“Driving vacations and common sense safety tips go hand in hand.” That’s the reason why if you want your whole family to be safe without killing the fun in the road trip, you must heed these simple road safety tips:

Do you need that?

Instead of picking up things randomly, making a short list of the most important things you need while on the journey is always a better option.

Check your tire and your tire pressure

Time and again, many family road trips have turned into a not-so-memorable experience because of busted tires. So to make sure such thing won’t bother you, check your tires if they have the right amount of pressure.

Check your car’s fluids and wiper blades

Regular oil change and maintenance of your car’s wiper blades can make the difference in the long run. Doing these things can help you avoid potential hassles while on your way to a vacation.

Prepare for roadside emergencies

Because anything could happen while the whole family is on the road, you must properly equip yourself to ensure that you won’t be left helpless. Make a kit that includes a flashlight, flares and first-aid basics. This could help you in certain situations like sudden repairs and small accidents.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Every vehicle owner wants to have a ride that’s made for long-lasting performance. And this is something that’s not that hard to achieve given that you stay on top of scheduled maintenance – most importantly, oil changes.

In conducting oil change, the rule of thumb for most vehicle owners is every 4,827 kilometers. But because many have debated over this, the safest thing to do is to consult your owner’s manual. Additionally, if you’re looking for the right shop that can do the job, go for a reputable one that will use the proper oil that’s compatible for your ride. Some service provider would opt for the cheapest one that can affect the performance of your vehicle. A good shop will let you know the oil that it’s going to use, so you’ll know if it’s the correct one for your vehicle.

Now for your filters, if you’re not sure which one is to use and when to replace them, you can check your owner’s manual to know the appropriate time intervals in replacing filters. The proper filter to get as replacement should have 95 percent filtering efficiency to ensure total engine protection.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Sharing a platform with the Audi Q7, an ICE with the Audi S4, the crossover Cayenne S Hybrid is the product of ingenuity, and Porsche’s first venture into the hybrid scene.

The Cayenne S Hybrid is a parallel full hybrid, it has a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 to a 47-hp electric motor/starter/generator powered by a 240-cell NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery pack, weighing a meager 152 pounds and producing a peak 288 volts. The powertrain provides 380 bhp and 427 lb-feet of torque. “The battery pack fits in the former spare-tire well. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, with two overdrive gears, is a subtle snub to new-fangled CVTs.”

“Porsche adds eco-friendliness to the Cayenne’s elegant performance.” With an EPA estimated 24 mpg (combined), it allows coasting up to 97 mph using only electric power. The Cayenne can travel on all-electric power up to 31-40 mph. And like most hybrids, the Cayenne employs regenerative braking and a stop/start ICE function. “Two power modes, E-power (all-electric) and E-boost (complementary electric boost) complete the package.”

And following Porsche’s tradition it’s lavishly strewn with interior components including HD infotainment interface, Bluetooth/USB capability, adaptive cruise control, navigation system, 16-speaker, surround-sound audio system with rear DVD display, and rear-view park assist. Lastly, “The Cayenne S Hybrid features a cornucopia of front and rear airbags, 4-wheel ABS, braking assist, sturdy A-pillars, traction control, stability control and a TPMS, all to protect its 4,398-pound body.”

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Cadillac’s second generation CTS is winning accolades here and there, making it a compelling alternative to its Japanese and German rivals. And if you think we’re running out of things to say about this sedan, you couldn’t have been more mistaken. Here are some fast facts, good and bad, about the 2010 Cadillac CTS:

The pricing of this vehicle starts at $35,165 or $41,565 with the 3.6L engine. But if you want the keys to a luxury model, you’ll need just about $37,865. Performance variants start at $39,765, while the Premium car goes for $46,865. This doesn’t include all the perks and incentives that you could get on the dealer where you’re buying this car.

The CTS sedan is still offered with either a base 270-hp 3.0L V6, or a 304-hp 3.6L unit. Though the latter is hands down the best pick because of how it delivers the power, the former can also be a fairly good choice as it performs quietly and efficiently. Fuel economy is rated at 18/27 mpg regardless of the engine and the drive train it carries. Sport models get a stiffer suspension and 18-inc wheels, while Premium models get 19.

And after you’ve spend an ample amount of time behind its steering wheel, you’ll immediately realize why this sedan has been a leading contender in the market after four years since its introduction. It delivers excellent refinement, acceleration, and handling which is way above its competitors.

Source: Auto Guide

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. And believe it or not, this also applies to your vehicle. So before these problems could stop your ride during a family road trip or daily commute, what you need to do is to fix them now before they materialize. Here are some tips to help you get on with it:

1. Identify a quality repair shop and use that facility for all repairs and maintenance done to your vehicle. This way, you’re developing a good working relationship with them and they get to know your car.

2. Have your car serviced regularly based on recommended maintenance schedule. While some needs a professional to get the job done, others can be easily done by you.

• Engine Air Filter. Every six months or 7,500 miles is the ideal interval to check your air filter. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it’s still clean enough to work.

• Battery. Ensure battery cables if they’re securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if signs of corrosion are present.

• Tire Pressure. Test and adjust tire pressures at least once a month including the spare. The recommended pressure can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s doorjamb.

• Tire Tread. Inspect the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head.

• Windshield Washer Fluid. See the windshield washer fluid reservoir monthly and test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.

