The 2022 Rivian R1T Will Make Changing a Flat Tire Much Easier

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Flat tires are one of the harsh realities that every driver will one day have to face. No matter how much you take care of your tires, it will eventually happen. This is why learning to change a tire is one of the most important driving skills one can have. That said, the 2022 Rivian R1T has yet again revolutionized the pickup truck game by making changing a flat tire a bit easier. 

Rivian R1T tire change | Rivian

The 2022 Rivian R1T makes changing a flat tire easier

Not only did Rivian think to include an onboard air compressor already, but it has also devised a clever way to make more serious tire issues less serious. 

The Rivian R1T keeps its spare tire underneath the bed, behind a special panel. On the one hand, this is a smart, out-of-the-way place to store a spare. On the other hand, it requires the driver to empty the bed to access it. This is a surprisingly annoying design choice.

What is the Rivian Tire-Changing Mode? 

infotainment screen showing tire-changing mode
Tire-Changing Mode | Rivian

Spare location aside, Motortrend reports that the 2022 Rivian R1T has a special Tire-Change mode. While this may seem unnecessary at first, remember that Rivian has one of the most sophisticated auto-leveling suspensions to give it its off-road acrobatic nature. 

Since the suspension can automatically adjust to keep the R1T level and stable, Tire-Changing Mode is meant to tell the suspension to halt auto-leveling so that drivers can jack up the wheel with the damaged tire. 

A round plastic piece comes attached to the underside of the upside-down spare in the spare compartment. In addition to housing the scissors jack, tire iron, jack handle, jacking-point puck, and jack-base extension, this piece has other uses. It’s strong enough to serve as a jacking base on dirt or sand, allowing for better off-road jacking needs. 

Ready to fix the flat tire?

small plastic circle holds the tool changing kit and acts a base for the jack
Tire changing tool kit and base plate | Rivian

Rivian has kindly made the jacking points obviously and clearly marked to take any question of jacking safety out of the equation. These jacking points are marked with a hole that the jack inserts directly into. This mounting point shortens the jacking distance by about two inches. It ain’t much, but that two inches can go a long way on soft off-road surfaces. The base of the jack also adds another two inches to the height. 

As wisely noted by MT, make sure to break your lug nuts before jacking. Rivian still hasn’t worked out automatically removing lug nuts, unfortunately. 

Although, the onboard air compressor means that air tools are now an option. That, my friends, is a major boon to anyone changing a tire on a Rivian. 

Rivian continues to be the smartest truck around

A man changing the tire on the new Rivian R1T
Rivian R1T spare tire location | Rivian

Between things like the spring-loaded (not literally) overlanding kitchenette, the Star Wars-themed insane turning functions, and now something as simple as making changing a flat tire a little easier, Rivian has proven that it has deeply considered the needs of truck owners. 

And this is only the beginning. As trucks begin shipping, Rivian will likely continue to tune its products to be even better. 

RELATED: This 1 Skill Could Save You On a Road Trip

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The 2021 Nissan Murano Provides More Quality Than Expected

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and the 2021 Nissan Murano doesn’t disappoint. The Nissan Murano just snagged the highest quality award from J.D. Power for 2021, meaning it dominates the competition. 

The 2021 Nissan Murano dominates as the highest quality vehicle 

2021 Nissan Murano | Nisssan

The 2021 Nissan Murano is ranked as J.D. Power’s highest-quality midsize SUV, and this award shouldn’t be taken lightly. A lot of research goes into the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. This is the 35th annual J.D. Power study. 

Each vehicle was assessed for the first three months of the 2021 model year vehicle ownership. About 111,000 vehicle owners answered 223 questions about the powertrain, comfort, safety, and tech. 

So the Murano went through a lot to come out on top. It’s ahead of rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Chevy Equinox, and more. But what’s so great about the Nissan Murano? 

Why is the Murano the best SUV? 

