Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

Radio Isn't Dead, Half Of In-Car Audio Time Is Still AM/FM Radio

staff@jalopnik.com (Justin Hughes) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:25:00 +0000

The popularity of streaming platforms has skyrocketed in recent years, but that doesn't keep AM and FM radio from dominating in-car listening time.

Why Some Engines Need Balance Shafts And Others Don't

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:25:00 +0000

Depending on the type of engine that powers your vehicle and the number of cylinders, you may or may not have balance shafts that help keep things smooth.

Nissan Teases Reborn Xterra, One Of Five New Nissan/Infiniti Body-On-Frame Vehicles Coming With V6 And V6 Hybrid Engines

staff@jalopnik.com (Daniel Golson) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:15:00 +0000

The automaker says the new Xterra will be out by the end of 2028, and it could be joined by four other pickups or two- or three-row SUVs.

Next-Gen 2027 Nissan Rogue E-Power Hybrid Actually Looks Pretty Great

staff@jalopnik.com (Daniel Golson) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:15:00 +0000

The Rogue e-Power's internal combustion engine acts as a generator, sending power to a pair of electric motors.

Here's How Long A 3D-Printed Cylinder Head Lasts On A Running Engine

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Making engine components out of plastic isn't common, especially when you consider how hot engines are, but that doesn't stop this intrepid garage enthusiast.

The Key Performance Differences Between Aluminum And Copper Radiators

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Over the years, different vehicles have been fitted with radiators made from aluminum, copper, and even brass, but what's the reasoning behind it?

Nostalgia-Baiting Jeep Rewind Special Editions Are Cool Enough To Deserve A Better Name

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:53:21 +0000

To hell with resale value, the Rewind is a special edition that'll make you smile every time you see it, and look back at your car every time you park.

8 DIY Mechanic's Tools You Can Rent Instead Of Buy

staff@jalopnik.com (Max Larsen) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Buying tools for DIY auto repair and maintenance can be extremely pricey. Fortunately, you can rent many tools from local parts stores, including these items.

Modern Cars Sure Are Reliable, But Are They Durable?

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

You can trust modern cars to get you from point A to point B each day. But a couple of fancy features from them might give out before you realize it.

How Oil Filters Can Improve Fuel Economy

staff@jalopnik.com (Erik Sherman) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:05:00 +0000

Your driving habits affect your mileage, of course. But other things also can make a difference between high and low mpg ... including your oil filter.

The Dutch Are Using AI To Ticket Cars, And Wouldn't You Know It, They Issue 500,000 Unjustified Fines Per Year

staff@jalopnik.com (Justin Hughes) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:25:00 +0000

When an AI-powered parking enforcement system issues hundreds of thousands of unjustified tickets, it might be time to take a different approach.

'Life After Cars' Is The Book America Needs Right Now

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0000

The changes Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon argue for offer an escape from the endless cycle of some random event blowing up your gas budget every few years.

War On Iran Sends More Buyers To EVs As Gas Prices Rise

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:20:56 +0000

We're looking at European buyers turning to EVs as gas prices rise, and Tesla getting regulatory approval on the continent for FSD and more.

At $900, Is This 1974 Volvo 145 Wagon A Down And Dirty Deal?

staff@jalopnik.com (Rob Emslie) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:25:00 +0000

The weird photos in this advert are only the tip of the odd iceberg.

2027 Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle Just Cucked Your Police Department's Ford Explorers

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Traffic cops may not need heavy duty pickup trucks with Hemis, but there are plenty of reasons you'd want one for fire, rescue, and emergency response.

This Might Be Why Your Car Is Eating Through Spark Plugs

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:25:00 +0000

If you find you're changing spark plugs way more often than you expect, it's clear there's something wrong somewhere in your engine. But what could it be?

This Test Shows How Bullet Resistant Tires Can Be

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:25:00 +0000

What's the best way to find out how well a tire can stop bullets? Why not line up a bunch of rugged tires and fire increasingly heavy ammo at them.

Why Are Desmodromic Valvetrains So Rare In Engines?

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Desmodromic valvetrains allow for higher revs without needing to worry about valve float. So why do automakers not often use them outside of motorcycles?

What It Means When A Semi Truck Derates

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Semi trucks need a lot of power to carry their cargo on the road. That's why it can be a huge problem for the driver if it ends up derating.

Virginia Bans Renewal Of Robert E. Lee License Plates Because We Don't Celebrate Losers

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

Virginia's policy for custom license plates means there are hundreds of options, but one of the most controversial has been removed from the catalog.