Category Driving Life

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.

Aug 20 2013

Just a Friendly Reminder

Back-To-School Season is Here Again

back-to-school-family

So, we’re already into the middle of August, which means one thing: Back-to-School! For many parents, the day couldn’t come fast enough, and for most students the moans and groans begin. However, with the commencement of the new school year, means more and more children out there on the roads, whether crossing the street, walking or biking to school. During the academic school year especially, drivers need to be a lot more attentive on the road. And, although parents should talk to their children about safety as they head back to school, drivers can also do their part in the wellbeing of our students.
school-bus-teens

  • Double-Check Those Crosswalks
    Double check intersections and always make complete stops when warranted. Students have a tendency of appearing out of nowhere when you least expect it.
  • Obey School Zones Speed Limits
    When children are nearby, school zones require you to obey the 20 or 25 mph or slower speed limit, regardless of the day of week or time of day.
  • Respect the Yellow Bus & Those Flashing Lights
    Those big yellow buses are full of children being transported to and from school. There are special regulations that are established to make sure these students get to their destination safe and sound.
Jul 30 2013

No Car? No Insurance? No Problem.

Rent a Ride by the Minute

car2go
Not everyone has the means to maintain a vehicle, or want one for that matter…but that doesn’t stop the fact that you need to get around, whether it be for work, school, or anything else that requires wheels. If you are like the countless many who fall into this category, only needing a vehicle on occasion, then you may want to check out Car2go, a new service being introduced in Denver that lets people rent a ride by the minute.

According to ‘4 On Your Side Money Saver’ Suzanne McCarroll, “one of the fun features of this smart car is that it recognizes you and your card key, so when you get in it, it says, ‘Hello, (insert your name here).’ Nicholas Cole with Car2go explains, “You simply walk up to an existing vehicle, hold the membership card to the scanner, it will process the card. For 38 cents per minute, drivers are good to go. For those who only need to do a quick errand, they’re out only a few dollars. Members don’t pay for gas or car insurance and they don’t even have to pay for parking meters in Denver.”

All you have to do is locate where the cars are parked around the city with the Car2go Smartphone app. You don’t even have to drop off the car where you picked it up from. It really is that simple!

Jul 2 2013

Deceleration Detected

Brake Lights That Warn Other Drivers Of Traffic?

brake_web

This sounds like a great idea, right? I mean, wouldn’t it improve safety issues and lessen the amount of accidents all around the world? Well, Ford thinks so.

Ford has developed an experimental brake light that lets the vehicles behind you know when there’s slow traffic ahead, even if they can’t see your lights.

So how exactly does it work? Well, included in the brake light system is a wireless transmitter that sends a special signal to vehicles that are behind you which then activates a light on their dashboard letting them know that there is some slow traffic ahead, with the intent that they will slow down or take an alternate route if possible.

The feature gives drivers more than enough time to slow down instead of having to unexpectedly slam on the brakes because of bad weather, poor road conditions, or any other circumstances that might cause you or the vehicles behind you to be stuck in traffic; and who wants that?

Although Ford hasn’t officially announced if or when it plans to add the enhanced brake light system into their upcoming models, it is still a giant leap towards vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Sounds like they’re moving in the right direction with this one.

Jun 11 2013

Attention Drivers

Apple’s iOS Is Now At Your Fingertips

iOS_Car_02-webWell, next year anyway.  Apple announced that they are in the process of enhancing iPhone integration in cars with its latest software update, iOS 7, referring to it as the ‘iOS in the Car’ feature at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Automakers such as Acura, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Opel, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo are amongst the vehicles that will offer the new ‘iOS in the Car’ feature, which will allow drivers to access key functions on their iPhone via the dashboard screen. You’ll be able to make phone calls, play music, display Apple Maps and receive iMessages, either by using the car’s controls or by giving voice commands to Siri through the car’s sound system.

