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 on Hybrid Electric Vehicle Shopping Considerations

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.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/08/15 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on How to Save Money on Car Insurance

Auto insurance rates can vary from insurer to insurer with premiums largely dependent on the vehicle you drive, your driving history and other factors including your age, where you live and how often you drive. You can save hundreds of dollars on car insurance by carefully comparing like coverage among insurers. Read on and we’ll discuss some of today’s hottest insurance saving tips.

1. Your credit. Your credit score is used by auto insurers as one means for assessing risk. If your score is low, you may still be able to get car insurance. However, your rate will reflect your weak credit score. If possible, resolve your credit problems first before applying for new insurance.

2. Your coverage. Always compare like coverage with like coverage to make an adequate comparison between two insurers. If you have a new car, then you’ll need collision coverage as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, property damage, bodily injury, personal injury and medical payments coverages, and comprehensive insurance.

3. Consider extras. If you drive a lot, there are additional types of coverage you may want. These include roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Please note that many new cars come with manufacturer supplied roadside assistance, thus this option is a cost you can forget if so covered.

4. Inquire about top-tier rates. You may have the good fortune of not being in an accident within the past five years and live in a neighborhood where auto thefts are low. Don’t expect to automatically receive a discount that can be upwards of 15 percent from your auto insurer — ask and it shall be given to you.

5. Bundle your policies. The more business you do with one insurance company, the better for you. If you have multiple cars, place each one under the same insurer. Homeowners coverage can be included too, resulting in a bundled discount that will save you money.

6. Encourage good grades. Teen drivers are expensive to insure, but you can get a discount if your children get good grades. For college-aged students, you’ll receive a discount if they commute less than 100 miles or don’t use the car while on campus.

7. Consider group discounts. You may be able to enjoy significant discounts through your employer, school or professional organization. Insurers typically award generous discounts to consumers who are affiliated with a certain group and give affinity discounts that reward both the group and the consumer. You won’t qualify for a discount, however, if you have a bad driving record. If so, consider taking a driving school class to wipe out some of the points on your record.

Insurance Considerations

Auto insurers compete for your business and may offer a novel way for you to enjoy further discounts. Some discounts are predicated on paying your bills online. Others offer discounts if you allow them to track your driving behavior electronically. Whatever discounts are available, see if you qualify and always shop around to find the best coverage at the lowest cost to you.

The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/07/30 in Nissan with Comments Off on The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

Nissan’s Titan pickup truck is coming to the end of its lifecycle. A new truck is due out in 2014, one that is expected to bring in new engine and transmission choices, perhaps even additional body styles. The 2013 edition brings in several changes, but before we discuss what those are, let’s take a look at what this truck has to offer the large truck buyer.

Body Styles

The 2013 Nissan Titan is available in crew- and extended-cab styles, with short- and long-bed lengths available. Choose the King cab and your model comes with either 6.5-foot or 8-foot beds. Choose the crew cab and your truck offers either 5.5-foot or 7-foot beds.

Choose the crew cab if four traditional doors suit you or the extended cab with rear hinged doors. The Titan seats up to five or six when a front bench seat is chosen. Four trim levels are offered including the standard S, the upgraded SV, the luxuriant SL or the performance PRO-4X. Every model is available in rear- or four-wheel-drive.

Engine and Transmission

The current Nissan Titan is outfitted with just one engine and transmission choice. This model is equipped with a 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. You get a tow/haul mode with the transmission. Standard towing capacity is 7,400 pounds with maximum towing of 9,500 pounds in select King Cabs and 9,400 pounds in some Crew Cab editions.

The EPA rates the four-wheel-drive Nissan Titan at 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. This truck takes regular grade gasoline and has a 28.0 gallon fuel tank. Maximum cruising range comes in at 476 miles or enough to take you from Kansas City to Wichita and back on one tank of fuel.

New for 2013

Changes to the Nissan Titan for 2013 are understated, but still of note. This is the final year of a 10-year product life cycle.

Nissan has been making waves across the world as just recently in some countries is has surpassed popular brands. In Australia Nissan recently bumped off the popular brand Holden to capture one of the top three positions as most popular auto. It’s safe to say that whether you are looking for a new car or just passing by a local car wash Melbourne, Nissan cars will be more visible in practically any country.

This truck brings in a new tailgate design and offers an aerodynamic rear spoiler with an integrated rear view camera. That camera is standard with the SL and PRO-4 editions and is available as part of an upgrade package in the Titan SV.

Exterior changes with the PRO-4 include a satin chrome grille, update graphics, wheel embellishments and skid plate color changes. On the inside, the PRO-4 offers a new logo design, refined embroidery and stitching accents.

Seven new colors are added, with nine now offered. New colors include Cayenne Red and Pearl White, and various black, blue and metallic finishes.

Standard with the Titan S is a 120-volt out that is located in the truck bed, quite useful for powering your tools. Nissan makes this feature available with its PRO-4X and SV editions as well.

Wheel changes to the S and mud guards on the SL are among the exterior enhancements. A set of sliding extended sun visors is now standard across the model line. The steering wheel now features a four-spoke design and various navigation and audio options are now available.

Truck Dimensions

Nissan’s Titan King Cab sits on a 139.8-inch wheelbase and is 224.6 inches long, 79.5 inches wide and 76.6 inches tall. This vehicle weighs from 4,847 pounds and has a payload capacity from 1,900 pounds. King Cab passenger volume measures 112.8 cubic feet.

