Category: Blog

New Car Technologies Will Cut Commute Time, Keep Drivers Safe

New car techonologiesAs we mentioned in a recent post, self-driving cars are expected to become the norm over the next 20 years. While the technology is still in its early stage of development, researchers believe self-driving vehicles will keep people safe and cut down on carbon emissions.

Self-driving cars may be the way of the future, but emerging technologies are already cutting down on commute times, protecting the environment, and keeping drivers safe. Below, we share some of the coolest innovations that are getting you to your destination quicker, and in one piece.

Traffic Light Information Systems

Audi has developed a Traffic Light Information System in some of its higher-end vehicles that tells the driver how long before the upcoming traffic light changes. Think of all the ways this could benefit a driver! Knowing how much time left on a light can allow a driver to speed up a bit to make a light, or slow down to stay in a constant “green wave.” Also, if you’re stuck at a red light, you know when it will turn green, so you can take a few seconds to enjoy the scenery or look back at your children without fearing that you’ll miss the light turn green.

Smart GPS

Global Positioning Systems help drivers get from one place to another with ease, and although they can give you alternate routes in the event of construction or accidents, they aren’t the best at sensing delays in real-time. Newer GPS models are looking to do just that – provide real-time information so drivers can take a different route before they get into the traffic jam. This technology would sure come in handy the next time some driver causes an accident on the 394/94 interchange because he merged past the double white lines.

In-Car Connectivity

It seems that cars today are being fitted with new gadgets almost daily. Some of the newest models are equipped with Wi-Fi and the latest mobile apps. Instead of checking stocks or your Facebook feed on your phone while in a traffic jam, your car can display this information right on the console. You should always keep your eyes on the road, but queuing up the latest information while keeping your hands on the wheel can help keep you sane and safe during a traffic jam.

Smart Brakes

Mercedes Benz is working on a smart braking system that momentarily keeps your car still while you switch your foot from the brakes to the gas. If you’re stuck in traffic while going uphill, that extra second can be the difference between moving along smoothly and rolling backwards into the car behind you. They are also working on a similar system for flat surfaces. Instead of keeping the brakes engaged the whole time while you wait for the light to change, the new Mercedes Benz will maintain brake pressure without needing to have the pedal depressed. Once the light turns green, simply hit the gas and you’re off and running.

 

Related source: New York Daily News

Minnesota Among Cheapest States For Car Repairs

mechanicA review of national automotive data revealed that Minnesotans paid less than the average consumer to have work done on their car in 2011.

According to the data, Minnesotans paid an average of $323.51 for “check engine” related repairs, $10 less than the national average of $333.93. As you can see by the lists below, the most costly states for car repair are out west, while the cheapest states are located in the northeast and Midwest.

Five Most Expensive States For Car Repair

  1. Wyoming ($389.18)
  2. Utah ($378.54)
  3. California ($367.86)
  4. Montana ($364.29)
  5. Arizona ($362.65)

Five Least Expensive States For Car Repair

  1. Indiana ($283.95)
  2. Maine ($289.56)
  3. Wisconsin ($289.90)
  4. Iowa ($289.91)
  5. New Hampshire ($292.91)

The data breaks down the two main components of auto repair – Parts and Labor- to get a grand total. The average American spent $215.32 on parts and $118.61 on labor for check engine related repairs in 2011. Minnesota came in south of both of those numbers, as the average cost for parts was $211.68, and the average cost of labor was $111.63.

The most common repair associated with a check engine light was for an oxygen sensor replacement. While some people suggest drivers ignore oxygen sensor issues because vehicle performance will feel the same, oxygen sensor problems can reduce fuel economy by up to 40 percent. At that rate, a driver will quickly shell out more money with increased pit stops for gas than if they would have had the problem fixed when the check engine light first lit up.

Mechanics also noted that ignoring your oxygen sensor can lead to failure of the vehicle’s catalytic converter, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix.

Simply put, if your check engine light comes on, don’t make it worse by ignoring the issue. It can cost you a lot more money down the road.

 

Related source: CarMD.com

3 Car-Related New Year’s Resolutions You Should Keep

21589319_sHappy 2014! Now that we’ve flipped the calendar to January, it’s time to look at your resolutions for the new year. Many people want to eat better or work out more, but others are more creative when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. We like to think we’re a creative bunch, so we’ve come up with three resolutions that incorporate your car. Enjoy!

1. Plan a Roadtrip

Roadtrips can be a great bonding experience, whether you’re hitting the highways with your family or friends. This year, make a resolution to take at least one long road trip. Take the family out to Washington D.C., or spend a weekend visiting your favorite major league baseball stadium. Round up some friends to bring along, and don’t forget to prep your car before you go!

2. Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Although it’s not as exciting as planning a cross country road trip, make a resolution to keep your car in top shape in 2014. Get timely oil changes, and look for other proper maintenance habits you may have been ignoring. Check your fluids and keep your tires in good working order by rotating them every other oil change. Ask your friendly mechanic to preform a diagnostics test the next time you bring your car in. He can provide you with some tips to keep your car running like the day you drove it off the lot.

3. Focus on One Driving Habit, and Improve It

As much as we’d like to think that we’re the best driver on the road, odds are that’s not the case. Take a second to think about a few driving habits you could improve in 2014. Some possible habits include:

  • Making sure you use your blinker at every turn and during every lane change.
  • Talking less on the phone while driving, or adding a hands-free device for safer driving.
  • Taking a deep breath every time another driver angers you, instead or cussing up a storm or laying on the horn.
  • Driving with your headlights on at all times.
  • Coming to a full stop at every stop sign.

Practicing good driving habits is great for a multitude of reasons. Not only will you be less likely to get in an accident, but you’ll also save money by avoiding costly tickets. Add these resolutions to your list in 2014 and your car will thank you!

5 Tips for Driving in the Snow and Ice

Snow drivingLet’s face it. Just because we get plenty of opportunities to drive in snowy conditions doesn’t mean we’re all experts. Driving takes skill even in perfect conditions, so it’s especially important to practice safe driving habits when the weather is less than ideal. Below, we share five driving tips to remember as the winter weather continues.

1. Check Your Tires – Tire tread helps you grip the road, and you’ll need all the tread you can get during a snowstorm. Consider investing in a new set of tires, or swap your current wheels out for a set of winter tires until the roads thaw. If you’re not sure if your current set of tires has enough tread left to keep you safe during the winter, check out our post on “Prepping your car for a road trip” to learn about the Penny Test.

2. Windshield Prep – Make sure your windshield is in top shape to protect against falling snow and slush from other drivers. First, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Before getting in your car, remove any ice that may be stuck to your wipers, and check to ensure they aren’t frozen to the glass. While you’re checking your wipers, if needed, give all your windows a thorough scraping. It’s very unsafe to drive if you can’t see out all your windows. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid. Wiper fluid can help clean off your windshield in the event that a trucker sends slush flying your way.

3. Take It Slow – Give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to another so you can travel at a safe pace. Wake up an extra 15 minutes early during the winter months so you can account for slower traffic on the way to work. You might be able to go 70 miles an hour on US 94 during the summer, but it’s a death wish in Minnesota in the winter. If you’re running late, call someone from a hands-free device to let them know when they can expect to see you. Driving fast to make up a few minutes can cost you time and money if you get in an accident.

4. Know Your Roads – Similar to the above tip, it’s important to concentrate on the road in front of you. Not just the next 100 yards; the next ¼ mile. If you know a sharp turn or a stop sign if coming up, ease off the gas. You may be able to get away with hitting your breaks late in the summer, but you won’t have that luxury during an icy winter. Practice active driving habits like staying focused, keeping your eyes on the road, and minimizing distracting activities like eating or finding the perfect song on your iPod.

5. Prepare For The Worst – In the event that you end up in a ditch, make sure you have the necessary supplies to keep you safe until help arrives. Pack a blanket or a jacket to help keep you warm, and turn on your flashers so you are visible to other drivers. Keep your cell phone and AAA card handy on long trips, and it doesn’t hurt to keep a bag of sand in your trunk if you have extra room. The extra weight will give you more stability during your drive, and the sand can help your tires grip the earth if you get stuck on some ice.

Lastly, a final point of advice is to exercise good judgment. If the weather is really bad, stay home. Missing a day of work or a night out with friends isn’t the end of the world. Stay safe this winter.

McLaren Replacing Windshield Wipers With Sound Waves

McLarenAhh, the sound of innovation.

The McLaren automobile company recently announced that they are developing a new windshield void of windshield wipers that clears dirt and debris with the help of high frequency sound waves.

McLaren chief designer Frank Stephenson said the company got the idea by studying the use of high frequency sound waves on fighter planes. A typical fighter jet uses sound waves to keep insects and other obstructions off the windshield.

Stephenson noted that the removal of the wipers would improve the car’s fuel economy by eliminating the weight of the wiper motors. It would also make the car more aerodynamic.

