Car Tech in 2015: Exciting Advancements to Look for This Year

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/16 in Auto Design with Comments Off on Car Tech in 2015: Exciting Advancements to Look for This Year

Not only has technology improved how we communicate and interact with each other but it has also improved the actual driving experience. There was once a time where the only features in a car were air-conditioning and a radio, but now there are an abundance of technological advancements that make a car more enjoyable to drive. While it may take time for the world to warm up to, car technology is taking over the automobile world. Here is a look at some of 2015’s best car technologies to get excited for this year:

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Smartphones have become important in how we choose to live our everyday lives and now it will become an integrated element in how we drive our cars. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will lead the way. By connecting a USB cord from your phone to your car, and the click of one button, Apple or Android interface will appear on the car’s touch screen. This innovative technology allows drivers to talk on their phone, text, get directions and play music from their phone without it being in their hand.

Further Development of Self Driving Cars

While the concept of a self-driving car is relatively new, it has gained a lot of traction in the last year, and will gain even more in 2015. At the 2015 Consumer Electronic Show, an Audi A7 Piloted Concept was driven 560 miles from San Francisco to Las Vegas as a test drive. Seeing that it held up, more cars will begin to reveal their renditions of self-driving cars and jump on this exciting bandwagon..

Gesture Control

The ability to control something without touching it could come in handy, especially while driving. It actually eliminates the act of taking your eyes off the road and relying on your ability to remember where things are. Gesture control technology will enable you to turn up the volume, or turn down the heat by simply raising your hand, and control basic features without taking your eyes off the road.

Lane Change Assistance

This technology isn’t brand new, however, developments continue to improve lane keeping features to help drivers stay safe. While most users probably won’t find this as “sexy” as self-driving cars, it is definitely cutting edge and useful. Each year, there are plenty of lane changing accidents and this technology is here to eliminate some of it by examining the traffic and giving proper signals when it is ok to change lanes.

Wi-Fi Capabilities

2014 already marked the start for cars equipped with Wi-Fi, but that mostly only featured high class cars like Audi, Mercedes and BMW. In 2015, GM will take a crack at installing Wi-Fi in their latest modeled cars. OnStar will provide the Wi-Fi services through a subscription plan that will require users to pay for it after so long.

These technologies will change the way cars are driven in the new year. The technology we use in our everyday lives are intertwined with how we use transportation, and this integration will only continue as technology advances.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at the Speedy Apollo Auto Service Centres who provide oil change services in Calgary.

Six Dangerous Driving Habits That Can Lead to Serious Injury

by Anita Ginsburg on 2015/02/13 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on Six Dangerous Driving Habits That Can Lead to Serious Injury

Many drivers today have adopted rather dangerous driving habits. In order to drive safely, it is necessary to keep your eyes and ears focused toward the road and your surroundings. However, many drivers participate in dangerous activities that pull their attention away from the road when they are behind the wheel. This can result in serious injury to the driver, passengers and others outside of your own vehicle. Here are some of the more dangerous driving habits that drivers may have.

Texting

When you text with your cellphone or smartphone, you inevitably are using at least one of your hands to text. Your eyes may dart back and forth between the road and your phone. In addition, your attention is focused on your phone rather than entirely on the road. This is a dangerous habit, and some areas have already made it illegal to text while driving.

Talking on the Phone

Just as texting and driving can be dangerous, the same holds true for talking on the phone and driving. When you talk on the phone, you may have one hand on your phone, and you may not be listening to the sounds of the road that may alert you to dangers around you. Even hands-free talking may be dangerous because you are not fully engaged in the activity of operating the vehicle.

Eating

There seems to be an almost endless number of fast food restaurants available to choose from, making it easy for drivers to pick up food to eat as they cruise down the road. However, this activity also pulls your attention away from the road, and it often requires one or even two hands to complete. More than that, some foods may drip or spill, which can cause further distraction.

