Volkswagen CC A Project Of Ambition

It is not easy for a manufacturer like Volkswagen, whose philosophy is the “people’s car” to work in the field of large luxury sedans. Despite its appearance of Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen CC 2013 is far from offering the prestige and level of finishes that offer upscale rivals. However, in terms of style, we can say that the German manufacturer to frankly successful lines of its large sedan. Forces Volkswagen CC 2013 lies in its modern engines and precise handling.

Volkswagen CC 2013 displays a ined shape and dimensions, to say the least, impressive. Despite all, the interior is rather banal in its finish and less spacious than it suggests. It is mostly twin engines of DC saving it for possible retirement. However, Volkswagen offers no diesel engine for its large sedan, which, in my opinion, would have allowed the latter to be more successful.

This is unfortunate

From its basic version, the Volkswagen CC 2013 shows a base price of around $ 36,000. so imagine in his final version, it has a few options. Early versions of the CC worth considering. In contrast, the more expensive versions say a little too much in my opinion, especially more than $ 45,000 unit.

Values ​​measures Volkswagen CC 2013

Volkswagen do not go lightly to introduce consumers to the Volkswagen CC 2013. The latter has, in its version and a low, powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. With 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque, it allows the large sedan from the German manufacturer from 0-100 km / h in just 7.5 seconds. Besides the CC is one of the few cars in its class to be fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, which makes his behavior all the more interesting. In addition, it shows a consumption of 9.7L/100km city and 6.6L/100km on the highway, which is well below the average.

For style and pleasure Volkswagen CC 2013

Volkswagen CC 2013 offers one of the most beautiful bodies in its class. In addition, its mechanical properties are reliable, robust and surprisingly athletic. However, where things get tough, it’s at the cabin. It is less spacious than it seems. In addition, the rear seats are very poorly designed. Volkswagen CC 2013 shows a base price ridiculously high if you want my opinion, especially with regard to the more expensive versions. Nevertheless, it remains a good alternative to large luxury sedans.

Volkswagen CC 2013 News  

Volkswagen CC 2013: A Project Of Ambition

Peugeot 207 1 4 m play Hatchback A worthy little French number

Please note this review is of the Peugeot 207 1.4 without the m-play option. (Socket for MP3 players)

  

Front end looks a bit gawky but the rest of the car is fine.

When I think of French cars I think of stylish, fashionable & chic designs & from expierence of working on them, I think of shoddy build quality & unreliability. Put it simply, they dont have the solid build quality of German cars & no where near the reliability of Japanese cars. However, put them all in a showroom together & it will be the French car that gets all the attention, they have so much showroom appeal.

If there is a back to front, upside down way of doing things the French will do it & call it flair & imagination, for any poor sod who has to fix them, French cars are simply downright awkward to work on.

I will put all these prejudices behind me while I review the Peugeot 207, my partner for five recent days whilst I was in Ireland working. The new 207 is the successor to the old 206, a popular & good looking car often among the best sellers in the UK.

Not an ideal position to mount door mirror but you get used to it.

Looks are a subjective matter but on seeing this silver 1.4 207 for the first time I have to say it didnt do much for me. I dont like the gawky looking front end which looks like a big plastic mouth; it doesnt blend it with the rest of the cars looks. From the side & rear it looks fine but from some angles it doesnt impress me much.

Its standard of finish does, the doors close with a nice solid thunk & not a clang like many modern cars. The difference between a thunk & a clang is very important with car doors. As an example a large bank vault door would close with a nice solid thunk but a shed door with garden tools hanging on the other side would close with a clang.

The gaps around the 207s doors were even & tight & the paintwork finish was exceptionally good. The key provided allows for keyless entry if required, the key portion can be stored within the plastic housing & press a little button (like a flick knife) & the key blade pops out. There are two buttons on the key housing to lock & unlock the car.

Chrome edged dials & aluminium effect dash not a good mix,
radio CD control can be seen close to steering wheel.

As I sat inside for the first time I was amazed at the amount of room for such a small car. Five adults could sit in a 207 without much problems as long as they werent 6.5" basketball players, there is ample shoulder & head room with the rear leg room just a little tight.

Finding a comfortable driving position is another matter, the seats at first appear to be comfortable but getting a perfect driving position is much harder. The drivers seat features a bar at the front base to slide the seat forward & back with a side mounted lever to raise & lower the seat & another handle to recline the backrest. Once that is set, you can raise or lower the steering column but I found that my legs were perfect with the pedals but I needed to stretch my arms excessively to hold the steering wheel. 

Just great if you are a chimpanzee with longer arms but for a normal 510" human, its not so good. On top of that the footrest next to the clutch pedal is so wide that my size 10 shoes often caught the footrest when depressing the clutch pedal.

If thats not bad enough, the front windows have small quarter windows similar to what is fitted to most rear doors on modern cars. It means the two door mirrors that look like an after thought, have been fitted closer to the middle of the door to avoid an obstruction from the quarter window pillars (see picture). It means that when you are driving the car you need to look further back than normal to view the door mirrors, not so good at speed or in bad weather.

Once driving the car for a few hours it became apparent that the drivers seat had very little lumbar support for the base of my back which started to ache. This seldom happens when I drive other cars.

Inside the 207 the general fit & finish is impressive, the distance from the drivers head to the bottom of the windscreen is about one metre. It means that you dont see the front corners of the car sitting in a normal position which may put off some potential buyers,

The dash is large to say the least but made from a rather nice soft feel material. The dials in front of the driver look quite cool with their chrome outer bezels but in certain light the dials attract lections & look a bit odd next to the fake aluminium effect on the centre & outer dash fittings.

A large centre section of the dash is wasted for a small display showing time, outside temperature, radio display & milometer along with a trip meter. Why cant it be fitted in front of the drivers view beside the main dials? There is also a rather OTT display of seat belt reminders for each passenger when they are seated. Rather unnecessary when a chime or buzzer would suffice.

There are plenty of odd shaped cubby holes around the cabin, what looks a large glove box is actually a rather feeble effort with the fuse box behind. To make amends, the door bins are large & many of the cubby holes are lined in rubber to stop items falling around. Also inside is a rather good quality radio CD with decent sized buttons & a steering column mounted control for volume & switching channels, its hard to find at first tucked behind the steering wheel (see picture).

Start the car up & as soon as you move off the doors automatically lock a handy feature to stop car jackers & thieves stealing goods from your car when parked at traffic lights.

The clutch travel is quite high before the clutch bites; it takes a while to get used to it as does the slightly light steering. Power steering is good for tight manoeuvring but this is a just a tad too light for me.

The 1.4 litre engine is brisk & reasonably quiet at most speeds, it recorded 38.9mpg during my brief five day spell according to the on board trip computer.

One disappointing feature of the 207 was the brakes, they are just too sensitive. Even light application would send you through the windscreen if you werent belted up, it makes driving smoothly difficult until you get used to them. The car handles well & always feels safe & secure on twisted corners; at speeds the steering does feel more positive & not so light.

For such a small car the boot is quite large & easy to load, two cut outs on the inside of the tailgate assist closing. The tailgate closes without much effort with another solid thunk.

Under the bonnet the usual weekly checks on oil, water etc are easily accessed & painted yellow for easy identification.

Some good points, when you start the car up & the outside temperature is low you get a warning of ice risk, this may just save someone belting down the road & hitting black ice one frosty morning. Also a neat little coin holder which is lined is situated in the front doors close to the door pull, if on the continent you are continually using coins for toll booths they can hold a few coins to save time rummaging through your trouser pockets or handbags at the booths.

Less impressive is the bonnet release, the French have decided not to move it to the opposite side to suit UK drivers & you have to stretch over to the passengers side to release the bonnet. However you have to open the passengers door before you release it as the handle is obstructed by the door. When you pull it, it has a rather vague & brittle feel about it.

The Peugeot 207 is not perfect but is still worthy of a look, its not for me simply because I dont like its looks, or the compromised driving position or those dreadful brakes. In the back of my mind is the fact that Peugeot have still got to resolve many reliability issues as their products still come out close to bottom in most customer satisfaction surveys.

Basic technical & equipment details:

1360cc (1.4) 4-cylinder engine

Uses unleaded fuel

5-speed gearbox

Urban fuel consumption 33.6mpg

Mixed driving 56.5mpg

Emissions 150g/km

Equipment include: Air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, central locking, Radio / CD & tinted glass.

No reversing sensors, no MP3 connection & no dimmer for the instrument lighting.

