• Whether you're a long-time car owner, or a first-time driver, there is plenty you need to know. 
• Many drivers have misconceptions about maintenance for their car, or other aspects of ownership.
• Here are 9 things you're probably wrong about when it comes to your car.

Whether you're a long-time car owner or first-time driver, there is plenty you need to know about your vehicle. 

There is a complex buying or leasing process, chock-full of complicated financing talk, interest rates, and other terms to navigate. There are a lot of brands, models, types of vehicles, moving parts, and changing technologies to stay on top of. There are maintenance and service needs that are important to know. 

Thought: You'll get a good deal buying a car at the end of the month.

A lot of car buyers think that if they walk into a dealership at the end of the month, they're likely to get a better deal than they might have gotten a week or two earlier. They assume a dealer will want to get rid of as much inventory as possible to cap off that month's sales.

That might have been somewhat true once upon a time, but not all aspects of car buying are going back to normal post-COVID, and that includes finding those types of deals.

What is probably more fruitful to watch as an indicator of a good deal, instead, is automaker and dealer inventory. The more cars sitting on dealership lots, the more likely they may be willing to work with you.

Thought: You'll get an even better deal buying at the end of the year.

For similar reasons, many car shoppers think the very best car-buying deals come at the end of the calendar year. But again, with how car buying has changed so much since the pandemic, that's not necessarily the case. 

We know that dealers aren't necessarily bringing back those holiday blowout sales like they used to. Part of that is because dealers know they don't need to anymore. 

Consumer behavior over the past few years taught automakers and their dealers that customers are actually willing to wait longer and pay more for the vehicles they really want. That's shifting a bit as macroeconomic uncertainties weigh on consumers, but for the most part, there isn't much incentivizing the industry to reintroduce those major holiday sales.

Thought: Pricing is likely to get better as economic concerns continue.

The answer is somewhat simple: Not necessarily. 

New and used vehicle prices have dropped significantly from their pandemic-driven highs in 2021 and 2022. 

According to Kelley Blue Book, since peaking in December 2022, the average transaction price (ATP) for a new car has dropped 5.4% to $47,218 in March 2024.

In addition, incentive spending on the park of automakers increased dramatically over the past year. The average incentive spend from carmakers totaled $3,121 in March, up 102% over the same time in 2023. 

As incentives increase and average transaction prices fall, you may find a cheaper car, but that doesn't mean you'll get an affordable car. According to KBB, of the 275 new car models on sale in the US this March, only eight frequently sell for less than $25,000, down from more than 20 models just three years ago. 

Thought: Electric vehicles are going to be worse to maintain than gas-powered cars.

There's a yes and no to this one. 

Electric vehicles generally need less service. We put together a guide on the key differences between an EV and a gas-powered one. 

This includes no oil changes and other common gas-drivetrain maintenance. But it might include something like more frequent tire replacements, and there's always the battery to think about.

The cost, and potentially even wait times, associated with servicing and repairing an EV could be greater than that with an internal combustion engine vehicle. The repairing aspect is especially key.

One Kelley Blue Book analysis estimates EVs have maintenance costs of $4,246 over 5 years of ownership, lower than the $4,583 estimate for gas-powered cars. At the same time, EVs have $1,712 in repair costs over that period, higher than drivers looking at $1,695 in repair costs for gas-powered vehicles.

So it depends how you look at it: Overall, less maintenance — but if you do get in a fender-bender, it's likely going to cost you.

Thought: Premium gas is better for my vehicle, and will make it go faster.

Drivers might assume that filling their gas-powered vehicle up with premium could boost their car's acceleration or fuel economy. That's really not the case, according to Cars.com.

Experts suggest that, if you fill up a car that calls for regular gasoline with premium, the opposite impact might occur. 

Certain vehicles call for higher-octane fuel because, when used in the appropriate engine, it results in more power and better overall performance. 

But a vehicle that calls for lower-octane fuel operates as it should when fed that fuel. 

In return, a vehicle that does call for premium gas should be given premium. Otherwise, there's a risk of damaging the engine over time. 

Thought: I don't actually need to rotate my tires.

Skipping your annual tire rotation is not a good idea. 

Rotating your tires is important for optimal wear performance and overall maintenance, according to tire supplier Bridgestone.

With optimal vehicle alignment, tires still need to be rotated to counteract uneven wear patterns and maintain an even tread wear. This can help improve traction and fuel efficiency and save gas mileage, and ultimately aids the lifespan of your tires, according to Firestone. 

It depends on the type of vehicle and tires, but ideally, a replacement is done roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and many drivers do it at the time of their oil change. It also depends on whether you have front, rear, all, or four-wheel drive for which pattern of rotation you should do, whether front to back or side to side. The Tire and Rim Association offers specific guidelines on these patterns. 

It's also a safety factor: Rotating your tires reduces the risk of failures or blowouts.

 

Thought: I don't really need winter tires.

Drivers might not want to spend money on what they perceive as an added expense by having two sets of tires — an all-season set and a winter set — but having a winter set of tires, if you live in certain environments, could have a lot of benefits. 

Winter tires are specifically designed to have tread patterns that can more easily navigate and have better traction on ice and in snow. But they're also not just for inclement winter weather; Road & Track suggests that winter tires are advantageous in cold environments even without wet or icy roads because of the way the rubber interacts within lower temperature ranges. Drivers specifically do not want to drive on winter tires throughout the year because their tread could wear more in warmer weather, reducing their lifespan.

An all-season tire can compromise a bit and handle both worlds. But where an all-season tire might not provide enough of the right grip to drive in the cold, but they could be more optimal for dry, warm temperatures. 

Having two sets of tires doesn't necessarily mean a second investment, it just means each wears half as fast.

Thought: You need an SUV or pickup.

It's a controversial one, but perhaps not everyone needs to drive a pickup or an SUV. 

SUVs, especially, and pickups, too, dominate US roads. But many experts would argue that a number of those vehicle owners don't use those cars to their full extent.

There are plenty of people across the country who do drive pickup trucks and use them for hauling, towing, and more. Those vehicles have a distinct purpose for certain lifestyles, careers, and needs. The same can be said for SUVs — whether a driver has a big family, needs to haul a lot on the weekends, or even finds that vehicle to be more accessible, those personal vehicle requirements are valid, and it's important to have affordable options that accommodate everyone and all uses. 

Others might be able to assess whether they do need that large vehicle. Sedans have largely gone by the wayside, and now cars are just getting bigger (and arguably less safe). Many Americans tend to buy their vehicles for a once-a-year situation — that one road trip or that one move — rather than for their needs a majority of the time, but there may be smaller, and more efficient, options.

Thought: Better fuel economy must mean lower emissions.

It's no surprise that internal combustion engine vehicles account for a lot of CO2 emissions — about 10% of them globally in 2022, according to the International Energy Agency. The agency notes fuel economy has increased from engine, powertrain, and vehicle tech improvements, but more efforts are necessary to meet broader decarbonization targets worldwide. 

Part of that has to do with the above — big vehicles are getting bigger and more popular. Heavier, less efficient SUV sales have skyrocketed across the globe while EVs only account for a small percent of the total fleet. A long-term trend on increasing power has also slowed progress, per the IEA. Just because you're buying a more efficient vehicle, doesn't necessarily mean it contributes to broader progress. 

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While big-screen TVs get a lot of attention, some spaces aren't large enough to fit a massive display. If you have a smaller living room or are shopping for a TV to put in a bedroom, a 50-inch set is a great option. Though there are fewer midrange and high-end models at this size, the best 50-inch TVs still offer a reliable viewing experience, and they're often a lot more affordable than their larger counterparts. 

Our top pick is the LG C3, one of the few OLED TVs you can buy in under 55 inches. When it comes to premium performance on smaller screens, this model is an outlier since it delivers top-notch contrast and perfect black levels in a compact form factor. But if you want a budget-friendly set, we recommend the Hisense U6HF, which has features like quantum dots and local dimming that are missing on most competing 50-inch displays in this price range. 

Below, you can find all our picks for the best 50-inch TVs, including an entry-level LED display for casual viewing and a QLED designed with gaming in mind. 

Note: LCD-based TVs (including LED and QLED models) are usually sold in a 50-inch screen size, while OLED TVs are sold in a slightly smaller 48-inch size. For that reason, we've included a 48-inch OLED in this guide. 

Our top picks for the best 50-inch TVs

Best overall: LG C3 – See at Amazon

Best budget: Hisense U6HF – See at Amazon

Best entry-level: TCL S4 – See at Amazon

Best midrange for gaming: Vizio MQX – See at Amazon

Best overall

The 48-inch LG C3 is the ideal TV for people who want a smaller display without sacrificing picture quality. It uses an OLED panel, which is rare for TVs smaller than 55 inches. This type of screen gives it key benefits over the cheaper LED and QLED sets that round out the rest of our guide.  

The C3 offers all the perks that OLED screens are known for, including pixel-level contrast control and wide viewing angles. On LED and QLED displays, black levels can look elevated when you watch TV with the lights off, and colors and contrast can distort if you sit to the side of the panel. But on the C3, black levels disappear into a dark room without any blooming around bright objects, and picture quality remains consistent even if you're off-center from the display. 

The 48-inch C3's peak brightness of around 600 to 700 nits is very respectable, especially compared to other displays in the 48-to-50-inch class. Though Sony and Samsung sell brighter OLED TVs that use quantum dot filters, that feature is only available in larger sizes. Simply put, there are few TVs this small that look this good. 

Outside picture performance, the C3 offers solid smart TV streaming via LG's webOS platform. The interface isn't our favorite, but it still provides reliable access to all of the best streaming services, along with built-in support for Alexa voice control. The C3 is equipped well for the latest consoles, too, with a 120Hz refresh rate that can support smooth gaming on a PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, unlike Samsung's OLED TVs, the C3 does not support a 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC.

At a typical sale price of just under $1,000, the C3 is pricey for a 48-inch TV, but the jump in picture quality you get over our other picks is substantial. Buyers should note that LG does sell a 2024 edition of this display, called the C4. The new model can get brighter, but it costs more. For now, we think the C3 remains the better value for most people. 

Best budget

Hisense's U6HF is an older version of its U6K QLED. The newer U6K is the top budget pick in most of our best TV guides, but it's unavailable in sizes under 55 inches. However, the U6HF is still sold in 50 inches, and it remains a great option for the money. 

Like the U6K, the U6HF uses a QLED panel with quantum dots to produce a wide color gamut and a solid peak brightness of about 600 nits. It also has local dimming to help control the TV's contrast, enabling it to brighten and darken across specific areas. But unlike newer U6 TVs, this model uses regular-sized LEDs instead of Mini LEDs in its backlight. This means it has fewer zones to work with, which makes it a bit more prone to halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

Still, few 50-inch TVs can achieve this level of image quality for the money. Most competing models at this price lack local dimming entirely, and many lack quantum dots as well, so they're limited to a more narrow range of colors. 

However, the U6HF can't avoid other common pitfalls of TVs in this class. Most notably, it has subpar viewing angles, so contrast and colors fade if you sit off-center from the display. It's also limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, so you can't get high frame rate support when paired with a console or PC. 

The U6HF uses the Fire TV interface and features Alexa voice control. Hisense used to sell another version of this set, simply called the U6H, that used the Google TV instead, but that edition is discontinued. Though we prefer the Google TV model since it has more picture calibration options, there's no denying how much value this set offers. For a typical sale price of under $400, the U6HF is the best 50-inch TV you can snag on a budget. 

Best entry-level

The TCL S4 is the best 50-inch TV for buyers who want an affordable display for casual viewing. This entry-level model lacks advanced picture quality features, but it's an inexpensive option for basic smart TV needs.

The S4 uses a regular LED panel without quantum dots or local dimming. This means it can't produce a wide color gamut, and it can't control its light output across different segments of its screen. As a result, black levels will veer toward gray or slightly blue when watching movies in a dark room, and HDR movies and shows won't play with the same peak brightness and color accuracy as they would on a QLED or OLED TV. And like most TVs in this class, viewing angles are poor, so colors will look faded if you sit to the side of the screen.

