.” This rotation of the key fob downwards is the “collapsed” position, which leaves the driver in danger of accidentally turning the car off while it’s being operated. Any contact with the key fob in its folded position may shut the car off, which leaves the driver at risk of a crash.

What Nissan Models Are Affected?

The jackknife-style ignition key is only in specific car models (rather than the breadth of Nissan’s automobile portfolio). However, the recall affects approximately 712,458 cars in the United States, a significant portion of the over 809,000 cars affected internationally.

Here are the models affected by the Nissan recall:

• 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue SUVs (517,472)
• 2017-22 Rogue Sports SUVs (194,986)

What Should I Do if I Have One of These Nissan Models?

Nissan is still working on finding a solution to repair the issue, but if you own an affected SUV, you should receive a notification from Nissan around March 17. The manufacturer advises owners of the vehicles not to attach any accessories to their keys that could add extra weight, and to use the key in the open (unfolded) position only. Nissan will notify you by mail a second time when the company has a repair solution.

If you do have one of the potentially affected Nissan Rogue SUVs, here’s what to do:

1. Call your local Nissan dealer and ask for an inspection.
2. Make sure you let the dealership know your SUV may be affected by the recall.
3. If the dealership determines that your car requires a repair, the dealer may have a limited number “of parts or alternative transportation” for you.
4. Your dealer may insert a “fastener into the key slot that will prevent the key from folding” in the interim of a full repair.

You can also check the NHTSA website and type in your VIN number to search for any recalls on your vehicle model.

Even if you think you know all the interesting facts about your automobile, there are always more mysteries to unravel. In certain circumstances, you might see green lights on cars and wonder what they mean. Could they be for special vehicles, and should you slow down to let them pass?

We investigated the issue of green lights on cars and unearthed the answer. Set your mind at ease so you can cruise control safely home.

What Do Green Lights Mean on a Car?

The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, the fire service (often volunteer firefighters or first responders) and command post vehicles all use green lighting. That’s why you’re most likely to see green lights on a car patrolling a government facility or in a town with volunteer firefighting services.

But while red-and-blue lights indicate police no matter where in America you live, the use of green lights on cars differs by state. In some states, green lights — particularly those flashing — indicate an emergency vehicle.

Depending on where you’re driving, green lights on cars could indicate:

• Department of Homeland Security vehicles;
• Department of Transportation vehicles (like road maintenance vehicles in Michigan);
• Volunteer firefighters or EMTs in Canada, Indiana and Washington state;
• Emergency crowd control in Montana, the only time you could see green lights on a police car.

Can You Put Green Lights on Your Car?

The laws about who can put green lights on a vehicle vary from state to state. In many states, adding green lights to your car isn’t just bad driving etiquette — it’s illegal.

In most cases, the law exists to prevent other drivers from confusing your car for an emergency vehicle. There’s also a chance that green lights on cars could be mistaken for traffic lights.

In some states, like North Dakota, you can add green lights to your car as long as they’re not flashing and aren’t visible from the front of your car. As always, when modifying your car in any way, look up your state’s laws first. Otherwise, the next lights you see might be red and blue!

What Other Emergency Lights Might You See on Cars?

Just like colored circles on food packages, emergency vehicle lights make good use of the color spectrum. And that helps civilian drivers stay alert to possible emergencies. Besides green lights on cars, you’re likely to come across the colors below.

Red lights

In almost every situation, forward-facing red lights indicate an emergency vehicle: police, fire or emergency medical services like ambulances. Red usually means stop — think of stop signs and, of course, taillights. But when the front lights are red, it’s a cue for you to pay attention and potentially take action.

In some states, red lights can also indicate a city, county or state police car. Some states use a solid red light and a flashing blue one (California) or vice versa (Nevada) to delineate between police and fire vehicles. Other states add a white light for firefighters (Nebraska) or police (New York and North Dakota).

You may also see red lights on funeral hearses in Iowa, tow trucks in Texas and Michigan, and on the front and back of school buses everywhere.

It can be confusing, but there’s a good reason for the mix of lights. People with color blindness are often able to see either red or blue. Including both on emergency vehicles makes it more likely everyone will see an emergency vehicle and react appropriately.

Blue lights

Some countries have blue traffic lights. But in the United States, blue is most commonly associated with law enforcement, and we’re not just talking about their uniforms. That extends to vehicles as well.

Blue on a patrol car almost always indicates police, even if there are also white or red lights. In a few states, like Arkansas, law enforcement vehicles use blue lights only. But blue often appears alongside other colors.

White lights

Headlights are the most common white lights you’ll see on the road, but you might also catch them flashing on the roof or as part of a light bar on a vehicle. In those cases, the white lights provide contrast with other colored lights.

While red lights are the most common emergency light color, they can sometimes get lost in a sea of red taillights, especially in traffic. Using white lights next to red make it easier for drivers to pick out an emergency vehicle. If only it was as easy to pick out a red light camera!

You might see flashing white lights on school buses, postal delivery trucks and other government vehicles, as well as on vehicles that service trains and railroads.

Amber lights

Like the yellow of a traffic light, amber (a warm, orange-tinged yellow) means “slow down” or “prepare to stop” when you see it on a vehicle. Amber is considered a warning light, so you’re not required by law to yield or stop for a vehicle with amber lights on it.

Because amber lights often appear on slow-moving vehicles, like wide-load tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, snowplows and postal vehicles, it’s polite — and definitely safer — to slow down and give the vehicle room when you can.

Purple lights

And you thought green lights on cars were unusual! Just like purple-painted fences, purple lights are not common. But if you see them on a car, know they have a somber meaning. A vehicle with purple lights is often a hearse or part of a funeral procession. They can also indicate a coroner or medical examiner’s vehicle.

The InnoGear Car Diffuser on Amazon makes aromatherapy portable, so you can enjoy an aromatic mist on your ride to work, the grocery store, school or wherever else you need to go with a little added peace. With more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon, this mini diffuser has become a popular car accessory and automotive gift.

What is a car diffuser?

The device is a portable car diffuser and humidifier that plugs into your car using a USB port. It’s ultra-lightweight and fits into the cup holder, so you can enjoy the mist of essential oils and drive in comfort. The USB power supply makes it easy to connect to a computer, so you can take it out of your car and into the office, too.

The car diffuser has two mist settings, a continuous and intermittent spray (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off). It has a two-button operation system: one that powers the mist’s on and off function and another that turns on the color-shifting light. It also provide a fun and natural alternative to car air fresheners. With this quiet, BPA-free diffuser/humidifier, you can eliminate unwanted smells in your car while enjoying an ultra-fine, relaxing mist.

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Car Diffuser Product Features

The InnoGear Car Diffuser fits into any car cupholder, and its two operating buttons are on top so you can control it when it’s in place. If your car has a USB outlet, then this diffuser will plug right into it. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an adapter (5V 1A car charger) to plug in the diffuser. With a standard 5V input, the diffuser’s USB power cord connects to a laptop or desktop computer, too. The diffuser weighs less than one-third of a pound, so it’s lightweight enough for travel and office use (because who doesn’t need extra stress relief in those environments?). The ultra-fine mist sprays at a pressure effective enough to provide aromatherapy to the entire car and a bit of moisture to your car environment on dry days.

How We Tested It

After unboxing the InnoGear Car Diffuser, I immediately loaded it with a little bit of water and my two favorite essential oils: vanilla and lavender. I plugged it into an indoor outlet first to power it on and make sure it worked, and it did.

After testing it inside, I took it with me on my next car ride. My car has a USB outlet under the head unit, so I plugged the diffuser in there and set it in my center console cupholder. It only took seconds for the fragrance of the essential oils to fill my car and, honestly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. With my iced coffee in one cupholder and the diffuser in the other, I drove around feeling ultra-relaxed and like I really had my life together (if only for the time it took me to drive to the grocery store).