Putting on Make-Up

Some women will take a moment while driving to touch up make-up while they are traveling to a location. In some cases, women will apply all of their make-up for the day while commuting to work. This requires the woman to look in the mirror, use hands to apply the make-up ad focus on herself rather than the road.

Shaving

Likewise, some men have adopted the habit of using an automatic or electric razor to touch up their shaving efforts in the car. This also requires the use of one hand, and it places attention on a mirror and the man’s face rather than the road. In addition, there is a sound from the electric razor that can drown out the sounds of the road that the driver needs to be paying attention to.

Smoking

Smoking is a very common habit for drivers, but it can be incredibly dangerous. Smoking requires the driver to use a flame to light a cigarette and to hold that lit cigarette for several minutes of time. The driver is essentially holding a lit object rather than putting both hands on the wheel. In addition, ashes from the cigarette can drop down onto the driver or the car, and this can be a serious distraction.

These are all dangerous habits that can result in serious injury. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to someone else’s neglect, but sure to talk to a lawyer for the best outcome.

Informational credit to Bronson Jones & Co.

Low-Rolling Resistance Tires: The Facts

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/11 in Auto Tires with 1 Comment

As a result of rising CAFE standards and the consumer demand caused by rising fuel prices over the last decade, more car manufacturers are paying attention to fuel economy, as significant selling point. In coordination with tire manufacturers, they have developed tires with lower rolling resistance, as the direct answer to the present situation in the market. Although they made their grand entry on hybrid cars, where they stood as yet another in the long line of energy-saving technologies, LRR tires are facing an increased demand among the mainstream drivers.   

What is Rolling Resistance?

Rolling resistance is the force which is required to maintain your tires rolling at given speed. As tires change shape as there rotate, the part of the tire in contact with the road is deformed before it returns to the original state. Underinflated tires, for example have high rolling resistance. Overinflating them would minimize their rolling resistance but at the expense of ride quality and safety, as it becomes bumpier as the tire pressure grows. And higher the pressure, smaller the contact surface, which implies less traction and reduced controllability.  

How Does It Work?

Manufacturers claim that lower rolling resistance technology maximizes the fuel economy using different methods. So, while experts agree that it is internal friction that offers significant room for improvement, the tread compound can also be redesigned in order to reduce rolling resistance. However, reducing the contact surfaces between the tires and the road readily involves trade-offs in grip during braking and cornering. The big question is whether you prefer performance and safety or fuel economy.

What Does Affect It?

Besides reducing the contact surfaces between tires and the road, manufacturers have developed a number of other techniques. One of important variables is a tire composition. By adding silica to the standard compound of natural and synthetic rubbers, rolling resistance can be decreased without sacrificing traction and the good grip in the critical stages of driving. There are practically endless choices of tires, for example tires with reduced depth of tread blocks are going to be more economical, as deeper treads involve more flexing as they roll.

The Numbers

It’s little known that most of the fuel energy is actually spent to overcome inertia when accelerating and decelerating and aerodynamic drag. The tires’ rolling resistance makes up to 4% of the fuel consumption in town and about 7% on the highway. It was established that a 10% decrease in rolling resistance results in 1-2% in fuel economy. It doesn’t seem much, but it can add up if you calculate how much you drive a year.

Your Mileage May Vary

It’s really hard to tell if LRR tires cost more than others. It depends on the tread compounds and the tire structure, and more importantly whether you are pointing at the initial price tag or the overall cost of ownership. While it’s true that their fuel saving properties are increased, low rolling resistance tires have less tread life, which than can neutralize the energy savings. 

Eventually, is there any way to decrease your car’s rolling resistance without investing in low rolling resistance tires. Some experienced drivers will tell you that the most important thing about all tires is to make sure they are properly inflated according to the car manufacturer’s recommendation.

Garage Options on a Budget

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/10 in Auto Garage with Comments Off on Garage Options on a Budget

A garage is not really a place you’ll be spending much time. This is the reason why people often turn to alternative building materials for building a garage. The requirements are simple. It has to protect your four-wheeled friend from the elements and provide substantial thermo insulation. Here are two ideas for making a lovely garage that won’t break your bank.

