The World's Longest Bicycle Is A Complex Centipede Of Metal And Chain
A Dutch engineering team has built the world’s longest bicycle, a 181‑foot‑7‑inch steel‑girder‑like contraption. Four riders power the rear while a front rider steers, and a cascade of gear reductions lets them pedal at a comfortable 60 RPM while the rear wheel turns only a few times per minute. The same group also holds the single‑rider record with a 180‑foot‑11‑inch version. The project showcases inventive mechanical design applied to an extreme, novelty‑driven bicycle.
When Will Insurance Not Cover A Broken Windshield?
Many auto policies don’t automatically cover windshield replacement. Coverage depends on having comprehensive or collision insurance, a separate glass endorsement, and a deductible lower than the repair cost. Pre‑existing damage or cosmetic repairs are excluded. Drivers should review policy details...
How Advertising Made You Think Chrysler's Rich Corinthian Leather Was Special
In the mid‑1970s Chrysler launched “Corinthian Leather,” a marketing label for ordinary leather seats supplied by Radel Leather. The name, crafted by ad agency Bozell, was paired with actor Ricardo Montalbán’s smooth voice, turning a generic feature into a perceived luxury...
These Companies Could And Should Build A Miata Competitor
The article surveys a wide range of automakers that could fill the void left by the dwindling pool of affordable two‑seat roadsters, a niche once dominated by the Mazda Miata. Commentators suggest candidates from Japan (Nissan’s Silvia, Toyota’s GR86 cabriolet),...
FAA Will Begin Making Space Rockets Pay Tolls
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation will start charging a payload‑based toll on every U.S. commercial launch, set at $0.25 per pound of payload and capped at $30,000 per flight. The fee can rise to $1.50 per pound with...
Does A Muscle Car Necessarily Have To Be American?
The article questions whether a muscle car must be American, noting that Merriam‑Webster’s definition ties the term to U.S.‑made two‑door coupes but that the label has been applied loosely for decades. It traces the genre’s roots from the 1949 Oldsmobile...
The Major Difference Between Semi Truck And Car Tires
The article explains that semi‑truck tires are fundamentally different from passenger‑car tires, not merely larger. They operate at 85‑110 psi—about three times the pressure of car tires—and use higher ply ratings and load indexes to support loads up to 80,000 lb. Different...
Australians Are Making Their Own Diesel Because Australia Isn't Dangerous Enough Already
Australians are turning to homemade biodiesel as diesel prices hover around $7 per gallon, prompting a surge in DIY recipes that mix used cooking oil with hazardous chemicals such as methanol and sodium hydroxide. 9News warns the process is dangerous,...
Consumer Reports' Customer Ratings Say This Car Brand Is Unexpectedly Comfortable
Consumer Reports’ December 2025 owner‑satisfaction survey places Rivian at the top of overall satisfaction and comfort, even though it ranks last in new‑car reliability. BMW climbs to second place in satisfaction, reflecting recent reliability improvements. Volkswagen falls to the bottom of...
Do All Official U.S. Road Signs Use The Same Font And Design?
The United States has used the Highway Gothic typeface on federal road signs since the late 1940s, but the 1990s‑era Clearview font was introduced to combat halation caused by reflective sheeting. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved Clearview in 2004,...
Here's How Car Magazines Tested Acceleration Before GPS (And Sometimes Still Do)
Car magazines traditionally measured 0‑to‑60 mph acceleration with stopwatches and fifth‑wheel rigs, where a marked wheel passed road‑side sensors. In the 1980s the Correvit system introduced light‑blur optics that often outperformed early GPS, providing high‑precision data even without satellite signals. GPS‑based...
RFID, Pay-By-Plate, And Mail Tolls Are Easier Than Cash, But Can Create Big Headaches
Automated tolling using RFID transponders and license‑plate readers can move vehicles through toll points five times faster than cash lanes, cutting labor costs for operators. However, the technology introduces privacy risks, misreads, and billing errors, especially when plates are ambiguous...
