Lawsuit Seeks To Strike Down Florida License Plate Frame Ban After Man's Arrest For Having One On Rental Car
Florida’s new license‑plate statute, effective October 2025, criminalizes any alteration that impairs legibility, upgrading violations to a second‑degree misdemeanor. The law led to the arrest of Demarquize Dawson after a rental‑car frame partially covered the state’s "S" on his plate. Ticket Toro has filed a lawsuit claiming the statute is unconstitutionally vague under the void‑for‑vagueness doctrine. The case highlights tensions between public‑safety goals and unclear regulatory language.
Scared Of Rising Gas Prices? This EV Lease Deal Is The Cheapest In The Country
Hyundai is offering a 24‑month lease on the Ioniq 6 at $189 per month, with a $3,999 due at signing, bringing the effective monthly cost to about $355 after taxes. The lease includes a generous 12,000‑mile annual allowance and an optional...
Do Harley-Davidsons Need Back Pressure?
The article debunks the long‑standing belief that Harley‑Davidson engines need back pressure for power. It explains that back pressure actually creates pumping losses, reducing both output and fuel efficiency. Baffles in aftermarket exhausts appear to help because they curb exhaust...
Why Does The US Navy Sink Its Unwanted Ships On Purpose?
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts SINKEX exercises, deliberately sinking decommissioned vessels to provide realistic live‑fire training, showcase weapon capabilities, and create artificial reefs. While sinking can be cheaper than traditional scrapping—costs ranging from $200 k to $5 million—environmental cleanup, especially PCB removal,...
These Are The 2026 Pickup Trucks That Can Tow The Most
Pickup trucks in 2026 are delivering record‑breaking towing capacities across midsize, full‑size and heavy‑duty segments. The top models now tow between 13,500 lb and a staggering 40,000 lb, with diesel powertrains leading the heavy‑duty class and hybrids providing competitive efficiency. Manufacturers such...
What Are The Practical Limits Of Turbo Boost Pressure?
Turbo boost pressure increases engine power by compressing intake air, but practical limits are set by the strength of internal components. Stock vehicles typically run 6–8 psi, while purpose‑built race engines can handle 30–55 psi, and specialized diesel builds exceed 180 psi. Exceeding...
What Causes An Engine To Seize And Can It Be Fixed?
A seized engine typically results from inadequate lubrication, overheating, rust, or foreign debris that immobilizes moving parts. Oil level drops or degraded oil accelerate friction, while cooling system failures and prolonged storage promote rust buildup. Repairability hinges on damage severity:...
When Should You Choose Regular Vs. Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
The article explains the distinction between regular high‑sulfur diesel (HSD) and ultra‑low sulfur diesel (ULSD), highlighting ULSD's 15 ppm sulfur limit versus HSD’s up to 5,000 ppm. It notes that EPA regulations since 2006 mandate ULSD for on‑road vehicles, especially those built...
Can A Used Saab Be Reliable? Yes, But It Will Take Some Work
Saab’s brand is defunct, but used models remain popular among enthusiasts. Reliability depends largely on maintenance records and parts availability, with the second‑generation (1998‑2003) and third‑generation 9‑3s considered the most dependable. Many Saab vehicles share GM platforms, making components for...
When Does Following A Car Become Tailgating?
Tailgating—following a vehicle too closely—accounts for roughly 29% of U.S. crashes, prompting most states to treat it as a moving violation. Florida criminalizes unreasonable following distances, while Washington imposes steep fines, especially when vulnerable road users are involved. The four‑second...
Here's How Much A 2021 Genesis G70 Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Genesis G70, launched at a base price of about $37,000, has depreciated roughly 44‑45% after five years, leaving a typical residual value of $20,000‑$22,000 for the four‑cylinder model and $24,000‑$28,000 for the V6 version. This depreciation rate is...
This Honda CR-V Shower Attachment Might Be The Weirdest Vehicle Option Ever
The first‑generation Honda CR‑V, launched in the U.S. in 1997, stood out among compact SUVs with an optional electric shower that could be powered from a 12‑volt trunk outlet. The vehicle also featured roof racks, a foldable table, and a...
