Drive & Ride - October 2020

October 2020 A Special Supplement to

the River Valley Shopper

Tech Tips

Technology that can make driving safer

Keep the Lights On Signs your headlights may need to be replaced

Servicing a Sedentary Car How to maintain a car that’s rarely driven

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October, 2020 • A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper

5 convenient tech features you want in your vehicle.......................................... 2 How to effectively and safely sanitize a car......................................................... 3 Tech that makes it easier to take to the road........................................ 3 How to maintain a car that’s rarely driven.............................................. 4 5 benefits of a defensive driving course........................................... 5 Gas in a car won’t stay fresh forever............................................. 5 Did you know?.......................................... 5 How older drivers can approach vehicle maintenance and social distancing.......... 6 Signs headlights may need to be replaced............................................... 6 How to create an on-the-go handwashing kit........................................ 6 Technology that can make driving safer.............................................. 7 Car trouble? Check the fuse box.............. 7 How to get a Wi-Fi enabled car................ 8

5 convenient tech features you want in your vehicle

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echnology has dramatically changed the way people live, and has increasingly changed how they drive as well. While power windows were once coveted as high-tech features, the sophisticated technology available in modern cars and trucks can make earlier tech seem like child’s play.

While some vehicle technology is designed to keep you safe, other tech is all about comfort and convenience. The following are five options to consider when purchasing your next vehicle.

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Telematics: Telematics is a system

that can remotely monitor many components of a vehicle’s diagnostics and driver behavior. While this telecommunications technology already is implemented in delivery, towing and public transportation industries, it can be utilized in the private market to track live weather conditions, traffic, parking lot information, fuel consumption, and battery power.

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Cooled seats: While most drivers

are familiar with heated seats, many vehicles now come equipped with cooled seats as well. These seats can make it more comfortable to drive on hot days and improve air flow in the car as they work in conjunction with vehicle HVAC systems. Cooled seats can be expensive and will add weight to a vehicle, so they may be best for heavy sedans, SUVs and light trucks.

Wireless phone charging: Electronic devices have been going wireless for years,

and the newest crop of wireless tech is wireless phone chargers. The online tech resource CNET says wireless charging pads have become ubiquitous in offices and homes, but now they’re becoming useful tools inside cars. Portable charging pads can plug into the automobile auxiliary power DC outlet. For example, the X-Doria Defense Helix wireless car charging mount with RoboGrip has powered “robotic” arms that automatically open when you place your phone near the charger and then clamp shut after you dock it. Wireless charging pads are built into vehicles manufactured by Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz, and may soon be standard technology on more cars and trucks.

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Apple CarPlay: Mobile phone users tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who prefer iPhones and those who rave about Android offerings. Many car manufactures have realized consumers want CarPlay (and Android Auto) built standard into their vehicles. These apps allow drivers to access their most-used apps conveniently without an extra learning curve for manufacturer-specific driver assist apps.

Second- and third-row USB ports: USB ports for second- and third-row passengers is essential when moving an SUV full of kids or taking a road trip with the family.

Various vehicle tech features can improve comfort and convenience in modern cars and trucks.

A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper • October, 2020

How to effectively and safely sanitize a car

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he COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people live. One readily felt effect was spending more time at home. Vehicles sat idle in driveways and even some automotive insurance providers reduced rates because people were driving much less.

Even with stay-at-home measures in place, people still need to leave their homes to stock up on essentials, such as food or medicine. In other cases, people may have been essential workers who drive for a living, including delivery drivers or health care personnel who were incapable of working from home.

Any time a person goes out in public, he or she runs the risk of contracting viruses.

Wash hands. First and foremost, it is crucial to wash your hands before and after using the car. This can reduce the likelihood of growing ill because of transferred viruses or bacteria.

Use rubbing alcohol. Solutions that contain 70 percent alcohol are effective against many viruses and bacteria, including coronaviruses, says the CDC. Furthermore, Jeff Stout, Executive Director of Global Innovation at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, says that, for the most part, nearly every interior surface of a vehicle can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Plastic to painted chrome to imitation leather have been tested to ensure they don’t

degrade when exposed to pure isopropyl alcohol.

Avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide. While bleach and peroxide are very effective cleaners and sanitizers, they are likely to damage a car’s upholstery, according to Consumer Reports.

Use soap and water: Experts say that vigorous washing with a soap-and-water solution can be effective against many contaminants because it breaks down the protective envelope that surrounds coronaviruses and other germs to disarm them. Friction also can help to break down germ cells during cleaning.

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Tech that makes it easier to take to the road

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adgets and cars have seemingly always had a symbiotic relationship. As cars have evolved, so, too, have the gadgets that make driving more enjoyable.

The connection between cars and gadgets has become even stronger in recent decades, a time marked by rapid technological advancements and one in which car buyers increasingly look for techfriendly cars and trucks. Buyers in the market for new automobiles may be surprised by some of these innovations that have changed driving.

Remote start: No one enjoys enduring frigid winter mornings or suffocating summer heat as they sit in their cars waiting for their engines to warm up or for their windshields to defrost. Innovation has made such unpleasantries a thing of the past thanks to remote start technology, which allows drivers to use their smartphones to start their vehicles from inside their homes.

Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity has been around for years, and this advancement has made staying connected while behind the wheel more convenient and more safe. All it takes is connecting your smartphone to your vehicle’s bluetooth. Once that connection is made, drivers can play music, accept phone calls and even receive text messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road the entire time.

Self-parking: Drivers who never

mastered the art of parallel parking need not avoid cities any longer.

Some cars now come with selfparking features that drivers simply turn on. Once the feature is enabled, the car will parallel park itself.

Blindspot monitoring: Aging drivers who haven’t purchased a new car in awhile but are in the market may be thrilled to learn that blindspots have become a thing of the past. Blindspot monitoring systems alert drivers of approaching cars via a light on their sideview mirrors and/or a sound as drivers attempt to change lanes. This can make it easier for aging drivers with flexibility issues to avoid accidents when changing lanes. Anti-collision warning systems operate in a similar fashion, alerting motorists, and potentially even applying the brakes, if the system suspects the car is about to hit something.

Massaging seats: Many tech products in vehicles are designed to make driving safer, while others are all about comfort. Massaging seats falls into the latter category. Such seats make it easy for drivers who like long road trips to get through trips without succumbing to the aches and pains that can develop when sitting behind the wheel for long stretches.

Modern vehicles are technological marvels that can make taking to the open road easier and more enjoyable than ever.

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Bacteria and germs may reside on various surfaces, including those inside vehicles.

People want to protect themselves and now are more aware of the importance of frequently cleaning and sanitizing their cars. Keeping a vehicle safe to drive without affecting its upholstery or electronic components is paramount.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes a distinction between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but can lower their numbers. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. The following are some ways to deeply clean and sanitize a car.

even soap and water can chip away at the risk,” says Stephen Thomas, M.D., Chief of Infectious Diseases and Director of Global Health at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.

Address frequently touched surfaces. Pay attention to the steering wheel, door handles, buttons, touchscreen displays, shift lever, and more when sanitizing. Each of these items can harbor germs.

Deep-cleaning a vehicle has become a necessity since COVID-19 emerged. Frequently cleaning and sanitizing can help make vehicles safer to operate.

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October, 2020 • A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper

How to maintain a car that’s rarely driven

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riving habits changed significantly in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced many professionals to work from home full-time. In addition, stay-at-home measures greatly limited how much people could or would travel in their free time. The result was a lot of cars spending a lot of time sitting idly in driveways.

Just because a car is not being driven very much does not mean its owner can forgo vehicle maintenance. Drivers can take these steps to ensure their vehicles stay in shape even as they’re primarily staying in the driveway.

Adhere to recommended maintenance schedules. Auto

manufacturers typically recommend maintenance schedules based on the number of miles a car is driven or the length of time since its most recent maintenance appointment. “Whichever comes first” may be recommended for fluid changes and routine tuneups, and this rule of thumb should still be followed. Even if a car has barely hit the road in recent months, its fluids, such as oil, are still aging and still need to be replaced.

Turn the car on every so often.

Turning the car on, even if you only intend to let it sit idle in the driveway, keeps the vehicle components lubricated by allowing fluids to cycle their way through the engine. Turning the car on also ensures the battery stays fresh and doesn’t die, a lesson

many drivers have learned the hard way during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Disconnect the battery if necessary.

