Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Auto Safety Technology That Will Change Driving in 2022

According to an investigation by US DOT (United States Department of Transportation), approximately 94 percent of all car accidents are caused by human error. The remaining two percent occur as a result of mechanical failure.  Improved auto safety helps. This means a considerable number of all driving-related deaths and most traffic accidents are preventable. Fortunately, vehicles have become much safer. Lane departure, forward collision, rear cross traffic and blind spot warning, together with automatic emergency braking, are features currently used, as reported by the NHTSA. Some emerging vehicle safety technologies under development or improvement: 1. Connected Vehicles technology – cars that “talk” to each other A communication system allows vehicles to “talk” to each other wirelessly using a short-range communication

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Top 10 tips for winter driving

As the weather continues to get colder, the impending snowfall can exciting. But winter driving in inclement weather can create significant road hazards. If you drive in the snow, important safety tips should be followed? Here are some top safety tips and considering for winter driving: Do Not Drive in the Winter Weather Unless You Must Although hailstorms are more common during spring and summer, blocks of ice and snow during winter can still cause damage to your car’s exterior. Whichever season you may be driving in, though, it pays to be more careful. Once the hailstorm starts damaging your car, it also pays to entrust it to professionals at an established auto hail repair shop. For those residing in

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Versatile 2021 Ford F-150 has PowerBoost hybrid engine option

The 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine is offered as an option in the 2021 Ford F-150 and changes the game for V-6 engines in pickup trucks. The combination of a V-6 and a pickup truck was once relegated to use as service vehicles and for supervisors to drive. Ford’s creation of the hybrid PowerBoost has raised the V-6 to a new level of functionality and usefulness. The PowerBoost performs at the level of a V-8, uses less gasoline, and takes advantage of proven technology to handle wear and tear once reserved for V-8 engines. An Overview of the Ford 3.5-liter PowerBoost The Ford 3.5-liter PowerBoost is a hybrid currently used in the manufacturer’s F-series of full-sized pickups starting in 2021. It’s

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How to properly read tires of all shapes, sizes

Learning how to read tires is a valuable skill to have many reasons. Whether you are in the market for new tires, checking their recommended tire pressure, or making sure they aren’t expired, there are many numbers and codes to know. Reading the Date Code on Tires Even if your tires don’t have high mileage on them or still have tread it is still a good idea to monitor their age. After seven years, many companies will no longer rotate and balance tires because of the degradation of rubber becoming a safety issue. Most tire manufacturer warranties cover the brand’s tires for four years from the date of purchase or five years from the week the tires were manufactured. If

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Automotive websites done right provide great resources

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Automobiles are among humanity’s most exciting inventions. A wealth of different types of cars, trucks and other vehicles can provide vast freedoms for drivers. As such, a car website —  a sales platform, blog, or review site — can be a great online venture for those who love all things automotive. Automotive Websites: Quality Begets Success To assist someone starting an automotive here’s an inventory of the best features for a website to stand out with starting a website like this, this article will be exploring some of the best features Image Content Delivery Images are vastly important automotive websites. Readers and potential customers want to view vehicles being discussed. Simple 2D images are standard, but 3D models

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What Does the Type Of Car You Drive Say About You?

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Glamorous supercar, agricultural workhorse, or a trendy hot hatch?  Whatever floats your boat (or tows your boat if you’re lucky enough to be living the dream) could say more about you to others than first imagined. We chatted to Dave R., winner of a Range Rover Sport after entering online car competitions, about why he had to enter for that particular car. “I was randomly scrolling through social media and came across the image of the vehicle which instantly grabbed my attention. I’ve always wanted one and like the look and spec,” he said. Dave’s drive (pardon the pun) was clearly the vehicle’s nuances and its attention-grabbing looks. So are we all just about the image? Selling a

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Road rules and rage: should you drive more defensively?

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Driving defensively is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road. It ensures you’re doing everything you can to follow the law, and it lays any fault in an accident on the other driver However, drivers who have gotten used to driving can find it mundane and develop bad habits. Drivers can forget from when they learned to drive and thus make unfortunate mistakes. It’s a good reminder to drive defensively. Here’s a refresher tips list:   Have You Had Close Calls While Driving? Having a close call can be unnerving. If it’s occurred recently, revisit your past year of driving. Consider the potential severity of the occasion and how to avoid future difficulties. Also,

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7 ways to make your used car last longer

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make your used car go the extra mile, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. From ordering new tires online to fixing the upholstery, you can make your used car look fresh again. Here are seven affordable ways to make your pre-owned vehicle look great: 1. Add Sound Matting Older cards can frequently begin to vibrate to an unpleasant degree, but you can dampen the sound to make your riding experience more enjoyable. Sound matting usually means adding a rubber material to your car, which does double duty as insulation and a sound-reducer. This is an addition that makes an obvious improvement to your daily commute. 2. Buy

