INSIDER
Lax helmet laws have killed more than 20,000 motorcyclists, study shows
Read full article: Lax helmet laws have killed more than 20,000 motorcyclists, study showsState laws that allow motorcyclists not to wear helmets are costing lives every year, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Consumer Reports offers first-ever brand rankings for used cars
Read full article: Consumer Reports offers first-ever brand rankings for used carsConsumer Reports is here to help with its first-ever brand ranking for used cars, helping you find the best, most reliable ride to fit your needs and budget.
Safe & affordable: Safety groups reveal best used cars for your teen drivers
Read full article: Safe & affordable: Safety groups reveal best used cars for your teen driversTwo safety groups -- Consumer Reports and the IIHS -- share their top picks and features so you know what to look for when buying a used car for your young driver.
Small SUV safety features can save drivers thousands in repair costs, study finds
Read full article: Small SUV safety features can save drivers thousands in repair costs, study findsMost small SUVs are doing a good job of avoiding some of the most common types of crashes, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Updated list of recommended cars for teens includes options focused on safety for every budget
Read full article: Updated list of recommended cars for teens includes options focused on safety for every budgetConsumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety teamed up to update this year’s list of recommended cars for teens, and there are options for every budget.
Hotter temperatures release toxic fumes from flame retardants in cars, study warns
Read full article: Hotter temperatures release toxic fumes from flame retardants in cars, study warnsFlame retardants in the foam of vehicle seats may increase exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals, especially in the summer heat, according to a new study by the American Chemical Society.
Consumer Reports releases its 10 best cars of 2024
Read full article: Consumer Reports releases its 10 best cars of 2024Every year, Consumer Reports buys and tests about 50 new cars, measuring things like performance, fuel economy, and how easy it is to install a child seat. So if you’ve been waiting to make that big purchase, Consumer Reports is here to help with its annual must-see list of the top new cars of the year.
Consumer Reports: Not all cars with All-Wheel Drive are the same
Read full article: Consumer Reports: Not all cars with All-Wheel Drive are the sameDoes it seem like most new cars are sold with all-wheel drive? You’re not wrong. Consumer Reports says while more than half of new cars come with all-wheel drive, there are some things drivers need to know.
On this day: The first tri-color traffic signal was installed in Detroit in 1920
Read full article: On this day: The first tri-color traffic signal was installed in Detroit in 1920On this day in 1920, the way people drove was changed forever when a Detroit traffic cop installed a four-way, tri-color traffic signal on Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
Crash tests: The 3 mid-size luxury SUVs that are safest for backseat passengers
Read full article: Crash tests: The 3 mid-size luxury SUVs that are safest for backseat passengersCrash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show three mid-size luxury SUVs offer "solid" protection for front and back seat safety.
Struggling to make car payments? Here’s what to do
Read full article: Struggling to make car payments? Here’s what to doUnexpected life events, like a job loss or drop in income, may affect your ability to pay your bills, including car payments. The FTC has advice for what to do if you get behind on payments.
JEA calling for 100+ drivers for new study on EV charging habits
Read full article: JEA calling for 100+ drivers for new study on EV charging habitsJEA needs dozens of people to be a part of a study that will review habits when it comes to charging electric vehicles. The research will last for one full year.
Thanksgiving travel: When to hit the road to avoid the holiday gridlock
Read full article: Thanksgiving travel: When to hit the road to avoid the holiday gridlockThe holiday travel season officially starts Friday and 3 million Floridians are expected to hit the road or head to the airport over the next week.
Checks you should make on your vehicle before you travel for the holidays
Read full article: Checks you should make on your vehicle before you travel for the holidaysAAA expects to rescue over 360,000 stranded motorists nationwide over Thanksgiving weekend. The three most common reasons expected for service calls are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
A teen’s hit-and-run death could change how auto body shops operate
Read full article: A teen’s hit-and-run death could change how auto body shops operateAuto repair shops would have to request crash reports or file a form with authorities before repairing damaged vehicles, under a new bill filed by Florida Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota.
Would a flying car actually be viable for the public?
Read full article: Would a flying car actually be viable for the public?During a presentation of the car, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny said the car has eight propeller motors and can both drive on the street, and take off and fly vertically over traffic.
Consumer Reports: How to find a roadside assistance plan that works for you
Read full article: Consumer Reports: How to find a roadside assistance plan that works for youRoadside assistance plans can often help get you out of a jam, but there are a lot of options these days, and with everyone on a tight budget, the question is: What kind of coverage do you really need?
Consumer Reports demonstrates dangers of ‘frontover’ crashes, hopes for changes
Read full article: Consumer Reports demonstrates dangers of ‘frontover’ crashes, hopes for changesConsumer Reports is now demonstrating the danger, hoping it will show the need for technology to help prevent frontover crashes.
Making Ends Meet: How to negotiate or avoid dealer fees when shopping for a new car
Read full article: Making Ends Meet: How to negotiate or avoid dealer fees when shopping for a new carIf you need a new car, that’s more expensive too -- especially when dealer fees are tacked on to that final price. But Consumer Reports says certain fees can be negotiated or avoided altogether.