Drivers who own two vehicles or families who have only been using the family car in recent months can disconnect the batteries from their unused vehicles to prevent corrosion.

Corrosion decreases battery life and performance. If drivers notice a white, green or blue covering around the battery terminals, posts or cables, corrosion is likely the culprit and the battery will need to be replaced.

Take the car for a spin. Of course, driving a vehicle every so often is a great way to keep it running strong.

Multi-car families that tend to use the same car to shop for groceries or pick

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up takeout orders can periodically use their other car to run such errands.

Cars are sitting idly in driveways more than ever before. Vehicle maintenance must remain a priority even for cars that rarely hit the open road.

A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper • October, 2020

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5 benefits of a defensive driving course

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illions of cars travel the roadways each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nearly 1.5 million people are killed in road crashes each year and approximately 3,700 people die each day in accidents around the world. The World Health Organization points out that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children and young people in various countries. Such deaths are preventable, and defensive driving strategies can greatly reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

Defensive driving is driving in a way that utilizes safe driving strategies to enable motorists to address hazards in a predicatable manner, according to SafeMotorist.com. These strategies go above and beyond following basic traffic laws and procedures. Defensive driving courses can help new or seasoned drivers improve their driving skills and reduce accident risk by teaching them to anticipate certain scenarios and make well-informed decisions.

Defensive driving strategies can help reduce the risk of being in an accident, and there are other benefits to these courses as well.

Defensive driving courses can help reduce the risk of accidents and much more.

1. Reduce automotive insurance premiums

Depending on where they live, drivers’ insurance premiums can be reduced by as much as 10 percent for completing a defensive driving course. This can add up, particularly for those who have teenagers on the policy. It’s worth a call to the insurance agency to see which type of course they require.

2. Reduce fines

Traffic courts may reduce fines for those who are ticketed and agree to enroll in defensive driving courses. Drivers looking to reduce fines should confirm that a course is recognized in the state where they live before enrolling.

3. Remove fines or reduce points

Driving violations come with some consequences, namely tickets and sometimes points on a license. Too many points can lead to a suspended license. Completing a defensive

driving course may remove points or tickets from your driving record.

Be sure to verify the law with a court clerk or the local motor vehicle commission.

4. Relearn the rules of the road

It may have been some time since you contemplated the rules of the road. Defensive driving courses often review information on driving laws and regulations, helping to make for more confident, law-abiding drivers.

5. Learn preventative techniques

Of course the main goal of the

Gas in a car T won’t stay fresh forever

he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in 2019-20 had a significant impact on drivers. In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, many countries issued stay-at-home orders that mandated businesses close their doors and allow employees to work from home. In addition, restaurants and popular tourist destinations were closed for a period of time, giving people few reasons to drive. As a result, drivers ended up spending less time on the road and less money at the gas station.

But what about the gas they did purchase? Can gas go bad?

Yes it can, according to Consumer Reports, which notes that the lighter, more volatile components of gasoline evaporate over time.

Old gas can compromise engine performance, potentially causing a car to hesitate or stall.

Gas that has gone bad can begin to smell like varnish and will darken over time, though

Did you know?

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t least one automotive manufacturer has taken a cue from NASA and offers drivers what they believe to be the ultimate in passenger comfort — zero gravity seats. These seats, available on various Nissan vehicles, are designed to maximize comfort while reducing fatigue. In space there is no gravity force, so people can assume a relaxed posture that is comfortable and minimizes stress on the body. The zero gravity seats mimic that by trying to create a neutral posture position. These specially designed seats offer continuous support for the hips, pelvis, chest, and back.

The cushions also flex in response to unique pressure points on the body. People who frequently take long car rides or find their body feels tired after sitting in the car for long stretches of time may benefit from zero gravity car seat technology. These seats became a new feature in 2015 on various Nissan models. Other vehicle manufacturers also may have seats that offer similar support systems.

course is to help drivers learn the common causes of accidents and how to avoid them. Courses may teach drivers that 40 percent of crashes occur at intersections, and that passing another vehicle within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing dramatically increases the chances of being involved in an accident, according to DriveSafe Online. There’s always room for improvement, and defensive driving courses can help drivers get better behind the wheel.

