Here’s one fuel efficient driving tip that I think is really sensible.

Plan your trip, whether you are going across town or across the country. Try to combine several errands in one outing, and plan your route to avoid heavy traffic areas, road construction, hilly trerrain, etc. With a little organization, you can group your “town tasks” into fewer trips, saving you time and fuel expense. -Eartheasy

Even in city driving, planning your trip ahead will help a lot in fuel efficiency. I suggest you plan your route even before you leave your house (or office, or anywhere).

Going from point A to point B is easy enough. However, sometimes you have to make several stops, and it will be best if you plan which streets to take, and the sequence of stops. And it’s also good to check and double check if you’re not forgetting something you have to do or somewhere you have to go to. Otherwise, you might end up driving back and forth, and this is a waste of time, energy and fuel!

Written by J. Angelo Racoma on June 18, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Drive-by-wire is the common name for electronic throttle control. Traditionally, cars’ accelerator pedals are connected by cable to the throttle control on the engine. The relevance of DBW is that it takes the guesswork out of “stepping on it,” and calculates the appropriate throttle, based on traction, vehicle speed and engine speed. It’s called “drive by wire” because the gas pedal is no longer physically connected to the engine in order to function. Instead, it’s all electronic.

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Written by J. Angelo Racoma on June 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Now, more than ever, we need to pay attention to how our actions impact the environment. And, for car lovers, we just might find ourselves attracted to an alternative that will probably become mainstream sooner than we think: green cars. I cannot deny it – the good old fuel-run cars are hard to beat when it comes to performance and the fun factor. It is true that the sound that these cars make is part of the whole deal. Who wants a quiet electric car? Right now, you might not feel like saying you do, but I am willing to bet that pretty soon, you might change your mind.

People are taking notice of hybrids and electric cars. From the East to the West, car manufacturers are rolling out their own versions of environment friendly cars, and entities such as Kelley Blue Book are not ignoring the trend. Indeed, Kelley Blue Book recently announced its top 10 list of green cars for this year. Drum roll, please!

1. 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid, 50 m.p.g. combined
2. 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid, 41 m.p.g. combined
3. 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 39 m.p.g. combined
4. 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI, 34 m.p.g. combined
5. 2009 Mini Cooper, 32 m.p.g. combined
6. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, 32 m.p.g. combined
7. 2009 Honda Fit, 31 m.p.g. combined
8. 2009 BMW 335d, 27 m.p.g. combined
9. 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 22 m.p.g. combined
10. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, 21 m.p.g. combined

That list is in order of fuel efficiency. Other factors included in the rating are: fun factor, safety, carbon dioxide emissions, and comfort.

Written by Marcel on April 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Myths abound in every culture around the world. Even in first world countries, where people are supposed to be modern and logical, myths can be found in every corner. Take for example the world of motorized vehicles – it is as modern as can be, but the myths are there! Have you fallen for any of these myths? Take a look.

Myth #1: Change your oil every 3,000 miles.
I know a lot of people who follow this myth to the T. Some even change their motor oil before they reach the 3,000-mile mark. The truth is that you HAVE TO change your motor oil on a regular basis. This can make or break your engine. However, 3,000 miles is not the mark anymore. This is especially true for newer models. Indeed, experts say that you can easily go twice that distance before having to change your oil. The safest bet is 5,000 miles.

Myth #2: Warm up your engine before you go.
Again, a lot of people tend to do this. Perhaps it is because of habit, but it really is not necessary anymore. Fuel-injection systems have done away with the need to let the engine idle for a bit before taking off. Don’t waste your time and money doing this.

Myth #3: The higher the octane rating, the better your car will perform.
Not true. Cars are made with a certain octane rating in mind. Just because this kind of gasoline has a higher octane rating doesn’t mean that your car will be better running on it. Check what kind of gasoline your car is designed for and stick with that. There is no need to spend extra when there really is no benefit.

Written by Marcel on March 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Driving in winter is NOT a fun thing to do, as many of you will attest to. One danger is skidding. You may be driving at a reasonable speed and being as careful as you can be, but a stray patch of ice just might throw you out of control. YOU may know how to control a skid, but do your (driving) family members know how to handle it? Here is some information that you can share with them, especially your teenagers.

What do you do when the rear wheels lose traction?

First, keep your eyes on the road. Don’t panic and look elsewhere, and continue to take the direction you were originally taking. Remember to turn the wheel towards the path that you want to go.

Second, do NOT hit the brakes! This is probably going to be the initial reaction of an inexperienced driver, but train yourself not to do it. Hitting the brakes will only make you lose control of the car more.

Third and last, do not stop steering in the direction you need to go. This will help avoid the rear wheels skidding in the other direction.

Now what if the front wheels skid?

You basically have to maintain the same presence of mind as well as follow the steps above. The important thing to remember is that you wait for the wheels to regain their grip on the road and not to brake or accelerate while doing so. Bottom line: be in control of yourself and the situation.

Written by Marcel on January 29, 2010 | 2 Comments

I don’t mean that you can use your mobile phone to drive. You know what I mean by that – a lot of us have become largely dependent on our mobile phones that we are rarely seen without them. When on the road, the mobile phone is not turned off (not that I am proposing this) and is even used by the person behind the wheel.

