Unknown's avatar

Can You Really Run A Supercar On A Budget? (The Answer Is Yes)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/carspotter/2734796117

Ask a petrol head what they would like to drive and the answers will range from Ferrari to Lamborghini. No one wants a Nissan per-say, but they are quite attractive and affordable. And, that is the pertinent point to keep in mind: the cost. Supercars are sexy and fast and desirable, yet they are out of most people’s budget and that is a sticking point.

But, what if there is a way to own a car that will make your neighbour’s eyeballs bleed and it didn’t break the bank?

Of course you’d be interested, but it isn’t true. Well, that isn’t entirely the case.

Set A Figure

A Bugatti will cost a cool half a million dollars, which is an astonishing amount. Ferraris aren’t much cheaper at a quarter of a million, while Porsches and Lambos are six-figure sums too. It seems that all supercars are unattainable yet it isn’t true as some only have four zeros at the end. Take the 911, the German manufacturer’s iconic model. Today, a newer version can cost as little as $40,000. Sure, you won’t have it lying around the house, but the number is a hell of a lot smaller than $500,000. You can pick up an Audi R8 for the same price.

Choose A Runner

What this means is that you want to pick a car that is reliable. Sadly, supercars are known for breaking down and costing their owners a small fortune. The last thing you want to do is go balls out and then realize the auto repair expenses are too high. As always regarding reliability, pick a German car. So, their PR department is working overtime currently, but it doesn’t mean a Porsche is going to break down. On average, the life of a car can last as long as 250,000 miles. The Japanese also have a solid reputation, too.

Back To The Future

Fuel efficiency is another expense that can break the bank if you are not careful. Supercars are notorious for guzzling gas and spitting it out in toxic fumes and it’s not good for your bank balance. The price of fuel is rising around the world as fossil fuel resources deplete, which is a bummer. Burning petrol is not the answer, but using electricity is a fine solution. Tesla is the market leader at the moment, with traditional manufacturers hot in pursuit. Choosing a hybrid or a fully electric engine like a Roadster is a fantastic way to be current and own a badass motor.

Try Second-Hand

The idea of owning a supercar is to show off to the whole of the neighbourhood. However, you do need to have the money to floss and not care about the costs. For those that can’t buy a car without checking their bank balance, a used model is an option. Lots of owners get rid of their toys and replace them with new, in vogue alternatives, leaving perfectly good wheels to rust. Not only is the right one cheap but reliable, too.

Do you want to own a supercar? Hopefully, you’ll be four steps closer.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Essential Knowledge For Taking Care Of Your Car

In today’s world, it is almost impossible not to own a car. Yes, there are public transport options everywhere, but many of these take considerably longer than simply jumping in your car and driving to your destination. Whether your car is new or used, there are certain things that you need to be aware of in order to properly care for your car. Some of these may be covered under your warranty or service package if you have a new car, but it is always useful to have a little bit more knowledge when it comes to your primary mode of transport. Below are a few tips and bits of information which should make your time as a car owner easier on you and your car.

(Source)

Daily engine care

This may sound like a huge commitment that you don’t have the time for, but it is actually quite simple. The best thing you can do for your car is to simply make sure that you are being kind to it on a daily basis. Some people jump into their cars, turn the ignition, put the car into gear, and go screaming up the road in a matter of seconds. This is a horrible thing to do to your car and will wear out the engine components very quickly. Firstly, after turning the ignition, you should wait a few seconds for the oil pressure to build up within the engine, the oil is what keeps all the metal components lubricated and working well together. After that, you should gently put the car into gear. If you drive a manual car the gearbox can be a little stiff until the transmission fluid is up to temperature, so you should take this into account. But perhaps the most important aspect in this scenario is a fundamental flaw that some people are definitely guilty of. And that is that you should not put a large amount of stress on a cold engine. Think of your car like an athlete; you wouldn’t expect anyone to be able to compete in a 100m sprint without an adequate warm up, and neither can your car. It can take up to ten minutes of gentle driving for an engine to reach its operating temperature. Only then can it safely be asked to accelerate hard or climb farther up the rev range. If you are someone who enjoys taking their car out for a spirited drive, it is important to finish your weekend blast with another ten minutes of gentle driving and finally letting the car idle for a minute before switching off the engine.

