Avoid These Driver Mistakes Cops Are Watching for

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Woo hoo, the country is reopening just in time for the Fourth of July! That means it’s the perfect time for a vacation. However, there is a lot of holiday travel expected this year, and cops will be out there watching. Learn the driver mistakes the police will keep an eye out for. 

Driver mistakes that might get you pulled over 

A police officer watching traffic | Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

Summer is here, and it’s time to pack the family into your truck or SUV for a vacation! However, the roads have been pretty busy out there, and cops are watching for driver mistakes. Don’t ruin the entire trip by getting a ticket. 

There are a few things that can stand out in plain view. For example, having a broken brake light, a cracked windshield, a burned-out headlight, an open container of alcohol, drug paraphernalia sitting on a seat, or the dash can get you stopped. 

Make sure that your registration isn’t expired. An expired registration tag could indicate that a driver is operating a vehicle without insurance. 

Overly tinted windows are another red flag. If police officers can’t see what’s happening inside of the vehicle, they might feel the need to discover what’s going on. 

Poorly loaded trucks also catch the eye. You may have noticed mattresses, tables, or other debris that have flown out the back of a truck. Cops may see your luggage and stop you if it seems dangerously loaded. 

Bad driver habits to avoid 

Sometimes it’s not the vehicle that catches the eye, but it’s the driver’s mistakes instead. Be on your best behavior during holiday traffic. Following another car too closely or tailgating is a red flag and could lead to road rage. 

Also, you can get a ticket for not using your turn signal. Make sure you hit your blinker before changing lanes or making a turn. Also, on that note, it’s dangerous to weave in and out of traffic, and switching lanes during an intersection is illegal in most states. 

Of course, you don’t want to be speeding. If you’re in a group of cars that are going over the speed limit, stay in the middle. Cars in the front and back usually get the ticket. You don’t want to go under the speed limit, either. 

Make sure you’re confident towing your trailer or RV before getting on the highway and maintain your speed. Failing to adjust your speed during inclement weather situations like thunderstorms can also get you pulled over. 

Stay focused on the road. Don’t look at your phone or drive distracted. This may cause you to swerve in and out of your lane. Also, be aware of your surroundings and always yield to emergency vehicles. 

Don’t panic at DUI checkpoints

a cop at a DUI checkpoint performing tests
Cop at a DUI checkpoint | Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Sometimes driver mistakes happen at regular DUI checkpoints. Do not try to avoid them. If you’re spotted turning around to avoid one, then the police may follow you to see why you wanted to avoid it. 

Have your driver’s license and proof of insurance ready. Don’t dig around in the glove box and center console because these movements could be threatening to some. It helps to be polite and respectful. If you’re asked to get out of your vehicle, calmly follow the officer’s instructions. 

Please drive safely this fourth of July. Don’t drink and drive. If you have too many beverages, call an Uber or Lyft. Also, don’t drive tired, as that’s the equivalent of driving drunk. Watch out for cops, and have a wonderful vacation.

RELATED: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Say When You Get Pulled Over

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This 2015 Chevy Cruze Car Took Its Paint Color Way Too Seriously

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze in 2019 after the compact car failed to sell well. In fact, the first-generation Cruze, made from 2011 to 2015, ranked as the worst of 85 Chevy generations. In short, it wasn’t a great car. And one owner of a 2015 model found out the hard way that although “the color red means speed and power, just like a race car,” the Cruze was far from it.

Overheating left a sour taste in this 2015 Chevy Cruze owner’s mouth

2011 Chevrolet Cruze | General Motors via Getty Images

The owner of a 2015 cherry-red Chevy Cruze took to CarComplaints.com, a website that compiles grievances from consumers about their vehicles. And it sounds like this owner had a good reason. Not long after they bought the car, it began overheating and “accelerating like an old computer booting up.” That was apparently a bit of a buzzkill.

But the owner stuck with the red Cruze and took it to get fixed. Unfortunately, this was not the end of the saga.

The cherry turned into a lemon

After the dealership replaced the spark plugs and fixed a leaking cylinder head, the owner Cruze got its power back — for about four months. When it began overheating again, the dealership replaced the water pump and both heater core hoses, which had been leaking. Excitement at getting the car back turned to disappointment when, a few months later, it started overheating again.

So, the dealership replaced “the cylinder head, spark plugs, water pump, and every other hose except the one leading to the wiper fluid.” The owner finally felt like their troubles were over because it basically “felt like … a brand-new car,” the owner wrote. Spoiler alert: Their troubles weren’t over. This time, the wipers broke, which apparently cost $600 to fix, which seems a bit excessive for wipers, but OK. Thinking nothing else could go wrong, the owner was wrong yet again. The battery had to be replaced. Twice. 

But finally, everything is now working! Well, one wiper blade won’t stay down, so there’s always a wiper blade in the driver’s face even “when they are turned OFF [owner’s emphasis].” Finally, the owner admitted that despite the car’s shiny red paint job, this Cruze is a lemon.

Another owner also grumbled about their Cruze overheating, and they replaced the “thermostat, water pump twice, etc.,” they wrote on CarComplaints.com. They also took it to a dealership, where service technicians “bled the line.” However, none of this stopped the overheating. This owner thinks Chevrolet should issue a recall and give every owner a new car, but not a Chevy Cruze. 

Does the 2015 Chevy Cruze have any redeeming qualities?

The 2015 Chevy Cruze offers a few engine options. The base model has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder making 138 hp and 125 lbs-ft of torque. Then there’s a 1.4-liter turbo-four making the same horsepower but a bit more torque at 148 lb-ft. Oh, and how about a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine harnessing 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque? Except for the diesel, which comes with only an automatic transmission, you can choose either a manual or an automatic transmission. 

Also, Chevrolet gave the 2015 Cruze several tech features. They include text message alerts, Apple Siri integration, and OnStar 4G LTE with an available Wi-FI hotspot. It also comes with a six-speaker stereo system and the MyLink infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.

As for the cherry-red 2015 Chevy Cruze that turned out to be a lemon: Car color is important to many consumers. But just because a car looks nice doesn’t mean it’ll perform well. Remember the adage: It’s not about what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside that counts. 

RELATED: Does the Chevy Bolt Qualify for the EV Tax Credit in 2021?

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2021 Camaro Sales So Bad Chevy Kills Planned Z/28 Return

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It seems a shame that the demise of the Camaro is so slow and by little cuts at a time. The latest cut is the planned Z/28 option which was predicted to come for the 2021 Camaro and was to be a whopper. Plans were for a flat-plane crank 5.5-liter V8. That’s what is planned for the upcoming Z06 Corvette. 

Chevy has shelved the 2021 Z/28 Camaro

2018 Chevy Camaro | Chevrolet

Now the Z06 has been pushed back and the Z/28 Camaro has been shelved. With an expected 600 hp and natural aspiration, the Z/28 would have been a desirable and fitting sendoff. And everyone would know it’s coming with that thumping flat-plane crank. 

All of this bad news is courtesy of Motor Trend. The M/T source also had more bad news to share. With the Z/28 option, there would have been a choice of a manual transmission. But don’t plan on a manual for the Z06 Corvette-that would require an entire transaxle redesign. Stuffing a manual into a rear-drive Camaro, however, would have been a cinch for Chevy.

We question the reason for the Z/28 cancellation

The silver-black-and-gold NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 next to a silver road-going 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 next to a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | Chevrolet

The part we question is the reason. According to the source the Z/28 was killed because of the “botched Camaro update.” What that means is the updated look that debuted back in 2015. We were there at the unveiling in Detroit and everyone at GM seemed very high on the sixth-gen look. Now, not so much.

At least, that was our observation. The design team, overseen by veteran designer Tom Peters, took pains to explain and point out the dancing sheet metal surfaces and slightly smaller package. By then, the fifth-gen Camaro had been criticized for its bloated size. So the sixth-gen exhibited a revised look with a downsized package everyone agreed was much better. 

But sales figures can change minds quickly. The Mustang and Challenger continue to see brisk sales while the Camaro is just not selling well. Now with the chip shortage, the Camaro has done its fair share stopping production to keep chip supplies available for the better-selling GM products. 

With electrification at GM, the Camaro has been put on the back burner

1969 Camaro in Hugger Orange
1969 Camaro | GM

We’ve brought you other Camaro cuts that have happened since the 2021 version began production. Without some of the goodies Chevy had planned for the last of the Camaros, it would have been a fitting end to one of the most iconic Chevy models ever. Now, GM has bigger fish to fry with electrification and chasing stock valuation. 