Many states have already imposed bans on this habit and rightly so. Driving is a focus-oriented task and the slightest distraction can make the difference between life and death. The split second that it takes to glance at the cell phone screen just might be the split second that you need to save someone else’s life or your life.

So how can you drive safely with your mobile phone?

Use voicemail! Instead of picking up, let the call go to your voicemail. That’s what it’s there for. If the call is really important, then pull over before answering it. If your argument is that you have a hands free feature, let it go. You know as well as I do that carrying a conversation can prove to be a distraction.

Ask your companion/s to take the call for you. If you’re not alone in the car, there is no need for you to take the call or answer the text message. Ask the person with you to do it for you.

If you do have to use the hands free feature (they were made for a purpose, I suppose), then at least make sure that you don’t spend too long on the phone. Also, make the road your primary focus. Last, be aware of your speed – be consistent and don’t speed up or slow down suddenly.

Written by Marcel on January 26, 2010 | 1 Comment

Seriously. I know you’re probably scoffing or chuckling at that title, but it’s Christmas and people tend to forget their senses around this time of the year. In the last two weeks, I have had to go to more Christmas parties than I cared to. I did have fun at most of them, but there was one thing that I noticed: people just didn’t care that much when it came to drinking and driving!

These are people who have stable and excellent day jobs. These are intelligent people who look down on those who may not be as smart as they are. But after each party, the story was the same. Tipsy guys and gals would head on to the parking lot and drive unsteadily home. Some were drunker than the others. Some were merely tipsy. It doesn’t matter, though, once you’ve gotten enough alcohol in your blood stream, you’re a danger on the road.

We all know that, but how come there are still a lot of people who just go ahead and drive? I can’t answer that because I really don’t drive (drunk or not), but if you ever find yourself in that situation in the near future, please, let your common sense prevail. I don’t need to tell you all about the rationale behind NOT drinking and driving. You’re smart – you already know that. I think it’s more about making a commitment to make the right choice when the time comes. Have a Merry and SAFE Christmas!

Written by Marcel on December 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment

It is all over the news – you have probably heard of the “one free swerve” controversy by now. The issue stems from the a decision made by the Virginia Supreme Court to allow police officers to stop drivers who are thought to be under the influence of alcohol, but only after they see the motorist do something potentially unsafe – like swerving. This is where the “one free swerve” label comes into the picture.

Quite understandably, the motion has stirred up a lot of controversy and people are reacting left and right. One high profile person, in particular, has expressed his dissatisfaction over the ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts has been quoted as writing:

The decision below commands that police officers following a driver reported to be drunk do nothing until they see the driver actually do something unsafe on the road — by which time it may be too late.

Reuters reports further that:

Roberts noted that close to 13,000 people die in alcohol-related car crashes a year, which equals to one death every 40 minutes.

Roberts said a majority of the courts have said it doesn’t violate the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure to pull over drunk drivers based on anonymous tips from programs like the “Drunk Busters Hotline.”

So my question to all responsible motorists out there is this: what do you think about the ruling? Should we be understanding and give “one free swerve” to drunk drivers? I would say not. Chief Justice Roberts is right – it is better to err on the safe side!

Written by Marcel on November 2, 2009 | 3 Comments

While most drivers are concerned about how fast they can go, it would be wise to also check how well they can stop. Running out of gas and finding ways to conserve to get to places is one thing but if for some reason you overlook your brakes, you may find yourself on the way to the hospital if you are not careful.

Most people are often told that driving a car also includes maintaining it. Sure you will only be concerned on how well your car may run but at times, you need the usual car maintenance practices as well. This includes tune-ups, oil changes, and brake or clutch lining checks.

Normally, male drivers know this as they are more inclined to make sure that the car they are driving are safe. In fact, a good reason here is how men are enthusiastic about having their own car. This goes as far as making sure that they have the best car to drive so that they will get noticed.

Brakes normally have a longer time to be serviced. But this would depend on how frequent you use your car. While others may not care as long as they function properly, it would be best to have them checked and avoid them from malfunctioning especially if you are in high speed or on the road. That inconvenience may lead as far as claiming lives, a fact that many have already experienced and continue to regret for driving carelessly.

Written by Marcel on October 28, 2009 | 3 Comments

Many people have dreamed of getting an RV when they get older, and going around the country at a leisurely pace. In this day and age, when hopping on a plane to get from one destination to another is the norm, driving a good old RV is not that common anymore. But anyone who has had the experience of traveling on one will tell you that there is nothing like it. Of course, you have to pay attention to the details and know how to drive safely in that oversized van. Here are some tips to stay safe on the road in an RV.

Take your time. An RV is not meant to go fast. It is the ride of choice for those who want to take it slow and take in the scenery. Going up a hill, you cannot expect to do it the same way as you would if you were driving, say, a Mustang. Don’t rush it!

Never drive down a road/street if you’re not sure there is an exit. Have you ever tried having to bust a U in a small space, or maybe back out of an alley in an RV? If so, then you would know that this piece of advice is perhaps the best that you can ever have. Before you turn into a side street, make sure that you have a way out.

Trust those side mirrors like anything. If you’re used to looking at your rear view mirrors, you better get the hang of relying almost solely on RV’s side mirrors. You will not be able to see much from the rear view mirrors (except your bed maybe) and you’ll need those side mirrors more than anything else in an RV.

Written by Marcel on September 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment