Editorial, Information

What Are a Few Obstacles to Widespread EV Adoption in the US?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are showing up in more driveways, parking lots and car commercials — but they’re still not the default choice for most Americans. 

While the benefits of EVs are clear, there are some key challenges slowing things down.

1. Higher Upfront Costs

EVs can be expensive to buy and largely unaffordable for the average American. Even with federal tax credits and some state incentives, the price tag of an EV is often higher than that of a similar gas-powered car. 

For example, the base price for a new EV ranges from around $32,000 to upward of $100,000. However, you can get gas cars for significantly cheaper.

2. Not Enough Charging Stops

Charging access is one of the main reasons people hesitate to buy an EV. Gas stations are practically everywhere, but charging stations are much harder to find, especially in rural areas, smaller towns or along highways where people travel long distances. 

It’s not just about having a charger nearby, it also has to be the right kind of charger. Level 1 chargers — the ones that plug into a standard wall outlet — can be slow, sometimes taking a full day to charge. Level 2 is better but still not as efficient. Fast chargers can give you an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. However, these are limited and often in high demand. 

Long road trips can quickly become stressful if you’re unsure where the next fast-charging station is or if it’ll work when you get there. Until EV charging becomes as common and convenient as filling up with gas, many drivers just won’t make the switch. 

3. Limited Vehicle Options For Now

The EV market is expanding, but many segments are still underrepresented. Right now, a lot of EVs are either compact cars, expensive sedans or luxury SUVs. If you need a reliable, budget-friendly vehicle for a growing family — or a tough pickup truck for hauling gear — there are limited options. 

Truck options like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T are helping, but they’re still pricey and hard to find. Some brands promise more variety in the next couple of years, but until EVs are available in all sizes, styles and price points, many drivers won’t find one that fits their needs.

4. Worries About Range and Battery Life

Even though newer EVs can go 250-300 miles on a charge, there’s still a lot of worry about running out of battery on the road. This “range anxiety” is real — especially for people who live in colder climates (where the battery range can drop) or drive long distances often. 

Battery technology is improving, but it’s not perfect. Some drivers are concerned about how long a battery will last, how much it costs to replace and how the performance changes over time. 

Right now, a replacement battery can cost several thousand dollars, although warranties often cover them for years. Until people feel confident they can drive their EVs as easily and reliably as a gas car, this anxiety will continue to hold some people back.

5. Uncertainty and Misinformation

Many people still don’t fully understand how EVs work. They’re not sure if they can drive through rain or snow safely. They might think the batteries are dangerous. Or they might believe that building and charging EVs is worse for the environment than using gas.

Some just aren’t comfortable switching to a vehicle they’ve never driven. A test-drive can go a long way, but many dealerships don’t have EVs in stock or don’t know how to answer questions about them. 

6. Apartment and Condo Living Makes Charging Difficult 

A lot of EV owners change their vehicles at home overnight. That works great if you have a garage or drive away. However, charging is a much bigger challenge for people in apartment buildings, condos or even dense urban neighborhoods without assigned parking. Multi-unit buildings that offer EV charging are more likely to attract and keep tenants who drive EVs. 

However, installing chargers in shared or rented spaces often requires approvals from property owners, HOA boards or city permitting offices. It can be expensive and complicated — and sometimes not possible at all. Without easy access to home charging, EV ownership becomes less practical. 

7. Supply Chain Issues and Long Wait Times

Even if you want to buy an EV, you might not be able to get one right away. Many EV models still face long waitlists, supply chain delays and limited production. Global shortages of things like semiconductors have slowed manufacturing.

This leads to fewer vehicles on dealer lots, higher prices and frustrated would-be buyers. Until supply can meet demand, it’ll be tough for EVs to take over the mainstream market. 

The Future of Driving

The future of driving in the U.S. is electric — but getting there takes time. Expanding charging networks, lowering costs, offering more vehicle options and educating drivers are all important steps. EVs are already a great fit for many people. 

Editorial, Information

Should You Trust a Verbal Contract at a Dealership?

Buying a car is exciting as you start a new chapter in your automotive journey. The experience is even more exciting if you can get a fantastic deal. However, your luck may run out if the salesperson offers a verbal contract. Should you trust it? 

