Auto Magazine

Hollywood Hogs: Five of the Greatest Motorcycles in the Movies

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/02 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Ever since Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper jumped on their Harleys in 1969’s Easy Rider, the motorcycle has been an icon of American cinema, albeit featured more prominently in action blockbusters than character driven road trips. Here’s five of the coolest bikes.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Within minutes of arriving from the future, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator commandeers a 1990 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, whisking John Connor away from the clutches of the shape-shifting T-1000 and leading him on a thrilling urban chase through L.A. At one point, the Terminator jumps the 650 pound bike down into a storm drain, throwing off sparks as it lands. This stunt, performed by Peter Kent, was accomplished by using wires to suspend the bike. The wires were then digitally removed in post production.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

While probably not at the top of anyone’s list of favorite movies, this franchise spin-off nevertheless features a fantastic early action set piece where our hero, played by Hugh Jackman, manages to jump his 1963 Harley Davidson Duo Glide into a helicopter.

The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Ever since it burst out of the battered shell of Bruce Wayne’s jet black Tumbler, the BatPod has captivated audiences as a crucial piece of machinery for the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Custom built for the film by Nolan and designer Nathan Crowley, the BatPod’s engines are actually mounted inside the wheels instead of on the frame, and the driver must actually lean his entire body to steer it.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

The Wachowski Brothers’ Matrix trilogy is wall to wall with great action scenes, but perhaps none more hair-raising than when Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) turns her 2001 Ducati 996 around on a busy highway and races against the flow of traffic. Known for its speed and maneuverability, the 996 is the perfect bike for Trinity to evade her pursuers as she dips and weaves between minivans and tractor trailers.

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

In this incredible true story, New Zealand native Burt Monro (Anthony Hopkins) races his custom built 1920 Indian Scout to a land speed record of 190 mph. Indian, founded in 1901, made the first motorcycles in America, and the Scout’s polished, torpedo shaped hull give it a look unlike any other bike in film.

Informational credit to Immix Racing motorcycle racks who provide everything from skid plates to a Yamaha wr250r rack.

How to Handle an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

by Anica Oaks on 2014/05/01 in Auto Accident, Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

The consequence from being involved in an accident can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious, life-altering problem. The challenges are magnified if the other driver is uninsured. When this happens, you’re forced to seek compensation from a person who may not be able to pay for your property damage or medical bills. Here’s what you should know about handling an accident involving an uninsured driver.

Call the Police

It is important to call for the police and obtain an official record of the accident. This will help you later when you’re trying to get your expenses covered. In most states, driving without insurance is against the law, so the other party may also be facing criminal charges. This is a vital first step for protecting yourself, so make this your first call.

Exchange Information

When dealing with an uninsured driver, you need to make sure that you have a means to reach the other party later. Collect information from the other driver’s license. Take pictures of their license plate. Ask for a cell phone number, home number and work information. Gather as much information as you can about this individual to facilitate contacting them later.

Get Checked Out

Take care of yourself. Visit the doctor or hospital to be examined. When adrenaline is coursing through your body right after an accident, you may not feel the pain of whiplash or other potentially serious injuries. However, the pain and red flags can show up a few hours or even days later. While your insurance may cover your injuries, you ultimately want the person responsible to cover the bills. Documentation is key to any accident, so ask for personal copies of any medical checkups and bills.

Work with Your Insurance Company

Your insurance may not cover you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. However, there are riders that you can invest in so that you’ll be covered even if the other party cannot reimburse you. Even if you don’t have this coverage, you should still work with your insurance company. They can provide you with valuable advice, and they’ll want to know what repairs have been made to your car.

Review Any Settlement

Whether you’re working with an insurance company or an individual, you can expect the initial offer to be low. This is because the other party will work hard to minimize their losses by reducing payments to you. They may try to claim that some injuries or property damage were present before the accident, and they will almost certainly try to minimize your pain and suffering. You may want to consider working with a professional to help you review offers. It is possible to have a settlement reviewed and increased when you know the law and have an experienced attorney on your side.

