#Brake Light Software

[recallsdirect]

Vehicle Recall: Daimler Trucks Freightliner & Western Star Commercial Trucks:

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Cars bricked by bankrupt EV company will stay bricked

On OCTOBER 23 at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

There are few phrases in the modern lexicon more accursed than "software-based car," and yet, this is how the failed EV maker Fisker billed its products, which retailed for $40-70k in the few short years before the company collapsed, shut down its servers, and degraded all those "software-based cars":

https://insideevs.com/news/723669/fisker-inc-bankruptcy-chapter-11-official/

Fisker billed itself as a "capital light" manufacturer, meaning that it didn't particularly make anything – rather, it "designed" cars that other companies built, allowing Fisker to focus on "experience," which is where the "software-based car" comes in. Virtually every subsystem in a Fisker car needs (or rather, needed) to periodically connect with its servers, either for regular operations or diagnostics and repair, creating frequent problems with brakes, airbags, shifting, battery management, locking and unlocking the doors:

https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-owners-worry-about-vehicles-working-bankruptcy-2024-4

Since Fisker's bankruptcy, people with even minor problems with their Fisker EVs have found themselves owning expensive, inert lumps of conflict minerals and auto-loan debt; as one Fisker owner described it, "It's literally a lawn ornament right now":

https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-owners-describe-chaos-to-keep-cars-running-after-bankruptcy-2024-7

This is, in many ways, typical Internet-of-Shit nonsense, but it's compounded by Fisker's capital light, all-outsource model, which led to extremely unreliable vehicles that have been plagued by recalls. The bankrupt company has proposed that vehicle owners should have to pay cash for these recalls, in order to reserve the company's capital for its creditors – a plan that is clearly illegal:

https://www.veritaglobal.net/fisker/document/2411390241007000000000005

This isn't even the first time Fisker has done this! Ten years ago, founder Henrik Fisker started another EV company called Fisker Automotive, which went bankrupt in 2014, leaving the company's "Karma" (no, really) long-range EVs (which were unreliable and prone to bursting into flames) in limbo:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisker_Karma

Which raises the question: why did investors reward Fisker's initial incompetence by piling in for a second attempt? I think the answer lies in the very factor that has made Fisker's failure so hard on its customers: the "software-based car." Investors love the sound of a "software-based car" because they understand that a gadget that is connected to the cloud is ripe for rent-extraction, because with software comes a bundle of "IP rights" that let the company control its customers, critics and competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

A "software-based car" gets to mobilize the state to enforce its "IP," which allows it to force its customers to use authorized mechanics (who can, in turn, be price-gouged for licensing and diagnostic tools). "IP" can be used to shut down manufacturers of third party parts. "IP" allows manufacturers to revoke features that came with your car and charge you a monthly subscription fee for them. All sorts of features can be sold as downloadable content, and clawed back when title to the car changes hands, so that the new owners have to buy them again. "Software based cars" are easier to repo, making them perfect for the subprime auto-lending industry. And of course, "software-based cars" can gather much more surveillance data on drivers, which can be sold to sleazy, unregulated data-brokers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

Unsurprisingly, there's a large number of Fisker cars that never sold, which the bankruptcy estate is seeking a buyer for. For a minute there, it looked like they'd found one: American Lease, which was looking to acquire the deadstock Fiskers for use as leased fleet cars. But now that deal seems dead, because no one can figure out how to restart Fisker's servers, and these vehicles are bricks without server access:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/08/fisker-bankruptcy-hits-major-speed-bump-as-fleet-sale-is-now-in-question/

It's hard to say why the company's servers are so intransigent, but there's a clue in the chaotic way that the company wound down its affairs. The company's final days sound like a scene from the last days of the German Democratic Republic, with apparats from the failing state charging about in chaos, without any plans for keeping things running:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/07/east-germany-stasi-surveillance-documents/

As it imploded, Fisker cycled through a string of Chief Financial officers, losing track of millions of dollars at a time:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/31/fisker-collapse-investigation-ev-ocean-suv-henrik-geeta/

When Fisker's landlord regained possession of its HQ, they found "complete disarray," including improperly stored drums of toxic waste:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/fiskers-hq-abandoned-in-complete-disarray-with-apparent-hazardous-waste-clay-models-left-behind/

And while Fisker's implosion is particularly messy, the fact that it landed in bankruptcy is entirely unexceptional. Most businesses fail (eventually) and most startups fail (quickly). Despite this, businesses – even those in heavily regulated sectors like automotive regulation – are allowed to design products and undertake operations that are not designed to outlast the (likely short-lived) company.

After the 2008 crisis and the collapse of financial institutions like Lehman Brothers, finance regulators acquired a renewed interest in succession planning. Lehman consisted of over 6,000 separate corporate entities, each one representing a bid to evade regulation and/or taxation. Unwinding that complex hairball took years, during which the entities that entrusted Lehman with their funds – pensions, charitable institutions, etc – were unable to access their money.

To avoid repeats of this catastrophe, regulators began to insist that banks produce "living wills" – plans for unwinding their affairs in the event of catastrophe. They had to undertake "stress tests" that simulated a wind-down as planned, both to make sure the plan worked and to estimate how long it would take to execute. Then banks were required to set aside sufficient capital to keep the lights on while the plan ran on.

This regulation has been indifferently enforced. Banks spent the intervening years insisting that they are capable of prudently self-regulating without all this interference, something they continue to insist upon even after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/15/mon-dieu-les-guillotines/#ceci-nes-pas-une-bailout

The fact that the rules haven't been enforced tells us nothing about whether the rules would work if they were enforced. A string of high-profile bankruptcies of companies who had no succession plans and whose collapse stands to materially harm large numbers of people tells us that something has to be done about this.

Take 23andme, the creepy genomics company that enticed millions of people into sending them their genetic material (even if you aren't a 23andme customer, they probably have most of your genome, thanks to relatives who sent in cheek-swabs). 23andme is now bankrupt, and its bankruptcy estate is shopping for a buyer who'd like to commercially exploit all that juicy genetic data, even if that is to the detriment of the people it came from. What's more, the bankruptcy estate is refusing to destroy samples from people who want to opt out of this future sale:

https://bourniquelaw.com/2024/10/09/data-23-and-me/

On a smaller scale, there's Juicebox, a company that makes EV chargers, who are exiting the North American market and shutting down their servers, killing the advanced functionality that customers paid extra for when they chose a Juicebox product:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/2/24260316/juicebox-ev-chargers-enel-x-way-closing-discontinued-app

I actually owned a Juicebox, which ultimately caught fire and melted down, either due to a manufacturing defect or to the criminal ineptitude of Treeium, the worst solar installers in Southern California (or both):

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/27/here-comes-the-sun-king/#sign-here

Projects like Juice Rescue are trying to reverse-engineer the Juicebox server infrastructure and build an alternative:

https://juice-rescue.org/

This would be much simpler if Juicebox's manufacturer, Enel X Way, had been required to file a living will that explained how its customers would go on enjoying their property when and if the company discontinued support, exited the market, or went bankrupt.

That might be a big lift for every little tech startup (though it would be superior than trying to get justice after the company fails). But in regulated sectors like automotive manufacture or genomic analysis, a regulation that says, "Either design your products and services to fail safely, or escrow enough cash to keep the lights on for the duration of an orderly wind-down in the event that you shut down" would be perfectly reasonable. Companies could make "software based cars" but the more "software based" the car was, the more funds they'd have to escrow to transition their servers when they shut down (and the lest capital they'd have to build the car).

Such a rule should be in addition to more muscular rules simply banning the most abusive practices, like the Oregon state Right to Repair bill, which bans the "parts pairing" that makes repairing a Fisker car so onerous:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/27/24097042/right-to-repair-law-oregon-sb1596-parts-pairing-tina-kotek-signed

Or the Illinois state biometric privacy law, which strictly limits the use of the kind of genomic data that 23andme collected:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3004

Failing to take action on these abusive practices is dangerous – and not just to the people who get burned by them. Every time a genomics research project turns into a privacy nightmare, that salts the earth for future medical research, making it much harder to conduct population-scale research, which can be carried out in privacy-preserving ways, and which pays huge scientific dividends that we all benefit from:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/01/the-palantir-will-see-you-now/#public-private-partnership

Just as Fisker's outrageous ripoff will make life harder for good cleantech companies:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/26/unplanned-obsolescence/#better-micetraps

If people are convinced that new, climate-friendly tech is a cesspool of grift and extraction, it will punish those firms that are making routine, breathtaking, exciting (and extremely vital) breakthroughs:

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/10/08/norways-national-football-stadium-has-the-worlds-largest-vertical-solar-roof-how-does-it-w

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/10/software-based-car/#based

[sngl-led-auto-lights]

Why don't cars have a dash board warning light alerting you when a taillight or headlight is out? You normally don't know until you get pulled over by a cop. Even if you check them before each trip they sometimes burn out while on the trip.

