Category Archives: Vehicles and Driving

Unknown's avatar

So You’re Teaching Your Son or Daughter To Drive

by

It’s always an exciting time when a young son or daughter is entering adulthood. They have their whole life ahead of them, and you’ll be on hand to help them navigate their way through this murky world. When they reach the right age, you might be the first driving teacher they have, showing them the basics and getting them ready to hit the road for good. Below, we take a look at a few essential tips you’ll need to consider to ensure it doesn’t end in one big family screaming match.

Source: Pexels.com

Ready When They Are

There might be a driving age, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to buckle up and begin driving the second they reach that age! There should never be any pressure to get behind the wheel. If there is, then the lessons will be pointless; the child will be too nervous to absorb the information they’re receiving. Of course, it’s OK to give a person a gentle nudge in the right direction, but if they’re really resistant, then listen to them and postpone the lessons until they’re ready.

You’re a Coach, not a Parent

You’ll have taught your son or daughter many life lessons over the years; that’s what good parenting is! But things are a little bit different when it comes to learning to drive. Behind the wheel, things can get dangerous, and as such you need to be more in the mindset of a coach than a parent. Your son or daughter is going to freak out at some point, and when they do, you need to be a calming voice that’ll tell them what to do. In any case, what teenager listens to their parents? Take the “I’m a coach” route!

Starting Small

Driving a car might be the easiest thing in the world to you, but then again, you know how to do it. For someone who has never been in the driver’s seat, it’s like walking on the moon. Nothing makes sense. As such, it’s imperative that you take things slowly and just start small. With things like this, progress is always made inch by inch. And when it comes to driving, that’s probably quite literal: they’ll only be driving a few inches at a time!

Prepare for Things to Go Wrong

Of course, you hope that everything runs smoothly. But the fact is that every time anyone gets behind the wheel, there’s the possibility that something might go wrong. Make sure you know what you’ll do if you’re involved in an accident when you’re teaching your son or daughter to drive. This will mean staying calm, making sure everyone is OK, and checking out https://www.robinettelaw.com/west-virginia/morgantown-car-accident-injury-attorney/ to assess your legal options. As ever, it always pays to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Teaching about the Vehicle

When you’re teaching someone to drive, it’s not just about making sure they know how to operate the vehicle. It’s about teaching them about the vehicle; how it works, how to fix things, and all the other aspects of car ownership. You might think that it’s obvious how to turn the lights of a car on, but to someone who has never driven a car before, it can be a complete mystery. Additionally, make sure they know how to check and change the essential fluids, turn on windscreen wipers, and what to do if they’re driving in adverse weather conditions.

Time for Expert Advice

Alas, all good things must come to an end. You might think that you’re a wonderful driving instructor, and you might be, but if your son or daughter is going to pass their test, then eventually they’ll need to get help from a professional. You’ll have picked up bad driving habits during your time on the road, and as such you’re unlikely to know how to pass a test. But hey, don’t be too upset: you’ll have played a big role in getting your child on the road!

Make it Fun

It’s easy to get stressed when you’re in a vehicle with a person who has never driven before. And make no mistake: driving is serious business, and you should treat it as such. However, like in every other aspect of life, there’s also the possibility to make it fun, too. Wherever possible, adopt a relaxed attitude and try to be an inspiring teacher to your child.

With a bit of luck, your son or daughter will become a terrific drive, and it’ll be in part thanks to your guidance.

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

Stop Mechanics From Driving You Around The Bend

by

Mechanics are an essential part of life when you own a car. There are some people who would rather wish that isn’t the case, but it is. If you’ve had bad experiences with mechanics in the past, it’s easy for them to skew your whole perspective on them. While not every mechanic is willing to overcharge you, and carry out unnecessary fixes that you have to pay for in the end, it’s important to reduce your risk of that happening by any means necessary. Here are just a few of the means worth considering.

Photo

Be willing to do more yourself

One easy way to end up paying for less work from your mechanic is by giving them less work to do. There are simply car repair and replacement tasks that most drivers could carry out themselves, including rotating tires, changing spark plugs, using auto body shop supplies to take care of dents and scratches and so on. The more maintenance you’re willing to do to stop wear and tear, the better your car will perform and the less likely you are to need repairs in the first place. Naturally, this shouldn’t mean you you’re always trying to repair it yourself and skipping the mechanic when their expertise is necessary. But learn more about your vehicle as time goes on, become more competent, and make more fixes yourself.

