Category Driving Life

Jun 10 2014

Way of the Future

Solar Roadways

Parking_lot_east

The Brusaws with their Solar Parking Lot Prototype

Julie and Scott Brusaw, a couple based in Idaho, have been developing a Solar Roadway system that could have a wide range effect on our way of life.  The proposed intelligent roadway besides harvesting energy would potentially offer addition advantages such as LED lights with numerous configurations and colors that would eliminate the need for painted road markings; heated panels in colder climates that would keep the driving surface clear of snow and ice removing the need of snow plows and sanding crews; modular panels that could be removed and replaced by a technician easily reducing the traffic congestion due to road repairs.  There are also projections of increased use of Electric Vehicles with the ability to charge while driving.  The suggested benefits would also change the way in which we power our homes and businesses and the solar roadway technology could be used in parking lots, sidewalks, ideally any surface that is currently paved for walking or driving.  The possibilities are abundant and exciting.

Source: www.solarroadways.com

Apr 29 2014

Bridge the Gap

Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part II

Bridges are wonders of engineering and architecture. They are together beautiful and functional. Can you name any of these bridges from around the world, both near and far?

Pont_de_Triana
FOUR: Construction on this bridge was completed in 1852 making it the oldest iron bridge maintained in Spain. The design was similar to the Paris Carrousel Bridge featured in a painting by Van Gogh in 1886. Commonly referred to as Puente de Triana, it is actually named after the reigning queen at the time of its creation.

Howrah_Bridge_Kolkota
THREE: This bridge is found in West Bengal, India and has become a symbol of Kolkata (Calcutta). Constructed from 26,500 tons of steel the entire structure is erected using rivets. The cantilever and suspended span bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965, but is still widely known as…

Throgs_Neck_Bridge
TWO: This suspension bridge turned 50 years old in 2011 and was built to alleviate some of the traffic on the Whitestone Bridge. Located in New York City, its total length is 2,910 feet with the longest span at 1,800 feet.

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur_Ravenel_Bridge
ONE: Located in South Carolina, this cable-stayed bridge replaced two outdated cantilever truss bridges. Mindful of the locale’s history, the bridge was engineered to endure hurricane force winds and earthquakes as well as potential shipping accidents.

Check out: London Bridge Is Falling Down… Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part I

4) Puente de Isabel II 3) The Howrah Bridge 2) Throgs Neck Bridge 
1) The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Apr 15 2014

Spring Break with a Plan

Fun, Sun and Safety

For many families it is Spring Break which means it’s time for a family vacation. Here are a few tips to make your travel plans a little safer and less stressful.

road-trip

  • Get a Tune Up. Make sure your car is in good working order before hitting the road.
  • Pack Thoughtfully. Keep safety and economic benefits in mind when you are loading up the family van. Also, prepare for the unexpected by packing an auto safety travel kit with useful items in the event you run into a problem.
  • Research Your Route. Find out before you leave what the road and weather conditions will be like.
  • Don’t Be In a Rush. Allow enough time to get to your destination safely. Planning ahead will help avoid aggressive driving and road rage.
  • Stay Connected. Let a friend or other family member know your travel plans.

All that is left to do now is sit back and enjoy the ride!

Feb 6 2014

Do you Smog?

The What, Why & How

ozone-pollution-smog

What Is It? Smog is a type of air pollution, originally used to describe the smoke and fog created by the burning of large amounts of coal within a city.  Modern smog refers to a type of air pollution caused by traffic emissions – such as from trucks, buses, and automobiles.  The smog in Los Angeles is an example of such air pollution.

Why Do Smog Tests?  The smog check makes sure vehicles meet the government’s requirements for environmental air quality and ensures cars with excessive emissions are repaired to reduce air pollution.  Smog tests are required in many states and counties – be sure to check your specific area’s requirements.

How It Works:  A smog test is performed by putting the vehicle on a platform where the front or back wheels drop down on a spinning tube.  This is so that your car can be accelerated without moving, while a sensor placed inside the exhaust pipe measures the exhaust emitted.  The sensor communicates this information to a computer, thereby displaying whether the vehicle passes the government’s standards.