Sourch Peugeot 207 1.4 m:play Hatchback

2012 BMW 3 series Adds a Turbo Four and Hatchback

2012 BMW 3-series is a newest edition of BMW for 2012. The 2012 BMW 3 Series is a platform base, alias F35, will have a longer wheelbase and a wider track width in 2012 BMW 3-series. The 2012 BMW 3-series will consist of hybrid variants as well as the most modern version of BMW’s proficient Dynamics.

The 2012 BMW 3-Series is still a few years out, although this does not stop the curiosity of the true bimmer fans. The 2012 BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more familiar face resulting from the unique styling of the Shanghai model.

As we heard from sources close to BMW, they are still a year away from the time the first 2012 BMW 3 Series prototypes will hit the road for testing and the finishing design will be chosen this spring. The next generation of 2012 BMW 3-series will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so the styling reflects the current cues, which includes the CS concept. One other premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show was the 2012 BMW 3 Series Exclusive Edition. The car shown on the floor sported the unique Mineral Grey paint available as an option.

Porsche Cayman 2014 A Sports Performance

After a first generation lasted eight years, from 2006 to 2013, it was time for the German manufacturer Porsche have to go to a review of its sporty two-door hardtop Porsche Cayman 2014. It will display a longer wheelbase than the 2013, will receive a new chassis and lose thirty pounds.Moreover, its fuel consumption is declining by 15% despite higher mechanical performance more powerful and identified.

Mechanicals of Porsche Cayman 2014

Porsche Cayman 2014 will give consumers the choice between two mechanical 6-cylinder horizontally opposed direct injection of fuel. These engines have two systems of heat management of the engine cooling recovery of electricity during braking and stop-start. First, the basic model will receive the new 2.7-liter dual overhead cam head which replaces the 2.9-liter.His power is 275 hp at 7400 rpm. Second, the Porsche Cayman 2014 offer, meanwhile, a 3.4-liter dual overhead cam head which develops a power of 325 hp at 7400 rpm.

Whichever model is chosen, the engine will always be placed behind the front seats and the rear axle. Porsche offers two transmissions: a 6-speed manual, available as standard, and a 7-speed automated manual, optional. The driver can opt for a Sport mode or Comfort mode.

Body and interior of Porsche Cayman 2014

Porsche’s designers have worked hard to enable the Porsche Cayman 2014 distinguish themselves.Dimensions and proportions were changed: new chassis, longer wheelbase and door-to-overhangs, wheels 18 and 19 inches and several other small improvements to the design of the car. At the front, we can recognize its wider air intakes, its daytime and taillights.

In the cockpit, there is a typically Porsche Cayman 2014. It is possible to obtain a stereo 800 watt Burmester, an adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and keyless start. Regarding the interior finishing, there are two leather colors. In terms of ergonomics, it must be said, everything is very well placed, and the controls are intuitive.

Series, the Cayman CDR receives a string with 7-inch touchscreen that has numerous functions.The sports seats are new. Their comfort is excellent and they offer more than enough lateral support.

Despite the impressive performance of Porsche Cayman 2014, a 0 to 100 km / h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 265 km / h, the Porsche basic 2.7-liter engine still shows a fuel consumption of which varies between 7.7 and 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers. So this is a sports performance, fun to drive and comfortable you will not feel guilty when you’re driving.

Porsche Cayman 2014 News  

Porsche Cayman 2014: A Sports Performance

Revsons Last Formula One Victory Rebuilding a Race Lap By Lap

A wet start to the 1973 Grand Prix of Canada would prove an omen of what was to come.

It remains to this day one of the most controversial and fiercely debated Formula One Grand Prix races of all time.  Coming up on the fortieth anniversary of the legendary 1973 season that saw Jackie Stewart win the World Drivers Championship, theres still the controversy of who should have won the Canadian Grand Prix, which took place on September 23, 1973 at Mosport International Raceway.  What should have been a routine race ended up being anything but, with the race marking the first time in Formula One history that a Safety Car was deployed and the resulting confusion over who the actual winner of the race was.

These are the facts of the Grand Prix.  The race started with a twenty-five car field in wet conditions.  Going into the race, the Drivers Championship had already been decided with Jackie Stewart taking the honours.  The Constructors Championship was a dog fight by a mere three points separating Lotus-Ford and Tyrell-Ford.  With two races to go in the Championship including the Canadian and United States races, every position on the track mattered for the points the two constructors could gain.  Neither Ken Tyrell nor Colin Chapman was going to give an inch if they could avoid it.  By lap 24 of the Grand Prix, the track conditions had changed, creating a very chaotic and busy pit lane while teams changed tires.  On lap 33, an accident involving Jody Scheckter and Francois Cevert would create the call for the first Safety Car deployment in Formula One history.

