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The best racing books for Formula 1 nerds

As the Formula 1 summer break draws to an end, there is still plenty of time to get another beach read in or tackle another book on your Goodreads challenge. If this is your first F1 break and you’re a newer fan, this is a great time to dive in with some of my favorite racing books.

Something you will realize quite quickly is how intertwined all these stories are within this industry and how everyone plays a part in the others’ stories, so to speak. 

1) Surviving to Drive – Guenther Steiner

Why not start with the most recent entry? Guenther Steiner, the lovable foul-mouthed team principal of Haas, gives you a play-by-play of a full F1 season in this book. What’s especially interesting about Guenther’s encounters are all he had to deal with in the timeframe he’s writing about: managing a smaller team, guiding a rookie with a very famous last name, navigating the politics of having a Russian driver, maintaining momentum during a pandemic, and keeping your sanity at 140MPH. This book is very much laid out like diary entries if the diary is that of a surly 58-year-old Italian running a $710 million motorsports team. 

As you would expect, if you’ve seen a presser with Guenther, he’s blunt, funny, and always real, which you have to appreciate running the smallest teams on the grid. He references several big moments from his perspective in this book. Rewatch the last Driver to Survive in tandem with this. It’s quite a tall tale.  

2) How To Be An F1 Driver – Jenson Button

This is hands down my favorite of all of the books. Yes, I have mentioned Jenson Button many times, but I truly believe his How to Be an F1 Driver is an amazing primer for even the most casual of fans. Jenson is so unbelievably cheeky and charming, which comes through in every chapter. Dare I say this book made me love him even more? 

He gives a lot of admirable life advice anyone could benefit from, not just the best drivers in the world. And again, their stories are all intertwined. His old karting partner was Sophie Kumpen… Max Verstappen’s mom. He talks about being dragged into covering for Fernando Alonso in 2017 at the Monaco GP, where the famous “Yenson, my friend!” quote comes from.

In a playful way, Jenson gives you an especially real look inside what it’s like to be a Championship driver in an ever-changing landscape of technology, rules, and relationships.

If you follow Jenson online, you can tell something is brewing. This man is poised for a comeback on some circuit beyond the occasional NASCAR spin and driving the Garage 56 car around the world. I, for one, would love to see more of Jenson behind the wheel. Overall, it’s a funny, quick, and insightful read. It’s the ideal summer book. 

3) Racing Green – Kit Chapman

I’m just at the tail-end of finishing this book, and while there were times when my brain was challenged on the technical aspects of lithium batteries, its teachings were quite comprehensive. This is a book you need to read if you’ve ever had an interest in Formula E or just electric technology in the automotive space (check out our EVs Explained series, wink, wink).

Kit Chapman makes some otherwise nonsensical technical jargon far more palatable for us mere mortals not into physics or aerodynamics. There’s love and humor that comes from him as he retells the history of the cars and people in this space. Focusing on some notable moments in motorsports, Chapman weaves the old and new ways together.

This book also serves as a travel diary, further proving how global the minds and hands dedicated to motorsports are. The technological advances made within motorsports are far-reaching, and the findings can improve many aspects of our lives.

This book is, in fact quite hilarious, so don’t let the big-brained concepts scare you off. You’ll be able to drop some fun historical racing historical factoids to your friends after reading as well.

4) How To Build A Car – Adrian Newey

If you want to know the nitty-gritty process of building an F1 car, this is the book from the man who has designed for champions. Adrian Newey is a Red Bull engineer who knows his stuff. He’s the guy in the room everyone looks to when there’s a problem. Being one of the most prolific engineers in the sport commands a heightened level of respect and delivers a perspective others don’t have, and this book breaks down years of his designs and thinking. It’s quite technical at times, but even if you don’t understand every facet of its teachings, it still makes a gorgeous coffee table book with beautifully detailed diagrams and graphics. This book will make you look cooler and smarter to your non-racing pals.

5) Max Verstappen (2022 Edition) – James Gray

I am a Max fan. But if you aren’t, this book could make you one. It doesn’t shy away from Max’s messy parts or controversies. He was brash and arrogant when he entered the scene, for sure. The crashes, the attitude, the abuse. It’s all there. It humanizes him and his experiences, especially with his father. His mother, Sophie Kumpe, is honestly the source of his talent, and understanding the inner workings of his family explains more than you’d think. For instance, I actually didn’t know the lion on his helmet was designed by his sister!

