Since hybrid gas and electric cars run on storage batteries, they must find a way to maximize energy. One of these energy efficiency devices is regenerative braking. Regenerative breaking allows the car to recover some of the energy that it expended during breaking. This is different from the...
A Toyota Prius encountered a stuck accelerator and made headlines as a "runaway car." The Prius accelerated out of the driver's control per reports from the California Highway Department. James Sikes, a sixty one year old, was driving along the bustling Interstate 8 near San Diego, California,...
Understeer, or "push" in racing lingo, refers to the tendency of a vehicle to continue in a straight line when the wheels are turned. Understeer is the natural handling characteristic of front wheel drive and most AWD cars, for several reasons: • The majority of vehicle weight is carried over the...
Many people are under the misconception that antilock brakes (ABS for short) provide the best possible stopping distances under all conditions. While there are many variables that come into play, the short answer is that a trained and skilled driver can stop a vehicle quicker with conventional...
Nissan has announced pricing on their electric commuter vehicle, the LEAF. Despite internet reports that the eco-friendly plug in electric car would sticker around $45,000, Nissan chose to position the LEAF to a broader audience. With the Federal tax credit of $7,500 for the purchase of an electric...
The short answer to a very long and complicated question is, "yes, but only if you owner's manual specifies unleaded premium fuel required". If your owner's manual states that "unleaded premium is recommended", it's your choice; using it is a good idea, but not using it isn't likely to cause engine...
In honor of being named the pace car for this year's Indianapolis 500 race, Chevy is building a limited production run of Camaro Pace Car Replicas. Five hundred copies will be built, each painted Inferno Orange with pearly white stripes. The cars will all be SS versions with the 400 horsepower...
Let's say you've hit the mega-million lottery, and you're ready to buy your all time dream car, the Bugatti Veyron. Before you write that check for $1.5 to $2 million dollars, there are some ownership costs you need to know about: - A routine annual service costs roughly $20,000.00, more if they...
Toyota has issued a voluntary recall to owners of 1998 - 2010 Sienna minivans in states that use salt to counter winter road conditions. The cable that affixes the spare tire under the rear of the Toyota Sienna can become corroded over time. If this cable breaks, the spare tire could fall to the...
Toyota was fined a record $16.4 million by the United States Department of Transportation for failing to promptly disclose problems with their accelerator pedals sticking on certain models. When a manufacturer becomes aware of such a potential safety issue, they have five business days to notify...
