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Interesting Car Facts
An airbag moves up to 4500 mph within a second when triggered. A force of 200g is generated. They are designed to explode at an impact speed of 19 mph. The bag inflates within 40 milliseconds of a crash. The Ferrari Formula 1 team is unique in the fact that it produces both chassis and engines for its cars. Ferrari makes a maximum of 14 cars every day. There were only 107 models of the Ford GT40 made of which only 7 were road cars. The Worlds longest traffic hold-up was 110 miles long, between Paris and Lyon on the French Autoroute in 1980. A more recent contender for the title was a 100 mile long traffic Jam, near Hamburg in Germany in 1993. The first known automobile was built in 1668, it was a two foot long steam powered model constructed by Ferdinand Verbiest, a Belgian Jesuit preist. Luxembourg has the most crowded roads in Europe with 570 cars per 1,000 people. The first car race ever seen in the United States was held in Chicago in 1895. The track ran from Chicago to Evanston. The winner was J. Frank Duryea, whose average speed was 71.5 miles per hour. In 1924 a Ford automobile cost $265. The first auto insurance policy is purchased in Westfield, MA, in 1897.
Driving, across the country or merely a state line or two, is the quintessential sport. Our cars transport us to destinations like family reunions, vacations and honeymoons. You won't find it on the front page of the sports section, but driving, windows down, music blaring and sunshine hot on your face has become a tradition that's getting more popular every year. "They say getting there is half the fun, and if you're driving one of this year's newer vehicles to your vacation destination that really will be the case," says John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek, a weekly automotive magazine show produced by Maryland Public Television. Davis says you'll be seeing a lot of pickups, SUVs and convertibles out there; and unlike in past years when people might rent "fun" cars specifically to drive on vacation, "the latest trend is for people to travel in their own vehicles. It's a comfort thing as well as being more economical," says Davis. So-called cross over vehicles, which combine the features of a car with those of a sedan, minivan or sport utility vehicle, are really gaining in popularity. "They are the widest, most imaginative group of vehicles to enjoy in the history of the industry," says Davis. Vehicles that fall into this category include the Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Baja, Honda Element, Scion xB, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Matrix, and Chevrolet Avalanche. They cover a broad range of prices from under $15,000 to well over $40,000. Safety Issues "They are very versatile, there's no doubt about that,"But like the traditional SUV, they tend to be tall, and taller vehicles by their very nature can roll over easier, so you still need to be extra careful when taking corners." Rollovers can also be a worry for another popular summertime car: convertibles. They tend to be slower to respond to driver inputs because they are heavier than your average sedan, but Davis points out, they have come a long way. "Convertibles used to be flimsily made and clumsy to drive, and really rattled over rough roads. Now they are better built, with better suspensions, and are much safer. Along with front airbags, many convertibles can be ordered with side impact airbags, while a few have pop-up roll-over bars that automatically provide extra protection for occupants. Most also offer electronic driving aids like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability systems. Cruising still has the devotion of the American driver as it has for years, but with some 210 million registered drivers on the road, it does require us to be more conscious. Not just about safety, but other drivers, and local laws as they relate to aggressive driving and cell phone use. So, toss the cell phone in the glove compartment, strap on your seat belt and enjoy your next road trip. Courtesy of ARA Content
Car Shopping - Consider a Nearly New Vehicle
Whether they're buying plane tickets or antiques or DVDs, the Internet has made it possible for lots of Americans to become savvy bargain shoppers. But have you ever bought a used car online? Believe it or not, the online used car marketplace has exploded in recent years. Now you can research vehicles, locate exactly the car you want for the price you want to pay, and even make the purchase, all online. "A two- to four-year-old car today can offer customers much of the comfort, performance, styling and reliability of a new model, and it sells for 30 to 60 percent less than a new vehicle,"says the executive producer and host of MotorWeek, the critically acclaimed PBS weekly automotive magazine series. Cars are better built these days, and the styling is changed less often and less radically than it used to be, so a three-year-old car looks and drives a lot like a new one. There is also less risk involved now. New car warranties have been lengthened and coverage is at least three years (36,000 miles) for all vehicles, and for premium cars it can be twice as long. There is usually rust and corrosion protection that lasts even longer and roadside assistance coverage as well. Dealers now offer another level of protection for the consumer in the form of certified used vehicles. These are nearly new cars that meet specific qualifying standards, have been carefully inspected and serviced, and are backed by extra warranties. Consumers can also have potential purchases inspected and certified by independent firms, and they can even purchase additional, after-market