All those cons might make it sound like the S4 is a bad TV, but that's not really the case. It's just that this isn't a model geared toward videophiles, home theater buyers, or serious games. It cuts costs to offer the bare necessities for a decent image at an affordable price, and in that sense, it's a worthwhile set. This is a display meant for people who want a cheap but reliable 50-inch TV that gets the job done but nothing more. 

The S4 is available in Roku TV, Fire TV, or Google TV variants, so you can choose which smart TV interface you like best. We like Roku for its simple navigation, but the Fire and Google options have the benefits of built-in support for Alexa or Google Assistant, respectively.

Best midrange for gaming

Vizio's MQX is designed with gaming in mind. This midrange TV is one of the few 50-inch QLED models available that supports a 120Hz refresh rate in 4K, and it can even support up to 240Hz if you game in 1080p on a computer. 

This enables a smooth experience when you play games with frame rates higher than 60 frames per second on a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. The TV also uses a QLED panel with wide color support and local dimming to help control contrast and black levels. However, the display only uses 16 dimming zones, which is low and can cause more noticeable blooming (halos around bright objects) than you'd see on QLEDs with more zones or on OLED TVs with pixel-level contrast. 

At a peak of around 400 to 500 nits, the MQX's brightness is decent for a TV in this class but a bit under the minimum of 600 nits that we recommend for entry-level high dynamic range performance. If you're buying a 50-inch TV with HDR movie-watching in mind, we think you're better off with the Hisense U6HF since it can get a little brighter and has double the number of dimming zones. However, the U6HF only has a 60Hz refresh rate, so the MQX has a clear edge when it comes to gaming. Both TVs have subpar viewing angles, so neither has an advantage there.

How we pick 50-inch TVs

To choose the best 50-inch TVs, we use a combination of testing and research bolstered by more than a decade's worth of expertise covering the home entertainment product industry.  

When we test TVs, we usually evaluate 65-inch models since brands consider that the flagship size. However, if a specific TV model is offered in multiple sizes, that model's overall performance usually remains similar across different sizes. For example, a 48-inch LG C3 OLED and a 65-inch C3 OLED have the same basic specs and features. The only major differences are the sizes of their screens and their peak brightness. 

However, it's important to note that the best 50-inch TVs with local dimming, like the Hisense U6HF and Vizio QMX, use fewer dimming zones in smaller sizes versus larger options. This can result in differences in contrast performance when comparing a 50-inch model to another size. Sometimes, there are bigger variations in features and design across sizes, so we note those instances when they pop up.  

When evaluating TVs, we consider factors like clarity/sharpness, contrast, peak HDR brightness, color gamut, off-angle viewing, refresh rate, smart TV interface, and general value for the money. We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter to assess brightness when we review a TV and use test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to check other objective image elements. 

We also watch plenty of real-world content on every TV we test to get a feel for what it's like to use a TV daily. We play key scenes from movies and TV shows to examine local dimming, HDR performance, upscaling, and more. Sources include Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and live TV in various levels of quality, from standard definition to 4K. Testing is conducted in bright and dark rooms to see how TVs perform in different conditions. 

50-inch TV FAQs

Is 50 inches a good size for a TV?

The best 50-inch TVs are a good option for buyers who need a compact display for a smaller room, but the selection of midrange and high-end TVs offered in this size is limited compared to what you'd find when shopping for a larger display.

For instance, many of the best OLED TVs are only available in 55, 65, and 77 inches. Likewise, several of our favorite QLED TVs from brands like Hisense and TCL, like the U7K and QM8, are not sold in 50 inches. 

However, there are a few high-end exceptions, like our top pick in this guide, the LG C3, one of the few OLED TVs made in smaller sizes. But generally speaking, most 50-inch TVs are built with entry-level and lower-midrange performance in mind. 

If you want a larger selection of mid-tier and premium display models to choose from, check out our guides focusing on larger TVs:

• The best 55-inch TVs
• The best 65-inch TVs
• The best 75-inch TVs
• The best 85-inch TVs

How much should a 50-inch TV cost?

