Auto Magazine

4 Major Distractions While Driving and How to Avoid Them

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/02 in On the Road with Comments Off

Even though millions of people do it every day, driving is incredibly dangerous. You’re piloting a multi-thousand-pound metal box powered by explosions. Yet, many people routinely get behind the wheel distracted from the task at hand. Are you guilty of distracted driving?

1. Eating

If you’re eating or drinking, your mind is focused somewhere other than the road. You’re trying to drive with one hand while you move food, hold a drink, chew and swallow, all without putting your full attention on the road. Worse, a spill is an accident almost guaranteed to happen. You’ve heard "don’t drink and drive," now you can add, "don’t eat" to be safe.

2. Rubbernecking

Accidents happen. Interesting people use sidewalks. Houses burn down and trees fall. The world is an interesting place, and it’s our natural inclination to slow down and look. When you’re driving, however, is not the time. Every moment your eyes aren’t focused on the road and the cars around you is a moment you can make a mistake. Worse, everyone else around you is driving the same way. One accident can lead to another all too easily. Keep your eyes on the road and come back later if you need to see what happened.

3. Texting

No two ways about it; texting and driving is a bad idea. You have at least one hand off the wheel, if not both. Your eyes flit between the road and the phone. Your mind is distracted while you focus on composing your text instead of driving. Put the cell phone down and treat your car like it’s an isolated box away from communications. If your message is really that important, pull over to send it. Check out this article by NW Injury Law Center about the penalties of driving while texting.

4. Zoning

Driving when you’re tired is incredibly dangers. It’s particularly bad because you may not realize how tired you are. The effects of stress and exhaustion are subtle. Even if your full attention is on the road, you may not even realize you’ve been staring at the same spot for two miles. Your eyes need to be moving constantly, and your mind with them, for safe driving. Try to sleep before you drive, and if you’re in the middle of a long road trip, pull over for a nap.

Anything you do in your car that takes your hands, eyes or mind off of the task at hand is a potential accident waiting to happen. Even glancing down for a second to change the radio can result in a collision. Put the distractions away and drive safely.

Side By Side: Nissan 370z vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/11/29 in Nissan with Comments Off

Gather round, sports car enthusiasts. Automakers have released their 2013 vehicle lines, and two Japan-based motor companies’ athletic coupes are turning heads on the road. Nissan’s latest release from its legendary Z line, the 370Z, continues the high performance legacy with pure speed and precise handling. Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo blends under-the-hood excellence with day-to-day dependability to create a rare driving experience. These two go head-to-head in style and performance.

Look

Auto enthusiasts may see a resemblance to the classic Porsche 911 in Nissan’s newest 370Z. Slimmed down from its predecessor, the 350z (currently available through used Nissan dealers in AZ), the 370Z’s body exudes speed. This chic frame is mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and features LED daytime running lights along with traditional headlights. The Z’s cozy interior feels more like a cockpit than a driver’s seat. Contoured padding supports the ideal motion, whether you’re driving an automatic or a manual, and bright gauges help will help you keep hold of the reins.

By contrast, the 4-door Lancer Evo has a more square shape, providing space and convenience for its passengers within a stylish frame. It’s easy to spot a Lancer because of their trademark spoiler, which arches high above the car’s trunk. The body sits low to the ground on 18-inch alloy wheels, promoting road-hugging handling and smooth style.

Performance

Speed is the name of the game for these two bullet racers. The 370Z’s 3.7-liter, 7-speed engine generates 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and features the Variable Valve Event and Lift system, which reduces friction and improves performance. The Synchro Match function detects shifts in either direction and matches the speed accordingly, providing smooth accelerations and decelerations. To help drivers to harness this power, the 370Z is mounted on “high response” shock absorbers and anti-lock brakes. Add it all up, and the result is a car that goes zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds with impeccable handling.

Forged from the pits of rally racing circuits around the world, the Lancer Evo is a race car in disguise. Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) affords drivers total control of the 291 horsepower, 2-liter turbo-charged engine. Experience four-wheel handling and a balanced torque split — ideal handling proportions. Lightweight, two-piece brake rotors and an upgraded suspension give you the potential to remain in control at break-neck speeds.