The absence of universal dashboard warnings for burnt-out exterior lights (headlights, taillights, etc.) is a mix of cost, design priorities, and technological limitations—but solutions exist. Here’s why most cars lack this feature and what drivers can do:

Why Most Cars Don’t Warn You Cost-Cutting by Manufacturers:

Adding a monitoring system for every bulb requires additional wiring, sensors, and software, which automakers often omit to keep prices low, especially in budget vehicles.

Example: A $20 circuit to detect bulb failures adds up to millions in production costs across a car model’s lifespan. Simpler Electrical Systems:

Older cars use basic circuits where a burnt bulb doesn’t disrupt the electrical flow (unlike a blown fuse). Modern CAN bus systems can detect failures but aren’t always programmed to alert drivers. Assumption of Manual Checks:

Manufacturers assume drivers will notice via:

Reflections (e.g., light bouncing off garage walls).

Dashboard icons for specific systems (e.g., brake light warnings tied to the brake pedal circuit). Regulatory Gaps:

The U.S. doesn’t mandate bulb-out warnings, though the EU requires rear light failure alerts in newer cars (via ECE Regulation 48).

Cars That Do Have Warnings Luxury/Modern Vehicles: Brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla include bulb monitoring systems in higher trims.

LED Lighting: Many EVs and hybrids with full LED setups (e.g., Ford Mustang Mach-E) self-diagnose faults since LEDs rarely fail abruptly.

Aftermarket Kits: Products like LightGuardian (50–100) plug into taillight circuits and trigger an alarm if a bulb dies.

Why Bulbs Burn Out Mid-Trip Halogen Bulbs: Prone to sudden failure due to filament vibration or temperature swings.

Voltage Spikes: Poor alternator regulation can surge power, killing bulbs.

Moisture/Corrosion: Water ingress in housings causes shorts over time.

Practical Solutions for Drivers Retrofit Your Car:

Install LED bulbs with built-in failure alerts (e.g., Philips X-tremeUltinon).

Use Bluetooth-enabled bulb holders (e.g., Lumilinks) that notify your phone. Routine Checks:

Nightly Reflection Test: Park facing a wall and check light patterns.

Monthly Buddy Check: Have someone press brakes/turn signals while you inspect. Legal Workarounds:

In regions requiring annual inspections (e.g., EU, Japan), mechanics flag dead bulbs.

Use dual-filament bulbs for redundancy (e.g., a brake light that still works as a taillight if one filament fails).

Why It’s Likely to Improve LED Adoption: Longer-lasting LEDs (25,000+ hours) reduce failure rates.

Smart Lighting: New cars with matrix LED or laser lights often self-diagnose.

Consumer Demand: Aftermarket alerts (e.g., $30 Wireless Car Light Monitor) are gaining traction.

Bottom Line

While universal bulb-out warnings aren’t standard yet, technology and regulations are catching up. Until then, proactive checks and affordable aftermarket gadgets can save you from a traffic stop. ��💡

Pro tip: If your car has automatic headlights, toggle them to “off” occasionally to manually check all lights in a reflection.

[motorspexx]

At the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche unveiled a unique one-off vehicle: the Porsche 963 RSP. Developed as a tribute to the legendary 917 and inspired by Count Rossi’s 1975 street-driven prototype, the 963 RSP is based on Porsche’s LMDh competition car but reimagined for public roads under special conditions.

The project was a collaboration between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and Porsche Cars North America, with direct involvement from Roger Penske—whose initials form the RSP name. The concept was initiated as a design study and passion project, eventually culminating in a street-legal prototype unveiled near Circuit de la Sarthe.

The 963 RSP retains the race-spec 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, delivering up to 680 horsepower. Originally developed for the RS Spyder and later refined in the 918 Spyder, the engine architecture includes a flat crankshaft, short stroke, and Van der Lee turbochargers for optimized throttle response. The hybrid system uses a Bosch motor generator unit and a Williams Advanced Engineering battery, working with a 7-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox. For road use, the power delivery was remapped to be smoother, and the system was configured to run on pump fuel.

To comply with road operation under French regulation, the chassis was adjusted with raised ride height, softened Multimatic dampers, and revised software to enable functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Michelin rain-spec tires were mounted on 18-inch forged OZ wheels. Unique modifications such as covered wheel arches, a working horn, and license plate mounts were added.

Visually, the 963 RSP is finished in Martini Silver paint—not a wrap—requiring a triple-layer lacquer on ultra-thin Kevlar® and carbon fiber surfaces. An enamel Porsche crest replaces the standard nose graphic, and 1970s Michelin branding adds a period-correct touch. The rear features a 3D-printed “963 RSP” badge.

The interior departs sharply from the competition car. Trimmed in tan leather and Alcantara, it includes a cushioned, leather-wrapped carbon seat, air conditioning, a leather-finished steering wheel, and even a detachable 3D-printed cup holder. Storage space is provided for a laptop, headset, and Roger Penske’s custom carbon helmet. Ventilation outlets mimic the 917’s engine fan design, reinforcing historical continuity.

While the 963 RSP is not homologated for mass production, it is fully operational and authorized for limited road use under manufacturer permissions. Following its debut, the vehicle will appear at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This project showcases Porsche’s ability to blend heritage, engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship—all within the limits of a modern endurance prototype.

Porsche 963 RSP – Technical Specifications

Model name: Porsche 963 RSP Type: Road-legal high-performance prototype Chassis: Carbon-fiber monocoque (LMP2-based, by Multimatic) Length: 5100 mm Width: 2000 mm Height: 1060 mm Wheelbase: 3148 mm Weight: Approximately 1030 kg

Engine type: Twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 Engine code: 9RD (derived from Porsche 918 Spyder) Max engine power: Over 515 kW (approximately 700 PS) Max RPM: Over 8000 rpm Turbo boost: Approximately 0.3 bar (2 turbos)

Hybrid system: Bosch MGU with 1.35 kWh battery from Williams Total combined power output: 520 kW (707 PS, regulated) Drive system: Rear-wheel drive Transmission: 7-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox Clutch: Carbon-fiber racing clutch

Top speed: Over 330 km/h Suspension: Pushrod double wishbone with adjustable dampers Brakes: Carbon racing brakes with regenerative hybrid system Wheels: 18–19 inch race wheels adapted for road use

Fuel type: Synthetic or biofuel compatible Emissions: Modified for street approval Street modifications: Lighting, mirrors, exhaust system, license plate mounts

Interior: Stripped-down, race-focused with minimal comfort features Production: One-off road-legal concept

[garglyswoof]

:D Ahhh, prompt prompt prompt - how about a mash up, vampires meet kastle?? :D

She found out about it purely by chance. Some part of her had been thinking of life in Vermont that day, the skies in New York the same sheet metal grey as the dreariest of days in Fagan Corners. Her thoughts drifted enough for her to battle with her phone in a losing effort that ended with her searching the surprisingly online tiny local paper. She’d trawled through the articles, smiling at the news of 4H Club awards and greased pig races. There was a comfort in these reminders of her small town history, and when she hit the obituaries section she continued out of morbid curiosity. Was old Mrs. Wilkie still alive? Stern in her housecoat, fuzzy slippers, and ever-present broom like some modern-aged witch? How about the bank president who had tried to buy coke from her? Sure, it was a college town, but it was also a small town and most people didn’t ever get out. She had certainly felt trapped. 

“Former Penny’s Place owner Paxton Page…” The words crept into her brain slowly, as if reluctant to enter. She dropped her phone, her hand rising to stifle the sharp intake of breath.

Dad.

Things willfully ignored; things pushed back, hidden, and thought drowned rose to the surface, crested, and broke. She slid down to the floor, her hand shaking and still cupped over her mouth as if to hold it all in.

--------------

The drive was a long one and she went alone with her thoughts. She knew Foggy would have dropped everything to come along, and part of her still wished she’d asked, but…. this was better. She’d face this alone rather than explaining, though she owed Foggy the truth soon. She just wasn’t…she wanted a little more time, ok? From Kevin to Allied to almost dying in a prison to Fisk to now, Karen hadn’t had much good in her life, and Foggy and Matt, when he was tempered by apologies and guilt, were good.

Sometimes your heart makes judgments that aren’t logical, fueled by something just on the edge of your vision, just out of reach. In hindsight it’s why she latched on to them so quickly, something in her recognizing something in them. Enough to have her paying Matt’s bills when he’d vanished for months, enough to have her jumping right in as a strangely happy unpaid employee of Murdock and Nelson. Her heart panged at the memory of those first days, replete with casseroles and more flan than she could possibly eat in a week. Stretching the dollars to keep them afloat, the sound of Matt’s text to speech software and Foggy’s muffled curses whenever he tried to fill out forms on the ancient typewriter and failed miserably.

A flash of brake lights ahead jolted her out of her reverie and into the present, barrelling down the highway directly to a place she’d been forced to leave behind. Dad.

One hand gripped the wheel tighter, to prevent the shake, and the other hit the console in frustrated grief. Her phone jostled in its cubby from the motion and she wet her lips as she glanced at the screen, a picture of her and Foggy at Rosie’s, making bunny ears over what they’d thought was Matt’s oblivious face. Heh.  She still loved it. If anything it made her realize that Matt had loved it too.

Damn it. “Call Foggy”

“Mmpf? Karen?” His voice sounded far away, muffled.

“Did i wake you?”

“Yes but it’s ok because apparently,” she heard the sheets rustle, “ I am lying in a puddle of my own drool and it’s clearly time to flip.”

Karen smiled, her cheeks stinging with the stretch of it. “Late night at Rosie’s?”

“I’ll have you know I also frequent high class establishments.”  A pause. “But then I went to Rosie’s. We missed you there.” His voice was losing the grittiness of sleep and she could tell he must be upright now, imagined his hair stuck up in 10 different directions like it did after a face first desk nap.

“Yeah I uh, I went to bed early. I’m driving to Vermont.”

“What’s in Vermont?” Karen could hear the subtle eagerness in his voice and her heart panged with it. She really hadn’t told them much about her life, and she vowed to change it.

“Grew up there. Needed to take care of some family stuff.” She’d failed her first chance to open up, clearly, and tried to make it less obvious. “Dumb paperwork!” Even though she was driving she closed her eyes for a brief moment from the awkwardness of it.

Foggy was quiet for a moment, his voice soft when he spoke. “Well be safe, Karen. You back soon?”

“Yeah.” Her throat was closing up and she had to end the call soon. “Just, let’s hang out when I get back? Sunday maybe?”

“Of course.” Still soft, still accepting. Still more than she deserved.

----------------------------------------------

The town was bright with spring green as her old Cherokee rumbled onto Main Street. She passed the hardware store, sun-faded display from her childhood still advertising weedkiller, the old barrel she’d always tried to climb on top of anchoring the door open. Many shops were closed, and she saw that most of them had town curfew signs plastered in the windows. When had that started up, she wondered.

She wasn’t immune to nostalgia, obviously, or she’d never… her heart clenched with the reality of what she was here for, and she turned on Sycamore, right on Laurel, her blinker clacking loudly. There were a lot of church signs up, not something she remembered from last time she was here. Not…not signs saying “St Luke’s Lutheran Church” either, these were like that weird stretch of road Marcie had talked about on I-70 outside Kansas, where every other billboard was Hellfire and Brimstone. 

THE DEVIL WILL TAKE YOU

FAGAN CORNERS IS DAMNED

She thought it strange, but when she crested the hill the diner was a shock piled on top of another. The sign was bright and clean, Sue’s Vittles, and she felt the rage rise up in her, an urge to tear it down, before she came to her senses. It wouldn’t just… have sat there forever. The town had to move on. She wondered when her dad had lost it, and how far in debt he’d taken Penny's Place. She wondered if she could have saved it.

She knew she could have, if he’d let her.

The return home tour continued on, her eyes rimmed with red now, wet with tears both shed and not. She had never felt so alone in her life. She drove three miles in the wrong direction to avoid the bridge and tried to think of what she was doing here even as she pulled into the town cemetery. She knew he’d be buried next to mom, and pulled a small bouquet of peonies out of the passenger seat as the engine settled, ticking. 

There was a new stone next to her moms, and she knelt, tracing the letters with her fingers. Paxton Page. She remembered her and Kevin making fun, popping the syllables, “Paxton and Penny Page” before they’d dissolve into giggles. Everything she thought of made her heart ache.

She sat there for hours, talking to her mom, saying what she couldn’t say to her dad. That she’d thought herself beyond redemption until Father Lantom had gotten through to her, that she still did, sometimes. She told her mom about Foggy and Matt, and then she told her about Frank. God, she’d needed this. She knew her mom would understand, more than anyone, about seeing through to the heart of people. She wondered where Frank was, wished she knew, wished she had some way of contacting him. Despite their last meeting and her anger towards him, she would never let go, not really. 

“Sometimes, just someone makes you feel safe, at least when you’re with them. And then when you’re not… I don’t know.” She shifted, sitting back on her haunches and idly rubbing a peony petal between her fingers.  

“Me and Frank. Wrong place, wrong time, maybe that’s what it will always be for us.” She said, staring at her mother’s name, carved in stone.

The gravestone stared back, mute, as the light dimmed and she ached with the silence. Evening fell quick in this neck of the woods, without the conflagration of light that made up the city. She shivered in the fall of the spring evening, her throat aching with tears spent but feeling better in the spending of them.

She leaned over the gravestones one last time, peonies settled at the base, and said goodbye.

Gathering her things she startled at the sound of a footfall, the first time she’d heard any noise since she’d settled in. It was hard to see in the fading light, but the man standing at the hood of her car looked like no one she knew, though she waved anyway, small town and all. He didn’t wave back and she shrugged and rounded the back of her car, warily eyeing him as she slipped behind the wheel, the curfew signs flashing in her mind.

Was there some sort of crime ring? Her brain ticked as she started her engine and the man stepped away from the Jeep, a dark slick of a smile caught in the headlights. Karen felt a frisson of fear and pulled away back onto the gravel, eyes in the rearview as she turned down the lanes that led to -

A closed gate, though she remembered from illicit midnights with friends that it was like a fence gate, unbolted and something she could lift and swing out. Karen reached into her purse and felt the comforting weight of her gun slip into her palm. The man wasn’t in her rearview mirror, but it was too dark to tell where he was. She put the Jeep in park and left it running, sliding quickly out of the seat and lifting the gate latch, spinning around and slipping her other hand up to grip the gun two-handed. It was no use, the darkness was complete, no lights to break up the dim beyond the Jeep's headlights, and she rounded the vehicle, shoulders tense, her mind racing, her -

A hand across her mouth, an arm across her chest, pulling her arms down and pointing the gun at the ground. She screamed behind the clamped hand, stamped her foot where she thought the man’s instep would be, snaked a hand up and smashed her elbow backward, hearing a satisfying grunt as the blow landed. She spun away from the arm banded across her middle, trying to transfer the gun to her now free hand, but he was too fast. Her wrist wrenched back, pain shooting up it, the gun falling to the gravel below. 

She could see him now, his hair dark, unkempt, his face attractive if it weren’t for the gleam of satisfaction in his gaze, if not for the - oh god oh god she’d known they were real Matt and Foggy had made fun of her but she’d known it and oh god she fought she kept fighting she had to escape, her arms thrashing, trying to duck and use his weight against him, but nothing shook that iron bar of an arm loose from her chest and the smile descended and with it those fangs, sharp and oh god she closed her eyes she let them slip closed because maybe this was redemption, this was closure, maybe this was…

----------------------------------------

ONE MONTH LATER

The city reeked of hot dogs. Hot dogs approaching rancid as the last of the summer sun baked the scent of an overturned delivery truck’s escapees into the street. Frank’s nose wrinkled with the stench as he ducked into an alleyway. The smell of piss here wasn’t much better, but Frank wasn’t here to avoid smells, knocking hard on an unmarked door. He waited, knocked again, heard an irritated voice shout back at him, accent thick even through the door.