Investing in a defensive driving course can improve skills, potentially save lives and even save drivers money.

discoloration often occurs only in the most extreme situations. To determine if gas smells differently, drivers should avoid putting their nose into their vehicle’s gas tanks. Instead, remove the gas cap and stand next to the car where you would normally put the gas pump.

If you detect an aroma of varnish coming from the car, then the gas has likely gone bad. An easier way to determine if gas has gone bad is to consider how long it’s been since you refilled the tank. Gas can begin to go bad in as little as three months, so drivers who haven’t driven much over that period may have bad gas in their tanks. One way drivers can combat bad gas, even if they aren’t driving much, is to add fuel stabilizer when filling up the tank. Fuel stabilizer keeps gas from degrading, but it’s only effective if it is mixed with good gasoline, hence the reason to add it when filling up and not when you detect the gas already in the car has gone bad.

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October, 2020 • A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper

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he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 required people of all ages and backgrounds to make changes in their daily lives. Elderly men and women were among the groups the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified as high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

That forced people 65 years and older to be especially cautious when engaging in otherwise normal activities, including having their vehicles serviced.

In recognition of the threat posed by COVID-19, many auto dealerships and service shops implemented changes to their operations to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers, including those in high-risk groups. Seniors can take additional measures to ensure they stay safe while having their vehicles serviced.

How older drivers can approach vehicle maintenance and social distancing

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utomobiles require a little TLC to stay on the road and operate efficiently. When vehicle maintenance is ignored, vehicles operate less efficiently and, in many instances, less safely as well.

Jerking and stalling is a telltale sign of engine trouble, but some vehicle problems are more subtle. One such problem is fading headlights.

Fading headlights can pose a significant threat to drivers and their passengers as well as fellow motorists. According to the National Safety Council, drivers do only one-quarter of their driving at night. However, the NSC notes that 50 percent of traffic deaths occur at night.

Such figures highlight the potential dangers of nighttime driving, which only becomes more dangerous if headlights are not operating at optimal capacity.

Since drivers do most of their driving during the daytime, it’s easy to overlook headlight performance. However, it’s important that drivers learn to recognize the signs that headlights need to be replaced.

Dimming

Dimming headlights do not necessarily require replacement. In some instances dimming headlights are a byproduct of a dirty car. The buildup of dirt and grime can reduce light output

Inquire about safety measures.

Before booking vehicle maintenance appointments, seniors should call the dealership or body shop to determine what’s being done to keep everyone safe.

Many such businesses quickly implemented new safety protocols so they should be ready and willing to share this information over the phone. Look for specific information about sanitization practices. Are vehicle interiors being sprayed with disinfectant before and after maintenance appointments? Are employees wearing masks each day? Are employees being checked for COVID-19 symptoms before each shift? These are some of the simple yet effective measures many dealerships and body shops are taking to ensure the safety of their customers.

Ask about pickup service.

Some communities that have reopened are encouraging highrisk segments of the population to adhere to stay-at-home measures.

Elderly men and women are still vulnerable to COVID-19 even if

even when the headlights are otherwise fine.

If your car is dirty, take it to the car wash and make sure the headlights are scrubbed clean of dirt and grime. Then drive at night to see if the light output of your headlights is still dim. If so, the headlight bulbs may need to be replaced.

Flickering

Flickering headlights can indicate anything from worn out headlight bulbs to a weak car battery to loose connections. Flickering is one of the more dangerous headlight issues, as it can lead to headlights suddenly going dark while drivers are on the road at night. If headlights are flickering, take the car to a mechanic as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.

the number of reported cases in their towns has decreased. Pickup service, in which a service shop employee will come pick up and then drop off a customer’s car once the work is done, can be a great way for elderly drivers to have their vehicles serviced without going out in public. Even if pickup is not policy, ask if it’s possible and request that your vehicle be disinfected upon being returned.

If pickup is not an option, ask a younger friend or family member to drive your car in for maintenance in your place.

Only visit safe facilities.