Google is your friend

Nowadays, it’s a lot easier to get advice on whether or not a mechanic can be trusted. Your friends are a good starting point when you’re looking for recommendations on a new garage but it’s likely that there’s going to be at least a few reviews on Google giving you the inside scoop on any mechanic, too. What’s more, use Google to research faults and fixes for your car more often. While internet diagnoses can sometimes lead to wrong decisions, it can also help you get a better idea of how much certain repairs cost. That way, you’re more likely to know whether and when you’re being overcharged.

Stand your ground

A little research can help you avoid the worst of them, but it’s important to know how to deal with mechanics, as well. Even if you’re not very technically literate, know how to communicate with them specifically regarding the car. Know the difference between a backfire and a misfire. Get an idea upfront of how long the car is going to be in the shop and make sure that they’re transparent with every service they plan on carrying out. Sometimes additional fixes might very well be necessary, but ask to be informed of them before they’re carried out. That way you might be able to catch some nonessential costs from being added to your bill.

Cars are expensive and for that reason, every driver has to be a savvy consumer. The costs of being taken for a ride and convinced to spend when not necessary is just too high. Hopefully the tips above stop you from falling into that trap.

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

5 Hybrid All Wheel Drives That Will Give You Great Winter Performance

by

‘Tis the season to be jolly. It’s also the season of hard starts, coughing, spluttering engines and frozen fuel lines. It’s the time to load your car up with winter tires, check the brakes and make sure the timing belt will survive until spring. The winter brings with it a specific set of maintenance challenges when your trusty steed starts to look a little worse for wear. It’s the time when many of us find ourselves fantasizing about something newer, sturdier and more reliable. Winter is the time when we find ourselves in the market that will protect our families from the inevitable perils of icy roads and erratic drivers. You’ve likely also thought about the environmental and long term cost advantages of a hybrid.

If you’re wondering whether sustainability needs to come at the cost of performance during a season when performance is of paramount importance… don’t worry, it doesn’t! Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the year’s best hybrids from around the world that will give you the robust performance you need to handle anything the winter weather throws in your path.

Image by Pexels

Hybrids are great for winter

There’s a common misconception that due to their lower ground clearance for increased aerodynamics and their low-roll resistance tires hybrids are inherently inferior to gas engine vehicles around this time of year but that’s not necessarily a given. Gas engines are particularly thirsty when travelling in low gears at low speeds such as when traversing icy roads or travelling uphill. This does not make for great fuel economy. Hybrid vehicles, however engage their electric engines under these conditions making for some excellent fuel savings. With the right set of winter tires and regular checks and inflation (the cold causes air molecules to contract which can make for an apparent sudden drop in tire pressure), there’s no reason why your hybrid can’t match or surpass cars with gas engines when it comes to winter performance.

Without further ado, let’s check out some of the best winter ready AWD vehicles on the market this winter. These vehicles have been selected with performance, fuel economy and safety in mind. It’s a sad fact that the season brings with it not only perilously icy roads but occasional dangerous drivers. Drink driving and driver fatigue are unfortunately prevalent at this time of year. If you’ve been involved in an accident on the road this season it’s important to seek justice with a lawyer like Craig Swapp car accident settlement. It’s even more important, though, to make sure you choose a car that’ll make you feel safe on the road in winter.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

It’s that time of year when many of us pile our families into the car and do the rounds to visit friends and family all around the country. This means keeping a very full car on the road for long hours. If this sounds achingly familiar, Toyota’s RAV4 could be for you! It’s interior is among the most spacious in its class with ample room for family and luggage. Even when full, it’s uncommonly quick off the mark offering excellent acceleration as well as a superb fuel economy of 32mpg combined. It handles beautifully and gives you a real sense of safety and security on the road. Starting at $29,970 it offers exceptional value for money.