What has been debated is who won the race.  This was significant as the finishing order of the Canadian Grand Prix essentially decided the Constructors Championship.  As the checkered flag dropped on the race, Peter Revson was the man that had been shown the flag first and was classified as the winner.  Colin Chapman, who had been in pit lane the entire race, was convinced the officials had it all wrong as a result of the pit stops and the Safety Car having been deployed during the race.  He was determined to gain the advantage over Tyrell in the Constructors Championship and proceeded to the Control Tower to file an official protest of the results.  Chapman claimed that his driver, Emerson Fittipaldi, had won the race instead of Revson. (Note:  To this day Emerson Fittipaldi continues to claim he was the rightful winner of this race.)

Tower Steward Ron Evans was packing up in the Control Tower.  His weekend was done for all intents and purposes, and he wanted to take his wife and four-year-old daughter home.  Evans had a class of high school students to teach at 8:30 a.m. the next morning.  Busy sorting through paperwork, he was surprised when he heard a throat being cleared and looked up to see Colin Chapman standing in front of him.  Evans had a sinking feeling he was not headed home as soon as hed hoped and braced himself as he asked Chapman if he could help him with anything.

I wish to file a protest came the polite and short reply in Chapmans rather bland English accent. Chapman had all the necessary paperwork completed and in hand to turn over to the officials.

Colin Chapman, Team Principal, Lotus-Ford

Evans referred Chapman to the Clerk of the Course, Paul Cooke.  Cooke referred Chapmans protest to the Chief Steward, Dr. Sid Mandel, for action.  Sometime approximately two hours after the checkered flag had fallen, Mandel called to order one of the largest and important protest hearings in Formula One history.  The hearing was attended by 22 representatives from all the participating Formula One Teams, the Stewards, and representatives of the Canadian Race Communications Association, the official Timing and Scoring organization of the race.  Approximately 30 people set about the daunting task of figuring who had won the 1973 Formula One Grand Prix of Canada.

It should be noted that in 1973 there were no transponders or computerized/electronic timing equipment.  The technology simply did not exist until the late 1980s.  All timing and scoring was done on lap charts by hand.  The same method used to determine the winner of an amateur race was used to determine the winner of the highest level of motorsport competition in the world.  It is a dying skill in the todays motorsport world, with less and less people able to maintain a handwritten lap chart as each year passes and the sport becomes more reliant upon technology to provide the information needed.

Mandel acted as the Chairperson of the hearing while Evans took notes and minutes.  Each Team was represented by the individuals that had created the Teams lap charts for the race.  In addition, the lap charts of the official Timing and Scoring representatives were included.  While several witnesses including Paul Cooke spoke before the meeting, there were no other attendees.  In the seven hours that followed the start of the meeting the Teams themselves, with the assistance of official Timing and Scoring, reconstructed the entire 80 lap race one lap at a time.

Current ASN/Canada FIA International Steward Terry Dale has found himself in similar circumstances during his tenure as a Chief Steward.  However, Dale has never had to hold a protest hearing as large and as complex as this one.

Its a huge task to hold a protest hearing with this many people in it.  I have had several teams involved in a protest hearing but never have I required every race teams involvement.  It would be an absolutely monumental task and the level of diligence and detail required for this meeting is far beyond anything I have ever dealt with.  I cannot begin to imagine the level of stress and pressure put on those involved.

Using their handwritten lap charts, the Teams agreed after each lap as to the position of each car in the race.  The accuracy and ability of the Teams to accomplish this feat stunned Evans, who admits it was incredible to witness.  The level of detail the Teams were able to put into the reconstruction of the race left no doubt as to what the final result was.  There was no arguing, fighting, or disagreement during the meeting that required intervention by Mandel.  The final decision signed off by Mandel was a set of race results determined by all 11 Formula One Teams and official Timing and Scoring themselves using their own handwritten lap charts.  The official results of the race published and available today were determined and agreed upon by all of the participating Formula One Teams, including the protesting team of Lotus-Ford, and not a result decided independently by the Stewards.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 1973 the victory for the race was confirmed as being Peter Revsons.  In losing his protest, Chapman was denied the advantage he thought was needed going into the final race of the season.  Trailing by one point in the Constructors Championship, Tyrell lost the Constructors Title by ten points at the end of the United States Grand Prix.  That loss would unfortunately become insignificant due to the death of Tyrell driver Francois Cevert at the U.S. Grand Prix.  In addition, that 1973 Canadian Grand Prix victory would be the last one for Revson, who died in a testing accident in March of 1974.  It would also be 20 years before Formula One would again deploy a Safety Car in a race, a sight that is quite common place in modern racing.