“Ninety-five percent of cars sold today have integrated music playback and control from an iOS device, but we want to take this integration to a whole ’nother level,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of software and services.

And if that wasn’t reason enough to take advantage of the new feature that will be available through selected vehicles in 2014, then perhaps this might…as part of Apple’s Eyes Free feature set, Siri can read iMessages aloud and transcribe responses as well!

May 29 2013

London Bridge Is Falling Down…

Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part I

Many of us tend to jump in our cars, rushing through life, never noticing the true beauty and nature that surrounds us. But, if you traveled any one of these fine roads you may have come across one of these beautifully constructed bridges. Can you name any? Hint: Two of these bridges are in the U.S. and two are not.

Brooklyn_Bridge_Manhattan
FOUR: Certainly one of the most well-known bridges in New York, with the least attractive architectural appearance, temporarily held the record as the world’s longest suspension bridge. This bridge became a symbol of American ingenuity and technology and is a great vessel for those traveling to and from Manhattan.

tower-bridge
THREE: If you watched the 2012 Olympic Games then you’ve probably seen this bridge a million times. An iconic symbol of London, this bridge crosses the River Thames and is 800 feet long.

Hangzhou-Bay-Bridge
TWO: It is one of the longest ocean-crossing bridges in the world, located in the eastern coastal region of China. The bridge is 22 miles long and took 5 years to construct.

golden-gate-bridge
ONE: Probably the most famous bridge ever built and instantly recognizable by everyone. It has often been called the most photographed bridge in the world. That might have something to do with its beautiful red exterior and sloping suspension cables. And when the fog rolls in…breathtaking!

 

 

4) Brooklyn Bridge 3) Tower Bridge 2) Hangzhou Bay Bridge 1) The Golden Gate Bridge
May 14 2013

The Not Too Distant Future

A New Drivable Aircraft For Terrafugia

Terrafugia_TF-X (3)
Like its first flying car, The Transition, which is still at least two years away from production with a tentative scheduled date of 2015, Terrafugia has unveiled a new design for a future second product, the TF-X, which will allow you to drive like a car on the ground and then take off in the air like a plane, although much more similar to a helicopter than a plane. Not to mention the best part about this whole thing is, a runway isn’t necessary! Simply head to the closest helipad, or even a parking lot, and take off using the tilt-rotor technology.

So, how does it work? In a nutshell, the four-seat plug-in hybrid-electric flying car would lift off vertically using propellers located on its wings. The props would then rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position for regular flight. Although at least a decade from actual production, its lightweight but strong carbon-fiber skin combined with the compact and powerful engine design makes the TF-X the “next logical progression vehicle.”

tf-xThe vehicle will “further increase the safety, simplicity, and convenience of personal aviation by using state-of-the-art intelligent systems and other technology,” Terrafugia said. The company’s Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer, Carl Dietrich, went on to state in a press release that, “This is the right time for us to begin thinking about the future of the company beyond The Transition development. We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.”

Founded in Woburn, Mass. by pilot-engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, their main objective is to continue building practical flying cars, and while the company’s first vehicle, The Transition is still undergoing test flights and drive tests to evaluate its durability, there will not be any specific dates set for certification and initial production of the TF-X.

“We felt this was our time to share our vision of the future. Though the new flying car design isn’t likely to take off for another decade, if you don’t start today, it won’t happen,” says Richard Gersh, Vice President of Business Development for Terrafugia.

Of course with any new and out of the box idea, especially with innovative technology advancement comes many questions and a lot of skeptics. But Terrafugia has already proven to be way ahead of the game with The Transition, which has previously gone through two design phases and has 50 hours of flight time and “quite a bit of driving on the ground,” Gersh says.

Nevertheless, there’s still a lot more work to be done in regards to the makeup, but more importantly, it has to meet all safety requirements for both an aircraft and a car. But, Paul Moller of Moller International says he knows the difficulties of building the new design, but that Terrafugia is a “pretty impressive” company that just might be able to pull it off.