Depending on the type of display you buy, the best 50-inch TVs will cost between $200 and $1,000. 

Entry-level LED models from value-friendly brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio cost around $200 to $250. These options are good for casual viewing but often lack advanced features like quantum dots and local dimming. Lower-midrange QLED sets range from $300 to $550, and these options will deliver better color, higher contrast, and brighter panels. However, many of our favorite upper-midrange QLED models are unavailable in 50 inches.    

Likewise, high-end 50-inch TVs are hard to come by, but you can find a couple of OLED models, like the LG C3, and top-tier QLED models, like the Samsung QN90C, in this size for around $1,000 to $1,200.

Is 4K worth it on a 50-inch TV?

Though the benefits of 4K resolution are best appreciated on larger TV sets, 50 inches is still big enough to make 4K worthwhile, especially if you plan to sit close to your display. 

However, the debate about whether 4K is worth it on a TV this size has become a moot point since major brands no longer sell 50-inch HDTVs. Most HDTV models are now restricted to 43 inches and under. If you're buying a 50-inch or larger TV in 2024, 4K is the standard.

For more 4K display recommendations in multiple sizes, check out our guide to the best 4K TVs.

Should you get a soundbar for a 50-inch TV?

Many TVs, especially those in smaller sizes like 50 inches, offer mediocre sound quality. To keep costs down and fit speakers inside compact displays, manufacturers use small drivers that limit the range, depth, and clarity of a TV's built-in audio. To get the best sound quality, we recommend buying a separate soundbar to pair with a 50-inch TV.

Check out our soundbar guides to see our top recommendations:

• The best soundbars
• The best budget soundbars
• The best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• The best soundbars with subwoofers

• Student-loan company Navient has a process for defrauded private student-loan borrowers to get relief.
• However, borrowers might not know that they have to request the application.
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren has called on Navient to make the process easier for borrowers to get relief.

There's a process for some private student-loan borrowers to get debt relief — but many of them might not know about it.

In April, Business Insider first reported that Sen. Elizabeth Warren, along with eight of her Democratic colleagues, were calling on Navient — a major private student-loan company — to cancel "decades-old predatory private student loans" under consumer protection law.

The issue came down to some borrowers not qualifying for relief under the borrower defense to repayment, which is a federal program that forgives student debt for borrowers who prove they were defrauded by the schools they attended. Those with private loans are not eligible for federal relief but under a provision known as the Holder Rule, private lenders can forgive student loans if students enrolled in a fraudulent school that had a relationship with the lender.

However, while Navient has a process for defrauded borrowers to get relief, many of them might not know about it because they have to request an application. The Project on Predatory Student Lending, which advocates for defrauded borrowers, published updated information on the steps borrowers need to take to apply for the relief — including an example of what the actual application looks like.

"We're spreading the word to ensure that impacted borrowers—not just those that Navient hand picks—know that there is a path to relief," Eileen Connor, president of the group, said in a statement. "We're also calling on Navient and all lenders to do the right thing and cancel all student loans outright where there is evidence of fraud." 

According to the Project on Predatory Student Lending, borrowers with private loans who believe they were defrauded and want relief need to ask Navient for a School Misconduct Discharge Application by contacting Navient's Office of the Customer Advocate or emailing advocate@navient.com.

Once completed, applications can be submitted to the same email address. The group wrote in its guidance that if Navient refuses to provide the application or does not respond to the application within 30 days, borrowers should submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

While some borrowers have started to receive the application from Navient, Warren and her colleagues still urged the company to automate the process and give private borrowers the same relief federal borrowers may have already received.

"Navient should stop making borrowers apply for relief and instead automatically cancel student debt using information the company already has about whether borrowers attended schools that would entitle them to relief," they wrote in their letter.

According to Navient's response to the senators reviewed by The New York Times, the company is "committed to canceling all loans that meet the Holder Rule criteria."

Still, Warren wrote on X that the process should not be "wildly confusing" — and all private borrowers who qualify for debt relief if they were defrauded should have no problem getting it.