Utility

Nissan seems to have tailored every aspect to create the best driving experience around, but it sacrificed some utility in the process. The 370Z seats two and provides minimal cargo space, so it may not be ideal for families. At an EPA estimated 21 combined miles per gallon, this sporty coup holds its own in terms of gas mileage, so individual passengers can cruise through everyday life in style.

Part of the Lancer Evo’s allure is its versatility. As capable of racing the streets of Monaco as it is picking up groceries, this comfortable sedan will inject speed and style into day-to-day tasks. The Lancer Evo seats five and provides substantial trunk space.

Price

The 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe starts at $33,120. Find a list of available add-ons on Nissan’s website, and the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo starts at $34,695. View additional features at Mitsubishi’s website.

For a closer look, check out the video below!

How to Flush Your Radiator on Your Own and Save Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/10/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Your radiator is an essential part of your vehicle – it keeps the engine from overheating and also protects against freezing temperatures. However, just like every other vehicle system, your radiator needs to be properly maintained. While you won’t have to drain and fill your antifreeze with the same regularity you’ll need to change your engine oil, it does need to be flushed and filled periodically. There’s good news too; you can do this on your own very easily, and save both time and money.

When to Flush

As mentioned, flushing your radiator isn’t something you’ll need to do frequently, but it should be done on a regular basis. Most cars should have their radiator flushed and filled every five years or so. Older models should have more frequent flushes, particularly if there are signs of cooling system deterioration.

Watch What You’re Doing

Flushing and filling your radiator is good not only for keeping your cooling system in good shape, but for making sure it’s healthy as well. While the coolant drains out, keep an eye on it for signs of damage (white flakes, gunk and debris in large amounts can all be signs of impending doom).

What to Do

If you’re prepared to flush and fill your radiator, there are only a few simple steps you need to take. First, make sure you have the essentials:

Replacement coolant
A catch pan for the old coolant
A source of clean water
A funnel
Rubber gloves

Step 1:

Wait until the engine has cooled enough that the antifreeze will not burn you and the system is no longer pressurized. Open the radiator cap. Place the catch pan under the car.

Step 2:

Locate the drain cock under your radiator. Turning this opens the valve at the bottom of the radiator and allows the old coolant to drain out. Do not attempt this until the engine has cooled down. Make sure the catch pan is directly below the drain.

Step 3:

Open the drain cock and allow the coolant to drain out. Allow the car to sit for several minutes (it can take some time for the coolant to drain out).

Step 4:

Close the drain cock and fill the radiator with clean tap water. Fill the radiator until the water comes to the top of the opening in the radiator’s fill neck.

Step 5:

Crank your car (with the radiator cap off). Allow the car to run and warm up. Once the cooling fan cycles on, you know the thermostat has opened and water has flushed through the system. Turn the car off.

Step 6:

Drain the water from the radiator by opening the drain cock and draining the water/antifreeze mix into the catch pan.

Step 7:

This step can be omitted unless you purchased a chemical flush kit. Note that flush kits are really only recommended for high mileage engines with serious scaling in the radiator. If you have a kit, add the fluid and water now and repeat the above steps, following the directions on the can. Drain the mixture when done.

Step 8:

With the drain open (and the car off), add water to the radiator. It should flow through the system and out the drain, carrying with it any remaining antifreeze and debris. When the water turns clear, stop filling it and allow it all to drain out.

Step 9:

Close the drain and refill the radiator with clean antifreeze. When the radiator is full, start the car and allow the cooling fan to cycle on (signifying that the thermostat has opened and the system is cycling). Top off the coolant in the radiator and reservoir with your fresh antifreeze until it reaches the full mark. Check it with a hygrometer to make sure you have enough protection from freezing.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore floor mats consist of customized logo, carpet, molded and all weather mats.

