Auto Magazine

How The i3 and i8 Will Change the Game in Electric Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/02 in Hybrid/Electric with Comments Off

The Los Angeles Auto Show saw BMW unveil their latest i-series, the i3 Concept Coupe and the i8 Spyder Concept. Their i-series, like their 5, 6, 7 and X-drive series, is built around an overall concept of driving. Unlike any of their predecessors, the i-series is focused on electric motors. In a Forbes Magazine interview, Adrian Van Hooydonk, head of design at BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, was quoted as saying: “Our goal is to show that a premium brand can also be electric. We want to show that this new type of mobility can be fun.” BMW doesn’t just want to produce cars that are better for the environment; they want to enact a paradigm shift in electric cars.

The seeds of this change of attitudes toward electric cars have already been sown and can be seen in the used BMW market. As with many brands, used BMWs that are hybrids are resold for higher prices than traditional used cars. The used car market has put a premium on used BMW hybrids because it recognizes the value of hybrid cars as well as the importance of reducing one’s carbon footprint. The i-series is expected to have a similar higher used value in the future. So what makes them so special?

i3 Concept Coupe

A true electric car, the i3 offers drivers three different operation modes: Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro +. These options determine the performance and range of the i3. In Comfort mode the range is expected to be around 100 miles with a 20 percent increase using Eco Pro, and a further increase with Eco Pro +. Among the many things that set the i3 apart are the materials that it uses. The cabin uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic that is lighter than steel yet stronger. This allows for an elimination of the B beam (the vertical truss in the middle) and a car much sturdier than most people expect from a plug-in electric. The drive train is made of aluminum while the inside is composed of leather, wool, wood and other renewable materials.

And it wouldn’t be a car of the future if it didn’t have cutting-edge technology. The i3 boasts two high-tech screens, one in front of the steering wheel and another in the middle of the dash. While the screens are nice, the real advancement is in the BMW I ConnectedDrive, which displays infotainment, navigation (showing you the range of the three drive modes as well), pull contacts, messages and schedules from a wirelessly connected smartphone that in turn makes suggestions as to where and when to recharge the i3.

i8 Spyder Concept

If you’re not ready for an all-electric car because you like the performance and power of a traditional car, the i8 is for you. With an estimated 78-mpg and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, i8 delivers speed, drivability and lower carbon emissions. It has an electric plug-in motor in the front and a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine in the back producing a total output of 349 HP. It uses similar materials as the i3, making it lighter and stronger than traditional cars. Also, keeping with Hooydonk’s vision, it has futuristic styling that’s as fun to look at as it is to drive.

Fixer Upper: 5 Must-Knows for Fixing Your Car on Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/02 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Fixing your car on your own can come with its rewards. You will save money by fixing your own car, and you will more than likely get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take a mechanic to do it. Before you pop the hood, make sure you adhere to each of these five must-knows for fixing your own car. They could save you time, money, and your safety.

Go with Quality Parts

Don’t try to cut corners financially by simply going with the least expensive part available for the repair. Sure, you’ll save money in the moment, but who’s to say that part won’t bite the dust a month down the line? At that point, you will be out whatever you paid for the part, and your car will also be broken down again. Pay a little extra and go with either the genuine manufacturer part or an equivalent.

Don’t Smoke While Repairing Your Vehicle

It might look cool in the movies when the main character works on their car with a cigarette hanging out of their mouth, but in reality, this is extremely dangerous. Always extinguish your cigarette before going anywhere near your vehicle to perform repair work.

Keep Extra Screws and Bolts on Hand

When it comes to repairing a car, you can truly never have too many lag bolts or lag screws on hand for emergency cases. Instead of buying expensive hardware from home depot stores, buy the screws and bolts from specialty companies such as WholesaleBolts.com. It never hurts to keep this type of hardware on hand and in bulk, so be sure that you’re stocked up at all times.

Never Crawl Under a Poorly Elevated Vehicle

Simply enough, if your car is only being supported by one jack, do not attempt to crawl underneath it to repair parts under the body. Instead, make sure you use a jack paired with support stands to strengthen the hold.

Take Caution with Electrical Work

Lastly, be extra cautious when performing electrical work. Before starting, disconnect one of the cables from the battery terminal. This will prevent an electric current from shorting out an electrical component in your car, or worse, starting a fire.

Overall, work smart when you’re repairing your vehicle. If you aren’t familiar with a repair and don’t have the slightest clue as to what you’re doing, stop and let a certified mechanic take a look at it.

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.