The fine mist came out powerfully and steadily, and I even received compliments from friends on the way my car smelled. If you’re someone who is perpetually anxious while driving because you’re normally running late (just me?), you might also find that this diffuser makes you feel a little more at ease on your route. I did.

I will say, however, I had some trouble switching the mist mode to the intermittent setting. So, when I used it, I left it on the continuous mist mode. The light mode has one setting, and it cycles through different colors. I didn’t notice it too much when I was driving, as the base of the diffuser was mostly hidden by my car cupholder. However, when I had it plugged in inside, next to my computer, the changing light was a nice added feature.

I did make sure to unplug the diffuser when I turned off my car to avoid any risk of draining the battery. You’ll probably want to do the same if your car doesn’t have an accessory power shut-off feature. The diffuser does power off when it runs out of water, however, so that’s a helpful feature if you forget to unplug it.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight and compact
• Built-in multicolored nightlight
• Easy to use
• USB-powered
• Powers off when water runs out
• Mist and light can function separately
• Runs several hours on one water filling
• Quiet

Cons

• Light may be distracting while driving
• May experience some difficulty switching between mist settings

FAQ

Is a humidifier good for your car?

Car diffusers, such as the InnoGear Car Diffuser, act as a mini humidifier for your car, which can help prevent dryness and even keep you cooler during warmer months. The key benefits of a car diffuser, however, are its relaxation and natural air-freshening properties.

How do you use a car mist humidifier?

Using a car diffuser is as easy as using a traditional diffuser or smart diffuser. Simply fill the tank with water and your choice of essential oil(s), plug it in and power it on.

What is a diffuser good for?

There are many benefits to diffusing essential oils. Aromatherapy can help improve clarity and focus and boost your mood. Diffusing essential oils in the car can help relax you on the ride home after a long day at work, and promote feelings of calm when you’re traveling.

A cool mist humidifier in your car can also help with chapped lips and dry skin when you have the heat or air conditioning going, as these functions often dry out the air.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Verified purchaser, Tommy L. Freeman, says, “I like the fact the product is easy to use. It’s very simple. It performs well. Just add a little bit of essential oils and water, of course, and you’re good to go.”

Erin Buttermore gave the diffuser a five-star review on Amazon, and says it’s much nicer than a car air freshener. “I use this in my car with a few drops of peppermint oil,” she writes. “The aroma is quite intense due to the high essential oil:water ratio, but I quite like that. It very quickly refreshes my car after I’ve traveled with takeaway food, the dog or my daughter’s teenage guy friends.”

Laura Cross Worth writes, “This is the best purchase I have made in years. This product arrived to me two months ago. Within days I filled [it] with water and a few drops of essential oil. That fill has lasted over seven weeks and has been in my car when the temperature was below 20 degrees for days at a time. I have no clue how it didn’t freeze and how long the liquid/scent has lasted… I would buy this over and over and over.”

Final Verdict

For its price point and ease of use, you really can’t beat the InnoGear Car Diffuser. It provides quality scent coverage for compact spaces and is very travel-friendly. You should also try it if you’re someone who finds that your nose dries out after long hours in the car with the heat on.

Where to Buy a Car Diffuser

Never let road rage keep you from maintaining inner calm again, and snag the InnoGear Car Diffuser on Amazon for around $25.

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Several other composite substances produce asbestos-free brake friction material, but most leave behind unsightly and damaging brake dust. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Brake Dust?

Brake dust is a normal byproduct of brake pads, brake shoes and cast-iron brake rotors. All release microscopic fragments of friction material and metal as they naturally wear.

Depending on the friction material, brake dust can be iron/steel particles, carbon, copper, brass, graphite, glass, rubber or other non-asbestos organic (NAO) compounds.

What Does Brake Dust Look Like?

Brake dust can appear as a blackish-grayish or reddish film on your wheels and braking components. Darker color brake dust comes from high-performing non-metallic NAO compounds. Iron particles in metallic and semimetallic brake friction material produce a rusty-reddish-color dust.

Brake dust usually has a fine, almost talc-like consistency. On highly polished or clear-coated wheels, it can almost feel like a liquid if you try to wipe it off with your finger. But don’t do this. If you do, you’ll scratch the finish.

Is Brake Dust Harmful?

Absolutely.

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, so any brake dust containing asbestos is toxic.

Incredibly, although a known health risk factor, asbestos is not a banned substance. According to the World Health Organization, “about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace.”

Studies show even NAO-based brake dust containing heavy metals and fibers can damage human cells and contribute to air pollution and adverse health effects.

Brake Dust Cleaning

Try to clean brake dust from your wheels often. Metallic compounds and other composites are harsh corrosives that can quickly tarnish painted or clear-coated wheels. They also can permanently etch steel, alloy, aluminum or composite wheels and pit brake rotors if allowed to accumulate.

As brake dust mixes with rainwater, road salts and other contaminates, it can cause wheel stud threads to corrode, making it impossible to remove lug nuts when changing a flat tire.

It also may cause brake pads or shoes to grind or squeak, damage or warp disc brake rotors, or make brake drums and hardware rust. That severely decreases braking performance. The metal rust in brake dust can even damage wheel speed sensors that are critical for proper anti-lock brake operation.

When the wheels are cool, flush them with plenty of clean water. To protect the wheels when cleaning, use the appropriate brake dust cleaner and cleaning tools for your wheel type or finish.

How To Prevent Brake Dust

Brakes will always create some dust. Here are a few things you can try to limit brake dust buildup:

• Apply a DIY brake dust repellent/sealant to prevent corrosion from brake dust, dirt or road grime from damaging wheels.
• Have a professional apply an advanced clear, permanent ceramic coating. This high-tech finish creates a protective barrier that repels brake dust and other road contaminants while making wheels easier to clean.
• Consider installing ceramic brake pads. While costly, they provide excellent stopping power. They’re also quieter and produce little brake dust or rust. Check with your mechanic or dealer to see if your vehicle can benefit from this type of friction material.

Used extensively during World War II to protect jet aircraft engines, the automotive industry believed expensive synthetic oil was unnecessary for passenger cars. Then in 1974, Mobil Oil brought the first full-synthetic oil, Mobil 1, to the consumer market. However, it took until the early 1990s for the automotive industry to recognize the many benefits of synthetic motor oil.

Today, synthetic oil is used in mainstream vehicles, as well as high-performance and turbo-charged cars and trucks.

Should You Switch to Synthetic Oil in Your Car?

In most cases, yes. Switching from conventional to synthetic oil is perfectly OK and recommended, even in older high-mileage vehicles.

However, there are some caveats. Based on my research and personal experience, I don’t recommend full-synthetic oils for pre-1990 models or any vehicle made to operate on conventional oil.

Full-synthetic in a well-maintained engine rarely causes problems. But in neglected engines, the same exceptional qualities that make full synthetic so beneficial for your engine can worsen already failing oil seals and gaskets. Refiners now remove nitrogen-containing compounds and other additives found to harm older engines.

Pros and Cons of Switching to Synthetic Oil

Compare for yourself.

Pros

Synthetic oil starts from a higher quality base than conventional oil, then goes through extensive refining processes.

State-of-the-art compound additives (antioxidants, corrosion and foam inhibitors, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, detergents and water dispersants) are added to the super purified oil, producing a product far superior at protecting an engine than conventional motor oil.