The timeline of everyone entering each other’s lives and how young they all were is fascinating. Learning about the first interactions with Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Riccardo is compelling. And yes, “Just an inchidet” is addressed.

That being said, this updated edition does include the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. And reading the iconic Toto Wolff radio message, “No, Michael, no, no, Michael! That was so not right!” still absolutely hits, even in written form.

@kartworthy

#stitch with @Dr. Sable | Orthodontist So Lewis led most of the race and looked on course to win…. 🏎️😭 Ps. I am in my booth at FlameCon 😂 #formula1 #f1tiktok #f1edits #formulaone #formula1meme #motorsports #f1memes #lewishamilton #maxverstappen #abudhabi2021gp #mercedesf1 #redbullracing

♬ original sound – Sheilah 🏎️💎💖

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The 7 best places to buy tires: where to order tires and schedule installations online

This article contains affiliate links, which means Acceleramota may receive a commission on any sales from the best places to buy tires at no additional cost to you. Our content is written independently and is not influenced by these affiliate partnerships. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information, and any opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Like everything else, how we shop for tires has changed a ton over the last decade. Gone are the days of headache-inducing trips from service chain to service chain. Never again do you have to drive all over town, on the off chance that one of them has your size. Today, as with most things, replacing those worn-down treads is as simple as placing an order on your phone from one of the best places to buy tires.

Most of these online retailers offer the option for delivery – some will even come to your house. Because no one wants to chug along to the shop on donuts, we’ll set you up with a set of tires you don’t even have to put on pants for. No matter how involved you want to be in the process, which brands you prefer (if any), and how much you want to spend, we’ll get you there safely, no spare needed.

Choosing the best place to buy tires online

To decide which tire retailers are the best, we looked at cost, spread, shipping, ease of installation, warranty, and consumer satisfaction.

Best place to buy tires overall: Tire Rack

Image credit: Tire Rack

Pros:

  • Unique full-service experience with fully tested reviews
  • Wide selection of top brands and free shipping on orders above $50

Cons:

  • 30-day return policy only applies to unused treads

When it comes to online tire retails, Tire Rack is heads and shoulders above everyone else. The retailer specializes in wheels, tires, and auto accessories. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Tire Rack works with vetted independent installers across the country who receive and fit the orders. It also tests and rates tires on a hockey rink, road course, and its special testing track. If there ever was a Ferrari of tire stores, Tire Rack would take home the title.

Because it tests the tires before it sells them, Tire Rack can leverage its own database to provide a unique full-service experience with which no one else has the resources to compete. As a result, you can purchase a set of tires from Tire Rack knowing nothing about tires going in. Its Tire Decision Guide narrows down your options by asking you a brief series of questions: What car do you drive? Did you go for the sport package or upgrade the brakes? What conditions will you drive in? In less than two minutes, you’ve got yourself a winner.

Tire Rack scores points with its easy-to-use website and incredible resource center for all things tires. 

In addition to its approachable design and unparalleled resource center, Tire Rack scores points for its wide selection of top brands and free shipping on orders above $50. It is worth noting, however, that Tire Rack’s 30-day return policy only applies to unused treads. That being said, on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, the retailer’s own two-year hazard warranty comes standard. I suppose that makes up for it.

Best lifetime warranty: Walmart

Image credit: Marques Thomas (Unsplash)

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing on a wide selection of tires
  • Many locations offer tire services like mounting and balancing

Cons:

  • Warranty pricing can be inconsistent

Although it can’t match the level of detail in its recommendations offered by specialty retailers like Tire Rack, the tire department at Walmart deserves a second look. Those with antiquated views of Walmart as the ‘Great Value’ option across the board may change their minds when they see everything from premium brands like Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone, in addition to their budget-friendly alternatives. 

Walmart, of course, has the advantage of competitive pricing, but you can also opt for additional services like mounting and balancing – in some cases at no additional cost. That makes Walmart a full-service solution for tire purchases and installation, assuming there’s a store with an Auto Care Center nearby. Its online platform offers free shipping on select tires, and you can have them shipped to your local store for in-person pickup. 

The one caveat is Walmart’s inconsistent warranty pricing. While you do have the option of road hazard insurance, the price ranges from $10 to $14 per tire depending on your state. On top of that, there is a separate lifetime balance and rotation warranty that costs an additional $10 to $14 depending on your state. Still, that’s a pretty great deal for a lifetime of basic tire maintenance, so I’m not complaining.