• Windshield Wiper Blades. Every oil change or whenever they fail to wipe the glass clean in a single swipe, you need to check your wiper blades. The inserts usually lasts from six to 12 months.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

]]> http://www.familytram.com/?feed=rss2&p=1916 http://www.familytram.com/?p=1911 http://www.familytram.com/?p=1911#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:37:58 +0000 admin http://www.familytram.com/?p=1911

If you’re a busy person and you can’t just let go of your cellular phone, then you’re probably one of the many that gave in to the urge of texting while driving. Well, this activity has become a leading cause of deaths and accidents across the United States. And to solve this, more than 25 states have implemented a law banning drivers from texting while behind the steering wheel. Though this problem may have been solved, the truth is that it’s just one of the many that keeps a driver distracted. So to cut down such distractions, we offer you a set of tips that can keep you and your family safe while on the road.

Be Prepared Before You Start Your Car.

If you already did the things like makeup, eat, or program your GPS before hitting the road, you’ll be able to reduce your distractions. It also helps if you can find the things that you need so you won’t feel the need to search for it once your behind the steering wheel.

Go Hands Free

Okay, so there are calls you just can’t ignore. Now, for you to answer such calls while in the car, you need to invest on gadgets that allow you to answer your cell phone without taking your hands off the wheel. This way, it’s like your hitting two birds with one stone.

Take a Break

It won’t hurt you to pull over at the safe side of the road and answer your call if you don’t have the devices that allow you to go hands free. It’s a simple and yet effective way to keep you from being distracted while driving.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Buying a new vehicle is a big thing. And choosing the right one for you is one of those decisions that you would have to live with forever. Okay, maybe not forever, but for a long period of time. So why not take these four steps to help you get through the decision-making process.

1. Check Your Credit Score

Knowing your credit history is important when planning to buy a car. Auto lenders can use your history to see if you could be a delinquent on your auto loan payments. This history can influence your level of risk. And from that risk, the interest rates you may qualify for and the amount of the down payment you will need to make may change.

2. Know How Much You Can Afford To Spend On A Down Payment

Down payment means one thing – you’re going to have to spend money. But surprisingly, there’s more to that than just shelling out cash. Offering a solid down payment on a car allows you to have a better position in negotiating the final sale price of the vehicle as well as the terms of your loan.

3. Research Loan Options On Your Own

Getting a pre-qualified auto loan before visiting a dealership is also a plus. It can also influence the dealer to compete with the offer from your bank, thus, a better interest rate and lower monthly payments.

4. Request Your Vehicle History Report

If you’re opting for a used car or truck, then you must hire a professional mechanic to check its current status. It also helps to get a vehicle history reports that can tell you all sorts of information about it like odometer readings, vehicle registrations, title transfers, accident damage, and emissions inspections.

Buying a car is indeed a big decision to make. But doing these things can also give you an advantage. So make sure do each one first before taking that big step.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Choosing the right fuel for your engine and your driving style can prevent costly repairs down the road. And here are some extra facts you must know to keep your ride in good working condition:

Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle running longer and can help save money at the pump. Fact – Regular maintenance like oil and filter change can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the mechanic. Additionally, following a vehicle manufacturer’s motor oil recommendation can improve gasoline mileage by one to two per cent.

All gasolines are the same. Myth – Your choice of fuel can affect the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. Even famous automakers like Audi, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen believe that high-quality gasolines that are Top Tier-certified will help keep engines cleaner than gasolines containing only the lowest additive concentration (LAC) set by government standards.

Octane levels in fuel don’t really make a difference. Myth – Engine knock that leads to poor performance and shuddering are the usual results of using a lower octane fuel in an engine designed to use higher octane.

A higher octane fuel is the best for most vehicle models. Myth – One thing you should know when looking at fuel is that “premium grade” is different from “premium quality.” So the high octane level is not only the basis for superior kind of fuel. It can also be based on the amount of cleaning agents inside it that helps your engine achieve optimum performance.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Though the Honda CR-Z fell short when it comes to living up with the reputation of the CRX, it doesn’t mean that it has no other things going on for it. In fact, if the CRX is considered to be a small, fun version of the civic, the CR-Z can be deemed the same thing for the Insight.

Both the Insight and the CR-Z hybrids have a lot more in common than most people think. They’re based from the same platform as the Fit. They use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, only the CR-Z ditches the 1.3l engine for the 1.5l unit used in the Fit. But what makes the CR-Z a shade better is that it’s said to fix the complaints that are initially seen on the Insight like ride quality. On top of that, most reviews find that this vehicle has the best steering and braking of any hybrid to date. So if you’re looking for an earth-friendly car, but not in the expense of its drivability, this vehicle could be an ideal choice for the whole family.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Though making sure that your RV’s doors are always locked is a good thing, sadly, it’s not enough to make sure that it’s well cared for. Here are some tips to you can follow so it can be in good shape all year long:

Remove temptation. To put it in simpler terms, bad elements won’t be able to plan to steal something that they don’t see often. So make it a habit to put your RV in the garage and out of sight.

Lock Up. When camping with the family, be sure to lock the doors and windows before leaving for the night. Turning the radio and a small light on is also a good idea for a decoy.

Store it indoors. Though it’s almost the same as the first tip, this time it’s for another reason. Always keeping your RV in an enclosed are helps in preventing outside elements from inflicting any kind of damage to it.

Maintain your insurance year-round. Insurance can save you lots of worries when driving. And to make it even better, get your RV insured all year long.

Sources: Car Junky, Google