Here’s how you should approach these agreements.

Should You Trust a Dealership’s Verbal Contracts?

Verbal contracts are enforceable at car dealerships, though they shouldn’t be your first choice. Prioritize written agreements because they provide more clarity for everybody involved. Conversations can be misinterpreted and are difficult to prove in court unless you have proof, so it’s better to have concrete evidence of your deal. 

Get written documentation of any deal you get from the dealership. Emails, texts and paperwork are excellent options and can provide more legal backing. If you’re unsure, ask an attorney experienced in contract law to draft a template for both parties to sign. Car buyers who can’t get the salesperson to sign may consider walking away from the agreement. 

Is a Dealership’s Verbal Contract Legally Binding? 

A salesperson may offer a verbal contract when offering deals on a new car or repairs. These dealership commitments are generally enforceable, though it depends on state laws and the judge’s interpretation of your case. Specific details matter and could make or break your argument when shopping for a vehicle. 

The New York State Bar Association says state courts recognize oral agreements and have become more receptive to them in the 21st century. While specific aspects of your contract must be in writing, common law holds verbal agreements to the same standards as written ones if they consider finalizing them in a formal document. 

Regardless of the state, you must understand the fine details to enforce the contract. For instance, the statute of limitations matters when the dealership offers a deal. In California, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit for an oral agreement. Written deals get more leeway and allow four years after they occur. 

How Can You Prove the Dealership’s Oral Agreement? 

Whether buying a BMW or simply servicing the air conditioner, you expect a fair price. What happens if the dealership backs out of its verbal contract? If you take legal action, you must prove your case to a court. While challenging, it’s possible to validate your claims. Here are a few reasons why your verbal contract could hold weight. 

1. Offer Acceptance

One of the strongest legal backings your contract could have is an offer and acceptance. Experts say this factor may make it legally binding and prove the validity of your agreement. Offer and acceptance is a basic concept in law that includes a promise to enter a contract based on specific terms and conditions. 

2. Detrimental Reliance

Suppose you verbally agreed to pay $30,000 for your new car’s out-the-door-price. However, the dealership’s finalized total was $38,000, leaving you befuddled and with less money in your wallet. Your attorney could claim detrimental reliance, occurring when a party suffers losses because of broken promises by the defendant. 

3. Capacity

You and the salesperson should be able to enter a valid contract for the car or services. A court of law may inspect whether you or the dealership employee were in the right mental state to reach an agreement. If both parties meet the criteria, you may see the verbal agreement enforced. 

4. Consideration

Consideration is a significant part of your verbal contract and may determine its legality. This legal term includes the exchanged promises given between both parties. If you and the salesperson agree to the promise, the agreement may become enforceable. Legal experts say you could substitute consideration for good faith modifications, though it depends on the situation. 

Can You Get Out of a Verbal Contract With the Dealership?

Proof and a solid attorney can enforce your verbal contract with a dealership and get the agreement you want. However, flipped circumstances may mean you want to leave the arrangement. Can you get out of the deal without repercussions? Depending on the state and local laws, the situation may be in your favor. 

If you want to get out of a deal, New Jersey law may be helpful to customers at the dealership. The Consumer Fraud Act protects buyers from deceptive practices in vehicle sales, so salespeople must follow strict regulations. Car buyers and the business must have a written agreement to enforce a contract. 

Getting a Fair Shake at the Dealership

Buying a car is a complicated song and dance, especially when the law gets involved. The salesperson may make a verbal offer on a vehicle or repairs and receive your happy acceptance if the deal is good. Is the contract legally binding? Oral agreements can be enforced in court, though they can be tough to prove. Be safe and get everything in writing.

Car Care, Information

How Often Should You Rotate Your BMW’s Tires?

Owning a Bimmer is all about the driving experience — sharp handling, smooth acceleration and that signature connection to the road. Keeping your Ultimate Driving Machine at its peak requires regular servicing. 

While many obsess over engine oil specifications and brake pad compounds, proper tire maintenance deserves just as much attention. After all, those four contact patches connecting your prized Bavarian engineering to the asphalt are arguably your vehicle’s most essential safety system.