“Don’t expect a delivery til -”

Frank lodged his foot in before the man could pull the door closed, stepping in and locking the man in a headlock with an athlete’s grace. 

“Get the fuck off -”

“Shut the fuck up.” Frank squeezed tighter, feeling the trachea beneath his arm. 

The man floundered feebly, choked gasps ragged as he lost the air to function. Frank maneuvered him into an office close to the door, pulling out some duct tape and lashing him to the chair, gagging him for good measure. 

The warehouse would be empty this late in the day - Frank had been monitoring it for weeks. Still, he let the captive’s head loll as Frank pushed out of the office and scanned the warehouse, moving low to the ground in a room clearing pattern ingrained into his bones. Clear. He checked the warehouse door, ensuring it was locked, and placed a nearby bucket of loose hardware on the lip of the door’s bottom edge, advance warning should someone decide to open it.

He circled back through the warehouse, eyes still darting about, up to the loft, behind the stacked crates, his footsteps less than a whisper on the concrete as he circled back to the office, unfolding a chair and straddling it, arms propped on the headrest, waiting for the man to awaken.

He did with a start, his eyes bulging and curses muffled behind the tape. 

“I’m just here for a few questions Aron,” Frank said, watching as the man’s eyes widened at the use of his name. “Word on the street is that your little Albanian enterprise here is bigger than Rudaj ever was,” Frank said. “Something about a secret weapon, huh?”

Aron’s eyes narrowed. You didn’t live long if you weren’t able to face a little questioning, and something in Frank’s demeanor told him that Aron held all the cards here. Frank needed to flip the program. 

He looked up, spotted the beam he’d seen in blueprints, and rummaged through his bag for some rope, tossing it over the beam before knotting one end through a set of shelves and forming a noose in the other. He slipped it around Aron's neck, patting the man on the cheek with a smile, before hoisting the man up to his feet, looping the slack in the shelves.

He removed the tape at his mouth then, deftly avoiding the spit and rolling his eyes at Aaron’s Balkan curses. “So what can you tell me?”

Silence, and once again a discomfiting smile spread across Aron’s face. Frank hated when they were difficult. He pulled the rope, reknotted it. Aron's back was rigid now, spine stretched as far as it could to lessen the pressure, breath harsh in the closed space of the office.

“If you don’t already know,” Aron smiled despite his struggle to breathe, “There’s no harm in telling you. You’ll be dead within a matter of hours.”

“Yeh? Good to know.” 

“Even if you are the Punisher.” A ragged breath. “Yes your reputation precedes you. It also means nothing.”

Aron’s idle threats were wearing thin. “Okay.” A tug at the rope. 

“Superhumans.” Aron rattled out. “Stronger than you. Faster than you.” His eyes glittered. “They’ll drain you dry.” He coughed, and Frank caught what it was trying to cover. A shift in the eyes to a point over his shoulder. Frank ducked and rolled and heard the swish of air above his head, shot back with an elbow and caught air himself. A faint footfall, a flap of fabric, where the fuck was this guy?

Fast. Too fast. Impossibly fast, Frank thought as he was thrown out of the room, his head cracking on the wall outside. He shook it off even as he was moving, realizing he needed to put distance between him and the threat. He vaulted into the main warehouse, analyzing the terrain, potential weapons. Superhuman. Drain me dry, huh? He knew he had only seconds, ducked behind a crate and backed against a wall where pallets stood leaning. A flash of movement and Frank heard laughter as the heel of a hand smashed against his ribs. Broken, he had a moment to consider while the other hand closed around his throat.. Pain and rage clouded his vision and he knew he had one chance, one chance or it was all over. 

In hindsight he’d probably wonder if it was worth the choice, but for now survival instincts kicked in and he cracked a plank off the pallet behind him and brought it up with all of his strength, trying not to breathe in to avoid the pain dulling the blow. His assailant’s grip on his throat proved his downfall, removing the advantage of speed. The plank hit its mark, the adrenaline and training allow the jagged edges to pierce through skin and muscle, through ribs. A high-pitched keening, terrible in its inhuman sound, issued from the assailant’s throat, and Frank watched features swim in and out of view. Pale skin, a jagged scar cutting across a pair of thinned lips. A mouth split in pain, and there, there - he couldn’t be sure but he also knew it couldn’t be anything else - incisors long and sharp. 

The hand tightened on his throat briefly, muscles trying to continue past the ceasing of life, and the vampire in front of him dropped to the floor, wheedling noise still issuing from its throat, fading now with the dying of light in his eyes. The eyes, Frank thought, were the worst. Sclera shot through with red, but so human. Equal in death, the light gone. He fought his failing consciousness, he needed to get out of here before more showed up. He knew that face. Knew him from the papers, when he was human. The Albanians leg up on gang activities needed no more explanation than this, he thought as every inhale felt like ground glass in his bruised throat, his chest.

He stumbled back towards the office, lurched through the doorway to the shocked face of the mobster who still stood, throat noosed. Frank tugged at the rope anchored to the shelving and looped it a few more times with the rest of his strength, ignoring Aron’s choked breaths and gasps.

--------------------

Lana almost killed him when he returned. The pit bull / boxer mix hadn’t yet learned to not jump up, and her paws on his chest earned a pained grunt.

“Fuck. Down, Lana. I need you to be a good girl, please.” She tilted her head at him, boxer jowls flopping. He couldn’t help smiling through his pain. Pushing past her into the small kitchen, he grabbed a steak out of the freezer and some aspirin and eased himself down on the couch, steak pressed against his ribs. 

This was as close to home as he’d had in a long while, this warehouse unit in Queens. Secure enough with Micro’s help - he still couldn’t call him David. David was for the married guy, with kids, that Frank shouldn’t be bothering. The separation helped. His chest panged again, but not from pain this time, as he thought of those he’d lost in his unceasing war. Curtis had let him go. David wanted nothing to do with him. Karen -

Karen had disappeared off the face of the earth a month ago and it was driving him crazy. If he knew where she was, if he just knew, then she was safe. He pulled his phone out of his pocket with a grimace as Lana’s tail thwacked against the couch cushions, her brows alternating as she looked up at Frank, face nestled in her paws.

He found her last byline - a little over a month ago - a report on the growing presence of Eastern European crime families, actually. It…didn’t seem enough of a report for her to be targeted but who knows what she had gotten into. He knew her, she was persistent beyond what was safe. Karen wouldn’t let go. 

If he was being honest with himself, he didn’t want her to, despite his claims otherwise. 

So where was she? He slid a palm down his face, frustrated.

He checked his sources, found nothing. Reaching over his shoulder with difficulty - you forget that the simplest of actions is immeasurably harder when you’ve got a broken rib - he flipped on the police scanner. He and Lana listened for news of vampires, caught no mentions, nothing unexplained. The warehouse he’d invaded was off the radar, so he had some time before that would be circling around the airwaves, at least police ones. The steak was partially thawed now, so he tossed it in the dog bowl where Lana inhaled it as if it were her only meal in weeks.

Where was she?

-----

TWO WEEKS LATER

The Albanians were still expanding their empire, despite the setback at the warehouse. Frank wondered how many vampires there were. It clearly wasn’t an epidemic, which he’d feared initially but understood now - hard to keep power when you’re just spreading the source of that power around. Frank was on the streets, ribs starting to heal but deep breaths still causing sharp twists. He knew he needed more time. He also knew he didn’t have it. 

He had to find her, and so he was here in Hell’s Kitchen, eyeing the neon Rosie’s sign as he approached, it flickered Ro ie' tonight, the esses flickering in and out. He didn’t want Red catching him out here, instead hoping his friend would be the first to leave. It was a flip of the coin whether Murdock would find a way to turn him in, that high-and-mighty morality of his a ticking time bomb, Frank thought. 

His eyes shifted from the flickering sign as a voice called out. 

“Spare some change?”