Warm Weather Tire Care Basics, Helping Your Tires Last

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/09/28 in Auto Tires with 1 Comment

Americans spend millions of dollars each year preparing their cars for winter, namely purchasing heavy-duty snow tires. Unfortunately, many of these same well-meaning vehicle owners don’t realize the havoc wreaked on their all-weather or passenger tires during the hotter periods of the year. It’s just as important to keep a watchful eye on your tire’s appearance and performance during the summer months, especially as the temperatures rise and you plan that yearly road trip. Here are a few tips, tricks and suggestions to help ensure your tires remain functional until the leaves change and the snow begins to fall:

Remove those Snow Tires Immediately

In theory, you could leave your snow tires on all-year round, but don’t be surprised when all they’re good for after your summer road trip is a backyard tire swing. Snow tires are constructed from softer materials than your regular or all-season models, meaning they’ll wear out more quickly. This fact will become more evident as you notice the visible signs of wear after traveling along sun-scorched, asphalt highways for three months. Do your pocket book a favor and save your snow tires for the winter.

Take a Cue from the 16th President

A tire’s tread degrades more quickly when exposed to the heat, making for an unsafe situation. Instead of wasting your time and money by having the tread examined by a professional, use a tool found at the bottom of your purse or between the couch cushions: a Lincoln penny. Place a penny, Lincoln’s head down, into several of the tire’s tread grooves. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, you’re tires are street legal. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to have the tire replaced.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Before you begin to perform this ritual, stop and realize that chances are you’re performing this deceptively simple task incorrectly. First off, your tire’s recommended inflation pressure is found inside the owner’s manual, not printed on the tire’s side. Also, it’s best to check the pressure with a gauge first thing in the morning when the tires are cold, which allows you achieve a more accurate reading. Keeping your tires properly inflated not only increases fuel efficiency, it can actually prevent catastrophic tire failure. If you don’t own a proper tire gauge, check out the specials available for these, and all of your others car needs, at www.partsgeek.com.

Don’t Forget the Spare

A properly maintained spare tire can mean the difference between getting you to a nearby town or service center, and remaining stranded on the side of a hot, busy highway for several hours. Before heading out on the yearly summer road trip, pull out the spare and perform a visual inspection. If the tread is acceptable, and there are no visible signs of wear or damage, finish your quick once-over by checking the spare’s tire pressure.

Tire Rotation

Last, and by my no means least, it’s crucial to have your tires rotated at a service center at least every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you’re handy, and have the proper tools, don’t hesitate to rotate the tires yourself, but realize that there’s more to this procedures than simply switching your back tires with the front. Tires are manufactured with either directional or non-directional tread. If your tire’s tread follows a one-directional pattern, you have directional tires. Rotate your directional tires by switching the front driver’s side tire with the back, and the passenger front with the back. If you have non-directional tires, rotate the left rear and right front and the right rear with the left front. This may seem confusing, but you’ll thank yourself when you save a few bucks, and your tires last for several miles longer.

Loading Up for a Summer Road Trip

One universal mistake made by summer road travelers is over packing, which is not only a gigantic waste of time, but all of this unnecessary weight is also detrimental to your tires. To ensure your tires remain viable from point A to point B, pack sparingly and leave room for all the souvenirs you’ll accumulate along your travels.

If you notice certain spots on your tires are wearing faster than others, it’s crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, or at least before you hit the road. These uneven wear patterns are a signal of larger problems, including improper alignment or even worn shock absorbers.

About the Author:
Charles Corbin is an automotive mechanics instructor and retired mechanic. In his free time he works on his classic cars and is currently writing a book on the Chevelle.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Shopping Considerations

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/08/27 in Hybrid/Electric with Comments Off

Hybrid vehicles continue to grow in importance, offering consumers the best of two possible worlds: vehicle electrification and extended range. By making use of electric motors and a gasoline engine, a hybrid electric vehicle ensures that you can take that long trip without having to plug-in someplace and wait hours for a recharge.

The Toyota Prius is synonymous with "hybrid," but there are other models for you to consider. Read on for tips on how to buy a hybrid electric vehicle, representing one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest car segments sold today.

