Quintessential Apps for Every Type of Car Enthusiast

Whether you enjoy watching auto races, fantasize about modifying your daily driver or simply want to get the latest from the auto world, we have you covered. Check out these apps, recommended by CNET and Automobile Magazine, to satisfy your inner gearhead.

For the Motorsports Fan

Driving Sports TV (iPhone, Android, free)

Have automotive entertainment at your fingertips with the Driving Sports TV app. Watch this web channel’s original videos optimized for your device and live-streaming programs. The app features a broadcast calendar and even lets users submit personal videos right to Driving Sports TV. Never be bored while you’re away from your computer again.

For the Auto News Junkie

Automobile Magazine News (iPhone, Android, free)

Stay tuned to the auto world with Automobile Magazine’s app. Get an inside look at race tracks and auto shows, explore car reviews and get the news. More than just a mobile version of the print mag, the app offers interactive content, including exclusive videos and beautiful photos.

For the Gamer

Top Gear: Race The Stig (iPhone, Android, free)

You may not be able to beat The Stig’s infamous odd facts, but you may have a chance to out-race the mystery driver from the BBC TV series Top Gear. Top Gear’s newest mobile game, “Race The Stig,” provides the option of in-app purchases for engine boosts, cars and helmets.

For the Collector

Edmunds Mobile Car App (iPhone, Android, free)

Have the previews got you excited about the 2016 models? Whether you’re lured by a new car smell or in the market for a used vehicle, the Edmunds Mobile Car App may be your expert best friend. Access consumer reviews, find local auto dealers for specific vehicles, and get true market value pricing info.

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

Getting car sick is no fun at any age, but it’s especially troubling to watch a young child not feel well. Children 2-12 years old are particularly susceptible.

What causes car sickness?

Car sickness is essentially motion sickness that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the inner ears, eyes and nerves in the extremities.

 

For example, if your child is in the back seat and can’t see out the window, their inner ear will sense motion, but their eyes and joints may not.

 

If your child is prone to getting car sick, consider these steps from Nationwide Children’s Hospital to prevent and relieve discomfort:

Before you leave

• Give your child a plain snack to eat, such as crackers
• Avoid a large meal before travel, especially spicy, greasy or caffeinated foods and drinks
• If possible, travel when your child is tired, so he or she can sleep during the ride

During the ride

• If your child is in a safety or booster seat, make sure they are elevated so they can see through the windshield (read the safety rules provided by the car seat manufacturer)
• If children are old enough, sitting in the front seat can help prevent sickness
• Provide plenty of ventilation
• Avoid smoking and keep strong-smelling food out of the car
• Encourage your child to look out the window
• Discourage them from focusing on books, games, movies or anything that involves looking down
• Encourage activities that don’t require much visual focus, like listening to music, singing or playing verbal games
• Have a pillow or headrest handy to avoid unnecessary head movements
• Keep flavored lozenges on hand. The gingered-flavored variety, in particular, can help settle an upset stomach
• Have water available to keep them hydrated

If your child gets car sick

Pull over for a short break and have your child lie on their back with their eyes closed. A cool cloth on the forehead also helps.

If symptoms persist, contact your child’s doctor about over-the-counter preventative medication.

The World’s First Ever “Self-Cleaning” Car Unveiled

 

That newly washed car look never sticks around for long. The exterior loses its shine after one rainy day drive and it’s time to head to the car wash. However, with the recent advances in car paint technology, you may not need to.

 

Nissan recently developed a self-cleaning car prototype that uses nano-paint technology to repel mud, rain and dirt. While nano-coating has been used on items such as mobile phones to diminish fingerprints and resist water, this is the first time it’s being used on an automobile.

How exactly does it work?

The technology, called Ultra-Ever Dry, builds a layer of air between the paint and the environment that shields the vehicle’s finish from muddy water and road spray. The dirt simply rolls off the surface. Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe are testing whether the paint can withstand various weather conditions. Depending on the results, this feature could become an after-market addition.

What are the benefits?

The upside is obvious – fewer trips to the car wash means one less errand to run resulting in more money saved. A typical full-service automatic car wash can range from $15 to $30 depending on the services, type of vehicle, protectants, polishes and waxes used. According to Autos.com, most companies charge from $6 to $22 more for larger cars.

 

If grime-resistant paint becomes available, it will likely carry a steep price. Would you buy the self-cleaning car if you could avoid doing the dirty work?

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Hybrid, Electric, and Natural Gas Cars: What are the Pros and Cons?

More hybrid, electric and natural gas vehicles are taking to roads. Can you tell the difference between them? Each has advantages and disadvantages, based on cost, fuel, maintenance and size. If you’re considering an alternative to the internal combustion engine, this chart may help you understand the upsides and downsides of each type of vehicle:

What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move – for instance, gasoline engines and electric motors.

 

Click here for the full aritcle including a list of Pros and Cons...