What Is Hyundai Blue Link?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Hyundai Blue Link is another example of how far automakers are willing to go to provide their customers with the best in technological features. The connectivity system is available on all new Hyundai models, giving drivers full remote access to their vehicles. Therefore, owners of older model Hyundai cars may want to upgrade to a newer vehicle to take advantage of all the system offers.

Vehicles are getting more technologically advanced

Hyundai Blue Link | Hyundai Motor America

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Vehicle safety has changed drastically over the years, and today new cars are safer than ever before.” They explained, “Thanks to advanced engineering, in-depth research, and analysis of crash data, newer vehicles are built better and have more safety features to protect you. Advanced technologies that have emerged in recent years give you even more safety options.”

The NHTSA credits advancements in seat belts, airbags, and electronic stability control with saving lives. Additionally, backup cameras are required in vehicles made after 2018, and blind-spot detection systems are standard in most newer models. Meanwhile, driver-assist modes such as forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking continue to evolve to protect passengers from serious injuries.

Hyundai offers its customers remote access to their vehicles via the unique Blue Link connectivity app. Drivers can utilize the service no matter where they are, using smartphones, Apple Watch, computers, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant devices.

Using Hyundai Blue Link, drivers can remotely start their vehicle and adjust the climate with the simple touch of a button. Doors can be locked and unlocked, and voice commands will make navigation a breeze. Even the trunk can be remotely opened or closed.

Additionally, an on-demand diagnostic check will search for any pending issues, including the estimated range of how much longer the vehicle can run on its current fuel level. Alerts can also be set as a reminder to check fluid levels or schedule routine maintenance. A button on the rearview mirror will conveniently connect drivers to their preferred Hyundai dealer for assistance. Furthermore, an SOS button provides 24/7 automatic emergency assistance, and parents of teens can receive preset notifications to alert them of their child’s driving habits.

Hyundai Blue Link also provides in-vehicle dashboard charging capabilities, enhanced roadside assistance, stolen vehicle recovery, and panic button alerts. Crowded parking lots are no longer a problem for Hyundai owners searching for their vehicles. A simple pin drop on the app makes it simple to find a parked car.

Almost every new model Hyundai is equipped with Blue Link connectivity capabilities. After the three-year complimentary trial period is over, customers will be charged $99 a year for the Blue Link service.

The innovative system was launched on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata and is available on most 2013 model year Hyundai vehicles and newer. Vehicles that are exceptions to this trend that do not include Blue Link include the 2013 Elantra, the 2013 Tucson, and the 2013 to 2017 Hyundai Accent.

Recently, MotorTrend reported, “Hyundai will no longer support its Blue Link telematics system in older models after 2021, per a letter sent to dealerships.” Hyundai model years from 2012 to 2016 will be affected by this change, with plans to disable these vehicles’ Blue Link system on January 1, 2022.”

Hyundai replied to the claim, stating, “These cellular networks are maintained by wireless service providers outside the control of Hyundai and Hyundai Blue Link. Due to changes to telecommunications technology over time, the wireless service provider of the network enabling the use of 2G Hyundai Blue Link devices recently announced that it will discontinue 2G cellular network service by December 31, 2021. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.”

RELATED: Is Hyundai Assurance a Warranty?

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Page-Roberts EV: Is This the Future of Electric Vehicles?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A small EV startup from the UK has just received a unique patent. Page-Roberts, out of London, wants to mount its EV batteries vertically as opposed to the traditional horizontal arrangement. But this brings up arguments related to a typical electric vehicle’s weight and center of gravity. 

Batteries are heavy. While that is a negative, EV makers try to make lemonade from lemons. They place the batteries low in the chassis for a low center of gravity and better handling. But not Page-Roberts.

Page-Roberts says placing the EV’s batteries vertically vastly improves many aspects

Page-Roberts electric vehicle | PR

The company claims that research has shown by stacking the batteries vertically, improves efficiency. It also improves aerodynamics. And about the center of gravity? It says that it’s comparable to an EV with batteries on the floor to 60kWh. 

The firm also claims this type of design will increase EV adoption with that better efficiency, better range, charging times, and prices similar to gas-powered vehicles. “We found it’s possible to reduce these barriers with a small battery size to deliver a very low-cost point or a larger battery size to provide the ability to have a long-range,” Page-Roberts told the UK’s Autocar. 

But the point being hyped seems not to be the battery placement but a cost advantage. By reducing weight from larger batteries it allows “cheaper facilities and processing.” Page-Roberts says cost is reduced by 36-percent, and the light bodies are cheaper to make. In fact, it says that all of the components being lighter makes for a less expensive EV. 

Page-Roberts says it is not interested in manufacturing this car

Page-Roberts electric vehicle |PR
Page-Roberts electric vehicle | PR

With all of this hoopla, Page-Roberts says it isn’t interested in manufacturing the car under development. Say, what? “Despite the benefits the concept brings, the firm isn’t looking to go into production any time soon,” says Page-Roberts. “But the basis for a vehicle to use this structure in the future is still on the table. 

“We don’t intend to go into production with this design; rather it’s a virtual demonstration of the potential with the battery and seating arrangement,” the firm said. “On the back of this study, we’ve developed a number of patents relating to the vehicle layout and the body structure.”

Why haven’t other manufacturers seized on this idea?

Page-Roberts electric vehicle cutaway
Page-Roberts electric vehicle | PR

So the question becomes if this is such a revolutionary concept, why haven’t other manufacturers tried it? The company says it is because of the popularity of SUVs. “Ultimately, manufacturers don’t want to move away from SUV production, because they’re the money-makers,” Page-Roberts said. “The European SUV is experiencing significant growth this year, specifically electric SUVs.”

So we wonder if the advantages Page-Roberts is touting could just be applied to an SUV? If what the firm is saying is true, these electric SUV manufacturers could apply it now and Page-Roberts reaps the rewards. If there is merit to the idea then a smaller SUV with smaller batteries and lighter components can be made as easily, and as cheaply as a small sedan. 

Are we missing something?

Page-Roberts electric vehicle cutaway
Page-Roberts electric vehicle | PR

So we’re left wondering if this is just so much hype or if we’re missing something? We do like how the concept looks, and its unique proportions. With just a few tweaks it could become an SUV, and fall right in line with everything Page-Roberts says is keeping the ideas from being adopted. 

We’ll have to wait and see where this goes, and what it portends for the future of EVs.  

RELATED: Do ‘Clean’ Electric Vehicles Have Dirty Secrets?

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Georgia Bridge to Be Demolished After Truck Accident Knocks It 6 Feet out of Place

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Unfortunately, accidents are a common occurrence on the highways and byways of America. Sometimes they can’t be avoided, but other times distracted driving is to blame. Such is the case of a truck driver that slammed into a Georgia Interstate bridge.

Operating a motor vehicle with an expired commercial driver’s license, the driver did not notice that his truck bed had been raised while going down the highway. Luckily, there were no reported injuries, but the bridge has been scheduled to be demolished. The crash could have proved fatal, but there were not many drivers on the road since it occurred during the early morning hours, eliminating potential loss of life.

Distracted driving can turn into deadly accidents

Construction workers tearing down a railway bridge | Roland Weihrauch/picture alliance via Getty Images

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 26,000 people have “died in crashes involving distracted drivers from 2012 to 2019.” 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests, “At 55 miles per hour, sending or reading a text is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.” Doing any activity that diverts your attention from driving is considered distracted driving and can substantially “increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.”

The bridge in Georgia will be demolished due to the accident

A distracted dump truck driver was unaware that the bed of his truck had switched into the upright position. The Drive reported that the dump truck hit an overpass while crossing Interstate 16 in Treutlen County, Georgia. The accident caused the entire bridge to shift approximately 6 feet, shutting down traffic for days.

Fox 5 Atlanta reported the highway has since reopened after crews were forced to partly demolish the State Route 86 overpass. Obtaining a copy of the motor vehicle crash report, they found, “the driver was driving a Peterbilt 379 hauling a hopper dump trailer.” The report stated, the “dump function initiator malfunctioned and caused the hopper to elevate the bed into the dump position.”

The 40-year-old driver, operating the truck on a suspended CDL, crashed into the bridge’s east side. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, “The trailer chassis separated from both the cab and hopper and ended up stopped patricianly in the emergency lane a short distance away.” They explained, “After the initial impact, the cab continued forward, swerved into the median, through the cable barrier, and ended up stopping on the shoulder of the opposing lane of travel.”

According to Autoblog, the Georgia Department of Transportation reported the driver was not injured during the accident, but the bridge experienced extensive damage. A shocking picture posted to Facebook showed how the yellow line down the center of the road had drastically shifted. Due to this, Jalopnik reported that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said the bridge demolition would create some “dynamic traffic issues,” which is an understatement.