Volvo XC90-T8 Plug-In Hybrid

Trust the Swedes to make cruising through the snow look this good. While this vehicle may be toward the pricier end of the spectrum (starting in at $72,795) you can see where every penny of that money goes. Beneath its sleek exterior the vehicle boasts 400-horsepower powertrain that enables its rear drive to travel up to 14 miles solely on electric power. The XC90-T8 Plug-In Hybrid stores a WIlly Wonka’s factory of engineering marvels within the same housing as the traditional XC90 models.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid

Remember those old ads, “You can with a Nissan”? This is one of those times when the Japanese manufacturer has actually lived up to their claims. The Rogue Hybrid is built very much with value in mind, offering a fuel economy of 33 mpg in hybrid mode when equipped with All Wheel Drive. For all it’s efficiency, it’s no slouch in the performance department either, with an acceleration of 0-60 in 9 seconds. With a surprisingly low margin of cost between the hybrid and its gas guzzling cousin we know where the smart money goes.

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

If it’s exceptional handling and performance on the road you’re looking for you’ll find little offers you a better feeling of power and control on the icy roads than the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The German manufacture may not be best known for its commitment to green vehicles but this hybrid surpasses even the highest of expectations. Just take the acceleration at 0-60 mph in an eyebrow scorching 5.4 seconds. It comes with AWD as standard and starts at a reasonable (by Porsche’s standards) $79,750. It offers a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in hybrid mode and has the kind of luxurious interior you’d expect from the brand.

Image Credit

Lexus NX 300h

There’s a pronounced lean within the market towards the compact SUV and if you’re in the market to scratch this particular itch, you’ll find an excellent fusion of luxury and fuel efficiency in this offering from Lexus. While it stands in at around $5000 in cost over its gas equivalent the NX200t its combined fuel economy of 31 mpg combined with the beautiful interior and superb infotainment system (featuring HD radio, traffic and weather as well as the Bluetooth and USB connectivity that one expects going into 2018) merit the $40,695 price tag.    

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

Of course, if you happen to have around $60,000 burning a hole in your pocket, there’s no hybrid on the market that offers better performance throughout the winter months than the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. This sedan comes with a surprising array of amenities as standard within its utterly luxurious interior and its responsive performance will make you the undisputed king of 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

5 Car Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

by

Image Source

Maintaining your car correctly costs money, but failing to maintain it can cost even more. Here are five mistakes to avoid to keep you spending less on your vehicle.

Forgetting to check fluids

Cars have all kinds of fluids under their bonnet nowadays. Some modern cars have warning lights to tell us when these fluids are low, whilst others rely on us checking them manually. Make sure that you are keeping all these fluids topped up – if they run dry it could cause extra damage to parts. These fluids include oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, engine coolant and power steering fluid.

Letting tires go flat

Underinflated tires won’t just cause the rubber to wear – it could have a knock on effect on other parts of your car. Your vehicle is likely to use up more fuel when driving on underinflated tires and braking is likely to be less effective. One underinflated tire meanwhile could put the whole car out of balance, causing steering to pull and possibly affecting the camber. The moment you think those tires are looking spongy, it’s worth getting some air in them. Just don’t overinflate them, because this can be just as bad.

Ignoring warning lights

Warning lights appear for a reason, yet it’s surprising how many people ignore them. You should always consult your vehicle manual or take your car into a car repair centre to diagnose what the problem is. Fixing it early could prevent catastrophic damage later down the line. Occasionally electrics will play up and tell you there’s something wrong when there isn’t – be careful when this happens as a faulty light could stop you from actually knowing when a real problem arises.

Cheaping it out on repairs

There are lots of ways to go cheap on repairs from going DIY to ordering partially worn parts. Some people may even shop around for the cheapest repair centre, only to settle with a dodgy mechanic making up for a bad reputation with low costs. Whilst you make think you’re saving money this way, you could in fact be creating new faults later down the line. There are times when paying extra for specialist treatment can be of benefit such as finding a European auto repair service for a European car. Above all, read reviews and testimonials so that you know the type of service you’re getting.  

Not considering seasonal maintenance

Different seasons may bring different types of maintenance. The most obvious is winter in which a car battery can die if the engine is not regularly started up. You may even benefit from switching up your tires for winter tires during this season. In the summer, you may want to keep a keen eye on engine coolant levels as well checking that the air conditioning is working properly. 