Checking and changing oil

This is such an easy job to do on most cars, yet many people fail to give it the time it deserves. Oil is to your car’s engine what blood is for your body. Without it, your car simply cannot function. An engine has incredibly high operating temperatures and lots of metal parts rubbing and grinding against each other, your car’s oil can help to reduce the wear and tear of these internal components. As a rough guide, most cars call for an oil change every 5,000 miles and an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles. There are plenty of in-depth guides and videos teaching you how to change your oil and filter, which sounds technical but is actually a very easy job with the right tools. If you don’t have an expansive toolkit or are a bit hopeless with DIY, then you should take your car to a qualified mechanic. If possible, you should take your car to a specialist, like Bavarian Workshop BMW services, who deals with your particular make of car. You should also be checking your oil level on a weekly basis. Checking the oil is incredibly simple, all you need to do is pop the hood and locate the dipstick. If you aren’t too sure what this looks like on your car, the owner’s manual should provide the relevant information. You should check the engine oil level when the car is cold to give a more accurate reading, checking when the engine is warm will mean that there will be oil distributed all around the engine and not located entirely in the sump (which is where most of the oil drains to when the engine isn’t running). Take out the dipstick, wipe it off on an old rag or paper towel and then replace it fully. Withdraw it again and check where the oil comes up to on the dipstick. There should be an upper and lower line, and you want the oil to be in between these. If it is quite close to the lower line, or below it, you will need to top up the oil. Be sure to top up with the same brand of oil as is in the car already, mixing brands can cause the different additives to not work well together and can damage your engine.

Changing a tyre

This is another incredibly simple and essential piece of information regarding your car. Everyone should know how to change a tyre. Punctures rarely occur at a time that suits you and waiting for breakdown recovery to come and help you could take hours, not to mention that you could get your puncture somewhere out of signal range. Every car will come with a spare wheel (sometimes a smaller version called a space-saver wheel), a jack, and a wrench. Simply park your car on a level surface, put it into gear if it’s a manual or park if it’s an automatic, and apply the hand brake. Then you need to loosen the nuts on the offending wheel suing the wrench. These will be pretty tight, but most wrenches are extendable to allow you to make use of a larger lever arm. After you’ve loosened the nuts, jack up the car at the proper jacking point until the tyre is about an inch off the ground. Take the nuts off, switch the wheels, then finger tighten the nuts. Release the jack, then when the car is on the ground you can use the wrench to tighten the nuts. Make them as tight as you can for now, when you go to get the puncture repaired the mechanic can put the nuts on to the correct torque setting. Space-saver wheels are not designed to travel at high speed or for long distances, but either way, you should get the puncture repaired or the tyre replaced as soon as possible.

There you have it, three simple pieces of information that are crucial to the continued care of you and your vehicle. A car is an incredibly complex piece of machinery and needs the right amount of attention. Look after it right, and it will never let you down.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Don’t Be a Sinking Ship: A Guide to Travelling Around the World in your Boat

There are plenty of people out there who would never even think about buying a boat and this is because they believe that a boat is a bad investment. They also think that a boat investment is like throwing money overboard. Some boats do end up costing quite a bit in repairs, but others don’t as much so it really all comes down to choosing the right one for your needs. There are also many pitfalls that you can avoid to try and cut the cost down as well. All in all, a boat is a brilliant investment if you want to travel the world and your family can have years of enjoyment as a result.

