Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joel Patel is a Northern Virginia native that became enamored with cars at a young age when he was tasked with holding the flashlight while his dad fixed them. After learning that the hosts of Top Gear got paid for their antics, Joel got a degree in journalism to pursue a career as an automotive journalist. His work has been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog, CarsDirect, U.S. News & World Report, and Right Foot Down. Outside of cars, Joel enjoys finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants, trying new bourbons, and taking his pit bull on an adventure. You can find more of his work on his website, Man, Adventure, Wheels.
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This is how easy it is to wash your car at home
Sure you can take the car to the car wash, but it's not as good as if you did it yourself. We've put together a quick list of how to wash your car at home.
7 cars so incredible they’ll have you rethinking that SUV
Cars might be losing the sales war with SUVs, but there are plenty of good options to choose from these days. These are our top-rated cars of the year.
These are the questions you should always ask before buying a car
Buying a car isn't like it used to be. Here are some questions to ask when you go to find your new ride.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 marks the start of the manufacturer’s upscale trajectory
While the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is the brand's first attempt at moving upstream, it's also one of the best-handling midsize SUVs available.
Study reveals the cars that are least likely to be recalled
Hate recalls? These 10 vehicles are the least likely to be involved in a recall according to a study from iSeeCars.
Consumer Reports: These are the best used luxury cars you can get
A used luxury car doesn't have to cost a fortune, as these top choices from Consumer Reports can be found between $10,000 to $40,000.
7 things you probably didn’t know car insurance covers
While everyone with car insurance expects their vehicle to be covered in an accident, car insurance covers some other surprising things too.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe brings some much-needed style to the SUV coupe segment
Genesis is set to enter the coupe-inspired SUV segment with the GV80 Coupe that was on display at the New York Auto Show.
Upcoming Ram 1500 REV will have 500 miles of range and 3 large screens
Ram has released more information about the 1500 REV, which will have 654 horsepower, up to 500 miles of range, and three enormous screens.
Revealed: The 2024 Porsche Cayenne has had a dramatic mid-cycle refresh
Porsche has revealed the 2024 Cayenne, which receives a hefty mid-cycle update with new tech, more powerful engines, and an even higher price tag.
The new 2025 Polestar 4 is missing one significant feature
Polestar has unveiled the upcoming 2025 Polestar 4 will come with a rear-facing camera and digital rearview mirror instead of a rear window.
Going green for Earth Day? These are the EVs with the longest range
Don't want to experience range anxiety? These are the 10 longest-range EVs on sale today.
These are the absolute best electric motorcycles you can get right now
Some of the best electric motorcycle models on and coming soon to a road near you.
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X validates the existence of old-school trucks
A simple, rugged truck like the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is exactly what you want if you plan on traversing the Mojave Road through the desert.
Mercedes-Benz gives the GLS a slightly updated design and new tech for 2024
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a getting a mid-cycle refresh with an updated look, new tech, and more powerful engines.
Watch: Simulations of cars crashing at different speeds show when things get deadly
One thing that sets BeamNG apart from other automotive games is its realistic crash physics that lets you endlessly crash cars.
All-electric Kia EV9 premieres with Level 3 autonomous tech and up to 379 hp
Kia's latest all-electric SUV has arrived with the EV9, which is a midsize option with three rows of seating, up to 379 hp and a targeted range of 300 miles.
Lamborghini unveils the Revuelto PHEV, a 1,001-HP replacement to the Aventador
Lamborghini's replacement for the Aventador has finally arrived with the 2024 Revuelto, which is the automaker's first plug-in hybrid model.
The best beginner-friendly motorcycles for first-time buyers
Looking to dive into the world of motorcycles? These are our top picks for new riders that are just getting their bearings on being on two wheels.
Get far, far off the beaten path with the best off-road vehicles of 2023
Few things are as enjoyable as off-roading. If you're looking to escape the pavement, these are the best off-roaders worth shopping this year.
Dodge says goodbye to the gas age of muscle cars with the 1,025-HP SRT Demon 170
Dodge is ending production of the Hellcat engine and giving it a proper sendoff with the new Challenger SRT Demon 170 that has 1,025 horsepower.
Ferrari Roma Spider looks to the past with one special feature
Ferrari is bringing back the soft-top roof for a front-engined supercar with the 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider.
These popular chains are adding electric charging stations
7-Eleven and Subway want to give you something to do while you charge your car with new charging stations at locations across the US.
Audi Q7 Prestige: 5 things we love about it (and 3 things we hate)
Audi Q7 Prestige: 5 things we love about it (and 3 things we hate)
The ultra-luxurious and high-tech Audi Q7 Prestige has a lot of great qualities that make it easy to love, but it also has some drawbacks that we hate.
