Author: Tabitha
Are you still using one of those old-fashioned, hard-to-read, and somewhat-inaccurate, sliding-scale pocket tire gauges? Consider a 21st-century upgrade to the Tekron 5941 Digital Tire Gauge. The ergonomically designed unit comes with an LED readout that can be easily seen in little or zero light. The nozzle also has a built-in light, making it easy for you to connect to the valve stem. Both lights will automatically shut off after 30 seconds to help keep the lithium-coin-cell battery from prematurely going dead. Lastly, the Tekton’s soft-touch surface makes it easy to grasp. Purchase one for $12 from www.tekton.com.
Blipshift’s collection of humorous automotive-themed T-shirts mostly leans toward promoting fast cars in general, and manual transmissions in particular. At $15 each, they’re also affordable. But don’t stop there as Blipship also sells socks, ties, mugs, coasters, key chains and other accessories, most with shift-for-yourself themes (check out the ice-cube trays). The company also sells an assortment of unique auto-themed wall art with prices starting at $50. Shop thee merchandise assortment at www.blipshift.com.
The Spymaster’s moles are reporting that the automaker will introduce a new small tall wagon that will join the Tiguan and Atlas. The front-wheel-drive Tarek will be similar to the VW Tharu currently sold in China and Russia, which means it will be about five inches shorter in distance between the front and rear wheels than the Tiguan, and 10 inches shorter overall. Powertrains are expected to include turbocharged 1.4- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines that are currently found in other VW models. A seven-speed automatic transmission (with a manual mode) will be standard with both engines. The Tarek is expected…
The Sleuth’s sources have confirmed that a replacement for the Bolt electric vehicle is well along in the development phase and is scheduled for a 2021-model-year launch. Also confirmed is the vehicle’s official name, the Bolt EUV, which stands for Electric Utility Vehicle. Said model — one of a series of vehicles that will wear the EUV handle, apparently — will be built on the same BEV2 platform as the current Bolt and will likely use the same electric drivetrain. A probable enhancement is an energy-dense lithium-ion battery pack that will give the EUV a bit more range than the…
For tackling difficult-to-reach areas of your vehicle, consider a Brush Wheel Master Set as an alternative to power drill attachments. When connected your garden hose, the heads on the 13-inch-long brushes spin at a steady rate to remove dirt, grime and bugs, etc. Included are four different types of brush heads, a soap dispenser, concentrated-soap and interior citrus scent dispensers, an extension wand and five microfiber drying cloths. A utility bag for toting and storing the kit is also included. The Brush Wheel Master Set is available for $200 from www.amazon.com.
Transporting your skis, bicycle, kayak, or other gear on the roof of your vehicle is commonplace, but loading, securing and unloading your stuff can prove awkward without a step. The Moki Door Step from Rightline Gear could be just what you need. The unit hooks onto the U-shaped door-latch post (just about every newer vehicle has them), allowing you to step well above ground level. The 8.75-inch-wide Door Step is claimed to be made of strong aircraft-grade aluminum (with a protective rubber bumper) and can support up to 400 pounds. When not needed, it stores in the glove compartment or…
Honda’s minimalist e Prototype bowed at the Geneva Motor Show in March; a production model “evolved” from its 2017 Urban EV Concept. The e Prototype combines simple lines with a minimalist interior and lounge-like atmosphere, “advanced functionality” and fun driving dynamics with a wide stance and rear-wheel-drive. With production due to begin “later this year,” the e Prototype can travel 125 miles on a charge, and “fast charge” to 80 percent of capacity in 30 minutes. The new EV-specific platform has compact proportions, yet with a relatively long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs. The low, muscular stance emphasized by…
The Germany based automaker said in May that by 2021 it will have a pilot fleet of 500 utility vehicles, code named iNext, in on-road testing, some with Level 4 capability and others with Level 5. A Level 4 vehicle can self drive in all conditions, but has a steering wheel and driver controls. Level 5 forgoes human controls entirely. CEO Harald Krueger said BMW has partnered with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler to develop self-driving technologies and that Level 4- and Level 5-capable vehicles could be for sale as early as 2024. In the meantime, the first iNext utility to be…
If you’re heading out into areas where cellphone service is either iffy or possibly non-existent, consider taking a SureCall N-Range Cell Phone Range Extender along with you. It’s claimed to enhance the transmission of both voice and data by linking to distant cell towers. The signal-boosting device consists of a shark-fin-type antenna and a phone-mounted antenna that attaches to your vehicle’s air vent. The SureCall is compatible with all cell phones and signal types (including 4G LTE) as well as all cell carriers throughout North America. Order one for $200 from www.bestbuy.com.
People who work on their vehicles often find that there’s not enough available light, a situation than can get a whole lot brighter with a Striker Mobile Task Light. This rechargeable portable compact light source is ideal for all sorts of indoor and outdoor conditions when natural light is limited or non-existent. The folding and fully adjustable frame is made of rugged aluminum, and the built-in LED lights can be pivoted nearly 180 degrees. Choose from low, medium and high intensity, or set it to strobe for emergency situations. The Mobile Task Light sells for $50 from www.strikerconcepts.com.