The BMW-Specific Rotation Schedule

BMW’s engineering philosophy creates unique considerations for tire rotation intervals. Unlike mainstream vehicles, most models feature a performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform or sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system — both demand thoughtful tire maintenance approaches.

For most BMW models, experts recommend performing tire rotations every few thousand miles. Many specialists consider this the sweet spot for offsetting wear patterns while maintaining optimal performance characteristics. Some BMW service centers will suggest this service coincide with every other oil change as part of a logical maintenance rhythm.

However, this “standard” interval requires adjustment based on several factors:

1. Drivetrain Configuration Matters

  • Rear-wheel drive BMWs: Models like the 3 Series, 5 Series and Z4 typically experience faster rear tire wear due to power delivery and weight transfer during acceleration. For these vehicles, a shorter interval between rotations is optimal.
  • xDrive all-wheel drive systems: While BMWs equipped with xDrive generally wear tires more evenly, they benefit from regular rotation to maximize tire life and maintain balanced handling. These models might tolerate slightly longer intervals — closer to 7,000 miles — but regular inspection is still nonnegotiable.
  • M performance models: The high-performance M variants present special considerations due to their staggered tire setups — they have differently sized front and rear wheels — often preventing traditional rotation patterns.

2. Your Driving Style — The X-Factor

The “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline exists for a reason — Bimmers are designed to be driven with finesse. Your driving habits dramatically impact rotation needs in the following ways:

  • Frequent spirited driving with hard acceleration and cornering accelerate uneven tire balding.
  • Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to premature wear. 
  • Typically, highway commuting generally allows for longer intervals.
  • Regular exposure to poor road conditions — such as potholes and rough surfaces — necessitates more frequent inspections and potential rotations.

Advanced BMW owners recognize these patterns in their driving and adjust accordingly. The driver who occasionally explores their vehicle’s performance envelope on winding backroads should consider more frequent rotations than someone using their X5 primarily for gentle commuting.

When Should You Rotate Your BMW’s Tires?

For most BMW models, tire rotation should be performed approximately every 5,000 miles. This aligns with common recommendations and ensures even wear, extending the life span of your tires while maintaining optimal traction and stability.

BMW models with performance-oriented setups, like the M cars, may require different strategies. Many high-performance models use staggered setups or directional tires, meaning rotations may not follow conventional front-to-back swaps. Instead, owners may need to focus on periodic tire inspections and balancing and alignment checks to mitigate uneven wear.

Signs Your BMW Needs a Tire Rotation

Even if you track mileage, your tires can sometimes tell you when they need attention. Look out for the following:

  • There’s more wear on one side than the other.
  • You notice steering wheel vibrations at certain speeds.
  • You notice decreased fuel efficiency.
  • There’s a slight pull to one side when driving straight.

Addressing these signs earlier rather than later can prevent more extensive — and costly— tire and suspension issues down the line.

What Happens if You Skip Rotating Your Tires?

Neglecting tire rotations can lead to the following:

  • Shortened life: Uneven wear can cause some tires to bald much faster than others, forcing early replacements.
  • Compromised handling and safety: BMW’s precise steering and stability rely on well-maintained tires. Unevenly threaded tires impact grip and braking, cornering performance.
  • Increased maintenance costs: Misaligned wear patterns can put additional stress on the suspension system, contributing to premature aging of components like shocks and control arms.

Professional Service vs. DIY Approach

While many BMW enthusiasts pride themselves on DIY maintenance, tire rotation presents specific challenges:

  • You must know the fundamentals involving proper torque specification for wheel bolts.
  • Modern BMWs require careful handling of aerodynamic components and sensors.
  • TPMS reset procedures vary by model year and configuration.
  • Professional equipment guarantees accurate balancing after rotation.

Those comfortable with DIY work should invest in quality torque wrenches and jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight. Also, take time to research model-specific procedures through owner forums or service manuals.

A Disciplined Approach for the Discerning Owner

To keep your Bimmer performing at its best, plan to rotate your tires after roughly every 5,000 miles minimum. Adapting this schedule based on driving habits, road conditions and your specific BMW model ensures optimal tire longevity, enhanced handling and a smoother ride. 

Whether you opt for a DIY approach or visit a BMW service center, staying on top of tire maintenance is a small investment that pays off in the long run.

The Ultimate BMW Forum