Tai Lopez, the famous YouTuber behind the viral “Here in My Garage,” is now in turmoil. The SEC accuses him of orchestrating a Ponzi scheme.

The “Here in My Garage” Phenomenon

For those who weren’t on YouTube a decade ago, it might seem crazy, but this bespectacled man, his Lamborghini, and his library were absolutely unavoidable around 2015. The “here in my garage” pre-roll ad appeared on what seemed like every YouTube video at the time and was referenced and parodied everywhere. He resurfaced in the news this week, and the news isn’t good.

Tai Lopez’s YouTube Activity

Tai Lopez, the guy in the video proclaiming to be prouder of his books than his Gallardo, is a financial advice YouTuber. His channel still has a substantial following but relatively few views on recent posts. He’s definitely still active, having posted a new video just a week ago.

The SEC’s Accusations

Last Friday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Tai Lopez and Alexander Mehr, co-founders of Retail Ecommerce Ventures LLC, along with its operating director Maya Burkenroad, with conducting a series of fraudulent securities offerings, misappropriating investor funds, and making Ponzi-like payments to investors.

As reported, through their holding company, Mehr and Lopez acquired struggling businesses to turn them into online-only brands. Dress Barn and Linens ‘n Things were among their acquisitions. At least, that was the publicly promoted version of the operation.

The Details of the Fraud

The official SEC complaint filed in a Florida court reveals that Lopez and his associates raised about $112 million from hundreds of investors through fraudulent offerings, transferred money between investors to make them believe they were receiving dividends, and misappropriated approximately $16.1 million of investor funds for the personal use of Lopez and Mehr.

Lopez and Mehr are now charged with violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The courts will then decide their future.

GM and Ford have found an ingenious trick to extend the electric vehicle tax credits that were set to end in October. The automakers used their financing companies to make down payments on vehicles in stock, thereby locking in these savings for future lessees.

Today’s Automotive News

In progress test: The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige, a large sedan with exceptional comfort that is undergoing an in-depth review.

The financial maneuver by GM and Ford allows the electric vehicle tax benefits to be maintained despite the regulatory deadline. A smart business strategy to support demand.

Impact on the Automotive Market

The announced end of tax credits boosted sales for Hyundai and Kia, with a 14% increase for Hyundai and 11% for Kia. Hyundai’s electric vehicles saw a spectacular growth of 153%.

Tesla unveils a new Model Y Performance with improved range and a 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

Performance and Technical Recalls

The Lucid Air Sapphire sets a new acceleration record with a 0 to 100 km/h in 1.881 seconds, becoming the fastest car ever tested.

BMW recalls 145,000 vehicles in the United States due to fire risk related to an overheating starter, affecting 340i, X5, and X7 models.

Automotive Industry Developments

Automotive supplier ZF cuts 7,600 jobs in its electric transmission department, reflecting declining European demand.

Hertz launches fully online vehicle purchasing, with a rigorous 115-point inspection and a limited warranty of 12 months or 20,000 km.

I tested Audi’s new single stalk. When Audi unveiled its new 2026 Q3, the reactions were generally positive. This model is modern, elegant, and offers good value for money. But one particular feature sparked a wave of dissatisfaction: its new single steering stalk.

Change is difficult and, most of the time, poorly received. I understand. Comments were flying: “Wow, that looks awful,” “That seems horrible,” and “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.” Many claimed it would be dangerous to use, while others complained about over-engineering. Although the latter criticism isn’t entirely unfounded, no one really asked: “Is it really different from what we already have?” The answer is no.

Listen, even though I don’t like relearning a concept I’ve mastered for years, especially without a good reason, I have to keep an open mind. Otherwise, I couldn’t offer you an honest and impartial opinion about a car or its components. I was also puzzled by this new stalk and the point of reinventing it. So, when I was offered to attend the global presentation of Audi’s Q3, I immediately looked forward to experiencing this little controversial piece in person.

How It Works

On the right side of the stalk is the Q3’s gear selector. That’s it. You only use this side to shift into drive or reverse, much like at Mercedes-Benz. A fairly simple concept, to be honest.

On the left side of the stalk, you have some lighting controls like high beams and turn signals, as well as the front and rear wiper controls. I know what you’re thinking: the left side of the stalk looks really complicated, but I assure you, that’s all there is.

To use the gear selector side, simply click the stalk up or down to engage reverse or drive, and perform a half-click up to select neutral. It’s essentially the same concept as in many other cars, including the Porsche 911 GTS I’m currently driving; only the shape and location of the selector are different. When you’re ready to park and leave the car, press the button at the end of the stalk to engage park, and that’s it!

Now, let’s move on to the lighting and wiper side. Need to activate your high beams? Pull the stalk, as you would in most cars. Want to keep them on longer? Push the stalk away from you, and the high beams will stay on until you pull it back. And the turn signals? Easy, click up for the right turn signal and down for the left. So far, so good.

The only element that requires a bit more attention – attention that most buyers need to devote to learning their new car anyway – is the wiper part of the stalk. Now, all you really have to do is memorize the buttons, but despite their appearance, most people’s muscle memory will still apply here. To activate a single wipe of the front wiper, press the button located at the end of the stalk. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, hold that same button down for a few seconds. There’s a separate button for the rear wiper, located right next to it, which uses the same controls for the same actions.

That leaves us with one additional function, which is the small clickable wheel that activates the automatic wiper function and allows you to choose the frequency at which the wipers activate in automatic mode. That’s all!

Experiencing the Future of the Stalk in the Real World

If you read my review of the 2026 Audi Q3, you know it took place in Scotland. And as is often the case in Scotland, it rained – it rained a lot. Although this was annoying for some reasons, it was great for others, like experiencing The Stalk.

Right after adjusting my seat position and mirrors, my left hand sought out the left side of the stalk and set the clickable wheel to Auto. Then, I set it to a medium speed, as I didn’t want it to be annoying and wipe too fast, but I also wanted a clear view of the unfamiliar roads I was about to drive on. I did the same for the rear wiper, although in this case, I only had to click the button once for it to wipe at a steady pace.

And I hate to tell you, but that’s really all there is to it. I had to adjust the speed of the automatic setting occasionally, especially when driving behind traffic, but that was it. As for the gear selector side, there was really nothing new to learn there.

What’s the Problem?

The most significant change Audi is introducing here is simply the design of the stalk. We’ve gotten used to traditional separate stalks in most cars, from Honda Civics to Rolls-Royces; they’re all pretty much the same. Of course, some don’t have a gear selector sticking out from the steering column, but aside from that variation, they all look the same and do the same things.

Audi’s one-piece solution is really elegant, and I must say it fits exceptionally well with the Q3’s tech-oriented interior. It adds to the overall atmosphere of sobriety and simplicity. I imagine that once someone gets used to seeing the stalk on their steering wheel for a while, they would probably think the traditional two-stalk setup is strange and ugly.

So yes, change isn’t fun, and most of the time, it’s overrated. But in this case, aside from switching from two stalks to one, nothing really changes.

Pushrod Length on GM 3.1 and 3.4 Engines – This is where length really matters. The intake and exhaust pushrods have crucial length differences on these engines.

Why Pushrod Length is So Important

Unfortunately, it still frequently happens that mechanics confuse intake and exhaust pushrods. This confusion inevitably leads to serious consequences: bent pushrods and damaged valves.

Specifics of GM 3.1 Exhaust Pushrods

The exhaust pushrods on GM 3.1 engines require particular attention. Their specific dimension is essential for the proper functioning of the valve train system.

Consequences of Mixing Pushrods

When pushrods are reversed or mixed, the damage can be significant. The internal mechanics of the engine then undergo abnormal stresses that lead to costly repairs.

Suddenly, an engine oil pressure warning light or a low oil pressure reading appears on your dashboard. At that moment, the engine oil pressure warning should be the only thing on your mind.

Understanding the Oil Pressure Warning

The engine oil pressure warning is a crucial signal that should never be ignored. This warning light indicates that your engine’s lubrication system is not functioning properly.

Main Causes of Low Oil Pressure

Insufficient Oil Level

Low oil level is one of the most common causes. An oil leak or excessive oil consumption can lead to this problem.

Oil Pump Issues

A faulty oil pump can no longer ensure adequate oil circulation in the engine, causing a drop in pressure.

Degraded Engine Oil

Aging or poor-quality oil loses its lubricating properties and can cause pressure problems.

Oil Pressure Testing Methods

Several methods allow for precise diagnosis of oil pressure problems. These tests should be performed by a qualified professional.

Test with Mechanical Gauge

Using a mechanical gauge allows accurate measurement of the actual oil pressure in the circuit.

Pressure Sensor Verification

A faulty oil pressure sensor can send false warning signals to the dashboard.

Immediate Actions to Take

As soon as the warning light comes on, stop the vehicle in a safe place and immediately check the oil level. Do not continue driving with this warning light illuminated.

