Auto Magazine

Looking To Upgrade? 5 Best Selling Cars For 2013

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/28 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

There is just something about the intoxicating aroma of a brand new car. If you are seeking to upgrade your current vehicle, there are plenty of worthy candidates to choose from in 2013. Whether you are looking for a Jeep Wrangler or a Cadillac ATS, Kansas City experts recommend doing your research first and knowing the facts.

Toyota Camry

The Camry has consistently remained one of the most popular vehicles on the planet. Over the years, the Toyota Camry has garnered a reputation for being super reliable and practical. Not only does the 2013 Camry deliver excellent gas mileage, but it can also be equipped with all of the latest amenities. While the base model effectively gets the job done, the available Camry SE V6 is a legitimate sports sedan.

Ford F-Series

No other pickup truck demands more respect than the Ford F-Series. Yet again, the Ford F-Series takes the title of being the best-selling vehicle in America. From the Ford F-150 to the race-inspired SVT Raptor, every truck in the F-Series lineup delivers power and toughness. The addition of high-tech components such as the Reverse Sensing System and the Roll Stability Control make it an even more intriguing choice.

Honda Civic

It seems that everyone loves the Honda Civic. The newly-revised Civic continues to impress car enthusiasts from around the world. Its surprisingly spacious interior and agile handling makes the Civic stand out from the crowd. The high-performance Civic SI seeks to take the crown as the best sport compact vehicle on the market.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has proven that it can withstand the test of time. The 2013 model year offers a couple of new trims. While the Accord Hybrid delivers top-notch gas mileage, the Accord Sport gives drivers a dose of driving excitement with its sports-tuned exhaust and available manual gearbox.

Chevrolet Silverado

Over the years, the Chevy Silverado has maintained a brutal battle against the Ford F-Series. The newest Silverado models offer a great towing capacity and a stout four-wheel-drive system. There are also plenty of available amenities to make the ride even more enjoyable.

Depending on your needs, all of these vehicles will be a great upgrade from your old vehicle. You will probably be gleaming with excitement when you finally take home your new ride.

Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/25 in Nissan with Comments Off

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck, a model introduced to the market in 2004. Major changes are coming to the Titan line with a new model slated for 2015, a truck that will include a diesel option. Shopping for a Titan now can save you thousands of dollars on some trim levels, providing a vehicle that can satisfy your passenger and equipment carrying needs.

Model Overview

Nissan sells the Titan in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and offers two extended cab models: King Cab and Crew Cab. Three bed choices are available; you can choose from four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X and SL. Standard seating is for six people with S and SV editions equipped with a bench seat and provides seating for five elsewhere.

The Nissan Titan competes in the large pickup truck segment dominated by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra. The Toyota Tundra also competes in this class. Nissan also offers a smaller truck model, the Frontier.

Engine and Transmission

For 2014, all Nissan Titans are powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine, making 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. This 32-valve aluminum engine is naturally aspirated and longitudinally mounted, and has a 9.8 to 1 compression ratio. It measures 3.86 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke.

Titan’s engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The drive system is two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The final drive ratio measures 2.937 or 3.357 with the PRO-4X.

The Nissan Titan takes regular grade gasoline or it can run on E85 fuel. Gas mileage is 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway for the 4×2 edition and 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the 4×4 edition.

Nissan Titan Dimensions

The 2014 Nissan Titan has a standard 139.8-inch wheelbase, expanded to 159.5 inches with the crew cab body style. This truck’s length measures 224.6 inches to as long as 244.2 inches with the crew cab. Overall height ranges from 74.6 to 76.9 inches; this truck measures 79.5 inches wide.

Ground clearance for the Nissan Titan measures 10.2 to 10.7 inches. Bed lengths are 67.3, 79.1 and 87 inches, depending on the model selected. Its curb weight ranges from 4,847 to 5,556 pounds. Total interior volume ranges from 112.8 for the king cab to 125.6 inches for the crew cab. Payload ranges from 1,644 to 2,153 pounds. Towing capacity ranges from 7,300 to 9,500 pounds.

Exterior Highlights

The 2014 Nissan Titan is outfitted with standard 18-inch steel wheels with black sidewall Continental tires in the S edition. Upgrades to alloy wheels, 20-inch wheels and Goodyear or BF Goodrich tires is available. Nissan tucks a full-size spare tire underneath the rear bed area.

Halogen headlights are standard across the model line and include an automatic on/off feature with the Pro-4X and SL editions. Fog lights are optional with the SV edition and are standard with the two top trim levels.

Interior Highlights

A base cloth package is standard with the Titan S with premium and two-tone cloth available with other trim levels. Choose the SL and your truck receives leather-appointed seating. Heated front seats are standard with the SL and are optional with the Pro-4X. A power driver’s seat with an 8-way function is standard with the SL. A 4-way power function is available for the front passenger.

The Nissan Titan is equipped with a six-speaker audio system in the king cab and an eight-speaker audio system in the crew cab. Also available is a Rockford Fosgate audio system. A navigation system is available as is a DVD entertainment system.

Convenience features available with the Nissan Titan include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, power folded side mirrors, reading lights, power adjustable foot pedals, 12-volt outlets and a 120-volt outlet. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Author Information
Joseph Grey is a professional blogger that shares news and information on CDL trucking jobs and companies. He writes for TruckersClassifieds.com, where you can find trucking jobs nationwide online.