That voice...he'd know it anywhere. “You’re alive, oh god I thought -”

Karen laughed, blanket wrapped over her telltale locks, ball cap pulled low over her brow. “Nice to see you too, Frank.” She reached out a hand, as if to take change from him, and pressed a folded paper into his grip. He held on a beat too long, her grip cold in his own, taking in the details of her face, what he could anyway. He ducked down to catch her eyes and her own darted away. 

“Not now, ok?”

He nodded and walked away, waiting until he was back in the warehouse to open the paper. The smile spread unbidden across his face.

Grand Ferry Park. You know where. 1 hour.

She sure had a sense of drama, he thought, thinking of a time long past, jokes of hipsters and her hair a bright flag in the breeze off the water. He thought of the softness of her cheek, and when he took a deep breath this time he didn’t even notice the pain.

-----------------

Lana was losing her mind, and not in a good way. He’d brought her with him, knowing Karen loved dogs, but she was having none of this meeting. This sweetheart of a dog had her hackles raised, growl low and deep as Karen put up her hands and squeezed her eyes shut, as if pained.

“What is wrong with you, girl?” He knelt down beside Lana, hand tight at her collar and glancing up apologetically at Karen. “Sorry, she’s the calmest dog usually, I thought you might like to see her.”

Karen slowly lowered to the ground, her hand held out. “Do you have a treat I can give her? Maybe that will help.”

“Yeh, sure.” He tossed her a packet from his bag and she opened it, shaking out some near where she knelt. Lana licked her chops but still growled low in her throat, if a bit more of a confused growl.

“Here, what’s her name?” A glance up at Frank as he responded. He noticed her hand shaking. “Lana, sweet girl. Got a treat for you!”

Frank encouraged Lana when she looked up at him, her expression almost hilariously human and clearly saying “you trust this lady??” The dog edged forward, tentative, and snatched the treat from the ground where Karen had placed it, backing up but calming her growl. 

“Well, progress at least.” 

Her smile was just as he’d remembered. 

“Where have you been, Karen?”

A flash in her eyes. “Didn’t know you kept tabs on me, Frank. You seemed pretty clear about me staying away.”

It hit him like a blow he deserved, and he fought for a response and lost. There was nothing he could say, he knew that, but he still wanted to try. It came to him in as he saw her eyes damp and hard, but still not hiding the hope behind them.

“I’ll always want you to be safe, Karen.”

She scoffed at that and stood up. “It’s a bit late for that.” 

“What, what is it, what happened to you? Do I need to punch Red’s light’s out?”

Karen laughed at this, bitter and so unlike her it closed his throat. He did this.

“Just…stop, Frank. I need you to listen.” A barge horn sounded in the distance as if to punctuate her words and her brows eased, just a little, at the humor of it. “I’m…” She stepped closer, Lana alert at the motion, and cupped his face in a hand. “I know the Albanians are after you. The vampire you killed was one of their sires from the old country. I don’t even - Only you, Frank. Older vampires are so strong, you had a one in a million chance.” She shook her head at this, as if still disbelieving.

“How do you know?” he asked, leaning into her touch, cold yet still a comfort. He searched her eyes, gripped Lana’s collar a little tighter.

“I know, because I’m one of them.” 

He tore away from her, the motion and the tension in him sending Lana into a fit of barking, her muzzle flecked with spittle. He couldn’t - he heard that high-pitched keen in his head, tried to reconcile it with the expression on Karen’s face. He pulled his Beretta out, trained it on Karen’s anguished face, looked around for bystanders. He backed away towards the railing bracketing the East River. If he needed to he’d escape in the water. But Lana…

He’d let down his guard, bringing her here. Letting himself dream and hope and wish and here was Karen and goddamn she looked beautiful, her eyes bright and hair streaming in the wind off the river and he could not reconcile the pieces.

His voice was a shadow of itself when it rasped from his mouth. “Explain, Karen. Tell me you’re not a monster. Tell me -” he stopped, unable to say more. 

He saw her eyes close and the resoluteness stiffen her spine. Hope bloomed in his chest. She…she was still her. Her stubbornness, her implacable will.

“I’m not a monster, in the same way you aren’t.”

He worked his jaw, thinking, eyes casting about, settling on anything but her now. Her words were ones he’d normally deny in his heart, but it seemed the stakes had shifted, and his gut reactions fell flat in the face of the fact that Karen Page was here, and she was a vampire.

“Guess that’s why Lana’s losing her mind,” he said finally.

Karen laughed at that and goddamn if it still didn’t make his heart flip with the sound. What was wrong with him. 

“Look I -” she started, uncertain. “I was bitten a month ago in Vermont.” She noticed his quizzical expression. “My Dad, he…I saw his obituary in the paper, so I drove up there. The town was riddled with vamps, some offshoot of the Albanians taking root in Fagan Corners of all places. They’ve locked it down since, but lucky for me!” She lifted her hands, her tone mocking. “Not my favorite trip ever. One star.” She joked, and cast her eyes down when it fell flat.

“Came back and have been feeding off criminals. Not like they're hard to find in this town. Frank -” She caught his gaze in her own. “I wanted to see you, wanted to see you and…I don't think anything can stop them, not anything human." She stopped, searched his eyes.

He wasn’t sure if she found what she was looking for but somehow knew what her next words would be all the same. Still, he let the pause linger. It was a moment, one to let go in. If there was anyone he trusted, it was her, goddamn, and maybe...maybe it was finally time to show that.

She inhaled then, and he idly wondered if that was force of habit or if vampires needed oxygen. He breathed a breath of his own, rib aching with the effort, and drew closer, sliding his hand into the silk of her hair, fingers sifting through it. He looked at her then, full on, not letting his gaze wander, not letting himself look away. He nodded then, an answer to the questions in her eyes, and bared his neck to her.

also on ao3

[evaspencer33-blog]

Exploring Innovative Technology and Future-proofing in High-End Model Cars

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, high-end model cars are at the forefront of innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology and future-proofing features to meet the demands of discerning consumers. Let's delve into the innovative technology and future-proofing strategies that define high-end model cars.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Systems

Automated Driving Capabilities: High-end model cars are equipped with advanced automated driving features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking, paving the way for a future of self-driving capabilities.

Collision Avoidance Technology: Utilizing radar, lidar, and camera systems, these cars incorporate collision avoidance technology to enhance safety, mitigate accidents, and protect both occupants and pedestrians.

Advanced Driver Monitoring: Cutting-edge driver monitoring systems use AI and advanced sensors to detect driver drowsiness, distraction, and provide alerts, ensuring a safer driving experience.

Sustainable Power-trains and Electrification

Electric and Hybrid Technology: High-end model cars embrace electrification with sophisticated electric and hybrid powertrains, offering enhanced efficiency, lower emissions, and a glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility.

Fast-Charging Infrastructure: These cars are designed to support fast-charging capabilities, reducing charging times and enhancing the practicality of electric driving.

Regenerative Braking: Incorporating regenerative braking technology, high-end models capture and store energy during braking, maximizing efficiency and range.

Connectivity and Infotainment Evolution

5G Connectivity: Future-proofing high-end model cars involves integrating 5G connectivity, enabling faster data transfer, low-latency communication, and unlocking new possibilities for in-car entertainment and communication.

Enhanced Infotainment Interfaces: These cars feature intuitive, AI-powered infotainment interfaces that learn from user behavior, anticipate preferences, and seamlessly integrate with personal devices and services.

Over-the-Air Updates: Future-proofing includes over-the-air software updates, ensuring that the car's systems and features remain up to date with the latest enhancements and security patches.

Environmental Sustainability and Luxury

Sustainable Materials: High-end model cars are incorporating sustainable materials in their interiors, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising luxury and comfort.

Energy-Efficient Climate Control: Utilizing advanced climate control systems, these cars optimize energy usage to maintain a comfortable interior environment while minimizing energy consumption.

Adaptive Lighting Technology: Future-proofing extends to adaptive lighting systems that improve visibility, enhance safety, and reduce energy consumption through advanced LED and laser technologies.

High-end model cars are at the vanguard of innovation, embracing advanced technology and future-proofing strategies to deliver unparalleled driving experiences.

From automated driving capabilities to sustainable power-trains, enhanced connectivity, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, these cars are shaping the future of automotive luxury and performance, setting new standards for innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.