Welcome To The Wild West, Where Texas Loses Nearly A Billion Dollars Of Oil A Year To Thieves
Oil thieves are siphoning millions of barrels from the Permian Basin, a problem that Texas estimates costs operators roughly $1 billion each year. In Martin County alone, field operators lose about 500 barrels weekly, equivalent to $50,000 at current $110‑per‑barrel prices....
Can An Active Fuel Management (AFM) Disabler Cause Engine Damage?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) disablers prevent GM trucks from entering cylinder‑deactivation mode, shielding lifters from wear and eliminating common AFM‑related failures. The devices are plug‑and‑play, but they sacrifice 2–3 MPG of highway fuel economy and can introduce a parasitic battery drain....
Can You 3D Print Gaskets That Actually Work?
The article examines whether TPU‑based 3D‑printed gaskets can replace factory parts in older cars. It explains that TPU can tolerate up to roughly 80 psi and 240 °F, making it suitable for low‑pressure, low‑temperature applications such as water‑pump and valve‑cover gaskets. High‑heat...
Paul Newman Raced At Le Mans Only Once — And Came In Second In His Porsche 935
At the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, actor Paul Newman made his sole start, co‑driving Dick Barbour Racing’s Porsche 935 to a second‑place overall finish and a class win. Despite a costly pit‑stop wheel seizure, the trio of Newman, team...
The Snitch Data Modern Cars Could Collect In An Accident
Modern vehicles now come equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs), essentially automotive black boxes, present in 99.6% of new light‑vehicle models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires these devices to capture at least 15 core metrics—speed, brake use,...
Diagnosing Whether Your Car Needs New Spark Plug Wires Vs. Ignition Coils
The article explains how to differentiate between faulty spark plug wires and malfunctioning ignition coils, outlining visual checks, OBD‑II code reading, and multimeter testing. It highlights that modern engines often use coil‑on‑plug designs, eliminating wires and changing diagnostic approaches. Specific...
Is The 2025 Kia EV9 Reliable? Here's What Consumer Reports Says
The 2025 Kia EV9 targets families with a spacious, premium‑styled electric SUV priced from $56,395 to $75,395. While reviewers praised its driving dynamics and interior, Consumer Reports ranked it among the least reliable new EVs. The main reliability culprits are...
How To Register A Kit Car With The Least Amount Of Hassle
Registering a kit car demands far more paperwork than a factory‑built vehicle, beginning with state‑specific research before the build starts. Builders must retain receipts, Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin, and obtain a government‑issued VIN, which cannot be reused from a donor...
What Is Title Washing And How To Spot It
Title washing is an illegal tactic where sellers move a vehicle’s registration to a state with lax branding rules to hide salvage, flood, or fire damage. Estimates suggest roughly one in 325 used cars—about 0.3%—carry a washed title, eroding resale...
Why Reusing Your Oil Filter Can Be A Roll Of The Dice
Reusing an oil filter is a high‑risk shortcut because filters are designed for single‑use and become clogged with contaminants that impede oil flow. When a filter reaches its capacity, a bypass valve opens, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate and potentially...
Pedestrian Deaths Have Dropped For A Depressing Reason
Pedestrian fatalities in the United States fell 11% between 2024 and 2025, dropping from 3,395 deaths to 3,024. The decline follows a pandemic‑era peak of 3,526 deaths in 2022 and coincides with a resurgence of vehicles on the road as...
The Fate Of A Stolen Car Could Turn An Auto-Enthusiast's Stomach
Car theft remains a pervasive threat, with the National Insurance Crime Bureau reporting 850,708 U.S. vehicles stolen in 2024. While 85% of stolen passenger cars are eventually recovered, many return stripped, damaged, or never seen again. Thieves often dismantle vehicles...
BMW Please Give Us More Good Interior Color Schemes Like China's Long-Wheelbase iX3
BMW unveiled a China‑only long‑wheelbase iX3 (iX3L) at Auto China, showcasing a striking red‑and‑cream interior derived from the 2024 Vision Neue Klasse X concept. The cabin colors cover every surface, from dashboard to carpets, breaking the industry’s neutral‑color norm. The iX3L also adds...
What Famously Unreliable Car Would You Magically Make Reliable?