Synthetic oil protects by:

• Preventing deposits from forming on internal engine parts.
• Removing sludge and deposit build-up.
• Keeping engine parts cooler while protecting them in climates with extreme temperature fluctuations (0 to 100 degrees).
• Reducing engine wear by holding sludge, harsh chemicals, contaminates and abrasive particles in suspension until the next oil change.
• Providing exceptional lubrication and viscosity capabilities that improve fuel economy.
• Demonstrating excellent hydraulic fluid characteristics critical in variable valve timing engines.
• Reducing tailpipe emissions.
• Reducing the number of oil changes. That protects the environment because less used oil ends up in waste water.

Cons

These may stop you from switching to synthetic oil:

• Cost. According to Kelley Blue Book, expect to pay $65 to $125 for a full-synthetic oil change. Conventional oil changes run $35 to $75.
• It may harm older, neglected engines by washing away deposits.

The pros clearly outweigh the cons. The extra cost of synthetic oil is a worthwhile investment to extend the life of your engine and reduce repair costs.

Can I switch back to conventional oil?

Yes, but why would you want to?

The old myth that you can’t switch back to conventional oil after using synthetic is just that — a myth. Both oils start out as base crude pumped from the ground. The refining process and additives give synthetic oil its exceptional lubricating and wear protection features.

Although you can mix conventional and synthetic oil, don’t. Once mixed, the oil takes on the properties of conventional motor oil, without the advantages of full synthetic.

What About Synthetic Blended Motor Oil?

If the high cost of synthetic oil is holding you back from switching, consider a synthetic blended motor oil. A mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils, synthetic blended comes with comparable additives found in full synthetic oils.

It’s more durable with excellent low-temperature properties. It can go longer than conventional oil between changes, at a lower cost. Although more expensive than conventional motor oil, synthetic blended is worth the price if you plan to keep your vehicle for many years to come.

Even though tire/wheel balancing and alignment services complement each other to provide a smoother, safer ride, they are technically separate services. They can be performed individually, but most repair shops will perform both services at the same time to ensure customer satisfaction.

Note: When a tire (the rubber part) is mounted on a wheel (the steel part), it’s called a tire/wheel assembly.

What is Tire Alignment?

A tire alignment, also known as a “front-end” or “four-wheel alignment” on cars with independent rear suspension, involves adjusting the angles of the suspension system. There are no adjustments to the tires/wheels themselves.

An out-of-alignment suspension causes excess wear on either edge of a tire. When I was a teacher, I illustrated this for my students with a tapered coffee cup.  When I rolled the cup on a table, it would go in a circle, demonstrating the way car pulls to one side of the road when out of alignment.

Properly aligned tires ensure your suspension is precisely, geometrically positioned so your tires all point in the same direction. Called “tracking,” it keeps the tires/wheels firmly planted on the pavement and going straight. That increases tread life and driving enjoyment.

The three common alignment angles are:

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front of the car. Camber distributes the entire load of a vehicle across the tread of a tire. Out of spec camber places the load on only one side of a tire, resulting in premature wear on that side.
• Toe-in/toe-out measurements: The angle/distance between the front of the tires on the same axle when looking at the vehicle from above. When toe-in/toe-out is out of spec, it affects tire wear and handling when going straight or turning.
• Caster: The tilt or angle of the tire/wheel assembly toward (positive) or away (negative) from the steering wheel. Caster doesn’t affect tire wear but impacts handling and steering. After turning, the steering wheel should easily return to the centered position without driver assistance.

Even normal driving on perfect roads causes tire wear. And suspension parts that are constantly moving, ultimately weakening and wearing out, affect a vehicle’s wheel alignment.

Hitting a pothole, bouncing into a curb, or getting walloped in an accident will also throw the suspension out of alignment. That’s why even if your tires are wearing well and your car seems to be driving fine, a tire alignment should be part of your annual maintenance service.

Signs You Need a Tire Alignment

Assuming your tires are inflated to the correct air pressure, your vehicle probably needs a wheel alignment when:

• Your car keeps drifting or pulling to one side of the road.
• You see excessive, abnormal or uneven tread wear, or feather edging across the entire tread face.
• Your tires squeal or squeak when driving or cornering.
• The steering wheel feels “off-center.”
• Your steering wheel vibrates, or your car pulls to one side when accelerating from a stop.
• You notice excess side-to-side steering wheel play

What Is Tire Balancing?

Anything round that spins, like tires and wheels, must be “balanced” or it will vibrate. Wheel balancing corrects this in the tire/wheel assembly.

Tire imbalance results from one section of the tire/wheel being heavier, or lower, than another section. Being out-of-balance can damage and shorten tire life.

To explain wheel balancing to my students, I taped flat washers to a basketball. When rolling the ball, it would “bounce” up and down every time the washers hit the floor, indicating the heavy spot of the ball.

Wheel balancing involves spinning a tire and wheel assembly with a piece of equipment cleverly called a wheel balancer, operated by a trained technician. The most common types of wheel balancing are dynamic and match-balancing.

Dynamic balancing identifies a tire/wheel’s heaviest point and shows where wheel weights need to be installed. These counteract tire imbalance, eliminating vibrations and tire hop.

Match, or road force, balancing identifies the tire’s low and wheel’s high point. To provide the smoothest ride, the technician will loosen the tire from the wheel and line up the two points.

Signs Your Tires Need Balancing

• You feel vibrations while driving. If the front tires are out of balance, the vibrations telescope up through the steering wheel. The seats or floorboards will pulsate if the rear tires/wheel are out of balance.
• You see bald spots on the edge or middle of the tire tread.
• You hear rumbling, growling or thumping noises from the tires.
• You repair a tire with an internal patch or plug.

To extend the life of your tires, provide better handling and braking, a smoother ride and increased fuel economy, be sure to rotate and balance your tires and wheels every 6,000 to 8,000 miles as part of your regular maintenance routine.

Whether you have a self-driving car yourself or are simply fascinated by the technology, we have an update to keep you in the know. Recently, Tesla recalled thousands of cars that have self-driving software. These vehicles are being removed from the roads for the moment due to a gap in traffic safety.

Here’s what you need to know about this major recall.

Why Did Tesla’s Self-Driving Cars Get Recalled?

The main question surrounding the Tesla self-driving car recall is this: Why exactly did these vehicles get recalled? In mid-February 2023, news broke of the Tesla self-driving car recall due to concerns by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or the NHTSA. This recall aims to ensure the company updates the cars’ Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta Software.

This happened because the NHTSA has concerns that this system doesn’t follow traffic safety rules and therefore, could lead to accidents. Because drivers aren’t actively driving the vehicle, the NHTSA wants to make sure the cars are updated so they no longer exceed the speed limit or operate in an unpredictable manner through intersections.

Vehicles are constantly evolving to become more safe, so this is a step in the right direction for Tesla to reduce the likelihood that its self-driving cars will cause a crash.

What Cars Are Included in the Recall?

A massive 362,000 cars were included in the Tesla recall, including some of the auto manufacturer’s most popular vehicles. Here are the cars included in this recall:

• Model S vehicles 2016-2023

• Model X vehicles 2016-2023

• Model 3 vehicles 2017-2023

• Model Y vehicles 2020-2023 that have FSD Beta software or that are pending installation

What To Know If Your Car Was Recalled

If you own a vehicle that was impacted by the Tesla recall, here are the next steps you should take to ensure your car is road safe.

Here’s the good news: Usually, Teslas are only covered by a four-year warranty. However, in the case of a recall, your Tesla vehicle will receive service to fix the problem at no cost regardless of how old the car is or how many miles are on it. If you need more information about the Tesla self-driving car recall and what your next steps should be, you can check out Tesla’s site.

Or, if this recall has made you cautious about self-driving vehicles altogether, we’ve put together this list of cars that hold up great that you can consider buying instead.