Save money on gas with these fantastic fuel rewards apps
Gas is expensive, but with the right fuel rewards apps, you can save money each time you fill up and often earn points to use on drinks, food, and more!
J.D. Power: Owners say EVs are less satisfying than gas-powered cars in one big way
There are plenty of good reasons to make the switch to an electric car, but JD Power's latest studies found a few downsides with EV ownership.
Whether you’re ready or not, GM is looking into bringing ChatGPT to everything
GM wants to use the AI in ChatGPT to create an advanced virtual assistant in its future electric cars.
This could be good news for anyone who wants to use the federal EV tax credit
The United States and the European Union are currently in negotiations to increase the number of EVs that are eligible for the federal tax credit.
5 simple garage organization tips for better car and motorcycle care
You don’t have to be wealthy to have a functional garage to on projects and store bulky items. With these tips, you can have an organized garage.
From F1 to drag racing: Here’s a breakdown of all the major types of car racing
From Formula One to NASCAR, there’s plenty of professional racing to follow. More recently amateur racing and simulation racing have become more common.
Acura MDX Type S: 4 things we love about it (and 3 things we hate)
There’s a lot to like about the Acura MDX Type S and some things not to like. Here's what we love about the SUV and a few things we hate.
BMW may be starting its path to full-screen VR with new ‘Panoramic Vision’ feature
BMW is introducing "Panoramic Vision" for all cars, set to enter production in 2025. Is this the first step towards full in-car VR?
BMW teases new 5 series, with an i5 EV model for the first time ever
The 2024 BMW 5 series will stick to tradition, says BMW - but there will be an i5 EV model, too.
Lamborghini’s upcoming supercar will have a 1,001-hp plug-in hybrid V12 powertrain
The next supercar from Lamborghini will be equipped with a 1,001-horsepower plug-in hybrid V12 powertrain.
Despite its recognizable design, Mercedes’ best-seller has been fully redesigned
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the fully redesigned 2023 GLC and officially announced pricing for the compact SUV.
This is what the fastest motorcycle in the world looks like now
With less wind resistance and a low drag coefficient, motorcycles define speed. Here are the fastest bikes, from icons to turbine-powered monsters.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Syntopia brings haute fashion to cars
The most complex Phantom ever was built in collaboration with Dutch designer Iris van Herpen and took four years to make.
The 8 fastest cars in the world right now
With top speeds above 200 mph, these are the fastest cars in the world. Seven of the options have confirmed top speed runs, making them the kings of speed.
The coolest automotive-inspired watches for men who love cars
Car enthusiasts who want to expand their passion for four wheels to timepieces should explore these nine options.
BMW’s latest all-electric concept is a beach-ready scooter with a surfboard
BMW Motorrad has teamed up with Vagabund Moto for a concept CE 04 that can hold a surfboard and looks like a work of art.
Mercedes just integrated TikTok into its in-car entertainment system (really)
The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will debut with a new Superscreen that brings TikTok integration.
Honda stuffed an 800-HP IndyCar powertrain into the family-friendly CR-V
As a teaser for the 2024 IndyCar, Honda put an 800-horsepower IndyCar powertrain into a Honda CR-V.
Look out Harley-Davidson, Indian’s new Sport Chief is up for a fight
Looking to take Harley-Davidson on at its own game, Indian Motorcycles has introduced the 2023 Sport Chief.
First drive: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is a pickup that appeals to everyone
The all-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado enters the midsize segment as the new leader in the midsize pickup truck segment.
What’s the ideal amount of horsepower for a sports car?
What’s the ideal amount of horsepower for a sports car?
From 707-horsepower Dodges to 205-horsepower Toyota 86 coupes, there's a wide array of horsepower available. But how much power is the perfect amount?
BMW just made a critical (and expensive!) change to its M series X5 and X6
With hybrid powertrains, the 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition mark a new era for M-badged cars.
The 6 best sports cars under $50K: Get an amazing ride without breaking the bank
Looking for a cheap sports car? These are our six top choices with a budget of $50,000.
The 10 most expensive collector cars in the world
Collectors spent more money than ever on classic cars last year. The top 10 vehicles auctioned accounted for $250 million in sales. Check them out here.
Iconic Meyers Manx buggy gets first-ever Remastered Kit for auto enthusiasts
Meyers Manx has unveiled a new dune buggy kit that lets enthusiasts build their own beach buggy.
The best car wax: Our top picks will help you protect your ride
Washing your car takes the dirt off, but if you want to protect your car's paint, you'll have to wax it. These are the eight best car waxes to use in 2023.