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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Weekly Maintenance Tip - Tire Inflation
Tires are one of the most important -- and oft-overlooked -- components of our cars. Tires are the only thing that attach our cars to the road, and tire problems affect your car's ride comfort, handling and safety. Here are some simple tire safety tips to help keep you and your car's occupants safe.
Check your tire pressure regularly.
Tires tend to lose air over time. Buy a digital tire gauge and check your tires once a month and before a long trip. Proper inflation pressures can be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker on the car (usually on the driver's doorjamb or fuel-filler lid -- see photo.) Remember to check tire pressure only after the car has been sitting for several hours in order to ensure that the tires are cold -- the friction of driving heats the tires and increases pressure, which can hide an under-inflated tire.
Address under-inflated tires immediately.
An under-inflated tire has more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. It also creates more heat, which can lead to tire failure.
Don't forget the spare.
Getting a flat tire and discovering that your spare is also flat is a miserable experience. Inspect your spare as you would your other tires. If you have a compact spare, the inflation pressure will usually be written on the tire. If your car comes with a compressor and/or flat repair kit in lieu of a spare, check their operation regularly.
Check for tread depth.
Check tread depth by placing the edge of a penny upside-down into the grooves of the tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a new set of tires. Never buy a single tire -- it's best to replace all four tires at once, but at the very least they should be bought as axle pairs (both fronts or both rears). Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles will help ensure that all four tires wear at the same rate.
Check for even wear.
When you check tread depth, check both the inside and outside edge of the tires. Uneven tire wear is usually a sign that your car is out of alignment. Proper alignment optimizes handling and helps prevent premature tire wear.
Look for tire damage.
When you check pressure, inspect the sides of the tires for nicks, bulges, cracks and cuts. Such damage often cannot be repaired and will require replacement of the tire.
Stay balanced.
If your car develops a shimmy (a back-and-forth vibration, usually felt through the steering wheel) at a certain speed, it's possible that one of your tires has lost its balance weight. Having your tires re-balanced is a fairly inexpensive job.
Buy the right tire for the job.
Most cars come with all-season tires, the tire equivalent of a jack-of-all-trades. If you live in the rust belt, consider a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter; they do wonders for safety. If you live where it's always warm and dry, "summer" performance tires can vastly improve your car's handling.
And most importantly:
Never hesitate to replace a worn or damaged tire.
Tires are not cheap, but they are vital to the safety of you and your car's occupants. Remember, the tires are the only things that connect your car to the road. Advanced safety features such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control can't do their life-saving jobs without four good tires. Take care of your tires -- because whether you know it or not, you're counting on them to take care of you.
Courtesy of About.com Cars
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Two guys, one TDI: Driving across America in a Beetle TDI
We love seeing friends bond over a long drive in a Volkswagen; it’s a part of our DNA. So when childhood friends Tim Bennett and John Nash, co-hosts of The Focus Group on Sirius XM satellite radio, decided to embark on a cross-country road trip from Philadelphia to Las Vegas (with a surprise stop farther west), we thought of the perfect car for them. You see, when they were 16, Tim taught John to drive in an old Volkswagen Beetle that, according to John, featured a Flintstone-esque hole in the floorboard. In honor of that experience, we sent them a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI manual six-speed turbo diesel (complete with a brand new floorboard).
This wasn’t John’s first experience with a TDI. In fact, his daily driver is a Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Even so, he found the 2013 Beetle experience to be “pretty phenomenal.” John explained that the Beetle TDI “drove beautifully and the manual was a delight.” And both Tim and John—who are over six feet tall—found the diminutive Bug to be “as comfortable as a car can be for 10 hours a day.” John added, “When you see pictures of me leaning against the Beetle, I’m taller than the car. But when you’re in it, it felt completely like the cockpit of my Jetta Sportwagen.”
Tim’s daily driver is a Volkswagen CC, so the Beetle was his first TDI experience. What did he think? “Lots of power and lots of low-range torque, but control was also great. It was really fun to drive.” Tim went on to say that the 17-inch alloy wheels “really made the car stand out.”