And, unsurprisingly, people just aren’t buying cars with manual transmissions in the U.S. According to Edmunds.com, in 2018 they made up just two percent of all vehicles sold.

“For automakers, it will be simpler when the manual dies,” Ivan Drury, a senior analyst for Edmunds.com, told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s kind of a hassle for them to offer both, same with dealers. Given market forces, it’s going to go away.”

Contrast that with Europe, where almost everyone learns to drive a stick shift. Here are some of the reasons why.

Why More Americans Drive Automatics

Automatics are much more utilitarian vehicles that get people from point A to point B, says Lauren Fix, the Car Coach. As such, Americans are much more likely to be doing several things at once on the road. That’s not the case in the rest of the world.

“Americans eat while they drive and they multitask while they drive,” Fix says. “Europeans do not.”

Europeans are also more likely to own higher-end cars. You would never see a manual Porsche Cayenne in the U.S., but you will in Europe.

Why Europeans Like Manual Transmissions

The preference starts early. In Europe, 15- and 16-year-olds learn to drive on Microcars with stick shifts. Fix says she doesn’t know anyone in Europe who doesn’t know how to drive one. In addition, driving a car with manual transmission forces people to be more engaged with their car and what’s going on around them.

“They pay attention to the road much more so than we do here in the United States,” Fix says. “I have been all over Europe and nobody’s on the phone while driving. Not even on speakerphone. They just don’t. That’s just not part of their culture.”

That’s not to say that the Europeans don’t have fun on the road. Germany is also home to the Autobahn, where there’s no speed limit and drivers are often going well over 100 mph.

Europeans also prefer cars with manual transmissions because they use less fuel. Thaty’s an important consideration when people in Norway pay an average of $7.82 for a gallon of gas, according to Sixt.com.

Who Still Drives Manual Cars in America?

Most carmakers in the United States have stopped making cars with manual transmissions, and pricing doesn’t really seem to matter. The idea that cars with manual transmissions are less expensive than automatics isn’t really true, according to Edmunds.com.

A few brands do still make them, including Volkswagen, Mini, and Mazda, Fix says. Porsche has also gone back to manual transmissions after switching to a PDK, or a paddle-shift, Fix says. Sports cars known for their loyal fans like Mustangs, Corvettes and Camaros are also still made with stick shifts.

“You find them to be manual because it is a joy and a thrill to drive them,” Fix says.

Though the number of people driving manual transmissions in the United States is on the wane, there are pockets of enthusiasm. CarMax customers who live in Maine, New Hampshire, and New Mexico are twice as likely to buy a car with a manual transmission than the average CarMax customer.

Safest Car Colors

According to Kelley Blue Book, silver is the most popular car color, with white as a close second. But when it comes to safety, white is best, according to Monash University’s Accident Research Centre.

The study says white cars are 12 percent less likely to get into an accident than black cars, regardless of the time of day. Cream, yellow and beige also ranked closely behind white. In some studies, yellow actually surpassed white as the safest color.

Most Dangerous Car Colors

Besides black, which ranked as most dangerous, other problematic car colors include gray (11 percent higher risk), silver (10 percent), blue and red (both seven percent).

Why the Difference?

Well, the difference between light-colored and dark-colored cars is pretty intuitive: Light-colored cars are easier to see.

“The reason brightly colored vehicles like white and yellow cars are less likely to be involved in an accident is the same reason they’re less likely to be stolen: visibility,” says Jake McKenzie, content manager at Auto Accessories Garage. “A white car is much easier to see … than a darkly colored car.”

This is certainly true at night. But even in daylight, darker-colored cars offer less contrast with the road. “The better other drivers are able to see you, the more likely they are to hit the brakes before it’s too late,” McKenzie says.

It’s Only a Small Difference

A 12 percent difference is not insignificant, of course. But keep in mind many other factors play a far bigger role in car accidents. Things like the quality of your driving, visibility, the weather conditions, the condition of your car and the attentiveness of other drivers.

If you’re suddenly nervous about getting a black car, don’t be. Just keep in mind the color alone doesn’t mean it’s destined to be accident-prone.

Clean the Positive Connection Between the Battery and the Starter

The cables connected to your battery each have two ends. The positive cable connects the positive battery terminal to the positive starter terminal. If this connection is faulty, your starter won’t work.

Open your hood and find the starter on the driver’s side of the engine. Check the positive connection. Disconnect it with a wrench. Clean the starter terminal with a wire brush if you see any corrosion that could interrupt the flow of electricity. If a bad connection was the problem, your vehicle should now start.

Best Car Air Freshener for New Car Smell

Everyone loves the smell of a new car — or, at least, one that doesn’t reek of kids and dogs. Wonder Wafers to the rescue!

These patented, under-seat car air fresheners take you right back to the dealer showroom. That’s where many people first encounter them, because Wonder Wafers are popular with car detailers.

“Every single person who gets in my car asks me if I got a new car in the same color,” writes Amazon verified purchaser T210 of Wonder Wafers’ “New Leather” scent.

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Safety First

Just because you’re not a mechanic doesn’t mean you can’t handle some repairs and tune-ups yourself. There are plenty of car maintenance tasks you didn’t know you could DIY. However, you should still keep basic safety practices in mind when working on your car. Always wear appropriate protective gear, be sure that your car is properly immobilized when working on it, and when it doubt, take it to a licensed mechanic for diagnosis.

Mobile Detailing

Letting someone else clean your car may seem like a copout. And it can be expensive. But if you watch a pro do it, you’ll learn how they go about it and what products they use. That will make the job easier when you take it on yourself.

Check online for auto detailers near you. Many offer mobile detailing, so they’ll come to your place with all they need to make your ride shine. Prices in my Minneapolis area range from $50 to $600 for two to five hours of work, depending on whether you want the basic or luxury package.

Best Overall Car Cover

When I bought a car cover, I didn’t want to mess around with anything but the best. So after some research, I bought a Platinum Shield cover from carcovers.com.

Once on the website, input your vehicle year, make and model to access the different car cover options. With just a few clicks, I viewed and chose from several covers tailored specifically for my vehicle.

I chose the Platinum Shield because it was the highest-rated for outdoor use and came with a full lifetime warranty. Five years later, I’m no closer to collecting on that warranty than when the cover was new.

Conserves Water

By most estimates, washing your car at home consumes 80 to 140 gallons of water. But an eco-friendly car wash on average uses only about 45 gallons, or about 60% less. What’s behind the water savings? State-of-the-art washing equipment distributes water more efficiently than a garden hose. And the car wash also recycles the water it uses.

Check that: I did like to change the oil until I bought my current vehicle, which is built too low to the ground for me to access the drain plug. Subaru, what were you thinking?

Was it worth my time to get my hands full of oil? As it turns out, not so much. By DIY-ing the job, I saved on labor costs though there isn’t much labor involved — certainly not as much as changing the brake pads.

These days, I take my car to the dealer for its regular oil change. It costs about $140, higher than it would be at a drive-in oil change shop. But the price includes a tire rotation and a multipoint inspection oil change specialists don’t offer.

Nothing is better for your car’s engine than changing the oil at manufacturer-recommended intervals. To me, getting it done at a service center is a bargain whether it includes extras or not.

How Much Is an Oil Change?

It varies.

According to CarTalk’s 2023 survey of national service centers, two chains — Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys — offer oil changes beginning at $20. But they also offer additional services like coolant exchange, cabin air filter replacement and underbody lubrication. Although it isn’t expressly stated, chances are you’ll only get the baseline oil change price as part of a package that includes one or more of these services.

According to Kelley Blue Book, across the country, a change with conventional oil can range from $35 and $75. For synthetic oil, it’s between $65 and $125. These prices include a new oil filter.

What Factors Affect the Cost of an Oil Change?

An oil change is so easy and takes so little time you often don’t have to get out of the car.

After you park over a well, a service attendant opens the hood and the oil cap, drains the oil into a holding tank and removes the filter. Then the attendant replaces the plug, screws on a new filter, pours in new oil, replaces the oil cap and closes the hood. Boom, you’re on your way.

At least six factors determine the cost for this simple service:

• Your location: Costs vary regionally. It tends to be higher in places where the cost of living is higher, like urban California.
• Amount of oil needed: Some small engines need only 3-1/2-quarts, while engines for trucks or high-performance vehicles may need six or eight.
• Type of oil: Synthetic oil is required for some models. It’s more expensive than conventional oil, but lasts longer.
• Oil viscosity: There’s a small but noticeable price difference between low-viscosity 10W-30 and high-viscosity 20W-50 oil. Some high-mileage vehicles need higher viscosity oil.
• Brand of oil: Some, like Pennzoil, are premium products. Others, like Valvoline, are less expensive. Choosing a premium brand may extend the time between oil changes.
• Dealership vs. lube shop: It’s almost always cheaper to get your oil changed at a lube shop than at the dealer..

How Can You Save Money on Oil Changes?

Can you save money by doing your own oil change? Yes. You’ll save on labor, but it’s your call whether it’s enough to make crawling under the car worth it.

Kelley Blue Book puts the average cost of conventional oil at about $30 per vehicle, so you can save from $5 to $40 by DIY-ing your oil change. Synthetic oil costs more, about $45. But labor costs are also higher for a synthetic oil change, so you can save more — from $20 to $80.

If DIY isn’t for you, you can save money by shopping around for the best service deal. If offered a choice of brands, choose the least expensive one.

You could also save by lengthening the period between oil changes. Although this sounds bad for your car, it probably isn’t. The oil change interval has typically been 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but modern engines using synthetic oil can go 7,500+ miles between changes.

An ICE motor has significantly more moving parts than an EV one. That’s why an ICE motor needs motor oil to lubricate all its moving parts, allowing it operate with minimal friction to prevent overheating and internal engine damage.

Curiously, there seems to be little public interest in EV motors and how they work. While the hottest topics around EVs are battery life and driving range, little information on EV motors and their maintenance has been published. That may be because there isn’t much choice. It’s not like you’re deciding among a V-8, V-6 Turbo or four-cylinder engine when you’re buying a new vehicle.

But here’s one key question: Do electric cars need oil changes? Read on to find out.

Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

No. An EV motor doesn’t need oil to lubricate pistons or dozens of other components that make up an ICE. An ICE requires motor oil and other fluids to cool, clean and cushion engine parts running at high speeds.

The vast majority of EV motors are air cooled. With new larger EV trucks with bigger, more powerful electric motors hitting the market, closed-loop, liquid thermal-management cooling systems independent of the battery will become more common.

Some EV gearboxes use fluid specifically for EV transmissions. Consult your owner’s manual to determine recommended service intervals.

Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?

No. Battery powered EVs require less frequent and fewer services than fossil fuel powered cars.

Eliminating motor oil and filter changes lowers the overall costs of owning an EV. But that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Check your owner’s manual for other maintenance services unique to EVs.

I was wrong. After extensively researching EVs for Family Handyman, both my opinion and attitude have done a 180-degree turnaround, especially regarding batteries. Here’s why.

How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?

Much longer than you think. EV batteries are engineered to outlast the vehicle itself.

According to a life-cycle analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, depending on climate and discharging/charging cycles, EV batteries should perform reliably for 10 to 15 years.

Another study by the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center found new electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries may last between 12 and 15 years in moderate climates  and eight to 12 years in extreme climates. Plus, federal regulations mandate batteries in all EVs sold in the United States come with warranties for at least eight years or 100,000 miles.

If you buy a new EV and the battery does fail, it will almost certainly be covered under the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEMs) warranty. Because EV manufacturers do not want to replace expensive EV batteries by overestimating their durability, EV battery warranties can offer some insight into the battery’s life expectancy.

How Much Do Electric Car Batteries Cost?

An EV battery replacement can range from $5,000 and $15,000, including labor.

Warranty Exclusions

Because of replacement costs, OEMs EV battery warranties may contain exclusions, but may not be limited to:

• Using a non-standard or unapproved charging station;
• Damage caused when installing non-approved aftermarket parts or accessories;
• Using the EV as a stationary/backup power source;
• Damage to the battery coolant reservoir;
• Failing to install software or firmware updates;
• Repairs performed by non-certified technicians;
• Lifting the vehicle by the battery instead of designated body lift points;
• General abuse, lack of maintenance or failure to make necessary repairs.

How Do EV Batteries Degrade?

There doesn’t seem to be a single factor causing this. Like a traditional lead-acid battery, every time a lithium-ion battery cycles, its chemical and physical reactions decrease. This gradually diminishes its potential to generate electricity.

In more technical terms, as we use an EV battery, a layer of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) builds up inside the battery. This layer blocks the passage between the electrolyte and electrodes, slowing the chemical reaction that eventually affects battery performance. Over-charging, cold temperatures or leaving an EV parked for long periods with less than 20% charge can also cause battery degradation.

Corrosion is another reason. Even the slightest amount of moisture trapped in a battery during manufacturing reacts with the electrolyte, producing caustic hydrofluoric acid that damages battery cells. Over time, degradation leads to fewer miles per charge.

Yet, because of an EV’s battery management system (BMS), its degradation is minimal. According to a study by GeoTab on 6,000 EVs, over the course of six years, on average EV batteries lost less than 3% capacity per year. So after 10 years, an EV battery should still hold 70% to 80% of its original capacity.

How To Extend EV Battery Life

Steps to fight EV battery degradation include:

• Charge your EV battery to 80%, and keep the charge between 20% and 80%.
• Do not use Level 3/fast chargers daily. Use a Level 1 or 2 for overnight charging.
• Do not charge the battery 100%. Charging to 80% leaves room in the battery for energy produced from regenerative braking.
• Allow the battery to cool down before charging. Check if your utility company offers a Time-of-Use (ToU) plan to charge your battery during off-peak hours, when rates are lower.
• Extreme temperatures stress an EV battery. Parking at home in a well-insulated garage will keep your EV cooler or warmer, allowing steadier charging rates and decreasing battery load by reducing heater or air conditioning use.
• Exercise good driving habits. Constant hard acceleration and high-speed driving can significantly reduce battery life, as well as cause tires to wear prematurely.
• Avoid driving in low-power mode. Constantly charging an EV battery when it goes below 20% charge stresses the battery and affects its chemistry. Don’t worry, though. Your EV will give you plenty of warning when the battery falls below 20% charge.
• Check tire pressure monthly and look for abnormal tire wear. Properly inflated tires reduce stress on an EV battery and increase driving range.

I once believed EVs weren’t practical because their batteries were suspect. My research has convinced me EVs are the future, and the future is now.

So of course, with it being so easy to steal a car that doesn’t have the proper technology to protect it, insurance companies don’t want to bother covering a vehicle that is doomed from the start.

Why Do Some Auto Insurance Companies Not Want to Cover Hyundais and Kias?

Insurance companies don’t want to cover these particular models of Hyundais and Kias because they are apparently too easy to steal.

Both of these models of cars lack engine immobilizers, a piece of security technology that doesn’t allow for the engine of the car to start unless the correct key is inserted into the ignition. Some cars even have a timed no-start condition if the wrong key is activated, using satellite and mobile phone communication to alert others that the car was trying to be activated with the incorrect key.

