Car Smarts

Your Car Is Spying on You — And You Probably Agreed to It

For years, Americans have been warned about smartphones tracking their every move. But few realize that their cars are now doing the same thing, often more aggressively, and with fewer legal safeguards. Modern vehicles are rolling computers. They log your routes, your speed, your phone contacts, even your voice commands. Automakers call it “connected convenience.”

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Car Rental Rip-Off: Hidden Fees and Fake Damage Claims

Renting a car should be simple: reserve it, drive it, return it. Yet for millions of travelers each year, what seems like a straightforward process can quickly turn into a source of stress and unexpected expense. Hidden fees, surprise insurance charges, and questionable damage claims have become common pitfalls in the rental world. Knowing how

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Winter Tire PROS Reveal Top Bridgestone Tire Secrets!

“If you think your tires are enough to tackle the ice… we drive with the winter tire pros and reveal the top Bridgestone Tire secrets! THINK ABOUT IT AGAIN. Every year, thousands of drivers lose control on icy roads due to a simple mistake: relying on tires that are NOT made for these conditions. Today

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The Surprising Truth About Car Leather Interiors Nobody Tells You

The surprising truth about Italian leather interiors nobody tells you about – we are going to call out the facts. To start, leather is durable, it’s sustainable, and it’s luxurious.  The Is It Leather? Team is headed to Italy for the Lineapelle Show and to explore the rich history of some of the world’s most

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Carjackings Are On The Rise – What Should You Do?

The “Car Coach” shares tips on how to protect yourself on the road  Lauren Fix, an automotive expert and journalist, shares tips for how to stay safe from carjackings  On today’s episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, Andrea Canning talks to Lauren Fix, the “Car Coach”, about what you can do to keep yourself safe from carjackings while you’re

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Join Me on an UNFORGETTABLE Adventure to Lake Como in a Veloce!

When in Italy you must take a drive from Milan to Lake Como. AlVazquez and Lauren Fix drive a 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and show you the route and some special stops along the way. Join us for the Vlog. More coming soon from Italy. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce offers a distinctive design with

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New Technology Will Use AI Speed Cameras Can ‘Spy Inside’ Your Car 

Technology is great! Except when it’s used to control and monitor everything we do. And now new AI speed cameras are being installed on road that will be able to spy inside our cars. These new cameras are set to be rolled out across the U.S. to catch motorists using mobile phones at the wheel or failing

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Buying a used car? Here’s everything you should know

Some of us of a certain age will forever associate used cars with the 1980 comedy of the same name. Particularly memorable is Kurt Russell’s performance as master salesman Rudy Russo. When a hapless would-be customer informs Rudy that he’s “just looking,” Rudy is unfazed and delivers the following pitch without taking a breath: Oh, hey:

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Dealerships Use These Tricks to Make You Spend More!

If you’re thinking of buying a car in 2024, try to hold off until July 30. That’s when the Federal Trade Commission’s new CARS rule goes into effect, which forces dealerships to stop using shady tactics like peppering you with hidden fees, overcharging for silly extras like nitrogen in your tires, and luring you in with

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10 reasons not to buy an electric car

Align: Vroom editors Paul Brian and Lauren Fix may be seasoned car industry experts, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to the electric vehicle hype. “As far as looks … spectacular,” says Lauren. “Technology, amazing. And all of this entices you because the car manufacturers are doing something completely different than they did before.”

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Finding The Best Car Insurance Company For Your Needs

Car insurance covers the driver’s liability car insurance covers you when you cause property damage or injuries to someone else. Homeowners and life insurance cover other areas of your life. The various types of car insurance coverage are available to help protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle if you’re involved in a car accident.

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7 Best Sports Cars That Are Worth Every Penny

Even if you’re not really a “car person,” you’ve probably caught a glimpse of a sleek sports car vrooming by and thought, “Wow, that’s a cool car.” Or, maybe you’re really into automobiles and have a seasoned appreciation for sports cars and would like to have your own. Sports cars can be pretty expensive and

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National Transportation Safety Board WANT Speed Limiters in Cars

We have played this game before. And we have won. Now it’s time to play it once more and we need your support! The NTSB urged 17 automakers to install intelligent speed-assistance technology in all new vehicles that, at a minimum, warn a driver when the vehicle is speeding. The National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB)

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Your Car Data Grabs Your Information Including Your Sex Life to Politics – A Privacy Issue!

How is this possible? The Mozilla Foundation studied 25 car brands and found some collecting data on sexual activity and political opinions. How can this happen? Drivers have been warned that cars present a “privacy nightmare” with vehicle manufacturers collecting extensive personal data on drivers, even including their sexual activities. A study of 25 car

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Surprise! Electric Vehicle Driving Range Is Even Worse Than Advertised

Electric vehicle manufacturers have exaggerated the driving range of their vehicles, sometimes by more than twice as much as advertised, according to a study by SAE International. On average, electric vehicles fall short of their advertised range by 12.5%, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers study. The study included 21 different brands, and revealed

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red_moon_rise / iStock.com

New Study Reveals Cheapest Area in US To Purchase a Used Car — Is It Worth the Trip?