And they weren’t the only ones who took notice. “A lot of people said that they loved the new lines of the car—that it looked much more sleek and modern, much more substantial,” explained John. According to Tim, “When we were staying at The Inn of the Turquoise Bear in Santa Fe, New Mexico, every single guest asked, ‘Who is driving that brand new Beetle—and is it available yet?’”
Of course, no road trip would be complete without a few dining adventures. John stuck to salads for most of the trip but braved a cheesy bratwurst soup in Marietta, Ohio. He admits that it sounds horrible but was actually delicious. “Bad name, good food.” The pair’s favorite meal was in St. Louis, where they shared a deep-dish pizza at Pi. Back at their hotel, they enjoyed an aged Manhattan that had been stored in a cask for a month. Overall, they found St. Louis to be “a fun, urban, really cool city.” The city got bonus points for its famous arch, which John found to be one of the coolest things he saw on the entire trip.
However, Tim’s absolute favorite roadside attraction was the “homespun Americana” of the Meramec Caverns, an hour south of St. Louis. “It was a cavern tour that tried to be US Parks Service, but it wasn’t quite there,” he explained. “It’s a privately owned cave that they call a ‘show cave.’” For John, the caverns tied with The Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, Texas for coolest attraction. “It’s all things barbed wire.” The museum is run by a woman named Alta who said, “I guess you boys wanna see the museum,” before turning on all the lights in the pitch-black facility. “She was a very sweet woman—a lotta fun,” added John.
Apparently, the friends had so much fun on the road that they missed a turn en route to their final destination in Las Vegas and wound up in California. What started out as a16-state road trip added an unplanned bonus state—very fitting, as Tim’s lucky number is 17. What better way to end a road trip than with a lucky surprise?
Want to learn more about John and Tim’s adventure in the Beetle TDI? Join us on Monday, July 23 at 2pm ET/11am PT for a live chat on the Volkswagen Facebook page. Register for a reminder and get your questions ready!
Tell us: what questions would you like to ask John and Time during the Live Chat?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Gets Launch Control, Power Boost for Touareg Diesel
Volkswagen has announced a raft of minor updates for its entire lineup for the 2013 model year. Also, it has put official on-sale dates for its two newest models – the 2013 Jetta Hybrid and 2013 Beetle Convertible – which will go on sale at the end of this year.
The German automaker says that its most important introduction this year will be the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, the brand’s second hybrid model. Powering the newest Jetta is a turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4 rated at 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque mated to a 27-hp electric motor that draws power from a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The whole powertrain sends its power to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Final EPA numbers have yet to be set, but VW estimates the Jetta Hybrid to achieve up to 45 mpg. Expect the range-topping Jetta to be priced somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000 when it goes on sale this fall. The automaker stated that the Jetta Hybrid will be competitively priced with other compact hybrids; the Honda Civic Hybrid starts at $24,990 and the Toyota Prius C costs $19,710 (both prices include destination).
Soft-top VW fans can rejoice: the 2013 Beetle Convertible will be joining the Beetle lineup this year, and is rumored to debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Powertrain options for the drop-top Beetle will mirror those of the coupe: buyers can choose from a 170-hp 2.5-liter I-5, a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, or a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 that is rated for 41 mpg on the highway. Transmission options will be either a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch. The TDI-powered Beetle coupe will go on sale in August, while a Beetle Fender Edition – complete with a Fender premium audio system and unique cosmetic updates — will go on sale in the third quarter of this year.
Sharing their mechanicals with the Beetle are the Golf, GTI, and Golf R hatchbacks. A front center armrest and floor mats are now standard on all Golfs, but the four-door 2.5L model is only available with the DSG transmission for 2013. The GTI sees the addition of a new 18-inch “Laguna” wheel on the Convenience and Sunroof and Sunroof and Navigation trim levels to differentiate them from lesser GTIs. Enthusiasts who want to get their hands on the limited-run, 256-hp, all-wheel-drive Golf R will get another change for the 2013 model year, since it will be available for U.S. consumption for another year. The GTI-based Tiguan compact crossover adds hill-hold control, an electronic parking brake, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard equipment to all models.