Best finance options: SimpleTire

Image credit: SimpleTire

Pros:

  • Offers multiple financing options
  • Free shipping and 30-day window for tire returns

Cons:

  • 30-day return policy does not cover used tires

SimpleTire uses a network of independent tire shops nationwide, allowing for a variety of tires and installation spots. When you buy a tire on the website, you can pay ahead for installation. You can also finance your entire purchase, ideal for those unforeseen incidents you didn’t budget for ahead of time, e.g., a nail puncture or a leak… or both. With four different financing options to choose from, as long as you have decent enough credit, you can guarantee approval for at least one of the interest-free options.

You can chat with a tire expert from the retailer to help you select the correct size of tires for your car. Alternatively, you can use its in-house developed SimpleSnap, which lets you take a picture of your current tires and matches it with the exact tire on the site. After being processed within 30 minutes of the order being placed, 25% of customers can expect to receive their tires the next day. The other 75% may have to wait an extra day. Still, shipping is free, and there’s a 30-day window to return tires, provided you didn’t use them first.

Best membership perks: Costco

Image credit: Costco

Pros:

  • Offers a range of quality tires at competitive prices
  • Tire services included in the purchase price

Cons:

  • Must be a Costco member to access tire services and pricing

Costco is well-known for its wholesale approach, and while the average person isn’t going to be purchasing tires in bulk, you can still save a fair amount on your next set. Members can access a range of quality tires from top brands at competitive prices. The Costco Tire Center provides various services, such as tire installation, balancing, rotation, and flat repairs, all included in the tire purchase price. Additionally, there’s a generous 5-year road hazard warranty, which covers ordinary damages like potholes and nails.

One limitation of shopping at Costco is that you must be a member to take advantage of their tire services and pricing. However, StackSocial is currently offering 50% back when you sign up for a yearly membership, the benefits of which we explained at length in another post. Considering it costs $60 at full price, that’s seven chicken bakes you can eat while getting your tires put on. Maybe you shouldn’t, but you can. I’m not your dad.

Best return policy: TireBuyer

Image credit: TireBuyer

Pros:

  • Ships tires to a local installer within its extensive network
  • Generous 45-day return policy for used tires

Cons:

  • Return shipping isn’t always free

Like Tire Rack, you can purchase tires online at TireBuyer, after which they are shipped to a local installer. TireBuyer has an extensive network consisting of over 10,000 installers nationwide. Your tires can reach an installer 24 to 48 hours after placing an order, according to the retailer, making the whole process relatively painless. If that isn’t enough, TireBuyer sweetens the deal with free shipping.

If you inadvertently order the wrong tires, TireBuyer has its own truck fleet, allowing buyers to return tires for free. Alternatively, if you ordered the tires to your doorstep, you might have to cut your losses and eat the cost of sending them back through FedEx. TireBuyer’s 45-day return policy for used tires is generous, even if that comes with an asterisk, those four scary words: terms and conditions apply.

Best tire deals: Discount Tire

Image credit: Discount Tire

Pros:

  • Typically offers the lowest prices with many deals
  • Over 1,000 physical locations for in-person service

Cons:

  • Store locations are limited to specific regions

Discount Tire is another leading name in the digital age of tire commerce. As its name suggests, the site is flooded with so many deals at any given time you should never have to pay full price. Not only does it tend to be the cheapest place to buy tires, but it’s also one of the more flexible options. This retailer caters to the needs of its online and in-person customers (sort of like us!) with more than 1,000 locations across 35 states. Although most are located in the midwest and down south, those with a store nearby can choose between ordering online or doing things the old-fashioned way, if you’re so inclined.

The brick-and-mortar stores also serve as tire installation and balancing centers. Discount Tire has an extensive range of products in its inventory, from popular brands to the more obscure. It also offers an in-house system – Treadwell – allowing users to select the appropriate car tire. If it looks similar to Tire Rack’s Decision Guide, that may have something to do with the fact that Discount Tire acquired Tire Rack in 2021. Turns out it pays to be cheap! 

Other perks of buying from Discount Tires include free ground shipping in the 48 contiguous states, a solid road-hazard warranty, discounts, and promotions. If your purchase isn’t satisfactory, Discount Tires will make it right on the condition that the tires are correctly repackaged.

Best installation network: Amazon

Image credit: Amazon

Pros:

  • Vast selection from industry leaders to budget-friendly alternatives
  • Prime members enjoy free shipping and free returns on specific products

Cons:

  • Warranty coverage can be unclear

Amazon may not be first on your list when you’re shopping for tires, but its vast selection from industry leaders to budget-friendly alternatives makes it a strong contender in the online tire retail space. Partnering with independent installers across the country, Amazon offers a convenient tire installation experience, while Prime members enjoy free shipping on select tires and free returns on specific products.

The user-friendly website helps you find the right tires based on vehicle type, tire size, and brand. Although warranty coverage can be unclear, Amazon’s range of installer-provided warranties compensates for the lack of hazard protection. Overall, Amazon’s diverse selection, competitive pricing, and convenient online shopping experience make it a solid choice for your next tire purchase.

Best shipping time: Priority Tire

Image credit: Priority Tire

Pros:

  • Same-day shipping
  • Generous tire rebates from various manufacturers

Cons:

  • 90-day return policy does not cover used tires

You need some tires and you need them now. Priority Tire offers free ground shipping for anywhere within the continental United States (sorry Hawaii and Alaska) and if you place your order early enough, they will ship out on the same business day.

The search tool Priority Tire has built into the front page makes finding exactly what you need a breeze. Your average driver probably doesn’t know much about tires and would likely struggle to name even a single manufacturer off the top of their head. It’s easy to plug in the year, make, and model of your vehicle to get a curated selection of what will fit for you. But it doesn’t stop there. Priority Tire keeps tabs on any ongoing manufacturer rebates which you can click through to and it will retain your personal vehicle info. You see only the feasible options for you and it makes it easy to ensure you’re getting the best deal you can.

Across the board, most tire dealers return policy tend not to cover any tire that has touched pavement (exaggerated) and Priority Tire is no different – rejecting reimbursement on any tire that has been mounted, damaged, or used by the buyer. That said, there is a wide window of 90 days to make your return which is larger than a lot of other options on this list.

Things to consider when buying tires online

When shopping for tires online, it’s crucial to account for many different factors, such as brands, sizes, and pricing options, to make the best decision for your vehicle.

Overall cost

Consider the final cost of buying tires online, which includes shipping, installation, and the tire price itself. Be cautious of discounted tires, as they may be older and could have potential issues like cracking and drying out, leading to blowouts or loss of traction.

Tire size explained

It’s not uncommon for people to mistakenly purchase the wrong size tires for their cars, leading to the hassle of refunds and replacements. To avoid this, always verify the correct tire size before buying. You can find your tire size on the sidewall, in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or on the label inside the driver’s side door frame.

Tire size explained image
Image Credit: Discount Tire
  • Section width: Tire width from sidewall to sidewall when mounted.
  • Aspect ratio: Percentage of the tire you can see from the side (so this tire’s height from rim to edge is 55% of the tire width).
  • Tire construction: Tire construction refers to how the tire is built. Most passenger car tires are radial (R).
  • Wheel diameter: The inch diameter of the rim the tire is mounted on, also called rim size.
  • Load index: The load index number refers to a specific weight and is the maximum load each tire can support..
  • Speed rating: Speed rating is the maximum speed a tire can support its maximum load at, from L to Y.

Weather and road conditions

The typical weather and road conditions in your area dictate the kind of tires you need. The tread pattern, tread life, load capacity, speed rating, and fuel efficiency all have an impact on how your tires perform in treacherous environments. Even your warranty matters.

For instance, tires designed for icy conditions won’t perform optimally on dry roads, and vice versa. If you frequently go off-roading or drive on rough terrain, you might want to think about all-terrain or mud-terrain tires for optimal performance.

Other factors to consider when buying tires online include tread pattern, tread life, load capacity, speed rating, fuel efficiency, and warranty.

In conclusion, buying tires online offers convenience and cost-effectiveness, but thorough research is necessary to ensure you get the best tires for your driving needs. With this knowledge, you can confidently compare perks and prices, ensuring the perfect tires arrive at your doorstep.

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Buying Guides

The best car subscription services for drivers with commitment issues

For better or for worse, there’s a subscription for everything in 2023. You can subscribe to TV, movies, video games, and even a place to store it all in the form of cloud storage. With the overall cost of car ownership on the rise, many consumers are turning to the fledgling car subscription market in its place.

As with most big investments, car ownership comes with its downsides. The price of a new car is more expensive than ever, and that’s before factoring in recurring costs like service and maintenance. In an act of desperation, you might be tempted to give in to the predatory interest rates at your local Nissan dealer. I mean, what other choice do you have than 30% APR?