Being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist can cause a great hardship. It can be more difficult to recover damages as the uninsured driver may have minimal assets and no way to cover the damage. You may want to consider investing in a special rider with the insurance company, and work with professionals who can help you review any settlement offers if you are trying to collect damages from an individual.

Information Source: Law Offices of Savin & Bursk

Performance Vs. Style: Five Cars That Give You The Best Of Both Worlds

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/04/30 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Design with Comments Off

When selecting a new car, drivers don’t have to compromise on style and performance. Getting the car you want doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require you to sacrifice something else you love about the vehicle. The following five cars offer the best of both worlds so you can have the vehicle you’ve always wanted:

Nissan Juke

With a distinct sporty design, the Nissan Juke has one of the sleekest exterior profiles in the crossover SUV class. The aerodynamic profile of this model is inspired by a compact hatchback. The Nissan Juke is loaded with a turbocharged 1.6 Liter engine that delivers up to 188 horsepower.

Dodge Challenger

A true All-American muscle car, the Dodge Challenger has a design inspired by this model’s early years. The iconic exterior includes traditional style double round headlights and striped decals. The side mirrors are inspired by a classic bullet shape design of the 1960s. The tremendous capabilities in the Dodge Challenger are possible thanks to a 5.7 Liter 8 cylinder engine that yields 375 horsepower. A six speed TRAMAC manual transmission offers smooth handling of this classic Dodge sports car.

Cadillac CTS-V

Inspired by stock car racing, the Cadillac CTS-V combines sporty styling with luxury. A center mounted exhaust, red Brembo brake calipers and fender mounted air extractors are some unique exterior features of this Cadillac coupe. The double honeycomb front grille cannot be mistaken for anything but the work of Cadillac. The CTS-V coupe is capable of running at a whopping 556 horsepower thanks to the supercharged 6.2 Liter V8 engine. In exactly four seconds, the awesome engine block can accelerate this Cadillac from zero to 60 mph.

Mazda3

The 2014 Mazda3 is introduced as an affordable four door sedan that’s loaded with premium exterior and interior features. The aggressive sporty stance in the Mazda3 results from the extra long hood that creates a dramatic visual contrast with the short trunk. A signature 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV engine block generates 155 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway.

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has a contemporary four door sedan design that’s appealing as a family car. This affordable Subaru can be customized with premium leather upholstery and power moon roof. Standard symmetrical All Wheel Drive in the Subaru Legacy is combined with a signature 2.5 L or 3.6 Liter Boxer Engine. The Subaru Legacy offers a fuel economy of up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Modern cars are all about attractive styling and mechanical capabilities. Sleek exterior profiles contribute to aerodynamic designs in vehicles. Innovative engine blocks deliver efficient performance in contemporary cars. With these ideas and a little research, you can find a car that first your needs.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Overland Park Mazda.

Image source: http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/man-driving-saidaonline.jpg

5 Cars That Give You The Feel of A Sports Car Without Breaking The Bank

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/29 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Everyone wants to own a sports car. It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or 50 because sports cars appeal to people of all ages. They’re fast, fun, and generally quite eye-catching, so what’s not to like about them? The price tag. Most sports cars make buyers consider taking out a second mortgage, but there are some gems out there that can be had without making you blue in the face for depleting all of your green.

1. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

When it comes to performance vehicles, German engineering reigns supreme. The 2014 Jetta GLI is the perfect example of a modest-looking car that packs a surprising punch underneath the hood. The GLI’s got a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 that produces 210 horsepower. The car just about lifts off when the accelerator is pushed, but most people would never suspect that just by looking at it. For a little more than $24,000, you can have a Jetta of your own.

2. 2014 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a sporty little devil that usually slips under the radars of most sports cars enthusiasts because it technically isn’t one. However, the compact sedan has many features that they look for including aggressive exterior and interior styling, excellent handling, and quick acceleration. The 2014 model is equipped with a 2.0-liter V4 that puts out 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the agile and fuel-efficient Mazda 3 can be had for a base price of under $18,000. The hatchback version will probably be more appealing to fans of sports cars.