Now's Your Chance To Buy A Turbine-Powered Mustang Drag Racer Named 'Krispy Kritter'
A 1967 Ford Mustang shell has been transformed into a turbine‑powered drag racer called “Krispy Kritter.” Builder Ted Trischle installed a Westinghouse J34 jet engine—originally used in a U.S. Navy F2H Banshee—into the chassis, adding custom rearwork, brake drums and drag chutes....
5 Popular Car Brands That Build Cars In Canada
The piece surveys Canada’s five biggest auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota—and the models they currently assemble on Canadian soil. Ford redirected its Oakville plant to Super Duty trucks, committing $3 billion, while GM’s Oshawa facility now only builds...
Some Call It The Worst-Looking Chevy Corvette Ever Made, Others Just See An Old C4
The 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace‑car replica is a rare C4‑based special edition, painted in a bold purple‑white scheme that divides enthusiasts. Only 527 units were built, each featuring official Indy 500 decals and the same 5.7‑liter LT1 V8 as...
The World's First 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Was Plagued With Problems
The ZF 9HP nine‑speed automatic, launched in early 2013, promised unprecedented fuel‑efficiency and smooth performance by packing nine gears into a compact housing. Within months, owners reported delayed shifts, harsh gear changes, and mechanical failures such as faulty wiring harnesses...
12 Popular Cars That Weren't Meant To Be Full Models, At First
The article examines twelve cars that began as trim levels or sub‑models before graduating to full‑blown model lines, including the Toyota Supra, Pontiac GTO, and Subaru Outback. It traces each vehicle’s origins, highlighting how marketing decisions, pop‑culture influence, and motorsport...
'Not Dead': Subaru Exec Says There's Lots Going On Behind The Scenes At The Performance Brand
Subaru’s performance division, STI, is confirmed alive as Australian GM Scott Lawrence told Drive the brand isn’t dead and hinted at a new model in development. Recent concept unveilings, including the electric Performance‑E and the more production‑ready Performance‑B, have sparked...
You Desperately Need This Salvaged Lotus Elise That's Been Rebodied With Forward-Sliding Attack Doors
Rezvani Motors is auctioning one of only three Beast Alpha prototypes built on a salvaged Lotus Elise chassis, featuring its signature forward‑sliding SideWinder doors. The car packs a Honda‑sourced 2.4‑liter turbo delivering roughly 500 hp through a five‑speed manual, while the...
If You're Going To Smash License Plate Scanners, Maybe Cover Your Own Plate First
Waterford Township, Michigan, has deployed Flock license‑plate readers that many residents consider illegal and invasive. A 24‑year‑old from nearby Clarkston was charged with felonies after he destroyed three of these scanners in a single night. The cameras captured his vehicle...
Which Extremely Specific Car Award Do You Wish Existed?
Car publications and organizations flood the market with generic annual awards, from “Car of the Year” to multiple SUV categories, primarily to generate traffic and ad revenue. However, these broad awards suffer from limitations such as restricted test fleets and...
At $6,500, Are You Brave Enough To Take On This 2005 Audi S4 Avant?
An 2005 Audi S4 Avant Quattro is listed on Craigslist for $6,500. The wagon features a 4.2‑liter V8 with a six‑speed manual and permanent Quattro, but has 123,499 miles and several mechanical issues, including an oil leak at the timing‑chain...
If You Can't Afford A Miata, How About A BMW Z3?
The piece highlights the BMW Z3 as a budget-friendly substitute for the increasingly pricey Mazda Miata. While used Miatas now often exceed $6,000, well‑maintained 1997‑1998 Z3s with inline‑4 engines can be purchased for $3,900‑$4,200, sometimes with comparable mileage. Automatic Z3s...
GM Is Facing A Lawsuit Over Selling Drivers' Onstar Data
Iowa Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against General Motors alleging the automaker sold driver location and personal data collected through its OnStar telematics service without consent. The complaint expands on earlier actions, accusing GM of selling the information to...
