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آوریل 20, 2022

Is your car losing safety features with the 5G switchover?

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – Chances are you haven’t thought much about older 3G cellular networks because all the talk today is about 5G, the super-fast new network for smartphones and other wireless devices. But, as wireless carriers begin shutting down those old 3G networks, millions of connected cars may lose important safety features.Almost every car these days has an internet connection built in. And that can be used for safety features, like being able to automatically call for help in a crash, or for convenience, like being able to start the car remotely or check to see if the doors are locked or unlocked.But for millions of cars on the road today, that technology relies on an aging 3G wireless network. And by the end of this year, all of the major cellular carriers will shut down their 3G networks. Some vehicles just need a software or hardware upgrade, but others—including vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Jeep, Lexus, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota—are losing their connections permanently.Automakers have known this for years, but as recently as 2019 they were putting 3G technology into new vehicles, knowing that customers would be left in the lurch without access to some of these services.Consumer Reports went to owner’s manuals and look at engineering documents to find out what features were impacted. See the list below. The best advice is to ask your dealer if and when the connected services on your car are set to expire.• Owners of vehicles from Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, and Lexus are out of luck so far. There are no announced plans for a connectivity upgrade, even though some of the cars that will permanently lose services are as new as the 2019 model year.• Honda owners may be too late. Owners of some Hondas who didn’t download new software before Feb. 22, 2022 may have to pay upward of $900 for a hardware upgrade or lose certain features. The automaker sent out update reminders to owners of affected vehicles—both via mail and directly to the vehicles’ infotainment screens—before the cutoff date.• Hardware and software upgrades are available for some vehicles. But exactly what owners get depends on the manufacturer. OnStar users retain crash notification after a software update, and both Audi and VW are giving some owners access to a third-party service that offers SOS and crash notification, for example.• Some cars will keep convenience features but lose crash notifications. A spokesperson for Stellantis—which owns Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram—told CR that the automaker will allow owners of certain vehicles affected by the shutdown to upgrade to 4G to keep some remote services for a monthly fee of $10 for 2 gigabytes of data or $30 for unlimited data, but their vehicles will no longer have automatic crash notification or SOS.• Not all automakers are affected. Ford and Mazda, for instance, connect to a driver’s cell phone for crash notification. And Mitsubishi has never used 3G, says Jeremy Barnes, spokesperson for the automaker. “We foresaw this time coming and designed around it,” he told CR.Below is a list of vehicles with automatic crash notification and E911 services that operate on a 3G network. We’ve also included whether they can be updated and, if so, how to do that.AcuraVehicles affected: 2014 to 2017 MDX (Tech Package and above); 2015 to 2017 TLX (Tech and Advanced packages); 2016 and 2017 ILX (Tech Plus Package); 2014 to 2016 RLX (models with navigation); 2016 and 2017 RDX (Tech and Advanced packages); and 2017 NSX.The fix: According to Acura’s website, certain vehicles lose automatic crash notification and other features, but drivers can continue to access AcuraLink services “if the hardware in your vehicle is updated with a new device.” Acura recommends contacting a dealership for more information.AudiVehicles affected: Audi vehicles that connect to a 3G network lost connectivity in February 2022. These include the 2016 to 2018 A3 E-Tron; 2013 to 2018 A4, A5, and Q5; 2014 to 2018 Allroad; 2012 to 2015 A6 and A7; 2012 to 2018 A8; 2015 to 2018 Q3; 2012 to 2018 Q7; and 2019 RS5, according to Audi’s website.The fix: Audi is partnering with a company called Mojio to provide owners with a device that plugs into their car and allows them to keep automatic crash notification and SOS. It’s called Motion for Audi Connect, and owners can get more information from the automaker. An Audi spokesperson, Jacob Brown, says that it requires professional installation and that the company is contacting customers who are eligible.BMWVehicles affected: All BMW vehicles that connect to a 3G network lost connectivity as of February 2022. The automaker