by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was supposed to bring an affordable, fuel-efficient SUV to an already saturated market. In many ways, it succeeded, boasting stellar reviews from several top automotive publications. However, a recent glitch in its airbag system may have put a damper on an otherwise smooth rollout. 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most eclectic models on the market. Trying to appease more budget-conscious buyers who can’t afford luxury while allowing the deep-pocketed a breadth of better features, Hyundai made its premier SUV the perfect car to reach its broadest audience. It’s hard to find much fault with the design. 

According to Car and Driver, the $27,000-plus Santa Fe packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with optional front-wheel and all-wheel drive and an optional hybrid powertrain. In doing so, however, it succeeds where many other models fail. Many people can’t afford a hybrid in a market where it’s quickly becoming the norm, and with the Santa Fe appeasing both sides, it automatically has a way to appease all sides of this debacle. 

With a striking exterior and a small but spacious interior, this size-conscious midsize SUV delivers where it counts. It boasts 277 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft torque at 1,700 rpm. And with a 19-gallon gas tank and better-than-average fuel economy, this car has excited gearheads and casual buyers alike. 

However, despite the Hyundai Santa Fe’s accolades, a recall has briefly cooled an otherwise hot release. Luckily, the automaker appears to have caught the bug early and acted before it got too serious. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s recent recall

Earlier this year, Hyundai received reports that its lauded airbag system came with a significant flaw. According to a press release published by USA Today, the recall concerns what occurs when a child car seat is placed on the passenger side. 

“Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, ‘Occupant Crash Protection.'”

Hyundai press release

According to CarComplaints.com, the recall affects only 10 models. Santa Fe owners can call 855-371-9460 to see if their SUV is affected. 

Playing it safe

Airbags are meant to save lives, but they can also endanger smaller riders, including children. That’s why airbags shouldn’t deploy near seats where the vehicle’s system detects anything under a certain weight. Though Hyundai conducted thorough testing, this glitch went undetected before the new model debuted.

The recall officially began on May 14. Hyundai urges owners to take their affected Santa Fe SUVs to an authorized dealer to fix the potentially deadly problem. Still, early on in its lifespan, the 2021 Santa Fe’s long-term problems may be unknown. But by catching this issue early, the automaker has potentially saved lives. 

Recalls can vary in severity, from annoying hiccups to dangerous problems. Although the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe airbag recall is serious, the problem appears to be isolated to only a handful of vehicles. Still, if you ever doubt your car’s safety, always contact the dealer or manufacturer to ensure you won’t regret your purchase later.

RELATED: The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Just Won This Top Safety Award

The post This Dangerous 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Defect Led to a Quick Recall appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you live in a rural area, you have probably seen tractors and other farm maintenance vehicles on the road. You may have even been stuck behind one. In fact, evidence shows slow drivers cause more accidents than fast ones, and tractors are decidedly not fast.

But unlike cars that drive frustratingly slow in the left lane, tractors won’t get ticketed for not driving fast enough. That is as long as they aren’t on a freeway.

Are tractors allowed on roads?

It might be frustrating to get stuck behind tractors, and you might wonder if it is even legal for them to be on the road. But the answer is, yes, it is perfectly legal to drive tractors on roads. According to AGDAILY, laws vary from state to state, but it is still legal to drive a tractor on a road.

What rules do you have to follow if you drive a tractor on the road?

Though rules and regulations differ among states, some are common. Almost every state requires a slow-moving vehicle sign — an orange triangle that becomes a hollow red triangle at night to alert other motorists. Even in states where this sign is not required, such as North Carolina, it is still highly recommended. Additionally, several states do not allow farm equipment on public roads at night. That’s because no matter how many flashing lights you have, judging the speed of an oncoming vehicle at night is difficult. 

For motorists, it is important to know that if you are in a no-passing zone, regardless of how slow another vehicle or tractor is going, it is illegal to pass them. It is also dangerous. Additionally, if you see a tractor turning, you should never try to go around it because it can be hard to determine which way it is going. And if it’s towing a trailer, it could swing out wide in the opposite direction.

Remember these safety tips

In addition to following the rules, you should also practice safe driving. Tractors are slower, larger, and can carry or tow additional equipment, so only skilled operators should drive tractors on public roads, the National AG Safety Database (NASD) reports. Before driving, you should make sure your tires are properly inflated, the wheels are bolted tightly, and the vehicle is balanced properly.

Drive on the shoulder if it is wide enough. Listen for approaching cars, and constantly be aware of your surroundings. This includes pedestrians, animals, road obstacles, and potholes. Slow down around sharp curves and when going downhill. You should also not have extra people or pets riding on the tractor with you. They could fall off and sustain serious injuries, and you could accidentally run them over.

Rural areas usually have fewer road hazards than cities. You might see slow-moving farm equipment such as tractors. Or a deer might run into the road and freeze in front of you, which is actually a thing, not just an urban myth. Tractors — along with deer — have a right to be on the road, regardless of speed. So try to be patient and honk only at animals, not tractors. 

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The post Is It Illegal to Drive a Tractor on the Road? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.