Auto Magazine

Get a Grip: 4 Best Wet Weather Driving Tips

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/08 in On the Road with Comments Off

As weather turns colder and more gloomy one thing that shouldn’t get us down is an expense from a fender bender that could have been avoided. Driving in wet weather is something that everyone is subject to but often times we forget that we will need to drive more cautiously and intelligently; otherwise a motorist will find him or herself involved in an accident with unknown ramifications. Fortunately, with these four safe driving tips, you can arrive to their destination without incident.

Tires

All too often, a driver will neglect his or her tires in a bid to save time and money. At first, some people get away with this and do fine on bald or damaged tires. However, on a wet and unpredictable road, one will have problems navigating their car with old and worn out tires. To combat this and avoid serious problems in the rain, one should head to an online or brick and mortar store to pick up a new set. Of course, when looking to save the most money, one should buy cheap tires online as they will cut out the middleman and save you some money in the process.

Slow Down

A motorist in the rain must slow down and go at, or below, the speed limit. All too often, a driver will not heed this advice, and they will go over the limit and cause an accident when they cannot handle the conditions. One must remember that a car reacts differently on wet pavement, and a driver must understand this and slow down during treacherous conditions. Remember, in poor conditions, a driver must slow down and watch out for other people on the road.

Following Distance

When on the road, other drivers will also react poorly to the rain and wet conditions. To avoid problems, a motorist should know this and avoid tailgating. This is especially true when driving during busy times as one false move by another motorist can cause problems for everyone on the road. Remember, never tailgate and especially during rainy times as other drivers are unpredictable and may stop or slow down for conditions. This step will help a person avoid most problems on the road as tailgating causes plenty of accidents.

Lights

In some states, a driver must have his or her lights on when using their windshield wipers and driving in the rain. Even if this is not the case, a motorist should opt to do this as other drivers will have an easy time seeing a car with lights on. Without a doubt, this is an important step as people will have difficulty in seeing other cars in downpours.

Remember that just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean that you have to be cooped up at home! So don’t hesitate to take that trip to the store or anyhting just because its wet outside. With these four simple tips, a motorist can, with ease, avoid accidents and arrive home safely and on time.

Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/06 in Auto Security with Comments Off

A car is often one of the largest investments that a person makes. With an estimated 700,000 vehicles reported stolen in the United States each year, however, the possibility is always there that your car could be next. Still, most vehicle thefts happen to people who are not as careful as they should be with their cars, so as long as you are taking the proper precautions, you should never have to experience that awful pang of panic when you realize that your car is not where you last parked it.

Buy a Car with an Alarm System

Most vehicles these days come with built-in security systems. Even if yours does not, it is more than likely worth it to have one installed by the dealer or from a private company for an additional charge. Not only can an anti-theft system deter would-be thieves from coming near your vehicle in the first place, but cars with these devices in place typically cost less to insure as well. In this sense, the cost of your car’s security system could essentially pay for itself through insurance savings.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Whether you are at home or in public, you should always be sure to park your car in a well-lit area. For example, if in a supermarket parking lot, make an effort to park directly below a working light pole. Thieves prefer to do their dirty work in the dark because they are less likely to be seen and caught that way, so they will likely not bother even attempting to break into a car parked directly under a bright light source.

Install a Home Security System

Parking your car in a garage can be a great way to keep it safe, but what if your garage gets broken into? This is more common than you might think. In addition to home security reasons, it is never a bad idea to invest in a security/alarm system at your home. This way, if a sensor is tripped on your garage door or at any other point of entry at your home, you can immediately have an alarm sounded and authorities dispatched to your property.

Keep Track of Your Keys

People usually think about thieves stealing cars by breaking windows and hot wiring the car, but there is an easier way. Stealing a car by stealing car keys is much easier. Make sure your keys are kept in a safe place. When out and about keep them in your pocket. When at home don’t be tempted to leave your keys next to your door. This makes it too easy for a thief to take the keys without having to step in the house.