hasn’t published a list of affected vehicles but says it has contacted owners directly.The fix: BMW said in a statement that not all vehicles would be eligible for a free technology upgrade. “Customers will be notified via email or First-Class Mail about whether their vehicles are eligible for an upgrade or not,” the statement said.GM*Vehicles affected: General Motors–brand vehicles using OnStar on a 3G network required a software update by February 2022. Owners can find out whether their vehicle was affected on this website.The fix: According to OnStar, owners with an “active, connected vehicle” received an over-the-air software update. These updates began in October 2021, and owners might have had to accept a prompt on the vehicle’s screen to install the new software. “Once the over-the-air software update is completed, OnStar voice services will continue to work after the 3G sunset and members will be able to connect with OnStar advisers as expected,” an OnStar spokesperson, Stephanie Obendorfer, told CR.(*includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC With OnStar)HondaVehicles affected: Accord (Touring trim, 2018 to 2020); Odyssey (Touring and Elite trims, 2018 to 2020), Insight (Touring trim, 2019 and 2020); Passport (Touring and Elite trims, 2019 to 2021); and Pilot (Touring, Slite, and Black Edition trims, 2019 to 2022).The fix: Owners who didn’t complete a software update by Feb. 22, 2022, may need to get an updated telematics control unit (TCU), which could cost as much as $900. “The only way to update firmware on the TCU is through an OTA [over-the-air] update via AT&T’s mobile network,” says Chris Naughton, a spokesperson for Honda and Acura. “Since the TCUs in question are currently communicating via 3G, once that network stops operating, there is no further opportunity to communicate with the TCUs to perform the update.”Hyundai and GenesisVehicles affected: 2016 to 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT; 2017 and 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport; 2015 to 2017 Hyundai Azera; 2017 Hyundai Elantra; 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric; 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid; 2017 and 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe; 2015, 2016, and 2018 Hyundai Sonata; 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid; 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid; 2016 Hyundai Tucson; 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Veloster; 2014 to 2016 Hyundai Genesis; 2017 to 2019 Genesis G80; and 2017 Genesis G90.The fix: Some newer Hyundai and Genesis vehicles will receive a free software update. But about 22,000 others—including those listed above—will not, and their Bluelink services will end Dec. 31, 2022, says Michael Stewart, a Hyundai spokesperson.In addition, some 2012 to 2016 Hyundai vehicles equipped with Bluelink use an even older 2G network. These vehicles will permanently lose their Bluelink features Jan. 1, 2023, according to Hyundai’s website. The fine print on Genesis’ Connected Services page says any Genesis vehicle with 2G or 3G “will be unable to connect to Connected Services, and your vehicle may not be updated to support other wireless technologies.”Jaguar and Land RoverJaguar and Land Rover didn’t respond to CR’s questions, and the automaker’s website doesn’t have any information on the shutdown. CR research shows that the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace and XE; the 2016 and 2017 Jaguar XF and XJ; the 2015 to 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport; the 2017 Land Rover Discovery; and the 2016 and 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover may be affected by the shutdown. We will update this article if we learn more.KiaKia didn’t respond to CR’s questions, and the automaker’s website doesn’t have any information on the shutdown. We will update this article if we learn more.Mercedes-BenzMercedes didn’t respond to CR’s questions, and the automaker’s website doesn’t have any information on the shutdown. According to Lanctot, Mercedes may be preparing an aftermarket solution similar to what Audi is doing. We will update this article if we learn more.Nissan and InfinitiVehicles affected: 2016 and 2017 Nissan Altima; 2017 and 2018 Nissan GT-R; some 2011 to 2015 Nissan Leafs; 2016 and 2017 Nissan Maxima; 2017 Nissan Murano; 2017 Nissan Pathfinder; 2016 and 2017 Nissan Rogue; 2017 and 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport; 2016 to 2018 Nissan Sentra; 2016 and 2017 Nissan Titan; 2017 Nissan Titan XD; 2014 to 2018 Infiniti Q50; 2017 and 2018 Infiniti Q60; 2013 to 2018 Infiniti Q70; 2017 and 2019 Infiniti QX30; 2013 to 2017 Infiniti JX/QX60; and 2013 to 2017 Infiniti QX56/QX80, according to Nissan’s and Infiniti’s websites.The fix: Nissan Connect and Infiniti InTouch stopped working