Friday, May 30, 2014

BMW i3 Safety Tips From The Track



Watch a champion racecar driver push the BMW i3 to the limit to show how it's built from the ground up for safe driving.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Top Tips to Keep Your Car Dent Free!

When you have a car or any other vehicle, dings and dents are inevitable. Visit to auto shops, mechanics, and body shops can be costly and present you with a long receipt that can wipe the green off your pocket too easily. However, with a few tips and tricks, and staying alert, you can keep your vehicle free from dents.

1. Drive Smart

Make sure when you're behind the wheels, you are careful and smart. It is good to assume that other drivers may make a mistake anytime and at any second. Even when you have the right of way, look out for other drivers; they may think it's their right of way and not yours. Therefore, drive smart and stay safe. This can prevent many accidents and mishaps.

2. Park Smart

Whether it's in your garage, or a mall's parking lot, it's important you park your vehicle safely. While parking in the garage, make sure you don't park too much towards either side, and keep the vehicle in the center. Therefore, when you open the door, it won't hit the walls. While for parking lots outside malls, be sure to follow the rules. Park on assigned spaces, else your motor is likely to get a dent or ding from trolleys or other car doors. There's a reason why they have signs that say "park at your own risk".

3. Don't Test Your Car

There are times when you may feel too excited and want to check how far and how fast you can drive your car. Even though this may sound exciting, but at the end, the only thing left will be a huge bill for body repairs. Driving your car at top speed for a long time can damage the engine and other parts, and you are likely to get a dent or two for sure.

4. Drive Safe

Speed limits, speed signs, and other signs are there for the safety of drivers. It is wise to follow them to prevent accidents or hazardous situations. Especially during the night and on highways, you need to drive safe and stay alert. Also, don't drink and drive - this will not only cause you a penalty, but also can wreck your car and cause fatal injuries.

These tips only talk common sense. They are a reminder for new drivers and old, to drive safe and protect your car from dings, dents and accidents.

In case you may encounter a door dent, you can always get a quick paint less dent removal. Usually this technique requires 20 to 30 minutes to repair dents. Paint less dent removal is great as it saves you a fortune. Many companies provide PDR services that include door dent removal and paint less door dent repair. Find the best one that gives you the best service, because your vehicle is a precious investment. For more information related Paintless dent removal call us at (951) 318-1818
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Saturday, May 24, 2014

Mercedes-Benz TV: The new C-Class Estate



Fuel consumption combined: 6.0-4.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 140-108 g/km.*
The consumption figures relate to the engines (C 180/C 180 BlueTEC/C 200/C 200 BlueTEC/C 220 BlueTEC/C 250 und C 250 BlueTEC) available for the market launch (09/2014).
Generous in every respect. The new C-Class Estate is distinguished by its extensive range of space, service and safety features.

*The data do not relate to a specific vehicle and are not part of the specification, but are merely for the purpose of comparing different vehicle types. The figures are provided in accordance with the German regulation "PKW EnVKV" and apply to the German market only.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

How to Tell When Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

Normal daily driving subjects cars to a lot of wear and tear. Even a small malfunction of one part makes a huge difference in performance and safety. Recommended tune up intervals vary depending on the age and model of the vehicle. Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Most newer vehicles need a tune-up every 30,000 miles. Check older vehicles every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Tune-up the car more often if it pulls heavy load or if it is used for a lot of stop-and-go driving.

A typical tune up involves flushing and filling vehicle fluids, checking all belts and hoses, checking the battery, installing a new air filter, adjusting or replacing spark plugs, and checking fuel injectors and other components. Mechanics also use modern automobile diagnostics that reveal other maintenance issues.

• The "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" lights come on and stay on after starting the vehicle.

• The car stalls frequently, indicating a spark plug or electronic sensor issue.

• The engine idles roughly, or it runs unevenly during acceleration. Sputtering while accelerating or going uphill indicates the car needs a tune up. Often a dirty emissions system causes cars to sputter or stall.

• The car becomes harder to start. This may indicate problems with the starting system, battery, fuel system, ignition system, or electronic equipment.

• The vehicle suddenly gets lower gas mileage than usual. Dirty fuel filters, bad fuel injectors, and spark plug problems commonly cause unexpectedly low gas mileage.

• The car makes a loud squealing noise when the steering wheel is turned, or the steering feels very stiff. Low fluids affect how the steering mechanism operates.

• The vehicle makes a sudden jerk when shifted from park to drive gears. This indicates the car needs the transmission fluid and filter changed immediately. Failure to fix these minor items leads to very costly repairs in the future, including transmission replacement.

• The brakes feel soft or spongy, or squeaking or squelching noises occur when pushing down the brake pedal. This indicates low brake fluid. Consistently low brake fluid indicates worn out brake pads.

• A "rotten egg" exhaust odor indicates a dirty or clogged catalytic converter. A tune up checks and cleans the catalytic converter. A clogged catalytic converter also affects gas mileage and overall vehicle performance.

