Apr 26

SUV Crashes into Laurel Convenience Store, Seriously Injures Teen

Police are investigating a crash into a Laurel convenience store Thursday night that left one 17-year-old seriously injured.

The Laurel Police Department says they were dispatched to the First Stop Gas Station on West Street on reports of a vehicle colliding with a building. There, police say they found an SUV had driven over the concrete parking barricades in the parking lot and into the convenience store. A 17-year-old pedestrian who had been leaning against the wall at the time was also struck.

An investigation reportedly revealed the 78-year-old driver of the SUV pulled into a parking spot outside the convenience store then exited the vehicle without placing it in park, according to police. As the SUV began rolling forward, the driver attempted to jump back into the vehicle and press the brake. Instead of the brake, however, police say the driver pressed down on the accelerator, driving the SUV onto the sidewalk.

The 17-year-old pedestrian, from Laurel, was taken to a local hospital for serious injuries.

The driver of the SUV was given two citations for Inattentive Driving and Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession.

Apr 26

Tesla Autopilot Under Scrutiny: 13 Fatalities and Hundreds of Crashes Investigated

Overview of Tesla Autopilot Investigation

Ongoing Safety Concerns

U.S. federal regulators are examining whether a recent recall by Tesla effectively addressed the safety concerns surrounding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. Despite Tesla’s detailed description of what its Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) can and cannot do, it still requires vigilant human oversight to ensure driver safety. This conclusion from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights significant challenges for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has placed considerable emphasis on the company’s autonomous driving technology.

Findings from NHTSA Investigation

The NHTSA’s comprehensive investigation, which spanned nearly five years and analyzed around 1,000 crashes, found that many incidents were due to driver misuse and the system’s insufficient monitoring of driver attention. Of the 956 crashes studied, the NHTSA identified that 13 resulted in fatalities and numerous others caused serious injuries. The Office of Defective Investigations (ODI) stated that “Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities,” indicating a critical safety gap.

Tesla Autopilot

The agency discovered that drivers could easily bypass the safety mechanisms designed to ensure they remained attentive while using Autopilot. For example, early Tesla models allowed drivers to use objects like an orange or a ball to apply pressure on the steering wheel, tricking the system into thinking the driver’s hands were still on the wheel. Although this issue was addressed in later models, it remains a significant point of concern.

Detailed Examination of Crashes

Among the 956 crashes reviewed, the NHTSA focused on trends in approximately half of these incidents. Specifically, they found:

  • 211 cases where the front of a Tesla collided with another vehicle or obstacle, situations where an attentive driver could have avoided or mitigated the crash.
  • 111 cases where the vehicle departed from the roadway due to the driver’s inputs inadvertently disengaging Autosteer.
  • 145 cases where the vehicle left the roadway under low traction conditions, such as on wet surfaces.

These patterns were observed across all Tesla models and hardware versions, underscoring systemic issues with Autopilot’s functionality.

Continued Regulatory Oversight

While the NHTSA closed its initial investigation following Tesla’s recall in December, which included modifications to Autopilot’s functions, the scrutiny is far from over. The agency has launched another probe into the effectiveness of these over-the-air updates, affecting over 2 million Tesla vehicles across all five models. This new investigation aims to confirm whether the fixes implemented have adequately resolved the safety concerns.

Broader Implications and Recent Incidents

The debate over Autopilot’s safety continues to be a hot topic. Recently, a Tesla driver was charged with vehicular homicide after their 2022 Model S, reportedly using Autopilot, collided with and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle. Although the police have not confirmed if Autopilot was engaged at the time, the driver admitted to using the system and being distracted by their phone.

This ongoing investigation highlights the critical need for drivers to remain attentive, regardless of the advancements in autonomous driving technology. Even with sophisticated ADAS systems, the responsibility of safe driving ultimately falls on the human behind the wheel.

Apr 26

Tesla Model Y vs. Tesla Model 3: A Comprehensive Comparison of Range, Price, Efficiency, and More

Comparing Tesla Model Y and Model 3

Introduction

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are among the best-selling electric vehicles on the market. With the recent buzz surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck, it’s easy to overlook the impressive technology, range, and performance that the Model 3 and Model Y offer. Both vehicles have their unique strengths, making it essential to compare them to determine which one best suits your needs.

Pricing and Value

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Cost Analysis

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

Recently, the Tesla Model 3 received an update for the 2024 model year, while the Model Y saw a significant price reduction. The Model 3 starts at $38,990, with the Performance model priced at $52,990. On the other hand, the Model Y begins at just $29,420, making it more affordable, especially with eligibility for federal tax credits that further lower its cost.

Tesla Model Y

In comparison, the Model 3 All-Wheel Drive is priced at $47,740. The Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive is slightly cheaper at $34,490, with the top-tier Performance model costing $37,990 before additional options. Both models offer various upgrades, including color, wheels, and Full Self-Driving Capability, which costs $8,000 as of April 2024.

Range and Efficiency

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Range Capabilities

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) interior

The Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant boasts an impressive range of 341 miles, while the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive offers up to 310 miles. Although these numbers are high, actual range can vary based on factors such as driving conditions, speed, and temperature. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive provides 272 miles, whereas the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive has a range of 260 miles.

Both models also feature Performance versions with slightly lower ranges due to their high-speed capabilities. The Model 3 Performance AWD has a range of 296 miles, while the Model Y Performance AWD offers 279 miles. These range estimates make both models suitable for long commutes and areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Charging and Performance

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Charging Speed and Acceleration

Tesla’s Supercharger network can add 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, making it convenient for long trips. Both the Model 3 and Model Y benefit from this fast-charging capability, with Superchargers now accessible to non-Tesla EVs as well. In terms of acceleration, the Model 3 Performance AWD is the quickest, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, while the Model Y Performance AWD completes the sprint in 3.5 seconds.

Tesla Model Y Home

The base Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the Long Range AWD variant takes 4.2 seconds. The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive takes 6.6 seconds, and the Long Range AWD variant accelerates in 4.8 seconds. These impressive performance figures highlight Tesla’s commitment to delivering high-speed, efficient electric vehicles.

Interior and Build Quality

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Interior Features and Build Quality

Tesla interiors are known for their minimalist design, featuring a central touchscreen for all controls and displays. The Model 3 includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass roof. The Model Y offers similar features but lacks ventilated seats.

Tesla Model 3 Performance 2024

Build quality has been a mixed bag for both models, with issues like panel alignment and noise insulation being common complaints. However, the updated Model 3 has shown improvements in these areas, offering better quality control and fewer build issues.

Driving Experience and Comfort

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Ride and Handling

Tesla Model Y LHD

The new Model 3 provides a sharp driving experience with a well-tuned suspension that balances comfort and agility. Its low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted batteries, ensures stable handling. Enhanced noise insulation in the 2024 model makes it quieter and more relaxing on highways.

Tesla FSD V12

The Model Y, with its higher seating position and spacious interior, offers a comfortable ride but can feel firm at times. Despite this, it remains a practical choice for families needing extra space. The Model Y’s handling is competent, with responsive steering and braking, though it lacks some of the Model 3’s noise insulation improvements.

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) interior
Tesla Giga Texas
Tesla Model 3 Performance 2024
Tesla Model Y

Conclusion

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cater to different needs but share many strengths. The Model 3, with its recent updates and improved quality, is a more refined choice. However, the Model Y’s spacious interior and lower price make it an attractive option for families. Ultimately, both models provide excellent range, performance, and value, solidifying their positions as top choices in the electric vehicle market.

Apr 26

A Close Look at the 2024 Mazda CX-90: One Major Drawback Holds It Back

Evaluating the 2024 Mazda CX-90

Growing Options for Family SUVs

The market for three-row SUVs continues to expand, offering families a range of new options. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 stands out with its spacious interior designed to accommodate parents, children, and even pets. Despite its many advantages, the 2024 Mazda CX-90’s technology feels somewhat outdated.

Tech Features in the 2024 Mazda CX-90

The technology in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 includes essential modern features but lacks cutting-edge advancements. Debuting in 2023, you might expect it to showcase the latest tech innovations found in contemporary SUVs. Instead, it appears to have borrowed much from the older CX-5 model, last redesigned in 2017.

While the CX-5 received minor tech updates, it hasn’t seen any significant overhauls. Keeping a uniform tech experience across the lineup is understandable, but integrating state-of-the-art technology in the CX-90 could set a new standard for other models to follow. Anticipation builds for the next generation of the CX-5, expected in 2025, which will hopefully feature more advanced technology.

Interior and Connectivity Features

The base model of the CX-90 comes with a 10.25-inch screen, which seems large but has a wide and narrow aspect that can make some details hard to read. Higher trims offer a more substantial 12.3-inch display. However, the infotainment system relies on Mazda’s traditional rotary dial, rather than touchscreen functionality, though Apple CarPlay can be controlled via touch.

One significant drawback is that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available in higher trims, leaving the base models less competitive. The digital gauge cluster remains largely analog with limited customization, but the head-up display includes modern features like road sign recognition and blind-spot warnings.

The HVAC system uses touch-sensitive buttons and toggle switches instead of physical dials, and the ambient interior lighting is minimal. The backup camera and 360-degree camera could benefit from better resolution, although the 12-speaker Bose audio system and intelligent safety features are commendable. USB-C ports in every row and a well-placed wireless phone charging pad are practical additions.

Comparison with Competitors

While some might appreciate the simplified technology for a more focused driving experience, those seeking more advanced tech might find the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe or Palisade more appealing. These models offer features like weather displays, nature sounds, quiet mode, and customizable ambient lighting.

Despite the tech shortcomings, the CX-90 excels in other areas, providing near-luxury comfort, ample space in each row, and impressive performance. Additionally, it offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, enhancing fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 delivers a comfortable and spacious ride, but its dated technology may be a letdown for tech-savvy consumers. Those prioritizing the latest tech features in their three-row SUV might explore other options, but the CX-90 still presents a solid choice for families seeking a balanced combination of space, comfort, and performance.

Apr 26

Leon’s Car Care Center Earns AAA Top Shop Award for the Sixth Year

Press Release from Leon’s Car Care Center

Award-Winning Service and Customer Satisfaction

Leon’s Car Care Center has proudly been named a AAA Top Shop for the sixth consecutive year. This prestigious award from the American Automobile Association (AAA) recognizes outstanding auto repair facilities in Northern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. Alan Slape, Senior Approved Auto Repair Specialist for AAA, highlighted that Leon’s scored in the top 5% of all 400 evaluated facilities, commending their exceptional customer service for AAA members.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Consistent Excellence

The AAA Top Shop designation is based on several criteria, including customer satisfaction, facility attractiveness, technician qualifications, AAA tow repair information, and social media and community reputation. Leon’s General Manager, Dale Warmuth, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their long-standing commitment to treating every vehicle with utmost care since 1961. As a token of appreciation, Leon’s offers a 10% labor discount to customers who present their AAA card.

Certifications and Community Involvement

In addition to the AAA Top Shop award, Leon’s Car Care Center is a Gold Certified NAPA Auto Care Center and an ASE Blue Seal certified auto repair center. Established in 1961, Leon’s continues to provide full-service auto repair and maintenance from their location at Broadway and Washington Streets in Eureka. For more information, call 707-444-9636, visit their website at leons-carcare.com, or follow them on Facebook.

Apr 26

Mazda Designer on Tiktok’s Most Modified Miatas ‘One of the Downsides to Living in a Free Country’

Bob Hall is an automotive legend, and all around fun guy. He was a Mazda designer and automotive journalist who is responsible for the existence of the MX-5 Miata. He continues to be a sports car fan and the patron saint of the Miata community. But some TikToker’s Miata modifications are too much even for Hall.

Legend has it that there would be no Miata without Bob Hall. His dad was a fan of British roadsters (think Triumphs and MGs), so he pitched a more reliable version of this classic formula to Miata’s company brass. At first, they said they didn’t have a budget for his project. So Hall worked on the B2600 pickup truck from 9-5, then stayed in the office to design the Miata nights and weekends. Miata finally greenlit the project for the 1989 model year and a legend was born.

The folks at Donut Media brought Bob Hall on and had a fantastic idea for a segment: they showed him some of the most wildly modified Miatas in the world and asked for his opinion. And Hall didn’t disappoint with his hilarious takes.

When he saw a stanced pink Miata with an extremely exaggerated camber he said, “Is that after the accident or before?” And the gem, “This is one of the downsides to living in a free country.” Before you say Hall just doesn’t understand the car culture, know he added, “I think there’s stance, but this guy doesn’t understand what stance is.”

Many tuners turbocharge their Miatas. And Hall isn’t against tuning in practice. He actually says, “What we got to make is a really really really fun blank canvas…The last designer of the car is the buyer.” But when he saw a Miata with two turbochargers so large that they covered the grille and headlights the had some quips. “We always thought the races it should be in are ones that have left and right hand curves, because anything else is just a drag.” Puns aside, he added, “Anyone that was predisposed toward straight line stuff, you used a rotary. There are cars you buy for performance, that’s why the RX-7 existed. That was the race car.”

I’ve never heard anyone refer to a proclivity for drag racing like a disease with the word, “predisposed.” But coming from the Miata’s designer, it makes some sense.

My lifted Miata
byu/Due-South4633 inMiata

Hall had some heartfelt comments too. When he first saw a lifted rally spec Miata his response was, “Whoah what is that” and he made some wisecracks about a Miata moon rover and “Some s—h— driving a Miata turned into an SUV.” But then he said, “I’ll be serious for a moment here. It bothers me less than a Miata sitting, rusting away in a junkyard.”

Hall did have some advice for anyone thinking of lifting a Miata: “I’d find one of those (Mazda) 323 painted the weird colors, put 323 four-wheel drive in it, and make that the lift thing.”

Apr 26

Tesla Cybertruck Teardown Continues With A Look At Its Steer-By-Wire System

The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the first passenger vehicles with no mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels.

Even though Infiniti was the first manufacturer to bring steer-by-wire to a production car almost 10 years ago, that system was optional, and you could still opt for a conventional setup with a mechanical link between the helm and the wheels. It’s also offered as an option in the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ450e.

The first true steer-by-wire production vehicle is the Tesla Cybertruck, and driving one takes a bit of getting used to since you have to apply a lot less lock than in a traditional setup, and it also has a variable ratio. This means it’s not very sensitive off-center, but the more you turn the wheel, the lock you apply increases progressively. This ratio also varies depending on the driving speed.

The Tesla Cybertruck is steer-by-wire only

Unlike other manufacturers that have offered steer-by-wire as an option in their vehicles, for the Tesla Cybertruck it’s the only available setup and it makes for an unusual driving experience that takes a bit of getting used to.

One of the most unusual characteristics of the Cybertruck with its steer-by-wire system is that you can turn the steering wheel when the vehicle is powered off, and none of the wheels will turn. Do the same after powering on the Cybertruck, and you will see both its front- and rear-wheel steering racks working.

Steer-by-wire is definitely still a novelty in cars, although several manufacturers have announced plans to introduce it in production cars in the next few years—Mercedes is rumored to give its next S-Class steer-by-wire. If you’ve ever wondered how a system like this works, this video by Sandy Munro of Munro Live—the latest part of his Tesla Cybertruck teardown series—should shed some light. Sandy and his team first demonstrated how it works, then they extracted the front and rear subframes from the truck to get a better look at how they work.

They also show the steering column, which looks very different from any steering column you may have seen before. It stops where you would expect it to continue with a shaft that links to the steering rack, and it just has electronics, servos and wires that enable it to have a variable ratio. The steering rack (which interestingly appears to be supplied by ZF) has two motors for redundancy, so if one malfunctions, the backup motor can take over and keep the steering system alive.