Without it, a car can easily be stolen—especially for cars with keyless entry. In particular, the affected Hyundai and Kia models can actually be broken into simply with a screwdriver and a USB cord.

What Specific Hyundai and Kia Models Are Affected?

Within the two brands car thieves are targeting, 2011 to 2021 models like Kia Souls and Sorentos, and Hyundai Tucsons and Elantras are usually targeted due to how easy they are to steal.

Because those cars do not contain the engine immobilizer, thieves can simply pop off the cover and break apart the ignition by turning the cylinder with a USB cable, making it easy to get the car going. This method of stealing cars has become easy to execute due to a series of viral online videos showing how exactly to break into these types of models.

Which Insurance Companies Are Denying Coverage to Hydudais and Kias?

As of right now, major insurance providers State Farm and Progressive are denying coverage of these select Kia and Hyundai models, according to CNN Money. Although the full scope of coverage for these particular vehicles across the insurance industry remains unclear, it’s estimated that other insurance providers may increase coverage premiums or decline coverage altogether.

Both Kia and Hyundai made statements to NBC15 in response to these insurance company decisions.

“Kia America regrets this decision by certain insurers and its impact on owners and lessees of select Kia vehicles, which we anticipate will be temporary,” Kia stated to NBC15. “Engine immobilizers are now standard on all Kia vehicles and have always been standard equipment on Kia vehicles with push-button ignitions.”

Hyundai “regrets this decision by insurers and its impact on select Hyundai vehicle owners and lessees, which we anticipate will be temporary.”

Plus, Hyundai also stated that they may bring some of these affected vehicles into local Hyundai dealerships for customers to purchase newly customized security kits to be installed.

If My Insurance Doesn’t Want to Cover My Car, What Can I Do?

If the premiums are too high, it may be worth taking a look at your finances first and see if it’s time to replace your vehicle with something new, especially if you’re not able to find insurance to cover your car at all.

However, if the financial burden of premium insurance coverage is worth it compared to buying a new car, or you find yourself not able to financially afford a new car at this time, you could always invest in a few anti-theft car devices to give your vehicle an extra layer of protection. While this will not outright solve the problem, for the time being, these devices can help.

Most car detailers — like my brother, a Jaguar fanatic — don’t go to nearly this much effort. But the work they do is far beyond a standard car wash. Detailing a car is like restoring the original finish on a piece of antique furniture. It’s painstaking work that makes the vehicle stand out.

Many owners of vintage cars, like my brother, prefer to do their own detailing as a weekend hobby. For those without time to do it themselves, there’s at least one professional detailing shop in most communities, and one or more tradespeople who will come to your home.

Anyone can do detailing. But it takes years of experience, and the right tools, to complete an outstanding job in a reasonable time frame.

What Is Car Detailing?

Detailing makes a car look like new. It may start with an automated car wash, but everything else is done by hand, using microfiber cloths, tools (vacuums and polishers) and specialty cleaning supplies (clay bars, degreasers, waxes and sealers).

A standard car detailing usually includes the following procedures on the outside of the vehicle:

• Hand-wash and dry the exterior;
• Removing soap residue and cleaning swirls with a clay bar;
• Polish the vehicle to restore the shine;
• Apply wax or another sealer to protect the finish.

On the inside, standard detailing involves the following:

• Vacuum the seats, carpets, mats and cargo area or trunk, sometimes steam-cleaning to remove tough stains;
• Wipe or wash the dashboard, console and doors;
• Clean all the glass, including the windshield, windows and rearview mirrors;
• Clean and condition leather upholstery;
• Deodorize the vehicle and add perfume to give it a “new car” smell.

When Is Car Detailing Important?

If you like driving a new-looking car, detailing is the only way to maintain that kind of appearance. Even if you aren’t all about appearance, detailing is important when:

• You want a more comfortable ride. Detailers remove clutter, clean the glass and get rid of unwanted odors.
• You want to sell your car. You can quickly increase a car’s value with good detailing.
• The car’s finish is damaged or failing. Restorative detailers can correct defects and apply a protective coating to prevent further damage.
• You want to lengthen the life of your car. Some detailers offer underbody and engine cleaning, which sometimes reveals oil leaks and other problems.
• You have a vintage vehicle. Without detailing, an old car just looks old. With detailing, it becomes a collector’s item.

Types of Car Detailing

The quality of car detailing is in … the details. The more of them the detailers address, the better the results and the higher the price tag.

There are five types of service. Not all companies offer all of them, but you don’t always need the more expensive ones.

• Standard exterior: The quality varies from hand-washing and polishing after the car has been through an automatic car wash to a more extensive service that includes a complete hand washing, cleaning the wheel rims and tires, paint claying, polishing and sealing the finish.
• Standard interior: Basic services involve vacuuming the mats, wiping down the dashboard and console and cleaning the windows and mirrors. A more expensive service offers steam-cleaning, deodorizing and disinfecting.
• Full car: This includes interior and exterior detailing.
• Restorative detailing: Also known as corrective detailing, this focuses on the exterior and addresses things like scratches in the finish and flaking or fading paint. It can take several days, and it’s expensive. But when completed, the car often looks better than it did new.
• Show-car detailing: This is the Rolls-Royce of detailing services, reserved for high-end cars that seldom see any road time.

DIY Car Detailing vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re like my brother, you might actually enjoy spending your weekends detailing your car. As long as that doesn’t involve restoration, there’s no reason not to go for it.

Depending on the quality of service, car detailing can cost from $50 to $300. That’s a substantial amount you can save by DIYing your car care. You’ll need tools and products, so there’s an initial investment.

Restorative detailing, on the other hand, is best handled by a pro. Without the necessary skill and equipment, you’ll probably make your car look worse. It takes a professional’s eye to match the paint color and apply it in just the right way to match the sheen on the rest of the vehicle. If you botch this, you may need to repaint the entire car.

Best Car Soap

This car soap from Chemical Guys is the best exterior vehicle cleaning product I’ve tried. It removes mud, dirt, bugs and bird poop off the body and windows of my car faster and with less elbow grease than any other brand I’ve used.

I chalk this up to this soap being highly concentrated compared to competitors. It quickly generates a thick, grease and dirt-cutting foam when I scrub it over my vehicle.

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These days, a wrap is an even better option for updating your car’s appearance. It’s durable and actually helps protect the body from chips, dents and minor damage. And a wrap isn’t permanent. When you tire of the look, simply peel off the wrap and restore the original appearance.

Even if wrapping had been an option for my Beetle, I couldn’t do it do myself because I lacked the tools and expertise. I also didn’t have $2,000, the current minimum for wrapping a car. For someone seeking a fresh look for a car in reasonably good shape, a wrap can be a great investment.

What Is a Car Wrap?

A car wrap consists of large vinyl decals custom-cut to cover various parts of a car, including the hood, fenders, side panels, door and roof.

Wraps must to be ordered to be sure they fit your specific vehicle. The decals are applied like shrink-wrap — draped over the car part, then “welded” to the surface with a heat gun and special solvent. It remove, just peel it off with a heat gun. It shouldn’t harm the finish underneath.

Transparent wraps protect the existing finish. They’re often installed on high-end cars by their owners, and on leased cars by the leasing company. Wraps also change a car’s appearance. The wrap can be opaque or display advertising, and it doesn’t always cover the whole vehicle. You can apply a partial wrap to the hood, the doors or any other part.

Car Wrap Cost Considerations

Not every vehicle is a good candidate for a wrap. It won’t hide dings, dents and holes, but these can be corrected before applying the wrap. More serious obstacles include chipping or flaking paint and oxidation. These give the finish a whitish, powdery appearance and prevent the vinyl from adhering.