General Definitions

What is a hybrid vehicle? Well, for starters, it is officially called a hybrid electric vehicle, one of several types of vehicles that offer at least some kind of vehicle electrification.

All hybrids make use of two fuel systems. Today, those systems are a gas-powered internal combustion engine and electric motors. The gas engine is paired with a transmission to turn the wheels. The electric motor may make use of a generator and regenerative braking to produce electricity that is sent to and stored in a battery system. Such systems original used nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, but in recent years most manufacturers have switched to lithium-ion (li-ion) or lithium-polymer (li-poly) batteries that are lighter weight and more efficient.

Plug-in or Not

Traditional hybrid vehicles receive electricity onboard, with no need to plug-in to an outlet to draw current. Today, your hybrid vehicle options have expanded as there are models that can be plugged in. Models, including the Chevrolet Volt, the Ford C-MAX Energi and the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, do plug in and offer an advantage of running on electric-only power longer than traditional hybrids. If your trips are mostly local, you’ll put some serious space between gas station visits, lowering your fuel costs and reducing the amount of emissions dumped into the air.

Another advantage of a plug-in vehicle is that there are tax deduction benefits offered, something that traditional hybrids no longer have. Your tax benefit is determined by the federal government and depends largely on the vehicle you select as well as your tax bracket. Buy a Chevrolet Volt and you may be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit; with the PHEV Prius, your tax benefit is up to $2,500. State and local benefits may also be available.

Cost Premium

When buying a hybrid, you’ll pay more for this vehicle then you would for a comparably equipped gasoline model. The difference is typically from $3,000, but you may notice cars that are priced at least $5,000 higher. What you need to do here is compare equipment levels. For instance, the Ford Fusion Hybrid comes in about $8,000 more than the base Fusion model. On closer inspection the difference is about $2,500 as the Fusion Hybrid offers a trim level comparable to the Fusion SEL.

With a cost premium in play, you’ll want to determine how long it will take for you to recoup the extra cost. One way to figure that out is to compare the fuel economy between like models. The example of the Ford Fusion is a good one — the 2012 edition gets 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway for a combined 26 mpg. The Fusion Hybrid gets 41 mpg city, 36 mpg for a combined 39 mpg. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, then your gas cost at $3.50 per gallon would be calculated as follows:

15,000 miles divided by 26 mpg equals 577 gallons. Multiply 577 by $3.50 per gallon and your annual fuel costs are $2,020.

With the Fusion Hybrid you’ll divide 15,000 by 39 and get 385 gallons. Multiply 385 by $3.50 and your annual fuel costs are $1,348. That means you’ll save $672 per year. If your hybrid has a $5,000 price premium than it will take you nearly 7 and one-half years to recoup your cost. Clearly, buy a hybrid if you expect to keep it at least that long and you think that gas prices will only go higher.

What Size

Most hybrid models come in smaller sizes, but there are some vehicles such as the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and the big Lexus LS 600h L sedan that are also sold. Familiarize yourself with the various models offered and consider only those that meet your needs.

Some hybrid models lose as much as 20 percent of trunk storage capacity as the battery pack juts into the trunk. Other hybrids take away rear seating space for the same reason.

Most hybrids are paired with a single-speed transmission, although some have regular automatic or continuously variable transmissions. You will want to test drive the models that interest you, taking it out on the open road and driving it extensively around town. Learn if the power offered is sufficient for your needs — hybrids get horsepower from both energy sources, therefore you won’t lack the get up and go to get moving with such vehicles.

HEV Considerations

Every hybrid vehicle comes with a hybrid warranty, covering the electrical parts including motors, generators and battery packs. By law, the minimum warranty for the battery system alone is 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some states, such as California and New Jersey, mandate a 10-year or 150,000 mile warranty. In any case, familiarize yourself with the maintenance procedures for a hybrid and follow these carefully, to ensure that you enjoy the maximum benefit of owning one.

Resources

FuelEconomy.gov: Federal Tax Credits for Plug-In Hybrids — http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxphevb.shtml

U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center — http://www.afdc.energy.gov/

Chris Joseph is a freelance writer and media consultant currently working with AutoFair.