Saturday, March 31, 2012
Keep leather from drying out and cracking
Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Fix bad weatherstripping immediately
If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Resecure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogues.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Lighten up your key chain
Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Who Needs a Steering Wheel? Not the Honda EV-STER Concept!
In response to critics who decry Honda's boring vehicles, the goal here was to design something that maximizes fun and minimizes environmental impact. The version on display was missing a roof -- minor detail -- but that hardly detracted from the car's sleek, forward styling and ability to draw attention.
This two-seat roadster, smaller than even the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Honda S2000, uses a little electric motor with 10 kWh lithium-ion batteries to send 78 horsepower to the rear wheels. To minimize weight, the body is made of carbon composites. The car's range is nearly 100 miles on a single charge, and acceleration from zero to 37 mph takes 5.0 seconds. Speed maxes out at 99 mph. Charging time depends on the type of charger used and ranges from three to six hours.
With this car, Honda has managed to build a completely customizable driving experience: the driver can adjust settings such as motor output and suspension to match his/her driving style.
The interior presents a truly futuristic design: instead of a steering wheel, it uses "Twin Lever Steering" to reduce pressure on the driver from fighting cornering forces when making turns. How does this work? According to one Honda executive, when turning the car left, the driver must turn the wheel to the left while resisting cornering forces that push his/her body to the right. Honda's system of levers encourages the driver to move with the cornering forces; the driver simply pushes the right lever while pulling the left. This reduces strain on the body.
But the innovative interior design doesn't stop with the new steering mechanism. The dashboard is covered with solar panels to help power accessories and climate control, and the gauges and gadgets on the dash are centered on the driver. On either side of the center readout, side displays invoke the feel of a motorcycle's wing mirrors.
Whether the EV-STER will ever make it to production is anybody's guess. If it does hit the big time, it would probably wear a fabric roof. Given that the automotive press has been singing its praises regardless of the electric propulsion, the all-electric powertrain might be switched out for a traditional gasoline engine. The steering levers would likely be ditched -- too weird -- for the reassuring comfort of the ol' steering wheel.
The interior presents a truly futuristic design: instead of a steering wheel, it uses "Twin Lever Steering" to reduce pressure on the driver from fighting cornering forces when making turns. How does this work? According to one Honda executive, when turning the car left, the driver must turn the wheel to the left while resisting cornering forces that push his/her body to the right. Honda's system of levers encourages the driver to move with the cornering forces; the driver simply pushes the right lever while pulling the left. This reduces strain on the body.
But the innovative interior design doesn't stop with the new steering mechanism. The dashboard is covered with solar panels to help power accessories and climate control, and the gauges and gadgets on the dash are centered on the driver. On either side of the center readout, side displays invoke the feel of a motorcycle's wing mirrors.
Whether the EV-STER will ever make it to production is anybody's guess. If it does hit the big time, it would probably wear a fabric roof. Given that the automotive press has been singing its praises regardless of the electric propulsion, the all-electric powertrain might be switched out for a traditional gasoline engine. The steering levers would likely be ditched -- too weird -- for the reassuring comfort of the ol' steering wheel.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Staying Safe On The Roads
Staying safe on the roads is one of the primary goals of all drivers. Study driving experts like school bus drivers and get some great tips about driving safety.
(NAPSI)—When it comes to staying safe on the roads, motorists may want to take a few cues from the experts: school bus drivers.
“Our drivers are trained to handle adverse conditions and know that preparation can make all the difference,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student, Inc., a company that transports 6 million students daily.
(NAPSI)—When it comes to staying safe on the roads, motorists may want to take a few cues from the experts: school bus drivers.
“Our drivers are trained to handle adverse conditions and know that preparation can make all the difference,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student, Inc., a company that transports 6 million students daily.
Here are a few of their tips for winter weather driving:
It Starts Under the Hood
Starting buses on a frigid morning takes planning and preparation. Checking fuel, battery, tires, fluid levels and wipers should be part of regular safety and maintenance checks. Have your battery checked, so you don’t hear silence when putting the key in the ignition. Also, make sure wiper blades and defrosters are in good working condition. Check tire tread for wear and ensure tires are properly inflated for weather conditions.