By Vance CariagaMon, October 23, 2023 at 8:35 AM EDT They might not realize it, but people in Burlington (Vermont), Norfolk (Virginia), Nashville (Tennessee), St. Louis (Missouri) and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) have something in common: They all live within about 470 miles of Cleveland, Ohio. This means they’re within range of how far the average American

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Exposed: The Untold Truth About Inflated Car Prices and Insurance

Lauren Fix and David Bellavia discuss the untold story of increased prices of cars and the impact on insurance rates. The current increase in insurance costs and the impact to consumers is directly correlated to car prices and the UAW strike. Recalls on Kia, Hyundai and other brands are critical as governments, both local and

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Ultimate Guide to Buying American-Made Cars – You Will Be Surprised!

Many Americans consider where the products they buy are made, in hopes their purchase will contribute to the U.S. economy. While that might seem easy enough with a T-shirt, few items get as complicated as the set of wheels in your driveway being American. For car shoppers who want to buy an American-made vehicle, Cars.com’s

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UAW is Fighting Back Against Strict Electric Vehicle Emissions Plan

The UAW has an issue with the EPA vehicle emissions plan, and the impact to union workers is not making them happy. The Biden Administration is being pulled in two directions over the EPA’s proposed vehicle emission targets. Earlier this year, the agency revealed a plan to cut emissions by 56% which would result in

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Gas, Hybrid, or Electric: Choosing the Perfect Car for You

Gas prices and inflation have fluctuated wildly since 2020, and new sustainability laws dictating higher MPG rules are going into effect around the country. It’s no wonder, then, that nearly 60% of Americans have considered buying more fuel-efficient vehicles or electric or hybrid vehicles. Deciding whether to get a gas car versus a hybrid car versus an electric

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Car Coach Tips: Finding A First-Class Auto Transport Company

Dynamic Auto Movers has established itself as a reliable and reputable car logistics company, offering a range of professional transportation services. With their strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and commitment to ensuring the safe and secure transportation of vehicles, they have garnered a positive reputation in the transport industry. One notable aspect of Dynamic Auto

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Ultimate Guide to Buying American Made Cars – You Will Be Surprised!

Many Americans consider where the products they buy are made, in hopes their purchase will contribute to the U.S. economy. While that might seem easy enough with a T-shirt, few items get as complicated as the set of wheels in your driveway. For car shoppers who want to buy an American-made vehicle, Cars.com’s American-Made Index

Ultimate Guide to Buying American Made Cars – You Will Be Surprised! Read More »

Automaker group says EPA’s proposed automobile emissions guidelines are unachievable

The new proposed requirements from the EPA implies that electric vehicles (EV) would make up greater than half of new-vehicle gross sales by the 2030 model year and two-thirds by 2032. It would mark a large leap from the present car markets. EVs currently account for 7% of U.S. light-vehicle registrations within the first quarter

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A Car Expert Offers Tips For Finding A Reliable Mechanic

By Michael Harley, Contributor. Every new car and truck on the road will eventually need a service or a repair. While many new vehicles have their services and repairs covered by the dealer or manufacturer under warranty, owners of older vehicles often face expensive repairs and wonder if they can get services done elsewhere. “Most

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EPA’s Bold Move: Banning Gas Vehicles and You Pay More!

Here we go again – now California wants the federal government (EPA) to agrees to a nationwide ban on gas vehicles. California has asked the Biden administration to approve its plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids, a landmark move that could

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How to Find a Reliable Mechanic – Don’t Get Scammed Again

Car repairs can be costly — and if not done correctly, you can end up with a vehicle that isn’t safe to drive. That’s why it’s so important to have a mechanic you can trust. After you’ve done an initial search on Yelp and asked friends and family members for recommendations, there are a few important questions

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Why Tesla’s Advertising Announcement is a Game Changer

Elon Musk Says Tesla Will Start Advertising CarsThe Car Coach Reports’ Lauren Fix calls Elon Musk’s push to advertise Tesla ‘ironic’ and says his face ‘is the brand’. Tesla’s recent announcement that it will start advertising is a game changer for the auto industry. Tesla has never advertised before, relying on word of mouth and

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Most Drivers Fear Self-Driving Cars

Drivers are increasingly unsure about autonomous technology in cars. They fear the car taking control away from them and prefer to drive themselves. A recent AAA automated vehicle survey show that while there is still a high level of interest in partially-automated vehicle technology, attitudes toward fully self-driving vehicles have become increasingly apprehensive. Consumers like

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The “Pay Per Mile” Scandal: States are Making You Pay BIG TIME!