In the ever-evolving landscape of car shipping, staying ahead with innovative technology is crucial for a safe and efficient experience. Explore the latest advancements for a safe direct car shipping reviews and how they can future-proof your transportation needs.

[quotesfrommyreading]

The U.S. remains the world’s R&D factory, but when it comes to building, we are plainly going backwards. We’ve lost out on industrial opportunities by running Bush’s playbook so strictly. But there are other problems, too. Since the early 2000s, the U.S. has closed more nuclear-power plants than we’ve opened. Our ability to decarbonize the grid is held back by environmental regulations that ironically constrict the construction of solar- and wind-energy farms. It’s been roughly 50 years since Asia and Europe built their first high-speed rail systems, but the U.S. is almost comically incapable of pulling train construction into the 21st century. (A 2008 plan to build a high-speed rail line in California has seen estimated costs more than triple and deployment delayed by a decade, and it’s still uncertain if it can be completed as planned.)

“New ideas are getting harder to use,” the futurist and economist Eli Dourado told me. If the U.S. wanted to unleash geothermal power, we could simplify geothermal permitting. If we wanted to build the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors, we could deregulate advanced nuclear reactors. These measures would not require inventing anything new. But they would stimulate progress by making it easier to bring our best ideas into the light.

The United States once believed in partnerships among the government, private industry, and the people to advance material progress. The Lincoln administration helped build the railroads. The New Deal helped electrify rural America. Dwight Eisenhower signed the Price-Anderson Act, which guaranteed government funds and limited liability for nuclear-energy firms in case of serious accidents, facilitating the construction of nuclear-power plants. John F. Kennedy’s space ambitions made NASA a major consumer of early microchips, which helped reduce their price by a factor of 30 in a matter of years, accelerating the software revolution.

“And then, around 1980, we basically stopped building,” Jesse Jenkins, who researches energy policy at Princeton, told me. In the past 40 years, he said, the U.S. has applied several different brakes to our capacity to build what’s already been invented. Under Ronald Reagan, the legacy of successful public-private partnerships was ignored in favor of the simplistic diagnosis that the government was to blame for every major problem. In the ’70s, liberals encouraged the government to pass new environmental regulations to halt pollution and prevent builders from running roughshod over low-income neighborhoods. And then middle-class Americans used these new rules to slow down the construction of new housing, clean-energy projects—just about everything. These reactions were partly understandable; for example, air and water pollution in the ’70s were deadly crises. But “when you combine these big shifts, you basically stop building anything,” Jenkins said.

  —  Why the Age of American Progress Ended

[high-fructose-porn-syrup]

Seriously, most crimes I can understand a justification or, at least, a reason for. Murder? Maybe you had to do it to escape their abuse because the cops are pussies and/or don't believe you. Stealing? Um. Poverty. Just gonna leave it at that. Drug possession? That shouldn't even be a crime to be quite honest. Driving an unsafe vehicle? Again. Poverty. Not everyone can afford to keep their car repairs and maintenance up to date, and rather than arresting people with busted up cars, maybe we should, I don't know, subsidize basic repairs of lights, brakes, and other stuff that, when broken, makes the car unsafe to drive? Or, if we're looking for more than a band-aid solution, maybe restructure our cities to be more walkable and less car dependent? Or if you don't wanna do either, at the very least, we could make public transportation more easily accessible, affordable, and reliable. Piracy? Again, shouldn't be a crime when Disney owns damn near everything entertainment-wise, and Adobe is demanding copyright of images YOU CREATED because you used their software to do it.

But littering??? You LITTER on Miette's planet? You throw TRASH on her HOME like DUMPSTER? Oh! OH SHAME! SHAME FOR LITTERBUG! SHAME FOR LITTERBUG FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS!

who fucking litters. why do i ever see litter. who thinks that’s okay. who. who NEEDS to throw their fast food bag out the fucking window instead of waiting until they get somewhere with a trashcan. what kinda clown behavior. get fucked.

[itsmesmith]

Complete Porsche Instrument Cluster Repair: Renew Your Dashboard Like New!

Imagine you’re behind the wheel of your Porsche, feeling the thrill of every rev and every mile... then suddenly, the speedometer needle starts jumping erratically, or your tachometer goes blank. Maybe warning lights flicker on and off, or the entire instrument cluster screen dims unexpectedly. It’s confusing, distracting, and honestly scary, especially in a high-performance machine like a Porsche where precision matters. 

Your instrument cluster isn’t just a dashboard decoration; it’s the control center of your car, constantly feeding you real-time information about your speed, engine health, fuel, and safety alerts. When it starts acting up, you lose that vital connection to your car’s performance and safety systems. Ignoring these problems only makes matters worse, often leading to expensive repairs or even putting you at risk on the road. 

Why Does Your Porsche Instrument Cluster Matter So Much? 

Unlike older cars with simple gauges, Porsche instrument clusters are sophisticated systems combining mechanical components, sensors, LCD screens, circuit boards, and complex software. These high-tech clusters monitor everything from your speed and RPM to tire pressure and brake warnings, all calibrated for peak performance and accuracy. 

When your instrument cluster malfunctions, it’s usually a sign of deeper electrical or mechanical issues. It could be due to cracked solder joints, failing LEDs, damaged LCD displays, or software glitches. For example, if your speedometer needle jitters or the backlighting dims, that’s more than just annoying, it can be downright dangerous. Not knowing your true speed or fuel level on a busy highway is a serious safety hazard. 

Thinking About Fixing It Yourself? Beware! 

While DIY repair videos can look tempting, Porsche instrument clusters are delicate and complex. One wrong step can cause irreversible damage, void warranties, and cost you far more in the long run. These clusters require special tools, expert knowledge, and precise diagnostics to repair properly. Plus, sometimes the real culprit isn’t the cluster but related wiring or ECU issues, which only pros can identify. 

Why Professional Repair Is the Best Choice 

That’s where specialists like Dashboard Instrument Cluster come in. They focus exclusively on Porsche and other high-end vehicle clusters, combining years of expertise with genuine OEM or premium parts. Their process includes: 

Careful diagnostics to pinpoint the exact problem 

Replacing faulty components like LEDs, stepper motors, or circuit boards 

Reprogramming your cluster to factory specs 

Fast turnaround with warranty-backed repairs 

Nationwide shipping for Porsche owners across the USA, Canada, and nearby regions 

Repairing instead of replacing your cluster saves you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, and brings back that flawless Porsche driving experience. 

👉 Read the Full Blog Here 

[recallsdirect]

Vehicle Recall: Kia K5 Sedans:

[jjautoservicetires]

Automotive Diagnostics Service Helps Detect Issues Before a Disaster Occurs

Are diagnostic tests meant to be performed after the check engine light switches on?

Purpose of Car Diagnostic Tests

The right way to accurately determine the malfunctioning components that are causing your car to function erratically is a thorough diagnostic test. Software is applied to perform such tests because it can immediately find out the real cause of the problem. Mainly different parts of the engine are examined to detect the problematic component.

Modern diagnostic tests performed by a good diagnostics service orange park fl are executed by linking a computer system to the vehicle. It helps extract vital information from various in-built microchips and processors. Basically, a scanner is connected to the vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) outlet. It supplies information on any errors the car’s computer system has recorded. Then, a detailed test is performed to check the condition of the car’s various systems.

Benefits of Diagnostic Tests

One of the main benefits of diagnostic tests, for ensuring the smooth functioning of the car, is the wide range of problems they can detect. These problems may be with the vehicle’s oil tank, brakes, exhaust system, combustion engine, transmission, ignition, and fuel injector.

Before the advent of automotive diagnostic tests, the technicians would carefully examine cars manually to detect problems. It was not only time-consuming and costly but also laborious. Moreover, the technology-driven diagnostics service orange park fl also supplies some valuable information to the technicians regarding the vehicle and its history. Using the information, the mechanics can plan the right steps for repairs.

Conclusion

As car diagnostics is done using computerized systems, it helps to quickly detect faults in an automobile before any disaster can take place. However, it is recommended to have diagnostic tests performed regularly to catch problems early. It allows for enjoying smooth, trouble-free driving.

[industrial-meat]

"Move Fast, Break Things" is great for use-cases where the cost of each iteration is very low, and where the consequences of Breaking Things™ in an iteration are very low; like, y'know, software projects still feeling out the problem space. 's fine there!