Check Fluid Levels
Keep your gas tank above half full; the extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system and adds helpful weight to your vehicle. Check window washer fluid levels and consider keeping an extra jug as backup if the roads are sloppy.
Slow Down
“To help prevent a collision on a snow-covered road, slow down and increase your following distance. If the road you usually travel is on a grade, avoid it and use an alternative route if possible,” said Catapano. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent. Bridges and overpasses are more likely to ice over. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble.
Prepare to Stop
If you have to drive in the snow, test the road first. Check your brakes in a safe area to see how far it takes to stop. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, as appropriate for road conditions, to allow for sufficient time to stop when roads are snow covered or icy. When following a school bus, keep in mind they may make several stops and starts along their route, loading and unloading students. Laws in all states require motorists to stop when the school bus stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
During the colder months, be sure to use extra precaution when on the roads.
It Starts Under the Hood
Starting buses on a frigid morning takes planning and preparation. Checking fuel, battery, tires, fluid levels and wipers should be part of regular safety and maintenance checks. Have your battery checked, so you don’t hear silence when putting the key in the ignition. Also, make sure wiper blades and defrosters are in good working condition. Check tire tread for wear and ensure tires are properly inflated for weather conditions.
Check Fluid Levels
Keep your gas tank above half full; the extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system and adds helpful weight to your vehicle. Check window washer fluid levels and consider keeping an extra jug as backup if the roads are sloppy.
Slow Down
“To help prevent a collision on a snow-covered road, slow down and increase your following distance. If the road you usually travel is on a grade, avoid it and use an alternative route if possible,” said Catapano. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent. Bridges and overpasses are more likely to ice over. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble.
Prepare to Stop
If you have to drive in the snow, test the road first. Check your brakes in a safe area to see how far it takes to stop. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, as appropriate for road conditions, to allow for sufficient time to stop when roads are snow covered or icy. When following a school bus, keep in mind they may make several stops and starts along their route, loading and unloading students. Laws in all states require motorists to stop when the school bus stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
During the colder months, be sure to use extra precaution when on the roads.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Who Is Behind The Wheel-You Or Your Cell Phone?
Who is behind the wheel—you or your cell phone? Technology is a great thing when used as it's meant to be used. Cell phones are a great invention, but they were never meant to be used while driving a car. The statistics show that when a cell phone is used by someone who is driving, the odds are 4 times higher there will be an accident. I don't want to be in an accident caused by a cell phone and I don't want my teen driver in an accident because of a phone. Driving a car is serious business and it demands all of our attention. Keep your cellular devices tucked away in your purse or pocket when you are in control of a vehicle.
(NC)—As Canadians rely more and more on cell phones to stay connected, government agencies are addressing the use of cellular devices on the road. With bans already in place in most provinces, the rest of Canada will not be far behind.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that talking on a cell phone while driving increased the risk of motor vehicle crashes by four times. While the study easily underlines the importance of driving safely, the bans could also help drivers save money.
(NC)—As Canadians rely more and more on cell phones to stay connected, government agencies are addressing the use of cellular devices on the road. With bans already in place in most provinces, the rest of Canada will not be far behind.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that talking on a cell phone while driving increased the risk of motor vehicle crashes by four times. While the study easily underlines the importance of driving safely, the bans could also help drivers save money.
The cost of the insurance premium with an at-fault crash on your record could be thousands per year, depending on your previous driving record and the accident details. Add to this that fines for using your phone while driving are well over $100, and the case for not chatting while driving is clear.
“The ban on the cell phones not only results in safer drivers, but it helps to make insurance more affordable,” says Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Drivers can transition into the new laws by taking some simple precautions.”
Convertini recommends:
• Switch Off:
Turn off your phone before you get in the car, reducing temptation to answer a ring or message. Remember, callers will leave a message or call back if it is important.
• Extra Set Of Hands:
Enlist the help of a passenger to take or make a call for you. Or, if you are expecting an important call, let someone else drive.
