Category: Articles & Commentaries

Discussions on topics of interest to drivers concerning things they may not understand about their vehicles as well as articles on the future of the auto industry.

Volvo takes a step backwards with its 12 volt terminal

Volvo 12 V terminal

12 volt terminal We’ve assembling the information needed to create a jump start video for Volvo electric vehicle (EV) drivers and it turns out that to get in, access to what the company calls a 12 volt terminal is needed. Well it turns out Volvo’s 12 V terminal is a worse replica of what is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/volvo-takes-a-step-backwards-with-its-12-volt-terminal/

At last — possible government moves to restrict or ban electronic latches

Electronic latches This one pulls us in multiple directions. InsideEVs reports that the Chinese government is rumored to be considering a ban on electronic latches (door handles), particularly those that conceal themselves (flush handles). The piece then references the earlier issuance of “draft rules stating that cars must have a clearly marked mechanical release on …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/at-last-a-possible-government-move-to-restrict-or-ban-electronic-latches/

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon’s G-Turn is completely insane

G-Turn This piece from InsideEVs discusses some features of the 2025 G-Wagon EV, but focuses a lot of energy on what Mercedes call the G-Turn. And its just wild — and aptly named. Aptly named because the car in question, again the G-Wagon EV, manages to completely spin around without leaving its spot, all due …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/the-mercedes-benz-g-wagons-g-turn-is-completely-insane/

Subaru sacrifices a glove box for radiant heating

Subaru Solterra dashboard

Radiant heating A recent piece from InsideEVs began by stating that the updated Subaru Solterra does not have a glove box. The reason for this was that the space was needed for a radiant heating device, which is supposed to use less energy than either a heat pump or resistance heating. This seemed odd a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/subaru-sacrifices-a-glove-box-for-radiant-heating/

Three reasons why you need a roadside assistance package

Roadside assistance I recently re-upped my contract with my roadside assistance provider. A change in banks blocked an automatic payment so I had to pay more attention to matter. And it got me thinking — there are three very good reasons why every driver today needs a roadside assistance provider. 12-volt Battery The first is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/08/three-reasons-why-you-need-a-roadside-assistance-package/

New EV jump start video dropped on our YouTube Channel

Jump start video We just added a new jump start video to our YouTube channel with help for Chevrolet EV drivers with dead start batteries. These and all electric vehicles (EVs) use a 12-volt battery to actually start the car, much like a 12-volt battery is used to start an internal combustion engine vehicle. And …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/08/new-jump-start-video-dropped-on-our-youtube-channel/

Newest Lexus door handle is a step backwards, prompting this rant

Lexus door handle I recently had the opportunity to work with the latest Lexus door handle and simply can’t shake the idea that the handle is a huge step backwards and completely unnecessary. Let me explain. Lexus, at the advent of keyless open and start, was one of the first auto manufacturers to hide the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/08/newest-lexus-door-handle-is-a-step-backwards-prompting-this-rant/