Tips to Pass Your Smog Test:

  • Make sure your exhaust system has no holes or leaks.  You can fail the smog test if your car emissions are too low as well.
  • Replace any old hoses, air filters, and wires and check your oil.
  • A warm engine is more likely to pass the smog test than a cold one.  Take a 20 minute drive prior to your smog test.

Getting your vehicle smog tested can be a hassle and an added expense, but the benefits far outweigh the cost to keep our air and our planet clean.

Jan 24 2014

FM Radio More Repetitive Than Ever

…Fearing Listeners Will Tune Out Unfamiliar Tunes

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Music services such as Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, and Sirius XM Radio have developed quite a following with listeners in the last several years.  One of the greatest draws for using such services is the ability to choose from a large variety of songs as well as having numerous opportunities available to “discover” new music.

You would think to keep up with this novelty FM radio would try to emulate these advantages in their music offerings.  However, FM radio has gone in the exact opposite direction of its more digital counterparts.  Why?  A recent article published by The Wall Street Journal explains that traditional broadcasters have been able to increase listenership by narrowing the variety of songs that they play.  According to the article, this strategy comes from growing research suggesting what radio programmers have long suspected – “listeners tend to stay tuned when they hear a familiar song, and tune out when they hear music they don’t recognize.”

The Wall Street Journal cites statistics from Mediabase for “most played songs,” showing that last year’s (2013) top songs were played almost TWICE as much on the radio compared to a decade prior (2003).  Between emerging data and the increasingly long list of music options to choose from, FM radio stations are clinging onto this strategy tightly, even extending the amount of time artists must wait to introduce new songs.

FM Radio is still the most widely used American listening system, so even though its policies may be negatively affecting musical artists, it certainly is distinguishing itself from digital alternatives, securing a unique and specific (yet repetitive) spot in listeners’ ears.

Dec 20 2013

Pinching Pennies

FREE Ways to Make Your Vehicle More Fuel-Efficient

OverloadedCar

Our wallets are already tight, and especially so this time of year.  We know you want to save however you can, so read ahead for simple techniques to optimize your fuel – for free!

1) Use your cruise control!   Cruise control reduces fuel consumption by maintaining the same speed and controlling throttle.  On average, most vehicles get the best gas mileage between 50 – 55mph.  You can also practice coasting when you are not driving on the highway.  If a red light is up ahead, take your foot off of the gas pedal and let your car coast.  This way you will be using the gas you already burned to continue moving forward.  You’re going to have to stop anyways, so why waste more gas hurrying to a red light only to hit the brakes?

2) Lighten your load!  Take any extra weight off of your vehicle.  Don’t lug around heavy items every day in your car if you don’t have to.  You can even remove seats that aren’t being used to reduce your fuel consumption.  If you have to transport something heavy, use the trunk.  A roof rack that’s loaded down can really cut down on fuel economy, especially in smaller vehicles.

3) Get gas smart!  Always keep your gas tank above 1/3 fuel.  Being low on fuel can put stress on the fuel pump and the engine may not receive the steady supply of gas it needs to make your car most fuel efficient.  Another way to reduce weight in your vehicle is by not filling your gas tank all the way.  The best time to fill up is early in the morning and late in the evening.  This is typically when gas is most dense.

There you have it!  Three easy and FREE ways to save a little money by being conscious about your fuel consumption.  What do YOU do to maximize fuel-efficiency when you drive?

Nov 22 2013

Winterize Your Vehicle

Are You Ready?

snowy road

We want to make sure you’re well-prepared for changing weather conditions as winter rapidly approaches.  There are several simple things you can do to help make sure you and your vehicle stay safe!

The LAST thing you want is to get stranded out in a storm because your car battery died.  Extremely cold temperatures can reduce your car battery’s life up to 50 percent, so checking your battery is crucial! To test your battery, take it to a mechanic where professional equipment can detect if your battery is running low on life.

Getting an oil change with proper oil is another great way to help winterize your car.  For colder conditions, a thinner, less viscous oil is desirable because the oil tends to thicken the colder it gets outside.  If it’s too thick, it won’t be able to do a good job keeping your engine lubricated.  Check your owner’s manual to find out which oil is best for your vehicle.