According to one expert, the cars would be fitted with a small transducer that would send 30 kHz sound waves across the glass. The expert said the device could cost as little as $15, less than the cost of one replacement wiper in today’s market.

110 Years Old

The first windshield wipers appeared in 1903, and believe it or not they needed to be manually operated by the driver. Each car was fitted with a hand-crank that moved the wipers back and forth.

As technology advanced, automobile companies soon added motors to make it safer for drivers to clear their windshield. Today, windshield wipers are treated with a special formula to repel water, but they could be going the way of the dinosaurs in the not-so-distant future.

Although the cars aren’t yet on the market, it’s a good idea to start saving your money now if you’re interested in purchasing one of the vehicles. McLaren’s current line of vehicles is priced between $230,000 and $1.15 million, although they have stated that they are working on a bargain vehicle for the mere price of $125,000.

Related source: The Sunday Times, Fox News

Top 3 Car Problems Caused By Winter Weather

8641997_sWinter weather is here to stay, and colder temperatures usually lead to a spike in car problems. Whether your car won’t start, or you can’t keep it on the road, we’ve seen all sorts of automobile issues during the cold months. Below, we discuss the top three car problems that occur during the winter.

#1 Fender Benders

All it takes is a small patch of ice to cause a multi vehicle crash and shut down a highway. Don’t believe us? Check out this video that was taken in Wisconsin earlier this month.

It all began when one driver went a little to faster over a slick patch of road, and everything snowballed from there. Usually winter accidents aren’t this massive, but they tend to occur in the same manner. One driver can’t stop in time, and front bumper meets back bumper. Even if it’s no fault of your own, we can handle any body issues that might arise this winter.

#2 Battery Issues

Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery, which in turn can lead to issues when starting your car. We receive plenty of calls during the cold months from people who can’t get their car to start.

To combat this issue, make sure your battery is in good shape before the cold arrives. Hopefully you’ve been doing the regular fluid level checks that we documented in a previous blog, as you can determine your battery’s health by giving it a quick look. A new battery is a quick and easy way to help make sure your car starts even in really cold temperatures.

#3 New Tires

This one isn’t so much of an issue, but it can cause an accident if you aren’t careful. Many people swing on into our garage in need of new tires for the winter months. Whether you’re looking for winter tires, or you simply want all-season tires with new tread, we’ve got you covered.

New tires hold the road significantly better than bald or worn tires. A fresh pair of wheels can make the difference between stopping in time or getting into a fender bender. Many people make the wise decision this time of year to stock up on a new set of wheels.

If you run into any of the above issues this winter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here rain, shine, or snow!

Should I Warm Up My Car When It’s Cold Out?

Snow covered carsThe temperatures are slated to drop significantly over the next few days, but that doesn’t mean everyone can just curl up with a blanket until spring returns. People still have to get to work or the grocery store, and many times they’ll start their car and let it run for a few minutes before driving off. Today, we’ll explain if it’s really a good idea to let your car warm up when it’s cold out.

Start Your Engines

Before we answer the question, let’s begin by examining how a modern engine works. Many of today’s engines use an electronic fuel injection system, which helps regulate how much fuel gets into the engine depending on a variety of factors, one of which is temperature.

When the temperature is cold, the fuel injectors stay open longer to allow more fuel into the engine. This helps the engine run while it’s cold, which in turn leads to a warmer engine. Based on that alone, it might seem like a good idea to let your car run for 10 minutes before you drive off so the engine can get up to optimal temperature, but that’s not the case for a couple of reasons.

First, keeping your car in idle is the slowest way to bring your engine up to normal operating temperature. Your car will get to its optimal operating temperature faster if you let it idle for a minute or two, then ease into a drive. Don’t go from 0 to 55 mph if you can avoid it.

Secondly, letting your car sit in the idle position can actually do more harm than good. Your exhaust system operates by burning off unburned hydrocarbon emissions. A cold car gives off a higher percentage of unburned hydrocarbons than a warm engine, and even at the optimal temperature your catalytic converter can’t burn off all the unburned emissions. If your engine takes a long time to warm up because you only let it idle, you can end up with a plugged catalytic converter, which can lead to a slew of related problems, like decreased gas mileage, dirtier exhaust, and costly repair bills.

The Answer

So what’s the best method for starting your car? There are two basic rules of thumb to follow, depending on the temperature.

If the temperature is above freezing: This is the most common case people face throughout the winter. If the temperature is above freezing, your best bet it to let your car warm up for 60-90 seconds before driving off. In the first few minutes on the road, take it easy while accelerating. Using this method, you’ll warm your engine up quicker, which helps keep your catalytic converter running smoothly, and you’ll waste less gas by not sitting idly.

If the temperature is below freezing: If temps are in the negative, or if you heading out to work in the early morning after a particularly cold night, let your car warm up a little longer. Give it 3-5 minutes to warm up, and then drive off slowly.

Related source: Mother Earth News

5 Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Thanksgiving TravelThe Thanksgiving holiday is one of the biggest travel dates each year, as millions of drivers hit the road to head home to their families. In fact, AAA recently announced that over 43 million Americans will travel over 50 miles to visit friends and family over the four-day holiday break, so don’t be surprised if you run into some traffic. Today, we share five tips to keep in mind when planning your holiday travel.

1) Leave Early or Late – The busiest travel times for Thanksgiving are Wednesday evening, Thursday morning, and Sunday afternoon. Make plans to avoid these peak times so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Wednesday evening is a busy travel time because students head home after class, and many adults head off after work. This creates a log-jam on busy highways between 4pm and 7pm. Consider taking a half-day on Wednesday or taking off after the initial rush to avoid delays. Same goes for Thanksgiving Day. The roads are often packed between 8am and 11am as travelers head off for Thanksgiving, so give yourself some extra time to get to your destination. Sundays are also busy as travelers return after the holiday weekend. Leave Sunday morning or Sunday evening to avoid traffic.

2) Avoid Major Highways – Major highways can be a major headache during peak travel hours. While a three- or four-lane highway might seem like the best option, if a crash occurs, you could be backed up for hours. If possible, stick to smaller highways that have less traffic. Sometimes the most direct route isn’t the fastest if everyone takes the same path. Research some alternate routes to your destination in case one way is backed up.

3. Be Prepared – Although there isn’t really any snow on the ground right now, there’s a decent chance we’ll see some snow over the holiday weekend. This can be troublesome as many drivers are still in “summer mode” when it comes to driving, and because others may be ill-prepared in the event of an accident. Keep a jacket or some blankets in the trunk in case you get stranded on the side of the road, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you hit the road. Also, check out this related post on what to keep in your car in the event of an emergency.

4. Winterize Your Car– As we mentioned in a post earlier this month, make sure you winterize your car before departing on a road trip. Besides keeping your trunk stocked with winter basics, make sure your car is ready for the cold weather. Check your fluid levels, make sure your battery is in good condition, and consider swapping out your all-season tires for winter tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to help you grip the road, and they can make the difference between getting to your destination or ending up in a ditch. Talk to your local mechanic about installing winter tires today.

5. Entertainment – If you’re traveling a long distance with kids in the car, you know how important it is to keep them entertained. Popping a DVD into the player may work for a little bit, but even television can get boring after a while. Pack other essentials, like their favorite I Spy book or a sketchpad to draw on. Have them design a Thanksgiving card for grandma or grandpa. As for adults, a long drive by yourself can make you drowsy, so pack some items for your trip as well. Grab a book on tape from the library, or stock your iPod with upbeat music to keep you awake. Get a good night’s rest the night before, and don’t forget to grab a coffee on your way!

5 Tips for Buying Your First Car

Buying a carBuying a car is a big decision, so it’s important you do some research before you peruse Craigslist or hit up your local dealer. Below, we share five tips to remember when shopping for your first car.

1. Know Your Budget – Don’t just decide that $_______ is what you want to spend on a car. Look at your monthly income, and then subtract your expenses. Once you’ve accounted for things like rent, health insurance, food, and recreational spending, also consider that purchasing a car comes with additional expenses, like gasoline, car insurance, and regular maintenance. See what you can afford, and don’t forget to give yourself a little leeway in case any unexpected expenses are thrown your way.

2. Do Your Research – If you’ve found this article, odds are you’re at least somewhat tech savvy. Do some research to learn more about the cars you are interested in purchasing. A site like Kelly Blue Book can help determine a fair price for a vehicle based on its make, model and mileage. If you haven’t narrowed your search down to a specific type of vehicle, do a Google search for other components that are important to you. Search for things like “Best cars under $15,000” or “Vehicles with the best resale value.” As they say, “Knowledge is power.”

3. Research Dealers – Now that you’ve done research on what type of vehicle you want, the next step is to figure out where to buy. Talk to your friends or family members about their buying experience with local dealers. Ask them if the dealership was willing to be flexible with prices, if they took trade-ins, and what type of financing they offer. Ask about their total experience, from the moment they walked onto the lot to the second they drove away. See if they have any specific tips, or if they know of a trusted salesman who improved their buying experience.