If a vehicle is in good enough condition for a wrap, the main cost considerations are its make and model. Other factors that influence cost include:

• The amount of bodywork necessary to make the car good enough to wrap.
• Extra work required to apply the wrap, like removing the bumpers, headlights and taillights. This is more difficult for some cars than others.
• The quality of the wrap. A textured or metallic wrap usually costs more than a transparent one, and wraps with special designs or advertising are more expensive than monochromatic ones.

How Much Is It To Wrap a Car?

The cost varies widely. The vinyl itself costs from $5 to $15 per square foot, and installation generally runs from $3 to $4 per square foot. Labor costs for vehicles in poor condition or difficult to disassemble can be much higher.

For a compact or subcompact in good condition, the minimum is around $2,000. For other types of vehicles, the following quotes are typical:

• Family sedan, small SUV, coupe: $2,000 to $3,000.
• Full-sized SUV, van: $3,500 to $4,000.
• Truck: $2,000 to $5,000, depending on size.
• Commercial vehicle: $3,000 to $5,000.
• Luxury car: $5,000 to $10,000.

Partial wraps can cost as little as $500 to $1,000.

How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?

Three to seven years. To achieve a long life, park the car in a covered space to protect it from the sun, and wash it after driving in snowy conditions to remove salt. When the time comes to remove the wrap, you can do the job yourself with a heat gun. Professional removal will cost about $500.

Can I DIY Car Wrap?

Yes. Like spraying paint, car wrapping needs to be done indoors, but the process generates no over-spray or toxic fumes.

To DIY, you’ll need tools like special cutters, squeegees and a heat gun, so you might not save as much money as you think. You’ll need a lot of patience, too, because preparing the finish and wrapping are painstaking jobs. Plus, small mistakes are hard to fix.

Partial wrapping, perhaps to display a company logo or add color, is a much more DIY-able project.

• To accurately capture and record traffic flow, weather conditions, accidents, hit-and-runs, break-ins and roadside emergencies
• To prove fault (or no fault) in a collision
• To provide a reliable witness during traffic stops
• To reduce blind spots for safer reversals and merging

Despite the name, the best place to mount a dash cam is not actually on the dashboard, but somewhere on the center of your windshield—either behind or below the rearview mirror. For rear dash cams, placement is recommended in the middle of the back windshield.

What is the Wolfbox Dash Cam?

The Wolfbox Mirror Dash Cam is a high-resolution front view and rearview camera that attaches to your existing mirror. It captures and saves video recordings for safekeeping.

Easy to install, set up and operate, the dash cam for cars, trucks, vans and RVs is powered by your vehicle’s battery. There’s a built-in G-sensor that detects shock or a collision, which automatically records and then locks and stores video files, ensuring essential footage is secure until you retrieve it.

How to Use the Wolfbox Dash Cam

The user-friendly Wolfbox camera attaches to an existing mirror with included thick rubber bands and integrated clips. Simply plug in the device with the fully upgraded mini-USB to your car’s Type-C socket. If you don’t want to worry about plugging in the charger and turning it on and off, you can purchase a hardwire kit that connects directly to the ignition wire. Either way, when driving your vehicle, the camera records on a continuous video loop.

Parking the Car

When leaving your car parked, the 24-hour time-lapse mode—directly connected to the battery—provides constant power to protect against theft when leaving the vehicle unattended. The camera will engage when it senses shock or motion or a “hit,” recording the front and rear of the car simultaneously.

Playing Back Video Footage

To view the recorded video, click the playback icon on the Wolfbox Dash Cam home screen and choose the playback interface in the lower left-hand corner. From there, you can either switch between front and rear camera views, or use the split-screen feature.

GPS Tracking

An external GPS antenna tracks precise speed, direction, longitude and latitude data while driving, allowing you to get all the information while playing back the videos on a computer. After inserting the GPS and SD memory card, download the GPS player from the link provided.

The Best Wolfbox Dash Cam Amazon Reviews

“A lot of dash cams sport a number of fancy features. This provides high-quality front and rear video footage, even at night,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, A. Lejbovitz. “What more can one ask for? It can also time/date stamp each video, as well as the GPS coordinates. It snaps onto my rearview mirror and is kind of ‘concealed’ like that. I paid a car wiring guy to run the wires directly to the car battery and tuck them in the paneling so I don’t see anything. It’s great!”

Amazon customer, Samuel Yates, says the dash cam is better than what he’s had in the past, and that it’s well worth the price. “Nice touch screen and good audio recording,” he writes. “For the price, it beats the others! I love the clear night vision screen, better than the other two I had, and not a small display!! If you are thinking about getting a dash cam, this is the one!!!!”

Giving five out of five stars, John Quinn says the Wolfbox Dash Cam is easy to figure out. “I recommend this device to all my friends and family for security reasons, because you never know when you’ll want that video of an incident,” he writes. “I suggest buying the license plate camera bracket, take your time running the wire across the vehicle (under carpet or roof fabric, behind plastic panels, etc.) or have a professional install it, but it’s not very difficult. Also, you can wire the device to use power only when the car is on. This requires installing the separate hardware kit.”

Where to Buy the Wolfbox Dash Cam

A car accessory worth investing in, you can find the Wolfbox Mirror Dash Cam online at Amazon or Walmart, or purchase it directly from the Wolfbox website.

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Best Overall Car Wash Kit

Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit

Meguair’s Complete Car Care Kit ticks about every box in terms of performance and versatility. Inside, you’ll find premium car cleaning products like a microfiber towel, wash mitt and foam applicator pad. The kit even includes a set of clay bars for removing blemishes from your car’s exterior surface.

The kit comes with 12 different products that tackle your car’s interior, exterior, and even tires. Buyers rave about the interior plastic cleaner and polish in this kit, saying it even works to remove yellowing and stains. Here, find out the benefits of an eco-friendly car wash.

Pros

• Wide range of versatile products
• High-quality
• Value price

Cons

• No glass cleaner included

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Security Tire Clamp

The NICB’s second layer of security involves anti-theft car devices that are visible and/or audible. The Zento Deals Clamp, which securely wraps around tire wheels, is one of those smart anti car jacking devices. It’s made of premium-quality acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is also used to make Legos, with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating so that it doesn’t scratch or damage the wheel rims. This tire clamp is strong, durable and long-lasting; and it works for cars, SUVs, ATVs, RVS and trucks.

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Do Spark Plug Wires Wear Out?

Do spark plug wires wear out? You bet. That’s because spark plug wires aren’t actually made of wire. They’re made of delicate carbon fibres.

Over time, the carbon breaks down and the fibres separate, causing high electrical resistance. High resistance degrades the spark, resulting in poor combustion, misfires, lousy gas mileage and ultimately a glowing “Check Engine” light. If you let that condition go on too long, the wires can start to leak voltage to nearby engine parts, causing arcing, severe performance problems, and even ignition component failures.

That’s why it pays to replace your spark plug wires before they wear out. We recommend doing it when you change the spark plugs (whenever your owner’s manual recommends, or between 100,000 and 160,000 kilometres).

Here, we’ll show you which materials and tools you’ll need and all the steps required to do a quality job of your own. You’ll save at least an hour of shop labour charges and ensure that you won’t be in for the costly diagnostic fees associated with worn spark plug wires. The whole job is pretty easy and will only take about an hour.

Luckily, learning how to defrost windshield is an easy, straightforward process—and there are several hacks that can make it even easier. Today, we’ll show you one of our favorite ways to defrost a windshield quickly. And the best part? You don’t even need any additional tools.

Need to get the windows clear? Here’s how to defrost a car window.

