All articles tagged with #car safety
The article emphasizes that certain car maintenance jobs, such as glass repair, brakes, timing belts, transmission, bodywork, AC, electrical work, fuel system, steering, tire mounting, and engine internals, are best left to professionals due to their complexity, safety risks, and potential for costly mistakes, especially for novice or intermediate DIY enthusiasts.
Toyota is recalling over 55,000 hybrid vehicles, including 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid and 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid models, due to a loose bolt in the inverter assembly that can cause power loss or fires. Owners will be notified by February 2026 for repairs.
US safety regulators are investigating Tesla's Model Y door handles after reports of children being trapped due to electric lock failures, with about 170,000 vehicles potentially affected. The issue appears linked to insufficient voltage in the electric locks, raising safety concerns especially in emergency situations. This is part of broader regulatory scrutiny and comes amid Tesla's declining sales and increased competition.
Matt DiBenedetto was checked and released from a care center after experiencing a fire in his cockpit at Portland International Raceway, describing his experience of climbing out of the car.
Many new cars no longer include spare tires to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs, with options now including space-saving spares and run-flat tires, though these come with trade-offs like higher costs and potential safety concerns.
Meyer Shank Racing secured back-to-back IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship wins at Watkins Glen, overcoming challenges like a broken windshield wiper and heavy rain, with a record number of cautions. The race featured notable performances from Porsche, Lamborghini, and GTD teams, and highlighted advancements in race car safety following a serious crash. The event concluded with a tire test for the upcoming endurance season, and the next race is at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
The US is experiencing a crisis in pedestrian fatalities, with deaths reaching a 40-year high, partly due to the increasing size and weight of vehicles like SUVs and trucks. This trend, referred to as "car bloat" or "autobesity," contrasts with the safety improvements seen in other countries. Advocates, including those affected by tragedies like the Hart family, are pushing for changes in car safety ratings to address this issue and potentially save lives.
Japan's car safety scandal has intensified as Toyota halts the sale of three car models due to falsified safety data. Other major automakers, including Honda, Mazda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, are also implicated in the scandal. The Japanese transport ministry has identified 32 vehicles with incorrect certifications and is conducting an on-site investigation at Toyota's headquarters. The scandal has led to a significant drop in the shares of the involved companies and a deepening crisis of trust in Japan's automotive industry.
The debate over touchscreen use in automobiles has been reignited following the tragic death of Angela Chao, who reportedly struggled with shifting in her Tesla Model X before accidentally backing into water and passing away. While some blame the touchscreen system, there are conflicting reports about the model year of her vehicle and her family's positive view of Tesla. The incident highlights the importance of staying calm and composed in stressful situations, especially when operating unfamiliar systems, and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to vehicle controls.
The article discusses the shift in car design from prioritizing forgiveness for minor collisions to the current trend of expensive repairs for even minor damages. It highlights the evolution of car bumpers and the increasing vulnerability of modern cars due to the integration of expensive electronic components in the front end. The author argues for a return to more forgiving car designs and laments the current high repair costs for minor incidents.
The author recounts a terrifying experience driving an old Postal Jeep, highlighting its dangerous condition and lack of proper maintenance. Despite having driven other peculiar and potentially hazardous vehicles, the Jeep's lack of connection between the body and frame made it particularly frightening. The author invites readers to share their own scary car experiences and discusses the potential use of $3,500 for a car or motorcycle purchase, as well as opinions on window tint and unusual car sightings.
The annual cost of auto insurance in the D.C. area has surged by 42%, far exceeding the national average increase of 26%. Factors contributing to this rise include inflation affecting healthcare supplies and car parts, extreme weather, labor costs, and product shortages. Additionally, an increase in fatal crashes and carjackings, particularly in the District, has led to higher premiums. The cost of repairing even minor damages has also risen due to advanced car safety technology, contributing to the overall increase in insurance costs.
As the United States braces for freezing temperatures, it's important to remove certain items from your car to prevent damage. Medications like insulin, canned food, instruments, bottled liquids, handheld electronics, glasses, aerosol cans, and even gasoline can be negatively impacted by extreme cold. Additionally, eggs and emergency tools like scrapers and brushes should be brought inside to avoid potential damage or inconvenience.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its research summary and called for public comment on the adoption of new technology to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles. The proposed technology, known as the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), includes touch-based and breath analysis sensors. The aim is to achieve a new tech safety standard by November 2024, potentially saving up to 10,000 lives in the U.S. alone. However, challenges such as false positives and potential backlash from the public due to restrictions on sober drivers remain. The support for the technology being mandated has been largely positive so far, but its acceptance once in use remains to be seen.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated the process to require car manufacturers to adopt new technology aimed at preventing intoxicated drivers from starting vehicles. Congress mandated the NHTSA to establish a technology safety standard by November 2024 to reduce the annual toll of over 10,000 road deaths caused by drunk driving. Potential technologies being considered include breath- or touch-based sensors and eye movement monitoring. The NHTSA must ensure the technology's effectiveness before implementing the requirement, and automakers will have at least three years to comply once the rules are finalized.