cars

Mechanics' bills are rising faster than inflation, and people are holding on to their vehicles for longer than ever. That means even those staying out of the car market are feeling inflation's pinch.

Converter theft has soared since the pandemic started, thanks to precious metal prices and how easy they are to steal, said one insurance expert. It can take just two minutes to swipe one.

Thefts of catalytic converters has skyrocketed over the last few years, as they contain rare metals. The federal government is seeking $545 million in forfeitures from the defendants.

Hyundai is recalling 239,000 cars in the U.S. because the seat belt pretensioners can explode and injure vehicle occupants. Three injuries have been reported, two in the U.S. and one in Singapore.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill on Wednesday that would increase punishments for those found stealing catalytic converters.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau found catalytic converters are stolen at an “alarming” rate. Between 2019 and 2020, converter thefts quadrupled nationally. The thieves are after converters for their precious metals.

Car buyers today continue to face fewer choices and much higher prices — and cheap vehicles are especially hard to find. It's not just that there are fewer cars; the ones being made are fancier, too.

The infrastructure spending bill recently signed into law could lead to features such as drunk-driving preventing technology, rear seat alerts and anti-glare headlights.

Reports show that more people are driving without seat belts, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and ignoring the rules of the road.

Finding a car to buy these days seems almost impossible. Dealer lots are emptier, prices are higher and shoppers are stressed out. Here's what to know.