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Top tips for purchasing your first classic car

If you’re a classic car enthusiast, it’s likely you’ve considered or will contemplate buying a vintage vehicle. Whether it’s a 1968 Ford Mustang or a classic Cadillac, there’s much to consider: Is the car you’re considering worth its price or does the vehicle have undiagnosed mechanical issues that will cost a fortune to maintain. Buying A Classic Car? Research Here are some tips to consider when purchasing your first classic. You’ll shop like a veteran car buyer and have a better chance of not making a costly mistake. Run Away From Rust Rust can be a deal-breaker for a used car, but when considering a vehicle that may be 30 to 50 years old, rust is expected. But to what

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Subaru WRX, the third generation of the compact sports sedan, features improved performance and the most advanced features in the car’s nearly 20-year history. Powered by a new 2.4-liter, turbocharged 271-horsepower engine, the WRX has either a six-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. New also are a high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch multimedia system and the latest generation driver-assist technology. The WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering

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How to prepare to choose the right new car to buy

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Besides buying a house, purchasing a car is likely the most expensive personal expense. So, it’s important to make the right choice. But what’s the best way to make the best choice? Questions can vary greatly. How much can I afford? What’s the best car for family travel or for long journeys? What’s the best value or most dependable brand? If you’re partial to certain manufacturers you right asked where is Jeep made? Are hybrids or electric cars good choices? Is a sedan a better option than an SUV? Determining what car will serve your needs best can be daunting, so here are some guidelines: Review Your Budget Before you start test-driving vehicles and researching the latest technologies

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22 ways to update and customize a car if you want to

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT One great thing about owning a vehicle is you can customize it.  If you decide to do so, lots of choices are available for many parts of the vehicle. Here’s a list of areas to consider: Tires Choosing high-performance tires can improve the car’s grip on the roar and reduce fuel costs. Big Brake Kits Car owners who opt for bigger or modified wheels are increasingly installing bigger brake kits. Often, bigger brake kits are more attractive. More important, larger options improving stopping efficiency, withstand higher road temperatures and keep brakes cool longer. Wheels Aftermarket wheels are a great way to customize your car. if combined with a new, larger brake it and higher-end performance and tires, and

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#187, Cars.com index: Tesla, the most American made

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:08 — 38.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreTesla innovation has changed the automotive world with a lot of industry firsts. Its latest designation is the top spot on the latest American Made Index (AMI). Introduced 16 years ago by the editors of Cars.com, the AMI analyzes a range of factors to determine the  percentage of new cars and trucks made American Kelsey Mays, the assistant managing editor at the online motoring website that debuted in 1998, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. He discusses with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia the latest index result and Tesla’s top spot. “We like to think that the index

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2024 Honda Prologue SUV

The 2024 Honda Prologue, the first in a pending lineup of battery electric vehicles, will debut in less than three years as the carmaker continues to target its goal of a fully electric fleet by 2040. Few details of the sport utility vehicle were revealed in the recent announcement, but Honda said the Prologue will operate on GM’s Ultium batteries. It will be available in the United States and Canada. An all-electric Acura SUV will also debut in 2024. Honda previously announced its plans for its vehicles in the second of this decade to operate on a new “e:Architecture.” Honda Prologue Begins BEV surge Besides its 100 percent fully electric goal by 2040, Honda says its shorter-term goal is 40

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Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Scrapping Your Car

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Scrapped automobiles globally produce more than 25 million tons of recycled material every year. It’s among the most of all consumer goods recyclables. So, rather than have your old car rust away in your garage, why not have it scrapped? Almost every part of the car is recyclable, and the process helps protect the environment. Recycled metal is made into new sheets of metal used to manufacture new cars, saving energy and resources needed for metal production. Why not contribute to a better environment and get paid for it? Scrapping Your Car Properly But before scrapping your car consider how to avoid five common mistakes. Going with the first junkyard you find There are tons of junkyard options

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#185, West Coast Bike Week set for Monterey Peninsula debut

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:20 — 38.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreMotorcycle racing and lots of related activities will add to the always-full calendar of motorsports with the debut of West Coast Bike Week at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The community-focused, 10 days of racing and fan interaction will be geared toward those who enjoy all things on two wheels. Barry Toepke, Director of Heritage Events & Public Relations for the raceway, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich discuss with Toepke the new series as the racetrack’s future as pandemic restrictions have been upgraded. Activities will begin July 9 at the MotoAmerica in downtown

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