More toll roads are coming to your state, be prepared as states begin to convert highway, roads and street into toll lanes. You will have to pay for every mile driven. Governments are trying to tax us in to submission to take mass transit. Who does this really hurt, service workers, landscapers, plumbers and many

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Hidden COSTS of Electric Vehicles You Didn’t Know About

The new tax credits for consumers built into the Inflation Reduction Act will do little to speed up the transition to electric vehicles where affordability remains the critical issue. The ability of consumers of varying economic realities to buy electric vehicles is pivotal to their success, according to panelists at the annual Automotive Insights Symposium

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Wyoming Bans Sale Of Electric Vehicles by 2035 – What State is Next?

Well, this is very interesting – Wyoming has introduced state legislation to ban the sale of new electric vehicles by 2035 to ‘ensure the stability’ of its oil and gas industry. This, after car manufacturers and the federal government have pushed so hard to incentivize drivers to purchase or lease electric vehicles. This may be

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CAR THEFT WARNING: THE CRIMINAL USE OF APPLE AIRTAGS – Please watch and BE safe! Lauren

CAR THEFT WARNING: THE CRIMINAL USE OF APPLE AIRTAGSBy Lauren Fix Inexpensive wireless trackers are reportedly being used by thieves to locate and steal cars. Car thieves have been getting crafty and using new technology to steal your car. Some criminals use brute-force tactics, tow trucks, or other crafty ways to steal vehicles, While others

CAR THEFT WARNING: THE CRIMINAL USE OF APPLE AIRTAGS – Please watch and BE safe! Lauren Read More »

dangerous pothole driving safety

Watch Out for Potholes!

The very cold weather we’ve experienced this season, mixed with a few warm days, has really taken a toll on our roadways. Some of the potholes on the road are already like craters on the moon, while other are getting larger every day that traffic drives right through them. As the potholes grow, the damage to your vehicle becomes a safety risk and can take a chunk out of your wallet.

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mobil spring car care

Buying a New Car Vs. Maintaining Your Old Vehicle

April is National Car Care Month – a reminder that your trusty ride needs some TLC after months of wear and tear. You can save about $1,200 a year by doing basic maintenance yourself! A great investment considering the cost of a new vehicle is averaging $34,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.

These 4 tips will help you be prepared for the warmer temperatures and get the most out of your investment.

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What Does It Mean to Be Car Care Aware?

What Does It Mean to Be Car Care Aware?

Car care can be intimidating when you aren’t familiar with your car’s parts and systems, but when you know the right questions to ask, it puts you in the driver’s seat. Be Car Care Aware has developed the resources needed to empower you when it comes to maintenance decisions, along with top care tips. So, how can you Be Car Care Aware?

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Parking Lots Become Danger Zones at Holliday Time

Drivers on Naughty List as Parking Lots Become Danger Zones at Holiday Time!

This past holiday season, malls provided one-stop shopping for more than the ordinary patrons. Thieves, panhandlers, drive-by purse snatchers, car robbers and other such predators can always find almost anything they want in the extensive parking lots surrounding the malls. Read some handy car tips and tricks for staying safe by Lauren Fix, The Car Coach!

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Steer Clear of Deer! 5 Tips for Avoiding Animal-Car Collisions This Fall

Fall is a scenic time of year, but safe driving in autumn involves more than taking in the sights; it includes being mindful of the wildlife populations in your area. In fact, 4 out of 10 animal-vehicle collisions occur between October and December, due to mating, migration, and hunting seasons.

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Shelby Fix, Car Coach 2.0 on the Teen Driving BMW Tour

BMW Teen Driving – Highlighting the dangers of distracted driving

It’s no surprise that teens have the highest crash rate of any group in the United States. According to AAA, about 963,000 drivers aged 16 to19 were involved in police-reported crashes in 2013, resulting in 383,000 injuries and 2,865 deaths. The Car Coach 2.0, Shelby Fix, and BMW professional driving instructor and motorsport competitor, Kevin York, are available to provide safety tips for parents and their teen drivers.

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Increase the Value of Your Car and Save Up to $1,200 Per Year with 3 Simple Tips

Increase the Value of Your Car and Save Up to $1,200 Per Year with 3 Simple Tips By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®     Walking through a winter wonderland sounds nice when it’s set to music, but if your car breaks down on a freezing cold night, you’ll wonder why you didn’t winterize your

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Lauren Fix on 2 Wheels: A Glimpse into getting a Motorcycle License

 by Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® I just got my motorcycle license! It was one of those things that I went back and forth about because the only way it would ever happen was to take a motorcycle safety and training course.
 So Paul, my husband, and I took the Ride with a P.R.I.D.E. class

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