The author launches a whimsical poll asking readers which notoriously unreliable car they would magically make dependable. He singles out the L322 Land Rover Range Rover, noting its attractive interior and sub‑$20,000 price tag but lamenting its reputation as one...
Is It More Efficient To Drive Your Truck With The Tailgate Open?
Recent analyses confirm that keeping a pickup truck's tailgate closed yields modest but measurable fuel savings. A Consumer Reports test showed a V8 Ram dropped from 22.3 mpg with the gate up to 21.5 mpg with it down, a roughly 4% loss....
Forced Labor-Made Goods Are Illegal In Canada, And That Might Be A Problem For U.S. Car Manufacturers
Canada’s Supply Chains Act, enacted to block forced‑labour products from China, applies to any imported goods made under coercion, including those from the United States. A University of Toronto research team filed a formal complaint with the Canada Border Services...
Tow Company Ignores New Laws Specifically Designed To Help Low Income Folks
Connecticut’s new Non‑consensual Towing Consumer Bill of Rights, effective October, requires landlords to post warning signs, tow companies to give notice, provide after‑hours service, and accept credit cards. Despite the law, several tow firms continue to seize low‑income residents’ vehicles...
What Engine Parts Are Most Susceptible To Carbon Buildup?
Gasoline direct‑injection (GDi) engines boost power and efficiency but expose intake valves, cylinder‑head ports, intake manifolds, piston tops, and injectors to significant carbon buildup. Unlike port‑injected designs, GDi lacks a fuel‑wash cleaning cycle, allowing deposits to accumulate and impair airflow....
New York City Is Putting The 'Park' Back In Park Avenue
New York City’s comptroller announced two proposals to shrink traffic lanes on Park Avenue between East 46th and East 57th Streets and restore its historic median as a pedestrian park. Both plans feature walkways, landscaping, seating and public art, while one adds...
Do Inner And Outer Tie Rods Need To Be Replaced At The Same Time?
Tie rods link the steering rack to each front wheel, comprising inner and outer sections that endure constant stress from road conditions. While it isn’t mandatory, experts advise replacing both inner and outer tie rods together because removal often damages...
Volkswagen ID Polo Debuts With A 280-Mile Max Range, But Tamer Looks Than Its Charismatic Competition
Volkswagen unveiled the ID Polo, a compact electric hatchback targeting Europe’s city‑car revival. The model offers a WLTP‑rated 280‑mile range with an optional 52‑kWh battery that charges from 10 % to 80 % in 24 minutes, while the standard 37‑kWh LFP pack delivers...
Learn To Drive Like It's The 1970s With This Aetna Drivotrainer Simulator
A 1970s‑era Drivotrainer driving simulator, originally built for Aetna’s driver‑education program, is now listed on Bring a Trailer for $151. The unit features a Chevrolet‑style steering wheel, gauge cluster, manual shifter and three pedals, but lacks the screen and computer...
If Your Manual Transmission Has An E, What Does It Stand For?
The "E" badge on older German manuals denotes an efficiency over‑drive gear rather than a generic extra gear. Volkswagen introduced the 3+E and later 4+E transmissions in early‑80s Rabbits and Golfs, adding a tall fifth ratio that kept engine rpm...
Why The Strongest Bolt Grade Isn't Always The Best For A Safe Car Repair
The article explains that the strongest bolt grades aren’t always optimal for automotive repairs because certain fasteners are engineered to fail under excess stress, protecting larger components. It details how shear bolts incorporate a weak pin that breaks before the...
There Are 25 Days-Worth Of Oil Supply Left In The USA, But Don't Panic
The United States currently holds enough crude to cover roughly 25 days of gasoline consumption as the Strait of Hormuz remains partially blocked. Daily demand of 8‑9 million barrels is balanced by domestic output of about 13.9 million barrels and a strategic...
Nissan Recalls Nearly 50,000 Cubes That Are Almost Old Enough To Legally Vote Due To Detaching Driver's Airbags
Japanese automaker Nissan is issuing a recall for nearly 48,000 2009‑2010 Cube vehicles because the Takata driver‑side airbag inflator may detach from the steering wheel during deployment. The affected units, produced between October 2008 and September 2010, represent roughly 0.002 %...