Apr 26

Ford Recalls Nearly 500,000 SUVs and Trucks Due to Battery Issue

Overview of the Recall

Identified Battery Problem

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall for nearly 500,000 SUVs and pickup trucks due to a significant battery detection issue. This problem affects certain Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick trucks, which might not detect low battery levels. Such a failure can result in the engine and electrical systems losing power during operation, creating a notable safety hazard.

Models Affected and Recall Scope

The recall includes specific models from the 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sport SUVs and the 2022 to 2023 Maverick trucks, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is imperative for owners of these vehicles to take prompt action to address the potential risks.

Instructions for Vehicle Owners

Solution and Contact Information

Owners are advised to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference the recall number 24S24. It is crucial for those with affected vehicles to get in touch with their Ford dealer immediately.

Notification and Repair Process

Ford will begin mailing notification letters to owners starting May 13. Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and powertrain control module at no charge. For more details, owners can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov for additional information.

Apr 26

Coroner responding to deadly crash on bridge over I-85

Three people have died and another victim is hospitalized after a crash along Interstate 85 on Friday.

Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis said an SUV was traveling north on I-85 when it ran off the right shoulder, up an embankment, through the cement bridge abutment of the Staunton Bridge Road overpass, jumped over all four lanes of traffic, went through trees on the other side of the bridge and down an embankment.

“When the vehicle jumped all four lanes of traffic, it actually struck trees probably at least 20 feet above the ground,” Ellis said.

Three people were killed with the coroner said an SUV ran off I-85, hit a bridge abutment, and launched over four lanes of traffic

Three female victims died on scene. A fourth person was hospitalized and the victim’s condition is unknown. Ellis said the victims are from Georgia.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Gantt Fire and Rescue and multiple Greenville County EMS units responded to the scene.

The wreckage of the SUV is in multiple pieces after hitting the bridge. The reason the vehicle left the roadway is under investigation.

“It’s obvious that they were traveling above the posted speed limit and for some reason left the roadway,” Ellis said. “Unsure exactly why at this time.”

Apr 26

What Was the NASA Space Trash That Plunked Through a Florida Home Made Of?

A canister from space crashed through Florida home last month. Here’s what was inside.

Last month, a 19-year-old resident of Naples, Florida, called his dad with nearly unbelievable news. Their home had a gaping hole in the roof after something hurled through the house with a thunderous landing.

NASA has confirmed that the object was space trash launched by its International Space Station crew three years ago. The debris was housed in a metal case called a stanchion. The space-grade stanchion is composed of a strong, heat-resistant superalloy coined Inconel. According to NPR, the canister is a bit smaller than a soda can.

Inside the stanchion are discarded batteries. The stanchion was part of a battery pallet weighing 5,800 pounds. The crew had released the pallet in 2021 for an uncontrolled reentry.

Predictions about the space trash’s atmospheric entry date – March 8th – were accurate, but the exact location was slightly off. The debris was expected to enter above the Gulf of Mexico. Naples is certainly not far off, and the stanchion was expected to totally disintegrate. Instead, it remained almost admirably intact. The stanchion was built almost “too” well.

The International Space Station in full view in right lower frame with Earth above
International Space Station | NASA via Getty Images

Space trash can pose dangers, and regulations have been in place for 50 years

Thankfully, the impact was not suffered by a living entity. However, the risk to any nearby human was incredibly high. If the 19-year-old had been in the same room, it’s hard to think about the sobering results.

Postively, the battery-filled stanchion didn’t pose a hazardous material risk to the family. NASA came and picked up the object without issue.

Laws and regulations about space debris liability have been in place since the early seventies. As you might imagine, debris has been accumulating outside the earth’s atmosphere for decades. Damage claims of all sorts occur in space and earthside.

While NASA expected this batch of space trash to burn up upon reentry, it told NPR that it will look at reengineering stanchions so that they are more likely to fully disintegrate.