Every Ford That Wore The ST Badge In The United States
The Ford ST badge, born in Europe in the mid‑1990s, first appeared on U.S. streets with the 2013 Focus ST, a turbocharged hot hatch that combined 252 hp with sport‑tuned suspension. It was quickly followed by the Fiesta ST (2014‑19), a...
Approval For The AMC Gremlin Rested On The Impressive Artwork On An Air Sickness Bag
American Motors Corporation approved the Gremlin after Dick Teague sketched the concept on an airline barf bag, turning a cost‑saving idea into a production car. The subcompact borrowed the larger Hornet’s chassis, trimmed dimensions, and kept a 199‑cu‑in I6 engine, positioning...
How To Tell When Your Control Arms Need To Be Replaced
Control arms link a vehicle's chassis to its front wheel assemblies, crucial for handling, ride comfort, and steering precision. They typically last 80,000–120,000 miles before bushings, ball joints, or the arm itself can degrade. Common warning signs include steering vibrations,...
How To Find (And Fix) An Engine Vacuum Leak Yourself
Engine vacuum leaks, common in aging American, Asian and European cars, disrupt intake manifold pressure and cause erratic idle, stalling, and lean combustion. Technicians can pinpoint leaks using OBD‑II fuel‑trim data, auditory hissing checks, spray‑test diagnostics, or a dedicated smoke...
How Different Countries Tackled Hand Signals Before Mechanical Turn Signals Were Invented
Turn signals evolved from early mechanical trafficators to illuminated arrows, but uniform hand‑signal conventions lagged behind. In the United States, drivers relied on three basic gestures until Buick introduced electric blinkers in 1939, prompting a gradual shift to standardized signals....
Cars Tried External Combustion Engines And There Are Good Reasons It Didn't Stick
External combustion engines, notably steam and Stirling types, once vied for automotive dominance but ultimately lost to internal combustion. Steam cars like the Stanley models required lengthy boiler warm‑up and frequent water refills, limiting range and convenience. The introduction of...
These Are The Longest Range EVs Of 2026
The 2026 lineup of electric vehicles now includes several models that exceed 300 miles per charge, with the Lucid Air Grand Touring topping the list at an EPA‑estimated 512 miles. Close contenders include the Chevrolet Silverado EV at 493 miles,...
Chinese SUV Beats Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser In Off-Road Test
In an Australian off‑road comparison by CarExpert, Great Wall Motors’ three‑row GWM Tank outperformed both the Lexus GX and the Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) on a demanding roller course. While the Land Rover Defender claimed overall victory, the Tank matched...
AMC Canceled The First Car With An Onboard Computer At The 11th Hour
The 1957 AMC Rambler Rebel was slated to debut Bendix’s Electrojector, an analog‑computer‑controlled electronic fuel‑injection system that could shave half a second off its 0‑60 time. Engineers battled reliability issues, especially cold‑weather starting below 50 °F, and the program was cancelled...
Why Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Have Such A Distinct Sound?
Harley‑Davidson’s iconic exhaust note comes from its 45‑degree firing V‑twin, where both pistons share a single crank pin, creating a "bang‑bang‑rest" rhythm. The engine’s lack of balance shafts amplifies vibration, making the exhaust valve pop the dominant audible cue rather...
Can You Bring Your Own Car Parts To A Mechanic?
Car owners can indeed bring their own replacement parts to a mechanic, potentially saving on the markup that shops add to OEM or aftermarket components. However, many garages refuse for reasons such as lost profit, warranty complications, and safety concerns....
Why The Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine Has Four Spark Plugs
Harley‑Davidson introduced the Milwaukee‑Eight V‑twin engine to replace the Twin Cam, delivering 11% more torque and a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio while maintaining the same weight. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a dual‑spark plug setup that accelerates...
Here's How Much The Toyota GR Supra Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Toyota GR Supra loses roughly 23% of its original price after five years, leaving resale values between $40,000 and $50,000 for low‑mileage examples. Compared with peers, the BMW Z4 depreciates about 40%, while the Porsche 718 Cayman retains...