Image photo: http://www.nissanusa.com/trucks/titan

Car Maintenance 101: 5 Things To Get Fine Tuned Right Now

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/23 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

While all cars can run into some problems of their own that are defects, most car problems can be solved by keeping up with routine maintenance. From oil changes to tire alignments, taking some basic precautions can save you a lot of time and money in the long run as well as ensure that your car will run well for years to come. Here are the five things that you should get fined tuned on your car right now.

Engine

If your check engine light is on, that means you need to take your car to be repaired. This light could be a signal for a multitude of problems ranging from a broken or loose gas cap to a major engine malfunction. Take your car to a certified repair shop that can examine your car’s computer system and find the precise source of the error.

Oil

With insufficient, old, or even too much oil, your car will not operate properly. Check your car’s manual to determine if your car is due for an oil change. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 – 6,000 miles. Depending on your driving conditions, your oil may need to be changed even sooner. If you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic or have not changed your oil in over a year, your car is due for an oil change.

Tires

It can seriously cost you in the long run to ignore your tires, especially if your tire bursts while you are driving and you wreck your car. Keeping your car’s tire pressure at the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) will increase your fuel mileage around 3.3 percent. Tire alignment should be done every 5,000 miles, and with the multitude of qualified specialists in tire alignments, Austin experts say it is an easy task to find a great mechanic.

Brakes

Replace your brake pads according to the schedule in the manual. It can wear our your car’s breaking system if you neglect to do so. The break pads usually last over 10,000 miles, so this replacement is something that most drivers should have done about once a year.

Spark Plugs

Old spark plugs can lead to expensive engine, coil, and catalytic converter problems. The plugs are relatively cheap and easy to replace compared to the magnitude of the problems that defective or old spark plugs can cause.

Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.

Take Care Of Your Car – Five Maintenance Tips From The Pros

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/22 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

By following these tips, you can ensure that your car remains in excellent condition regardless of the number of miles that the vehicle has, and you can prolong the life of certain parts while reducing the number of repairs that the car needs long-term.

Changing Your Oil

You should change your vehicle’s oil at least once every 5,000 miles. When changing the oil, you should ensure that your vehicle is on flat ground, and you should make sure that the oil is cool. Next, remove the plug by using a socket and a ratchet. Allow at least eight minutes for all of the oil to drain out before replacing the plug. Replace the oil filter, and finally, add new oil. Most owner’s manuals specify the type of oil that you should use for your vehicle, and the higher the oil’s numbered rating, the thicker the oil will be.

The Battery

Corrosion on your battery’s terminals can cause the battery to die much more quickly than it would have otherwise. Use a wire brush to clean corrosion from the terminals, and if necessary, replace the terminals.

Changing Brake Pads

Calipers and rotors rarely need to be replaced, but you should replace your vehicle’s brake pads at least once every 20,000 miles. After suppressing the brake caliper’s pistons, put the new brake pads in place and step on the brakes several times. After you’ve replaced the pads, you should check your vehicle’s level of brake fluid because brake fluid can leak out while you’re replacing the pads.

An Extended Auto Warranty

A company that provides an extended auto warranty will pay for any major repairs that your vehicle needs, such as replacing the transmission, the engine or the exhaust system. Most providers of extended warranties will pay the auto repair shop directly instead of reimbursing you.
Furthermore, some extended auto warranties will cover routine maintenance.

Rotating Your Tires

Rotate your tires at least once every 5,000 miles to ensure that they are wearing evenly. If the treads of your tires are beginning to wear out, purchase new tires from a trusted supplier, such as http://simpletire.com. This company allows you to choose tires that offer countless types of treads, speed ratings and levels of thickness.

Some of the steps that you can take to keep your car in outstanding condition include changing your vehicle’s oil, replacing the brake pads, cleaning or replacing the battery’s terminals, obtaining an extended auto warranty and rotating your tires.

Teen Driver: Five Tips for Parents to Help Their Kids Start off Right

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/21 in On the Road with Comments Off

Teaching your child to drive a car can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Not only does it mean that the two of you will get a chance to spend some quality time together, but it is also a sign that your kid is on the path toward adulthood. In order to successfully instruct your teenager on driving, you must first lead by example. Here are five tips that will help parents to teach their child how to drive.

Patience is a virtue

Nobody ever said that teaching your child how to drive would be easy. When it comes time to put your child behind the wheel of a car, patience is of the utmost importance. There is a high probability that your youngster will make a few mistakes, so it is essential that you do not become overly frustrated.

Allow your child to watch you drive

Before your child attempts to sit in the driver’s seat, it is a wise idea for your kid to first observe your driving habits. This means that you will need to drive as close to textbook as possible. Driving too fast or making illegal turns will definitely make a bad impression on new drivers.

Take baby steps

Like most things in life, it is best to gradually increase the skill level of driving. The recommended approach is to allow your child to drive in a low-traffic residential area before attempting to tackle a busy highway. The truth of the matter is that even veteran drivers can sometimes find the crowded freeways to be stressful.

Warn your child about illegal acts

Before your child hits the road, take the time to warn him about the dangers of doing illegal activities while driving. This includes texting while driving and drinking alcohol. If your child is charged with a DUI, then you will surely need to find a good dui attorney. Do not forget to also remind them to stay within the speed limit and buckle their seat-belt.

Practice makes perfect

Do not hesitate to drive with your child at every available opportunity. Your child will become more and more confident with each journey. After a while, the correct driving techniques will eventually become ingrained into his or her mind.

Remember, teaching your teenager how to drive can be a fulfilling experience. The key is to have patience and perseverance.