on these vehicles Feb. 22, 2022, and they have permanently lost automatic crash notification and other features.PorscheVehicles affected: 2017 to 2019 911; 2014 918 Spyder; 2017 to 2021 718; 2015 to 2019 Cayenne; 2015 to 2018 Macan; and 2014 to 2018 Panamera, according to Porsche’s website.The fix: Some of these vehicles were eligible for what Porsche calls a “technology upgrade.” Owners of those vehicles were notified by email and had to schedule an appointment with an authorized Porsche dealer to get the upgrade before Feb. 22, 2022, according to the automaker.StellantisIncludes Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram.Some vehicles with Uconnect Access have already lost their 3G connections. Representatives from Stellantis told CR that the automaker will convert certain 3G vehicles to accept 4G as long as they subscribe to data packages. These allow for 2 gigabytes of data for a $10 monthly fee or unlimited data for $30 per month. These options will include all necessary hardware and 4G WiFi, but they will not include automatic crash notification. Some vehicles will be eligible for a plug-in 4G adapter from T-Mobile.SubaruVehicles affected: 2016-2018 Forester (2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, and 2.0XT Touring); 2016-2018 Legacy and Outback (2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 3.6R Limited); 2017-2018 Legacy and Outback (2.5i Sport); 2016-2018 Impreza (2.0i Limited); 2016 Impreza (2.0i Sport Premium with Eyesight and 2.0i Sport Limited); 2017-2018 Impreza (2.0i Premium and 2.0i Sport); 2016-2017 Crosstrek (2.0i Premium with Eyesight and 2.0i Limited); 2018 Crosstrek (2.0i Premium); 2017 WRX (2.0T Premium with Harman Kardon); and 2017-2018 WRX (2.0T Limited and 2.5T STI), according to Subaru’s website.The fix: Only Subaru drivers with an active Starlink Safety and Security subscription were eligible for a free hardware upgrade, which an authorized Subaru dealer must have performed by February 2022.Toyota and LexusVehicles affected: 2011 to 2017 Toyota Sienna; 2012 to 2016 Toyota Prius V; 2013 to 2018 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid; 2012 to 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV; 2012 to 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in; 2013 to 2017 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid; 2016 and 2017 Toyota Mirai; 2010 to 2016 Toyota Prius; 2014 to 2018 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; 2011 to 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser; and 2010 to 2019 Toyota 4Runner, plus all 2010 to 2017 Lexus models except certain 2016 and 2017 CT200h hybrids, and the 2018 Lexus GX, according to the Toyota and Lexus websites.The fix: Toyota Safety Connect and Lexus Enform Safety Connect will stop working on these vehicles Nov. 1, 2022, and they will permanently lose automatic crash notification and other features. “Although these circumstances were created by factors beyond our control, we sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause,” Toyota says in a statement on its website.VolvoVehicles affected: 2015.5 to 2018 S60, V60, and V60 Cross Country; 2015.5 to 2017 XC60; 2015.5 and 2016 XC70; and 2016 XC90, according to Volvo’s website.The fix: Vehicles with Volvo On Call telematics service that relied on AT&T’s network lost their connections when that network went dark Feb. 22, 2022. But a Volvo spokesperson, Russ Datz, says the automaker will soon be offering some owners a hardware upgrade to retain full On Call operation. It may be delayed due to parts shortages, but owners can sign up here, on the Volvo On Call website.VolkswagenVehicles affected: 2018 and 2019 Atlas and Arteon; 2014 to 2019 Beetle, Jetta, Golf, Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, eGolf, GTI, Passat, and Tiguan; 2014 to 2018 CC; and 2014 to 2017 Eos.The fix: The Car-Net service in these vehicles stopped working when AT&T’s network went dark in February 2022. But VW now says that it has some solutions. Owners of 2014-2016 vehicles can pay $295 for an aftermarket system very similar to what Audi is offering. Owners of 2017-2019 vehicles may be eligible for a hardware upgrade, but Volkswagen says that it may be delayed due to parts shortages. Drivers should go to the VW Car-Net web page to learn more and see if their vehicle is eligible for an upgrade.Other BrandsFord and Mazda use a driver’s cell phone to call emergency services in the event of a crash, so their vehicles aren’t affected by the 3G shutdown unless drivers are using an older 3G cell phone. All Mitsubishi vehicles with crash notification and SOS use 4G networks and aren’t affected by the shutdown. Tesla vehicles don’t have automatic crash notification, but owners of older Teslas with 3G-based telecommunications modules who want to keep their vehicles connected must pay $200 for a hardware update. .