warranties. Perhaps the biggest change has been how consumers shop for cars. Instead of just relying on the want ads or local dealers, people can browse large online auctions where they have access to cars from all over the country. "You can always find the car you want on the Web," says Davis. "You have the entire country to choose from. If a buyer in the Northeast wants a car that doesn't have any winter damage, he can search for one from the South," he adds. One of the largest used car marketplaces, eBay Motors sells more cars before lunch than the average dealership sells in a year. Consumers have easy access to an amazing array of vehicles from all over the country, and they can buy and sell in a completely secure environment. The whole buying process, even arranging for financing, can be done through the site. But should you actually buy a car you haven't even seen? Davis cautions shoppers to remember the familiar "buyer beware" warning. eBay Motors offers a mobile inspection service, which sends certified experts anywhere in the country for a nominal fee to check out a vehicle before you buy it. There are also cars available that have already been certified by a dealer. Another precaution every buyer should take: always check the title. Carfax, Inc., an independent company that offers consumers detailed vehicle history information for a small fee, can generate a report instantly for any used vehicle in the 50 states. This is a good way to check on whether a car has had multiple owners or has been totaled by an insurance company, indicating that it has been damaged and later repaired. Most importantly, do your research before you buy. MotorWeek pbs organization offers an archive of road tests and written reviews of vehicles that go back for five years, inspection tips, and other information for consumers. Courtesy of ARA Content
Most Fuel Efficient Cars
Most Fuel Efficient Overall Honda Insight - 60 66 Most Efficient Minicompact Cars MINI Cooper Manual(5) - 28 36 Most Efficient Subcompact Cars VW New Beetle (Diesel) Manual(5) - 37 44 Most Efficient Compact Cars Honda Civic Hybrid Automatic(variable) - 49 51 Most Efficient Midsize Cars Toyota Prius (Hybrid) - 60 51 Most Efficient Large Cars Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl, Manual(5) - 24 34 Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl, Automatic(4) - 24 33 Most Efficient Small Station Wagons Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, Manual(5) - 30 36 Most Efficient Midsize Station Wagons Ford Focus Station Wagon 4 cyl, Manual(5) - 26 34 Taking the Risk Out of Buying a Used Car
Used Cars. A simple term that has a less than positive meaning for most car buyers. Conventional wisdom says that buying a used car is buying someone else's problems. However, as new car quality has gone up, the risk of buying a late model used car has gone down. In fact, the automotive industry doesn't even call them used cars anymore. The term to look for now is Certified Pre-Owned, or CPO. More than a third of all late model used cars and trucks sold last year -- nearly 1.2 million vehicles --- came with a Certified Pre-Owned designation. They are typically vehicles that have low mileage, and have been put through a battery of tests to make sure they are in tip-top condition. Vehicles that fall into this category are mostly just off-lease, secured from factory executive car auctions, from rental fleets, or the very best trade-ins. "A new car depreciates by 15 to 20 percent the moment you drive it off the lot," says Davis. "If you buy one that's Certified Pre-Owned, you avoid taking the initial depreciation, yet have an almost new car with a strong warranty and in some cases a better warranty than a new one. Smart consumers can think of these vehicles as the best and brightest in their class." According to CNW Marketing Research, Inc., one can expect to pay a premium of between four and seven percent for a vehicle with the Certified Pre-Owned designation. "They may cost a little more than you'd expect to pay for a used car, but when you look at all the checks and balances performed and the extra warranty, it's easily worth it," says Davis. Among the benefits, not just some, but all vehicle parts that are even moderately worn have been replaced. Many Certified Pre-Owned cars come with new brake pads, hoses, accessory belts, wipers and batteries. Their engines and transmissions have been checked and overhauled if necessary; minor exterior damage -- like nicks, dings and tattered trim -- is repaired or replaced; carpets and seat upholstery are shampooed or cleaned, and if they look less than new, are replaced. Beyond that, certified programs provide additional warranties, often up to 100,000 miles, and may also include perks like car-club style roadside assistance. This kind of warranty actually exceeds the coverage offered by the factory when it was new. "Certification programs increase consumer confidence about the quality of a used vehicle," says Scott Weitzman, senior director of retail programs for the noted automotive polster, J.D. Power and Associates. But, don't just buy any vehicle that is labeled Certified Pre-Owned. The best CPO programs are found only at new car dealers, with repair requirements and warranties backed by the factory. Also, ask to see the checklist on the car or truck of your choice so you will know exactly what has been serviced. "Simply put, purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is really a win-win situation for everyone. Manufacturers make money on vehicles they had in fleets or on lease, dealers increase their income percentage compared to new car sales, and customers walk away feeling better about some of the built-in guarantees."
Make Sure Your Car is as Safe as Possible
Before you jump into your car for that long-planned road trip, there are a few things you need to take care of to make sure your trip will be a safe one. According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 82 people are either killed or injured in accidents every day after being ejected from their vehicles. There's no breakdown of how many of those people went through windshields, but Cyr figures the number is high. "Laws exist that require seatbelt use. Laws exist to prohibit tampering with or disabling airbags. However, there are no laws that govern how a windshield is replaced once the vehicle leaves the factory. An improperly replaced windshield could -- and sometimes does -- become detached from the vehicle during airbag deployment, from the force of a collision, or when the car rolls or flips over. With the windshield disabled, the effectiveness of the vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS) is seriously compromised. "The tragedy of the situation," explains Cyr, "is the average person will not realize their windshield was improperly replaced until it is too late. There are literally thousands of responsible auto glass companies in the United States that perform high-quality, safe windshield replacement. However, the way to locate and select such a company comes from knowing what questions to ask before making a commitment." The first question to ask is if the windshield really needs to be replaced, or if dings in the glass can be repaired. Chips or dings that are small enough to be covered by a credit card or cracks that will fit under a dollar bill are typically repairable without having to remove the factory seal of the original glass. If you do decide to go through with a repair, ask if the technician will take the following steps when making the repair: * Remove the old sealant leaving approximately 1/16 inch bonding surface. * Clean and prime the glass and the vehicle pinchweld. * Wear gloves so as not to contaminate the clean glass. * Use urethane adhesive (not butyl tape or silicone). * Check for a passenger side airbag and, if present, use urethane rated for that type of installation. * Discuss how long before the vehicle can be driven. * Tell you the "do's and don'ts" of operation during adhesive curing. After the job is done, inspect the work carefully. You do not need to be an auto glass expert to identify the "tell tale" signs of improper installation. From outside the vehicle, see if the windshield is perfectly centered on the car. Is the distance the same between the left side and the right side of the windshield and the auto body? Finally, inspect the molding that fits around the entire circumference of the windshield. Is the molding broken or are there visible gaps? Is the molding flat or does it look like a roller coaster? Most importantly, is the glass flush with the vehicle's body? If any of these conditions are present, the installation should be considered suspect. "When shopping for auto glass repair and/or replacement services, people need to be quality conscious to a fault," says Cyr. "Discounts, coupons and sales incentives are fine when shopping for 'brand' name products at competing retailers. Auto glass repair/replacement is not a product. It is a service -- a safety service -- requiring the use of the best materials technology has to offer." Courtesy of ARA Content
Brenda Rivera, 30, of Tulsa, Okla. does a lot of driving. She already has 80,000 miles on her seven year old Ford Taurus.