Affordability and Expenditure

Did you know that when you have your very own boat, you can travel as far or as close as you’d like? You can take to the seas and venture out to almost any location. The problem is that you have to make sure that the boat you have is affordable and you also have to make sure that you can afford to run it. Financing is a great option here and there are plenty of dealers who can help you. They can even help you to cut the interest rate down as well!

https://www.pexels.com/photo/sea-dawn-nature-sky-127160/

Insurance

One of the first things that you would have to consider is the insurance. There are a lot of factors that can come into play here and that includes your boating experience, the cost of your license and more. When you do have your insurance sorted out, you will have to make sure that the insurance covers you if you do happen to travel out of the country as this is one of the many pitfalls that a lot of people experience when owning their first boat.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/bay-blue-boat-boats-296242/

Boating Tips that will Change the Way You Travel

If you want to make the most out of your boat travel then you have to make sure that you drive at a slower speed so that you can increase your fuel efficiency. You also need to invest in some marine grade lumber as this is one of the best ways for you to make the most out of your purchase. Of course, it’s also very important that you minimise the amount of time that your boat is in the dock and you need to keep your engines maintained as well.

All of this will help you to keep the cost down with your boat and it will also help you to make sure that you are happy with the end result of your purchase in general. All in all, travelling the world on a boat is an experience unlike any other and you would be surprised at how easy it is for you to have the journey of a lifetime without having to worry about a thing. It’s a great experience for the whole family and it is a great way for you to spend the time to focus on yourself as well.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Having Trouble Deciding Between New And Used Cars

Having Trouble Deciding Between New And Used Cars?

Your life

The need for a car can depend highly on your lifestyle and what use you can make of it. It’s all very well if you need your car every day in order to get to work and back, but can you guarantee you’ll get that much use out of it? If you don’t need to travel so frequently, you might want to consider other forms of transport instead. With that said, how do you determine what kind of car you need to get when it comes to buying one. Everyone has their preferences and needs, and the difference between used and new can vary significantly.

New cars

When it comes to buying new cars, you can expect to get along with it without having to worry about any issues or problems on the horizon. Even if you do run into these problems, you’re very likely to have a warranty on it. Not just that, but you’re much more likely to get better deals when it comes to financing it too because you have to get it from a car dealer. It’s more expensive, but you’re investing that money in the guaranteed quality and flawlessness. If you’re passionate about your car, you want to make sure it’s going to look and run perfectly at the same time, and you don’t want to have to settle for things like scratches or mechanical imperfections that you would get from a used car.

The main reason people don’t tend to buy new cars is because of the pricing. Some people are completely fine when it comes to dealing with scratches and dents, possibly even some mechanical problems as long as they can knock a percentage of the price down. For example, take a look at the new Vauxhall Viva and get an idea of what kind of price you would be looking at. Now, don’t take that as buying a new car isn’t worth the money; for most car owners it absolutely is. A car is something you can be proud of, and something you should be able to feel joy from owning; not just a rusty old bucket to get you from A to B.

Used Cars

There’s a huge market for used cars, and that’s for many reasons. First of all, having to buy used is an essential for a huge demographic of people; for example, students. When you first learn to drive, you’re likely unable to afford all of the costs that come with a new car, because you’re not just looking at the base payment, you need to consider your insurance too. New drivers typically have to pay more for their insurance, as they’ve not had any experience to prove themselves; that number does go down over time, however. You’re saving a lot of money, yes; but you’re also risking a lot too. Many faults can come with a used car, and you need to be careful when picking one out; else you may end up with a useless hunk of metal over the course of a year.

(Source: Pexels)

There’s a preference for everyone, you just need to make sure that the costs are in your interests, and also your needs for the vehicle. It’s best to go for new if you’re going to be putting it through rigorous usage; as an older and already worn car is much more likely to fail on you in short time.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Telltale Signs It’s Time To Get A New Car

Are you toying with the idea of getting a new car? If you’re weighing up your options, but you’re not sure whether or not to take the plunge, here are some telltale signs that it’s time for a new motor.