Elderly drivers who must visit a dealership or body shop in person should confirm that waiting rooms feature socially distant seating. If possible, drop the car off and then go for a walk or find somewhere safe off the premises to read a book or listen to music while the work is being done.

Elderly drivers who need to have their vehicles serviced can take certain steps to stay safe in the era of social distancing.

Signs headlights may need to be replaced

One light out

When one headlight goes dark, chances are the other is not far behind. Automotive experts recommend replacing headlight bulbs in pairs, even if only one bulb has gone dark, because this ensures equal light output.

Headlight maintenance tends to be overlooked.

But recognizing the signs of fading headlights can help drivers avoid accidents and vastly improve the safety of nighttime driving.

How to create an on-the-go handwashing kit (Editor’s Note: Please consult your local laws and regulations before publishing this story to confirm its content aligns with mandates currently in place in your city.)

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all road trip season has arrived, and it promises to be unlike any other in recent memory. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has changed how people go about their daily lives, including how they travel.

Travel may involve some risk until a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 is developed, but day trips by car are among the safer ways to get out and about and experience the majesty of nature this fall. Fall foliage and moderate temperatures make autumn an ideal time to hit the open road, and drivers can do so without sacrificing their personal safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone who intends to travel take certain steps to protect themselves while away from home. The CDC advises travelers to wash their hands often while traveling, but fully operational restrooms may not be easy to find while on the road, as many communities have closed such facilities in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean drivers and their passengers can’t keep their hands clean as they take to the road this fall. An on-the-go handwashing kit that includes the following items is easy to carry and makes for an effective way to wash

your hands while on the road this fall.

Water bottle(s) with cap: Pack enough water bottles with caps to accommodate your entire traveling party.

Antibacterial soap/hand sanitizer: The CDC advises washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after going out in public, touching surfaces frequently touched by others and/or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you bring hand sanitizer, make sure it’s at least 60 percent alcohol.

Paper towels/wash cloths: Pack paper towels or wash cloths so you can dry your hands after washing them.

Garbage bag: If you’re visiting a park or trails, remember to bring a garbage bag along so you do not leave dirty towels or empty water bottles behind. A plastic bag from the grocery store can suffice if your traveling party is small.

The 2020 fall road trip season may differ from seasons past, but drivers can still take to the roads this autumn.

Some simple safety measures, like packing an on-the-go handwashing kit, can help drivers reduce their risk of getting the COVID-19 virus without compromising the entertainment value of their trips.

A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper • October, 2020

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Technology that can make driving safer

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echnology plays such a significant role in modern life that it can sometimes prove hard to ignore, even when drivers are behind the wheel. In fact, data from the National Security Council indicates that more than 700 people are injured in distracted driving crashes every day, and many of those crashes involve drivers who were distracted by their devices.

While technology can distract drivers, indirectly making the roads more dangerous as a result, the following technological advancements also can make the roads considerably safer.

Backup camera: Seasoned drivers know that danger can arise at any time while driving, including when backing out of one’s own driveway or even a parking spot. Backup camera technology feeds video directly to drivers’ dashboards, allowing them to get a clear view of what is directly behind their vehicles. This reduces the risk of hitting anyone, including small children playing in the driveway and pedestrians on the sidewalk, when driving in reverse.

Automatic emergency braking: These systems, sometimes referred to as “AEB” on dealership window stickers, alert drivers to imminent danger. AEB systems can independently brake when drivers are not responding to danger, preventing potentially deadly collisions.

Systems may detect cars both near and far, making them valuable when driving on crowded city streets as well as on highways where cars may not be so close but are driving at high speeds. AEB systems may even

detect pedestrians. Some vehicles can even be equipped with rear automatic emergency braking systems, or Rear AEB, which automatically apply the brakes if sensors detect objects behind the vehicle while it’s in reverse.

LED headlights: LED headlights may not inspire the awe of backup cameras or AEB systems, but they can be just as effective at making driving safer.

Car trouble? Check the fuse box

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odern automobiles are technological marvels that rely on electrical components more than ever before. According to The Family Handyman, vehicles have 40 or more fuses grouped in two or more places.

Just like fuses in a home’s electrical panel, automotive fuses stop excessive current flow that can overheat circuits, damage equipment or cause fires. Any electrical component in a vehicle, such as the radio or headlights, are tied to a fuse.