Peter Revson during the 1973 Formula One Season.

The 1973 Canadian Grand Prix goes down in history as being unique for many reasons.  Until now, no one knew that its finishing order was a testament to the ability of human beings to reconstruct a race in full from handwritten lap charts and to cooperate in the pursuit of the truth.  It is one of the most incredible feats in the history of motorsport and should be one of the reasons why the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix is remembered most.  Not every race is won on the track or in pit lane.  Sometimes the race is won in a handwritten lap chart.  Its an important lesson to remember, particularly in the modern era of computers, transponders, and timing loops.

 Acknowledgements:  My thanks to Paul Cooke (Vice-President of Competition ASN/Canada FIA) and Ron Evans (Retired) for sharing their recollections of this race with me, current FIA International Steward Terry Dale for his opinion, and Allan De La Plante for his wonderful photos.

Colene Allen is the Canadian Motorsports Media Correspondent for In The Pits Racing Radio on the ESPN Radio Network.  She is a 14 year veteran road course racing official. 

Negotiating Strategies for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car from a salesman works in much the same way as it does when buying a new car. You need to prepare to negotiate in order to obtain the best price for that car. There are some important differences too including dealer markup and price, information that can spell the difference between obtaining a great deal or being taken for a ride.

Research first -- Unlike new cars, the price you pay for a new car can vary widely. Thats because manufacturers set a suggested sticker price for new cars while prices of used cars can fluctuate. That also means conducting extensive research first by visiting Kelley Blue Books site at kbb.com to uncover that information. Plug in as much information about the vehicle that you know to get a price that is close to what the dealer might charge. Youll also find out what the car might retail for if sold privately. Expect to pay somewhere between the private price and the dealer price for the car.

Shop around -- What causes consumers the most problems is not shopping around. It isnt wrong for you to settle with one dealer, but you could miss out on a better deal if you dont explore your options locally. You probably prefer a dealer over a private party, given that the former may offer a warranty and the latter will be selling to you a car "as is." Still, there are many places for you to shop with some offering a better price, a better warranty or both. Make sure you weigh each factor collectively before arriving at your purchase decision.

Consider your trade in -- Not all used car dealers welcome a trade, but if you car is in good shape and is a desirable model, then you may have a negotiation tool at your disposal. That means ensuring that you get both the best price for your current car as well as for the car you want to buy. Again, use Kelley Blue Book to help you identify the price of your current car. Make allowances for mileage, interior and exterior condition, and aftermarket add ons such as a rear spoiler, a set of aluminum-alloy wheels or a custom grille.

Negotiate from strength -- Once you have a price in mind, then stick with it. Your firmness will enable you to command the best deal and to drive off in a new ride. If the salesperson refuses your offer, then be prepared to leave. Just your threat of leaving can have him singing another tune, realizing that his chance at a sale and a profit will leave with you. Your commission may be smaller, but hell still make money, but only if he closes the deal. No deal means no dollars!

As with any deal-making, youll want to ensure that you dot your "is" and cross your "ts" as certain expenses may not be known. Those expenses include a sales tax, a transfer fee, license or tag, and other possible costs. Your insurance costs may change too.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andys Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Flowmaster Exhaust and Injen Intakes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6940027

Mercedes Benz GLK 350 Finally A 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel

The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 is marketed at home since 2010. When the German manufacturer has placed on the market, has been criticized the poor quality of materials used in the interior. And finally, in 2013, despite its relatively low price of $ 44 900, it really feels to ride in a vehicle that is in the $ 60,000. Exit the hard plastics, and welcome to the high quality materials and wall of wood and aluminum. Dimensions, however, have not changed.

Mechanical s of Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013

The GLK now offers two models: the GLK 250 and GLK 350. The first, to be marketed in the fall, received a 4-cylinder engine with BlueTEC diesel biturbo DOHC head of 2.1 liters that develops a power of 190 hp at 4200 rpm. If this power may seem limited, it is interesting to note that the 4-cylinder GLK 250 produces a torque of 369 lb-ft between 1600 and 1800 rpm, which corresponds to almost 100 lb-ft more than the V6 3.5-liter GLK 350.