• Chugging or "dieseling" after the car is shut off indicates the vehicle needs a tune up. Other causes of dieseling include buildup of carbon in the combustion chambers. Poor quality gas cause chugging and dieseling in some engines.

• Knocks and pings from the engine compartment result from carbon build-up in the combustion chambers. These noises may indicate a need to replace the fuel injectors.

• The car emits black smoke or a burnt fuel smell from the tail pipes. This may be the result of a clogged O2 sensor.

Tune-ups let the car's ignition system, fuel system, emission system, and computer systems work together properly. This leads to optimum combustion chamber efficiency, better performance, and better gas mileage. The car runs its best and emits the minimum amount of pollutants when it has regular maintenance, including tune-ups.

Service Plus Automotive is a family owned business since 1991. We are focused on providing the best possible customer service experience when servicing or repairing a customers vehicle. We strongly believe in customer education and regularly show the customer what needs repairing. We are very involved in various community activities and believe in giving back to the community who has supported us for almost 20 years. For more information, go to http://serviceplusautony.com
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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Drive Me: Volvo Cars Autonomous Driving Project - Alternative Infrastruc...



Volvo Car Group's groundbreaking project 'Drive Me' -- which will feature 100 self-driving Volvos on public roads in everyday driving conditions -- is rapidly moving towards its kick-off in 2017. Implementation of self-driving vehicles paves the way for an innovative and more cost-efficient approach to infrastructure design. It also allows present infrastructure to be used more efficiently. This video demonstrates some of the possibilities.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

How to Save Gas Money - Save On Gas Eight Easy Ways

Over the past ten years, Americans have watched their gas money shrink year after year. The economy still not anywhere near being where it should be is making it more difficult for many Americans to save on gas money. I thought that it might be helpful to share some not so obvious things you can do to save gas money. Here are eight ways to save on gas money.

If you think you know every trick there is to saving gas money? Here are some strategies to save on gas that aren't common knowledge. (You will need Overdrive Cruise control Shaded parking spots and radial tires to save on gas.)

Step 1. Go on -- enjoy your air conditioner on the highway. Consumer Reports says that AC's gas-guzzling reputation is undeserved. And, at higher speeds, opening the windows or sunroof can hurt on gas miles by increasing drag.

Step 2. Don't fill up your tank until you're practically on empty; the less fuel you're toting, the lighter your car, and the more you will save on gas.

Step 3. After filling up your car, turn the nozzle upside down before you remove it from your tank. You'll get another half a cup of gas that's stuck in the hose that will save on gas.

Step 4. Tighten your gas cap after filling up so you don't let any precious fuel evaporate. Try to park in the shade. This will also help save on gas by preventing evaporation.

Step 5. Put your car in overdrive for highway driving. It lowers your RPM, or revolutions per minute, which saves you gas money. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed at which you may use overdrive. If you're due for new tires, get radials; they improve gas miles by two or three percent saving you gas money.

Step 6. Stay in one lane as much as possible; weaving uses up more gas miles.

Step 7. Use cruise control when you're on a flat highway, where it can increase gas miles by 7%. But don't use it on uneven roads, where it's not efficient.

Step 8. Turn off all electronics and climate controls before you cut the engine. With the extras off, your engine won't have to strain so hard to restart, leading to better gas miles.

Did you know - The Model T got 15 miles per gallon, just three mpg less than the average SUV.

I hope these eight gas saving ideas will help you to stretch your hard earned money.

Eric C Sternz - Home Survival Training
Read more ways to help your family at our main site:
http://homesurvivaltraining.com

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Monday, May 12, 2014

British Artist Tim Layzell Reimagines the F-TYPE



See the Jaguar F-TYPE as you've never seen it before. Tim Layzell, one of the world's leading automotive artists and who has previously painted the C, D and E-TYPE Jaguar models, explains his approach to encapsulating the heart and soul of the F-TYPE.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz TV: The New GLA Put To The Test



The consumption figures relate to the engines (GLA 200/200 CDI/220 CDI 4MATIC/250 4MATIC) available from market launch (03/2014) and GLA 200 CDI 4MATIC/220 CDI / 250 (from 05/2014) and GLA 45 AMG (from 07/2014).

Fuel consumption combined: 7.5-4.3 l/100 km;
CO2-emissions combined: 175-114 g/km.*
Mercedes-Benz Reporter Yasmine Blair puts the new Mercedes-Benz GLA to the test.

*The data do not relate to a specific vehicle and are not part of the specification, but are merely for the purpose of comparing different vehicle types. The figures are provided in accordance with the German regulation "PKW EnVKV" and apply to the German market only.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Road Trip Car Safety Kit

Spring and summer are road trip season, but travelling in the cooler months has its perils as well. Before you hit the road, here are some things to think about.

What should every car have in its safety kit?

• A case of bottled water
• A flag or other means of attracting attention
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Emergency non-perishable food
• Candle in a deep tin
• Waterproof matches
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Booster cables
• Ice scraper & Snow brush
• Oil and antifreeze
• Paper towels or rags
• Road map, Compass, GPS
• Sand, road salt or kitty litter, and Shovel
• Cell phone charger

It is also important to keep your cell phone charged. Often that might be your lifeline for help, and your charger will not work, once your cars battery is dead.

