From the category archives:

Car Technology

Oddly Named Features for Cars

July 19, 2011

Automakers are constantly trying to create new gadgets to assist drivers and to help sell vehicles. Forbes put together a  list of contemporary new-car features carrying odd names. Openometer MINI Cooper convertibles come with an Openometer, which is a gauge that tells the driver how long the convertible top has been lowered. Gentleman Function BMW [...]

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Flying Cars

July 14, 2011

According to past science predictions, we are behind the time as far as vehicles. Our cars should be air borne. It is more than a year away from hitting the road, but the Wall Street Journal reports that the flying car is finally coming to fruition following the recent exemptions by the NHTSA given to its manufacturer, [...]

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Distracted Driving Law

June 21, 2011

David Strickland has tried to understand safer, distraction-free driving since he began working as an administrator for NHTSA in January 2010. Strickland has been working hard towards this goal along with other big dogs such as Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, safety advocacy groups, private-sector executives, and automobile manufacturers. The Transportation Department launched the Web site to educate [...]

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Volvo Attempting to Reduce Fuel Consumption

June 1, 2011

Volvo wants to make your hybrid car old news. The Swedish manufacturer is developing a new type of hybrid system that uses a spinning flywheel rather than the batteries and motors employed by modern hybrid cars. Volvo reports the system would improve vehicle fuel economy by 20 percent and make a four-cylinder engine feel as [...]

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Black Box – In Your Vehicle

May 31, 2011

Earlier this week it was reported that the NHTSA was considering requiring the installation of Event Data Recorder (EDR) black boxes in all new vehicles. GM has voluntarily installed EDRs in its vehicles for the past 20 years. There is wide controversy surrounding a government-mandated data recorder in one’s personal car. Additions such as these [...]

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‘Check Engine’ Light

May 12, 2011

MSNBC.com recently reported on five reasons why your ‘check engine’ light might be on and describes that repairs range from easy, inexpensive to major costly maintenance. 1. Faulty oxygen sensor The sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and informs the vehicles computer how much fuel is in the tank. It should costs less [...]

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Distracted Driving

April 6, 2011

Talking on the phone, texting, eating or drinking, reading directions, applying make up and just plain not paying attention are common distractions on the roads. Recently, a dump truck carrying several tons of salt crashed in Pennsylvania, this collision was linked to distracted driving and resulted in the death of one motorist and injuries in [...]

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Top Things Your Vehicle Doesn’t Need

March 21, 2011

MSN.com reports on the top things your car does not need: 1. Higher-Grade Fuel If your owner’s manual says your car is rated for regular gasoline, give it regular gas. 2. Nitrogen in Your Tires The theory behind this practice is that pure nitrogen is less subject to contraction and expansion than the regular air, [...]

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2011 Kia Optima Receives High Safety Rating

March 11, 2011

The Optima is a popular choice being one of the more tasteful sedans in the midsize class and already receiving top safety pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the new Optima, a five-star overall crash rating.  The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTA’s frontal impact, side impact, and [...]

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Car Technology Comes a Long Way

March 1, 2011

MSNBC.com recently reported on ten of the most important technological changes in the car industry. 1. The 1886 Benz It all started with Karl Benz and his assembly of a self-propelled, three-wheel vehicle powered by a single-cylinder 0.75-horsepower engine by leather belt and two bicycle chains to spread power to the rear wheels. 2. The [...]

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