The potential dangers of truckers and distracted driving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that “71 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when the truck driver was doing something besides driving the truck.” The most common forms of distraction for truck drivers include using a mobile phone, texting, reading, eating, or adjusting the radio. Looking at passing billboards, people, or buildings is another common form of distraction to truckers.

According to Truck Driving Jobs, “Data suggests that approximately 5,000 people in passenger vehicles die every year in accidents involving semi-trucks. Additionally, about 700 individuals in the semi-trucks die each year in these crashes.” They suggest, “Many believe truckers may be more prone to distraction due to long hours they spend behind the wheel combined with the mental and physical exhaustion they often experience.”

As a small measure, FMCSA banned commercial truck drivers from texting while driving or using hand-held cell phones in 2010. Fines can be as high as $2,750.

RELATED:  An Alarming Number of Car Accidents Happen in Parking Lots

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Should You Get a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower or a Lawn Tractor?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Summer is the perfect time to make the most of your landscaping project. How you pursue that ambition is a heavily debated point. Should you use a zero-turn lawn mower or a lawn tractor? Both gardening vehicles have their merits, and the choice regarding which one is best for you is a personal decision depending on your budget and the size of the land that needs upkeep.

Here’s what to expect from a zero-turn lawn mower

A man operating a riding lawn mower | Edwin Remsberg / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If you’re trying to cut the grass on a curved lawn, then a zero-turn mower is right for you. 

According to Bob Vila, this ability is thanks to the dual-hydrostatic transmissions inside the machine. Two levers control the transmissions, which play a key role in the mowers’ responsiveness and tight turning radius. This form of control can take some time to get used to, although some newer models have joysticks that lessen the barrier for entry. These machines are best used on yards larger than half an acre or dotted with local fauna such as trees, bushes, or flower beds. 

To move forward in a straight line, you press both levers forward while keeping them as even as possible. To turn, you pull one lever back to either slow or stop power to one side while keeping the other side moving forward so that the mower can execute a zero – or near zero – radius turn. This gives zero-turn mowers the ability to create a mowing pattern that can reach more elusive patches of grass near the end of the swath or around corners.

Zero-turn lawn mowers offer clean cuts at 5 mph and reach top speeds of over 10 mph. Both speeds are faster than a lawn tractor (they mow at 4 mph and have a top speed at 7 mph). Still, that speed doesn’t always help retain traction on sloped terrain (zero-turn mowers use a rear-wheel-drive system), and cut quality often goes down the faster you mow, regardless of which machine you use. 

These are the benefits of a lawn tractor

By contrast, lawn tractors can handle slopes and hills easier thanks to their front-wheel drive capabilities. However, all tractors have their limits. According to Bob Vila, extreme slopes, which are anything over 15 degrees, are best left to push mowers or a trimmer. 

Tractors have a more familiar steering setup of a wheel and gas pedal. Essentially, they work like cars. Push the gas to move and press the brake to slow down. Therefore, they’re much simpler to operate immediately.  If you have a larger stretch of land to take care of, then a tractor will help you greatly. They can mow at an impressive range (from 42 to 54 inches) and, with the addition of a bagging kit, can side-discharge, bag, or mulch the clippings once you’re done. 

Tractors are best used on larger lawns or other grassy areas that exceed half an acre. They may also be used to pull carts, sprayers, spreaders, and other pieces of yard equipment.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs

Deck size is a feature that demands real thought when it comes to lawn care. A wider deck means you can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. If you have a flat yard that’s two or three acres and doesn’t have many obstacles, it’s best to buy the machine with the widest deck you can afford. At the same time, a narrower deck is more beneficial when dealing with tighter spaces such as between trees or flower beds. The decks of lawn tractors range from 42 to 54 inches, while zero-turn mowers have decks from 42 to over 60 inches.

Price is obviously a big factor as well. Lawn tractors are the more affordable of the two. A base model starts at around $1,200, but any extra accessories must be purchased separately. By contrast, zero-turn mower costs start around $2,500 and can go as high as $5,000, and that’s before taking any accessories into account.

Choosing the best option between a lawn mower and a lawn tractor is entirely subjective. Your own wants and needs will decide which is right for your land. For tighter spaces, a zero-turn mower is best. For more expansive environments, the tractor reigns supreme. Which is best for you? Only you can decide that. 

RELATED: The 3 Most Reliable Tractor Brands

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