3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Replacing your cabin air filter is a rather simple and easy part of vehicle maintenance, but it is also one of the easiest to forget. While newer cars remind us of basic maintenance like oil changes, other forms of maintenance can fall through the cracks. Luckily, old, worn-out cabin air filters are almost as easy to diagnose as they are to replace, and it is one of the least expensive pieces of your vehicle’s air conditioning systems to change in case you aren’t getting the air quality you want.

The air coming out of the vents is starting to smell funky

The dashboard of a car showing air conditioning controls | Getty Images

Funky is a rather arbitrary term when it comes to describing scents, but if you’ve ever had an old air filter, it isn’t hard to identify the musky scent of an old, worn-out air filter. Of course, there are several reasons why your car could smell musty — such as a spilled beverage on the carpet, old beach towels, or a forgotten gym bag. But, if the smell is coming from the air vents, it is pretty distinct, and that could mean that it’s time to replace your cabin air filter. This is the most common issue that owners face when your air filter is past its time for a replacement.

Your air conditioning system sounds louder than it did before

You aren’t going crazy — if your air conditioning system sounds like it’s blowing louder and harder than it has in the past, it could be a sign that your cabin air filter is in need of replacement. This increase in noise is caused by the air conditioning system has to work harder to provide sufficient airflow, which happens when the airflow is blocked by a clogged or dirty cabin air filter. If you don’t have the filter replaced, it can cause unnecessary strain on your car’s air conditioning components, such as the AC blower motor.

The cabin air filter is preventing adequate flow to the cabin

In the summertime, it can feel like our air conditioning system is never blowing hard enough, but there is a chance that it actually isn’t. Because all of the air being brought into the cabin through the system is pushed through this cabin air filter, an old, dirty, and clogged filter can prevent efficient airflow. If it’s been a few thousand miles since you checked on your cabin air filter, decreased airflow is typically as easy to diagnose as replacing your filter — which is one of the quickest and easiest DIY tasks even novice car owners can tackle.

Replacing your cabin air filter can take just a few minutes and be relatively inexpensive, but if you don’t recognize the signs of a fault, dirty filter, you can be compromising both your air quality and straining your vehicle’s air conditioning systems. While maintenance suggestions by mileage can vary between a vehicle’s year, make, and model, the general rule of thumb is to change it — or at least check it — every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on the climate and air pollution of the area you live in.

RELATED: You Need To Change Your Cabin Air Filter

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EPA Unveils Mileage Goal for 2026 Under Biden Plan

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Biden’s plan for the EPA outlines a corporate fleet average real-world average of 37 mpg by 2026. The EPA made its ambitions clear on Thursday when the Biden administration announced its intent to undo Trump’s Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) rule. The rule’s original purpose stifled clean-air efforts. It implored car companies to strive for a 1.5-percent increase of emissions standards per year, as opposed to Obama’s 5-percent. Trump’s administration cited cars would be more affordable, and thus more accessible, thereby increasing jobs and saving lives.

Are electric vehicles helping?

Tesla Supercharging Station | KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

Despite electric and hybrid vehicles relentlessly flooding the market, the EPA estimates EVs will account for just 8-percent of total vehicle sales by 2026. The increase in emissions standards will make the cars more expensive to buy but will save drivers billions (total in the USA) in fuel costs, according to Autoblog. The agency also plans to impose technology vehicle multiplier credits, which are said to encourage automakers to push new technology.

While they are consistently improving, electric vehicles still face some uphill battles. Teslas have plenty of range and charge much quicker than they used to. However, an electric car with a substantial range isn’t as affordable as a gas-powered car with similar range capabilities. Despite their massive decrease, charging times deter potential electric vehicle buyers from owning one.

Over the years the EPA has enacted several rulings that helped decrease emissions from cars. Removing lead from gasoline and implementing standard exhaust equipment have helped reduce emissions by 99-percent since 1970. That said, there’s still a ways to go. Transportation in the U.S. still accounts for 29-percent of the country’s total emissions. EPA has even tackled the pollution from heavy-duty trucks.

What are car makers doing now?

AMG logo on the back of a mercedes-benz at a car show
AMG Logo on a Mercedes-Benz | PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP via Getty Images

A few auto manufacturers are already taking steps to make internal combustion engines more fuel-efficient. AMG, for instance, is building new E Performance hybrids, one of which makes over 800 horsepower from a 4.0-liter V8. This engine uses F1-derived engine technology. AMG has yet to announce the range estimates. Infiniti developed an engine with a second crankshaft, capable of adjusting compression on the fly from 8:1 to 14:1. In the meantime, more affordable cars exist that get great gas mileage.

