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Car companies can now remotely shut off a factory remote-start feature if you stop paying for their subscription, even if it's built into your car. This is official policy of many large automakers, but there are still options for subscription-weary consumers.

They tell you valuable things about occupant protection and crash avoidance, but they do not promise that the vehicle will be inexpensive to repair. A modern car can perform brilliantly in a severe crash and still produce a painful bill after a parking-lot collision.

Modern windshields carry more technology and cost much more to replace than the simple panes many drivers remember. That does not automatically make the glass more fragile, but it makes every crack feel considerably more painful.

Over-the-air software lets automakers change interfaces and vehicle functions months or even years after a car leaves the showroom. That capability can bring useful improvements, but waking up to unfamiliar controls also raises legitimate questions about consent, safety, and what exactly you bought.

It can make a vehicle launch confidently through snow that leaves a two-wheel-drive car struggling, but that confidence can disappear the moment you hit the brakes. The missing piece is that AWD primarily helps you accelerate, while stopping still depends overwhelmingly on the grip available between four tires and the road.

Charging an EV from a home to a curbside parking space can be legal in some cities, but authorities generally expect the sidewalk to remain safe and accessible for everyone using it. Before filing a complaint, determine whether the cord is using an approved crossing method or simply lying loose across the walking path.