And while we’re talking about the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 V6 gets a 3.5-liter dual overhead cam head and direct fuel injection with a power of 302 hp at 6500 rpm. His marriage, he totaled 273 lb-ft between 3500 and 5250 rpm. In both cases, Mercedes-Benz uses a gearbox 7-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters behind the wheel.

Behavior of Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013

The suspension of the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 has been revised for a little more rigidity. The vehicle now uses electric steering that does not really offer better feedback than the old hydraulic steering. The driving experience is under the sign of the quality, silence and strength.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 has improved compared to last year. In addition to direct fuel injection and electric power steering, the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 now benefits from the stop-start technology, which allows it to display fuel consumption between 9.7 and 12.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and with the drive.

The To review, in our opinion! There is also an adaptive cruise control him, surprised by its effectiveness. And in fact, all the controls are well placed and very ergonomic. The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 can also park alone. Regarding the rest, it is well equipped.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013 has received some improvements. One has only to think of the power steering, the direct fuel injection and stop-start technology. And despite 34 additional horsepower, it is still cheaper than last year. And we can soon enjoy biturbo engine BlueTEC diesel 2.1 liter and torque of 369 lb-ft.

Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013  

Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 2013: Finally A 4-Cylinder Turbodiesel

A Z of Summer Driving

Alcohol - Socialising takes on a new format during the summer months. BBQs and social events invariable involve the consumption of alcohol. Make arrangements via a Designated Driver, family member, or Taxi so as the temptation to drive, even a short distance, is removed. Drinking and driving dont mix.

Blind Spot - Every road vehicle and road user has blind spots. Get to know where they are on your car and always give consideration for those on other vehicles, especially large HGVs. Remember, if you can see their mirrors - they can see you. In open road and on dual carriageways, dont sit in the blind spot of another vehicle, where you can be travelling to their rear but outside the range of their mirrors. If they move there is little chance of avoiding a collision, simply because you are too close laterally from each other. Always look for the motorcyclist in your blind spot.

Collision Avoidance - With the vast majority of collisions occurring due to driver error, the onus is on us to not go in where angels fear to tread. Take up proper positioning in flow traffic, at junctions, roundabouts and negotiating corners and bends. Keep your concentration on your driving, especially near journeys end where it is easy to go on remote as you plan ahead. Turn off your concentration when you turn off the ignition.

Defensive Driving - Invest in an Advanced Driving Programme that will realign your driving and upgrade your standard to that beyond your local government driving test. The skills associated with Advanced Driving are built on a systematic, analysis of Road, Weather and Traffic, using good Anticipation, Sound Judgment of Speed and Distance allied to good Observation. It is no burden to carry.

Eye & Ear Exam - If you cannot see it - you cannot react to it - the same for your hearing. If you havent had an eye check in the last two years, go get one. You could be the last person to realise you need glasses. A quick and inexpensive eye test will get rid of the doubts and should you need enhancement, there is an inexhaustible range of frames to suit your style. Always have a quality pair of sunglasses in your car. Dont necessarily buy a fashion pair. You need a good polarised lense with UV filter. Also have your hearing checked so you can hear the direction of other hazards. If you work in a noisy environment or use an MP3 Player regularly, a hearing check is vital. Hearing loss thorough loud music is a real and serious issue.

First Aid Kit - Always carry a first aid kit in your car. There are many available through Pharmacies and organisations like the Automobile Association which are very adequate, simple and uncomplicated. Keep some disposable gloves and a face mask should you come upon a person in need of emergency help.

Got an L-Driver with you? - If you have a Learner Driver with you and wish to use the opportunity to add to their experience, keep them within their existing comfort zone before allowing them into tricky traffic or road situations. Worked correctly, this can be very beneficial for the new driver. Get it wrong and you now have a relationship issue influencing the rest of the journey.

Hydroplaning - Aquaplaning occurs where your tyre tread fills with standing water that it cannot get rid of due to the road speed. Generally this occurs at 80kph and above. Keep your tyres at the optimum. Check for Wear n Air before your journey: watch for stretches of standing water and slow down. If you begin to aquaplane ease off the accelerator, keep your steering straight and WAIT for the tyres to regain normal grip. Your brakes and steering dont work when the car is aquaplaning as the car is floating on a film of water. Only when the tyres get rid of the water does grip return.