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mercedesbenzencino/8345921563

Your car doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle

A lot can happen in a relatively short space of time. Time flies, and a car you bought to get you from A to B as a young and carefree single may not be suited to your lifestyle five years later. If you’ve got children in tow or you’ve got a dog that loves to get out and about, you may find that your trusty hatchback simply doesn’t cut the mustard anymore. Likewise, if you’ve changed job, you may also need to change your car. If you’re driving a lot more, for example, you may find that you could save a lot of money on your daily commute by switching to a more fuel-efficient model.

Your car isn’t reliable

We all dread those days when it looks like the car coughs and sputters and it seems as though it has finally given up the ghost. Cars can last for years, but if you’re spending more time talking to auto repair experts than you are actually driving the car, it may be time to bid a fond farewell and invest in a reliable vehicle that’s going to get you to where you want to be without any stress or strain. If you hang on to a car for too long, it can be very costly, and there may also be a higher risk of accidents.

You want to go green

More and more drivers are opting for greener cars. If you’re driving around in an older car that is pumping clouds of exhaust fumes into the atmosphere, you may find the prospect of a cleaner, more eco-friendly wagon appealing. Taxes tend to be less expensive, and the cost of keeping the car on the road may also be lower.

You’ve lost that loving feeling

Many people really enjoy driving. When you’ve got a new car, there’s nothing like the feeling of driving off the forecourt. The sad reality is that we can get bored and fall out of love with cars very quickly and easily. We live in an age when people replace their cars on a regular basis, and it’s very common to get a new car every 2 or 3 years. If you’ve lost that loving feeling and you don’t really enjoy the experience of driving anymore, a different car could give you a new lease of life on the roads.

Are you thinking about replacing an old car and investing in a new model? If you’re not quite sure whether to hang on to your car or take the plunge and get a new vehicle, hopefully, this guide will help you make your mind up. If you do decide that it’s time for a new car, make sure you consider all the options, compare prices and arrange some test drives.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Essential Considerations For Your Teen’s First Vehicle

Image Origin

So, it’s finally happened. The months and years have passed in the blink of an eye, and suddenly that tiny baby you were holding what feels like only five minutes ago is on the brink of gaining their driving licence. You now find yourself faced with one of the toughest purchases you will ever make: the vehicle that your child will drive.

This is a challenging time; so challenging that many parents resist and insist that a car is not necessary for a teenager. Then, slowly but surely, the resistance begins to be futile. There’s no doubt that your teen having their own vehicle is an important part of their independence, not to mention nigh-on essential if you live in an area with poor public transport. Even more importantly, if your teen is on the verge of going to college, then you’re going to want them to be able to drive home whenever they wish.

So you need to buy a vehicle; a vehicle that is strong enough and good enough to protect your precious child. It also needs to be a vehicle that fits into your budget– and then you have to learn to live with that vehicle. Living with the vehicle is often overlooked; it’s fair to presume you’ve thought through all the questions about safety, but have you considered these other factors?

#1 – Consider your vehicle options

Many of us assume that our teen’s first vehicle will be a car. Cars are the most popular method of transport in the world, but they’re also among the most expensive. The running costs for a car can be prohibitive to both your budget and your teen’s, to the point they can seem outright unaffordable to some families.

If this is the case for you, then you should consider a motorcycle instead. The same benefits of independence can be enjoyed, but with much lower insurance and running costs. You can save yourself even more money when if you choose to opt for a secondhand buy; you can see here for used motorcycles to give you an idea of how much you’d be able to save.

So while your teen may still prefer the idea of a car, it’s essential you consider the alternative options if you’re on a budget– you might be surprised by just how much you could save.

#2 – A thorough calculation of running costs

Image Origin

Whether you choose a car or a motorcycle, you’re going to need to sit down and work out the full running costs of your teen’s vehicle.

Estimating running costs is tough for most of us, as our car-related expenses are just absorbed with the rest of our household budget. As a result, it may be awhile since you have sat down and gone through the exact costs you can expect for getting your teen onto the road.

It’s best to run through running costs when you have a specific vehicle in mind, so you can accurately compile a list of what it may require to keep it on the road. You will want to include:

  • Purchase price,
  • Estimated gas usage; you can usually find the MPG of a vehicle listed on the manufacturer’s website,
  • Insurance costs,
  • Potential repair bills; the older a car or bike is, the more you should budget in this area.

When you have a full idea of the ongoing running costs, you can then move on to your next consideration…

#3 – Who pays?

Buying your teenager a car is just the beginning; the vehicle itself is then going to need continually funding to keep on the road. You have to decide how you’re going to handle this.

Below are a few different options you may want to consider:

  • You buy the car, but your teen pays for the upkeep.
  • You buy the car, the insurance, and fund any repairs, but they pay for the gas.
  • You buy the car, but everything else is their responsibility.
  • They buy the car from their savings (such as birthday money or gifts from grandparents) and you provide them with a budget for the running costs.

There is no “right” or “wrong” decision here; it’s all about what best suits your family and your budget. If your teen is working, then they may be able to take on some of the car costs themselves. On the flip side, if you want them to focus on their studies, then you may have to consider providing a budget to ensure they can keep their car running.

It’s important that both you and your teen are 100% agreed on the strategy for managing the financial side. You don’t want to be getting into “but I thought you were paying for that!” arguments in the future. It’s beneficial to write down your agreement, so that you both have something to refer back to if there are problems in the future.

#4 – Whose car is it?

You will need to decide if you own the car or whether it is registered in your teen’s name, and they are insured on it as a second driver. If your teen is soon going to college, it is better to put the car in their name.

#5 – Where will the car be parked?

Image Origin

If your teen is heading to college, this question answers itself. However, when they are at home (or if they still live with you full time), you will need to make arrangements to ensure the car can be correctly parked. If you’re going to use street parking, it’s worth checking the rules and regulations regarding this with your local authority.

In conclusion

If you’re willing to search, stick to a rigid set of rules, and compromise a little, then you can be sure of finding the perfect vehicle for their teen. The first time they ride alone is going to be tough for you, but in time, you’ll find yourself delighting in their independence and ability to handle themselves on the road.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

How To Prepare For A True “On The Road” Experience

Picture

Have you read On The Road by Jack Kerouac? It’s one of those literary rites of passage for so many people wanting to discover who they are by traversing the length and breadth of America, and is arguably where Route 66 became known as the pinnacle of American road travel. That book had some very unsafe methods of going around America, but if you plan on going around the world via road, it’s definitely easier nowadays, but there are some practicalities you need to bear in mind.

Pick The Right Car

Back in the era of On The Road, cars were built to last, but they weren’t very practical, and were very difficult to drive. At least now, if you’re planning on making an epic road trip, you can rent a car that is practical in terms of the journey, but also can store your luggage. Chryslers are a decent bench mark to aim for in terms of size, and there are many Chrysler dealerships around. But when it comes to picking a suitable car, you need to think of all the practicalities concerned, namely, how many people are travelling, how much luggage there will be, and, can you sleep in the car or not? There will be times when you might end up stuck somewhere in the middle of the night, and you will need to hunker down for some rest, so consider something comfortable, as well as practical.

Prepare Your Entertainment

For lots of budding travellers, the open road might be all that you need to keep you alert and awake. For others, 200 miles of the same view, no matter how inspiring it is, can pave the way for tiredness and sluggishness behind the wheel. So it’s always important to pick some entertainment, and preload some onto your phone or tablet. There are plenty of travelers podcasts, or you might even want to get an audio version of On The Road, in keeping with the theme! But plenty of music will never go a miss, and depending on what part of the world you’re driving through, it may be beneficial to get some music native to that country, so you can get a richer experience of the landscape you are travelling through.

Fuel Up Whenever You Can!

Granted, there are apps you can download now that will show you the nearest filling stations to your location, but if there are hundreds of miles between one station and the next, not only is it practical for you to fill up, but it’s beneficial to keep your tank topped off, because you never know if the next filling station is out of order! It could be very stressful journey if the warning light comes on and your next station is 40 miles away, it could be a photo finish!