How are fuels being developed?

scott dixon leads a pack in the big machine music city grand prix of nashville
Scott Dixon leads a pack of cars in Nashville | Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Some of the biggest racing series are also making strides. Indycar uses E85, which is 51-83-percent ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable fuel, and E85 is readily available at some gas stations. Formula 1 has regulations in place that impose at least 10-percent bio-component fuel for the 2022 season. This percentage increases with each season, moving the sport closer to being 100-percent carbon-neutral.

The EPA’s ambitions are bold, but also possible. While the EPA estimates 8-percent of total car sales by 2026 will be electric, other car manufacturers are pushing the envelope with internal combustion technology. Recently President Biden signed an executive order, stipulating that 40-50-percent of all cars sold to be fully electric by 2030. Nearly every automaker already hitched themselves to the EV bandwagon, so it appears all that’s left is to make the cars go far enough, for cheap enough.

RELATED: Does the EPA Test Motorcycle Fuel Economy Like it Does with Cars?

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Best Electric Cars and SUVs You Can Buy Under $35k

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicles are all the rage right now, but there are many options on the new car market. Some of the best electric cars on the list don’t have long ranges, but these EVs make up for that elsewhere.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are some of the best electric cars

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the best electric cars and SUVs you can buy for under $35k

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) are some of the best electric cars on the market right now. With the two body styles to choose from, the Bolt reaches an even wider audience. According to Autoblog, the Botl EUV has more space in the backseat and more SUV-like qualities. It offers eight fewer miles of range, which is almost not worth mentioning. The Bolt is room, well-equipped, and fast enough for most drivers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV base price comes out to $31,995, and the Bolt EUV is a bit higher at $33,995. The regular Bolt has a range of 258 miles, while the EUV range is 250 miles. These EVs are no longer eligible for the original $7,500 tax credit, but that is in the midst of changing.

The Mini Cooper SE has a short range but a solid price

The Mini Cooper SE electric vehicle isn’t for all drivers. The mini is compact and has a unique style that some people wouldn’t like, EV or not. But Autoblog says the Mini Cooper SE is one of the best electric cars on the market right now, especially for the price. Unfortunately, the range on the Cooper SE is disappointing. For those with a home charger and a short commute, it still works. The range is 110 miles.

The Mini base price is $29,850, but it is still eligible for the federal tax credit. So if you can handle the small size and short-range, it’s a pretty solid option. It has a more luxurious interior and makes up for the short range with the fun ride. If you have another car for road trips, the Mini SE fits the bill.

Don’t overlook the Nissan Leaf and Leaf Plus

The Nissan Leaf isn’t a new option to the market, but it is one of the best electric cars. It was one of the first EVs to receive its own design, aka it doesn’t share a body with a gasoline-powered car. The Leaf offers some helpful driver assistance features and also comes with a Leaf Plus option. The regular Nissan Leaf has a range of 150 miles, while the Plus model offers 226 miles.

As far as the prices go, Leaf starts at $28,375 while the Plus is $33,375. Both vehicles got a price cut recently. It is still eligible for the tax credit, though. While the range for the base model isn’t great, it works for those with a short commute and an extra ICE vehicle in the garage.

The price of EVs can be pretty high, but the benefits for the environment make up for it. Plus, with the federal tax incentives and benefits changing, it’s a good time to look into electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt, Mini Cooper SE, and Nissan Leaf are some of the best electric cars under $35,000 right now.

RELATED: Do Electric Vehicles Have Lower Maintenance Costs?

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The Most Reliable 5-Year-Old Used Midsize SUVs According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Midsize SUVs are popular for a reason. They give you a commanding view of the road, are often available with all-wheel drive, and offer up more than enough space for passengers and cargo alike. The bad news, however, is that buying a new midsize SUV can cost a pretty penny. The good news is that buying a used midsize SUV makes for an excellent solution, especially if you opt for one of the most reliable five-year-old used midsize SUVs. 

The 2016 Lexus GX is a reliable used midsize SUV

Average Price: $34,225 – $36,175
Reliability Rating: 5/5

If you’re buying a used midsize SUV, chances are you want one that’s known for being reliable. Fortunately, the 2016 Lexus GX is just that. In fact, Consumer Reports highlighted the 2016 Lexus GX as one of the most reliable five-year-old used midsize SUVs. The organization even gave it a five out of five reliability rating.