آوریل 19, 2022

The revamped 2022 Toyota GR86 returns with better power, agility and a thrilling drive

Price: The 2022 Toyota GR86 starts at $27,700 with a manual transmission and $29,200 with an automatic.The Toyota 86 took the 2021 model year off. It returns in significantly updated form late this year as a 2022 model with a new name: the GR86. That “GR” designation comes from Gazoo Racing, the internationally known racing team that did much of the development work on this new Toyota
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+1.80%
GR86, which continues to be a lightweight and highly entertaining rear-wheel-drive (RWD) coupe that’s a mechanical cousin of the jointly developed Subaru BRZ
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-2.21%.

The Toyota GR86

Toyota

The big news for 2022? The debut of a larger new 2.4-liter engine. This new flat-4 powerplant produces 228 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm, which compares quite favorably to the 205 hp and 156 lb-ft generated by the previous 2.0-liter. This new engine has a broader band of torque, so it doesn’t need to be revved as highly to make good power. Power reaches the GR86’s rear wheels via a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Also standard is a limited-slip differential that helps the GR86 squirt out of corners with minimal rear wheelspin. Toyota says the new GR86, with the manual gearbox, hits 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, versus 7.0 for the previous 2.0-liter car. Two models are available: the GR86 and the GR86 Premium. All 2022 Toyota GR86s get a digital instrument panel with three display modes (Normal, Sport, Track), plus Apple
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CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen. While the standard GR86 gets a 6-speaker audio system, the Premium has an 8-speaker arrangement to complement its upgraded upholstery. While the new GR86 looks similar to the outgoing 2020 86, it has what Toyota calls a “G Mesh” grille, which is complemented by angular LED headlamps, functional front vents, and side spoilers that improve stability and steering response at high speeds. The GR86 Premium, which rides on 18-inch forged alloy wheels, makes its presence known with a tall duckbill rear spoiler. As a race team, Gazoo Racing knows that less weight means more agility. To that end, the new GR86 now uses some aluminum in its hood and fenders to keep weight low, somewhere in the vicinity of 2,800 pounds. Not only is the GR86 very light, but its flat-4 engine helps to give it a low center of gravity, which improves cornering performance. Competitors for the 2022 Toyota GR86 include the Mazda
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MX-5 Miata and possibly even the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford
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Mustang. While these Americans certainly are fun rear-wheel-drive coupes, they are quite different in character than the agile little Toyota. See: The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata: It’s all about the fun of driving2022 Toyota GR86 pricing The 2022 Toyota GR86 starts at $27,700 with a manual transmission and $29,200 with an automatic. In Premium trim, the GR86 manual starts at $30,300 while the GR86 automatic begins at $31,800. The destination fee is $1,025. Included with all 2022 Toyota GR86 models is a no-cost plan that covers normal factory maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The Toyota GR86