Have you received an application for private student-debt relief from Navient, or are you still struggling to get relief? Share your story with this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

• Zoom CEO Eric Yuan wants to leverage AI for "digital twins" that can attend meetings.
• Yuan said AI avatars can eventually handle everyday tasks, shortening workweeks to three or four days.
• The CEO predicted the tech will cut down on 90% of work, but won't replace in-person interactions.

Zoom's CEO Eric Yuan is ready for a world where your AI clone handles your busy work — and he painted a picture of a life that sounds pretty relaxing.

Yuan, in an interview with The Verge released Monday, said he hates his calendar, reading emails every morning, and finds a five-day workweek filled with meetings "boring."

That's why he wants people to have their own personal AI "digital twin" to attend meetings and write emails for them so that they can "go to the beach" instead, he said. AI clones could help shorten the workweek to three or four days, Yuan added.

"You do not have to have five or six Zoom calls every day," Yuan said. "You can leverage the AI to do that."

In Yuan's vision, your AI twin could also do other everyday tasks across Zoom Workplace, like messaging, phone calls, emails, coding, creative tasks, manager tasks, and project management, Yuan said in the interview.

Delegating this work to your AI clone would allow people to have more time for in-person interactions — in and outside of work, he said.

"Why not spend more time with your family," Yuan said. "Why not focus on some more creative things, giving you back your time, giving back to the community and society to help others, right?"

While Yuan couched this vision as still being a ways away, he said Zoom started investing in generative AI before ChatGPT came out and sped up its advancement in the space after seeing it take off. Zoom has already introduced some AI features for its workplace platform Zoom Workplace, like AI Companion, which provides meeting summaries.

The CEO said Zoom's digital twin technology would likely first start as a voice assistant, but could eventually become more immersive, making a virtual version of yourself available in virtual environments like those found in the Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.

Eventually, the goal would be a 3D version of yourself that can mimic you to the point where "you can't know if it's a real person or just a 3D version."

Yuan also described how you theoretically have multiple versions of your digital twin based on different needs. For example, one version may be a sales expert and another may be an engineer.

Yuan said the technology isn't there yet for two main reasons. First, the underlying AI models, or LLMs, that such a product would rely upon aren't advanced enough. Second, he said that such a customized AI clone would require a customized LLM that's based on all the data and context around each individual person. But Yuan said he expects AI technology to be capable of this in the next few years.

So if workers' AI twins are handling a lot of the grunt work and enjoying the beach, what work does that leave them to do? Zoom's CEO said that AI could help for 90% of work, but said it wouldn't replace in-person interactions.

"We still need to have in-person interaction. That is very important," Yuan said. "Say you and I are sitting together in a local Starbucks, and we are having a very intimate conversation — AI cannot do that, either."

But it seems that the avatars would make room for more in-person interactions outside of work, rather than at the workplace.

In terms of in-person work, Yuan said new employees may want to start in the office for some real-life interactions, but overall he doesn't see people wanting to get together more often in real life once those connections are made. He said getting together once or twice a year is "good enough."

Read the full interview here.

• Sean "Diddy" Combs is no longer an owner of the media company helped found.
• Combs sold his majority stake in Revolt following a slew of allegations from those once close to him.
• The company said its employees will now be the largest shareholders.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has sold his majority stake in Revolt, the media company he cofounded.

As first reported by The New York Times, the organization announced Tuesday that Combs had officially sold his shares, over a decade after Revolt first launched.

With this sale, the private company's largest shareholder group is now made up of employees, according to The Times.

Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels confirmed the rumors to NYT ahead of Tuesday's announcement. The press release announcing the ownership change assured that Revolt would remain Black-owned.

"We are stepping into the most revolutionary chapter yet for Revolt," Samuels said in a statement.

Combs is facing a lawsuit from his former longtime girlfriend Casandra Ventura, accusing him of sexual abuse. Combs' lawyer previously said the hip-hop star "vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations."

Meanwhile, federal authorities have also raided two of his homes.

Following the sexual assault accusations, Combs stepped down from his role as the chairman at Revolt as rumors swirled that he'd be selling his shares.