25. November 2010 by admin.

My girlfriends express surprise when I tell them that one of our favorite annual family outings each November is a visit to the Los Angeles Auto Show.

I know where they’re coming from. For years, I dismissed this kind of event as a macho affair, where overgrown boys can play out their Hot Wheels fantasies by ogling scantily-clad models draped across shiny muscle cars.

I changed my mind half a dozen years ago, when we needed to replace my husband’s aging SUV. An auto show is the perfect place to research a vehicle purchase, as you can scope out every model offered by every car company, without driving from lot to lot or enduring a hard sales pitch.

And while the show still is still mostly a bastion of men, powerful vehicles and pretty models, it’s actually FUN  — even for women. This is why I keep going back, even when we’re NOT actively shopping for a car.

Auto makers now know that women make 60% of all auto buying decisions, and they are designing their products accordingly. This was apparent during press preview days at the LA Auto Show, running now through November 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

New Cars With Female Appeal

Of the 50 new models that made either their US or world debuts in Los Angeles, many were designed with female drivers in mind… and guess what? They weren’t all minivans!

That’s not to say that minivans weren’t on display. All three of the new vehicles unveiled by Nissan were targeted to women, beginning with a completely redesigned Quest, which the company described as “a celebration of family life – and a forum for innovative ideas designed to make the toughest job in the world, parenting, a little easier.”

Highlights of the new Quest include one-touch power sliding doors, a second moonroof in the vehicle’s back, and two features I’d kill for in my current car: a blind spot warning system and a “conversation mirror,” to make it easier to see what’s going on in those third row seats. The Quest also features tire pressure monitoring with something they’ve dubbed “Easy Fill Tire Alert,” which lets you know with a honk of the horn when you’ve reached the desired pressure. (I hate to confess this, but I’ve never really mastered using a simple tire gauge, so this is a feature I think I’d really like.)

There was a lot of excitement surrounding the Ellure, a midsize sedan with a curvy silhouette. “It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion,” said Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura at its unveiling.

But the Ellure is a concept car; a vehicle we may never see in actual showrooms. More interesting to me was the Murano CrossCabriolet, which was designed with an eye on the preferences of women in their 40’s. I don’t know who had the idea of turning an SUV into a convertible, but I like it. It reminds me a little of the cars I’ve seen in really old movies; something Katharine Hepburn might take for a spin with Cary Grant.

Another curvy standout at the show was Hyundai’s redesigned 2011 Elantra, with a conventional engine that can get up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway — comparable to hybrid versions of the Ford Focus and GM’s Chevy Cruze Eco.

This made the Elantra something of a standout at a show where most of the buzz was around hybrids, plug-ins and other alternate fuel vehicles.

Green Cars Go Mainstream at the LA Auto Show

The LA Auto Show producers announced that this year’s event marked “the historic arrival of the modern electric car era.” More than 50 electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles were on display this year, and many of them are actually in production (like the Nissan LEAF, which will hit dealers’ lots at the end of the year).

Greener vehicles were displayed by every carmaker from Audi to Volkswagen, plus some brand new companies promising to deliver shiny new all-electric models in 2011.

Some are cute little pod-cars, like the smart fortwo electric drive vehicle and Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, which is already in use in Japan. The model unveiled in Los Angeles is a bit larger for the North American market. The company plans to make it available in Los Angeles next year, with a nationwide launch early in 2012.

Mitsubishi’s really big news was a partnership with the consumer goods chain Best Buy and electronics firm Eaton to manufacture, sell and install rapid charging stations for the home and the public. Like many prospective buyers, the fear of running out of range keeps me from seriously considering an EV. Knowing I could refuel on the go would make it easier to go all-electric.

That’s why the first offering from Coda Automotive is so appealing: Its state-of-the art lithium battery will allow a driver 75-140 miles on a single charge.

On top of that, they’ve got a unique sales model: No lots or showrooms. You order your vehicle over the Internet.

The most attractive all-electric model on display was the Fisker Karma, a luxury sportscar that aims to be environmentally neutral. Their “Sustainable and Accountable Design™” directive means that many of the Karma’s components are made of reclaimed, recycled and reusable materials.

Most interesting is the solar panel on its roof, which I assumed was used to help charge the car. Alas, solar technology is not there yet. The panel’s purpose is to power an interior fan, which reduces the need to run the vehicle’s air conditioning. It’s still pretty cool — and a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, this kind of innovation comes at a steep price: The Karma’s base model is $87,900 (about twice the initial cost of the Coda).

One of the highlights of the LA Show is the award for Green Car of the Year, and the 2011 recipient is the Chevrolet Volt, which I had the opportunity to test drive.

GM describes Volt as an extended range electric vehicle (EREV), because it runs on both electricity and gas. When the battery runs low, a gas-powered generator kicks in, which extends the car’s range until you can plug it in again (giving you hundreds more miles between charges).

The Volt I drove was running on pure battery power (about the first 40 miles after a charge). It was quiet, which was to be expected. But I was surprised at how easy it was to drive. Yes, a new owner will have a learning curve, especially if she’s been out of the market for a while; I had to be talked through the buttons on the dashboard and items on the center console screen.

But the Volt drives like a dream, with excellent pickup and a nice, tight turning radius that makes handling easy. It’s easy to see why Motor Trend also named the Volt is Car of the Year for 2011.

Visitors to the LA Auto Show will have the opportunity to test drive other green cars, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid and some GM models.

Flashy Technology Trend in New Cars

A few years back, Ford and Microsoft revolutionized hands-free vehicle electronics with their SYNC system, which integrates navigation, entertainment and bluetooth technology in one easy interface.

SYNC recently added an audible text messaging application, which gives drivers the hands-free ability to hear and respond to texts received on the road. As the mother of a teenager, this is technology I could use right now.

BMW was one of a handful of automakers (including Audi and Chrysler) touting “hot spot” features that allow passengers to connect to the Internet from a moving vehicle. BMW calls its integrated system ConnectedDrive, and its text-to-speech office function gives drivers the ability to actually hear their incoming email messages. I have a feeling in a few more years, this technology will become standard.

More Innovations To Come

One of the more interesting exhibitors I visited was Faurecia, manufacturers of interior and sustainable auto components. Their products can be found in some of the new vehicles debuted at the show: the Chrysler 200, Fiat 500, Saab 9-4X, Audi A-7 Sportback, BMW 5, Range Rover Evoque, smart fortwo, Volvo S60 and the Volkswagen EOS.

On display were projects that are still in the pipeline. One is a lightweight seat frame of recyclable materials that replaces the heavier metal and unsustainable foam forms of today. The result is a thinner and stronger seat that reduces the weight of the vehicle, while creating more interior space for the passengers.

My favorite is a fully customizable adjustable seat that gives you perfect fit using an app on your iPhone. You enter some information at the start of the app and use the phone to take a picture of yourself on the seat (you would need assistance from a friend or family member for that). The app then takes it from there, wirelessly setting the seat to the safest and most comfortable position for your body.

My current car has an adjustable power seat which I can seem to get it just right. And as I’m only 5′2″, the minute I let anyone else drive my car — my husband, a parking valet, a car wash attendant — I have to start all over again. The memory function helps… but I make adjustments on my own from time to time and have a bad habit of remembering to update the memory (which is ironic, when you think about it).

So I found this feature extremely appealing; even more so when I learned that users will even be able to purchase and download new seat functions, like a shiatsu massage app for those long, back-killing commutes. 

The Faurecia folks forecast that we’ll begin seeing this system working on vehicles in 2014 at the earliest.

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25. November 2010 by admin.

Dim headlights? Slow windshield wipers and turn signals? Weak battery? It could be the alternator.

So if you notice your headlights dim when you are using your heater and wipers – and really dim if you add the radio – this is often a warning sign that the alternator in your car may not be working up to capacity, or may not have the capacity needed to power the vehicle’s electrical needs.

An automotive service facility can check the vehicle’s electrical system for problems, make sure the battery is okay, and check the alternator output to make sure it is operating properly. If the alternator is the culprit, replace it or upgrade it – if necessary. Bosch, for instance, offers both new and remanufactured alternators that meet and often exceed original vehicle equipment standards. While older cars did well with 50-60 amps, modern vehicles today often need 90 to 130 amps, or more.

And both new and remanufactured Bosch alternators carry the exclusive free two-year emergency roadside assistance warranty if the alternator fails – the ultimate peace of mind for motorists – which could be very valuable in the colder months, which places greater requirements on the alternator, according to Padgett.

“Bosch is a supplier to most vehicle manufacturers and this has proved to be a tremendous advantage for its new and remanufactured aftermarket alternators. Bosch is familiar with the alternator’s basic technology and subjects replacement alternator to 100 percent end of the line testing, for proper turn on speed, voltage regulator functions, and full load test for amperage output at all RPM ranges – to ensure performance and durability,” Padgett noted.

For more information on Bosch automotive products, visit www.boschautoparts.com

Bosch is a proud supporter of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s Know Your Parts® education and awareness campaign. This initiative promotes the importance of quality brand name aftermarket parts backed by full service suppliers, and its impact on delivering reliable products to today’s motorists. For more information visit: www.AASAKnowYourParts.org

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of $53 billion (38.2 billion euros) in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is repre­sented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than $5 billion (3.5 billion euros) for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare products. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 20,000 associates in more than 70 locations, with reported sales of $7.3 billion in fiscal 2009.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

Glenn Harrington leans over a metal frame as his avatar repeats the motion in perfect sync. Harrington wears enormous goggles covered in motion sensors and looks like he just stepped off a high-tech movie set, but he’s actually part of a Ford Motor Company team that’s using virtual reality to build a better car.

Ford has taken its cues from the film and video game industries to improve auto design. With several high-tech labs, Ford cites virtual reality for helping the company reduce injuries, costs and timelines. The avatars, “Jack” and “Jill,” help the Assembly Ergonomics team assess vehicle parts and predict potential assembly-line injuries. The virtual models ensure that operators can successfully install parts within their physical limitations.

“We use Jill who is roughly five feet tall to test reach, knowing that if a small person can reach, so can a large person. We use Jack, who is roughly six-foot-two to test hand clearance,” said Harrington, an Assembly Ergonomics Technical Specialist. The Assembly Ergonomics team also uses research on average strength to ensure that 90% of the adult population can complete a job.

To create the avatars, Harrington wears the special goggles to virtually see a manufacturing scenario, like installing a hose, and physically reproduces the steps needed to assemble the part. Overhead cameras detect 52 motion sensors attached to Harrington and transmit the information to software that creates the models. Filmmakers used similar motion-capture technology to create Gollum in “Lord of the Rings.”

If the Assembly Ergonomics team finds a potential injury risk, they work with the design engineering team to solve it. “The refrigerator in the [Ford] Flex is awesome… but it’s right in the middle of the vehicle and it’s really heavy,” said Allison Stephens, Technical Specialist. The solution was a ‘happy seat.’ An operator rides on an arm through the car door to install the refrigerator, alleviating twisting and turning.

Ford has had a 90% reduction in issues related to assembly ergonomics, due in part to virtual reality, according to Harrington.

“Nobody likes to find a failure, but if you’re going to find it, find it early and find it internally and get it fixed before it ever goes to the customer that buys the vehicle,” Harrington said. “A happy worker builds a better product.”

Ford is also testing a new avatar, Santos, who can monitor advanced functions like heart rate, blood pressure and fatigue. Santos was originally created for the U.S. Department of Defense and is still in the test phase for use in manufacturing ergonomics, according to Ford.

Virtual Test Track Experiment

Ford is also using virtual reality to help develop active safety technology. Virtual Test Track Experiment, or VIRTTEX, is a multi-million dollar driving simulator that allows test subjects to virtually experience traffic, near collisions and driving distractions. VIRTTEX looks like a planetary dome on hydraulic legs, which move the dome twelve-feet laterally and six-feet vertically, simulating hills and curves. Inside, a 360-degree driving scene is projected on the walls while a test subject sits in a car, which operates normally. “We can make a winter scene or a wet driving scene and change the friction on the road,” said Mike Blommer, VIRTTEX Technical Lead. “Think of it as a big video game on steroids.”

Virtual drowsy driving test

In its drowsy-driving study, Ford asked subjects to stay awake for 24-hours, then conducted a 3-hour simulated nighttime drive. Subjects wore eye-tracking devices that detected when their eyes shut. The study helped develop Ford’s Collision Warning with Brake Support. VIRTTEX studies on distracted driving behaviors, like texting or talking on the phone, have also helped develop Ford’s connectivity systems, SYNC and MyFord Touch.

The simulator is so effective that people sometimes forget they’re not really driving. “We’ve had people ask to roll down the window for some fresh air to stay awake,” Blommer said. “That’s when I thought we must be doing something right.”

If Blommer had to ride with a sleepy driver, who would it be? “A middle aged woman did the best,” he said. “They attributed it to having kids.” Blommer would least like to ride with a tired younger, male. “They said they could stay awake, but they were usually the first asleep,” he added.

Virtual Vehicle Programming

Other specialized virtual reality tools, like the Programmable Vehicle Model, help engineers virtually step inside a completed vehicle to assess design elements, like interior leather grain or knob distance. They’ve cut months out of the production cycle by reducing the number of prototypes needed.

“All those physical to visual connections are made here,” said Elizabeth Baron, Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist. “This whole lab is all about what your experience is in the vehicle.”

In the virtual world, Baron has the power to turn on the sun and virtually put a sun visor down. “We can evaluate coverage from [the driver’s] eye point or someone else’s,” she said. The virtual environment can be easily adapted to see how customers of different shapes and sizes will experience the vehicle’s design.

Baron can also simulate passing cars or pedestrians, like a small child walking in front of the car. Engineers can analyze blind spots and headrest positions to correct line-of-site problems.

Ford says that it is the first in the industry to combine the Programmable Vehicle Model with motion-capture technology to create realistic driving experiences.

By Holly Day

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22. June 2010 by admin.

To increase public awareness about a wide variety of tire-related subjects, Yokohama Tire Corporation  is releasing a series of short educational videos on its Web site (www.yokohamatire.com) and YouTube.  The first video posted early this week (and below) features off-road racing champion and TV commentator Cameron Steele discussing the importance of properly inflated tires.

“Consumer awareness and education regarding tires is vital,” said Fred Koplin, Yokohama Tire director, marketing communications, “so we designed these short, entertaining videos to help consumers understand just how important tires are, especially since tires are the only part of a vehicle to touch the road.”

The educational videos will be two to three minutes long and cover topics including how to check air pressure, read a sidewall, ways to achieve better fuel efficiency, understanding braking distances, and choosing the correct tire for a vehicle. A variety of tire and racing specialists will host the series, including Steele and his wife Heidi (also an off-road racing champion), as well as Yokohama company employees.  The debut of the first video coincides with National Tire Safety Week; the next video is due on July 1, and Yokohama will be continue to add a video to the collection each month.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in the United States, Yokohama Tire Corporation  is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes the dB Super E-spec(TM) - the world’s first tire to use orange oil to reduce petroleum - as well as tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

In today’s economy, every dollar counts. The price of a basic car wash, which includes interior and exterior car cleaning, can cost between $10 and $30.  A complete detail service can cost upwards of $250.  Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax(R), the number one selling brand of car care products in the world, recommends washing your vehicle at least twice a month to maintain its appearance and value.  Over a six-month period, regular cleaning at an average $20 wash every other week will cost nearly $250.

“These days, there are fewer people buying new vehicles, so it’s important to keep up with regular car care to keep your vehicle looking new, not to mention to maximize trade-in value,” said Schultz. “A DIY car wash and wax is an extremely cost-effective solution. You pay for the price of the products at the beginning and it pays off over time.”

The total upfront investment for do-it-yourself wash and wax products and accessories is around $50, and the products will last for months. Compared to professional cleaning, this is a savings of $200 or more over a six-month period. Turtle Wax suggests several easy steps, using high-quality car care products, to get a professional-looking car wash on a budget.

Wash:
The first step to a driveway detail job is washing away the dirt and grime on the vehicle’s surface. Choose a car wash with a clean rinsing formula that is safe for all finishes. One bottle of Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Car Wash costs under $10 and will last up to 64 washes.

Wax:
After the vehicle is clean of all surface contaminants, it’s time to wax. Most people don’t realize that it takes about the same time to wash a car as it does to wax or polish it. Not only does waxing help restore color and shine, it leaves behind a protective barrier to help prevent scratches, swirl marks, and other surface contaminants from damaging the finish. Turtle Wax ICE Paste Polish costs under $20 and will last over 10 applications.  Since a premium product like ICE Paste Polish offers high quality durability, it only needs to be applied three times a year, which means this product can last more than three years. ICE Paste Polish also includes an applicator and microfiber cloth, the necessary accessories to get the job done. Don’t want to go the whole nine yards with a paste wax? Then try Turtle Wax ICE Synthetic Spray Wax! Formulated with a blend of carnauba wax and synthetic polymers to help hide light scratches and swirl marks. Available for about $12, it can also be used on automotive glass to clean and provide water repellency without streaking or smearing.

Windows:
To get windshields and side mirrors sparkling clean, use a quality glass cleaner with a microfiber towel. A microfiber towel cleans glass extremely well, is washable, and can be used over and over.

Wheels and Tires:
In addition to the vehicle’s finish, cleaning and protecting wheels will help keep your car looking like new. Use tire care products to clean, condition, shine and protect tire side walls, and use an automotive wheel cleaner to remove dirt and brake dust. Turtle Wax ICE(R) Wheel & Tire Cleaner quickly and easily cuts through brake dust, road grime, dirt and oil. Priced around $8, it is safe for all aftermarket and OEM wheels and tires and comes with a detachable ICE Edge brush that can be used to clean intricate wheel areas and loosen tough, baked-on brake dust.

Interior:
After tackling the exterior, it’s time to clean the interior. To prevent stains and permanent discoloration, it’s important to clean interior surfaces, including carpeting, upholstery and inside door panels on a regular basis. Turtle Wax’s ICE Total Interior Care can be used on all interior surfaces, eliminating the need for multiple products, and also leaves a protective barrier, which makes future cleaning easier. It also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth, which can be reused. ICE Total Interior Care costs under $10 and will last up to 10 uses.

Accessories:
Using products that come with applicators and cloths, like ICE Paste Polish and ICE Total Interior Care, will help cut down accessory costs. However, a separate sponge and cleaning cloth is recommended for the vehicle surface and wheels and tires. Wash sponges vary in price and can be purchased under $2, while a microfiber cloth will cost approximately $3. For drying the vehicle before applying wax or polish, old bath towels work great, and using household products will help cut down on extra costs.

Water:
Proper car washing doesn’t require a lot of water. One gallon is recommended for washing the car and half a gallon for the wheels and tires. One or two gallons are recommended for the rinse. It is also recommended to use separate buckets of water for the vehicle and wheels and tires.

“Many people think that cleaning their own car can be a time consuming process,” said Schultz.  “With today’s car care products, washing and waxing a car takes no more than an hour, and cleaning the interior takes minutes. So not only is washing and waxing your own car cost effective, it only takes the time of a round trip to the car wash - without the added cost of gas to get there.”

For more information about available car care products for interior and exterior surfaces, visit www.turtlewax.com.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

How often have you heard (or even said yourself) that your pet is part of the family?  Strange, then, that very few people take the same care to protect their pets during a car journey  as they do for their children.  You buy the very best quality child seats, the strongest safety belts on the market.  You make sure that the children have sufficient food and drink for the journey, and that they are neither too hot nor too cold.  Then you load in the luggage and supplies.  Last of all, just before you start the engine and set off, you squeeze the dog into whatever space is left and shut the tailgate quickly before everything falls out.

It is much better for the animal’s welfare  to consider it in your journey planning routine.  Ask yourself: if you should have an accident, how is the animal protected?  If the animal is in the back, occupying the space between the rear seats and the tailgate, and another vehicle drives into the rear of you, there is a high probability that the rear window will smash, and that the animal will be catapulted at speed out back, probably bouncing off the vehicle behind before going under its wheels to a painful and frightening death.  If the animal is on a seat, unrestrained, then any sort of collision is likely to cause it to fly around the inside of the vehicle, probably injuring itself severely as it collides with headrests, the dashboard, or the occupants - or smashes itself through the windshield.  

There are cases on record where an unrestrained dog has been thrown from the rear seat into the back of the driver’s head, killing both.  There are also innumerable accounts of animals having been thrown clear of vehicles during collisions, and have then run off never to be seen again, or have run into the road and caused further accidents - or worse, have been run over and killed by other traffic.  All these general comments refer to all sorts of animals; not just dogs.  So think it through before you put your pet in the car, and show the care and consideration that you have but have never thought about before.

The golden rule is to restrain the animal safely.  Tying its neck leash to the door pillar or headrest won’t work (you will just end up strangling the poor thing) so check out the many properly designed pet restraints and get one fitted properly to your car.  Alternatively, restrain your furry friend by putting him/her in a pet carrier which has been firmly fixed to the body of the car.  Make sure that the carrier is the right size.  It should be big enough for the animal to be able to stand, turn, and lay, but not so big that the animal slides around inside it when you drive around corners.

Also make sure that you regularly stop and offer your pet some water (and food on longer journeys).  If you need to get out for a break and to stretch your legs, so does your pet - so don’t leave him shut-up inside to wilt (or even suffocate); take him with you. If in doubt, consider visiting a pet forum for advice. There are many websites that offer experienced advice, and will provide free answers to your pet questions.

Simon Williams writes mostly on travel, environmental, and pet features. He loves travelling with his family and is passionate about their safety, especially new arrival Ben.

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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/askpatty

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22. June 2010 by admin.

Summer vacation times are nearly here! Whether you’re planning for long distance summer travel, or just running errands on a hot day, you don’t want to be left stranded in the summer heat.  Now is the time to “summerize” your car and make sure the entire family is ready for any journey.

