26. April 2010 by admin.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the United States uses about 150 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Eco-driving techniques tested by Ford showed that motorists coached in eco-driving can significantly improve the fuel economy performance of their vehicles. Here are simple tips that any driver can use:

Slow down and watch speed - Drive 55 mph instead of 65 to save fuel. EPA estimates a 10 to 15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.

Accelerate and brake smoothly - Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the vehicle components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

No idling - Today’s engines don’t need a warm-up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

Check your tires - Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3 to 4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

Be kind to your vehicle - Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other wastes fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Always consult the owner’s manual for proper maintenance.

Travel light - Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.

Close windows at high speeds - Don’t drive with the windows open unless you keep your speed under 50 mph. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.
Choose the right oil - Use good-quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner’s guide. Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 oil for most cars and trucks to provide the best fuel economy. Only oils “certified for gasoline engines” by the American Petroleum Institute with the starburst symbol should be used.

Minimize use of heater and air conditioning - Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing your usage of the air conditioner when temperatures are above 80 degrees can help you save 10 to 15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much as possible. Park in the shade to keep the vehicle cool and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Consolidate trips - Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will enable you to bypass congested routes and lead to less idling.

If every driver practiced these eco-driving techniques — which can result in an EPA-estimated 15 percent benefit in fuel economy — more than 22 billion gallons of gas could be saved each year!

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2. September 2009 by admin.

Car Care Essentials for Women

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, nearly 9 out of 10 female motorists are involved in their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair. After all, we’re usually the ones who drop them off and pick them up from servicing! However, how much do most women actually know about what’s under the hood of their vehicle–and the care it requires?

According to a recent survey performed by Jiffy Lube International, only 33% of women could identify the serpentine belt (vs. 77% of men) and only 63% of women could point out the engine air filter (compared to 90% of men). While the survey did uncover that 97% and 91% of women can identify their car battery and engine oil dipstick respectively, there are still quite a few areas where they could use some additional under-hood education.  For example:

• — Nearly 3 in 10 women only care about their oil levels when they’re having it changed, though it’s actually best to make a habit to check your oil every time you fill up.
• – More than 1 in 10 (11%) women cannot identify the windshield washer fluid reservoir. This large plastic container is usually tucked off into a corner of the engine compartment and the cap or container may be pictured with spurts of water. It’s usually quite easy to find and refill yourself.
• – Only three-quarters of women can identify the transmission fluid dipstick. Find out how to check your automatic transmission fluid here at eHow.
• – Just three in ten (33%) can identify the serpentine belt. This single, continuous belt is used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, A/C compressor, air pump, etc.

You can find the location of all these items in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or ask the technician to show them to you next time you take it in for an oil change.

According to the Jiffy Lube survey, women were also tricked by a few myths:

• –35 percent of women believe that balancing the weight of people in their car will help their tires last longer (FACT: Keeping your tires properly inflated is the best way to maximize their safe performance and lifespan.)
• –28 percent of women thought using premium gas all the time makes their car run better (FACT: Premium fuel only benefits those high-performance engines whose manufacturers specifically require it. Most engines will run just fine on regular fuel.)

Want to ensure you keep your car running smoothly? Here are some tips to help women take better car of their cars. Follow the suggested maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper intervals, and keep your receipts in a safe location so you’ll always know when services were last performed.

• –Create a preventive maintenance checklist - Have a car-care expert perform preventive maintenance services on a regular basis, such as topping off fluid levels, inspecting belts and hoses, checking tire pressure and the engine oil, and making sure all the lights work.
• –Check your engine air filter - The engine air filter is like the vehicle’s lung. Refer to your owner’s manual to see when it should be swapped out to ensure your car is ‘breathing’ clearly.
• –Check your engine oil and filter - Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Check the oil level regularly and check your owner’s manual for when to change the oil and which grade to use.
• –Know how to check tire pressure and change a tire - Having a flat tire is never fun, but learning how to change it yourself can save a lot of time. Ask a car care professional to show you how. Make sure your tires are filled to the proper tire pressure as well. You can find the proper tire pressure in the vehicle owner’s manual or on a decal in the doorjamb or glove compartment. And don’t forget to check and fill the spare tire as well.
• –Clean and replace worn wiper blades - Wiper blades should be replaced every six months, or at least as you enter the winter rainy season. Check for cracks regularly, and clean dirty wiper blades with a wet paper towel.
• –Prepare ahead for emergencies - Make sure your vehicle emergency kit is restocked. If you don’t have one, create one with items such as bottled water, a flashlight and batteries, flares, duct tape, energy bars, a blanket, phone number for roadside assistance, and can of Fix-a-Flat.

None of these steps is particularly difficult. Be an empowered woman and learn these car care essentials. We want you to give the correct answers next time Jiffy Lube calls up with a survey!

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23. August 2009 by admin.

Auto Beat

According to a report in today’s Yomiuri newspaper, Toyota plans to raise its annual production forecast. The Yomiuri reckons the Japanese automaker will now make 6.67 million vehicles this fiscal year, compared to its most recent official forecast of 6.3 million.

If the story proves correct—and Toyota hasn’t confirmed the Yomiuri　article—much of the credit must go to hot-selling hybrids. The new Prius, aided by government incentives for cleaner, greener cars, is Japan’s best selling auto. Prius sales have also made a solid start in the U.S. where it is comfortably outselling the Honda Insight. The even newer Lexus LS250h hybrid sedan, a first Lexus offered only as a hybrid, has received 10,000 orders in Japan—twenty times Toyota’s monthly sales projection. And according to a separate report, Toyota is now planning to buy hybrid batteries from electronics giant Sanyo because its current supplier (Toyota controlled) Panasonic EV Energy cannot keep up with demand.

Perhaps of more interest, though, is what all this will mean for profitability. After all, Toyota made a first loss in almost six decades in the fiscal year that ended in March. Meanwhile, critics of hybrids have claimed that because they require batteries, electric motors and other parts in addition to a conventional engine, the technology is too costly to drive earnings. (Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, a long time skeptic, criticized hybrids at the recent unveiling of the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.)

Toyota says the boom in hybrid sales in sales won’t have a huge impact. At its most recent quarterly results, it announced a loss of $818 million for the April to June quarter and, despite sweetening its forecast, projected a loss of $4.7 billion for the full year.

To me, though, that number looks conservative. Indeed, with the sales data improving (albeit from a low base) and the yen below the company’s projected level of 92 to the dollar, Toyota could even return to profit this year. For sure, analysts are more upbeat than the company. Andrew Phillips, who covers Toyota for KBC Securities in Tokyo, recently cut his net loss forecast from $2.9 billion to $210 million, citing improving sales volumes and better profitability at group companies. From a deficit of $210 million, it wouldn’t take much more of an improvement in the sales environment—or a weakening of the yen—for Toyota to be back in the black a year ahead of schedule.

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22. August 2009 by admin.

My corgi loves being outside. She “helps” me water my potted plants by sticking her face into the hose water and snarling at the spray coming from the nozzle. To her, this is bliss. It’s also a great way to have fun with her while keeping her cool. I love in Southern California and it can get hot hot HOT here. In fact, recently we have had some record heat waves passing through.

Because the hot summer months can mean danger for your traveling pooch pals, I put together some helpful tips!

 Tip #1: Stay cool this summer by taking a road trip with your pet to the beach! There are dozens of dog beaches popping up everywhere now. In southern California there are dog-friendly beaches in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Malibu, Carmel, and Monterey to name a few. Pack up your pooch and head to the waves to keep cool and have fun. While you’re packing up your car, don’t forget to include your doggie surf board! Check out Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition (put on every year)! This summer’s competition has already passed, but why not practice for next year?

Tip #2: Be prepared for summer heat with correct packing for a trip. The last thing you need is a sick puppy on your trip. Make sure you pack the fun things like balls, ropes, toys (try to bring toys that float) and treats, but don’t forget the essentials: towels for cleaning, lots of water for drinking or flushing out eyes and mouths (in case some curious fido eats something), bowls to hold the water for drinking, and a basic first aid kit for any small emergencies. If you think your dog might be overheating from all that summer fun, look for these signs of heat exhaustion: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.

Tip #3: Make sure your pup goes with you when you leave your parked car! According to Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), even if it’s only 78 degrees outside, cars parked in the shade can heat up to over 90 degrees, and those in the sun can reach 160 degrees. It’s not safe to leave your car closed up with your pet inside. Even if it’s for a minute! If you see a parked car with a n animal trapped inside, note the vehicle information (make, model, license number) and go to the nearest store and ask for the manager’s help in finding the owner of the car. You can also try calling the local police or animal control. Remember you can tell if a dog is overheating based on the symptoms listed in Tip #2.

Tip #4: Don’t let your dogs ride loose in your car. This is not only unsafe for the pet should you get in an accident, but it’s not safe for you either. An animal thrown around in an accident becomes a projectile, endangering the driver’s and passengers’ lives, as well as the dog’s life. Check out some safety harnesses and seat belts made just for dogs. I have ones from Ezydog and my pups love them! Check them out wearing their red and blue seat belt harnesses!