Don’t Valet Park

It’s tempting to use the class and convenience of valet parking, but it may be wise to think twice. Valet parking attendants are usually you and have not had much time behind the wheel. This can lead to accidents, dings, and scrapes. To keep your car in pristine condition it may be best not to hand the keys over to a stranger.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your car from thieves and vandals, so be sure to follow the above tips.

About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/04 in Toyota with Comments Off

The small pickup truck market has steadily shrunk since the 1990s as shoppers choose larger trucks that offer more power, higher payloads, tremendous towing capabilities and fairly competitive fuel mileage. Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge have left the market with only Toyota and Nissan remaining.

The Toyota Tacoma controls two-thirds of the small pickup truck market, fielding regular and extended cab models including the Access Cab, a truck with two standard doors and dual, large rear hinge access doors. Its the middle model in the Tacoma line up, priced from $20,515 and sold in 4×2, 4×4 and PreRunner configurations.

Engines and Transmissions

The standard engine with the 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a 2.7-liter inline four cylinder, a 16-valve motor with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It measures 3.74 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 9:6-to-1 compression ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is available.

Buyers can also choose a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, a 24-valve motor that is also outfitted with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. It measures 3.70 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a five speed automatic transmission is available.

Technical Information

The Access Cab is a 4×2 model or it can be equipped with part-time 4×4. It comes with a coil spring independent double wishbone suspension up front and a leaf spring rigid suspension in the rear. This model has rack-and-pinion power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, leading-drum brakes in the rear, and is outfitted with standard 15-inch steel wheels.

Optional wheels include 15- and 16-inch styled steel wheels, and 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. All season tires are standard; mud & snow rated tires are also available. This truck is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, electronic braking distribution, brake assist, stability control, and traction control.

Vehicle Dimensions

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab sits on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and measures 208.1 inches long, up to 70.3 inches tall and as much as 74.3 inches wide. It comes equipped with a 6-foot bed.

This model has a ground clearance of 7.9 to 9.1 inches. Its payload ranges from 1,255 to 1,500 pounds. Standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Choose the optional V-6 tow prep package and that limit pushes up to 6,500 pounds. The Tacoma is outfitted with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and is rated as high as 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and as low as 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Regular grade gasoline is recommended.

Key Features

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab comes equipped or has available the following exterior features: mud guards, an engine skid plate, variable speed wipers, fog lights, bed tie downs, and a full spare tire.

Inside, Toyota equips this model with air conditioning, fabric-trimmed front seats, fold up rear seats with under seat storage, power windows and power door locks, LED-illuminated gauges, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rear seat heat vents, two 12-volt outlets, two bottle holders up front, and up to five cup holders.

An Entune audio system is standard across the model line. The multimedia package features an AM/FM/CD player. a 6.1-inch touchscreen, iPod connectivity, hands-free phone access, voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology, and an auxiliary jack. An upgraded package with SiriusXM satellite radio is available as are navigation and app suite package upgrades.

Tacoma Considerations

The Toyota Tacoma made its debut in 1995, but Toyota has been building trucks for decades. The previous model was simply known as "Pickup."

Several special equipment packages are available including SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Package and a Limited package. Equipment upgrades include a front tow hook, a 115-volt outlet, chrome grille surround, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an integrated backup camera a and special graphics. Chrome cladding, color-keyed bumpers and heated front seats are among the other available upgrades.

Photo courtesy of Toyota.

Author Information
Harrison Plamer is a professional blogger that provides information on CDL truck driving and owner operator truck driving jobs. He writes for BestDriverJobs.com, the best place to find a truck driving job nationwide.

The Top 5 Fuel Efficient Vehicles For Your Daily Driving Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/01 in Saving Fuel, Uncategorized with Comments Off

Due to the expensive price of gas, many motorists are seeking to purchase an extremely fuel-efficient vehicle. Although hybrid vehicles are an option, some drivers are not willing to pay the extra premium. The good news is that there are a few gas-only models that deliver an outstanding fuel economy. Here are the top five fuel efficient vehicles for your daily driving needs.