Elsewhere in VW’s people-mover lineup, the Routan minivan carries over unchanged (expect some revisions within the next two years) and the Touareg SUV has a number of minor changes for 2013. Touareg TDI models get a power boost of 15 hp to 240 hp, new 18-inch “Karakum” wheels are available on the TDI and VR6 variants, and a new Vavona wood trim is available on the Touareg Hybrid model and Touareg Executive trim. The hybrid also gains LED rear taillights and LED rear license-plate light as standard.
The Touareg Hybrid isn’t the only Volkswagen to gain new LED taillights – the 2013 CC, which went on sale earlier this year, has revised front and rear fascias that include new LEDs out back and bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights. The CC R-Line will also make its return at the end of this year; the R-Line builds on the CC sport with more aggressive front and rear bumpers with larger intakes, projector-style foglights extended side skirts, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and R-Line badging. VW has also added a new range-topping CC VR6 4Motion model equipped with the 280-hp six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.
Elsewhere in VW’s sedan lineup, the Passat (which was all-new for 2012) gains a new rear center console with air vents, revised cupholders, and updated front stowage area on SE models, while SEL models now have a rearview camera as standard. The Jetta – along with the addition of the Hybrid model – adds various power-seat options, new interior and exterior brightwork for TDI models, and launch control for the sporty GLI model. 2013 also brings new bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and a rearview camera for the GLI. The previous-generation-based Jetta SportWagen carries over with only the addition of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a new multi-function display.
Finally, the Eos hardtop convertible adds a new Sport trim level, complete with 18-inch “Vicenza” aluminum-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and adaptive front-lighting system, a lowered sport suspension, “Black Peak” interior trim, a rear spoiler, and black exterior mirrors. The upper Lux and Executive Eos trims gain the bi-xenon headlights and a new Atlantic Blue interior color; Lux also gains the Sport’s lowered sport suspension and 18-inch “Chicago” aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Executive now come standard with a rearview camera. All Eos models also add the option of the new Black Pearl exterior color.
All of the updated 2013 Volkswagen models are on sale now, with the exception of the Beetle Convertible, Jetta Hybrid, and CC R-Line, which will be available later this year.
Source: Volkswagen
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
It Gets Better/Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays release a video for the Trevor Project and the It Gets Better campaign.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Monday Maintenance : Night Driving
You must obey this rule for night driving: To See and Be Seen.
Keep your car in good condition
- Ensure all lights work. Lights on your car are the most vital night-driving tool.Without them, you will can’t see or not be seen by other drivers, it can cause accident easily.
- Clean and clear may increase your visibility, inside and out
Windows, instrument panels, headlights, tail lights—all of these are components that increase visibility inside and outside your car. Consider regularly cleaning your dashboard and instrument panels, mirrors, windows, and windshields (inside and out) to gain greater visibility. - Adjust your headlights for maximum effectiveness
Check your headlights for proper alignment and ask your mechanic to adjust them properly. Adjusting your headlights may help you see more of the road while also protecting other drivers from wayward beams.
Keep your body in good condition
- Never drink and drive
Not only does alcohol radically impair motor skills and driving ability, but even one social drink can trigger fatigue. This can lead to an exceptionally lethal combination. - Avoid smoking when driving at night
The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes has a measurable, physical effect on your eyes. These chemicals can actually make it difficult to see well and clearly, especially at night. - Stay sharp
Try chewing bubble gum to keep your mind humming. Also, drinking water and staying well hydrated may do wonders for mental alertness. - Rest early, rest often
If you’re planning a longer night-driving expedition, make sure you bank a couple nights’ worth of good sleep before hitting the road. Also, plan on making frequent stops to stretch, walk, or have a small snack or moderate meal. Some experts recommend stopping every two hours for a body/mind break.