Tip #5: Avoid car sickness! With all that summer vacation traveling, the family dog might become a bit nauseous. You can avoid it by getting your dog used to car rides with smaller trips in the beginning. Make sure your pet hasn’t been fed right before you take off as well, so their stomach doesn’t get upset. Try to avoid potholes as much as possible – just think how big those bumps must feel to that little Chihuahua sitting in the back seat! You can read more about how to avoid car sickness at Small Dog Paradise. 

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15. August 2009 by admin.

The Ford Taurus is all-new for 2010, promising an expressive design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies, and unsurpassed value.

If you’re interested in taking a test drive of the new Taurus without the pressure of a salesman looking over your shoulder, Ford is joining forces with AskPatty.com to introduce Los Angelinos to the new 2010 Taurus and share its story in a special event that’s part of the “Summer of Taurus 100 City Tour.”

This Sunday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm, Los Angeles area locals can stop by the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Lobby Patio to socialize with other bloggers and attendees, get the inside scoop on the Ford Motor Company, and take a test drive of the new 2010 Ford Taurus. A special attendee to the event is Neil M. Schloss, vice president and treasurer for Ford Motor Company. Schloss has overall responsibility for the company’s treasury operations and will be on hand to discuss the future of Ford Motor Company with event guests.

“This new sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for - and what Ford is capable of delivering - quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.

Pricing and Features: On sale this summer, the 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 - the same as the 2009 model - but with more class-leading features, new technologies, and craftsmanship that rivals premium-priced sedans. Taurus available technologies - 10 of which cannot be found on any other cars in its segment - deliver on consumer needs and wants by enhancing the driving experience. These class-exclusive technologies include:

* Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support
* BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert
* MyKey(TM)
* SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry Keypad
* Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS(R) Travel Link(TM)
* Ford SYNC(R) with Traffic, Directions and Information
* Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM)
* Easy Fuel(TM) Capless Fuel-Filler
* 3.5L EcoBoost(TM) Twin Turbo Engine with Direct Injection
* Sony(R) Surround Sound System
Under the hood: Standard power for the full-size sedan is provided by Ford’s Duratec 263-horsepower/3.5-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Taurus SHO features Ford’s new twin-turbo 365-horsepower/3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 which delivers the power of a V-8, without compromising V-6 fuel efficiency.

Let’s talk safety: The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus has earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) based on its performance in standardized testing. The Taurus body structure has been optimized for strength and stiffness, and features energy-absorbing structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Also included are dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags, and Safety Canopy(R) with rollover sensor - a Ford exclusive protection system featuring side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

Does all this pique your interest? Then we hope you’ll come out to Ford’s special event on Sunday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Lobby Patio to take a test drive, and find out even more about the new 2010 Ford Taurus!

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14. August 2009 by admin.

Is it possible for the renown super car maker Ferrari to produce a potent vehicle worthy to wear the Ferrari badge and get decent fuel mileage?  According to Ferrari engineers they will be producing the 458 Italia, complete with a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and will do so at 17 mpg.

Take this announcement with a grain of salt, especially considering actual specs have yet to be released.  Furthermore, the harder you stomp the right pedal the faster the fuel gauge drops, no matter the technology.  I would think it would be pretty difficult to keep the foot off the go fast pedal in something as sleek and sexy as a Ferrari.

The Ferrari 458 Italia fuel efficient super car can be seen below.  Image courtesy of Ferrari.

17 MPG Super Car

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14. August 2009 by admin.

Hyundai has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2005 through 2007 Elantra, Tuscon, Sonata, Azera, and accent vehicles. They stated that a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released.  A defective stop lamp switch may also affect the operation of the brake transmission inter lock feature so the transmission would not be able to shift out of the “Park” position.  It may also cause the electronic stability control malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.

Any of these malfunctions could result ina  crash.  Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin during August 2009.  Owners may contact Hyundai of puerto Rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.

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11. August 2009 by admin.

Starting today and continuing through September 8, General Motors is implementing a test program in California that will allow buyers to shop for vehicles online using eBay. In a partnership first announced in early July when GM emerged from its bankruptcy procedures, the pilot program  enables shoppers to browse hundreds of online showrooms, ask questions, negotiate prices, and arrange financing and payment options to buy a new 2008, 2009, or select 2010 car, crossover or truck — and can even determine the value of their trade in through the site.

“Together with eBay Motors, GM and our dealers are reinventing the car-buying experience for our California customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM sales vice president in a statement released by the automaker. “As the dealer showroom expands from the parking lot to the laptop, this makes it easier for a customer to browse available new-car inventory, make an offer, buy it now, or send a message asking for more information from a dealer - all at the customer’s convenience.”

