The Car Coach, Lauren Fix, appears on Fox News to discuss the first driver to be killed in a self-driving car. See what the automotive expert has to say about the self-driving technology.

Tests show quality gasoline keeps engines 19 times cleaner

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 7, 2016) – New testing from AAA has uncovered significant differences in the quality of gasoline sold at fuel retailers in the United States. The independent laboratory testing compared gasolines that meet TOP TIER™ standards often marketed to consumers as having enhanced, engine-cleaning detergent additives with gasoline brands that do not participate in the automaker-backed program. Among brands tested, non-TOP TIER gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than TOP TIER brands after just 4,000 miles of simulated driving. Such carbon deposits are known to reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and negatively impact vehicle performance, particularly on newer vehicles. To protect vehicle investments, AAA urges drivers to use a gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards for engine cleanliness and performance.

“AAA was surprised to learn the extent to which detergent additives impact gasoline quality,” revealed John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “As advertised, tested TOP TIER gasolines kept engines remarkably cleaner than other fuels we tested.”

LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To help consumers who are in the market for a new, affordable car GOBankingRates.com released a list of popular cars on sale now for $300 or less a month.

See the full list here

From Honda, Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford and 11 other car manufacturers, 52 vehicles were identified using the following factors:

• Manufacturer MSRP
• 20 percent down payment
• 5-year auto loan term
• APR based on excellent, good and fair credit     

Just days after automakers and federal regulators reached a deal that would make forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard in vehicles by 2022, Toyota says it’ll do one better — make these safety features standard years ahead of schedule.

The carmaker announced Monday that Toyota Safety Sense and the Lexus Safety System + packages will come standard on almost every new vehicle by the end of 2017.

In all, Toyota says the packages, which are already offered as an option on several of its Lexus and Toyota vehicles, will be standard on 25 of 30 models by 2017.

“At Toyota, we are committed to creating better ways to move for everyone,” Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement. “We are proud to help lead this industry in standardizing these systems and bring automated braking to our customers sooner rather than later.”

How often do you think about your spark plugs? If you are like most people, chances are it’s not very often. Though often overlooked by car owners, the spark plug is an important component of any finely tuned engine. The condition of the spark plugs can affect the power that your engine puts out, how good your fuel economy will be, and how smoothly your engine runs. Like your car’s oil, and other important parts, the spark plugs should be maintained and changed when necessary.

What is a spark plug?

Spark plugs are a fundamental part of the ignition system. They screw into the top of an engine’s cylinders where they receive a high voltage electrical current from the ignition coil(s). They then create the electric spark that is required to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. They will also transfer heat away from the combustion chamber. These events happen over a thousand times per minute when you are driving. It is this constant ignition that keeps your car moving on the road. The number of spark plugs your car has depends on how many cylinders there are. If you have a four-cylinder engine, you will have four spark plugs, and so on.