When planning a long road trip, or a trip to unfamiliar territory, it is also important to let friends or family know where you are going and when you are to be expected to arrive, call and update them along the way, so if you fail to check in, they know to follow up in the appropriate ways.

Prepare yourself as well, a good nights sleep, a proper meal and a few minutes looking up the route online or on a map will help you feel more relaxed, alert and ready to the challenge.

Check tire pressure, oil, washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant levels, as well as all lights and windshield wiper blades.

Fill up your fuel tank before you are empty, if you get lost, you will appreciate the extra fuel.

Consider a pre-trip mechanical inspection, get the car into good shape, peace of mind is priceless! A pre -trip inspection will include much more than a look at the tires and brakes. It is a thorough visual inspection of the car from front to back. It will include things like checking the spare tire for the correct pressure and seeing if the jack and wheel lug wrench are in place, as well as all the usual inspections. Make sure to tell your service provider why you want the inspection and what kind of driving conditions you expect to encounter.

While this list is not exhaustive, it does give some starting points to help you plan to arrive in a worry free manner.

Last of all, enjoy the trip, stop and smell the roses, and take in the views!
 
Scott Waddle is an auto mechanic and the owner of Precision Auto Services located at #101 - 22575 Fraser Highway in Langley, BC. At Precision Auto you can be sure that your car is in the hands of qualified mechanics. Call 604-530-9394 to schedule a consultation today.
Precision Auto Service, where we worry about your car, so you don't have to!
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Saturday, May 3, 2014

2015 VW Jetta Compact Sedan Walkaround at the 2014 New York International Auto Show



Daniel Shapiro, Product Manager for Jetta, walks us through the changes for the 2015 VW Jetta. The 2015 VW Jetta compact sedan sports an updated interior & exterior, brand new TDI engine, and increased safety features.

With these improvements & new features, VW Jetta is now an even better value than before.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Five Signs Your Fuel Pump Is Failing

The fuel pump in a car creates pressure in the fuel lines, pushing gas into the engine. Without adequate fuel pressure, the engine idles roughly and stalls regularly. If the fuel pump fails completely, there will be no fuel pressure and the car's engine will not start.

Sometimes this is an issue with it and/or a problem with the computer that regulates it. However, poor fuel pressure can sometimes indicate a problem with the pressure regulator. Have the car checked by a trained mechanic immediately to diagnose the problem and treat it effectively.

1. The engine sputters or jerks when running at highway speeds.
The car may sputter for a few miles and then return to normal. Sometimes people attribute this to inferior fuel. However, just as often a worn or failing fuel pump is the culprit. It cannot provide a constant level of fuel to the engine or with constant pressure. The loss of pressure leads to sputtering and stumbling when trying to accelerate.

Repair or replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure the engine gets a steady stream of fuel at the right pressure.

2. Loss of power during acceleration.

Some cars lose power or sputter when accelerating from a stop. The car moves forward a little before starting this behavior. Acceleration creates an increased demand for fuel to the engine. A fuel pump that is not working properly does not maintain fuel pressure, leading to an improper fuel/aid mix in the engine. The result is sputtering and power loss during acceleration. Once the right pressure level is attained, the car runs smoothly again.

3. The car experiences a sudden power loss during heavy use, such as towing a load or climbing a hill.

Any time a car is under stress from working harder to tow a load or climb a hill; it must work harder to maintain its forward movement. If the car loses power or will not accelerate during these activities, suspect a faulty fuel pump. A weakened or aging fuel pump cannot maintain steady fuel pressure under stress. The failure to deliver enough fuel to keep up with the demands on the system leads to loss of power and failure to accelerate.

4. The car surges forward or accelerates suddenly during normal driving even without driver intervention.

Sometimes, a car will pick up and surge forward as if the driver depressed the gas pedal. People might blame this on the fuel filter, but the fuel pump is more often the culprit. Normal wear and tear on the fuel pump as it ages can cause irregular resistance inside the fuel pump motor. As a result, the pump cannot pull enough electricity to keep fuel pressure steady, causing fuel pressure to suddenly increase and engine surges are the result.

5. The engine may rev but refuse to start.

This sign of a bad fuel pump is the most severe. If a car owner has not addressed that problem based on one of the signs above, eventually it will completely fail. When the fuel pump can no longer provide any fuel to the engine, the engine has nothing to ignite. There is no fuel to burn in the engine. It has failed and it must be replaced in order for the car to operate.

The key to keeping a car in good working order is regular inspection and maintenance. Address problems quickly, while they are small and easier to fix. Putting off repairs often leads to major problems down the road. These require extensive parts replacements, loss of use of the car during lengthy repairs, and much higher mechanic costs.

Pay attention to how a car runs and how it sounds to catch potential issues early. Fuel pumps are one of the more costly repairs car owners face, so fixing problems rather than replacing parts is a more cost effective choice.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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