Between its cruiser ergonomics, giant fuel tank, and 251-kilo [553.3-pound] dry weight, the early-2000s Moto Guzzi California is hardly café racer material. But that didn't stop Eastern Spirit Garage from taking a crack at it.Based in Poland, just outside Warsaw, the workshop is renowned for buildin...
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Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Massive Recall for BMW Cars: Fire Risks
A total of 575,000 BMW cars, including over 87,000 in the US, are being recalled due to a problem with the starter motors. This recall affects a wide range of models and markets. Also, the problem is present in the Toyota Supra from 2021 to 2023 because it is based on the BMW Z4 platform (G29), which is an affected model. The problem arises when the starter wears down too quickly, which stops it from starting the engine.
BMW has stated that the expected percentage of vehicles that are now experiencing problems with the engine starter is “much lower” than 0.1% according to the company’s estimates. On March 24, owners will be informed about the recall, and dealers have been directed to replace the starting motor at no additional cost to the customer.
On top of everything else, BMW claims that the starter motor has the potential to spark a fire, whether the engine is operating or not.
Originally exhibited symptoms of malfunction in September of last year, the starter motor at the center of the recall was supplied by Valeo. Following the fires in two 2022 3-Series and one 2023 4-Series, BMW launched an investigation. A more in-depth investigation of the component itself was initiated by that question.
A close inspection of the parts showed that the electrical relay chamber was filled with metallic debris as a result of harsh wear and tear. A different 3-Series also caught fire last month and it was also discovered to have the same issue.
BMW has acknowledged that 87,394 vehicles in the US will necessitate replacement for starter motors, but it has not yet released a comprehensive breakdown of impacted vehicles by market.
The recall has been issued and BMW dealers have the green light to replace the starter motors for free starting March 24, 2026.
Recalled Models
| Recalled Models | Model Years |
| BMW 2-Series Coupe (G42) | 2022-2023 |
| BMW 3-Series (G20) | 2021-2024 |
| BMW 4-Series (G22) | 2022-2024 |
| BMW 4-Series Cabriolet (G23) | 2021-2024 |
| BMW 5-Series (G30) | 2021-2024 |
| BMW X3 (G01) | 2021-2024 |
| BMW X4 (G02) | 2021-2023 |
| BMW Z4 (G29) | 2021-2022 |
| Toyota Supra | 2021-2023 |
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Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Key Features Every Personal Auto Policy Should Include
The process of auto insurance shopping may be very daunting, particularly when you are in a predicament of striking the right balance between sufficient coverage and reasonable premiums. When searching to get low cost auto insurance, it is important to realize that the lowest cost policy may not necessarily be the best. It is all about identifying a policy that offers complete coverage without adding any unnecessary features that increase your payment.
Table of Contents
Liability Coverage: Your Financial Safety Net
All individual automobile policies are to begin with good liability. This is what any good insurance program is based on and the law demands in most states. Liability insurance helps in protecting your financial life in case you cause an accident that would harm a person or destroy his or her property.
Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you injure someone in an accident. The property damage liability covers the damages of other vehicles or property belonging to other people. Although the minimum requirements established by states are low, they are usually lower than necessary to cover your assets in a major crash. The amount of purchasing liability you should buy should be far in excess of what the minimum is because one accident may otherwise put you personally on the hook to pay thousands or even millions of dollars.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Collision coverage includes coverage on damages to your car when you hit a car or an object irrespective of the cause of the accident. Comprehensive coverage is used to cover the damage caused by non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or natural occurrences.
These coverages are necessary especially in case you have a newer car or you have a car loan to pay. Although your car may or may not be paid off, you must question whether or not you can afford to replace or repair the car using your pocket money. Most drivers avoid these coverages when the car is old because they save money yet the only thing that makes sense is only when you are financially ready to do repairs or replacement on your own.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection
Most drivers are on the road without proper insurance, even though it is required by law. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when their coverage isn’t sufficient to pay for your damages.
Such coverage is necessary, especially in these cases, since you cannot control whether other motorists are well insured. In its absence, you will have to be tied up with medical bills and repair expenses following an accident that was not your fault. The bodily injury and property damage coverages are covered by some of these policies.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection
Medical payments coverage, also referred to as MedPay, assists in covering the medical bills of you and your passengers after an accident, whether it is faulty or not. Personal injury protection or PIP is a related but frequently contains added benefits such as lost wages and rehabilitation expenses.
The affordability and needs of these coverages differ depending on the state. PIP is mandatory in some states as a component of no-fault insurance and optional in other states. The value of these coverages is that they cover early and do not use the time to establish the faultiness as they pay out promptly, consequently assisting you in settling the immediate medical costs as the insurance companies clarify the accountability.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
In case of a covered accident in which your car is in the repair shop, rental reimbursement coverage will cover the cost of a rental car. This is a rather cheap add-on to your policy that will save you a lot of headaches and money.
In the absence of this coverage, you will have to pay on your own when renting a car when you are awaiting the repairs or until the insurance of the at-fault driver emits to pay you, which can take weeks. The coverage is usually limited by daily and total insurance, thus it should be checked properly to be sure that it is according to your needs.