Toyota

Driving the 2022 Toyota GR86 If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive sports car that lets you push its limits without needing to travel at supersonic speeds, the 2022 Toyota GR86 is an ideal dance partner. Even with the added horsepower and torque of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, the stiffer and tauter GR86 chassis feels capable of coping with far more power. That being said, it’s a welcome relief to drive a sporty vehicle where the engine doesn’t entirely dominate the driving experience. What makes the 2022 GR86 so enjoyable is how the engine, gearbox, brakes, and steering all work together to create a thrilling drive. And yes, when you’re in the mood to relax and simply putter along down the highway or through town, the GR86 is happy to do that, too. The ride is firm, as you’d expect, but the engine doesn’t drone on the highway, and you’re not shaken to pieces over rough pavement. Is it serene like a luxury car? Absolutely not! Though the GR86 is more livable on a daily basis than you imagine – the snug cockpit and small trunk are the biggest limiting factors for long drives Check out: 7 off-the-radar places worth stopping on a California road trip. Enthusiast drivers will jump at the standard 6-speed manual and, having driven both it and the automatic on a racetrack and public roads, it enlivens the GR86 that extra little bit. While the 6-speed automatic performs admirably and gear changes can be done via paddle shifters, the manual lets you keep the engine humming exactly where you want it, particularly when careening around a track. And careen we did, oftentimes sideways through corners – and at one point, beyond the limits of adhesion afforded by the GR86’s tires! Of the various trims we tested, the base GR86 fitted with the manual transmission, and riding on 17-inch alloys wrapped by Michelin Primacy HP tires, felt the lightest on its feet (and the easiest to break rear traction without causing the driver to break into a sweat). Keep in mind, this was during the track portion of our drive, where some seriously sideways moments were easily reigned in by simply lifting off the throttle. If you’re after a user-friendly sports car in which to learn how to drive better and faster, the GR86 ranks among the best. A little more road feel in the steering would be nice, however. Don’t get us wrong, the GR86 is extremely nimble and darts around corners. Except you don’t always feel like the front wheels are telegraphing to the steering wheel (and your fingertips) exactly what’s going on at the road surface. To be fair, compared with 99% of other vehicles sold today, this level of handling will be a revelation to anyone accustomed to a driving life spent in sedans or, gasp, a diet of only SUVs. The GR86 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual or 6.6 seconds with the 6-speed automatic. This is one of the increasingly rare instances in which a stick-shift is quicker than an optional automatic ‘box fitted to the same vehicle. At the time of our test drive, Toyota would only say that all versions of the GR86 weigh approximately 2,800 pounds. From our perspective, the manual transmission models felt slightly lighter when jumping between them and GR86s with the automatic. Don’t miss: This crowdsourced site shames car dealers for huge markupsInterior comfort The interior of the 2022 Toyota GR86 has two significant updates – a new digital gauge package and sportier seats, both of which enhance the track-focused ambience of the cockpit. As mentioned in our Favorite Features below, the digital gauge package has three different modes, but it’s also enhanced by LCD toggle displays with silver trimmed dials. There’s also a 7-in TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display featuring a neat startup animation sequence that’s inspired by the horizontal pistons of the flat-4 boxer engine. While the Toyota GR86 certainly qualifies as a compact sports coupe, its practicality is enhanced by a pair of rear seats, which are handy to have when needed and fold forward to increase the car’s cargo capacity. Getting an adult back there is another story, however. Headroom and legroom are in scarce supply, though small kids might be OK for short drives. Consider the rear seat an extension of the trunk, and you’ll be better off.Exterior styling Toyota’s new-generation GR86 looks much like the previous 86, but freshened. It continues to look low and athletic, as a lightweight sports coupe should. Visual highlights include a new “G Mesh” grille and angled LED headlights, plus functional front vents and side spoilers that aid vehicle stability at speed. The standard 86 wears forged 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Primacy HP tires. The GR86 in Premium trim is equipped with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on forged 18-inch wheels that are black. Further differentiating the new GR86 Premium is its tall duckbill rear spoiler. Available colors on the 2022 Toyota GR86 include two shades of blue and two shades of gray, plus red, white, and black.Favorite features The new 2.4-liter engine
Thanks to its extra displacement, the new 2.4-liter flat-4 engine has lots more of what we like – torque. While the previous 2.0-liter put out 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 rpm, the new 2.4 generates 228 hp at 7,000 rpm and a healthy 184 lb-ft at a significantly lower 3,700 rpm. Digital gauges
All new 2022 Toyota GR86s get this new digital gauge package, which has three display modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. In Track mode, the driver is given real-time readouts for gear position, engine speed, coolant temperature, and oil temperature.Standard features All 2022 Toyota GR86s are equipped with the new 2.4-liter flat-4 engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip rear differential. Moreover, all Toyota GR86 models come with a push-button starter, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a 6-speaker audio system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a pair of USB ports. The 86 Premium improves on that with an 8-speaker audio system and more heavily bolstered seats upholstered in Alcantara, a pseudo suede. All 2022 GR86s also get Toyota’s Smart Key System (on both doors) and an anti-theft alarm, plus LED headlights and the Toyota Star Safety System, a safety suite that includes electronic stability control with a special Track mode that allows more aggressive driving before intervening. Also standard on the 2022 Toyota GR86? A complimentary 1-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). As part of this membership, GR86 owners will enjoy one free High-Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA events. Note: If you want adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking on your new 2022 Toyota GR86, they are available but only on models equipped with the automatic transmission.Factory options A 6-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the most notable option on the 2022 GR86. It has been strengthened this year to accommodate the added power of the 2.4-liter engine, and it has been updated with adaptive controls that sense brake and accelerator action to ensure it’s always in the right gear for the given situation. Another option on the new Toyota GR86 is adaptive front lighting (headlights that point into turns for better corner illumination), but it’s available only on the Premium trim.Engine and transmission Power for the 2022 Toyota GR86 comes from a new 2.4-liter flat-4 engine. The new 2.4 is rated at 228 horsepower, an 11% improvement over the previous 2.0-liter. More significantly, it puts out 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm, versus only 156 lb-ft at 6,400 rpm for the 2.0. The new 2.4 is a high-compression engine, and it uses a combination of direct fuel injection and port fuel injection, the latter to improve combustion efficiency in light-load conditions. As a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) powerplant, the new 2.4-liter has crisp throttle response. Power is sent to the limited-slip differential via a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with shift paddles. The manual gearbox has had its linkage improved and its clutch strengthened, while the automatic now has been enhanced with greater torque capacity. EPA fuel economy has dropped slightly. The 2022 Toyota 86 was rated at 21 mpg city/28 highway with a manual and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway with an automatic. The respective new EPA figures for the 2022 Toyota GR86 are 20/27 (manual) and 21/31 (automatic). 2.4-liter flat-4
228 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (manual), 21/31 mpg (automatic) This story originally ran on KBB.com.

