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.

How Can I Safely Afford the Car of My Dreams?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/06 in Auto Financing with Comments Off on How Can I Safely Afford the Car of My Dreams?

Finally owning the car that you have always wanted can be a thrilling experience. However, that thrill can turn to fear if the cost of the car is ultimately more than you can afford. This is why you should account for the total cost of ownership and plan ahead for how you will handle the car payment if you suffer a loss of income.

Negotiate the Right Price for the Car

This concept is one that may be foreign to many people that don’t live in a country where bartering is commonplace but negotiating a fair price for the car you want should be a high priority for you. It is generally a mistake to think of the monthly payment when negotiating a car deal. Instead, make sure that you are getting the best price for the car. Afterwards, you can negotiate the length of the loan and your interest rate to find a payment that you can afford.

Put Money Down if Possible

Putting money down ahead of time increases equity while lowering the amount that you have to pay each month. This can come in handy if you lose your job or otherwise find that you need to get rid of the car for some reason.

Don’t Be Afraid to Trade the Car if Necessary

In the event that you find your dream car isn’t everything that you thought it would be, do not hesitate to trade it in. It is much better to have financial security as opposed to a fancy car in the garage. Besides, having the car isn’t going to be much fun if you can barely afford to put gas in it.

Look at the Value of the Car Before Buying It

The best way to know if you can afford your car is to find out how much it is worth ahead of time. This gives you a good idea if you can buy the car and still have an asset that has value several years down the road. Knowing this fact is important because cars are depreciating assets that lose value over time.

Don’t Forget to Think About Insurance Costs

In addition to paying for the car, you will also have to pay to insure the car. Insurance costs could run over $100 a month if you are buying an especially fancy model. Therefore, ask your Thomson Schindle Green Insurance & Financial Services Ltd insurance agent how buying your dream vehicle could impact the cost of auto coverage. Often, people are unaware of the extra costs that can be incurred after buying a new vehicle.

Do you want your dream car to be in your garage for years to come? If so, you need to figure all the costs of ownership and possible depreciation beforehand to ensure that you can afford it without going into financial peril.

Injured After Your Car Accident? Here’s Why You May Need an Injury Lawyer

by Anica Oaks on 2015/02/04 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on Injured After Your Car Accident? Here’s Why You May Need an Injury Lawyer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, year after year an excess of 10 million motor vehicle accidents are reported annually. While no one ever anticipates being involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is clear that they can often be unavoidable.

What Injuries May Occur in an Accident?

While drivers are often fortunate enough to walk away from motor vehicle accidents without a scratch, often times this is not the case. Edmunds reports that approximately one third of motor vehicle accidents result in injury. Common injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents include whiplash, broken bones, and even brain or spinal damage, all of which can have severe consequences.

What Should I Do If Involved in an Accident?

Should you ever be involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing all of the drivers involved should do is confirm that there are no life threatening injuries, followed by relocating to a safe place. Next, exchange information with all drivers involved, file an accident report with the police, and photograph the scene if possible. If you are injured, you should contact a personal injury lawyer or a similar firm before contacting the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before contacting ICBC ensures that your claim is reported properly in order to avoid costly mistakes.

Who is Liable for My Injuries?

Any injury resulting from negligent operation of a motor vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, and buses, may be grounds for legal action. There are a number of potential parties who may be liable for your injuries.

What Is an Example Situation Wherein I May Need a Lawyer?

For example, suppose you are sitting at a traffic light and your car is rear-ended by a bus, resulting in severe whiplash and neck pain. After following the appropriate steps at the scene of the accident, you go directly to hospital to be assessed, having your injuries confirmed and documented by a health professional. The driver or owner of the bus may be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of your injury, expenses you may not have to cover with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to determine how to proceed with your personal injury case. You may have rights that you may not even be aware of, rights that can help ease the anxiety and consequences resulting from your personal injuries.

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