The 2016 Lexus GX has more going for it than its reliability ratings too. According to Consumer Reports, this luxury SUV delivers impressive off-road performance. Inside, the used midsize SUV provides a commanding view of the road. Its seats are also very comfortable. However, its third-row can be challenging to get in and out of, Consumer Reports added.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a used SUV that’s also reliable

Average Price: $22,275 – $29,850
Reliability Rating: 5/5

The 2016 Lexus GS isn’t the only reliable used midsize SUV worth your consideration. Consumer Reports also tapped the 2016 Toyota Highlander as one of the most reliable five-year-old used midsize SUVs. Though, that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, the Toyota Highlander has a reputation for “impeccable reliability.”

What’s even more appealing is the 2016 Toyota Highlander’s owner satisfaction rating. The organization gave the used Toyota Highlander SUV a four out of five owner satisfaction rating. Consumer Reports’ data shows that Highlander owners were most satisfied with the used Toyota SUV’s driving experience, comfort, and styling.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a used luxury SUV

Average Price: $27,500 – $60,500
Reliability Rating: 5/5 

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a used luxury SUV with plenty to offer. It comes driven by a V6 engine that “serves up smooth and powerful acceleration.” Handling is responsive too. It can also tow a maximum of 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. And when it comes to its interior? The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefits from an upgraded infotainment system.

Perhaps what’s most appealing about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE, however, is its reliability ratings. Consumer Reports gave it a five out of five reliability rating, making it one of the most reliable five-year-old used midsize SUVs on the road today. 

The 2016 Lexus RX delivers “superb reliability”

Average Price: $29,975 – $35,300
Reliability Rating: 5/5

For a five-year-old used midsize SUV that boasts “superb reliability,” consider the 2016 Lexus RS. The 2016 Lexus RS is not only recommended by Consumer Reports, but the organization also gave it a five out of five reliability rating. Such a high reliability rating isn’t all that unusual for the Lexus RX SUV, either. 

Consumer Reports isn’t the only one that recommends the 2016 Lexus RX either. As it turns out, Kelley Blue Book also found itself enamored with the used Lexus RX. “If you want a 2-row, 5-passenger luxury SUV that emphasizes serene driving characteristics and has a cabin that coddles, it’s hard to beat the Lexus RX,” Kelley Blue Book said in its review of the used midsize SUV.

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has a reputation for reliability

2016 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

Average Price: $26,350 – $37,200
Reliability Rating: 5/5

If you’re in the market for a used midsize SUV, it’s hard to beat the Toyota 4Runner. That sentiment is especially true if you’re shopping for the most reliable five-year-old used midsize SUV. Consumer Reports not only gave the 2016 Toyota 4Runner a five out of five reliability rating but also recommends the used midsize SUV.

The used Toyota 4Runner doesn’t just have a reputation for being a reliable midsize SUV either. This body-on-frame SUV also has a storied history as a capable off-roader. As a matter of fact, according to Consumer Reports, off-road is where the used 4Runner excels. It boasts plenty of ground clearance, comes standard with underbody skid plates, and features a part-time four-wheel-drive system.

The 2016 Nissan Murano reliability ratings aim to impress

Average Price: $17,150 – $24,425
Reliability Rating: 5/5

Much like other used midsize SUVs on the list, the 2016 Nissan Murano’s reliability ratings aim to impress. Consumer Reports even gave the 2016 model a five out of five reliability rating, which is pretty hard to argue with. The used Nissan Murano doesn’t have many trouble spots to contend with either. According to Consumer Reports, the most common Nissan Murano problems include the midsize SUV’s brakes, body, in-car electronics, and power equipment.

Perhaps the only downside to the 2016 Nissan Murano is its owner satisfaction rating. Consumer Reports gave the used midsize SUV a three out of five owner satisfaction rating. While that score is about average, it is relatively disappointing. Only 62% of Murano owners said they would consider rebuying the SUV too.

Which used midsized SUV is the best fit for you?

Shopping for a reliable five-year-old used midsize SUV doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, with Consumer Reports’ picks for the most reliable used midsize SUVs in hand, you’ve got plenty of options worth considering.

RELATED: 12 Best AWD SUVs of 2021 According to U.S. News, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Tops the List

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