Not so good when an iteration takes months or years to complete, and thousands of combined hours of labour, and significant material outlay, and tooling costs, and where the consequences are shit like "raining burning and/or toxic debris on people's houses/into protected wetlands", or "losing steering/drive while travelling at speed", or...

Also, as someone who currently LARPs as a heavy-duty mechanic, seeing people considering one giant combined power & networking ring (doing everything on the vehicle) as a good thing just makes me groan.

Like, the vehicles I work with regularly have something like 4 or 5 different CANbus networks, alongside running physically switched power to stuff like the lights. Does it lead to a larger and heavier wiring loom than if everything was connected to the same 4 power and networking lines? Sure! Does it mean SHIT WILL STILL WORK when one of those networks DIES? Absolutely, yes!

Just about every vehicle I work on, over 2 or 3 years old, has a network fault somewhere of some variety; ranging from an intermitted missed message (from ... shit, I dunno, a wire wobbled somewhere or there was some electrical noise from something or whatever.) to, uh... some subsystem's electrical design team not realising that condensation is a thing that exists and thus not using a waterproof connector where the wiring comes into the top of the lane-departure warning system's camera unit, so after the truck's gone through a coupla years of British weather, the connector has filled up with water that condensed on the inside of the cab and ran down the wiring, and it's all a horrible green and crusty mess that doesn't work any more! (See: Every DAF LF with LDW/ACC in the last 6 or so years.)

But the thing is, even with the lane-departure warning system having utterly shit itself, even to the point that it's so dead that it pulls the CAN network down... that doesn't affect the brakes (other than the brake ECU can't talk to the automatic-emergency-braking system that uses the lane-departure camera, so you lose that feature), it doesn't affect the engine, it doesn't affect the lights. Because it's on a separate network.

Even when you have the utterly hilarious failure mode of a sensor unit on the engine CANbus network going stone dead and pulling the network down with it, yeah the engine will go into limp mode and you'll lose all the instruments; but your brakes still work, your power-steering still works, and you can still drive the vehicle to a point of safety. It just means that once you turn the engine off, you won't be able to start it again (until you disconnect the dead sensor, anyway.)

What happens when a component dies and pulls the network low, when everything's on the same network? Because parts are gonna fail. That's a guarantee. No matter the manufacturer, no matter who designed it, no matter how well-built it was, eventually something's gonna fail. And it's always at the worst possible time.

And, it being Tesla, you just know it's gonna be some shit like the headlight got wet so now you're stuck in the middle of the highway in a vehicle with no lights, that refuses to move.

[sngl-led-auto-lights]

Why don't a car's headlights turn on automatically when the wipers are on?

The lack of universal automatic headlight activation when windshield wipers are engaged stems from a mix of legal inconsistencies, technical limitations, and driver behavior considerations. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Legal Requirements Vary by Region

In the U.S.: • "Wipers On, Lights On" Laws: Over 20 states (e.g., New York, Pennsylvania) mandate headlight use when wipers are active. However, federal law does not require automakers to link these systems. • No Federal Standard: The NHTSA prioritizes other safety tech (e.g., automatic emergency braking), leaving lighting rules to states.

In the EU: • Daytime running lights (DRLs) are required, but full headlights are not automatically tied to wipers.

This patchwork of regulations means automakers often avoid adding region-specific features to global vehicle platforms.

2. Technical and Cost Barriers

Sensor Integration: Linking wipers to headlights requires software programming and sensor integration (e.g., rain sensors). Older or budget vehicles often lack these systems.

DRLs vs. Full Headlights: Many cars have DRLs that stay on, but these don’t activate taillights—a critical safety flaw in rain. Full automatic headlights would require additional wiring and control modules.

Cost to Automakers: Adding this feature could raise vehicle prices by $50–$200 per unit, a disincentive for economy models.

3. Driver Behavior and Control

Overriding Preferences: Some drivers want manual control (e.g., intermittent wipers in light drizzle may not warrant headlights).

False Sense of Security: Drivers in states without "wipers on, lights on" laws may assume DRLs are sufficient, unaware that taillights remain off.

4. Cars That Do Automate This

GM Vehicles: Most GM cars since the mid-2010s (e.g., Chevrolet, GMC) activate headlights with sustained wiper use.

Luxury Brands: Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo often link wipers to headlights via rain sensors.

Aftermarket Fixes: Modules like Lumen SafetyLight ($120) can wire wipers to headlights in older cars.

5. Why It’s Critical to Manual Override Even if your car lacks automation:

Safety Impact: Headlights reduce collision risk by 25% in rain (NHTSA).

Taillight Activation: Manual headlights ensure your taillights illuminate, making you visible from behind.

The Future of Automation

ADAS Integration: Newer cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are more likely to bundle lighting and wiper automation.

Regulatory Push: Advocacy groups like the AAA urge federal laws to standardize "wipers on, lights on" rules.

Bottom Line: While some modern cars automate this, inconsistent laws and cost-cutting prevent universal adoption. Until then, manually turning on headlights in rain remains a lifesaving habit.

[sweatybelieverfun]

Automotive Lighting Market Future Trends Shaping Next-Generation Vehicle Design, Safety, and Energy Efficiency

The automotive lighting market is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, evolving safety standards, and growing consumer expectations. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, automation, and connectivity, lighting systems are becoming more than just functional components—they are now integral to vehicle identity, safety, and smart mobility. The future trends in the automotive lighting market reflect a strong shift toward adaptive technologies, energy efficiency, and integrated digital features that align with next-generation vehicle development.

Rise of LED and OLED Technologies

One of the most prominent trends shaping the future of automotive lighting is the widespread adoption of LED (Light Emitting Diode) and OLED (Organic LED) technologies. These lighting systems offer numerous advantages over traditional halogen or xenon lights, including lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, compact design, and enhanced brightness.

LEDs are already a standard in many modern vehicles, and their usage is expected to deepen as automakers seek efficient solutions for both exterior and interior lighting. OLEDs, known for their flexibility and uniform illumination, are gaining popularity in tail lights and ambient lighting applications. They enable sleek, futuristic designs that appeal to consumers seeking a premium feel.

Integration of Adaptive and Smart Lighting Systems

Adaptive lighting systems are another major trend defining the future of the market. These systems can automatically adjust beam direction, intensity, and spread based on vehicle speed, road curvature, weather conditions, and surrounding traffic. By enhancing visibility without blinding other drivers, adaptive headlights significantly improve nighttime driving safety.

Matrix LED and laser headlights, which selectively dim specific segments of the light beam, are increasingly being adopted in high-end vehicles. As the cost of these technologies decreases, they are expected to become more common in mid-range models as well.

Moreover, smart lighting systems integrated with sensors and AI can communicate with driver-assist features such as automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping. In the future, lights may also communicate with other vehicles (V2V) and infrastructure (V2X), contributing to safer and smarter roads.

Customization and Aesthetic Lighting

Personalization is a key aspect of the modern automotive experience, and lighting plays a central role. Ambient lighting in vehicle interiors is evolving from simple functional illumination to customizable, mood-enhancing systems. Consumers can now select from various colors, patterns, and intensities to match their preferences or driving conditions.

Exterior lighting is also becoming a brand identity element. Signature light designs—such as LED light bars, sequential turn signals, and dynamic welcome animations—help manufacturers differentiate their models. As vehicles become more software-defined, downloadable lighting themes and updates could emerge as new personalization options.

Emphasis on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), energy efficiency in every component, including lighting, has become critical. LED and laser lighting technologies consume far less power than traditional systems, making them ideal for EVs that rely heavily on battery life. Efficient lighting helps extend driving range while maintaining high performance.

Sustainability is also influencing material choices in lighting components. Manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials for housings and reflectors, as well as recyclable packaging and energy-efficient manufacturing processes to reduce the carbon footprint of lighting systems.

Regulatory Influence and Safety Compliance

Government regulations around the world are pushing for enhanced road safety, especially in low-visibility conditions. Regulatory bodies are encouraging or mandating the use of advanced lighting systems like daytime running lights (DRLs), automatic high beams, and adaptive front-lighting systems (AFS).

