Author: Tabitha

The seriously fastidious who insist on keeping their vehicles in spotless condition know how difficult it can be to thoroughly wipe dirt and smudges from windshields and rear glass. To help, the Inshield Wiper’s microfiber pad attaches to the back of your hand, which makes for a more natural wiping angle (as opposed to contorting and twisting your arm so that your palm is up). The manufacturer sells the basic Inshield Wiper as a single pack for $11, but for best results consider getting the two-pack ($21) and use one for applying glass cleaner directly onto the pad and the…

Anyone with a higher-end sedan or utility vehicle might want to consider an equally upscale travel trailer for camping in style. The 2,500-pound Bowlus Road Chief Limited Edition Endless Highways looks similar to a classic Airstream model from the 1930s but it comes with the latest technology and convenience features. The 23.75-foot trailer’s solar panels free you from traditional campground hook-ups while the built-in 4G Wi-Fi keeps you connected wherever you wander. There’s built-in air conditioning, in-floor heating, separate bedroom, well-appointed stainless-steel galley and leather living-room furnishings that can convert to create extra sleeping space. Pricing starts at $137,000. Place…

That’s what the China-based automaker is claiming, even though The Sleuth thinks that tariff issues with the U.S. government might first need to be resolved. The first of a planned series of cars heading stateside is the midsize seven-seat GS8 utility model, possibly followed by the smaller GS5. The GS8 is powered by a turbocharged V-6 while the GS5 will come with a turbocharged four-cylinder. Although there’s nothing official regarding marketing and distribution channels in the United States, it’s rumored that the Fiat-Alfa Romeo dealers (part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) will be selling GAC vehicles. GAC Motor of China wants…

It’s all too apparent to The Spy Guy that Nissan’s luxury division plans on backing up its involvement in Formula One racing by improving the performance profile of at least one of the cars it sells to the public. The proof lies in the recently revealed Q60 Project Black S coupe. The ominous-looking all-wheel-drive model uses a twin-turbocharged 400-horsepower V-6 along with a three electric motors to produce a combined 563 horsepower. Infiniti claims the concept car will hit 60 mph from rest in less than four seconds. That’s quick, but not exactly record-breaking when a current Nissan GT-R is…

Keeping your vehicle cool in summer and free of ice and snow in winter is what the Smart Windshield Cover does best. The product’s aluminum-film side faces outward in the summer to deflects the sun’s rays, while the black side faces out for winter use. To keep it in place, the flaps attach to your vehicle’s side glass using reversible suction cups. The cover’s 60- by- 28-inch size means it will fit most windshields. Purchase a three pack for 75 from www.dudegadgets.com (search Smart Windshield Cover).

For removing and/or changing your tires, the Powerbuilt Unijack claimed to be safe and easy to use. Unijack lifts both body-on-frame and unitized (frameless) vehicles at the factory-approved points and also locks at the desired height, thus eliminating the need for separate jack stands. The 4,000-pound capacity Unijack has a lift range of 8 5/8 inches to 18 3/8 inches, and is capable of lifting a variety of vehicles, from compact sedans to minivans and utilities. It also works on a variety of hard and softer surfaces, owing to an extra-wide base. Get full details at www.powerbuilt.com and purchase for…

Ford says it’s using a form of artificial intelligence to improve traction and reduce fuel consumption in the 2019 Ford Edge utility vehicle, switching automatically between two- and all-wheel-drive and calculating when to do so “quicker than the human brain.” Called All-wheel-drive disconnect, the system engages all four wheels when they’re needed, and helps reduce fuel consumption when they’re not, based on information received from dozens of sensors. The first-for-Ford technology sifts through a range of information covering wheel slip, road conditions, vehicle speed, brake performance, windshield-wiper usage and outside temperature to determine “in a split second” when all-wheel-drive is…

The company said Sept. 11 it will use 3-D printers to mass-produce parts for its vehicles. The company said it will, starting immediately, use “metal printing technology” to make select parts, including gearshift knobs and custom tailgate lettering. Within two to three years, it will mass produce structural parts using the same technology, reports CNN. An advantage that 3-D printing has over traditional methods, said Martin Goede, head of technology planning and development, “is that it allows us to produce many of these parts without first having to build manufacturing tools [to produce them].” The technology eventually will allow for…

Most of us use a regular water bucket to wash our vehicles. Each time you rinse your sponge or cloth in it, however, you risk picking up dirt and other deposits that can scratch the paint. The Cyclone DirtTrap bucket insert from Chemical Guys helps prevent that from happening. When positioned on the bottom of the bucket — it actually rests on legs about an inch or so above the bottom — the DirtTrap’s hundreds of funnels capture the nasty abrasives and keep them away from your sponge or wash mitt. Order one or more Cyclone DirtTraps, available in green,…

Converting garages and basements into uniquely themed automotive environments is all the range these days. The Cornhusker Sign Corp produces a variety of neon signage — with or without clocks — with a definite nostalgia focus. Each one is fabricated from metal and the powder coated (a tough, heat-cured coating). Each sign plugs into a standard 110-volt socket. The lineup includes signs that read Chevrolet, Corvette, Camaro and Mopar (sorry, no Fords) as well as Man Cave, Speed Shop and Auto Parts. Prices vary according to size, shape and detail, but generally range from $1,000-$2,000. Check out the collection at…