#2027 - Airbags, Hybrids & Insurance: What’s Really Changing in the Auto World?

A “Do Not Drive” notice typically means your vehicle has an unrepaired Takata airbag recall that poses a serious safety risk. In some cases, the airbag inflator can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin during deployment. If you receive one of these letters, schedule the repair immediately and avoid driving the vehicle until it’s fixed.

Several manufacturers invested heavily in EV production, but consumer demand hasn’t matched projections. High production costs, infrastructure limitations, and lower-than-expected sales have led to significant financial losses. The market is adjusting as companies rethink their EV strategies.

For many drivers, hybrids offer a practical middle ground. They provide improved fuel economy without relying solely on charging infrastructure. Toyota’s hybrid systems in particular have proven reliable and refined, making them attractive for consumers who want efficiency without range concerns.

Telematics devices can lower rates for safe drivers, but they also collect detailed driving behavior data. Hard braking, speed, and mileage can all affect your pricing. Before installing one, understand how your data will be used and whether the savings outweigh the privacy trade-offs.

Vehicle connectivity systems can collect driving and location data. Regulatory action has highlighted concerns about how that data is shared or sold. Drivers should review privacy settings and understand what permissions they’ve granted when activating connected services.

Diesel delete kits and performance tunes can improve longevity or power in some cases, but they come with risks. They may violate emissions regulations, prevent the vehicle from passing inspections, and void factory or extended warranties. Always understand the legal and financial consequences before modifying.

Yes, in principle. Smoke can reveal intake or vacuum leaks by showing where air is escaping or being pulled in. Professional shops typically use dedicated smoke machines, but the concept is the same: visible smoke helps pinpoint leaks in intake manifolds, hoses, or EVAP systems.

On many vehicles, the throttle body may need a relearn procedure after cleaning. Some models can relearn automatically after driving, while others require a scan tool to reset the idle strategy. Temporary rough idle or unusual behavior can occur until the system adapts.

If cruise control engages only after warm-up, possible causes include a thermostat issue preventing proper operating temperature or a faulty brake switch. Modern systems rely on accurate sensor data, and irregular readings can disable cruise control as a safety precaution.

Many drivers prefer physical buttons for critical functions like climate and audio controls. Touchscreens can require navigating menus, which may increase distraction. Consumer feedback is influencing manufacturers to reconsider the balance between digital interfaces and tactile controls.