Other Tips for night driving
- Turn on your headlights in time.
When it’s getting dark, turn on your lights in time to make sure that your car is seen by other drivers,even if you can see the road clear.
· Don’t exceed your reach
When driving at night, remember that your sight—and safety—are only as good as the reach of your headlights. Don’t assume that the road is clear. What lies beyond the pavement you can see may be sudden and unexpected hazards you can’t see. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and expect the unexpected, especially on darker country roads.
· Keep it dark inside the car
Turn off all interior lights. Any source of light inside the car will seem extremely bright and will make it more difficult to see.
· Minimize glare
Look to the bottom right of the road to avoid approaching headlights. (Some headlights are blindingly bright.) Also use the night setting on your rearview mirror to deflect the glare from vehicles behind you. Older drivers find it more difficult to see at night because it takes longer for them to recover from glare.
· Use high beam carefully
Be careful to lower the head light beam when necessary otherwise it might blind the oncoming driver. It is also necessary to switch on the headlights when you are uncertain of what you are seeing. And try not to overdrive your headlights which will make it impossible for you to stop inside the illuminated area.
Courtesy of Car-Use.net
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Shell Smarter Driver Challenge, Canada 2012
The Shell Smarter Driver Challenge aims to set a world record for fuel efficiency by driving across Canada from Halifax, N.S. to Vancouver B.C. In order to do so, the Smarter Driver Team will be using a 2012 Volkswagen Passat, regular Shell bronze fuel and most importantly, smarter driving techniques to improve fuel efficiency.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Blam! Turning an old Volkswagen Beetle into a fighter
It's amazing what you can do with an old Volkswagen Beetle. Just look at the warbird treatment that this 1969 bug received.
By Michael Garrison for Drive On
Paul Murphy of Yorba Linda, Calif., has a knack for novelty conversions, the kind of vehicles that are guaranteed to make you the star at every stoplight.
He knows he got it right from all the looks he gets. "It's like being famous without being a celebrity," says Murphy, who was at a car gathering in Irvine, Calif., over the weekend with son Paul III.
In the case of this Beetle, it's all the details. Murphy, for instance, added fake machine guns and ammo belts sticking out from the front end. There's an ammunition shell as the shifter in the sparse interior.
It's not the kind of vehicle that gets lost in traffic. "Being in California, you've got to be unique," he says.
Courtesy of USA Today - Drive ON
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Exterior Paint
Exterior car paint maintenance is as simple as washing and waxing, but oftentimes, an overlooked part of car care. Maintaining the paint helps to retain value by keeping a car in its best possible condition while also protecting the paint from the environment.
· Thoroughly washing the car is one of the most important aspects of exterior paint maintenance. Dust, mud, and acid rain can scratch and dull the paint surface. Frequent washing with a high quality car wash formulated for automotive use will remove surface contaminants and help maintain the shine.
· Experts recommend using only a microfiber cloth designed for automotive applications to dry a car. Microfiber cloths are specifically designed to trap any residual dust and dirt to reduce scratches on the paint surface.
· Cleaner waxes can be used on older cars to remove swirl marks or oxidation. However, it is usually suggested that this sort of product not be used on newer cars or cars that have recently been repainted.
· Car paint sealant or polish is a product that generally only needs to be applied a few times a year, prior to waxing. It is great for helping to protect the paint surface. However, it does not provide as much gloss as wax.
· Traditional paste or liquid car wax is most often carnauba based and while it will provide an outstanding shine, it must be frequently reapplied in order to maintain protection. Cars that are housed outdoors will need more frequent applications than garaged cars. However, all cars should be waxed regularly.
Most automakers offer their own line of exterior paint maintenance products designed for use on their vehicles, which can take some of the guesswork out of what products to use. Regardless of the products used, it is important that they be applied following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Maintaining car paint will not only keep the car looking great, it will also increase value when it is time to trade in or sell.
Courtesy of Autos.com
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