You can get started in a 2021 Nissan Murano for about $32,810. This price feels a little high. The 2021 Kia Sorento begins at about $29,390. Also, these prices are listed before dealership markups, and destination fees have been added. 

But the Murano comes standard with a ton of power. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds, so that’s average. Also, it can only tow up to 1,500 lbs. That’s a little disappointing. 

The Murano provides a smooth power delivery with sporty handling, but the brakes are a little soft. The optional 20-inch wheels may make the ride a little bumpier than other options, but it’s still pretty smooth. Also, the interior is peacefully quiet with an occasional engine roar. 

The 2021 Murano gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This fuel economy is better than what rivals have to offer. Adding all-wheel drive doesn’t bring the fuel economy down either. 

Does the Nissan Murano have a quality interior? 

2021 Nissan Murano interior
2021 Nissan Murano interior | Nissan

Yes, the interior is where the 2021 Nissan Murano shines. Aside from being fun to drive, it’s also very comfortable. There’s soft leather on the seats, armrests, and door panels. Plus, there’s luxurious dark teak-wood trim. 

The front seats are large and heavily padded. Plus, the rear seats and plush and supportive as well. The dual-zone climate control is effective and not too loud. You can opt for ventilated seats too. 

Nissan Murano models come with an 8.0-inch color touchscreen display that features NissanConnect infotainment software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM with Travel Link weather and traffic updates come standard. 

You also get both USB-C and USB-A ports in the front and rear to keep everyone and their smartphones happy. The system is fast, responsive, and easy to use. The voice control is effective too. 

Standard safety features include:

  • Forward-collision warning.
  • Automated emergency braking.
  • Blind-spot monitoring.
  • Rear-cross traffic alert.
  • Lane-departure warning.
  • Lane-keeping assistance. 

The 2021 Nissan Murano stretches your dollar pretty far. It serves as a well-rounded option that provides a sporty ride and a sense of luxury without breaking the bank. It should be on your list of SUV options to consider. 

RELATED: The 2021 Nissan Murano Is Finally Catching Up With Safety

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87 Million Americans Will Shop for a New Car on Labor Day Weekend Despite Increased Pricing

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Labor Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to buy a new car, and this year is no different. Despite the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus and the increase in car pricing this year, Americans are still planning to shop for a car this weekend. A recent study conducted by WalletHub shows that there are a few factors that are keeping the interest at a steady level.

Many Americans are feeling financially secure this Labor Day Weekend

Consumer Reports: Is Age or Mileage More Important on a Used Car? | Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images

Although the pandemic took its toll on the economy last year, it looks like it’s making a steady comeback this year. According to Acorns, “Americans are feeling better than they were a year ago,” citing a financial study put together by Northwestern Mutual. The results showed that “when respondents rated their financial security from 1 to 10, the average response was a 6.5 – up from 6.1 a year before.”

Considering the average price of a new car is $41,044, consumers are still ready to head out this weekend and peruse the dealer lots. According to WalletHub’s findings, the interest in buying cars is up by 23% as compared to 2019. Also, 55% of Americans feel more financially secure now when it comes to buying a car than they did before the pandemic struck.

Sales and leasing consultant Ernie Alvinito, left, assists customer Bill Valasek in the new-car showroom at Hoskins Chevrolet, a division of General Motors.
Sales and leasing consultant Ernie Alvinito, left, assists customer Bill Valasek in the new-car showroom at Hoskins Chevrolet, a division of General Motors. | (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

During the pandemic, many dealerships switched to selling cars mostly online in order to remain compliant with health and safety regulations. And while much of the online shopping experience remained this year, many Americans still prefer to shop for a car in person. In fact, the WalletHub study showed that 91% of respondents answered that they would rather shop for a car at an actual dealership as opposed to going through the process online.

“This is great news for car manufacturers and sellers because car prices are currently at an all-time high and these companies stand to make large profits. Interest in buying cars is also a good indicator of consumer confidence because it shows that a growing number of people feel financially stable enough to make big purchases,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for WalletHub.

