Diesel pickup truck drivers know how to cheat — a lot

Cheating on diesel trucks emissions standards is widespread throughout the United States. The results of a recent study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Enforcement Division detail the removal of emission controls from more than 550,000 diesel pickup trucks around the country in the past decade.   States without regular vehicle inspections have the highest percentage of diesel trucks with defeat devices. North Dakota has 18.6 percentage of defeat devices. Idaho (15 percent), Wyoming (14.2), Maine (13.5) and Michigan (13) are also high on the cheat list. California, which has strict enforcement of emissions standards, has a 1.8

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Last-minute holiday gifts for auto buffs

Using a gas can properly is simple, except for when it isn’t. Spilling fuel is never a good thing. Scepter believes it has curtailed potential problems with its SmartControl containers. Available in one to 14-gallon sizes and in different colors, Scepter makes polyethylene containers equipped with a user-controlled flow valve to direct the amount of fuel being dispensed. With three other varied items, the containers make good last-minute holiday gifts. They’re also ideal canisters in which to add another gift or two for an automotive enthusiast. $16.99 to $230. www.amazon.com. Holiday gifts abound for car enthusiasts The Scepter containers work

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What To Consider Before Starting Driving Lessons

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If you’re thinking about taking driving lessons, there’s a lot to consider. The easy part is contacting a driving school and starting the classes. But before getting behind the wheel of the car, be certain you’ve done your homework. Here are a few key considerations: cost, preparation, lesson comfort before starting driving lessons: The Cost Once you’ve passed your driver’s test, you’ll need to pay for the lessons and the car rental for driving test. The additional costs come from the theory written tests, and it may be necessary to take each test more than once. When you’ve

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2021 Nissan Rogue SUV

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PRESS RELEASE When the carmaker began designing the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the company focused on delivering functionality, flexibility, technology and safety. It’s an ideal combination of attributes for the carmaker’s best-selling segment. The recently released Rogue crossover is the first of five new or redesigned Nissan models that will enter production in the next year. It follows Altima, Versa, Sentra and TITAN, all recently redesigned. Every 2021 Nissan Rogue features a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system. Horsepower is rated at 181, an increase of 11 hp. Torque is increased by 6 lb.-ft. to

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV

PRESS RELEASE The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in the emerging carmaker’s lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the carmaker’s fifth vehicle. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the next thirty days. “Now, with the upcoming release of the dynamic GV70 and

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4 Ways To Challenge Your Car Knowledge

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If anything defines someone who loves cars and car knowledge, it’s adventure, appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, and a willingness to try new things. Getting behind the wheel and enjoying a long road trip is good for the mind and spirit. It can also be that learning all you can about cars is the work of a lifetime. It’s enjoyment and provides long-term containment. Of course, challenging yourself can also be exhilarating, particularly if you think you already know everything about cars. Car Knowledge Challenge But how can you challenge what you think you know about cars and

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70

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The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in Genesis’ emerging lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the fifth vehicle in the Genesis lineup, joining the G70, G80, and G90 sedans and recently announced GV80 flagship SUV. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the

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#161, Clasiq.com, a start-up buying, selling classic cars

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:49 — 36.8MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreNew car sales are hurting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Used cars, car subscriptions, leasing, etc., are increasingly popular. Clasiq.com hopes for its share of the marketplace as an online start-up. As its name implies, Clasiq.com sells classic cars. It streamlines the process of buying and selling a classic vehicle. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Jeremy Birenbaum, Clasiq’s Creative Director, on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Birenbaum says Clasiq.com defines a classic vehicle as dating from 1994 and older. As

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Outfitting A Jeep Wrangler For Off-Road Adventure

A Jeep Wrangler purchased off the lot looks rugged enough to get through even the most difficult terrain. But it’s designed more for negotiating suburban roads, byways and highways. For instance, stock tires on Jeep vehicles are billed as all-terrain but relying on them in thick mud, backwoods or mountain conditions would likely be problematic. If mobile phone service is available, a towing service will likely be needed. Being stranded can be dangerous, particularly in harsh weather. If some serious off-roading Jeep adventuring is on the horizon, purchase some essential after-market accessories. Despite its awesome 4-wheel (high and low) capabilities