"Thanks to better built engines and vehicles overall, improved technology in rust inhibitors and other anti-corrosives for automobile undercarriages and bodies and the general sticker shock relating to the average price of a new car, people are keeping their older cars longer and taking better care of them than ever before," says Dave Kunkel, retail sales and marketing manager for Citgo's Automotive Lubricants Division. "With proper maintenance, it's not unusual to see vehicles accumulate 200,000 miles or more without needing expensive overhauls or repairs." Kunkel says it's important to realize, however, that higher mileage vehicles have different needs when compared to newer vehicles. Over time, engine parts experience wear, deposits form on metal surfaces, and seals can dry out. "Older engines have different lubricating needs and require more attention than newer ones if they're going to continue functioning well," says Kunkel. Citgo's Supergard Ultralife Motor Oil, introduced in October 2002, is specifically formulated to meet the needs of this growing population of older, higher mileage vehicles. "The oil gives engines an extra layer of protection by providing additional cleaning agents for critical engine parts and conditioning seals, which, thereby, helps reduce oil leakage and prevent valve deposits," says Kunkel. Rivera says keeping her car running in tip top shape is very important. "It's our family vehicle. I have two small children and it gives me piece of mind to know I'm doing something to keep my car running longer," says Rivera. Look for Supergard Ultralife Motor Oil at Citgo branded fast lubes and leading retail stores in your area.
Here's what you do: Try to change the gears (up) without the engine going to high RPM - certainly not over 2.5k RPM (2500 rounds per minute). I know a lot of people extend first,second and sometimes even third gear more than that because they want to accumulate speed. This may get you to the next traffic light before the car on the other lane, but there's a price to be paid - paid with a currency called petrol. As long as you change the gears early you're pretty much maximizing the fuel efficiency of your motorcar. One last tip: Stay away from traffic and don't crawl (using the cluctch) too much. In other words, driving in the city is wasteful where fuel is concerned.
1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline. 2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving. 3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open! 4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting). 5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill. 6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage. 7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around. 8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off. 9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold. 10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down. 11. Try to drive the speed limit. 12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on gas. 13. No need to buy the highest priced gasoline. Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the more expensive gas is a waste of money. 14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off. 15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work. 16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible. 17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline. 18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 miles-per-gallon and 40 miles-per-gallon is huge. Take Your Keys. Nearly 20 percent of all vehicles stolen have the keys in them.
Winter Driving Tips The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Before Heading for Snow Country:
Summer Driving Tips
* Belt, Hoses and Fluids -- With the engine off, look for worn or cracked belts and damaged, blistered or soft hoses. Inspect the antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present. * Motor Oil -- Check motor oil level and condition. If driving under extreme conditions, such as very hot temperatures or towing a heavy trailer, switch to a motor oil with higher viscosity. Check the owner's manual for specific oil recommendations. * Air Conditioning -- A properly working air conditioning system also will help motorists keep their cool in summer heat. If needed, have the air conditioning serviced by a qualified technician, using the refrigerant R-12 in older systems or R-134A in new or modified air conditioners. Do not use non-approved substitute refrigerants. * Emergency Kit -- Because even properly maintained vehicles can break down, AAA Minneapolis advises motorists to equip their vehicle with an emergency kit containing at least the following items: A flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a cellular phone to summon emergency assistance. Best Auto Insurance Advice Best Auto Insurance Advice Always shop around for the lowest car insurance rates This is quite self explanatory and many people do it. Do get a copy of your driving record Have a copy of your drivers license record before shopping for insurance. Many of us have errors in our driving report that drive up our auto insurance rates. In the newspaper, a clerk of the court admitted they had a 20% error rate, and said it was normal. Just like your credit history determines your car loan approval, your driving record determines how expensive your auto insurance will be. Car Insurance Discounts Everyone wants a bargain, especially as car insurance goes up every year. There are discounts if we can satisfy some basic criteria. Make sure you ask your insurance agent if you qualify for any of these discounts. Auto Insurance Discounts You May Qualify For Automatic Seat Belts Anti-theft/Alarm Driving School Safe Driver Multi-Car or Home & Car Safe Vehicle Choosing the Right Insurance Company You now have most of the information you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. Is the insurance company reliable? Here are things to consider before you reach a decision:
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