When something goes awry with automotive electrical components, drivers may

be quick to believe the components themselves or even the car’s battery or alternator are to blame.

Mechanics say that it’s entirely possible that a blown fuse is the cause of the problem.

Simply checking and/or replacing the fuse can alleviate the issue.

Finding the fuses

The location of the fuse box depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Drivers should consult their owner’s manual to learn where the fuse boxes are located. Some vehicles have two fuse boxes

LED headlights tend to produce greater light output than traditional headlamps, making it easier for drivers to see at night. LED headlights also last much longer than halogen bulbs, meaning they won’t fade as quickly, keeping more light on the road for longer periods of time.

Autonomous cruise control: Autonomous cruise control, or ACC,

that serve different purposes.

Engine compartment fuse boxes protect certain engine components, including the antilock brake pump. Fuses inside or beneath the dashboard may protect dome lights or the air conditioning system.

According to How a Car Works, the individual fuses in the box are typically numbered. That makes it easier for drivers to determine which vehicle components aren’t working. If the fuses are not numbered, then it’s a matter of removing fuses to see which circuits stop working to help narrow down the issue.

Replacing fuses

Vehicles may have different types of fuses. It’s important to know which ones are in the car so you can get the right replacement.

“Blade” fuses are common and have a conductive horseshoeshaped metal strip that runs through an outer plastic

systems operate in similar fashion to traditional cruise control with a key distinction. When engaged, ACC systems adjust vehicle speeds so cars and trucks maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead of them.

Technology has forever changed the way people drive. Modern vehicles are safer than ever before thanks to technological advancements that help drivers avoid accidents in myriad ways.

housing. If the metal strip appears broken, the fuse is no good.

Cylindrical glass fuses are found in some cars. They’re also known as “Buss” fuses. If the metal strip that runs down the center is broken, the fuse needs to be replaced.

Older European cars have ceramic fuses built with an outer copper conductive surface. The narrow part of the copper piece breaks in the middle when the fuse blows.

Regardless of their design,

fuses will be clearly labeled with their ampere ratings, according to CarID. Physically remove the fuse using a small, specially shaped fuse puller tool that may be included inside the fuse box. Replace the fuse with one of the same amperage by gently pushing it into place.

If the new fuse blows relatively quickly after replacement, or multiple fuses blow at one time, a larger current issue may be the problem. Consult a mechanic in this instance.

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October, 2020 • A Supplement to the River Valley Shopper

How to get a Wi-Fi enabled car

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taying connected is more important than ever, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Connecting to Wi-Fi is typically easy at home, but what about when you’re in the car?

Wi-Fi-enabled vehicles are becoming hot commodities for drivers. There are various ways to access the internet in a car. Drivers can buy an add-on device. Even mobile gadgets that aren’t specifically designed for vehicle applications can be easily connected.

The devices plug into the 12-volt accessory outlet. OBD II devices connect to a car’s OBD II port. This is most often located below the steering wheel. Mechanics use this port to run digital vehicle diagnostics. However, it also can be used to create a Wi-Fi hot spot with an OBD device.

Another option is to use a smartphone to create a mobile hotspot through a cellular data plan. Anyone in the car can then tether their phones or other devices to the smartphone to access the internet.

Many vehicles are now equipped with their own Wi-Fi capabilities.

This means you will not need an

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extra device to access the internet.

However, you will probably need to sign up for an additional data plan through whatever service the car manufacturer uses to offer Wi-Fi capability or through your mobile phone carrier. AllConnect.com says Wi-Fi plans for vehicles start as low as $10 per month and may include unlimited data. Furthermore, car Wi-Fi is often different from a mobile hotspot because it is likely to offer better connection and more security while preserving mobile data and phone battery life. Cars that are not equipped with Wi-Fi can have it as an add-on with an installed wireless vehicle router. These routers range from $200 to $600 and are professionally installed.

Having Wi-Fi in a vehicle is handy when taking road trips or when work requires internet connectivity.

Dedicated vehicle internet can help save on mobile phone data plans and battery life. Plus, people increasingly staying at home can rely on a vehicle’s Wi-Fi system as a back-up should their home internet go down.