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

Alleviate Your Car Safety Worries

by

People have a lot to say about the fact that cars have a lot of technology to them today, but that’s only a natural progression when you think about it. Gone are the days in which three wheelers were seen hurtling down the road, and we no longer have the luxury to spot some horse-drawn carriages running through the streets. However, these old time stylings are more than made up for by the amount of ‘smart’ cars we have available to us, and how they can make the world of automobiles a little safer.

Cars are made to last a little longer than they used to be, and that’s largely due to people knowing manufacturing tips and tricks, and how to talk to the mechanic. Information being a lot more accessible means we’re a lot more secure in our vehicles, so use this to your full advantage. Here’s a few little tips on keeping your car a little safer when you’re out and about.

Pixabay

Know About Car Recalls

When it comes to the first step in keeping a car road worthy, you need to stay up to date on any new information about your make and model. If the car designer needs all models brought back in for a safety check, make sure you’re one of the first to get your vehicle back to the dealer.

Don’t let yourself ignore any warnings about this, as you could be seen as driving with a ‘defective’ vehicle, and that’s not good for you or your insurance rates.

Park in the Right Places

When you’re driving around a busy city, or even in the countryside, try and find yourself an official parking space, lot, or garage in order to store your car safely and cleanly. Try and find an area that’s lit and in view of the road, especially if you are driving along a back lane near some fields, as you want to be able to find your car again if you live the vehicle.

Similarly, if you live next to the road, try and park your car in view of windows and doors, as this means there’s always a possible eye kept on them.

Keep the Interior Clean

Your car interior is like another dimension when you enter it, and if it’s dirty and cluttered, you’re not going to feel too great about your surroundings. Jackets and towels all over the backseat? That’s not going to be nice to spot in the mirror. That funny smell coming from the takeaway cup in your door? Where’s the next bin you can stop off to deal with it when you’re on the motorway? Keep your car clean, and you’re going to go far in your vehicle.

If you have a neat car, the inside is going to look extremely boring, and that’s a good deterrent. It also means your car is going to last that little bit longer, as no nasty particles are going to be able to dig their way into the engine or any door and dashboard mechanisms.

You know, if you keep the windshield and rear window sparkling clean, you’re going to be able to see better and a lot more, as no grimy areas are going to obscure your vision. Just sprucing up your interior, and maybe the exterior, could very well make you a better driveway.

Know Your Legal Options

Legal options can be intimidating to even think about, but often enough the law is on your side when it comes to the rules of the road. If you do get into an accident, don’t let yourself panic about it. You have plenty of options open to you, whether they be in terms of insurance or otherwise.

Speaking of, we hear a lot about cars being written off by insurance companies, but you don’t always agree when it comes to spending money on a beloved car! Try and get a second opinion on your vehicle, and then see what write off category it’s in. If you can prove it’s still drivable this way, you should be all set. If you were in an accident that caused a huge amount of damage to your car, be on the lookout for car accident attorneys that go the distance, instead of the alternative. If you know where to look, it’s going to be a lot easier to get plenty of coverage for any problem you may run into (or runs into you).

Road safety vigilance is really all you need.

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

3 Things That Car Mechanics Don’t Want You To Know

by

When your car goes wrong, you take it to a mechanic and get it fixed, usually for a hefty price. There’s nothing you can do about it because you can’t manage without your car. It’s difficult to avoid getting ripped off by mechanics because they have a lot of tricks that they use to push the price up. They can only carry on fleecing people as long as we don’t know what those tricks are; educating yourself on the methods that mechanics use is the only way to push those prices down. These are the things that car mechanics don’t want you to know.

Image From Pixabay

You Don’t Always Need Them

Mechanics would have you believe that there’s no way that you can fix any of the problems with your car and you’ll have to pay them a lot of money to do it for you, but that just isn’t true. A cracked or chipped windscreen is going to cost you a lot to replace if you get a mechanic to do it, but there are other companies that specialize in that sort of thing and they’ll do it far cheaper. Visit Glass.net for a comparison of local companies to find the cheapest option. With a good set of tools, you can also fix a lot of simple issues without paying a mechanic. Replacing a drive belt, changing a battery, and putting on new brake pads are all things that sound like they’d be difficult but with a spare afternoon and a few YouTube tutorials, most people can manage it regardless of their technical ability. Getting that stuff done by a mechanic is going to cost you a lot of money.

