Tested: The Women’s Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
When seasons change, it’s always handy to keep something warm nearby. Spring days fool you with warmer temps, but the mercury quickly drops when sunset hits. That’s exactly why I…
Crankshaft Chronicles: Need Some Trailer Wiring? Let Me Get the Wine.
It was June of 2014, and we were preparing our 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, affectionately known as The Teal Terror, to make the 600-mile round-trip trek from our home in Portland,…
Oregon’s Kei Truck Bill, HB 4063: Dead (Again)
Despite bipartisan support, Oregon House Bill HB 4063 did not pass in the House’s short session, which adjourned March 6, 2026. In fact, it never got to a vote. On…
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally Team!
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with the Defender Rally Team! Our very own Mercedes Lilienthal was invited to Saudi Arabia to cover Stage 2 and Stage 3 happenings, Defender and…
Saudi Arabia: Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint
My first morning in Saudi Arabia was stunning. I woke up before the sun rose above AlUla’s huge rock formations, which are reminiscent of Moab or Sedona in the United…
Getting to Saudi Arabia for Defender and the Dakar Rally
We’re kicking off our on-the-ground 2026 Dakar Rally and Defender recap reels! So much to share, we (Mercedes Lilienthal) didn’t posted them all as social stories (although a few hundred videos/photos are…
Peak Design’s Everyday Slim Wallet is a Minimalist Card Carrier
For years, I carried a bulky wallet in my back pocket. About 10 years ago, someone gave me a minimalist wallet: a metal tray with a nylon strap to hold…
Kubota Continues Partnership with American Rally Association
We love all things rally at Crankshaft Culture. Last year, Kubota—yes, the orange tractor company—became a major sponsor of the American Rally Association (ARA). The ARA is the largest rally…
Crankshaft Chronicles: 14-Year-Old Andy Didn’t Know Everything About Cars. Just Ask His Mom
It was the summer of 1992. My mother had just bought her first car, a ’92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport, on her own after her divorce from my father. If…
The 15 Most Interesting Vehicles at the 2026 Oregon International Auto Show
We visit the Oregon International Auto Show each year. Here, you can often see the latest models along with a host of custom vehicles. This year’s event runs Feb. 19–22…
Guest Posts
Rear Visibility Upgrades That Make Older Cars, Trucks, and SUVs Easier to Drive
Modern vehicles have become increasingly packed with safety and driver-assistance features. Newer models often include large infotainment screens, parking sensors, blind-spot alerts, 360-degree camera systems, and advanced warning technology. But for many owners, especially those driving older cars, trucks, and SUVs, the experience behind the wheel can still be very…
The Return of Analog Driving: Why Enthusiasts Are Seeking Simpler Cars Again
Image Source Modern cars are loaded with technology. Touchscreens, driver assists, over-the-air updates, subscription features — the list keeps growing. A new Volvo EX90 has a 14.5-inch central display. Some Teslas run entire climate systems through software menus. But something odd is happening. Drivers are pushing back. Forums, club meetups,…
How Traffic Violations Can Affect Your Driving Record and Insurance Rates
Most drivers assume that any traffic ticket will automatically send their car insurance rates climbing. The reality is more nuanced, and understanding the distinction between a moving violation and a non-moving violation can save a lot of unnecessary worry. Moving violations, which occur when a vehicle is in motion, are…