Image credit: Big Altima Energy (Facebook)

A car subscription service provides an alternative to buying and leasing. In the same way you subscribe to Netflix or Spotify, you can now add a new Porsche or Audi to your queue. However, while subscribing to a car may sound like a foolproof plan, you’ll want to consider the downsides before asking where to sign. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ll not only help you figure out if a car subscription is right for you, but we’ve also weighed the pros and cons of the best car subscription services at your disposal in 2023.

Why choose a car subscription

  • No commitment: One month you want to tour the country in an Audi e-tron Sportback. For your next trick, you’re showing up in a new BMW M3. Pay the fee and swap rides as often as your contract allows.
  • No liability: So, you got your dream sports car. Unfortunately, the engine blows up within a year, and the company and insurance say it’s your fault. Now you’re stuck with an $80,000 paperweight. A car subscription will come with liability insurance to protect you against these situations. As long as they occur under normal vehicle operation.
  • No financing: You’re not tied down to a depreciating asset that will be too expensive to own post-warranty period. If you no longer want the vehicle or can’t afford the monthly fee, just cancel it. Opting out of an auto loan is a hassle and will affect your credit score.

Read the fine print

It should be obvious that car subscriptions aren’t a path to vehicle ownership. You can never modify the vehicle or conduct your own repairs. This will breach the agreement and you’ll be liable for any potential damages the company says you caused. Any other damage beyond normal wear and tear, it’ll be your time to foot the bill, Bill.

If the company wants to void your contract for any reason, it’s allowed to take the car back – with or without your approval.  Any fee increases and extra charges are yours to pay. This is all outlined in the contract terms, but companies know no one reads them.

Car subscription fees

As for what’s included in your subscription:

  • Maintenance and insurance: Most subscription fees cover the basics, like oil changes and tire protection, so you never even have to think about where to buy tires online, provided you operate the car like a normal person. However, what qualifies as ‘normal’ varies from company to company.
  • Roadside assistance: If the car breaks down, the company will send a lovely stranger to help get you back on the road.
  • Monthly mileage:  Subscriptions allow you to drive a set amount of miles per month. Most agreements are between 1,500-2,000 miles.
  • Liability insurance: Liability insurance covers you for a specific amount if you’re injured in an accident.

The best car subscription services

Finn

Pros

  • Insurance, maintenance and delivery included
  • No application fee

Cons

  • 6-12 month subscription period
  • 850 monthly miles

Germany-based Finn wants to revolutionize the car ownership experience. Its focus is on carbon neutrality while providing consumers with a quick-and-easy signup process. There’s more to come from this exciting startup and we can’t wait to see it blossom.

[Update!] FINN have partnered with German automaker Audi to offer the A5 Sportback and Q5. Practical and powerful, you can drive one of these for 1000$ with 850 free miles.

Sixt+

Image credit: Sixt+

Pros

  • Unused mileage carries over
  • Month-to-month contract


Cons

  • 1000 monthly miles ($0.47 per extra mile)
  • Accident cover, liability insurance and roadside assistance are not part of the subscription fee

Customize is not just a word for the good folk over at Sixt. Its car subscription, Sixt+, lets you personalize your subscription from the app. All the info is front-and-center on the website. Sixt+ creates tailored recommendations to suit your needs, as opposed to one-car-fits-all. It’s a refreshing, slightly less corporate approach to car subscriptions.

Kyte

Image credit: Kyte

Pros

  • Wide range of vehicles (EV options)
  • Starts at $518


Cons

  • Only available in 14 cities
  • 850 miles free ($0.35 per extra mile)

Simplicity. Kyte doesn’t want to be more than a subscription.  Its focus is not on aesthetics or gimmicks, but rather offering a subscription that works for you every time.

Hertz My Car

Pros

  • Access to the full Hertz fleet
  • Unlimited miles
  • Insurance and loss waiver included

Cons

  • $1,660/month (Ford Focus, Austin Texas)
  • Personal insurance is $225
  • Additional drivers and roadside assistance cost extra

Hertz has been there, done that. If you’ve ever rented a car, Hertz is a company you’re familiar with. This means lower pricing and more cars to choose from, but you lose the personality and customer attention you get from smaller brands. At the end of the day, you’re dealing with a boring, old corporation. However, the Hertz My Car subscription service is as polished as you might expect from the company synonymous with car rentals.