Impaired - Driving while impaired covers everything form Drunk Driving, Drug Driving to Drowsy Driving. If you are on medication, ask your Doctor or Pharmacist if this medication has an effect on your ability to drive. Avoid self-medicating where you take over-the-counter medication prior to driving.

Jump - If you need to jump start your battery, follow the rules in your owners manual. Better still - replace the battery due to the extra demands of air-conditioning and additional chargers/consoles.

Kids - 12 and younger should ride in the back seat of your vehicle in age-appropriate restraints. Keep them hydrated, avoiding fizzy drinks and sugary foods to avoid the harmony disintegrating within the car. Arrange stops where they can exercise and get fresh air.

Lights - Let others know that you are there by always driving on your dipped headlights. Dont drive on Parking Lights and Front Fog Lights as the fog lights are designed purely for fog, casting their diffracted light down to the left and right so as to pick up cats eyes, marker posts and lane markers. Ensure all lights are working 24/7 and if travelling in Europe you must carry spare bulbs by law.

Maps - Plan your journey and bring your maps with you. Maps will compliment your Satellite Navigation system. Gather knowledge of areas outside your direct line of travel through your maps, so as you avoid thinking you are of off course.

National Safety Programme - The Road Safety Authority, the Garda Siochana and Topaz have initiatives running nationally where drivers are encouraged to rest whilst on a long journey. Their Driver Reviver programme should be adopted by all drivers.

Occupant Restraint - Seat belts and air-bags systems work together to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a collision. All passengers should wear their seat belts at all times. Children should be restrained in approved seats/boosters appropriate to their size. Know the location and function of your cars airbag system. Never put a child under 12 in the front passenger seat. Should the airbag deploy they can be seriously injured.

Phones - Mobile phones are an integral aspect of our lives. On long journeys they can be a lifesaver for you or others you come upon. If your car does not have Bluetooth as standard you should buy an earpiece so as to use your phone hands free. Dont conduct long conversations on your phone. It is preferable to pull into a rest area and make a call. Ensure you have a car charger.

Quiet - Set your heating and ventilation controls to create a comfortable environment for all within. Children can avail of DVDs, games consoles, MP3s and books so as to keep the ambiance of your car quiet and distraction free for you to drive uninterrupted.

Rest Stops - Build these into your journey according to the needs of you and your passengers. Choose areas where you can avail of rest rooms, inexpensive food and fresh air. Try to avoid indulging in heavy meals, highly carbonated drinks and loading sugar hits into young children, otherwise the next leg of your journey will be far from relaxed.

Smart Car Technology - The modern car has numerous active and passive safety systems. These systems run each time you start your car and monitor various aspects of the cars behaviour. Should one of these monitoring systems detect a change to the normal behaviour of the car they will activate to restore the cars stability and/or to protect those within. Read your Owners Manual or contact your Service Manager to acquaint yourself of your cars particular systems. Drivers should know what the following letters refer to, ABS, EBD, ASR, TCS, SRS, WIPS, ESP. Current and future innovations include collision avoidance systems, drowsy driver detection devices.

Two-Second Rule - Over 40% of all road collisions are rear-end shunts. In built up areas (50kph Speed Limit) keep a following position of 3 lengths of your own vehicle back from the vehicle in front. Above 50kph, apply the 2-second Rule. Here you choose a stationary object or a shadow line/ wheelie bin/ along the road as a marker. When the vehicle ahead of you passes that object, count One-Thousand and One, One-Thousand and Two. You shouldnt pass that object before you get to Two. Double these guidelines in wet conditions.

Use Common Sense - Long journeys require you to plan according to your own driving ability, the needs of your passengers, the intended route mixed into the weather and traffic conditions that prevail. Build in some flexibility for that extra stop, even an overnight to minimise the risk to everyone.

Vehicle Emergency Kit - Bear in mind that you dont need to bring everything in the tool shed that will clutter up your boot, add weight and increase your fuel consumption. Your emergency kit should includes jumper cables, reflective jackets and a triangle, a blanket, water and some nonperishable food, flashlight, not forgetting your mobile phone chargers.

Work Zones - Road Works, either temporary or long lasting are areas where construction workers and their service vehicles operate. Very often they are controlled by reduced speed limits, traffic lights or Stop and GO systems. Have a thought for those workers as you think about speeding through their work zone. How would you fancy traffic going up your driveway at that speed as you mow the lawn?