How The 'Non-Passenger Work Vehicle' Became The Family Car
The 1970s oil crisis prompted the U.S. to adopt CAFE fuel‑economy standards, but a loophole exempted light‑truck classifications from strict limits. Automakers exploited this by reclassifying vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee as “non‑passenger work vehicles,” allowing them to meet weaker...
Your Average Sedan Can Tow Surprisingly Well
Recent model‑year sedans are officially rated to tow between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, challenging the long‑standing perception that only trucks and large SUVs can handle trailers. Manufacturers such as Volvo, Volkswagen and Toyota list factory‑approved hitches and specific weight limits...
The Term 'Supercar' Existed Long Before The Miura
The term “supercar” first appeared in a 1920 British newspaper describing the Ensign 6, a 6.7‑liter car with 39 horsepower—far earlier than the Lamborghini Miura’s 1966 debut. While the Miura’s mid‑engine layout and striking design popularized the label, earlier models like the...
The World's Weirdest Rotary Engine Is A 118-Year-Old French Spinner That Leaks Castor Oil Everywhere
The Gnome Omega, an 8‑liter seven‑cylinder rotary engine introduced in 1908, powered many World War I aircraft. Unlike later Wankel rotaries, the Gnome spun its cylinders and crankcase around a fixed crankshaft, delivering about 50 hp at 1,200 rpm. Its simple two‑state ignition,...
The Last Car Elvis Presley Ever Drove Was A Classy Stutz Fit For A King
Elvis Presley’s passion for automobiles culminated in his ownership of five Stutz Blackhawks, the most notable being the 1973 Blackhawk III – the last car he ever drove. The neoclassic Stutz brand was resurrected in the late 1960s by James O’Donnell...
What To Expect With Dealer Vs. Safelite Windshield Replacements
Windshield replacements are a safety‑critical expense, often ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for premium models. Dealerships install only OEM glass, which is required for vehicles equipped with ADAS to ensure proper sensor calibration, but their labor...
Here's Where Automakers Freeze Their Lugnuts Off For Cold Weather Testing
Automakers still rely on real‑world cold‑weather testing to validate vehicle performance in extreme conditions. Facilities range from Tesla's Alaska test track to Volvo's Kiruna site and the shared winter‑testing hub in Sweden’s Arjeplog. In the U.S., manufacturers supplement field tests...
3 Sights You Miss If You Take The Longest Train Route In The U.S.
The California Zephyr, Amtrak’s longest route at nearly 2,500 miles, runs from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay across seven states. While the train offers spectacular scenery, it bypasses three automotive‑centric attractions: Carhenge in Nebraska, the drive‑up Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado,...
You Should Shove A 450-HP Volvo Engine In Your BMW E30, Unless You're Chicken
Swedish engine specialist Alf Eng installed a 450‑horsepower Volvo B4204T35 twin‑charged 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder into a BMW E30 rallycross chassis. The modified E30 entered the Lillehammer Hillclimb, where driver Hans‑Joran Ostreng recorded the fourth‑fastest overall time despite a loose rear‑end and...
What Is Off Road Diesel And Why Is It Illegal To Use On Road?
Off‑road diesel, known as red diesel, is a tax‑exempt fuel dyed for easy identification and originally intended for equipment that rarely uses public highways. The EPA now requires it to meet the same emissions standards as on‑road diesel, but using...
How Automakers Tackle Auto Start-Stop Without Adding Wear And Tear
Auto start‑stop systems can cut fuel consumption by 7‑26 % by shutting off the engine during idle periods. Automakers address wear concerns with specialized starter designs, integrated starter‑alternator units, and deep‑cycle AGM batteries that recharge quickly. Advanced control modules monitor temperature...
96% Of Inspected New York City Gas Stations Are Lying About Octane Levels
A citywide inspection by New York’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that 702 of 729 gas stations – 96.3% – failed at least one test, most often for mislabeling octane grades. The violations triggered over 1,100 condemnations, forcing pumps...
NASCAR Announces Every Driver Will Compete In All-Star Race
NASCAR unveiled the 2026 All‑Star Race format, mandating the entire Cup Series field to start the two 75‑lap sprint segments before trimming to 26 cars for the $1 million final stage. The top 26 positions will be inverted after the first...