There Is A Price Guide

When your car breaks down and you get a quote from a mechanic it seems like they just pluck a random number out of thin air. Most of the time they’re just seeing what the highest price they can get away with is. It’s difficult for them to lie about the price of the materials themselves because you can easily find out roughly how much they should cost. However, when it comes to labor costs they can just make it up as they go along. But what they don’t want you to know is that there are guidelines about how much different repairs should cost. Several books are published each year with a breakdown of how many labor hours they should take. Ask your mechanic to give you their own breakdown and show you the guidelines to see if they add up.

Certifications Don’t Mean Much

When they’re giving you the hard sell, mechanics will often point to their certifications as a reason for you to go with them. But here’s the thing, a lot of them don’t really mean anything. They would like you to believe that they’ve been through an extensive training course to get the certifications but a lot of them can be gained by passing a simple written test on just one area of repair. That means, rather than being an expert, all the certification proves is that they’ve got a bit of theoretical knowledge about a couple of repairs. That doesn’t guarantee any level of practical skill at all.

Don’t just accept the price that a mechanic gives you. Challenge them on it using your new-found knowledge about their tricks.

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

Why Life Will Steer You Toward Electric Cars

by

No matter what your style or passion, electric cars are coming. At the moment there are only a few models available. Perhaps you’re not stirred inside by any of the recent launches. However, there are so many valid reasons for making the switch to electric, that even the leaders of the world are jumping on it. So what is holding you back? There may be nothing you can do about it!

Financial Cost

At the moment electric cars cost more money than their petrol or diesel counterparts. But next year will see a fundamental shift toward balancing out the on the road price. You’ll find vehicles that look very much like the ones you’re already driving. They’ll have one very significant cost advantage over traditional vehicles though. The cost of the electric is just 10% of what you might be paying at the pumps. In the not so distant future, a trickle charge might be solar-powered, meaning that your journey is free.

Picture source

Environmental Cost

With next to no emissions, you might think the electric car is environmentally friendly. Before you get too excited, there is still a lot of work to be done. Not all of the materials used to build the vehicles are recyclable. And many of the pollutants in our atmosphere come from tyre particles, not just exhaust fumes. Still, with so many of us now quite excited about the prospect of owning an electric car, pollution levels have the potential to drop significantly. Many world leaders are talking about a complete swap to electric-powered vehicles within just a decade.

Picture source

Design Cost

So are electric cars doomed to be small, square, and slow? No. Tesla has already proven that good-looking cars can also be fast and have a record-breaking range. Would you be willing to give up your luxury car for an electric model? It might break your heart to sell, but you might not have much choice. When you’re pricing a luxury vehicle for sale, it’s worth checking the online prices. You might be able to knock a significant chunk off your new vehicle price!

Picture source

There will, undoubtedly, be a huge market for high-design and stylish vehicles. Many of the electric vehicles already on the market far exceed their diesel or petrol counterparts. They have more gizmos and gadgets on board, and reviews suggest they’re finished to a higher standard. As we ‘devolve’ to electric, you can be certain there will be a model in every possible category. Best of all, that means there should be an option to suit every budget.

If all of these cost benefits still haven’t convinced you to go all-electric, then perhaps the world-changing around you will. It simply won’t be profitable for standard fuel to be sold anymore. Houses will be built with electric car charging points already built-in. And many countries are raising taxes already to put those old polluters off the road for good. Public transport and services are already converting to hybrid and electric. Why wouldn’t you?

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

Family Cars That Take The Stress Out Of Long Journeys

by

Hitting the open road with the roof down and the wind in your hair, listening to your favorite tunes is a wonderful way to waste an afternoon. For you, driving is more than just getting from A to B, until you have kids that is. As soon as you start a family, driving goes from being a fun way to spend an afternoon to a nightmare of epic proportions. Keeping the kids entertained in the house is difficult enough but when you’ve got them all crammed into a small space it’s going to be arguments and whining all the way.

