Peter Kinney articles

If you've wondered why manufacturers keep removing physical controls despite these complaints, you're certainly not alone. The answer involves cost, technology, design trends, and the race to make cars feel more like smartphones.

Many newer vehicles, including some with advanced driver-assistance or self-driving features, now monitor driver attention in an effort to reduce fatigue-related crashes. But while these systems can be remarkably sophisticated, they aren't mind readers.

A cracked windshield is expensive enough on its own. It's even more frustrating when it appears immediately after a routine service and nobody wants to accept responsibility.

If a car only traveled a few hundred miles over the past year, skipping an oil change can seem perfectly reasonable. Then the worry sets in: did all that old oil quietly damage the engine anyway?

A safety recall is supposed to be simple. But then the dealership says the vehicle is too rusted to safely perform the work, and everything suddenly gets murky.

Learn how to prevent your car's paint from fading when it stays outdoors year-round. Discover expert tips on washing, waxing, ceramic coatings, UV protection, and preserving your vehicle's finish.