Jody DeVere, President and CEO of AskPatty.com, knows what it’s like to take a road trip with the kids buckled up in back. “If you’ve ever driven more than a few hours straight with kids in tow, be prepared for anything that can happen on the road. To help reduce the stress of summertime travel, here are some planning tips to help you get organized ahead of time.”

1) Plan your route.
Especially when trekking new territory, use an online mapping service to find the best way to get there.. There is often more than one route to most destinations. Do you want to take the longer, more scenic route? Or do you want to get there quickly via the most direct route? Before you depart, check with local traffic services to ensure roads are open. Some highways may be closed for repairs or resurfacing. Online mapping services may not be aware of such closures, and you could be faced with tedious detours.

2) Prep the kids.
Family trips invariably lead to the familiar back-seat question, “Are we there yet?” Building fun road trip memories and avoiding hours of frustration is all about anticipating your child’s needs. Be sure to keep the kids occupied with fun travel games and plenty of snacks. Take frequent restroom and stretch breaks. Begin the road trip by handing out a scavenger-hunt-style list of sights and landmarks along the way to keep them engaged in what they see. Promise and deliver prizes for the most sites seen or most unusual things found.

3) Practice efficient driving techniques to save fuel.
Slow down and watch your speed. According to the United States Department of Energy, gas mileage tends to heavily decrease at speeds above 60 mph. Not only is observing the speed limit the law, but it can work in your wallet’s favor. Use your cruise control to keep a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Be sure your tires are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. This is one of the easiest ways to instantly improve fuel efficiency and keep you safer. Use the air conditioning if you need to; open windows while moving at highway speeds can create drag, robbing you of good gas mileage. While you’re focusing on fuel efficiency, remember that some API certified motor oils provide a boost in fuel economy. Using low-quality oils that don’t meet API specification could result in increased fuel costs.

4) Don’t forget to pack your roadside emergency kit!
To ensure you’re prepared for any roadside mishap, keep these things in your car: snacks and bottled water, first aid kit, cell phone and charger, sun screen and sun protection, flashlight and batteries, blankets, waterproof matches and/or a lighter, properly inflated spare tire, jack and lug wrench, jumper cables, signal flares, pocket knife, plastic trash bags for wind protection and car sickness, atlas and state/local road maps, extra quart of high-quality motor oil, hand cleaner and paper towels. And remember your family’s emergency contact list!

 
Always check your vehicle owner’s manual for your recommended maintenance intervals. Change the wipers. Summer rain is common in some areas, so ensure your wiper blades are fresh. If it’s nearing time for a service call, it’s better to perform the work before you hit the road. Need an oil change? Your choice of motor oil matters, so be sure to purchase a high-quality motor oil and minimize the potential of an engine-oil-related failure - it’s cheap peace of mind. High-quality oils - like Pennzoil and Quaker State - back up the performance of their products with an extended lubrication limited warranty (up to 500,000 miles for Pennzoil and 300,000 miles for Quaker State).

“Because motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine, I feel it is important to share some of the key points I found from the exciting educational initiative Motor Oil Matters and the informative website www.MotorOilMatters.org,” says DeVere.  “Using high-quality oil is an important aspect of keeping your car running smoothly, helping your vehicle maximize its fuel efficiency. When choosing high-quality motor oil, it’s reassuring to know that quality oil producers collaborate with automakers to develop specs and help minimize the potential for engine failure and breakdown - good to know when you’re counting on a trouble-free trip.

“On the flip side, a vehicle using low-quality oil may be more likely to break down, which is not only inconvenient, but it also threatens your family’s ability to get to the next stop on your journey.”

You can visit www.MotorOilMatters.org to learn more about the difference in motor oils. The website has been designed to provide the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to motor oil and your vehicle. Test your motor oil knowledge with the interactive quiz or visit the tips and advice section for quick answers to the most commonly asked questions and most popular motor oil myths.

Being well-prepared for your summer travel adventures will make certain your family memories will be the best they can be. When planning for the traveling needs of your passengers, remember to look after your vehicle, too. You’re counting on it to get you where you’re going and back home again safely and efficiently.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

The new MICHELIN® PRIMACY™ MXM4® Tires do have increased stopping distance, fuel-efficiency and a 55,000 mile warranty for all seasons. The proof is in the test.

Donning safety glasses and steel-oed boots about two sizes too big, I had a rare opportunity to participate in a tire manufacturing plant tour at the Michelin Lexington, South Carolina, location. I watched the entire process of how they bake up MICHELIN® PRIMACY™ MXM4® tires. It was a fascinating (and, well, stinky)  learning experience. The smell of curing tires is pretty rank, but well worth the education on how tires are built from scratch. I felt like I was back in school on a field trip.