These regulations are accelerating the adoption of intelligent lighting technologies in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Additionally, as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, lighting will play a crucial role in communicating vehicle intentions to pedestrians and other road users—something often referred to as external human-machine interfaces (eHMIs).

Growing Demand in Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

The global shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles is significantly influencing lighting trends. EVs require low-energy, highly efficient lighting solutions to preserve battery life, while autonomous vehicles rely on sophisticated sensor-driven lighting systems for navigation and safety.

Lighting in autonomous vehicles will also serve as a communication tool—for example, flashing lights to indicate that the vehicle has detected a pedestrian or stopped for an obstacle. Interior lighting will become more passenger-focused, offering comfort and ambiance in a space where drivers may no longer be active participants in operating the vehicle.

Digital Light and Projection Technology

Emerging innovations like digital light projection systems are set to redefine automotive lighting. These systems can project symbols or guidance paths onto the road, warn pedestrians, or display information for other drivers. Such features are particularly valuable in complex driving scenarios and will become more relevant as automation increases.

This level of interactive lighting is still in early stages but is gaining traction, especially in concept cars and luxury models. As the technology matures, it may offer new safety enhancements and entertainment opportunities for passengers.

In conclusion, the automotive lighting market future trends highlight a convergence of technology, safety, personalization, and energy efficiency. From adaptive headlights and OLED innovations to ambient interior lighting and digital projections, the role of lighting in vehicles is expanding beyond visibility into a realm of communication, design, and user experience. As the automotive industry embraces electric and autonomous technologies, lighting systems will continue to evolve, shaping the future of transportation in smart, sustainable, and stylish ways.

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Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly with Suzuki Car Servicing in the UK

Regular servicing is essential for keeping your vehicle in top condition and when you drive a Suzuki, it’s important to maintain the high standards of performance, efficiency, and reliability the brand is known for. Suzuki car servicing in the UK offers drivers the reassurance of expert care, genuine parts, and comprehensive checks designed specifically for Suzuki vehicles.

Whether you own a Swift, Vitara, S-Cross, or any other model in the Suzuki range, staying on top of your servicing schedule is key to enjoying trouble-free motoring.

Why Regular Suzuki Servicing Matters

Routine servicing does more than just maintain your car’s mechanical health. It also helps:

Prolong the life of your vehicle

Maintain fuel efficiency

Identify issues before they become costly repairs

Preserve your car’s resale value

Keep you and your passengers safe on the road

By sticking to the recommended service intervals, you can ensure your Suzuki performs as it was built to reliably, efficiently, and safely.

What’s Included in a Suzuki Service?

Suzuki servicing in the UK typically includes a comprehensive range of inspections and maintenance tasks. Depending on the model, mileage, and age of your car, a service may involve:

Oil and filter change

Brake system inspection

Tyre pressure and condition checks

Steering and suspension review

Battery condition test

Fluid top-ups (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid)

Lights and wipers inspection

Engine diagnostics

All work is carried out by trained technicians using manufacturer-approved methods, ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet Suzuki’s performance and safety standards.

Types of Suzuki Car Servicing

UK Suzuki drivers can choose from different servicing levels based on their vehicle’s needs:

1. Interim Service

An interim service is typically recommended every six months or at a set mileage. It includes essential checks and top-ups to keep your vehicle in good working order between full services.

2. Full Service

A full service offers a more detailed inspection and is usually carried out annually. It includes all the basics of an interim service, plus additional checks and replacements such as air filters and spark plugs (where applicable).

3. Major Service

Major services are conducted at longer intervals and include all the checks from a full service, along with more in-depth maintenance and replacement of key components.

Why Choose Suzuki-Approved Servicing?

Opting for Suzuki-approved servicing ensures that your car receives the best care possible. Benefits include:

Specialist knowledge from technicians trained specifically on Suzuki models

Genuine Suzuki parts designed to fit and perform perfectly

Service history updates that can boost resale value

Access to the latest software updates and diagnostic equipment

Choosing an approved service centre helps maintain the integrity and value of your Suzuki while giving you peace of mind on every journey.

Tips for UK Drivers Booking a Suzuki Service

Check your service schedule: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals based on mileage or time.

Keep records: Maintain a full service history to improve resale appeal.

Look out for offers: Many service centres provide seasonal servicing deals, MOT bundles, or service plan options.

Book in advance: To avoid delays, especially during peak seasons, schedule your service ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

Suzuki car servicing in the UK is a vital part of responsible vehicle ownership. By sticking to your service schedule and choosing qualified technicians, you can enjoy safe, efficient, and hassle-free driving for years to come.

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Step into Style: Visit the Ultimate Tata Harrier EV Showroom at Lakshmi Tata Chennai Today

Discover the All-Electric Tata Harrier at Lakshmi Tata in Chennai

Looking for a bold SUV that matches style with sustainability? The Tata Harrier EV delivers cutting-edge design, premium features, and all-electric performance — all in one stunning package. Whether you're navigating busy city roads or heading out for a long drive, this electric SUV offers zero-emission mobility without sacrificing power or presence.

Visit Us!

At Lakshmi Tata in Chennai, we’re proud to bring you the future of Tata’s SUV lineup — offering first access, expert support, and competitive pricing on the all-new Harrier EV.

What Makes the Tata Harrier EV Unique?

All-Electric Performance

Built on Tata’s Gen-2 EV architecture, the Harrier EV offers:

Dual-motor, all-wheel drive capability (available in select variants)

Instant torque for quick, smooth acceleration

Long-range battery for extended travel

Fast-charging options for added convenience

It’s powerful, efficient, and perfect for the roads of Tamil Nadu.

Bold, Modern Design

The Harrier EV retains the commanding presence of its diesel predecessor while introducing:

Distinctive EV badging

Updated front fascia with futuristic styling

Stylish alloy wheels and LED lighting

Aerodynamic enhancements for improved range

A design that reflects innovation — without losing the SUV’s rugged appeal.

Intelligent, Connected Features

Inside the Harrier EV, you’ll find:

Touchscreen infotainment system with connected vehicle technology

Digital instrument cluster

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Multiple drive modes and regenerative braking options

Over-the-air software updates

Enjoy a smarter, more intuitive driving experience with every mile.

Advanced Safety Features

The Tata Harrier EV is engineered for safety, offering:

Multiple airbags

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Hill hold and descent control

Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines

Sturdy body construction for maximum protection

Drive confidently, knowing you and your family are well protected.

Why Choose Lakshmi Tata for the Harrier EV in Chennai?

Exclusive EV Availability

Lakshmi Tata is among the first showrooms in Chennai to offer the Tata Harrier EV. Visit us for:

Priority bookings

Latest availability in all trims and colors

Guided test drives and personalized feature walkthroughs

Be one of the first to own the Harrier EV in your neighborhood.

EV Expertise You Can Trust

Buying an electric vehicle is a big decision. Our EV team supports you through:

Understanding range, charging options, and running costs

EV loan and financing solutions

Details on government incentives and EV subsidies

Home charger installation guidance

Charging network support across Chennai

We’re here to make your transition to electric effortless.

Certified EV Service and Support

Our Tata-authorized service center is fully equipped for EV maintenance. We provide:

Battery health diagnostics

Software upgrades

Trained EV technicians

Genuine Tata parts and support

Service packages and extended warranty options

Enjoy reliable ownership and post-purchase care — every step of the way.

Conveniently Located in Chennai

Lakshmi Tata is easy to reach from all major parts of the city, including:

Anna Nagar

Tambaram

Velachery

OMR and ECR

T. Nagar

Porur and surrounding suburbs

We offer flexible appointments and hassle-free showroom visits, including test drives at your convenience.

Book Your Harrier EV Test Drive Today

Curious about how the Tata Harrier EV performs? Book a test drive at Lakshmi Tata Chennai today and experience the blend of technology, power, and eco-conscious design in person. Our team is here to guide you through everything you need to know.

Step Into the Future with the Tata Harrier EV

If you’re ready to drive a premium SUV that offers both performance and sustainability, the Tata Harrier EV is your next big move. And there’s no better place to explore it than Lakshmi Tata in Chennai — where personalized service, honest pricing, and electric mobility come together.

Visit Lakshmi Tata Chennai today to explore, test, and own the Tata Harrier EV — where innovation meets sophistication.