Titan Crew Cab models weigh from 5,047 pounds and offer from 1,773 pounds of payload. Interior passenger volume measures 125.6 cubic feet.

Popular Amenities

Nissan equips the Titan with various comfort and convenience items. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, a tilt steering column, a pair of dash-mounted 12-volt outlets, retained accessory power, a digital clock, eight drink holders, an overhead console, an AM/FM/CD system and six speakers.

Upgrades and package options are many, allowing you to configure your Titan in numerous ways. Such options include Bluetooth connectivity, power accessories, front captain’s chairs, upgraded trim, metallic accents, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, XM satellite radio and an input jack.

Titan Miscellany

Nissan outfits the Titan with 18- or 20-inch wheels. A switch-operated 2-speed transfer case is standard with four-wheel-drive models. Rear-wheel-drive models offer a 2-wheel active brake limited slip differential; a 4-wheel active brake limited slip comes with four-wheel-drive models. This truck offers front and rear vented brakes. An electronic locking rear differential is standard with the PRO-4X edition.

Upgrade packages are available with select trim levels. Such packages bring interior upgrades such as leather trimmed seats and adjustable pedals or exterior changes that include a factory installed spray bed liner, lockable bedside storage and fog lights.

Author Information

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.

Honda Fit Gets Outfitted With an Electric Battery System

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/07/18 in Honda with Comments Off on Honda Fit Gets Outfitted With an Electric Battery System

Honda’s popular subcompact Fit now offers full vehicle electrification. For 2013, an electric vehicle model enters the Fit fleet, joining the standard gas-powered four-door hatchback. The all-new Fit EV uses no gas and has zero tailpipe emissions output, and is rated as the most efficient passenger car by the EPA.

Unlike some EVs, Honda used its proven Fit platform for this model. The differences between the two include the vehicle’s dashboard and overall weight, the latter accounting for a 20 kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack, a synchronous electric motors and related components.

Modern Interior

The dashboard is as striking as it is modernistic, featuring displays that are brightly lit and intuitive. Behind the steering wheel is a colorful three-gauge display, one that includes a three-mode drive system to give you the performance level that you desire. Choose Sport mode for optimum power, Econ mode for maximum efficiency or Normal mode to balance the two.

To the right of the instrument and positioned in the center stack is Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and a rear view camera. This system is standard and employs concentric range circles to help you determine how far you can travel on a single charge. This system is also designed to help you find the nearest 240-volt charging station via a talk button located on the steering wheel.

Honda’s green credentials are further enhanced in the Fit as this model makes use of bio fabric seats. These seats are made from a sugarcane-based material, providing a comfortable and breathable seating surface front and back. The driver and front passenger are treated to heated bucket seats; the second row offers a 60/40 split bench for three people.

Electric Power

The front-wheel-drive Honda Fit EV is powered by a 123-horsepower electric motor with 189 foot-pounds of torque. This vehicle can drive up to 82 miles on a single charge and offers the equivalent of 118 mpg, the highest rating ever for a production car.

Charging time is in as little as three hours when utilizing a 240-volt charger. Simply pull up to the charging station, connect your Fit EV with the supplied cord and you’re ready to replenish your car. For quick, emergency charges the Fit EV comes equipped with an onboard 32-amp charger that gives you 17 percent recharger capacity in just 30 minutes. This is ideal in the event you go outside of your range and run low on electrical power. Fortunately, your car will warn you when it needs to be recharged with that information displayed on the instrument panel.

You can also check your Fit’s electric consumption remotely by way of your smartphone’s app. That app also allows you to activate the climate control system before you get into your car.

Model Dimensions

The Honda Fit EV sits on a 98.4-inch wheelbase and is 162.0 inches long by 62.2 inches wide and by 67.7 inches tall. This model weighs 3,252 pounds and offers 89.3 cubic feet of passenger volume. Standard cargo storage is 12.0 cubic feet, expandable to 49.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Not all electric vehicles allow for the rear seat to be completely folded down as the battery pack obstructs seat utility. Honda provides an electric car with the greatest versatility possible.

Front head room measures 40.4 inches; there is 37.3 inches in the rear. Front leg room comes in at 41.3 inches up front and 35.2 inches in the rear. Front shoulder room is 52.7 inches; rear shoulder room measures 51.1 inches. Hip room for the front seat comes in at 51.5 inches and measures 45.0 inches in the back.

Comfort and Convenience

The Honda Fit EV is loaded with your favorite comfort and convenience features. This model comes equipped with automatic climate control, Honda’s telematics system, a voice-recognition navigation system, a rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity and power accessories. Also, you get cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, 10 beverage holders, storage compartments and pockets, map lights, a 12-volt power outlet, floor mats and a rear window defroster.

Its standard audio system features 6 speakers, 160 watts of power, an MP3 player, a radio data system, volume control, as USB audio interface and an auxiliary input jack.

Lease One

Introduced in summer 2012, the Honda Fit EV is available for lease only. Well-qualified consumers can get a Fit EV for $389 per month, putting $389 down and paying taxes and tags. This cost includes collision coverage, roadside assistance service and your maintenance costs, providing a transparent cost structure as you evaluate this capable electric vehicle.

Author Information
George Zeed lives in Grants Pass, Oregon and works for www.impactbattery.com. An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, he writes about topics related to all kinds of recreational vehicles and accessories including the best battery chargers.

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →