Women Look for More Storage in Cars

Traditionally, you would think that women would be better off in smaller vehicles mainly because it would be hard to maneuver larger ones like SUVs or vans these days. And we all know for a fact that the strength and the proper mix towards making curves and space allocations have become an issue for women who are not used to driving larger and longer vehicles. But apparently, these are all yesterday’s news.

Today, we can see women driving larger vehicles despite the hardships brought about by the oil price increases. But as far as to their reason for wanting a larger vehicle, it apparently stems from the fact that they look at cars more than being a transport machine. Some may go as far as looking at it like their mobile cabinet or even their home at times. This is particularly true for women who are always on the go or have children as well, so that things that they would need personally or for their kids is just a reach away.

For a man to hear this would really be outrageous. Vehicles are known to serve their purpose but not in this manner. But while many male drivers may be shaking their head in disbelief, it remains that if the female drivers want it and that they can afford to buy such cars, there is nothing anyone can do about it. That is their right and all you can do at the moment is respect them for it.

Source

Written by Marcel on August 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment


Practice Hanging in Driving

One thing that is perhaps the difficult things that any new driver would have difficulty with is hanging. Normally, you have to be good at calculating the right amount of gas and clutch when you are in a diagonal position. While others would choose to use their brakes and just accelerate once again when they can move, there are times where this may be risky especially if you have a car behind you.

Apparently, you have to consider factors such as some miscalculations when it is time to move. Minor accidents when you choose to gas up and move forward will happen and in most cases it is not the best time where you can avoid such mishaps. Ideally, hanging can save you the trouble of any motion in the backward position as in most cases, it may leave you moving forward rather than backward in such cases.

For most people, this is one of the toughest tests in passing a driving lesson. Don’t be worried if your engine would suddenly die on you. This is only because of improper gas injection to which you really have to know when to mix gas and clutch release. To some it may be a concern for panic. Don’t be. If your engine dies on you, just step on the brakes and even the handbrake if you want to make sure you don’t move from that position.

But once you get the hang of it, you will be surprised at how easy it may be. It all comes from practice and you can do it when you study driving.

Written by Marcel on August 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Parking in Reverse Parallel Parking

For many people, parking your car in reverse especially in parallel parking instances can be a drag. True enough, it is indeed hard especially if you have no one to guide you on your rear. Using your side view mirror is a big mistake as your entire rear may be in jeopardy of hitting another car or post if you are not careful. In short, it is about making sure you make the right calculations as far as unseen distances.

Normally, it takes practice. You have to put proper allowance to be able to fit in. One thing you should note, do not be in a hurry. The more you rush it, the longer it will take for you to park properly.

The key here is to start at a diagonal approach, going in at perhaps the middle of the parking space. When backing up, slightly tile the steering wheel starting from the opposite direction and gradually towards the side where you will be parking. Even the pros cannot get it with one stroke so be patient. It’s all a matter of patience and proper spacing.

Don’t be afraid to hit the gutter as far as your wheels are concerned. Rather than denting your bumper, that would be better. If you do hit the gutter, forward your car slowly and then try to back up again with slight tilts on your steering wheel.

Always be alert as far as distance on the back car is concerned. Also, look at the car in front of you. It is all a matter of proper calculation. After some time you will be surprised you can drive in parallel parking like a pro!

Written by Marcel on August 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment


Change Your Air Filters when you Get Oil Changes

Air Filter Element

Normally, cars will have periodic oil changes. Some may follow a certain mileage while others do it monthly. Whatever the case may be, you should also change the air filter. The oil and the oil filter is normal but to ensure that you get the complete cleaning and maintenance for the said car maintenance, include the air filter element since the exhaust and intake are likewise important to make sure that your engine is given the proper care.

It is also wise to keep track as well on when you last changed your air filter element. Sometimes, depending on your engine, it may not need to be changed always. Normally, some have it cleaned through the use of pressured air since purely dust is present in these cases. But while this is a conservative and cost-saving practice, air filters can be used up to three times of cleaning only.

The exhaust of your car is important. It plays a key role as well as far as overall car performance and fuel consumption as well. Many people disregard air filter elements and no matter what car you may have, it doesn’t really cost that much to change them occasionally.

While others are focused on the oil and the proper tune up of car performance, this is the little thing you have to know about cars. They may not be checked regularly but as long as it is clean as you go, you can be assured of a smoother ride as well as better car life as well.

Written by Marcel on August 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Never Use your Rear View Mirror to Backup Your Car

One of the things that people should learn when it comes to studying driving is never to use your rear view mirror when you back up. It is good to use it as a reference when perhaps you want to know if there is a car or something behind you. But that is only a glance as much as possible. It is best to look at your rear windshield and see if you are truly clear to back up. A lot of accidents happen that way.

A clear sign of people who use rear view mirrors to back up would be to look at the rear end of the car. Normally, you will find busted or cracked taillights or dented trunks and bumpers. Small as they may seem, they are signs that the person driving the car is prone to this minor yet critical mistake. There are things that your rear view mirror does not show you and at times the small space can lead to irresponsible driving.

The same goes with side view mirrors. Most of the cars today come with larger ones but similar to rear view mirrors, they are just guides to help you. Miscalculations often occur if you rely heavily on these mirrors. The best way is still to really look and know how you are backing up your car. Be wiser and care more for your car. Outside the potential accidents, you are slowly deteriorating your car and not improving your basic driving skills.

Written by Marcel on August 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Drive and Text to Disaster

There is a reason why texting has been banned while you are driving. For one, it takes your eyes off the road and will bring you nearer to accidents. When you drive a car, focus on the road and knowing how you handle your car are important. Outside of physical harm to yourself, you are also imperiling the lives of local commuters if you don’t watch where you are going.

Various laws have been passed to discipline drivers. But if you observe, people just cannot avoid texting or entertaining calls while driving. For voice calls, we have seen the offering of hand-free devices to accommodate executives on the go. But as far as texting is concerned, even the people who memorize the text keys are open to potent dangers coming their way.

Alaska, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington recently enacted laws that ban sending text messages while driving; 13 other states are reportedly considering similar legislation.

“The potential legal implications of texting while driving go far beyond the possibility of a mere traffic violation,” said Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney at FindLaw.com. “In the case of a traffic accident, proof that the driver was texting while driving may be used to help prove liability for an accident, even in states that do not ban texting while driving.”

(Source) Canadian Driver

The laws are set in almost every country in the world. What needs to be done is to lay them with an iron hand. When that happens, perhaps we can be better drivers and live longer.

Written by Marcel on August 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Fuel Conservation can be achieved through Wise Driving

With fuel prices steadily increasing, the best way to continue driving and manage fuel consumption is to drive wisely. Forget about the usual speed thing. Today, if you want to drive wisely, drive the right way.

These things are normally taught in driving school or from someone with good driving skills. For a car to run, fuel is needed. But the amount of fuel to be used is likewise relevant. The price per liter these days is no walk in the park and for people who want to continue to enjoy that privilege, it is not simply a matter of getting to places in a hurry but also knowing how to get there economically and safely.

Some drivers would turn to car maintenance. Tune-ups and regular oil changes are a good practice as well as making sure your wheels are properly balanced, aligned and threaded. These things are common and while those are basic things in owning a car, the person behind the wheel is another story.

Now for most parts of the world, a lot of people have been looking at alternative fuel to solve the fuel crisis. But as far as actual driving is concerned, a lot has to be changed as well. The manner to which you drive may be relevant as well so it is best to do a self-check as well before waiting for the fuel alternative for convenience in driving.

Written by Marcel on August 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Prepare for the Q &A Exams

One thing about studying driving, it is not only about getting behind the wheel and stepping on the gas pedals and shifting gears. There are basics such as the information you are well-versed on that is important. Though some people may not necessarily look at them as important, driving sensibly and logically still remains these days.

The Q & A of driving exams is quite simple. How can you drive if you don’t know what to do is certain driving situations. Questions such as knowing when to overtake and the distance to which you should be between cars are important. If you are not well-educated in these parts, chances are you will find yourself piling up driving tickets if not eventually land a revoked license problem eventually.

So how does one prepare for these driving exams. For one, you can read on books or ask the veteran drivers. Of the two, it seems the latter is the better option. Learning from the experience that driving road warriors is the best way to understand and digest what it really takes to drive out in the wild world of roads out there.

Rest assured there is no thing as a perfect driver. You may even use plain logic to answer these Q&A exams. But while you are at it, leave some room for errors. If there were perfect drivers these days then perhaps the rate of accidents these days would not be as alarming.

Written by Marcel on August 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment

You Can Learn Better with a Stick Shift Car

When it comes to driving, you normally have the options to choose an automatic or manual transmission car. Of the two, automatic transmission cars are no challenge at all. All you have to do is put it to D (drive) and you are on your way. All you have to do from there is use the brakes or place it on P (park) when you are not mobile.

But if you really want to be a good driver, stick shift vehicles is the best way to go. They allow you to adjust accordingly on when to shift and when to determine if the engine is having a hard time. In short, professional drivers are certified better if they can handle these types of cars.

To some, especially the people who can afford luxury automatic cars, there are a lot of issues. To them, these types of cars are like toys since they get them to places at a more convenient fashion. But things to consider here include:

1. High Fuel Consumption
2. Larger Car Maintenance Costs
3. Improbable to use car in high flooded areas

You cannot control the level of gas you will use when you drive automatic cars. The engine does all the mixing as far as power is concerned and when that happens, fuel control is totally absent. So other than driving wrong, you are burning fuel wrong. Maintenance, you better be careful since repairing automatic transmission as well costs a fortune!

Written by Marcel on August 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Driving Tip: Learn to Use the Engine Brake

When you drive your car, it is easy to step on the gas to accelerate. To stop, there is always the brakes to use but just be sure you don’t burn it.

Especially if you are driving downwards like perhaps from a hill, it would be best to put assistance to the brakes wear and tear by downshifting your gears. But don’t do it instantly.

For example you are already in the 4th gear and are already moving down, shift the gear incrementally from 4th to 3rd and then second. Make sure that the engine can handle the sudden shift in gears. When you step on the brakes, the engine will comply as well as the power is diminishing. With the proper timing of downshifting, you can do your brake lining a big favor by making use of the engine breaks for gradual pressure you always put on them.

Written by Marcel on August 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment