Autoblog

Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Luxury, Ram, Read This

Terry Box, a writer for the Dallas Morning News, was tootling down the Dallas North Tollway in a Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn pickup after work and enjoying the ride. Box thought the $53,335, option-filled press loaner had been "flawless - very serious competition for anything built by Ford or Chevy." And then, for reasons that still aren't clear, something in the engine compartment caught fire and the Ram cremated itself on the shoulder of an off-ramp.

Box tells the story and it isn't an indictment of the truck, but a cautionary tale about how new vehicles don't burn like the old ones did - and why not to go back for your gym bag. It could also be a kind reminder about what kind of safety gear everyone should keep in their cars. Click the link to read the whole piece.

Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do automotive safety defect investigations often stay hidden?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:16:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Read This

USA Today is accusing the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of conducting safety probes out of the view of the public. Reporter Jayne O'Donnell highlights a number of recalls that stemmed from months of investigations that went on without informing consumers of potential safety issues first. Specifically, the article points to a new spate of tire failures on certain Ford Explorer models that have claimed the lives of four times as many drivers as the issue that led to infamous Ford/Firestone recall of 2000. Ford says it has reviewed the problem with NHTSA and that the government agency found no defect.

O'Donnell also touches on certain Hyundai and Chevrolet recalls preceded by lengthy probes. Part of the problem, the report says, is that there's no formal designation that separates a probe for a full-blown investigation. Head over to USA Today for a closer look.

Do automotive safety defect investigations often stay hidden? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST

These days, it seems like the internet runs on the fuel of Russian dash cam videos. From clips showing meteors falling from the sky to plane crashes and close calls, it almost seems as if every driver on Russian roads is filming at all times. As it turns out, that's nearly true. According to Wired, several factors have culminated in the current explosion of dashcam videos. Those include everything from shady traffic cops to insurance scammers to the design of the legal system itself. Combine those issues with Russia's notoriously dangerous roads, and drivers have become keen to protect themselves with cameras.

Wired has taken a closer look at the dash cam phenomenon and its rapid expansion. You can read the full article here. We highly recommend taking the time. You can also watch a classic dash cam clip below.

Continue reading Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]

Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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