Roadside Assistance
The roadside assistance cover offers assistance in times of mechanical failure, tire blowouts, battery failure, or even gasoline shortages. Although this is not a necessity, this coverage provides good peace of mind and convenience.
Most insurers have roadside assistance at a low fee of a few dollars a month. In case you have this coverage already in an auto club or other source, then you do not have to add this coverage on your insurance policy, as this would result in a duplication of coverage.
Gap Insurance for Financed Vehicles
Gap insurance is worth consideration in case you are financing or leasing a car. This coverage settles the gap between the value of the vehicle and the amount it owes on its car loan in case it is totaled.
When you buy new cars, they depreciate fast leaving you under a circumstance of owing more than the car. Lack of gap insurance would mean that you end up paying a loan on a car that you can no longer drive and at the same time buy a new one.
Making Smart Coverage Decisions
In constructing your own auto policy, don’t give in to the urge of opting to buy the minimum and cheapest policy as stipulated by law. Think about your finances, asset worth, and what you would be able to pay out of pocket under different circumstances.
Assess your cover every year and modify it according to your needs. A car that demanded full coverage at the time of purchase may only be liable after it has grown old and paid off its debts. On the other hand, major life changes such as purchasing a house may create the need to raise your liability limits to secure your expanding property.
The optimal choice in terms of auto insurance is one that offers full coverage and low costs. For example, Infinity Insurance Agency provides low cost auto insurance in Florida while offering the essential coverages drivers need to stay protected on the road. These important aspects will help you create a policy that will truly bring you peace of mind, and you will not spend your money on insurance you do not truly require.
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Breaking News: Ferrari to Reward Employees with RECORD Sum for Success!
The last earnings call of Ferrari was an ode to both figures and individuals. Although the year 2025 failed to secure a new shipping record, the Italian luxury automaker was almost close to its 2024 shipment, delivering 13,640 cars to the market, only 112 short of the year before.
However, in the case of a brand that lives off exclusivity and its engineering superiority, the real scale of achievement is the amount of cash it leaves in its cashroom, and 2025 provided the Prancing Horse with a silver lining for its employees.
Net revenues also increased by 7 percent to reach €7.1 billion, and operating profit increased by 12 percent to reach 2.1 billion. That number translated into a record-breaking bonus scheme for approximately 5000 employees located in Maranello and the adjacent Italian boot-shaped peninsula. CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed that employees will receive a historical bonus.
A very significant incentive is being given to Ferrari staff in Italy as a result of their excellent achievement. The biggest bonus in election history, almost €15,000, is given to each employee. The relocation is an indication that Ferrari is willing to share its good fortune with its icon builders. At the moment, Ferrari employs about 5,000 people in Italy.
In the future, the company cannot afford to sit back and relax. According to Vigna, Ferrari was sold out for 2026 long ago, and for the year 2027, they are nearly sold out. The future of the brand is inherently going to be a combination of heritage and innovation.
The electric “Luce” is set to be launched this year, and four other new models are to be launched, and not less than 20 new cars are expected to be launched by the end of 2030. Although this shocks the push, Ferrari is still very entrenched in internal combustion. Even in 2030, 80 percent of its lineup will be powered by ICE, divided evenly into V6, V8, and V12. Hybrids will compose another 40 percent, and EVs will take the final 20 percent.
Chief Research and Development Officer Ernesto Lasalandra enhanced the perception that the V6, V8, and V12 engines of the brand are not on the verge of declining. Even the F80, with its truly spectacular 296 horsepower per liter figure, would probably be overshadowed as Ferrari would be working on its powertrains to be able to comply with the stricter emissions standards and, at the same time, provide more performance.
By providing a wide variety of ICE models and a novel EV, the majority of customers would be satisfied, as only a few people will be able to buy a Ferrari. It is also likely to have a future plug-in hybrid of the Purosangue and a complete ICE in the lineup.
Although the purists might never trust the first EV by Ferrari, the new electric car is expected to appeal to a new group of customers. Conventional customers will still want to stay with the gasoline-powered models, and this will see the brand have the best of both worlds. As the future of the company is now promising, the employees of Ferrari will have the possibility to share in the success of the organization, assuming that the sales level does not decline.
Source: Motor1.com
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Monday, 16 February 2026
A Driver’s Calendar: Planning Your Vehicle Care Across the Year
Most drivers react to problems. There is a flashing light, an unfamiliar sound begins, or the weather turns in a new way, and the car becomes strange. At this stage, you are already late.
When vehicle care is taken as a calendar rather than a checklist, then everything becomes different. The small things that can be done throughout the year make the costs predictable, enhance reliability, and make driving smoother. Instead of having to visit the garage once in a very stressful situation, maintenance turns into a seasonal rhythm.
The following is a useful year-long calendar to ensure that your automobile is always prepared to take whatever the road throws its way.
January – Reset After Winter Strain
Winter quietly takes a toll. Cold starts, icy roads, and potholes all leave their mark.
Focus areas
- Check tire pressure and tread wear after holiday travel
- Inspect battery strength (cold weather weakens performance)
- Top up screen wash with winter formula
- Listen for suspension knocks from pothole damage
January is about recovery. Even if the car feels fine, this is when small issues begin to surface.