With more than 225 General Motors dealers participating in California, shoppers will discover as many as 20,000 new vehicles at what General Motors says are “very competitive prices.”  Shoppers can bid using the traditional eBay options “Buy It Now” (if they agree to the advertised price) or “Make Offer” (if they want to try to negotiate the price down further). Shoppers can use the site to compare pricing across models or participating dealerships, and eBay also provides expert tips and advice with a buyer checklist.

“With 12 million individual car shoppers visiting our site every month, eBay Motors has unique insight into how people prefer to buy their cars,” said Rob Chesney, vice president, eBay Motors. “Through this program, we are helping GM dealers to extend their physical showroom while at the same time delivering to our buyers the great deals and broad selection they expect from eBay.”

Complete program details, including participating GM dealer inventory, are available through individual GM brand websites that can be found at gm.ebay.com, chevrolet.ebay.com, gmc.ebay.com, buick.ebay.com and pontiac.ebay.com. If this pilot program works well in California, it could prove to be a whole new model for how General Motors sells vehicles across the United States.

Would you be inclined to shop this way? Take a look at the sites mentioned above, and let us know what you think!

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11. August 2009 by admin.

Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune is Richmond’s First Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly Automotive Service CenterNew Services Designed with the Women Consumer in MindRichmond Mobile Brake & Tune is pleased to announce they have completed AskPatty.com’s Certified Female Friendly training and is now Richmond, BC’s first Certified Female Friendly service center. To achieve certified status, their personnel completed online training on how to better meet the expectations of the woman consumer. “Up until now, like many automotive businesses, we thought the obvious goal was to ensure thatwomen were treated the same as men. Through the AskPatty program, we’ve learned that treatingwomen the same as men does not necessarily yield the ideal experience for women. This may not sound profound, but with an increased awareness of what elements women seek in a positive automotive servicing experience, our service centers are better prepared to meet and exceed the expectations of our female customers” stated Russ Robertson, Owner of Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune. An Ask Patty certified service center creates an inviting and comfortable environment where womenfeel welcome. They guarantee that the experience of repairing and maintaining a vehicle will be apleasant one. Ask Patty trained and certified associates are held to a high level of customer satisfaction with women consumers. 

Visit the Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune Certified Female Friendly site at:

http://femalefriendlydealer.askpatty.com/?d=Richmond_Mobile_Brake_and_Tune 

About Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune  Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune is owned and operated by Russ Robertson, a seasoned professional with 30 years experience as an Automotive Technician and Manager.Russ was a technician with Canadian tire, a technician and manager for Midas Auto Service Experts, and Manager of B.C. Short Stop and Big O Tire. Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune is breaking ground in the mobile field of the automotive industry and currently the only Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly Repair Service in the area.  Among our many achievements, Richmond Mobile is an ASE Blue Seal Recognized business in Canada with ASE certified techs, we are BBB Accredited and a proud member of Richmond Chamber Of Commerce. Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune was created with the idea that outstanding customer service is our number one priority.   We can and will look after all your automotive needs. Visit Richmond Mobile Brake & Tune site at: http://www.richmondmobilebrake.com/ About AskPatty.com, Inc

The AskPatty.com, Inc. website and blog is a safe place for women to get advice on car buying, maintenance and other automotive related topics. Women can shop for vehicles at our network of Certified Female Friendly retailers across the U.S.

AskPatty.com is a member and 2009 corporate sponsor of the Women’s Automotive Association International based in Detroit, MI, Board member of the UnitedSpinal.org, Member of the California SkillsUSA.org board, on the Women’s Board of the Car Care Council, a SEMA member and a member of the SEMA Business Women’s Networking Group.

AskPatty.com is partnered with Parenthood.com, INSweb.com, LightSpeedVT.com, CareerBuilder.com, AutoTrader.com, NIADA, DriverTV.com, MyCarPage.com, MyAutoLoan, Aware and BlogHer.com.

Ask Patty Certified Dealer Program:

Properly armed with the right tools and training, automotive retailers can increase their share of the largest and fastest growing demographic of new vehicle buyers in the US — Women. The Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly program was designed specifically for automotive retailers to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women.

What Is An Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly Automotive Retailer?

An Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly automotive retailer creates a safe and comfortable environment where women feel welcome and make the experience of purchasing and maintaining her vehicle a pleasant one.

Ask Patty trained and Certified Female Friendly retailers are held to a high level of customer satisfaction for women consumers.

Go here to learn how to become AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly:

http://www.askpatty.com/getcertified/ 

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