At the Michelin Lauren Proving Grounds I also did my own testing of the MICHELIN® PRIMACY™ MXM4® tires and they did stop at a whopping 23 feet sooner in my wet road braking test against a major brand competitors tire*. Now let’s think about this…for safety reasons alone would you not want this tire on your luxury ride? In further wet driving on a tortuous test course with Michelin test driver and my instructor Sarah Robinson, who I podcasted last June on AskPatty.com, the competitor’s tires fishtailed and slipped around on the wet track and made me very nervous while the Michelin MXM4’s stuck to that wet road like glue. Sarah made me push both tests hard and it really made a huge difference for me, I was surprised at just how much safer I felt on the Michelin tires. I would be afraid to not have the better Michelin MXM4 tires on my luxury car on wet roads!

By utilizing the technologically advanced Helio Compound™, made with the oil from specific types of sunflowers, the Michelin Primacy™ MXM4® tire increases traction at low temperatures for braking and handling in wet conditions and has better overall performance in the snow.
Meeting Sarah in person and the opportunity to test drive under her instruction was a blast for me, she really knows her stuff. As the first female test driver at Michelin North America, Sarah K. Robinson is paving a new road for women in the automotive world. Robinson’s current responsibilities as a subjective test driver for Michelin include evaluating tire performance in both objective (e.g., wet braking) and subjective tests (e.g., wet and dry handling, noise) then delivering her results to Michelin’s designers and engineers to ensure the best possible tire is brought to market. She also develops and coordinates all visitor demonstrations, product launches and promotional activities occurring at Michelin’s test track, Laurens Proving Grounds (LPG) in Greenville, South Carolina.
A diverse workforce is a more competitive workforce, and Michelin employs many women in a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Michelin has dedicated itself to satisfying its customers. In fact, Michelin believes that the customer is the source and goal of everything that it does. Respect for customers, shareholders, people, the environment, and facts are the cornerstone of Michelin’s values.

The Michelin Primacy™ MXM4® will eventually replace the highly successful Michelin Pilot® MXM4® tire that has been extremely successful with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), having 425 model-year fitments over the last 10 years.  

Currently, the all-new Michelin Primacy™ MXM4® tire has seven original equipment fitments on the road:

•    2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan
•    2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan
•    2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
•    2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe
•    2011 Infiniti M37
•    2011 Infiniti M56
•    2009 Buick Lacrosse

Available to consumers in North America July 1, 2010, the Michelin Primacy™ MXM4® tire will offer 13 replacement market sizes with rim diameters ranging from 16- to 19-inch.  You can find an AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® Michelin tire dealer near you here. For more information on specific sizing, please visit www.michelinman.com.

Watch the video here:

For fun I am also including some summer road trip resources for you from the new Michelin Travel & Lifestyle division is the Michelin travel collection, a leading source of maps and guides designed to inspire consumers to experience new destinations, explore and eat with confidence. This collection includes the famed, century-old Michelin Guide to restaurants and hotels worldwide, which sets an international standard for excellence in dining and accommodations. The Michelin Green Guide, which features detailed touring content that is unrivaled in its breadth and depth of information, is also part of the collection along with the Michelin ‘Must Sees’ Guide for weekend trips to major destinations. Michelin’s maps and atlases offer unique usability and feature the expertise of Michelin’s in-house cartography team. 

The Michelin Travel Collection

This trusted collection of travel resources includes: 

•    The Michelin Guide to hotels and restaurants
•    The Michelin Green Guide
•    The Michelin “Must Sees” Guide
•    Road atlases
•    Maps

The travel collection also features ViaMichelin.com, a top European web site for mapping and travel planning. Michelin maps and guides are sold in most independent and chain bookstores nationwide as well as most online book and map retailers. The Michelin Guide collection in North America currently includes the Michelin Guide New York City and the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

Alarmingly, parents may be unwitting enablers of teen drinking and driving: more than one in three teens (36 percent) say their parents have allowed them to attend parties where it is known that alcohol will be served, and 14 percent say their parents have, in fact, hosted such teen gatherings.

The Liberty Mutual/SADD study suggests that parents have a tremendous opportunity to enhance their role in deterring unsafe driving behaviors among teens. More than one in five teens (22 percent) say their parents have either not spoken with them about driving safety at all or have only talked with them once. Past Liberty Mutual/SADD research strongly indicates that teens who have regular conversations with their parents about driving safety are less likely to drink and drive, less likely to speed, and are more likely to wear their seat belts.