4. Bring Your Own Financing – If you’re buying a new car, odds are you’ll be looking to finance your purchase. While most dealership offer financing, if you don’t bring any other options to the table, you won’t have much to use to negotiate your rate. Say, for example, your dealership is willing to finance your purchase with an interest rate of 4.5 percent. If you don’t have a counter offer, odds are the salesman will say this is the best he can do. If you talk to your bank beforehand, you might be surprised to learn they are willing to offer 3.9 percent financing. That 0.6 percent really adds up if you end up with a 48-month or 60-month payment plan. Additionally, since salesmen get a bonus if you finance through their dealership, if you present him with proof that the bank has offered you a lower rate, they may decide to amend their offer. Finally, don’t just settle for an offer to match the bank’s rate. It’s no skin off your back to accept the bank’s 3.9 percent offer instead of the dealer, so ask for a better rate or for $200 off the car.

Note – Here’s an example of how to negotiate financing with a dealer. We’ll use the above number of 3.9 percent and assume we have a $20,000 loan over 48 months. At 3.9 percent you’ll only be paying $21,633.12. You still have leverage because both the bank and the dealer are competing for your money, and both offers are the same. The difference between 3.9 percent and 3.8 percent is $43.20, which may not seem like a lot over the course of four years, but again, you have all the leverage, so use it to your advantage.

5. Shop Around – Similar to the above point, it’s a good practice to shop around and see what types of offers you can get from different dealerships. This is especially useful if you know what type of car you want. Go to three or four dealerships, get their “All-In” price, aka total price you’ll be paying with vehicle add-ons and licensing fees. Make sure you get their financing offer too. Paying $500 less up front doesn’t make much sense if you’re getting a much worse interest rate! Once you’ve collected the information, use it to your advantage. Odds are the salesman gave you his email address, so shoot him an email with your findings and see if he’ll change his offer. Maybe he’ll knock $500 off the price, or he’ll mention that they have a sale coming up that can save you money. Don’t be hostile in your email; Simply lay out the facts, mention that your bottom dollar is what matters most, and thank them for talking with you. Don’t be afraid to walk away. After all, buying your first car is likely the biggest purchase you’ve ever made.

Related source: Kelly Blue Book

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Car WinterBrace yourself. Winter is coming. Make sure you take appropriate steps to ensure your car is ready for another cold Minnesota winter. Below, we share some tips to help you winterize your car.

Repack Your Trunk – It’s time to take the beach ball out of your trunk and load it up with winter essentials. The first thing you’ll want to add is a blanket or an extra coat. In the event that you get stranded on a particularly cold day, the extra layer will help keep you warm until help arrives. Another good item to pack in your trunk is a sandbag. If you drive a small compact car, the sandbag will help give your car some added weight, which can help keep it on the road. If you find yourself stuck on some ice, the sand can help give you traction to get back on the road.

Lastly, pack something that will help make you visible to drivers in the event that you end up in a ditch. A minor accident can turn fatal if other drivers can’t see your stalled car on the shoulder of the road. Consider adding roadside flashers or a signal flare to your trunk.

Prep Your Tires – It’s always a good idea to keep your tires in good condition, but it’s especially important during the winter months. If your tires are getting low on tread, consider swapping them out for a new set, or make the switch to snow tires. These types of tires are specifically designed to grip the road during the winter, and they will hold their tire pressure better than all-season tires as the temperatures drop.

Check Your Fluids – Now is a good time to check the fluid levels on your car. Make sure you have enough Antifreeze in your vehicle so that your fluids don’t freeze, and take your car in for an oil change if you’re overdue. Also, don’t forget to top off your windshield wiper fluid in case someone sprays your car with wintery slush!

Battery Basics – As we’ve discussed before, your battery should be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure it won’t fail you during the cold seasons. If your battery fluid indicator is white, it means you should consider replacing your battery.

Also, although we didn’t mention it before, it’s a good idea to store jumper cables in your trunk during the winter. In the event that your engine won’t turn over on a cold day, you’ll be able to jump your car with the help of friendly passerby. If you already have jumper cables in your trunk, give them a quick look over to make sure they are still in good working condition.

Plan For The Worst – Make sure you keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your car in the event that you get in an accident. If you have AAA, it’s a smart idea to keep their number in the glove box in case you don’t have your card with you. If you don’t have AAA, write down the number of some local garages. It’s also a good idea to let friends and family members know the route you are taking when you are planning a visit. If you don’t show up, they’ll be able to point the authorities in the right direction.

Related source: HowStuffWorks.com