And, in addition to these, making sure you are well rested is vital, because every time you get behind the wheel, you need to make sure you’re focused and ready for a long journey. To have an authentic On The Road-type experience, by its very definition, means flying by the seat of your pants and operating with very little, but this is impractical, and this isn’t safe!

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Motorcycles Can Be Better Than Cars: Here’s Why

Image Credit: PixaBay

There are over eight million registered motorcycles in the US. That may sound rather impressive, but pales in comparison to the number of car drivers: 263 million.

Going on the numbers, then, it’s fair to say that motorcycles deserve a little more love. Perhaps you are a motorcyclist who has yet to discover their passion; or maybe you just don’t know how very beneficial motorcycles can be. Read on and you’ll discover why two wheels might just be better than four…

#1 – Fuel economy

Motorcycles have truly fantastic fuel economy, especially when compared to cars. Some motorcycles offer an MPG rating of over 150, which is truly impressive, and would save you a small fortune over the course of a year.

#2 – Motorcycles are better for the environment

Due in no small part to their enhanced fuel economy, motorcycles are generally considered to be better for the environment. While they still primarily use fossil fuels, they at least use less than their four-wheeled counterparts.

#3 – The potential for better focus

If you have a problem with being distracted while driving, then a motorcycle might be just what you need. When you’re riding a motorcycle, you’re not going to be looking at your phone or engaged in a lively conversation with a passenger; you’re going to be focused on the road, 99.9% of the time.

#4 – The feeling

Riding a motorcycle is undoubtedly more involved than driving a car. You’ll feel the movement more, enjoy the road beneath the wheels, lean into and enjoy the bends. Driving a car can be good fun, but riding a motorcycle is all the more exhilarating.

#5 – Ease of road use

Have you ever been sat in a traffic jam and watched, furious, as a motorcycle slinks between the cars and skips through the traffic? Most motorists have, and while it’s irritating, it’s also something that you could do. If you’re fed up of sitting in traffic, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to keep moving more with a motorcycle. Furthermore, this behavior is completely above board, so feel free to ignore any angry motorists who are envious of your newfound freedom!

#6 – Motorcycles are simpler machines

Cars are getting more and more complicated every year, with thousands of electrical components that even the most competent of amateur mechanics may struggle with. In contrast, motorcycles are blissfully simple, so you could manage plenty of the vehicle management yourself. All you need is parts from the likes of Solo Moto and a few lessons in motorcycle maintenance, and you should be able to manage well from there.

In conclusion

While motorcycles are unable to replace a large family car for everyday use, there’s no doubt they have their benefits for solo errands, travel, and pleasure trips. As the above shows, motorcycles have plenty to offer to the average road user, so they’re definitely worth at least considering the next time you assess your transport options.

Do you think you might be tempted to give motorcycles a try?

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Staying Safe on the Highway

Sometimes, highway driving is unavoidable. Sometimes, highways are the only conceivable route to take in order to get to a destination on time. In fact, sometimes, highways are the only route to take in order to get to a destination at all. Yes, highway driving is sometimes unavoidable, and this means that you will probably have to drive on a highway at some point in your life as a driver. But, you can take the stress out of doing so by simply ensuring that you know how to stay safe upon the highway and to know what to do if things go wrong. A Denver truck accident lawyer firm advises that knowing what to do in the case of an accident is very important.  Should you become injured as a result as a result of a truck crash, it’s important that you know what your rights are and how to go about claiming compensation. An injury attorney, especially one that specializes in traffic and accident cases, can give provide advice in this area. To find more information on that very matter, make sure to read on.

Image source

Make sure that you watch and monitor your speed

Watching and monitoring your speed whilst driving on a highway road is one of the most important things for you to be doing if you want to stay safe, so make sure you do it! And yes, this might sound like a bit of a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how easy it is to lose a track of your speed on the highway and just how many speed-related accidents there are annually on our highways, so make sure you are monitoring your speed at all times. Specifically, make sure you are sticking to the speed limit of the stretch of highway that you are driving on at ALL times.

Ensure to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front

Ensuring that there is a safe distance between you and the vehicle you are immediately following is pivotal if you want to stay safe on the highway. It is pivotal because this space could be the difference between you hitting the car in front of you upon having to break suddenly, and you managing to stop safely before a hit takes place.

For advice on how to maintain a safe following distance, make sure to head here.

Be mindful of heavy duty vehicles

Heavy duty vehicles, such as vans, tractors, trailers and trucks, always have been and always will be a mainstay of the highways. They are a mainstay because highways offer them, or specifically their drivers, the chance to transport products en masse easily and in the quickest time possible. So, if you enter on a highway thinking or hoping not to see a heavy-duty vehicle, then think and hope again because they WILL be there.

So, it’s not about hoping not to see a truck, for instance, but it is about doing all you can to avoid being hit by a truck. To do this you should be mindful of the truck’s existence, first and foremost, because deviating into its lane without knowing that it is there will put both you and the truck’s driver in immediate trouble. You should also try to give the truck as much space as possible, even when you are in a separate lane to it. You should try to stay out of its blind spot whenever you can. You should pass slowing moving trucks (or, specifically, tractors) with extra care. And, lastly, you should always bare the size of the truck in mind.

Driving on the highway is worth it, there is no denying that. But, highway driving is only worth it if it is made as safe as possible. So, make sure your next bout of highway driving is as safe as can be!

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

The Problem With Electric Cars Is Dependability

Image source

The chitter-chatter surrounding electric cars has somewhat slipped away recent months, which is partly to do with the new revolution on our horizon (#autonomous cars), partly to do with some big-name players entering this fold and partly to do with the fact people have gotten used to seeing them on the roads. That said, the concept of electric cars is still fairly new and the number of people feeling brave enough to make the transition is not as high as people would hope.

Why? Because of dependability.

If you want to attract buyers then you need to be able to deliver both dependability and reliability. You don’t want a car that can’t drive more than 150 miles and has frequent faults, make your car so unsafe you have www.lane-lane.com/chicago-car-accident-lawyer/ bookmarked in your browser, costs a lot to repair and takes weeks to get back on the road. That’s not going to see people queue up on the sales floor.

With that in mind, we have pulled together a list of electric cars that are known – for better or worse – for their reliability.

The Worst:

  1. Believe it or not, the electric car that recorded the most driver faults was the Tesla Model S, with almost 40% of owners having to deal with a wide range of issues. Mmm hmm. It wasn’t like there was one recurring issue that people could expect and Tesla could fix, it was a split between things like bodywork problems, the interior trim, the electric motors, the door handles, the exterior lights and a few other tidbits. The good news on this front is that, of those who took part in the study, all of them had their issues dealt with under warranty. The bad news is, a lot of this 40% said their cars were off the road for a week or more.
  2. This entry saddened us a bit because we absolutely adore the Renault ZOE. It’s a great hatchback. Unfortunately, though, around 31% of ZOE owners saw their existence plagued by faults, namely with non-engine electrics. We’re talking heaters, air-con systems and even charging units. Much like with the Tesla issues, all the faults were repaired on Renault’s dime, while most of the cars in question were quietly eating up roads again in less than a week. However, there were some cases in which cars were described as “undriveable” for in excess of seven days.

The Best:

  1. If you had to pick just one company that had embraced the electric way of life more than any other it would have to be Nissan, and the jewel in their crown is the Leaf. Now we could go on all day about the ticks this car deserves, as this article proves cleantechnica.com/2017/08/23/2018. but the one we need to sing about is its reliability. Less than 8% of owners found fault with theirs. Less than 8%. And as seems to be standard in this industry, they were all fixed for free and, best of all, none of them was stranded in some overcrowded garage for more than a week.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