Distracted Driving on the Rise

Consumer Reports findings are not looking good:

This is what people told us they saw in the previous 30 days:

  • 91 percent saw a driver talking on a handheld phone.
  • 62 percent saw a driver texting.
  • 22 percent saw a driver using hands to operate a smart-phone app.

We also asked drivers to reveal their own behaviors behind the wheel in the past 30 days:

  • 43 percent had a conversation on a handheld phone.
  • 33 percent of smart-phone owners used their hands to operate an app.
  • 18 percent of smart-phone owners accessed e-mail or social media.
  • 14 percent texted.

via Consumer Reports

Google Glass Good for Gearheads?

Jalopnik has some interesting reasons why Google Glass would be good for Gearheads.

Sure, you’ll probably look a bit like a tool wearing them, and West Virginia’s already banned their use while driving, but even so I think Google Glass(Google’s reality-augmenting spectacles project, for those unaware) can offer a great deal to car lovers, both while driving and otherwise. So far, I’ve got five reasons why.

via Jalopnik

Call Consumer Reports’ car testers for free car-buying advice

Are you in the market for a new or used car and need some advice? Our automotive experts can help.

On Friday, March 8th, from 12-1 p.m. EST, Auto Testing Director Jake Fisher, Senior Automotive Engineer Tom Mutchler, and Program Manager Gabe Shenhar will be taking calls.

via Consumer Reports

Great car care gifts for the holidays

As winter and the holiday season fast approaches, now can be a great time to purchase a meaningful gift for the driver on your list—something that can give them convenience, safety, and security.

While many recipients may dream of something fun and fancy, these practical gifts show you truly care. To aid you in this quest, we present recommendations below in several key categories based on our extensive testing. This will make shopping easier for you and ensure that the recipient gets a smart gift.

via Consumer Reports

NHTSA study finds underinflated and worn tires increase the likelihood of a crash

Consumer Reports has long advocated that drivers check their car’s tire pressure monthly to prevent uneven tire wear and tire failure. Now, a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforces that advice by determining that vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. And tires underinflated up to 25 percent run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and at the very least adversely affecting handling and tread life.

via Consumer Reports

Car Trouble app helps identify mystery noises and other problems

Have you ever had a car that wouldn’t start, heard a noise from under the hood, or felt a pull in the wheel, and you didn’t know why? Now, there is an app for that.

Car Trouble can help with the maladies listed above and more, by taking you through a series of basic trouble-shooting questions. Based on your simple yes or no answers, the app can help identify the problem, or at least the problem area, by process of elimination.

via Consumer Reports

Interior Car Cleaning

Cleaning your car or truck like a pro is easier than you think. We talked to real auto detailers to bring you helpful cleaning tips so you can make your vehicle showroom clean.

  •     Step 1: Slide seats forward and clean out the junk
  •     Step 2: Deep-clean carpet and upholstery
  •     Step 3: Clean and condition leather or vinyl seats
  •     Step 4: Remember to clean nooks and crannies
  •     Step 5: Brush out the air vents
  •     Step 6: Wash the windows, including the top edges
  •     Step 7: Scrape off those annoying stickers
  •     Step 8: Kill bad odors.

via The Family Handyman

5 money-saving DIY tips for car owners

As cars have become more advanced over time, it has been increasingly difficult for enterprising owners to perform basic maintenance and repairs. While some jobs do require professional expertise and pricey tools, there are still many things that a handy owner can do to keep a car running in top shape and save money in the process. Below are a few tips from our automotive experts.

via Consumer Reports