How to Defrost Your Windshield Quickly

According to Instagram user @modernmilt, to defrost your windshield quickly, simply flip your visor down when you leave your car for the day. The next morning, when you turn on the heat in your car with auto-start, the heat will radiate outwards and the visor will help angle it up so that it stays more on your windshield than it would otherwise. This can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to defrost your windshield. Yes, it really can be that simple!

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Other Tips for Defrosting Your Windshield Quickly

Need more tips and tricks that’ll teach you how to defrost or remove ice from your windshield? We’ve got you covered. Here are some other strategies you can use this winter to get your car ready to go as quickly as possible.

Spray a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol

This is one of our all-time favorite hacks to help you defrost your windshield. To get started, simply mix 1/3 cup of water and 2/3 cups of rubbing alcohol. Combine them in a spray bottle and give your windshield a good spray. In a matter of minutes, you should see your windshield begin to defrost.

This is one of the most effective ways for those learning how to defrost windshields because rubbing alcohol has a significantly lower freezing point than water. In other words, it expedites the melting process and makes it less likely the surface will freeze in the future.

Use your car’s defrost setting

Of course, you can also use your car’s traditional defrost setting to get it ready to go. If you do this in combination with the other tips mentioned, it can be more efficient than it would be otherwise.

Use a plastic scraper or defroster liquid

You can also use store-bought tools such as a plastic scraper. However, you might potentially damage your windshield with scratches, so be careful. Another option is to use a pre-made windshield defroster fluid which you can buy at an auto store.

Don’t forget to look up how to defog your windshield for the icy months!

Whether you’ve already purchased a new EV and want to claim it on your 2022 taxes, or are hoping to take advantage of this tax credit in the future, it’s important to know everything about this complex policy to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table. Lucky for you, we have you covered!

What Is the EV Tax Credit?

In plain terms, the EV tax credit is a partial reimbursement from the federal government for the purchase of a plug-in electric or “clean” vehicle. The credit is claimed on the following year’s tax filing and is nonrefundable, meaning that while it can lower your tax bill to zero, you will not receive a refund from it.

Now, determining your eligibility can be complex, as it is based on a variety of factors, from who owns the car, to how many cars the manufacturer has created, to the car’s battery capacity. Furthermore, the IRA has changed the qualifying factors for cars purchased from 2023 until 2032 to make the credit more inclusive. While this is great news for would-be EV buyers, it does complicate the filing process slightly.

To aid you in understanding how the EV tax credit works, we’ve separated this article into two main sections: one for those who purchased an EV in 2022 and one for those who plan to purchase an EV. No matter which camp you fall into, here’s what you need to know.

I Bought an EV in 2022—What Do I Need to Know?

Good for you! The EV tax credit for 2022 cars ranges from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on a few key factors. Read on for requirements to ensure your eligibility before filing.

Am I Eligible to Claim the EV Tax Credit?

Cars purchased in 2022 must meet the following requirements to qualify for the EV tax credit:

• The car must have been purchased between August 16, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
• The car must be plug-in electric or fuel-cell.
• The car must be new.
• The car must be owned by the filer (not leased).
• The car must weigh less than 14,000 pounds.
• The car must have been made by a manufacturer that has not yet sold 200,000 vehicles. (This eliminates Tesla and GM models.)
• The car must have experienced its “final assembly” in North America. (To check your vehicle’s final assembly location, enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) here.)

To help determine if your particular car meets these requirements, check out this list from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Also note that if you entered into a “binding written contract” to purchase a qualifying car in 2022 but have not yet received it, you can still claim it.

How Do I Claim the EV Tax Credit?

To claim the EV tax credit, simply fill out Form 8936 and include it when you are filing your 2022 taxes in the coming months.

I Plan to Buy an EV in 2023 or Beyond

Love that for you! The great news here is that far more EVs now qualify for some form of tax credit, up to $7,500 for new cars and $4,000, or 30% of the retail price, for used cars—yes, used cars now qualify! The bad news is that determining eligibility is more complex and nuanced. Here are some factors to consider before purchasing, including eligible vehicles, affected income brackets, and what information you’ll need for filing.

Which Cars Are Eligible for the EV Tax Credit Now?

As mentioned above, both new and used cars are now eligible for the EV tax credit. Note that the credit can only be claimed once every three years. Here are the new eligibility requirements.

• The car must be purchased between now and 2032.
  • If purchased in or after March 2023, the car must accord with the battery and minerals sourcing requirements below.
• The car must be plug-in electric or fuel-cell.
• The car must be owned by the filer (not leased).
• The car can be manufactured by any manufacturer, regardless of their sales figures—Tesla and GM models now qualify.
• The car must have experienced its “final assembly” in North America (check here).
• The car must accord with the following manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) price caps:
  • $80,000 or under for SUVs and pickup trucks
  • $55,000 or under for sedans and passenger cars
  • The car must have an MSRP of $25,000 or less.

• If used, the car must be at least 2 years old.

Battery and Minerals Sourcing Requirements

The new EV tax credit is broken into two halves, each for $3,750. To get some or all of the first half, a certain percentage of the car’s battery must have been manufactured in North America, based on the following thresholds:

• 2023: 50%
• 2024 and 2025: 60%
• 2026: 70%
• 2027: 80%
• 2028: 90%
• 2029 through 2032: 100%

To get some or all of the second half, a certain percentage of the “critical materials” used in the car’s battery must have been extracted or processed within the U.S., or a free-trade-agreement country. Those thresholds are as follows:

• 2023: 40%
• 2024: 50%
• 2025: 60%
• 2026: 70%
• 2027 through 2032: 80%

Additionally, starting in 2024, manufacturers may not source battery parts from a “country of concern” (like China), and in 2025, EVs cannot contain any critical materials sourced from said countries of concern.

For further clarification, the IRS has also released lists for qualifying new cars and used cars.

How Does My Income Affect My Eligibility to Claim the EV Tax Credit?

In addition to the price of the car, your adjusted gross income (AGI) will now also affect your eligibility for the tax credit. The government has different requirements based on new or used cars, as well as tax filing status, so check the thresholds below:

For New Cars

• Single: $150,000 or under
• Head of Household: $225,000 or under
• Married, filing jointly: $300,000 or under
• Married, filing separately: $150,000 or under

For Used Cars

• Single: $75,000 or under
• Head of Household: $112,500 or under
• Married, filing jointly: $150,000 or under
• Married, filing separately: $75,000 or under

What Information Do I Need to Claim the EV Tax Credit?

Car sellers must provide buyers with a report containing certain information on the car by the date of purchase. Ensuring you have this report and that it contains the following information will help you massively when filing your taxes.

• Seller’s name and taxpayer identification number (TIN)
• Buyer’s name and TIN
• Date of sale
• Sales price
• Verification of the maximum tax credit the vehicle is eligible for
• Vehicle’s identification number (VIN)
• Vehicle’s battery capacity
• Verification that you are the original user of the vehicle
• A statement of declaration from the seller under penalty of perjury

How Do I Claim the EV Tax Credit?

There are two key ways moving forward that you can claim the tax credit. The first is the same as before: file form 8936 with your taxes. The second is to claim the credit directly at the point of sale with the car manufacturer in the form of an instant discount. The IRS and the Department of Treasury will release further guidance on this credit transfer method in the coming months.

Final Notes

Phew! Give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far. This new federal incentive program is certainly complex, but its payoff is more than worth the red tape. This tax credit promises not only tangible reductions of global carbon emissions, but also thousands of dollars in savings on a new car.

When you have the energy, also be sure to check out any incentive programs or credits your state may offer. Not all states allow you to “stack” these incentives with the federal ones, so be sure to check that before applying. Additionally, if you have the means, it may be worth speaking to a trusted attorney, CPA, or tax advisor before purchasing.