What Car's Cancellation Left The Biggest Hole In The U.S. Market?
Hyundai announced that only the high‑performance Ioniq 6 N will be sold in the United States, effectively ending availability of the regular Ioniq 6. U.S. sales fell to 10,478 units in 2025, a 15% drop from 2024 and far behind the 47,039 Ioniq 5s...
9 Affordable Convertibles That Show Automakers Used To Make Cool Cheap Stuff
The article highlights nine historically affordable convertibles, showing that while new cheap drop‑tops have vanished, used examples remain within reach. It details original MSRP ranges—from the 1960s MGB’s $2,500‑$5,000 price (about $20,000 in 2026 dollars) to the 2013 Fiat 500C...
Motor Oil May Not Freeze, But Low Temperatures Can Still Cause Problems
Motor oil doesn’t freeze solid; it thickens, raising its pour point and hindering flow during cold starts. When oil becomes overly viscous, lubrication delays can increase engine wear, strain the battery and starter, and reduce fuel economy. Synthetic‑blend and full‑synthetic...
Yes, There's A Difference Between Austin-Healey Bugeye And Frogeye Sprites
The Austin‑Healey Sprite, a lightweight British sports car, is known as the “Frogeye” in the UK and the “Bugeye” in the US. The nickname split stems from the car’s steering‑wheel orientation—right‑hand‑drive models are called Frogeye, left‑hand‑drive ones Bugeye. Fixed upright...
Here's How Much A 2021 Mazda CX-30 Has Depreciated After 5 Years
The 2021 Mazda CX‑30 has proven a resilient used‑car purchase, depreciating only 23%—about $4,812—over the past three years. With an original base MSRP of $23,275 and a Turbo Premium Plus starting at $35,275, its current resale values sit around $15,650...
What Are The Differences Between Billet And Forged Car Parts?
Billet and forged car parts both start from solid metal blanks, but they diverge after that. Billet components are CNC‑machined, allowing tighter tolerances and rapid prototyping, while forged parts are heated and shaped, producing finer grain structures and higher strength....
GM Used A Sticker To 'Fix' Minivan Doors That Whacked Peoples' Heads
General Motors’ 1990s Dustbuster‑style minivans—Chevrolet Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette—featured a radical wedge‑shaped front door that sat at head‑height, leading to frequent face‑level impacts. To mitigate the risk, GM introduced part 10186057, a bright yellow sticker that warns...
This Pickup Beat Ford's Maverick In Consumer Reports' Best Cars Made In America List
Consumer Reports’ 2026 Best Cars Made in America list crowns the Honda Ridgeline as the top midsize pickup, unseating the Ford Maverick that held the spot for three years. The Ridgeline’s 3.5‑liter V6, standard all‑wheel drive, and 5,000‑pound towing capacity...
Why 5-60 Is Usually A Superior Performance Metric Than 0-60
The automotive press has long used the 0‑to‑60 mph sprint as the headline performance metric, but the rolling‑start 5‑to‑60 test offers a more realistic picture of everyday acceleration. Unlike the launch‑focused 0‑to‑60, the 5‑to‑60 reduces the influence of driver skill and...
How Do Lifetime Transmission Filters Work (If They Do)?
The article debunks the myth of a true “lifetime” transmission filter, noting that all automatic and CVT fluids break down and filters clog over time. Manufacturers such as Toyota label fluids as “lifetime” only up to the warranty period—roughly 100,000...
Florida Man (The Governor) Announces State Funds Will Go To Hubs For Flying Cars
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that allows the state to fund up to 100% of the cost of building vertiports for vertical‑take‑off‑and‑landing (VTOL) aircraft. The plan centers on the FDOT SunTrax research campus, where two vertiports are already under...
What Is Turbulent Jet Ignition And How Is It Different From An Everyday Spark Plug?
Jeep’s 2026 Grand Cherokee adds a 2.0‑liter Hurricane four‑cylinder that makes 324 hp, featuring Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI). TJI supplements traditional spark plugs with a pre‑ignition chamber that shoots multiple flame jets, igniting the mixture faster and more evenly. The system...