A wood pallets garage

One popular budget-friendly option is to build a wood pallets garage and at the same time salvage a couple of dozens of pallets. When you find a suitable location for your garage, the first thing you should do is remove all vegetation and debris, leveling the ground and compacting the soil in the process. You should roll until it’s an inch or two below the surrounding earth.

Wood pallets are inexpensive building material that costs from nothing to a couple of bucks each. They are usually made of fairly good treated wood and hence almost perfect for building a large long-life garage. All you need besides pallets is some plywood, a bucket of nails and a couple of hinges for the door. The floor of the garage should be made with newer pallets which are in the best condition followed with a layer of thick plywood to support the car weight. Any remaining pallets that are broken up or damaged can be used for filling the gaps between the slats. You can also chose to build concrete floor, it depends of where your garage location is and how big your budget is.

If you want to watertight your garage, a good option is to use marine-grade plywood for covering the walls and the lean-to roof, which will protect your car from the elements but still provide necessary draught and quality ventilation. The garage door can also be made from pallets. You can take a couple of damaged or extra pallets apart and use the strips of wood to overlap the spaces between the slats. When finished, give it a coat of protective paint and you can be sure it’ll withstand more than 10 winters! And the best part – you’ve built an amazing eco-garage from recycled materials to your own liking.

A cargo container garage

Shipping containers are built to last and withstand the rough weather and handling on high seas. Used ones are relatively easy to obtain and have many secondary uses for imaginative owners. The fact is, you can easily change one into a car garage, tool shed or storage. The best thing is that they are built in factories by high industry quality standards and they are all equally sized, but you can still modify them if needed. In addition, reusing a retired shipping container can be observed as a form of recycling, so the whole concept is environmentally friendly and low budget-friendly.

Start by pouring the concrete slab. Once the concrete is dry, place the container on the slab. If you want to protect your car from the winter chill, a simple insulation using polystyrene sheets on the wall and the ceiling will do the trick. Don’t forget to make a ramp for driving the car into the container. Since containers are pretty much draught resistance, installing a dehumidifier will prevent any damp from damaging your stuff or giving the car upholstery an odor.

New Car: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/09 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on New Car: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Buying a new car is a major investment, so before sending off your old model for recycling, it’s a good idea to do some research and make certain that buying a new car is right for you. Look at these factors before you finalize your decisions or finances.

Can I Afford It?

One of the primary decision-making factors in buying a new car is whether it fits into your personal or family budget. Many things contribute to the answer to this question. Start by knowing your credit rating and what sort of loan rates you are likely to be eligible for. Remember that those car commercials promising the $99 or $129 a month payment always include the disclaimer "with qualifying credit". Know what your financing options are before you head to the car lot.

Be sure to include all the expenses related to purchasing a new car in the decision. Are you ready for the down payment, tax and license fees, and the increased cost of insurance? Create a budget before you ever start looking at cars so you know what you can afford not what the car salesman wants you to buy.

What am I Looking for in a New Car?

People buy new cars for a variety of different reasons. If you are looking to save money by getting a more reliable car to replace the old clunker you are sending to recycling yards, read reviews regarding dependability. Find out which cars offer warranties, and which ones are known for their breakdowns.

Another reason some people buy new cars is to save on gas money. In this case, be sure to do the math. Some people assume that the higher price of a hybrid is worth it because of the savings at the gas pump, but that might not be the case. Figure out the average number of miles you drive a year and what you are paying for gas in your current vehicle. Then, figure out what gas will cost you to go the same number of miles in the new car. 

What Features Do I Want/Need?

Car dealers get the best mark up, that’s profit for the dealer, by selling you a car loaded with features, so knowing before you go whether you want the satellite radio and blue tooth compatibility is vital. If you really need those automatic windows or sliding doors make sure you know which model still offers what you want without going with the highest price.

Buying a new car is a major investment, but there are great reasons to do it. Just make sure you know yours before you buy. You can be prepared for anything the dealer throws at you if you prepared beforehand.

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