A 2010 decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (called E15) has come under fire from many groups. The latest is the Auto Alliance, an auto industry lobbying group representing several major automakers. The Alliance has published a new study saying that up to 5 million cars on the road today may be damaged by the higher concentrations of ethanol.

Consumer Reports has long advocated that drivers check their car's tire pressure monthly to prevent uneven tire wear and tire failure. Now, a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforces that advice by determining that vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. And tires underinflated up to 25 percent run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and at the very least adversely affecting handling and tread life.

With the summer driving season right around the corner, the arrival of spring makes a great time for a quick spare tire check up. A few minutes now could save you from kicking off vacation or a weekend road trip stuck by the side of the road with a useless spare, or one that can't be removed because the hardware securing it is rusted.

If you're shopping for a car, buying a late-model used one can often provide a great balance of value, reliability, and safety. Such cars have already taken their initial big depreciation hit, saving you significant money, plus there is less to finance and insurance will be less. Buying used let's you put a better-equipped car in your driveway than you may be able to afford new. However, used vehicles can also be risky as you may not know its history. Before you buy, check out our list of warning signs that the vehicle may be a rebuilt wreck.

As toll-collection agencies have moved to automated payment systems that use car-mounted transponders in place of traditional tollbooths, many drivers have found the technology to be a real convenience and time saver. But some are also finding unexpected violation notices in their mailboxes because of how they are used and in which vehicles they are mounted.

Too many motorists who routinely take a proverbial slap in the face at the gas pumps, turn the other cheek for further punishment. These are drivers who power their ride with premium fuel. And why not? With a name like "premium," it has to be better than plain-old "regular," right?

One of the most important and easy car maintenance checks is the pressure on your tires, but one out of every four cars is driving around with an underinflated tire.

Car owners were more satisfied with independent shops for maintenance than dealerships, according to the last annual auto survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The survey found that owners of all makes were equally satisfied with the timeliness and courtesy of the maintenance service at the dealership, where the majority turned for this routine work.

The arrival of spring and warmer weather means the start of the trailering season for many drivers, as families break out their boats, campers, and other outdoor gear after a long winter. But before you hitch up and go, it's important to think safety, both in terms of maintenance and once you're on the road.

As automakers strive to cut production costs and reduce vehicle weight to aid fuel economy, many are tossing out the seldom-used spare tire. It may seem a reasonable way to shed pounds, right until that rare moment when you have a flat tire. We share some tips on how to prepare for such a roadside emergency.

If even if you've been checking your tires' pressure throughout the winter months, spring is a good time to do a through inspection of your tires and wheels. With the nicer weather, you can take the time to check-out their condition and consider if you will need new rubber soon. Here are some tips to follow.

Last week, Fisker held an online townhall meeting for Karma owners to address potential questions and concerns. As a Karma owner, we were invited to this digital meeting and later received the minutes that included several questions and answers related to our own documented experiences with the car. With this, and our previous report highlighting comments posted online by other owners, it is clear that we are not alone in encountering the challenges in being an early adopter.

Over the last two years, we've had abundant criticism for Ford's MyFord Touch (and the similar MyLincoln Touch) dashboard control design. But Ford deserves credit and compliments for this system's recent comprehensive update.

An early spring for much of North America means many of us can get a jump on outdoor spring projects, and giving your car a quick going over inside and out is a great place to start. In addition to improving its looks, a spring cleaning can help protect the finish, prevent rust, and add to resale value, in addition to making the inside a more pleasant place to be.

Gasoline prices has risen over 40 cents a gallon since late January and they’re predicted to hit $4.00 by May nationwide. Some areas are already at that painful price. To deal with this unpleasantness, many drivers are looking at ways to lessen the impact on their wallets. We recently posted a question on our Facebook page asking readers to tell us what they do when gas prices rise. Judging from the rapid responses, it’s an issue that impacts many. Below are some comments, as well as tips from our experts on how to reduce your gas expenses.