Further, more than half (52 percent) of teens admit they are not responsible for abiding by any formal or informal family driving safety rules. Yet, the opportunity certainly exists: 64 percent of teens who have not entered into any written agreement with their parents about safe driving rules say they would be willing to do so.

“When parents and teens build their safe driving plans together, it prompts effective, face-to-face communication, which we know leads to safer driving behaviors,” says SADD Chairman Stephen Wallace. “Teens want freedom, trust and respect from their parents - exactly what teens themselves tell us a safe driving agreement would provide.”

Indeed, 71 percent of teens say a formal safe driving agreement will increase their parents’ trust in them and more than half (55 percent) believe it would afford them more freedom. Importantly, those who do have formal driving safety rules established with their parents are significantly more likely than teens who have no family driving safety rules to say such an agreement would encourage them to change their driving habits (44 percent vs. 26 percent) and would make it easier for them to resist peer pressure when it comes to making a decision between safe and unsafe driving behaviors (58 percent vs. 42 percent).

Liberty Mutual and SADD offer a customizable Family Ground Rules safe driving agreement at www.libertymutualteendriving.com that provides a framework for parents and teens to set and agree to specific rules around key safe driving issues such as speeding, the number of passengers in the car, cell phone usage, texting while driving, and curfews. Upon acceptance, these ground rules - with mutually agreed upon rewards and consequences - can be printed and posted on the refrigerator so parents and teens can refer back to them throughout the year.

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22. June 2010 by admin.

Looking for a quiet, safe, and smoother ride for your family?

Goodyear has just launched its Assurance ComforTred Touring all-new tire available at Goodyear-owned and independent retail outlets throughout North America and AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® Goodyear retail tire locations. In addition to the smooth, comfortable ride, the Assurance ComforTred Touring helps provide refined luxurious handling, all-season traction, and a tread life limited warranty up to 80,000 miles, all in addition to the signature “touring” and “comfort” feel of the product.

At a recent Goodyear media road test event in Monterey, California, I was able to cruise on Highway 1 on the Big Sur coastline on the new Assurance ComforTred Touring tires, joined by Michelle Dukeman, Brand Marketing Manager for the Goodyear Assurance brand. I enjoyed meeting and learning more about her career path to Goodyear and the automotive industry, these stories always fascinate me. Later in the day we did some challenge test driving on wet and rough road conditions. Michelle Dukeman is a young mother and these new tires would be great to keep your youngun’s sleeping on long road trips, they are so quiet and smooth. During the rough road test they mounted an iPod with special software to detect vibration on the steering column, pretty techy for a tire company, and it did prove to be a 20% smoother ride against the competition.

Joining Goodyear at this event was Chris Mitsos, Vice President of Mountain View Tires, with 29 AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® locations that carry Goodyear tires to serve you in Southern California. He was checking out the new specs on the tires at the press event and enjoying some incredible Northern California coast weather and views. 

The tire has Dual Comfort Zones:

 • A special Comfort Layer, with a layer under the tread that provides, on average, 20% more cushion than standard tires, for a smooth, comfortable ride.

• ComfortEdgeTM, which includes an outer comfort layer and an inner handling layer. Here, a sidewall insert employs a rubber layer that helps absorb road vibration in straight-ahead driving, and a stiffer rubber material that helps keep the tire firm for added support when turning.

The highly popular Assurance TripleTred has three unique tread zones for all weather conditions – rain, ice or dry.
• An Ice Zone features and interlocking tread pattern and uses volcanic sand in the tread compound to help enhance gripping power on icy or slick roads.

• A Water Zone has deeply carved Aquachannel grooves to help propel water off the tread and away from the tire.

• The tire’s Outer Dry Zone with tread reinforcement promises confident maneuvering on dry pavement.

The Assurance TripleTred features an 80,000-mile tread life limited warranty, and is recognized in several independent tests as one of the top-rated tires in its all-season category

The Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring further solidifies Goodyear’s position in the premium auto tire segment, most notably in the “touring” area, which requires refined handling and performance.  This new product will help provide the comfort and handling tuned for today’s mid- and upper-scale sedans.

“We believe both consumers and our retailers are going to love this tire.  With 34 popular sizes, ranging in potential fitments from Honda to Ford, to Lexus and Mercedes, this will be an excellent choice to help meet the needs of tire retailers and everyday motorists,” said Gary Medalis, Goodyear general manager, passenger car tires.

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