We keep saying that 2021 or 2022 at the latest will be the end of the Camaro. GM keeps saying it will continue at least until 2024. Sales of the Camaro have never met those of the fifth-gen and continues a steep decline. 

Sales of the 2021 Camaro are dismal

2022 Chevy Camaro pace car in blue
All three Chevrolet pace vehicles have a racy red, white, and blue theme inspired by the 2021 Daytona 500 logo. The Corvette-exclusive Rapid Blue color is featured on each vehicle and will make its debut as an available option on the 2022 Camaro. (HHP/Harold Hinson)

Last year the Camaro sold just under 30,000 worldwide. At its present rate of sales, it looks like it will be well under 20,000. There comes a point at GM when the diminishing returns are not worth the effort. 

We are approaching that point. With the stripping down of options and packages, it is best to quietly kill the Camaro and leave a legacy of greatness instead of what Chevy is doing to it now. 

RELATED: 2020 Camaro Sold Like Crap: When Will Chevy Kill It Off?

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‘Euphoria’ Actor Sydney Sweeney Is Restoring a Vintage Ford Bronco on TikTok

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most people know Sydney Sweeney from her work on Euphoria, but her role in the renowned series is just a small representation of who the celebrity is. Sweeney has become a recognizable actor in Hollywood, snagging impressive roles in shows such as Handmaid’s Tale and Euphoria.

Sweeney also has a large following on social media, and she uses her platform to promote body positivity and give fans a glimpse of her personal life. Part of that is restoring a vintage Ford Bronco. Sweeney took to TikTok to walk her fans through how the restoration process of her vintage Bronco was going, and fans ate it up.

Sweeney is involved in more than just acting

Sydney Sweeney | Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

Sweeney isn’t like most actors who studied the craft. Instead, the Euphoria star studied entrepreneurship because she wanted to spot bad industry contracts without needing anyone else to do it for her. She took business classes to understand any legal jargon tossed around in meetings and fine prints in contracts.

The talented actor has already put her entrepreneurial skills to good use — she launched a production company, Fifty-Fifty Films. Sweeney mentioned that she opened her own production house so that she could have control of the stories she wanted to tell.

Her first project involves singer Halsey, with whom she’s partnering for the series The Players Table. Sweeney has had her plate full for a while. Aside from working on Euphoria, she has starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and is set to star in The White Lotus, airing on HBO. Additionally, the star landed a part in Silver Star.

All of Sweeney’s work has seen her net worth rise. Although the exact figure isn’t known, various sources have placed it in the millions. However, according to World Celebs, it’s $2 million.

And some of that appears to have gone toward her passion for cars.

Sweeney owns a vintage Ford Bronco

Money can buy almost anything, but it can’t buy taste, and Sweeney is aware of it. The star seems to have a particular taste in vehicles, and that includes the iconic Ford Bronco. Last year, Sweeney posted a photo of herself in a first-generation 1969 Bronco on Instagram.

Sweeney has been documenting her journey through restoring the Bronco on TikTok, and fans can’t help but fall in love with the process. The star posts the videos on the TikTok account syds_garage.

The account has quickly gained interest, with more than 280,000 followers and 1.5 million likes as of this writing. The star took fans through the process from when she first acquired the SUV. She began by removing the original driveshaft and changed the transmission to automatic for an easier drive. 

In addition, she replaced the rear axle and brought in experts to handle some of the technical work. She also gave the vehicle a bit of a lift by changing the suspension. And she changed the pain job from its original red to a baby blue, which she said is her favorite color.

1969 Ford Bronco specs and estimated price

The 1969 Ford Bronco is a first-generation Bronco built using a box section body-on-frame construction and sits on a 92-inch wheelbase. Ford built the 1969 Bronco with a manual transmission with three gears. The 1969 model also packs a V8 engine making 220-hp and a 302-cubic-inch displacement. This two-door four-seater also has a coil spring front suspension and leaf springs rear suspension.

Many people are becoming more interested in first-generation Bronco SUVs, with interest split between Baby Boomers and millennials. These SUVs having an average value of $50,000, a 4 percent increase since 2019. 

RELATED: Mark Wahlberg’s Eclectic Car Collection: From Sports Cars to Minivans and Everything in Between

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