February – Visibility Month
Late winter means dark mornings, wet roads, and glare from low sunlight.
Focus areas
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Check headlight brightness and alignment
- Clean inside of windscreen to reduce glare
- Inspect demister and heater performance
Visibility is safety. February care prevents eye strain and fatigue during the last difficult driving weeks of the season.
March – Pre-Spring Inspection
Temperatures fluctuate, which stresses rubber and fluids.
Focus areas
- Check coolant levels and condition
- Inspect tires for uneven wear
- Test brakes for responsiveness after winter corrosion
- Book an early annual check, such as an MOT and service
Planning early avoids seasonal rushes and gives you flexibility if repairs are needed.
April – Smooth Driving Returns
Road conditions improve, so you start noticing ride quality again.
Focus areas
- Wheel alignment check after pothole season
- Cabin air filter replacement for allergy season
- Check air conditioning before summer demand
- Lubricate door seals and hinges
April is comfort month. A smoother, quieter car reduces fatigue on longer spring drives.
May – Long Journey Preparation
Bank holidays and road trips increase mileage.
Focus areas
- Inspect spare tire or repair kit
- Check oil condition before extended driving
- Test battery charging system
- Confirm navigation and onboard systems updates
Think of May as preventative travel insurance. Preparing now avoids roadside stress later.
June – Heat Protection
Higher temperatures challenge cooling systems and tires.
Focus areas
- Check coolant concentration
- Inspect tire sidewalls for cracks
- Test air conditioning efficiency
- Look for fluid evaporation or leaks
Heat causes wear gradually, not instantly. Early checks stop summer breakdowns before they begin.
July – Efficiency Check
Summer driving reveals fuel economy changes.
Focus areas
- Monitor fuel consumption patterns
- Correct tire pressures for warmer weather
- Clean air intake areas
- Check brakes after increased motorway use
Small adjustments here often restore performance you did not realize you had lost.
August – Holiday Mileage Month
Cars often carry heavier loads and longer journeys.
Focus areas
- Inspect brakes before travel
- Check lights before night motorway driving
- Adjust tire pressure for passengers and luggage
- Confirm emergency kit supplies
August maintenance is about reliability under pressure.
September – Back to Routine
Driving patterns stabilize again, making it easier to notice issues.
Focus areas
- Listen for new noises after summer mileage
- Inspect suspension components
- Replace worn tires before autumn rain
- Check steering feel at higher speeds
September is assessment month. It tells you what the year of driving has actually done to the car.
October – Wet Weather Preparation
Rain changes braking distances and grip.
Focus areas
- Measure tire tread depth carefully
- Replace wipers again if streaking
- Check brake performance in damp conditions
- Ensure exterior lights are bright and clear
Grip becomes the priority now. Preparing early makes autumn driving predictable instead of tense.
November – Cold Readiness
Temperatures drop quickly and batteries struggle.
Focus areas
- Battery health check
- Antifreeze strength verification
- Door seal protection against freezing
- Inspect heater output
November preparation prevents those frustrating cold-morning surprises.
December – End-of-Year Protection
Holiday driving and harsh weather return.
Focus areas
- Check tire pressures frequently
- Keep washer fluid topped up
- Pack winter emergency items
- Review service history and plan next year
December is less about repair and more about readiness.
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Plunger Perfect: A Classic 1955 BSA A10 Reimagined
It’s easy to forget how disruptive the early days of the pandemic really were. Routines collapsed, work stalled, and for a lot of people, the forced downtime exposed more than just free hours. For Ben Rowett, August 2020 marked a low point—out of work with stress and struggling to find footing. But ...
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Volkswagen’s Strategic Cost Reduction Plan for a Brighter Future
Volkswagen Group has launched an all-encompassing new cost-cutting plan, which will determine the workings of the German automaker in the coming 3 years. The company said in a closed-door briefing attended by CEO Oliver Blume and CFO Arno Antlitz that it had a goal of cutting operating expenses by 20 percent in 2028. The announcement was hastened due to a series of reports in the German press that indicated that the group is preparing to face an even more hostile global environment due to the declining demand in China, the tariff-heavy U.S. market during the previous Trump administration, and an increasingly competitive environment.
Although the steps to be implemented are a secret, insiders in the industry indicate that the strategy might entail closing down some manufacturing facilities to simplify the organization. The strategy will be pegged to the fine in terms of maintaining the fundamental strengths of the diverse portfolio of the group, Blume, who will elaborate on how it will be executed at the March 10 conference, where the 2025 financial results will be announced, hinted. An official of the Volkswagen Group has remarked that this new program will be based on the huge savings that have already been realized by the group with the operational plan that was launched three years ago, which has resulted in tens of billions of euros of savings in all brands and subsidiaries.
Taking place in the context of declining margins and a fast-changing car industry, the choice of Volkswagen is an indication of why the group had to tighten its belt and remain one of the world leaders. The market watchers will be following keenly on the manner in which the cost-cutting push will be implemented within the next few years and whether the initiative will eventually remake the imprint of the group both in Europe and elsewhere.
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