New initiative unveiled for aspiring mechanics to help with industry-wide shortage
Read full article: New initiative unveiled for aspiring mechanics to help with industry-wide shortageThe effort hopes to help low-income students obtain a two-year certification program in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois and Texas.
Florida lawmakers propose bill to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Read full article: Florida lawmakers propose bill to crack down on catalytic converter theftsFlorida lawmakers are trying to crack down on thieves stealing catalytic converters from vehicles. This is happening more and more often, even in broad daylight.
Consumer Reports experts help you make the right decisions for your family when buying a car
Read full article: Consumer Reports experts help you make the right decisions for your family when buying a carIf you are buying a car, there are several things to consider -- from knowing what you’re paying for to deciding if you should lease or buy. We turned to the experts at Consumer Reports to help you make the right choice for you and your family.
What to know if you’re getting unwanted calls about extended auto warranties
Read full article: What to know if you’re getting unwanted calls about extended auto warrantiesAfter announcing a settlement in a case against American Vehicle Protection, the Federal Trade Commission offered consumers some important advice if they're receiving unwanted calls about extended auto warranties.
Consumer Reports: Hot, new rides that won’t flatten your wallet
Read full article: Consumer Reports: Hot, new rides that won’t flatten your walletLow inventory and high prices make this a tough time to buy a car. So if you've been waiting to make that big purchase, Consumer Reports just released its yearly must-see list of the top new cars of the year.
2023 Jax International Auto Show FAQ: Automakers, attractions & cars you can test drive
Read full article: 2023 Jax International Auto Show FAQ: Automakers, attractions & cars you can test driveOver 30 automotive brands are showing off their latest innovations at the 2023 Jax International Auto Show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center downtown, including sports cars, EVs, trucks and SUVs.
Driver’s Ed: Being a better defensive driver could save your life. Here’s what you should know.
Read full article: Driver’s Ed: Being a better defensive driver could save your life. Here’s what you should know.Every year, more than 30,000 people die in car accidents in the U.S. Experts say most of those crashes are preventable.
I-TEAM: Jacksonville records 900 catalytic converter thefts in 11 months as thieves steal auto parts at alarming speed
Read full article: I-TEAM: Jacksonville records 900 catalytic converter thefts in 11 months as thieves steal auto parts at alarming speedThe News4JAX I-TEAM has learned Jacksonville police alone worked 900 cases of catalytic converter theft in the first 11 months of 2022. Many cases involve multiple vehicles at the same address, making the total number of converters stolen greater than 900.
Prepping your vehicle for freezing cold temps
Read full article: Prepping your vehicle for freezing cold tempsNearly 113,000,000 people are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holidays. With temperatures dropping nationwide, mechanics are reminding drivers to make sure their cars are prepared for winter driving.
Shopping for a used car? Here are some tips to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle
Read full article: Shopping for a used car? Here are some tips to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicleFollowing hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Federal Trade Commission is warning potential buyers of how to steer clear of a flood-damaged car.
Feeling pinched by car insurance premiums? Here are some ways to save
Read full article: Feeling pinched by car insurance premiums? Here are some ways to saveAs inflation drives the cost of everything from groceries, gas and housing higher, many Floridians are looking for ways to save money. With several factors driving the state’s car insurance premiums to be the highest in the nation, there are ways you can try to cut that cost.
VW recalls vehicles for tire pressure monitoring malfunction
Read full article: VW recalls vehicles for tire pressure monitoring malfunctionVolkswagen is recalling nearly 225,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the tire pressure monitoring systems may not detect air losses in all four tires at the same time.
NTSB wants all new vehicles to check drivers for alcohol use
Read full article: NTSB wants all new vehicles to check drivers for alcohol useThe National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that all new vehicles in the U.S. be equipped with blood alcohol monitoring systems that can stop an intoxicated person from driving.
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Here are some answers to common questions
Read full article: Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Here are some answers to common questionsIn a recent Consumer Reports survey, more than a third of people said they would strongly consider buying an electric car. One of the top reasons is that it costs less to charge one than to refuel a gas car.
A vehicle is stolen every 43.8 seconds. Don’t be the next target.
Read full article: A vehicle is stolen every 43.8 seconds. Don’t be the next target.July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages people to stay alert to avoid becoming the next target.
Gas prices are still relatively high: Here’s how to save on that road trip
Read full article: Gas prices are still relatively high: Here’s how to save on that road tripWhether you’re trying to plan a safe and affordable road trip before the school year starts or just looking for ways to cool your car without wasting fuel -- we found out everything you need to know from the auto experts at Consumer Reports.
Park outdoors: Ford expands recall for possible engine fires
Read full article: Park outdoors: Ford expands recall for possible engine firesFord is expanding a recall of SUVs and telling owners to park them outside after a series of engine fires that can happen even when the ignition switches are off.
Toyota recalls electric car for faulty wheel that may detach
Read full article: Toyota recalls electric car for faulty wheel that may detachToyota is recalling 2,700 of its bZ4X crossover vehicles globally for wheel bolts that could become loose, in a major setback for the Japanese automaker’s ambitions to roll out electric cars.