مارس 11, 2022

Is it safe to use regular gas in cars that requires premium?

HAMPTON, Va. — If you drive a car, it seems there is no way to avoid the rising cost of filling up. Some drivers are experimenting by putting regular gas in cars designed to take a higher octane. “I use premium, and every time I go somewhere, I’m steady looking at my gas hand,” Debora Stancel said.Stancel drives a Volkswagen that requires her to use premium gas. However, she said she can’t afford it right now, leading her to make other decisions that will be easier on her pockets.”I have an older car — it’s a 2004 Dodge Stratus. It uses nothing but regular [gas]. I’m getting ready to put it on the road in two weeks. I’ve already checked, and that’s the car I will be driving until the gas come down,” Stancel said.Ernest Daniels, a local who’s also shocked about rising gas prices, said, “I get premium, so it’s looking like I will have to switch over to regular because of the price raise.”The owner of Hampton Roads Car Care said that sometimes premium gas can be switched out for regular without changing how your car drives.”Temporarily, it shouldn’t affect how the car drives. Long-term, I would say… I would think about changing back to premium if you had to when the gas prices go back down. But with new technology, the newer vehicles’ computer will adjust to the octane change,” said owner Won O. However, it can cause long-term issues, like causing your car engine to make a knocking sound, O warned. But for the short-term, O said drivers can use a grade lower to save money.”Right now because of gas prices, I would go for the lower grade just for a little while,” O said.Car experts said the long-term effects on your car can be hearing a rattling sound. Reduce your miles per gallon, and there could be an issue with your engine sensors. AAA offers the following tips on how to save on fuel while on the road:

