Based on our most popular stories of 2021, it seems safe to say that our readers adore their pets, are fascinated by the strange features they see on motor vehicles, and really want to know what happened to all that white dog poop they used to see.

CARS
If you're prone to blanking on where you parked, Google Maps has a nifty feature that will make wandering aimlessly around parking lots a thing of the past.
Gas prices at the pump might have you thinking about switching to a bicycle. But there are ways to save on fuel, and we've got some of the best.
The 25 most popular products Mental Floss readers bought in 2021 included Always Pans, 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian' LEGO sets, and more.
The names ‘18-wheeler,’ ‘big rig,’ and ‘tractor-trailer’ aptly convey the size and scope of the vehicle. ‘Semi’ seems a little misleading. What gives?
Semi trucks’ tire spikes mainly protect the wheels’ lug nuts. They also offer drivers a chance to give their trucks a bit of personality.
In the 1970s, counterculture types customized their vans with captain's chairs, waterbeds, and elaborate fantasy airbrushing that was clearly inspired by whatever it was they were inhaling.
You're excited to set out on a road trip. By hour two, you're nodding off. The answer may have something to do with "highway hypnosis."
From the DeLorean to Batman's Tumbler, these tricked-out vehicles left a mark on pop culture. Here's what you could expect to pay if they were actually available.
It's already tough to find a new car thanks to chip shortages. Now another manufacturing problem is looming, and it doesn't bode well for shoppers.
Before watching 'No Time to Die,' check out some of the most iconic vehicle chase scenes from the James Bond franchise.
Your amazing gold Honda may not fetch such an amazing used-car price when you decide to unload it. Here's why.
Why are used cars so expensive right now? A classic case of low supply, high demand—and it’s affecting the Mountain States the worst.
Getting a traffic ticket can be an expensive mistake. But is there a difference between a ticket and a citation? And what about a warning?
Calling all ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ car fanatics: Now’s your chance to drive Furiosa’s War Rig or shred guitar atop the Doof Wagon.
Before you go shopping for new tires for your car, learn how to decode the numbers printed on the sidewalls.
Any great road trip begins with one important question: Where to go? A new survey ranked the road trip-worthiness of all 50 states—from best to worst.
Even if you have millions of dollars to spend, you may have trouble getting your hands on one of 2021's most expensive cars.
Going for a summer drive while barefoot can be tempting, but is it safe and legal? Here's the answer.
A “large painting of Kate Middleton and a small painting of the Grim Reaper.” What more do you need to know?
Get your kicks with these 20 facts about Route 66, the iconic American road trip route otherwise known as the “Mother Road.”
Stainless steel rear doors are a pretty common sight on truck-heavy highways, but the surfaces are not all smooth.
It's technically possible to pump gas with your car engine on, but doing so creates hazardous conditions for yourself and those around you.
Yellow school buses look extra eye-catching with black detailing, but the stripes aren’t just for design.