Crankshaft thrust bearing failure has been a major challenge for engine and transmission rebuilders for years. Identifying the exact origin of this failure can sometimes be straightforward but often remains complex to diagnose accurately.

Understanding Thrust Bearing Failure

The crankshaft thrust bearing plays a crucial role in maintaining the axial positioning of the crankshaft. When this essential component fails, the consequences can be severe for the entire engine.

Main Causes of Failure

Several factors can cause thrust bearing failure. Normal wear due to high mileage is the most common cause, but other elements come into play.

Lubrication Issues

Insufficient quality engine oil or inadequate oil level can lead to overheating and premature wear of the bearing.

Excessive Mechanical Stress

Heavy demands on the clutch or transmission generate significant pressure on the thrust bearing.

Solutions and Preventive Measures

Replacing the faulty bearing must be accompanied by precise identification of the root cause to prevent recurrence.

Regular Checks

Periodic inspections of crankshaft axial clearance allow for early detection of wear signs.

Preventive Maintenance

Using quality engine oils and adhering to oil change intervals are essential for extending the bearing’s lifespan.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is a system that adjusts the timing and lift of valves to adapt to all engine operating conditions. This technology ensures optimal charging cycles across a wide range of engine speeds and loads.

How does the VVT system work?

The VVT system modifies the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves in real time. This continuous adaptation optimizes cylinder filling according to the engine’s needs.

The main advantages of VVT

Reduced fuel consumption

By optimizing valve timing, the VVT system enables better combustion of the air-fuel mixture, resulting in reduced consumption.

Improved performance

VVT provides higher torque at low speeds and increased maximum power, thus enhancing the vehicle’s overall performance.

Reduction of polluting emissions

More efficient combustion means fewer harmful emissions, allowing vehicles to meet the strictest environmental standards.

The air injection system (AIS) is an essential component of the automotive exhaust system. Since no internal combustion engine is 100% efficient, a certain amount of unburned fuel always remains in the exhaust gases.

Main Function of the Air Injection System

The primary mission of the AIS is to reduce polluting emissions by injecting fresh air into the exhaust flow. This air injection enables the combustion of residual unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, transforming them into less harmful carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Different Types of AIS Systems

Mechanical Air Pump System

This type uses an engine-driven pump that draws in ambient air and directs it directly into the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter.

Pulsed Air Injection System

More modern, this system uses exhaust pulsations to draw air through a check valve, without requiring a mechanical pump.

Common Failure Symptoms

Failures of the air injection system typically manifest as: abnormal noise from worn bearings, illuminated check engine light, increased pollutant emissions, or loss of engine performance.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance includes checking hoses, valves, and the pump itself. In case of failure, replacing defective components restores the efficiency of the anti-pollution system.

The throttle position sensor (TPS) has the primary function of providing essential information to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). This crucial data is based on the actual position of the engine’s throttle valve.

Operation of the TPS Sensor

The TPS sensor continuously monitors the opening angle of the throttle valve. It transmits this information in real-time to the engine computer, thereby enabling precise regulation of the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing.

Symptoms of TPS Sensor Failure

A faulty TPS sensor can cause various problems: engine stalling, jerking during acceleration, increased fuel consumption, or even the vehicle entering limp mode.

TPS Sensor Testing Methods

The sensor can be tested using a digital multimeter. The output voltage should be checked, which must vary progressively during throttle opening, without interruptions or sudden jumps.

Diagnostic Procedure

Diagnosis begins by checking the sensor’s power supply and ground, then measuring the output signal at different throttle positions.

Engine Repair: Warning Signs

The main reasons for a complete engine repair remain loss of compression and excessive engine oil consumption. It is therefore crucial to recognize the symptoms indicating mechanical problems before the situation worsens.

Low Engine Compression: Causes and Consequences

Reduced compression in the cylinders can result from worn piston rings, faulty valves, or a damaged cylinder head gasket. This drop in performance is manifested by starting difficulties, noticeable power loss, and increased fuel consumption.

Abnormal Engine Oil Consumption

Excessive oil consumption often indicates sealing issues with the rings, valve guides, or gaskets. Bluish smoke from the exhaust and the need to frequently add oil are clear indicators of this mechanical failure.

Preventive Diagnosis and Solutions

Regular cylinder-by-cylinder compression checks and careful monitoring of oil levels help anticipate major repairs. When these symptoms appear, a complete engine overhaul often becomes essential to restore its optimal performance.