• Pull Over:
If you have to make or receive a call, look for a safe opportunity to pull over and park. A highway shoulder is not a safe place.
More information on safe driving and tips to lower your insurance rates are available from your insurance broker or online at www.avivacanada.com.
“The ban on the cell phones not only results in safer drivers, but it helps to make insurance more affordable,” says Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Drivers can transition into the new laws by taking some simple precautions.”
Convertini recommends:
• Switch Off:
Turn off your phone before you get in the car, reducing temptation to answer a ring or message. Remember, callers will leave a message or call back if it is important.
• Extra Set Of Hands:
Enlist the help of a passenger to take or make a call for you. Or, if you are expecting an important call, let someone else drive.
• Pull Over:
If you have to make or receive a call, look for a safe opportunity to pull over and park. A highway shoulder is not a safe place.
More information on safe driving and tips to lower your insurance rates are available from your insurance broker or online at www.avivacanada.com.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sending A Message About Texting While Driving
Sending a message about texting while driving is dangerous and it's important to that your teenage drivers know that.
(NAPSI)—Young adults live in a constantly connected world where multitasking is ingrained in their DNA. Realizing that this behavior becomes dangerous when young adults text behind the wheel, the State Attorneys General, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are launching a new texting and driving prevention public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at 16−24-year-old drivers. The message is simple: When you text and drive, you’re not multitasking—you’re driving blind.
Consider The Following:
(NAPSI)—Young adults live in a constantly connected world where multitasking is ingrained in their DNA. Realizing that this behavior becomes dangerous when young adults text behind the wheel, the State Attorneys General, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are launching a new texting and driving prevention public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at 16−24-year-old drivers. The message is simple: When you text and drive, you’re not multitasking—you’re driving blind.
Consider The Following:
• 82 percent of young adult drivers ages 16 to 24 have read a standard text message while driving, according to a national survey conducted by the Ad Council (2011).
• An online survey of 1,999 teens ages 16 to 19 found that 86 percent had driven while distracted even though 84 percent know it’s dangerous (2010).
• 23 is the average number of texts per month that teens who text and drive admit to sending (2010).
Distracted Driving
NHTSA reports that distracted driving is the No. 1 killer of American teens (2007). 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving (2009). The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) reports that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a crash than a nontexting driver (2009).
“Distracted driving is dangerous and, tragically, teen drivers are the most at risk of being involved in a fatal distracted driving crash,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
A New Campaign
To address this issue, the State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection agencies, NHTSA and the Ad Council unveiled new PSAs created pro bono by New York advertising agency The Concept Farm. They are designed to communicate the dangers of texting and driving to teens and young adults. By taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they are making the roads less safe for themselves, their passengers and other drivers.
All the PSAs direct audiences to StopTextsStopWrecks.org, a new campaign website where teens and young adults can find facts about the dangers of texting while driving and tips on how to curb the behavior. The website also has an area where individuals can post and share on Facebook the actions they are taking to stop texting and driving.
• An online survey of 1,999 teens ages 16 to 19 found that 86 percent had driven while distracted even though 84 percent know it’s dangerous (2010).
• 23 is the average number of texts per month that teens who text and drive admit to sending (2010).
Distracted Driving
NHTSA reports that distracted driving is the No. 1 killer of American teens (2007). 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving (2009). The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) reports that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a crash than a nontexting driver (2009).
“Distracted driving is dangerous and, tragically, teen drivers are the most at risk of being involved in a fatal distracted driving crash,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
A New Campaign
To address this issue, the State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection agencies, NHTSA and the Ad Council unveiled new PSAs created pro bono by New York advertising agency The Concept Farm. They are designed to communicate the dangers of texting and driving to teens and young adults. By taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they are making the roads less safe for themselves, their passengers and other drivers.
All the PSAs direct audiences to StopTextsStopWrecks.org, a new campaign website where teens and young adults can find facts about the dangers of texting while driving and tips on how to curb the behavior. The website also has an area where individuals can post and share on Facebook the actions they are taking to stop texting and driving.
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