Flipboard 2025 Car Tips

a-man-in-a-car-dealership

My dealer says I can’t pay cash for a car unless I agree to extra paperwork. Is that normal?

Paying cash for a vehicle may seem like the easiest way to complete a purchase, but dealerships still have federal and state compliance obligations. In some situations, they must collect additional information or complete government forms. That extra paperwork does not automatically mean you've done anything wrong.
July 27, 2026 J. Clarke
AI-generated image of a man standing in front of his car with roof racks.

I bought roof racks for one vacation, and now fuel economy has dropped noticeably. Is it really because of the racks?

Roof racks are easy to forget once the luggage, bikes, or kayaks have been unloaded. Unfortunately, your vehicle keeps pushing those bars through the air every time you drive.
July 27, 2026 Marlon Wright
1970 red Alfa Romeo Spider classic car driving on a British road

Forgotten convertibles that were pure 1980s optimism, but that they'd never make today

In the 1980s, automakers were willing to take chances on some wonderfully odd convertibles. They weren’t always polished, but they were never boring.
July 27, 2026 Quinn Mercer
AI-generated image of a man trying to buy a used car.

I tried to buy a used car from a private seller, but their financing company still controls the title. What happens now?

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a great way to save money. But sometimes everything comes to a halt when the seller admits they don't actually have the title because the vehicle still has a loan on it.
July 27, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a man wearing baseball cap, crouched down next to a Hyundai Elantra with a flat tire

I bought a vehicle with no spare tire, and the tire repair kit failed when I actually needed it. Isn't that a safety issue?

Discover why many new cars no longer include spare tires, when tire repair kits fail, whether they pose a safety risk, and what drivers should do before the next flat.
July 24, 2026 Jane O'Shea

My car’s safety sensors keep malfunctioning in heavy rain and snow. Is this new tech really ready for real weather?

Car safety sensors can struggle in heavy rain, snow, ice, and slush. Learn why ADAS features malfunction, when to seek repairs, and whether today’s driver-assistance technology is truly ready for real-world weather.
July 23, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My neighborhood installed speed bumps—it tore apart my low-riding exhaust. Can I sue them for the damage?

A new neighborhood speed bump destroyed your luxury car’s low-riding exhaust. Here’s when the city, HOA, contractor, or driver may be responsible for the repair bill.
July 24, 2026 Jack Hawkins
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Keep Your Car In Mint Condition With These Simple Tips And Tricks

If you’re a car owner, keeping things in tip-top shape not only helps your vehicle last longer, but also contributes to your safety on the road.
July 7, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
AI-generated image of a man worried about his self-driving car telling him to take a break.

My car keeps warning me to take a break even when I'm fully alert. How does it decide I'm tired?

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.
July 21, 2026 Peter Kinney