CARS

Not everyone enjoys classical music blaring out of gas station loudspeakers. And that's the point.

The Surprisingly Harsh Reason Gas Stations Play Classical Music

Gas stations know what they’re doing when they play Bach at the pump.

Why Does Driving With a Car’s Rear Windows Down Hurt Your Ears?

Cracking your car’s rear window can be a highly unpleasant experience—and physics is to blame.

Mapped: What Americans Want in a Car, According to Search Trends

Google search trends reveal what kinds of cars each state is dreaming about, and some might surprise you.

The 10 Most Misdiagnosed Car Sounds

Turns out, identifying car problems with sound alone is tough—and ignoring them can lead to expensive consequences.

What Are Those Weird Sleeves on California Gas Pumps?

They haven’t been mandated by the EPA since 2012, but California has kept them around.

Dangerous roads come in all shapes and sizes.

10 of the Most Dangerous Road Trips in the U.S.

Deadly car breakdowns, hairpin turns, and an active volcano—these roads will give you one bumpy ride.

They can make cars look a bit cooler in the looks department, too.

Do Sun Shades Actually Keep Cars Cool During Summer?

Do sun shades really help reduce the interior temperatures of cars during the summer months, or is it just part of how companies sell them to shoppers?

Hang on to your hats (and your handles).

The Real Reason Cars Have Those Grab Handles Above the Doors

This particular car safety feature isn’t so your passengers can wordlessly convey that they think you’re a reckless driver. Those grab handles actually serve an important purpose.

Those large parking lots are coming in handy for Lawson stores.

Famous Japanese Convenience Store Is Turning Its Parking Lots Into Campsites

With limited lodging in rural Japan, Lawson offers a creative solution: rentable parking spaces.

Driving down these routes can be treacherous.

Map: The Most Dangerous Road in Every Country

If you want to have a safe trip, avoid driving on the deadly roads featured on this map of the world.

Ford is reaching out to hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners over a safety issue.

Ford Is Recalling Over 850,000 Vehicles Due to a Serious Safety Issue

The carmaker is raising the alarm over a defective part that can lead to accidents.

Most likely snapped in a northeastern city.

These Cities Have the Best (and Worst) Drivers in the U.S., According to Allstate

Drivers are pretty safe in Boise, but they might find themselves getting whiplash in Boston.

The Simple Reason Why Gas Stations Put a Hold on Your Debit Card

That $150 or $175 hold was no mistake—but you won’t actually be on the hook for all of it.

Why Are Gas Stations So Close to One Another?

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

The 10 Best (and Worst) States for Road Trips in Summer 2025

Gas prices, road safety, and roadside attractions are all reasons to head for certain states (and avoid others).

Map Shows the Most Popular Truck Types in the U.S.

A new Google Trends analysis reveals the top truck types people are searching for across the U.S.—see which vehicle is your state‘s favorite.

Why Do Gas Stations Charge for Air?

Air is a free resource—unless you need it for your tires.

Why You Should Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car—Even For Just a Few Minutes

Sad but true: Your pet can die in a shockingly short amount of time.

Dads deserve to have fun on Father‘s Day.

The Top 10 Father‘s Day Activities for 2025

According to Google Trends, fathers love food, fun, and fast cars.

Mapped: The States With the Worst Road Rage

How did your state rank?

Wildlife Tunnels in Vermont Cut Amphibian Deaths By 80 Percent, Study Finds

Wildlife tunnels save lives: One study found that amphibian roadkill dropped by 80 percent thanks to the structures.

When life gives you lemons, return to the dealership.

Why Do We Call Defective Cars “Lemons”?

Cars aren’t a piece of fruit, so how did they come to be associated with lemons? Discover how this slang term got adopted in the automotive world and what it really means.

Which snack does your state crave the most?

America‘s Favorite Gas Station Snacks, Mapped

See if your state prefers salty or sweet snacks when hitting the road.

Pro tip: You shouldn't toss any out the window, either.

You Should Never Leave Plastic Water Bottles in a Hot Car—Here’s Why

It might sound unlikely, but leaving plastic water bottles in a hot car might not be safe and could actually lead to a fire.