FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., -- Hyundai is debuting a new mobile app for owners called MyHyundai with Blue Link. The new app integrates services currently available in the previously separate Blue Link and Car Care mobile apps. This MyHyundai app makes it even easier for customers to access Blue Link remote start, schedule service, get vehicle diagnostics and view how-to videos similar to how they can use the MyHyundai.com owner website. It will have additional features in the future. Compatible with smartphones and tablets, the MyHyundai app is available for free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

"Hyundai is constantly striving to make things better. Bundling all of these great services into one app simplifies and enhances the ownership experience for our customers," said Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America. "The 'There Is an App for That' movement has caused a lot of clutter on cellphones and we hope our approach keeps that clutter down to a minimum. Look for Hyundai to continue to deliver more through this one-app solution."

The inclusion of Blue Link remote and Assurance Car Care features into the MyHyundai makes vehicle management and ownership seamless. Currently, owners can manage their Blue Link account, along with tracking vehicle service history, scheduling maintenance and checking vehicle information on MyHyundai.com.

To access the full set of app features, users will need to activate their Blue Link service with the remote package. Customers without a current Blue Link subscription can get a demonstration of the Blue Link remote features inside the MyHyundai app.

After dropping for two months, including a streak of 53 of 54 days, pump prices are again on the rise heading into Labor Day weekend. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has increased for 14 consecutive days. Today’s average price of $2.22 per gallon marks an increase of six cents per gallon compared to one week ago and eight cents per gallon compared to one month ago. Despite the increase, drivers are paying 27 cents less than they did at this same time last year and are on track to pay the lowest Labor Day gas prices since 2004.
According to a AAA survey, 55 percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices. OPIS projects that Americans will purchase about 400-million gallons of gasoline each day over Labor Day weekend, at an aggregate cost of about $880-million per day. While the national year-over-year discount remains, it has closed substantially from more than fifty cents just ten days ago.

A number of factors have been driving prices higher for motorists including: higher crude oil prices, refinery issues in the Gulf Coast, and the threat of a tropical weather system moving into the Gulf of Mexico. The rising crude oil prices can be attributed, in part, to talks of an agreement to limit production amongst OPEC countries and news from the U.S. Federal Reserve that the U.S. may raise interest rates in the next couple of months.

DALLAS, Aug. 31, 2016 -- You're driving alone. You hear the ding of your smartphone. Do you grab it and look at the screen?

The answer for more than 6-in-10 of us (64%) is yes.

Interestingly, the answer changes when we have company. In fact, the same research shows that only 36% of drivers look at their smartphone screens with passengers in the car. If you're driving with a child in the car, only 30% look at their screens.

Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The following are six things that many motorists do that can harm their car and their wallet.

• Ignoring the check engine light. Ignoring an illuminated check engine light can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. At the very least, this warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.
• Failing to change fluids and filters. Many fluids are required for the operation and protection of vehicle systems and components. Checking fluid levels regularly, along with the filters, helps ensure that your vehicle runs dependably and extends vehicle life.
• Neglecting your tires. Your vehicle’s tires should be checked frequently for inflation and tread depth. Underinflated tires can wear out more quickly, needing to be replaced sooner, and can negatively impact safety, gas mileage and performance.
• Not following a service schedule. Because many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced in order to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and will help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
  Keeping a dirty car. Allowing your car to go too long without a wash leads to buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, increases the potential for rust from road salt and interferes with proper visibility needed for safe driving.
• Being a severe driver. Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit; avoiding aggressive driving, including quick starts and stops; not hauling unnecessary items; and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.

“Because auto care isn’t always a top priority for car owners, they might not realize they are doing things that adversely affect the performance, safety and value of their car,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Routine maintenance can go a long way toward saving money, avoiding headaches and protecting your vehicle investment.”

New AAA Foundation report reveals habits and characteristics of the American driver

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 8, 2016)- American drivers spend an average of more than 17,600 minutes behind the wheel each year, according to a new survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The research finds that more than 87.5 percent of Americans aged 16 years and older reported driving in the past year. During this time, drivers travelled nearly 10,900 miles on average and spent more than 290 hours on the road.

“The amount of time the average driver spends behind the wheel each year is equivalent to seven 40-hour weeks at the office,” says Jurek Grabowski, research director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “It’s clear that traveling by car remains a central part of American’s lives.”