Looking Man People Woman Car Family Children

Source

Unless you’re some kind of super parent, you aren’t going to manage a car journey that’s completely peaceful but you can make things a little easier on yourself if you choose the right car. There’s no complete formula for the perfect family car because every family has their own needs. Some need more space so the kids don’t get on each other’s nerves, others are more focused on safety, and some need a way to keep the kids entertained so they stop pestering you for the whole journey.

Whatever your priorities, there should be a car that fits your criteria somewhere on this list of the best all round family cars.

Chevrolet Bolt

Any families that have a keen interest in environmental concerns should look into the Chevrolet Bolt. It’s one of the best value for money electric cars on the market at the moment, coming in at around $30,000. There’s no need to worry about running out of juice on the road because it can do over 200 miles on a single charge and it has a great display that shows you exactly how long you’ve got left before you need to charge again. It looks a bit small from the outside but it’s actually surprisingly roomy once you get inside so you shouldn’t have any fights over who’s got the most room on the backseat. The entertainment facilities are also great for families because for a small monthly fee you can turn the car into a wifi hotspot that supports up to seven devices, so the kids can keep themselves busy in the back while you concentrate on the driving.

Subaru Xv

Source

Subaru has a bit of a reputation as a boy racer’s car so families don’t always consider it, but the Xv model is the perfect car for people that have young children. Click here for Subaru Xv details to find out more. It’s particularly good for young kids because it has the latest in child seat anchor technology. Making child seats stable can be a bit of a pain in some cars but in the Subaru Xv, it’s simple. That makes getting everybody strapped in and ready to go far easier. The automatic key fob unlocks the car as you get close, without having to reach into your pocket. That doesn’t sound like it would be that useful but when you’re trying to juggle a few kids at the same time, it can come in really handy.

Stop-Start tech cuts the engine when you stop at traffic lights which saves a huge amount of fuel. Cutting the running costs of your car comes in very handy when you’re trying to run a family on a tight budget.

Kia Soul

If budget is the number one priority for you then the Kia Soul is a brilliant choice. It’s the perfect balance of affordable and practical. It’s only around $16,000 to buy which would usually get you a fairly small car but the Kia Soul doesn’t have that problem. The entertainment facilities are great, even on the cheaper model. There’s a six speaker stereo system with simple controls that anybody can master and if you upgrade to the more expensive model, you can even get a voice activation system put in. The amount of trunk space is massive so it’s perfect for long road trips that need a lot of luggage.

Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid

Source

When you were in your twenties you probably vowed that you would never be one of those parents that bought a clunky old minivan but now you’ve got kids, you’re probably starting to realize why so many parents drive minivans. If you have a large family then they simply won’t fit in your car. You’re going to have to bite the bullet and do what you said you never would; get a minivan. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get one that looks stylish. Nobody’s saying that the Chrysler Pacifica is the most fashionable car in the world but as minivans go, it’s pretty cool. One of the major benefits of the Pacifica is that the front cabin is separated and there’s a noise cancelling feature that you can use if you need a bit of peace and quiet during the drive. Just make sure not to keep it on all the time, otherwise, you won’t know what they’re up to back there. For an extra $2,000 you can make sure that you don’t hear a peep out of them by installing the impressive entertainment package. It boasts a blu-ray player, 10 inch screens in the back of the seats, wireless headphones, games, and even a min vacuum cleaner to clean up any mess they make on the back seat with their snacks.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is another great one if it’s just sheer space that you’re looking for. There’s enough room for all of the kids, buggies, and whatever else you need to bring along. It’s got a huge center storage facility so you can access everything that you’ll need during the journey without having to keep stopping and getting things out of the back. It’s got great safety features and plenty of charging ports to keep everybody’s tablets and phones charged for the whole journey.

This list caters to every families needs, and if you can’t find a car on here that will make journeys with the family a whole lot easier, you must be asking too much.   

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

Crash Bang Wallop: What All Your Car’s Noises Mean

by

Credit

Has your car been making noises recently? If so, it’s probably telling you that there is something wrong with it. One of its component parts could be worn out of there might be some damage that isn’t so easy to see with the naked eye.

So, next time you’re driving your car, it’s probably a good idea to take a closer listen to some of the noises that occur. Here are some of their possible meanings.

A Squealing From Under The Hood

If you can hear a very high-pitched squeal coming from under the hood of the car, it’s a sign that the serpentine belt has worn out or come very loose. This is a pretty big issue as this particular belt helps to power the major systems that make up the car. Once this serpentine belt breaks completely, there is no way you will get your car going. So, as soon as you notice this squealing under the hood, it’s time to take your car to the mechanic.

A Squealing From The Brakes

You might also hear a similar noise coming from the brakes as well. This squealing noise will start once you press the brake pedal and it means that the brake pad is rubbing against the rotor. Thankfully, though, this issue isn’t as big an emergency as the one mentioned above. Take your car to an auto repair garage whenever you get chance.  They will be able to replace the brake pads, which shouldn’t be too huge an expense.

Credit

Lots Of Fast Flapping

Think there’s a fish in your car? Well, there might be, but it’s more likely that all of that flapping is coming from your car’s blower system or air con. Again, just like with the brake squealing, this problem isn’t a big one, and shouldn’t be too expensive to fix. Your mechanic can check the air-con system and ensure that it is running smoothly.

Grinding Metal From The Brakes

If you hear any metal sounds from your brakes, it’s important that you get your car checked out as soon as possible. This is probably a sign that your brake pad has worn through completely. Not only will you notice this noise, but you might find that your brakes don’t work as well as they should. So, don’t delay, and take your auto to your nearest garage.

Groaning Whenever You Steer

That groaning you hear whenever you turn the steering wheel isn’t your car yawning. It’s actually an issue with your steering system. If you have power steering, there is probably something wrong with the fluid in the system. Your system might be running low, for instance! This isn’t a huge safety concern for you, but it’s still better to get this checked out as quickly as possible as it might make the vehicle much harder to steer and drive.

As you can see, most noises that your car might make are a sign that something isn’t quite right. What can you hear in yours?

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

Introducing The 6 Best Hybrid And Electric Cars Of 2017

by

We’re fast approaching the end of 2017; a year that’s seen lots of new developments and plenty of new cars in the auto industry. It’s been a year where many manufacturers have made a clear effort to bring out ‘cleaner’ cars. We’ve seen a whole host of hybrid and electric cars from some of the biggest names in this industry.

Today, we separate the best from the rest and look at the top hybrid/electric cars that have been released this year. They’re not in any particular order, but you can bet these are the best ones out there.

Photo

Tesla Model X

If you’re looking for a fast car with a green engine, then the Tesla Model X is right up your street. We love this car for its ingenuity and commitment to being model and fully electric. There’s no hybrid engine in here, just an absolute brute of a battery-powered one. This thing has over 600bhp and goes from 0-60 in under 3 seconds. Those are staggering stats for an electric car that’s far from supercar territory.

The battery is a whopping 100 kWh with a range extending well over 300 miles. As if all this wasn’t enough, it’s a practical car too. This is one of the main reasons it makes it onto this list – it can boast some of the best electric car stats and figures out there, but it still remains a car you can drive everywhere every day. There are seven seats inside (seven!!) which is ridiculous for a car with 0-60 stats like the one mentioned. To make things even better, it looks amazing and is packed full of all the classic Tesla technology. If you’re interested in a full review that looks at all the tech and other features, you can check one out on topgear.com. One final note on this car is that it does have a large price tag. But, for everything you get, it doesn’t actually seem like bad value for money.

Flickr

Volvo XC90 T8

The XC90 T8 is a premium car from Swedish manufacturer Volvo. It’s the hybrid version of the highly rated XC90 series, and it has some fantastic features that make it a great hybrid car. Right off the bat, you get a great maximum range on the electric motor – it can go for nearly 30 miles without using any petrol at all. Not only that, but this car has low emissions, and the petrol engine is pretty powerful too

What we like most about this car is the fact it’s highly practical for the whole family. It’s very much a large family car, and it can accommodate up to seven people, with a decent trunk too. All these features come with a sizeable price tag if you buy it new. However, you can see WCVolvo.com for more information on used prices, which will greatly reduce how much this costs. Plus, factor in the savings you make thanks to the hybrid engine, and it definitely makes it worth spending more on this version instead of one of the non-hybrid XC90’s.

PublicDomainPictures

BMW i8

Spoiler alert; this is the first of two BMW entries on this list. Second spoiler alert; this is probably our favorite of the two! As far as electric/hybrid supercars go, nothing comes close to the i8 right now. It’s surprising how no other manufacturer seems to have made anything that can rival the i8 regarding top speed, fun factor, looks, and hybrid efficiency. The closest cars come from Tesla, but they’ll be quick to point out none of their offerings are really ‘supercars.’

What makes the i8 great is that it completely beats down the myth that hybrid cars are boring. It looks amazing, has some of the coolest doors I’ve ever seen, and drives just as well as any other supercar. BMW claims it has the fuel consumption of a compact car, but in a sports car. There are bags of technology in this car too, it really looks like it came directly out of the film iRobot (you know, that one with Will Smith). Obviously, you’ll have to pay a fair fortune for this, but if you’re looking for a green sports car, this is the best option for you.

Credit

Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Volkswagen Golf has long been an iconic compact car. It’s the car of choice for young people all over the world as they pass their driving test and look for something practical, easy to drive, and a little bit sporty. The GTE continues to tick all of these boxes, but it also adds something else to the party; a hybrid engine. Beneath the floor, there’s a lithium battery capable of giving you 31 miles on its own. This battery can charge in just over 3 hours from any power outlet in your home. If you get a proper wall charging unit you can knock an hour off that time.

It’s a very handy car that packs a punch too; 0-60 will happen in just over 7 seconds, which is mad for any hybrid compact car that’s not a Tesla. The CO2 emissions are remarkably low too, coming in at around 35g/km – again, pretty mad. What we have here is a car that will do just about everything you want it to do, in classic Golf fashion. The interior is slick, the design is modern, it’s the perfect car for all occasions. Factor in those low emissions and it could well be one of the best city drivers of the year.

Picture

BMW i3

Here we have the second BMW on our list, and one of the best full-electric cars on the market today. Before we get into things, you have to remind yourself why the i3 was created. It’s specifically made for people that need a small-ish car to drive around a city and not for people that drive across country. With that being said, the full-electric version has a range of up to 124 miles, which will get you to a lot of places when you take short journeys. It’s not a particularly fast car, but that’s not what it’s about. This is a completely green, zero-emission machine, that’s perfect for small families or individuals. If you work in the middle of a busy city that has carbon taxes, this is the perfect mode of transport for you.

It’s a smart car that’s cooler than an actual SMART car, and you have all the BMW benefits to go along with the electric motor. It’s got a load of technology on the inside, including some great safety features. Also, if you’re someone that likes this car but is still put off by the range of the electric-only motor, there is a hybrid option that can help for longer journeys. All in all, an affordable electric beast that’s great for city slicks.

Source

Audi A3 e-Tron

This makes the fourth car on this list from a German manufacturer as Audi join the hybrid party. They’re a company with a lot of clout, and an eye for executive designs and revolutionary technology. The A3 is a car synonymous with the brand, it offers everything you could want from a mid-sized saloon, and oozes high-quality. What the e-tron does is elevate a great car to new heights. They’ve packed it with a hybrid engine that will provide more than enough range when used in a city. The idea is that you switch to the proper engine whenever you’re making long journeys or need to plug-in your car to charge.

In the auto industry, this isn’t a new idea, but it’s new to Audi. As such, you have to give them props for a fantastic first effort. They’ve ticked all the boxes, and this car comes in at a very affordable price. It fits right into the same price range as other executive saloons, but it’s one of the only ones offering this hybrid tech. Speaking of which, the technology inside is built for the future meaning you have a car that will last a long time and prove a good investment. Fancy learning more about this car? Then check out this article on forbes.com for more information about its best features.

The Future…

There you have it; our pick of the best hybrid and electric cars this year. While all these vehicles are fantastic, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. Are we going to see even more electric/hybrid cars next year? 2018 will surely be the year more manufacturers attempt the full-electric car, which is currently only on offer from a handful of companies. There were recent reports that Porsche is looking to become one of the first major Tesla rivals, so that will be exciting too.

My only worry is that there’s a lot of hype surrounding autonomous cars right now, so maybe some manufacturers are thinking of setting aside electric/hybrid ideas? Hopefully not, and we will see some great designs and revolutionary ‘green’ cars next year and beyond.

Contributed Post.

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

And thanks for reading!  🙂