During the unpredictable conditions of winter weather, visibility is a must.  First, make sure your wiper blades are up to par.  They generally are good for about one year, so if you’ve had them longer than that, now is the time to switch them out!  Another step to optimize your visibility during stormy weather is to have your windshield washer reservoir well-filled with windshield wiper fluid.  Don’t substitute it for water, because water can freeze.  Don’t forget to test your heater and defroster to see that they’re working properly.

Tires are a huge consideration when it comes to this time of year.  Check your tire pressure weekly.  Properly inflated tires will provide better traction and control in icy, wet and snowy conditions.  Make sure your spare tire also has proper pressure and that your jack is in good working condition.  Consider using snow tires, especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow.  They will perform much better than all-weather tires.  Poorly aligned wheels are also a risk-factor, so have your tires rotated regularly as recommended.

Last but not least, keep an emergency kit in your car.  Pack some essentials like a flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit in your trunk, along with extra gloves, boots, warm blankets, a small shovel and non-clumping kitty litter or sand for when you need added traction.  It’s not a bad idea to have extra batteries and a few energy bars or snacks on hand too.  Other items in your emergency kit could include extra antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, paper towels, jumper cables, and tire chains.

By taking time to plan ahead, winterizing your car can be easy, and should be a priority to keep you and your family safe and your vehicle operating properly.

Oct 15 2013

Grand Theft Auto V

Bad Influence on Drivers?

gta5

Gamers all across the globe are jumping for joy with the release of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V.  Although the excitement runs high for most teens and adults alike, there are still a number of people who feel the complete opposite.

You have those who believe that playing video games like Grand Theft Auto V might influence bad driving habits, suggesting that the game promotes drug use, erratic behavior behind the wheel and drunk driving.  In fact, various studies over the years have found that racing video games are directly associated with risky driving, also arguing that these games are linked to speeding, tailgating, crossing double yellow lines, and getting pulled over by the police.

While on the other hand, some believe that these video games have absolutely nothing to do with a person’s driving behavior in real life.  And…although no excuses were made for the violence and crime-focused scenarios the video game displays, still many are attracted to Grand Theft Auto V because of its deep character development and story-driven adventures.

Whether you’re against the Grand Theft Auto franchise or games like it, car accidents still remain at an all-time high.

Oct 2 2013

Parking Meter Madness

Plug the Meter with Your Phone

easyPark
If you’re one of the many drivers living in the big city, then you know finding a parking spot is like looking for ‘Waldo.’  After circling around the block several times, you finally eye a spot with your name on it, you feel like you’ve won the lottery, and then you remember you have no change, but thank God, this meter accepts credit cards.  Finally, you’re parked and now you’re worried about the meter running out and the ticket happy officer strolling the streets.  In the battle of man vs. meter, it seems like the meter reins victorious every time.  But, what if there was a way to skip the meter, altogether?  Some cities are testing new technology that could make this a reality.

In some places, drivers can purchase the ‘EasyPark,’ a prepaid wireless device for $20, which will track parkmobile_meter_webhow long your car is parked and charge you accordingly.  However, keep in mind, local laws still apply, so be mindful of maximum time limits.  Another way you can pay the meter is through ‘Parkmobile,’ a free app for smartphone users that also gives you the option of extending your time without ever having to move a muscle.

So the next time you prepare for your next big battle with the meter, remember, you now have options.

Sep 11 2013

Uh Oh…

Is That Smoke Coming From Your Car?

overheated

You’re already having one of those days, so the last thing you need on the drive back home from the office is for your car to start overheating. That dreadful smell from the engine and the jerking from the car losing its power is enough to send your bad day way over the edge. Before you become that guy… or gal sitting on the side of the road surrounded by a billow of smoke, try the following:

• Turn off your air conditioning and open your windows.
• Turn on the heater and blower… or,
• In stopped traffic, try shifting your car into neutral or park and rev your engine.

If none of the above work, and once you have safely pulled over to the side of the road:

• Turn off your engine. DO NOT open your hood until your vehicle’s temperature gauge has cooled down.
• Make sure you have the proper amount of coolant/antifreeze in the radiator. You may just need to refill the coolant to the top.
• Check to see if your vehicle’s heater hoses are blocked, disconnected or damaged.
• Restart the engine.

If your vehicle is still overheating after you have performed the above tasks, then safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road again, shut the engine off and call AAA or your local mechanic because you may have a much bigger issue on your hands.