Running on empty could be more costly than filling the tank -- even with high gas prices
Read full article: Running on empty could be more costly than filling the tank -- even with high gas pricesAAA said it responded to 200,000 out-of-gas calls from January to April. That is 150,000 more than the same time last year.
Your bumper stickers may reveal more about you than you realize
Read full article: Your bumper stickers may reveal more about you than you realizeThey seem innocent; bumper stickers that reveal to passing motorists how many children you have, where they attend school, the sports they play and hobbies your family enjoys, but to a would-be criminal they may signal an opportunity to target your children or your home.
Hyundai announces $5.5B electric vehicle plant in Georgia
Read full article: Hyundai announces $5.5B electric vehicle plant in GeorgiaHyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands — a deal Georgia’s governor called the largest economic development project in the state’s history.
How have environmentally friendly activities changed over the past 10 years?
Read full article: How have environmentally friendly activities changed over the past 10 years?But compared to recent times, exactly how much have activities such as recycling, dieting or using electric vehicles changed or evolved?
Park outdoors: Ford recalls SUVs due to engine fire risk
Read full article: Park outdoors: Ford recalls SUVs due to engine fire riskFord is asking the owners of 350,000 vehicles in to take them to dealers for repairs in three recalls, including about 39,000 that should be parked outdoors because the engines can catch fire.
Driving assistance tech continues to underperform in AAA tests
Read full article: Driving assistance tech continues to underperform in AAA testsAAA experts said another round of testing for driving assistance systems revealed more inconsistencies with their performance -- resulting in crashes with a simulated car and bicyclist.
Going under the hood with AAA as auto club releases annual car guide
Read full article: Going under the hood with AAA as auto club releases annual car guideIf you’re in the market for a new car, AAA is releasing its annual car guide Thursday, giving drivers an unbiased understanding of the latest automotive technology.
Millions of cars to lose some safety features when 3G shuts down, Consumer Reports warns
Read full article: Millions of cars to lose some safety features when 3G shuts down, Consumer Reports warnsAs wireless carriers begin shutting down those old 3G networks, millions of connected cars may lose important safety features.
Common misconceptions about new driver assistance systems & how to use them
Read full article: Common misconceptions about new driver assistance systems & how to use themIf you have a new car, there’s tech built in that’s supposed to make traveling down the road a much safer experience, but the fact is that technology has its limitations.
Inflation and car prices: What’s going on? How did this happen?
Read full article: Inflation and car prices: What’s going on? How did this happen?It seems like you hear about it more and more these days: The extreme lengths people are going to in order to buy a new house; how much it costs to fill up the gas tank; and what we’re spending at the grocery store.
How do your county’s current gas prices compare to last week, last month?
Read full article: How do your county’s current gas prices compare to last week, last month?If you’ve been to the gas pumps lately, or even listened to any news outlet, you’re likely well aware that gas prices are at a painful high.
Buying a new car? Do steep sticker prices have you pumping the brakes? Let us know!
Read full article: Buying a new car? Do steep sticker prices have you pumping the brakes? Let us know!Most automotive experts will tell you that, right now, you’re going to have a heck of a time finding a good deal on a new car!
What you need to know: The 2022 Jacksonville International Auto Show rolling into town
Read full article: What you need to know: The 2022 Jacksonville International Auto Show rolling into townIt's your chance to see and sit in some of the most-anticipated new vehicles at the 2022 Jacksonville International Auto Show.
I-TEAM: Changes by Carvana will allow company to continue to operate in Florida
Read full article: I-TEAM: Changes by Carvana will allow company to continue to operate in FloridaThere are new developments in a News4JAX I-TEAM investigation into Carvana and the delays customers have faced in getting their tags and titles after buying a car.
I-TEAM: Carvana faces Monday deadline to submit information to state
Read full article: I-TEAM: Carvana faces Monday deadline to submit information to stateThe Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles demanded Carvana submit all of its title applications for any sale the company made prior to Dec. 1, 2021, by Monday.
Rubber shortage, pandemic fueling tire supply issues at stores & dealers in U.S.
Read full article: Rubber shortage, pandemic fueling tire supply issues at stores & dealers in U.S.If you’ve recently had a hard time replacing an unrepairable tire or tires that are low on tread life -- you’re not alone.
I-TEAM: State threatening to suspend Carvana’s license to sell cars in Florida
Read full article: I-TEAM: State threatening to suspend Carvana’s license to sell cars in FloridaThe News4JAX I-TEAM has uncovered new troubles for the online used car dealer Carvana, which could lose its license to sell cars in the state of Florida.
Sources: Rivian to build $5B electric truck plant in Georgia
Read full article: Sources: Rivian to build $5B electric truck plant in GeorgiaSources briefed on the decision say electric truck maker Rivian Automotive will announce Thursday that it’s building a $5 billion battery and assembly plant east of Atlanta projected to employ 7,500 workers.
Why do squirrels run out in front of drivers so often?
Read full article: Why do squirrels run out in front of drivers so often?When it comes to drivers running over animals by accident, a lot of attention is rightfully focused on deer, since they are the animals that are run over the most nationwide, resulting in the most damage to cars, according to this website.