Automotive
Driving Habits May Cost More Than You Think: Data-Backed Driving Techniques to Reduce Fuel Costs and Vehicle Wear
Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Rising Fuel Costs
(Feature Impact) If you’re feeling pain at the pump, you’re not alone. However, it’s not just rising gas prices that can impact your wallet – it might be your own habits on the road that negatively impact fuel efficiency and add extra strain to your vehicle.
With gas prices fluctuating by more than $1 per gallon nationally in recent years, Mercury Insurance is highlighting how driver behavior can significantly influence fuel costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving – rapid acceleration and hard braking – can reduce fuel economy by up to 40% in city driving and 30% on highways, increasing annual fuel expenses by hundreds of dollars.
For the average American driver, that inefficiency adds up quickly. AAA estimates that annual fuel costs can exceed $2,000 depending on vehicle type and region. A 30-40% reduction in fuel economy can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional fuel expenses each year – before factoring in the added wear on key vehicle components.
“Most drivers think of aggressive driving as a safety issue, but it’s also a cost issue,” said John Dicken, director, material damage claims at Mercury Insurance. “From a claims standpoint, we see how habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration accelerate wear on brakes, tires and suspension components. Smoother driving isn’t just more efficient – it helps reduce preventable damage over time.”
The Hidden Cost of Driving Aggressively
Fuel is only part of the equation.
- Brake replacement can range from $300-800 per axle, depending on the vehicle.
- A new set of tires can cost $600-1,200 or more.
- Poorly maintained or underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by roughly 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, according to federal transportation data.
Over time, inconsistent maintenance and aggressive driving habits compound these costs.
“Driving behavior directly impacts how often certain parts need to be replaced,” Dicken said. “When drivers anticipate traffic, maintain steady speeds and keep up with routine maintenance, they reduce strain on their vehicle and potentially avoid unnecessary repair expenses.”
Practical Eco-Driving Tips That Make a Measurable Difference
Consider these strategies recommended by Mercury Insurance to improve efficiency and reduce vehicle wear:
Accelerate gradually: Avoid rapid starts and jackrabbit acceleration, which significantly reduce fuel economy.
Brake smoothly and anticipate stops: Looking ahead and easing into stops reduces stress on brake systems.
Maintain consistent speeds: Using cruise control on highways can help improve fuel efficiency.
Keep tires properly inflated: Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. If you’re unsure what your vehicle’s tires should be inflated to, locate the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb for the proper PSI inflation or refer to the owner’s manual.
Remove excess weight: Extra cargo and unused roof racks reduce efficiency and increase drag.
Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation accounts for roughly 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While vehicle technology continues to improve, individual driving behavior remains one of the most immediate ways drivers can reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact.
“Small, consistent changes in how we drive can produce meaningful savings over time,” Dicken said. “It’s one of the simplest ways drivers can protect both their budget and their investment.”
For more information about efficient driving and other cost saving measures, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Automotive
Hyundai Unveils All-New Tucson With Bold New Look, Smarter Hybrid Tech
Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Tucson, bringing bolder styling, a next-generation hybrid targeting up to 42 mpg, AI-powered infotainment and the rugged new XRT PRO.
Hyundai’s popular compact SUV gets a major makeover with a targeted 42 mpg hybrid, AI-powered infotainment and a more adventurous XRT PRO model.
Hyundai is preparing the Tucson for its next chapter, unveiling an all-new version of its popular SUV with a dramatically revised design, next-generation hybrid technology and a new digital experience built around artificial intelligence.
Hyundai Motor Company introduced the all-new Tucson in New York City against the Manhattan skyline, calling the redesigned model its “boldest SUV” yet.
For buyers, however, the bigger story may be what lies beneath the new styling. Hyundai is combining improved hybrid efficiency, more advanced infotainment and additional off-road capability in an effort to make the Tucson equally comfortable handling weekday commuting, family duty and weekend adventures.
A Bolder Tucson Takes Shape
The new Tucson adopts Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design philosophy, giving the SUV a more muscular and purposeful appearance.
Rather than simply updating the outgoing Tucson, Hyundai appears to be pushing the model toward a stronger SUV identity while maintaining the everyday practicality that has helped make the Tucson one of the company’s most important global vehicles.
The new exterior is complemented by a redesigned cabin emphasizing space, storage and easier-to-use controls. Hyundai says the interior includes flexible storage solutions and available relaxation features designed to make longer trips more comfortable.
