Tag Archives: spooky

Motorsport

Mercedes Recalls 116K GLE, GLS Models for Fire Risk Under Passenger Seat

Mercedes-Benz has issued a spooky recall for 116,020 SUVs constructed from 2019 by 2024. A 48-volt floor cable might work unfastened, and there is sufficient electrical energy to doubtlessly make issues somewhat sizzling within the space. If issues get too sizzling, there is a danger of a fireplace. And the cable is positioned underneath the passenger entrance seat. Yikes.

Fortunately, Mercedes would not record any recognized cases of property injury, accidents, or crashes ensuing from this concern. It impacts GLC-Class and GLS-Class automobiles and sure, that features high-performance AMG trims and the snazzy Maybach GLS600. Here’s a breakdown of recalled automobiles by yr and trim.

Model/Trim Model Years
Mercedes-AMG GLE53 2021-2024
Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S 2021-2024
Mercedes-AMG GLS63 2021-2023
Mercedes-Benz GLE350 2023-2024
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 2020-2024
Mercedes-Benz GLE580 2020-2023
Mercedes-Benz GLS450 2019-2023
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 2020-2023
Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 2021-2023

According to paperwork from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this high-voltage floor connection might not have been totally tightened throughout meeting. Investigations have been carried out primarily based on discipline stories to find out a selected trigger, with Mercedes finally figuring out that the connection might loosen from rework immediately associated to the cable, or work carried out within the neighborhood of it.

In any case, a unfastened 48-volt floor cable can get fairly sizzling and this one is positioned underneath the passenger entrance seat. As talked about beforehand, Mercedes is not conscious of any property injury or accidents from this concern, however there are 31 discipline stories regarding the topic obtained between August 2022 and late November 2023. With sizzling electrical cables underneath a seat being a possible security danger, Mercedes issued the recall. So in case your heated seat feels a bit too heat, it might not be associated to the temperature setting.

The repair is an easy one—vendor technicians will examine the bottom cable and tighten it up if obligatory. Dealer notification for the recall begins March 22, with direct proprietor notification set to begin in May. Mercedes-Benz says there might be no indications of an issue till the cable truly will get unfastened, at which level there might be warning messages concerning the car’s energy provide.

Motorsport

Tesla Cam Captures Dramatic Tire Blowout and Crash on Highway

Tire blowouts can be terrifying. Two years ago, the author experienced a loud explosion when a Firestone Firehawk tire blew out while maneuvering in a parking lot. Thankfully, there was no damage to the car or wheel. However, the driver of a classic Triumph TR7 convertible wasn’t as fortunate. They lost control of the vehicle after the right rear tire blew out in a dramatic fashion.

In addition to the blowout, the timing of the video captured by a Tesla Model 3’s exterior camera is uncanny. The video, posted on YouTube by ViralHog, shows the Tesla driving on an Ohio highway. As the driver passes cars in the left lane, they encounter a small convertible easily identified as a classic TR7. The moment is caught on camera as the driver’s side rear tire explodes, emitting a puff of material.

Tire Blowout

After the tire explodes, chunks of rubber fly, causing the car to veer left and then spin out to the right. Fortunately, there are no other cars nearby, allowing the vehicle to do a full 360-degree spin before sliding backward into a deep ditch. The camera car stops, and according to the video description, the driver of the TR7 is reported to be unharmed.

This video raises awareness about tire blowouts and safety. To gain more insight, we reached out to Jonathan Benson, an expert from Tire-Reviews.com. He mentioned that while modern tires are more durable than in the past, manufacturers have been focusing on reducing rolling resistance. This lighter construction can make the tires weaker and more prone to damage from potholes. However, Benson emphasized that neglect, such as running tires at low pressure or not noticing uneven wear, is the main cause of blowouts.

Benson explains that a nail in a tire typically does not cause a catastrophic failure like the one shown in the video. There needs to be significant structural damage for such an event to occur. From his experience, the main reasons for blowouts are running tires at low pressure or driving with unnoticed, uneven wear. Unfortunately, blowouts are more likely to happen at high speeds when the tire structure weakens due to heat and centrifugal forces are at their highest.

In just two seconds after the tire blowout, the driver loses control, and within six seconds, the car ends up in a ditch. The video serves as a reminder to thoroughly check tires before hitting the road. Stay safe out there, everyone!