Mazda Madza3

If you are looking for an agile vehicle that gets great gas mileage, then look no further than the Mazda3. With a highway fuel economy rating of 40 mpg, the Mazda3 is one of the best daily-drivers on the market. The availability of a sedan or hatchback model further sweetens the deal.

Hyundai Veloster

Are you the type of person that likes to stand out from the crowd? If so, the Hyundai Veloster is right up your alley. Boasting a unique hatchback design and a 40-mpg fuel economy rating on the highway, the Veloster is a true bargain. Some of the standout features include a hidden third door and a motorcycle-inspired interior.

Chevrolet Cruze Eco

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is definitely one of the best bargains in its segment. Not only does it offer a superb fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg, but it also offers a surprisingly spacious interior. There is also an available six-speed manual gearbox, which gets a tad less gas mileage. The best part is that it comes well-equipped for under $20,000.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio has improved by leaps and bounds over its predecessor. Aside from the fact that it gets great mileage, the Kia dealership Newark NJ also offers the Rio with plenty of high-tech amenities. Some of the available features include a rear-view camera, touch-screen interface, and paddle shifters. If you are in the market for an economy car, this option will also bring you some luxury.

Ford Focus SFE

The stylish Ford Focus SFE is definitely engineered to deliver driving satisfaction on a daily basis. With an impressive fuel economy rating of 40-mpg on the highway, the Focus SFE is destined to save a few bucks at the fuel pump. Its 160-horsepower engine also provides plenty of punch when called upon. The push-button start and heated seats are just icing on the cake.

All of these fuel-efficient vehicles prove that gas-only vehicles are still capable of delivering fantastic fuel efficiency. The fact that these cars are also affordable makes them an even more rewarding choice.

Five Ways To Save Money While Buying a New Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/30 in Auto Financing with Comments Off

New cars often come onto the market with high sticker prices. This discourages some people from purchasing a new vehicle. A number of people in the market for a new car do not understand that dealerships have a large amount of control over the final price. There are five ways to save money when buying a new car.

1. Negotiate Everything

Anyone buying a new car should be prepared to negotiate when speaking to a dealer. Auto dealers want to make a sale in the moment. This often means dealerships are willing to reduce vehicle prices or make other accommodations. It is important to negotiate every expense including the fees and details in the contract since some are not strictly necessary or can be waived.

2. Visit Different Dealerships

It is best to visit different dealerships before starting negotiations. Buyers can often get dealers to lower prices or improve contract terms when mentioning there is a better offer at another location. Dealerships do not want to lose business to competitors. Some dealerships might even match advertised discounts or special offers from competitors.

3. Look For Outside Financing

A good way to save money is to get financing for the vehicle outside of the dealership. The financing dealerships offer often has poor or unfavorable terms. Anyone who already owns a vehicle can get fast financing through a company like eTitleLoan. Sites like eTitleLoan.com offer loans secured by an existing car title. The loans require no credit checks. Some auto title loans could be large enough to allow a family to pay for the new car in cash without any of the hassles of dealer financing.

4. Buy When Inventories Change

Dealerships offer more discounts and are more willing to negotiate when attempting to clear old inventory. Dealerships try to sell old inventory fast at the end of each month and after September when new models start coming in. Shopping and negotiating for a new car during these periods will result in noticeable savings.

5. Scrutinize Extended Warranties

Extended warranties are not always necessary or cost-effective. It is important to look at the terms of the warranty, what is needed to maintain the warranty and the overall cost. Some extended warranties actually cost more than standard maintenance and repairs for new vehicles. Additionally, complex terms can invalidate extended warranty coverage if repairs are needed.

Shoppers who are negotiating with a dealer need to be aggressive. This means being prepared to walk away especially when a better offer is available elsewhere. Some dealerships will lower prices or improve an offer just to rescue the sale.