That combination could be important in a compact SUV segment where shoppers increasingly expect vehicles to serve several roles at once — commuter, family vehicle, road-trip machine and recreational vehicle.
Hybrid Targets Up to 42 MPG
One of the most significant changes is Hyundai’s Next-generation Hybrid System.
Hyundai says the new system is targeting fuel economy of up to 42 mpg, while also attempting to preserve responsive driving performance.
If that target carries through to production specifications and official fuel-economy testing, it could make the Tucson Hybrid particularly attractive to drivers who want SUV practicality without moving to a fully electric vehicle.
The strategy also reflects a broader automotive trend. Hybrids have increasingly become an important middle ground for consumers looking to reduce fuel consumption without changing their driving and charging habits.
Final EPA fuel-economy figures and U.S.-market specifications will ultimately determine how the new Tucson compares with its competitors.
Pleos Connect Brings AI Into the Cabin
Technology is another major focus of the redesign.
The Tucson introduces Hyundai’s Pleos Connect next-generation infotainment platform, which incorporates Gleo AI, an expanding app marketplace and a redesigned user interface.
Hyundai describes Pleos Connect as an evolving digital platform rather than simply a conventional infotainment system.
That could allow the Tucson’s capabilities to expand over time as software, applications and connected services develop.
The important question for drivers will be whether all that technology actually makes everyday tasks easier. Automakers continue adding increasingly sophisticated screens and software to their vehicles, but intuitive controls and minimal driver distraction remain just as important as the number of available features.
Tucson XRT PRO Heads Further Off the Pavement
Hyundai is also expanding the Tucson’s adventurous side with the introduction of the Tucson XRT PRO.
The more rugged model adds enhanced off-road technologies, including Hyundai’s first Smart Terrain Assist, or STA.
The system is designed to help the vehicle adapt to changing terrain and provide drivers with additional confidence when leaving paved roads.
The XRT PRO could broaden the Tucson’s appeal among buyers who like the practicality of a compact crossover but want more capability for camping, outdoor recreation and light off-road travel.
More detailed specifications will help determine just how far the XRT PRO moves beyond the appearance-oriented adventure packages commonly offered in the compact SUV market.
A Major Vehicle in Hyundai’s Bigger Product Push
The importance of the new Tucson extends beyond a single model.
“Millions of families around the world count on the Hyundai TUCSON, and this is the best one we have ever built,” Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz said during the announcement.
Muñoz also said the Tucson begins what Hyundai describes as the most ambitious product offensive in its history.
The automaker plans to introduce more than 100 new or refreshed vehicles globally by 2030, including 58 in North America.
That makes the Tucson something of an opening act for Hyundai’s next generation of vehicles.
The Tucson Enters Its Next Era
Compact SUVs remain some of the most versatile vehicles on the market, and Hyundai appears determined to keep the Tucson competitive by improving several areas simultaneously rather than relying on styling alone.
A targeted 42-mpg hybrid powertrain could appeal to fuel-conscious drivers. Pleos Connect and Gleo AI represent Hyundai’s push toward increasingly software-driven vehicles. Meanwhile, the new XRT PRO gives the Tucson lineup a more adventurous option.
There are still important details to come, including complete U.S. specifications, EPA-certified fuel economy, trim levels, pricing and availability.
But Hyundai’s message is already clear: the next Tucson is intended to be more than a routine redesign.
It is being positioned as a showcase for where Hyundai believes the modern SUV is headed — bolder in appearance, smarter inside and more efficient underneath.
Source: Hyundai Motor Company. Specifications and fuel-economy figures discussed by Hyundai are preliminary and may vary by market. Final U.S. specifications and EPA ratings may differ.
Sources & Related Links
- Hyundai Motor Company — Official All-New Tucson Announcement
Hyundai’s original newsroom announcement covering the redesign, next-generation hybrid system, Pleos Connect, Gleo AI and Tucson XRT PRO. Hyundai
Hyundai Motor: All-New Tucson Official Announcement - Hyundai — All-New Tucson Highlights
Official product page with more detail on the “Art of Steel” design, Pleos Connect, 17-inch display, app marketplace, hybrid technology and XRT PRO. Hyundai
Explore the All-New Tucson - Hyundai USA — Tucson
Hyundai’s U.S. consumer page for Tucson information, specifications, trims and future model updates.