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Tips for keeping new drivers in your family safe

PARTNERSHIP CONTENT Many young new drivers experience a feeling of freedom. They no longer have to rely on family or friends for lifts to work or to public transportation locations. They’re on their own. But families of beginning drivers should lend support and keep a watchful eye. Here are some tips for keeping new drivers safe in your family: Encourage Them To Not Be Boastful Passing a first driver’s test marks an achievement often not forgotten. But with new confidence, sometimes eager rookie drivers take risks. Commonsense practices like keeping both hands on the wheel and adhering to speed limits

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Avoiding car trouble while driving on public roads

PARTNERSHIP CONTENT Car trouble can arise when driving on public roads, and good drivers do their best to avoid potential hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. But being safe on the road requires diligence, practice and good sense on how best to avoid potential catastrophe. Here are driving guidelines and practical tips to avoid car trouble and stay safe on the road. Only Drive If You Are Able It may be obvious, but drivers should only drive when they’re able to drive. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. If you think you might be impaired, don’t drive. The consequences can be

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#160, Automotive books sure bets as holiday gifts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:07 — 33.1MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEasy. Appreciated. Two words and a holiday gift issue solved. Buy automotive books for the enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list. Bruce Aldrich and I discuss a half-dozen automotive books on episode #160 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. We’ve had everal authors on the podcast in the past three years. All share a passion for the automotive industry — Chevrolet to Volkswagen, Jeep to the massive Takata airbag catastrophe. Here’s a synopsis of three of the books we discuss: * Russell Hayes, like all

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New Rivian EV a success before its pending debut

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The much-touted Rivian electric pickup truck has reached a milestone before one of its new trucks is sold. The start-up announced reservation slots for the futuristic-looking truck have sold. Rivian recently unveiled its final pricing and configurations for the first version of the R1T and R1S. The startup then opened up its configurator for pending owners who have placed reservations with a $1,000 deposit on its vehicles during the past two years. The pickup truck will be available to consumers in the summer of 2021 and with a starting price of $75,000. Rivian Pickup Still Pending Only Launch Edition versions

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Rezvani Hercules rules the kingdom of 6×6 trucks

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It’s called Hercules and for good reason. The recently unveiled 6×6 has been designated as the world’s most powerful 6×6 pickup truck. As the bigger brother of the Rezvani Tank, the new offering from the Irvine, California-based Rezvani Motors is built from Jeep Wrangler underpinnings. It’s 20-feet long and has an extra axle, a super long bed and six 37-inch wheels. Power statistics for the new beast area impressive: It has a Dodge Demon supercharged V8 that can produce 1,300 horsepower and 989 ft. lbs. of torque. The beast is propelled by an eight-speed auto transmission from the Dodge Ram

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Winter driving tips for new drivers

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Becoming a new driver when winter is approaching can be a challenge, particularly if you have primarily learned to drive in the summer when the weather and road conditions are better. If you’re a new (or experienced driver) and have just purchased a new car, here are tips for winter driving to keep you safe on the road. Take Winter Driving Slowly When you’re driving on the roads during the winter the most important thing to consider is the slippery surface. It is hard to see black ice patches of ice on the road at this time of

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#159, San Jose cannabis dispensary delivers in Teslas

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:40 — 46.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreChris Lane is the chief marketing officer of Airfield Supply Co., a cannabis dispensary in San Jose, California. Its name is derived from the company’s proximity to the San Jose International Airport. Its motto is “High Is A Place.” The company is thriving in the Silicon Valley, where marijuana delivery is a competitive segment of the business community. Airfield Supply also recently determined it can more efficiently deliver its product. It added six Tesla Model 3s to its delivery fleet. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and

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