Subscribe with Enterprise

Pros

  • Insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance come standard
  • Swap up to four times a month
  • 3,000 miles per month

Cons

  • Only available in three states (Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada)

Considering its modest price, Subscribe with Enterprise has a lot of perks. And coming from a household name in the rental car market, it damn well should. Contrary to its reputation, Enterprise doesn’t compromise on car quality either, with a wide range of premium SUVs and trucks to choose from. The bad news is that while it is one of the more compelling car subscription services, Subscribe with Enterprise is only active in a few states.

Porsche Drive

Image credit: Porsche

Pros: 

  • Delivery and pick-up available within 20 miles of a Porsche dealership
  • Insurance and maintenance included in subscription fee

Cons:

  • $595 activation fee
  • $2,420/month for a single vehicle subscription (Porsche 718 Cayman, Dallas Texas)

Drive your dream car, today. For many, owning a Porsche is a fantasy that will never die. Porsche Drive allows you to make it a reality for a month or two without breaking the bank.

Audi on demand

Image credit: Audi

Pros: 

  • $1574/month (Audi A5 Sportback in Austin, Texas)

Cons:

  • Full liability insurance is $924.
  • 1,000 miles limit ($0.30 per extra mile)

Audi on demand’s long-term drive service is impressive. You get the Audi experience without the hassle of owning a rapidly depreciating German luxury car. The pricing, range, and intuitive sign-up process make it one of the top car subscription contenders.

Autonomy EV subscriptions

Image Credit: Autonomy

Pros: 

  • Lowest monthly payment is $749/mo ($0 down payment)
  • Zero return fees (even on early returns)

Cons:

  • Limited vehicle selection
  • Hidden eligibility requirements
  • 1,000 miles limit ($0.25 per extra mile)

Go green or go home! Autonomy makes it easy for you to think about the future the next time you drive. No return fees mean no hassle when you crave that spontaneous Bali getaway. Eligibility is not tied to your credit score either, so it’s perfect if you’re a younger driver.

Car subscription vs leasing

Leasing is the primary option for most Americans when looking at a new vehicle. There are many reasons you should choose a lease over a car subscription, even if it’s not as shiny and new.

Leasing can be cheaper

Let’s say you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle, you might be more accepting of the fact that it will lose around 80% of its value in 5 years. But, for most Americans, a normal car or truck will do. The average car lease is around $528 as of 2022. Most car subscriptions cost $1000 or more. If you’re like most Americans, you’ll be paying double on a subscription vs a lease.

One thing that this doesn’t consider is maintenance cost liability. Encountering a serious issue with your vehicle often means the costs fall on solely on your shoulders. Add tires and fuel to that, the costs can be much more than $528.

Nobody enjoys dealing with major services, insurance hijinks and extra costs. The more you think about it, the less appealing leasing becomes. The subscription service market is very much in its infancy. Prices are bound to come down as the market grows. That Cadillac for $99.99 might be a reality in a few years.

The benefits of owning your vehicle

Vehicles are long-term purchase. With regular maintenance and conservative driving, most vehicles will last 10-15 years. Certain brands retain their value more than others (resale value). You can recoup a lot of money from your initial car purchase.

Spirited driving is not possible with some subscription services. Gunning your subscription car down a sideroad might only be a dream. Chances are the vehicle’s tracker will pick up on it and it will void your subscription. Crashing at higher speeds also means that the insurance will not pay out and you will be left with a serious bill to the subscription service company.

You can modify your vehicle. If you’re a garage monkey like me, you like to see if you can eek out a few more horsepower with engine mods. You don’t own the car, you can’t modify it.

59.4% of trips are shorter than 6 miles

People don’t drive that much. Only 4.9% of trips were more than 30 miles. Unfortunately, that still exceeds the default allocation of most subscription services. If you drive six miles, five days a week, your yearly mileage is 1260 miles. Feel free to calculate your own yearly mileage and choose the best subscription plan for your needs.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drive 14,263 miles per year on average. A car subscription is still a non-option for most Americans. Especially those that plan to use the service for their primary vehicle.

There is a a place for the car subscription. If you want a weekend joyride, a fun second vehicle or a bit of short-term luxury subscriptions trump leasing every time.

Embrace the future

The steady decline in new car ownership means manufacturers need to find new ways to sell cars. Subscriptions are here to stay. Still, a thriving used car scene, right-to-repair laws, and cheaper future electric vehicles mean that personal ownership will still be the norm for years to come. More choices are a good thing for you, the consumer. Why not welcome it, as an option, with open arms?

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