Americans also prefer American cars over foreign-made ones

WalletHub’s study also revealed that 58% of Americans would buy an American-made car this year as opposed to a foreign-made one. “The fact that a majority of Americans prefer domestically manufactured cars should give an extra boost to American manufacturers and help them expand their hiring efforts in the wake of the pandemic,” Gonzalez said.

Tips for buying a car this weekend

Mariano Avalos (L), the owner of a car dealer that sells used electric cars imported from the United States, talks to a customer in San Jose. | (EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

If you’re one of the 87 million Americans that are planning to step into a dealership this weekend, make sure to check out more than one. Labor Day weekend is a great time to take advantage of the deals that some dealers may have – in addition to manufacturer incentives – and checking with a couple of different dealers could yield better pricing results. The pricing for cars might be high right now, but with some research and patience, you could possibly end up finding a good deal.

RELATED: 10 of the Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers

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5 Reasons Electric Boats Engines Are Best

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although electric engines have not completely taken over combustion engines yet, there are plenty of compelling reasons to opt for electric over combustion engines, even when it comes to boats. EVs have made exponential gains in popularity over recent years, and innovations in technology have made electric engines more accessible than ever. Learn more about why you should consider an electric engine for your boat below.

Electric boat engines are quieter

A harbor of boats powered by electricity | Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images

Electric vehicles tend to be much quieter on the road, which is also true of electric engines in boats. Those who enjoy observing wildlife and fishing on their boat can attest that being quiet is an important aspect of these activities to avoid scaring animals away, so those who want to enjoy a day on the water without a noisy engine may prefer an electric engine over a combustion one. Electric engines are quieter, so you can barely hear them running, especially when driven at low speeds. This can help you relax and enjoy the sounds of nature as you cruise along and take in the sights.

Additionally, despite being significantly quieter, electric engines can still produce plenty of power and torque. Boat drivers also appreciate the fact that electric engines can produce full torque the second the throttle is hit, according to Motor Authority.

Electric engines are much cheaper to run and maintain

According to Consumer Reports, one of the cheapest cars to run and maintain is the all-electric Nissan Leaf. Even after 10 years on the road, the average cost owners paid to keep it on the road was a seemingly impossible $0. Nissan Leafs aren’t perfect vehicles, but their electric engines keep them running smoothly in the long term.

This same logic can be applied to boats with electric engines. You can expect fewer and less expensive repairs on boat engines, and you can even refuel your electric boat using power from your home. Recharging an electric engine also costs much less on average than fueling a combustion engine. However, it’s important to know your boat’s range before heading out on an excursion.

Driving boats at high speeds, whether electric or combustion, consumes significantly more power than driving at slower speeds. You can make your battery or gas tank last much longer by coasting and not rushing to get from point A to B, though the capacity for rechargeable batteries is much larger than it used to be.

Electric boat engines are better for the environment

Perhaps the most important advantage electric boat engines have over combustion is that they are far better for the environment. This is for two reasons, the first being that electric engines don’t directly produce any CO2 emissions and nitrogen oxide that pollutes the air when running. Secondly, they don’t allow oil residues to seep into the water.

According to Electric Boats, the only by-product of electric boat engines is heat, so you can enjoy a day on the water without feeling guilty about contributing to the pollution that can wreak havoc on our planet and wildlife. This is especially true if you get at least some of your home’s power from solar panels or other sources of renewable energy.

Technology in electric vehicles is improving rapidly, and it isn’t too far-fetched to say that someday soon, you might be able to place solar panels on top of your boat or port, so some or all the energy powering your watercraft could be from renewable resources. Dozens of boat manufacturers worldwide are hard at work to improve electric boats and bring them more into the mainstream.

RELATED: The Sarvo 37 Might be the Most Beautiful Boat Ever – and It’s Faster’n Hell

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