Tires & maintenance – Keep your vehicle in top shape with routine inspections and in between, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Plan ahead – Map your route before you go to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times. Combine errands and go to “one-stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).
Watch your speed – Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
Avoid excessive idling – A car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
Use “fast pass” or “express” toll lanes – Avoiding unnecessary stops or slowdowns on the highway helps save fuel.
Avoid rush hour – Take advantage of flex work hours to avoid commuting during peak traffic times.
Anticipate road conditions – Watch the traffic ahead and “time” stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary stop and go.
Regular vs. Premium – If regular gas is recommended for your vehicle, that’s all you need. Opting for premium when your car doesn’t require it will only cost you money and doesn’t improve fuel economy.
Shop around & save – To find the best gas price in your area, use the AAA Mobile App. AAA Members should enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program to save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional fill-up.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Use Gas Tracker to find cheapest gas prices in Central Virginia

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مارس 3, 2022

How to Rent Your Stuff for Cash

Moment, E+ / Getty Images

Are you looking to raise cash to pay down debt, boost your retirement savings, replenish your emergency fund or pay for a nifty vacation? Have you thought of renting the stuff you seldom use?

Right now there are a plethora of websites with handy apps you can use to identify potential renters, complete transactions and get paid quickly. They are similar to the apartment rental app Airbnb, only for items like clothes, parking spots and power tools.

Here are six categories to start with. In each case be sure to read the fine print. When renting out your possessions, look for an insurance or protection plan to fall back on should you encounter a problem with a renter, or your property be lost, stolen or damaged.

1. The bling in your closet

Let’s say you’re a woman with a closet full of designer shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories. Or you’re a guy with a killer tux. You can offer these pricey items for rent through StyleLend.

You simply list your items, get a renter, approve the individual and prepare the goods for shipping within 24 hours. You’ll be paid 80 percent of the fee through Venmo or Paypal. Clothing must fit the customer, of course. It will be returned to you in a prepaid envelope after seven days.

What if merchandise is damaged? Customers pay a $5 insurance fee to cover fixable repairs up to $50. Should the article suffer greater damage, or be lost, stolen or unfixable, the customer will be charged the replacement cost or the item’s current monetary value.

2. Your car

You enjoy having a car but seldom use it. Maybe you have a second vehicle that often sits idle. Try turning to Turo. This car-sharing platform, available in many major U.S. cities, connects you with drivers in your area who may want to rent your wheels. Rental rates are attractive but lower than those typically charged by car rental agencies.

Turo sets the rate for your car based on competitive factors, lists and markets it, and checks out potential drivers. It offers insurance coverage and roadside assistance. With Turo, you keep 65 to 85 percent of the receipts per rental. Payments are deposited into your bank account within days.

The platform estimates that you can earn up to $10,000 a year (depending on the car), suggesting that you might use the revenue to purchase and rent out additional vehicles and build a lucrative side business.

3. Your RV

Say you have a recreational vehicle that you love but use just a few weeks a year — an expensive investment that is costly to maintain. With RVShare and Outdoorsy, you can rent out your wheels by the day or week and earn as much as $50,000 a year.

Both platforms list your vehicle, but you set the rental rate, considering the make, model, amenities and model year. RVShare and Outdoorsy verify renters in advance, offer insurance and provide 24/7 roadside assistance. They charge a commission or a transaction fee. All payments go directly into your bank account.

فوریه 11, 2022

As 3G phases away you may lose a lifesaving safety feature in your car – WTVC

As 3G phases away you may lose a lifesaving safety feature in your car WTVC .