Hyundai USA: Tucson - PR Newswire — All-New Hyundai Tucson Press Release
The syndicated release announcing the new Tucson and Hyundai’s target of up to 42 mpg for its next-generation hybrid system. PR Newswire
Read the Original PR Newswire Release - Car and Driver — 2027 Hyundai Tucson
Independent coverage with additional U.S.-market specifications, including powertrain, interior, cargo and XRT Pro information. Car and Driver
Car and Driver: 2027 Hyundai Tucson Details - Road & Track — 2027 Hyundai Tucson
Additional independent coverage of the Tucson redesign, hybrid powertrain, Pleos Connect and XRT Pro off-road features. Road & Track
Road & Track: New Hyundai Tucson Details
Consumer Corner
Jeep Goes Back to 1945 With the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A
Jeep is looking back more than 80 years with the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a Rubicon-based special edition inspired by the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep designed specifically for civilian use.
Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The special-edition Wrangler pays tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, the vehicle that helped transform the wartime Jeep into an American civilian icon.
More than 80 years after the first civilian Jeep rolled onto farms, ranches and roads across America, Jeep is reaching deep into its history for a new special-edition Wrangler.
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A is a modern tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, introduced in 1945 as the first Jeep vehicle developed specifically for civilian use.
Rather than simply adding a heritage badge to a modern Wrangler, Jeep has incorporated colors, wheels, interior materials and design details inspired by the vehicle that helped establish the civilian Jeep nearly eight decades ago.
The JL-2A is also the 11th installment in Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve series of special-edition vehicles.
From the Battlefield to Civilian America
The story behind the JL-2A begins at the end of World War II.
The military Willys MB had earned a reputation for ruggedness during the war, but Willys-Overland saw an opportunity for the basic concept beyond military service.
In July 1945, the company introduced the Willys CJ-2A.
The letters “CJ” stood for Civilian Jeep, and the CJ-2A adapted the military Jeep formula for farmers, ranchers, industrial workers and everyday civilian users.
Changes included a tailgate, larger headlights and a rear power takeoff that allowed the Jeep to operate certain agricultural and industrial equipment. The CJ-2A also helped establish the familiar seven-slot grille that would eventually become one of Jeep’s most recognizable design elements.
It wasn’t just a utilitarian machine, either.
Willys offered memorable postwar color combinations such as Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels and Pasture Green with Autumn Yellow wheels.
Those colorful early Jeeps provided much of the inspiration for the new JL-2A.
A 1945 Look on a Modern Wrangler
The 2027 Wrangler JL-2A is based on the modern Wrangler Rubicon, meaning the retro styling is paired with serious off-road hardware.
One of its most noticeable features is a set of exclusive 17-inch retro-style wheels finished in Joose, accompanied by orange front and rear tow hooks. The combination recalls the bright Sunset Red wheels found on some original CJ-2As.
The wheels are paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires.
Jeep is also bringing back Gobi exterior paint for 2027. The tan-like color is particularly appropriate for this edition because it echoes the Harvest Tan finish offered on the original CJ-2A.
Other available colors include ’41, Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost and Joose.
Body-color fender flares and a three-piece hardtop give the JL-2A a relatively clean exterior appearance, while Dark Metallic Grey accents update the Wrangler’s familiar seven-slot grille.
Jeep Takes the Retro Theme Inside
Jeep has carried the historical theme into the cabin with a color and material combination never previously offered on a Wrangler.
The seats are covered in Nappa Heritage Tan leather, complemented by Bison Brown on the door panels, lower instrument panel and center console.
Desert Orange stitching ties the interior to the brightly colored exterior wheels and tow hooks.
There are also several details specifically aimed at Jeep history enthusiasts.
A satin-chrome Willys-Overland shifter medallion pays tribute to the company’s roots, while heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics incorporate the seven-slot grille and a Willys silhouette.
Perhaps the most interesting detail is found at the rear.
Jeep has created a swing-gate plaque based on the dashboard data-plate artwork of the original CJ-2A. It includes farm and factory imagery recalling the original civilian Jeep’s role as a working vehicle rather than simply a recreational off-roader.
Modern conveniences haven’t been forgotten. The JL-2A includes remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener and a front TrailCam with an integrated washer.
How Much Will the Wrangler JL-2A Cost?