3. 2014 Mazda 6

The big brother of the Mazda 3 doesn’t sacrifice performance for an increase in size. The 2014 Mazda 6 drives smoothly, accelerates with authority, and feels very athletic overall. This spacious sports sedan was also redesigned for 2014 like the more compact 3, and both models look similar in a great way. A sleek and seductive body with curves in all the right places describes the Mazda 6 perfectly. Under the hood, the car sports a 2.5-liter V4 capable of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. Cabin design and materials are both top notch for a car of this price. Expect to pay a very reasonable $22,000 to $29,000 for this excellent vehicle.

4. 2014 Ford Focus ST

The hatchback style is synonymous with sportiness, and the Ford Focus ST is just that. Small, extremely maneuverable, and very satisfying to drive, the ST is everything a sports car lover would want in something that isn’t. A 2.0-liter V4 is standard for the ST, and this 252 horsepower engine can get you and this little hatchback around town with very little effort. It’s hard to spend $24,000 in a better way when you’re shopping for a sporty ride.

5. 2014 Hyundai Veloster

Many sports cars look like they came from the future. The Hyundai Veloster definitely fits that description. Aside from killer looks, inside and out, the Veloster drives like a much more expensive car. With impeccable handling and more than adequate speed, the Veloster and its 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter V4 engine feel like they belong on the race track. At just below $22,000, it will surely give you the feel of a true sports car without breaking your bank.

Dedicated sports cars are nice, but they’re often too spendy. You can get a very similar experience with something less costly if you know where to look. The choices above should satisfy anyone with the occasional need for an adrenaline rush.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from driving a mazda 6 in Kansas City to, to to how to properly how to fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

5 Safety Tips You Need While Working on Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/28 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

There’s no arguing that if you have the know-how to fix your own car, you can save literally hundreds, or even thousands, in repairs over the course of time. Although working on your own car can be a rewarding and money-saving venture, it can be dangerous. These are five safety tips for working on your car.

Never Smoke While Repairing Your Vehicle

It’s a good idea to extinguish your cigarette, if you smoke, before attempting to repair your vehicle. Parts under the hood that present an immediate danger when a lit cigarette is in close proximity include the fuel pump, carburetor, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel injectors, and more. If you are working with the gas tank or even if you are just changing your oil, keep in mind these contain flammable liquids as well. To stay on the safe side, keep a fire extinguisher nearby for possibly trouble.

Use Support Stands

You want to make sure that you are as safe as possible while working underneath your vehicle. You should never trust a jack alone to keep a vehicle suspended above you while you work underneath a car. Purchase proper support stands or automobile lifts for repairing vehicles. Don’t rely on bricks, wood, boxes, or any other hard objects to support the vehicle while you work underneath because if your vehicle falls off the jack or whatever support system you are using result in very serious injury for someone who is working on the vehicle

Prepare the Battery for Electrical Work

If you plan on doing any electrical work with your car, you should always disconnect at least one of the cables from the battery before beginning. Electrical work includes installing new electrical components (ie. a radio), repairing or replacing the starter, etc. Failing to disconnect one or both of the battery cables could cause damage to the wiring in the car, or worse, could start a fire or serious injury to the person who is working on the vehicle.

Get Rid of Bulky, Loose Accessories/Clothing

If you’re wearing anything that could possibly get caught in moving parts or other areas under the hood, be sure to leave it by the wayside for the repair. Bracelets, loose sleeves, neckties, and other types of accessories and clothing can easily become tangled in parts under the hood. This can lead to serious injury or death.

Give Your Vehicle Time to Cool Before Inspecting/Repairing Anything

Lastly, if you can wait to repair your vehicle after it has been running, do so. Parts such as the radiator, catalytic converter, engine, and muffler are likely to be extremely hot if the car has recently been running. Wait for these parts to cool before popping the hood and doing any work. This can save you from serious burns and other related injuries.

Even though these are five very handy safety tips for working on your car, each repair is different. Before attempting a repair, be sure to do a bit of research on the specifics. Find out what you’ll need and which safety precautions you should be taking for the specific repair.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie found the information for this article from Airdraulics who specialize in automobile lifts.