X-Rated - Keep your cool if another road user does the unexpected. Their indifference of you should not be matched by your desire for immediate revenge. Road Rage is not acceptable behaviour where the combatants are using high speed, 1,500kgs + devices. Should another driver engage in unreasonable behaviour do not engage with them. It is preferable to pull in and let them go ahead rather than get involved in a more serious issue.

Yellow Road Signs - We call them Advanced Warning Signs simply mean because they warn you of road hazards ahead of you. Look for the sign; then look for hazard. Appraise yourself of the Rules of the Road and road signage. If you have access to the current Theory Test DVD - test your current knowledge.

ZZZZZZ - Fatigue and Dozy Driving are serious issues that result in many road traffic collisions. Divide your driving where possible, but not where you sleep and allow an L-Driver to take over. Then you must remain in a supervisory role. Most collisions happen when people are alone, occurring during the late-night/early-morning hours. Some can also occur in the afternoon where a driver has had a heavy lunch and their system diverts its energy to the digestive function leaving little for concentration, hence the Micro-sleep. Dont try to drive through this. Pull in to a rest area: have two cups of coffee/tea: take a 20-minute nap and then take a short walk before commencing your journey again. It is worth remembering that in a Micro-sleep a vehicle travels the length of Croke Park before the driver wakes up.

Patrick is a member of the web team that helps run the website http://www.beepbeep.ie which is a used car website in Ireland with helpful information on motoring advice, latest car news and used cars for sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4634311

2011 Buick Enclave from a Personal Perspective

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I recently had the opportunity to drive for a week the 2011 Buick Enclave to see if my perception of the new Buick image actually made the transition from concept to actual execution. I have really enjoyed witnessing the rebirth of Buick as a major player in the entry-level luxury market. This market is getting younger and I consider myself to be part of that market. I am someone who wants a car that has class, sleekness, technology, and advanced drive train technology. This is what I expected from the Buick Enclave and it truly delivered on the expectations that I had.

The driving experience and the drivetrain are things that play strongly into what I want out of a car and I am always leery of large crossovers. I worry that they will be too loose, feel too large, and shy away from anything not resembling a straight road. Fortunately I was very surprised to find that I really enjoyed actually driving the Buick Enclave. Instead of a lazy large engine it was fitted with a responsive quick revving direct injection V6 that I really appreciated from a drivers perspective. I also enjoyed the six-speed automatic which allowed me to on one hand drive economically but also was willing to kick down when I needed a bit more power. 

Coming from my usual daily driver the level of comfort in the interior was a bit mind blowing for me. I made a trip from Louisville to Elkhart Indiana that in my car is excruciatingly long but was surprisingly pleasing and short in the support Enclave seats. Noise isolation is very pleasing as well as active noise dampening that works on the principle of sound wave cancellation to rid the cabin of unwanted road noise. Ride comfort is important to me in a Buick and the Enclave is extremely comfortable without compromising too much in terms of the driving experience. The cabin also offers a whole list of features that are more important to younger buyers such as me. Touch screen navigation, voice activation, bluetooth, OnStar, all things you need for an energetic, free spirited drive. All of this combined with dual-climate control and heated as well as cooled seats make it ideal for long road trips especially to places youve never visited and need a helping hand to get around.

The Enclave come from a series of three vehicles; the Chevrolet Traverse, the GMC Acadia and itself. Out of these three the Enclave is by far my favorite. With the large cat-eye lights, lithe muscular body lines, and the appearance of a crouched stance the Enclave has an overall feline composure that I really enjoyed. I am also a fan of the waterfall grill that is elegant without being overly gaudy. I personally prefer a more reserved car and the Enclave allows you to show a bit of personality without being too much in your face; which I appreciated very much.

The only issue with the vehicle for me is that as a student the fuel economy means its a bit out of the budget for a daily driver but that isnt the point of the Enclave at all. With a seating capacity of 7 people plus their cargo this is a vehicle for a young family not a single person and 17/24 on the EPA cycle is perfectly suited to the utility and the capability of a vehicle such as this. I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and came away with a better idea of the type of product Buick is trying to make. If future products stay on the same path as the 2011 Enclave, Buick has a bright future as an entry-level luxury brand.

For a more full depth review stay tuned for my in-depth review.