Jeep says the JL-2A package will carry an MSRP of $4,995.
According to the automaker, that puts the special edition just $115 above a comparably equipped Wrangler Rubicon, making the package largely about choosing its unique heritage-inspired appearance and equipment rather than paying a substantial premium solely for a limited-edition name.
Orders are scheduled to open in October 2026.
Jeep has not presented the JL-2A as a recreation of the CJ-2A. Underneath the nostalgic colors and Willys-inspired details is a thoroughly modern Wrangler Rubicon.
And that may be the point.
More Than 80 Years of Civilian Jeep History
The original CJ-2A represented a turning point for Jeep.
A vehicle concept born from wartime necessity found a second life in civilian America, where Jeeps became farm equipment, work vehicles, recreational 4x4s and eventually lifestyle vehicles.
The CJ line evolved through multiple generations before eventually giving way to the Wrangler nameplate in the 1980s.
The 2027 Wrangler JL-2A connects those two ends of Jeep’s history — from the simple postwar CJ-2A built to work the back forty to today’s technology-packed Wrangler designed to tackle the trail.
More than eight decades separate them, but park the two side by side and the family resemblance would be difficult to miss.
Source: Stellantis / Jeep, September 12, 2026
A Civilian Legend Reimagined: Jeep Brand Introduces 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A PR Newswire
Jeep Official Website:
Jeep Official Website
Automotive
Avoiding a Costly Lockout: 4 Reasons to Duplicate Your Car Key
Duplicate Your Car Key: Losing your keys may be frustrating, but realizing you’re locked out of your car – without a spare key – can be truly panic-inducing. Consider these four common reasons drivers make duplicate keys, and how planning ahead can help prevent a lockout from becoming a costly problem.
Avoiding a Costly Lockout: 4 Reasons to Duplicate Your Car Key
(Feature Impact) Losing your keys may be frustrating, but realizing you’re locked out of your car – without a spare key – can be truly panic-inducing. The price of getting back on the road can depend on several factors, including your vehicle make and model, the type of key that needs replacing and whether the situation calls for emergency roadside assistance.
Avoiding a potentially pricey and stressful lockout, which occurs for nearly 4 million Americans each year, starts by planning ahead. According to KeyMe Locksmiths, a service that makes it easy to duplicate car keys at up to 70% off dealership prices, creating a spare before the original is lost, addressing worn keys before they break and keeping backups in secure locations can reduce the need for emergency locksmith services.
“A good rule of thumb is to have at least two working keys for your vehicle,” said Samantha Jahnke, chief experience officer for KeyMe Locksmiths. “If you’re down to one, make a spare while you still have a working key. It can save you stress and expense if you’re ever locked out.”
Consider these four common reasons drivers make duplicate keys, and how planning ahead can help prevent a lockout from becoming a costly problem.
Have a Backup for Lost or Damaged Keys
One car key isn’t enough, because all it takes is one accident or memory lapse to disrupt your day. Maybe you already had a spare key, but it’s been a while since you’ve seen it. Or perhaps you have a habit of locking your key inside your vehicle, so you’d feel better with an extra. Having a spare – or a spare for the spare – gives you peace of mind you have another way to get back on the road without additional hassle.
Give Another Driver Convenient Access
If you share a vehicle with another member of your household, it makes life more convenient for each driver to have their own keys. Instead of passing the primary set back and forth, or arguing over who saw them last, both of you will have reliable access to the car when you need it. Plus, a spare set of keys makes a nice surprise when it’s time to give a new driver in the house access to the car.
Keep a Spare Set for Travel
When you’re far from home, it can be especially risky to only have one set of keys with you. If they happen to fall out of your pocket or get misplaced at the hotel, you could wind up stranded hundreds of miles away, facing the stress of finding a replacement service in an unfamiliar area. Bring a spare to keep in a secure location, like a purse or backpack that always stays on you, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. If you realize before a trip you don’t have a spare, plan ahead and get a duplicate made before you hit the road.
Make an Extra for a Used Vehicle
Sometimes buying a used vehicle means the previous owner has already done the work of losing the spare key. If your car only comes with one key, make a backup as soon as possible. Having two working keys can also pay off when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle, as a missing spare may reduce its value or give a buyer another reason to negotiate.
Learn more about duplicating keys for more than 40,000 different vehicle makes, models and years at CopyKeys.com.
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