Monday, August 22, 2011

The Red-light Camera Quiz

 

Red-light cameras may seem technologically cut-and dry, but that's far from reality. They've saved lives, but they've also stirred up more controversy that most other traffic control devices on the roads to date. See how knowledgeable you are about some of the more picayune and esoteric aspects of this growing debate.

Follow the link to get started: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/red-light-camera-quiz.htm

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Hot Weather Tips For Your Car

Check out these hot weather tips for your car.

The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.

Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.

"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."

Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.

Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."

Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.

If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.

"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.

"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html

Friday, August 12, 2011

Hyundai Accent Best-Selling Sub-Compact Car For July

According to Korean auto maker Hyundai, its new Accent vehicle was the best-selling sub-compact car for the month of July. July was the first full month of sales for this vehicle, which combines modern style and good fuel economy for the road. In an August 8 press release, Hyundai presented a very minimal chart showing the Hyundai Accent at the top of the list of small cars, with a figure of 6,938 that, while not labeled, is probably supposed to represent units sold per month. The Nissan Versa comes in next with just over 5000 units, followed by the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

In discussing why the Hyundai Accent beat the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta models, staffers at Hyundai mentioned the fuel savings that this car generates, as well as a guarantee on trade-in value from participating dealerships. Generally, consumers are selecting these kinds of small cars anticipating that gas prices might be all over the chart through this year and the next.

The 2012 Hyundai Accent is part of a full 2012 lineup appearing on American lots this season. Other models include the Hyundai Elantra, the Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. All of these are becoming attractive choices for car buyers who are looking for something new and different, as Hyundai has been edging up to the big Japanese car makers for years. Staffers also cite the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty as well as roadside assistance as other incentives for buying one of their high miles per gallon vehicles. All of this seems to really appeal to American buyers as the Hyundai Accent dominates consumer reports lists and puts its mark on today’s auto industry.

Read more: http://www.autoloandaily.com/hyundai-hawks-accent-2948

Friday, August 5, 2011

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator

 

While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should. Use this locator to find a child safety seat inspection station nearest you. Certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it.

              http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

            You can filter results by State/Zip Code as well as with Spanish-speaking technicians, and/or having local Child Passenger Safety events.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Tips On How To Properly Wash and Wax Your Car

Check out the tips below on how to properly wash and wax your car.

More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.

"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.

Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

  • Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
  • Do fill your bucket with warm water.
  • Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
  • Do spray the car often with water.
  • Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
  • Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
  • Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.

"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Lease A 2012 Hyundai GLS A/T Accent!

Hurry in and lease a 2012 Hyundai GLS A/T Accent! Leases starting at just $169/month for 36 months. $1,699 due at lease signing ($1,530 customer cash down plus $169 for 1st month payment)*. Special APR financing starting as low as 1.9% for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months!* Hurry in, this special ends August 1st!

*No security deposit required. Tax, license, title, fees, options and insurance extra. Monthly payments include $595 acquisition fee. Accent closed-end lease offered through Hyundai Motor Finance (HMF). Subject to HMF credit guidelines. Not all lessees will qualify for lowest payment. Some payments higher, some lower based on residency and other factors. Lessee responsible for excess wear and mileage over 36,000 at $0.20/mile. Purchase option at lease end price negotiated at signing plus applicable tax. Residency restrictions apply. Dealer price may vary. See participating dealer for details.

*Advertised rates are subject to dealer negotiation. Actual contracted APR may vary. Subject to Hyundai Motor Finance credit guidelines. Some customers will not qualify. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Rules of Defensive Driving

If you would like to prevent a car accident, read these tips!

In this collection, "70 Rules of Defensive Driving," by RoadTrip America's contributing expert Robert Schaller,  he shares wisdom gained from nearly fifteen years of teaching defensive driving and traffic law in his home state of Arizona.

1.Pay Attention                                                                                                                                                               
2. Don't Trust NOBODY!         

3. Yield Anyway!
4. Don't Speed!

5. Don't Drive Impaired
6. Wear Your Seat Belt!

7. Buy and Use Safety Devices
8. Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!

9. Don't Run Red!
10. Drive Precisely

11. Chill Out!
12. Look Down the Road!

13. Create Space
14. Drive to Communicate

15. Drive Predictably
16. Always Signal Your Intentions

17. Know Your Blind Spots!
18. Avoid Distractions

19. Avoid Backing Up
20. Beware of Intersections

21. Be A Freeway Pro
22. Know How To Stop

23. Know When To Use Your Headlights
24. Slow Down in Rain or Snow

25. Maintain Your Tires
26. Take Care of Your Vehicle

27. Get Rid of Tailgaters
28. Maintain an Even, Measured Pace

29. Check for Hydroplaning
30. Know How To Recover From A Skid

31. Avoid Head-On Collisions
32. Be A Safe Passer

33. Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision
34. Deal with Light Glare

35. Never Play Chicken With a Train
36. Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles

37. Practice Animal Avoidance!
38. Don't Prevent Others from Passing

39. Drive Your Van Safely
40. Practice Smart Bicycling

 

Read more: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?9-Defensive-Driving-Tips-Drive-Safe-With-Uncle-Bob&s=a236f4732dda39d65691c38e196d7166

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