Tips to Keep Your Car on the Road Long

A car is a major investment and regular preventive maintenance will allow you to keep it on the road for ten years and more.

If you want to keep your car on the road and out of the shop, consider the following six tips:

1. Change your filter regularly

Checking fluid levels regularly and changing the fluids and filters periodically can minimize the risks of breakdowns and prolong the life of the engine, transmission, cooling system and brakes.

You need to change air filters, fuel filters and oil filters on a regular basis to keep your engine performing well. In countries with high sulfur fuel, you need to change your fuel and oil filter in half the recommended time. Air filter needs to be changed every two months in rural areas and deserts, and windy and dusty countries. Most folks change their oil filter when they are draining and replacing their engine oil and fuel filter every six months.

2. Check and replace Fluids

A car is a machine and like any machine it needs oil replaced on a regular basis. Engine oil needs to be changed every 5000 miles, engine coolant flushed and replace every six months and transmission fluid every two years or every 30,000 miles whichever comes first. Flush and replace your brake fluid and power steering every two years.

Engine oil is the one that needs to be looked at regularly. A few years ago you were asked to check the oil level every time you went to the petrol pump but now it is fine if you check the engine oil level every month and fill it if it is below the safe level.

3. Drive safely

Nothing reduces a car's value and longevity than an accident so safe driving habits are essential. Follow all traffic rules and avoid speeding. Don't drive drunk and avoid texting and talking on mobile phone while driving. Avoid driving when you are tired and drowsy.

4. Don't drive as much and avoid short trips

The more you drive your car, the more wear and tear it gets. If you walk as much as possible to nearby destinations, you not only improve your health, you also increase your car's life.

A large numbers of short trips of 10 minutes and less cause a lot of wear and tear as cars don't have the time to reach optimum operating temperature. Walk if possible or combine a number of errands for a longer trip.

5. Get annual checkup done

Find a good honest mechanic and get a thorough maintenance done at least once a year. The mechanic will check your battery, check and change your fluids and filters, check air-conditioner refrigerant, get your tires rotated and balanced and your alignment checked, change your spark plugs and replace your wipers if necessary, He will thoroughly clean up your vehicle innards and ferret out any possible problem with the car and recondition it as new.

6. Choose a good car

If you want your car, pickup truck or SUV to last then research the model and its track record. Stick with major brands as Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz and you cannot go wrong. If you want a pickup go for the Indestructible Toyota Hilux, if you are looking for a Sport Utility Vehicle then Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado or Toyota Land Cruiser are good options. If you are looking for luxury vehicles then a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Porsche will work best.

New Technologies for Better Traffic Safety

While widespread self-driving cars may be what we're heading to in the next decade or so, there are many other technologies that are drastically improving traffic safety in the meantime. Here are some of the most promising.

Automatic Emergency Braking

In 2016, the NHTSA announced that more than 20 automobile manufacturers have committed to including AES features on all new vehicles by the year 2022. AES stands for Automatic Emergency Braking. Previously, the feature was available only on luxury and high-end vehicles, and often as only an option. In addition, the announcement said that all SUV's and heavy trucks would also include this feature as standard by the year 2025. Automatic emergency braking could reduce collision accidents significantly by automatically braking before the driver sees a problem.

Automotive Cybersafety

With many new vehicles coming with Internet or wireless enabled features, the need for cybersafety measures has become critical. These capabilities have added a wide range of features to vehicles, from mobile wireless Internet to enhanced communication ability to better GPS service to self-driving features and even remote control. However, these advantages also come with disadvantages. In theory, these features can allow a hacker to access the vehicle's computer controls and possibly disengage safety features, cause the vehicle to stop or slow down or even crash. Government agencies are recommending automotive manufacturers install cybersafety features to prevent and detect intrusions into a vehicle's computer. In addition, it is recommended that automotive companies include rapid response features which allow a vehicle that has been compromised to respond and repair itself quickly. New features that can increase cybersecurity of a vehicle include firewalls, fingerprint and facial recognition, intrusion detection features and extensive backups.

Drunk Driving Detection Technology

New systems are being developed to prevent drunk driving accidents. One of the best ways to detect an intoxicated person is by testing their breath, so it makes sense that a breath sensor would be one of the best tools to incorporate in the vehicle of a person who has driven drunk before. A system is becoming available that will test a driver's breath from sensors mounted on the steering wheel. Presumably, the vehicle would not turn on if breath with a certain amount of alcohol was detected. Another major advancement in this area is touch detection. With new technology, when the driver touches the ignition or start button, a touch pad would scan their fingers with an infrared light which measures alcohol levels under the skin. Again, this would stop the vehicle from turning on if an intoxicated person tries to drive.

The US Automotive Industry and The Big Three

We have a proud car culture in the United States but, surprisingly, not many people know too much about this country's automotive history. For this history lesson, we are focusing on the automotive "industry" rather than the history of the automobile itself.

When It All Began

In the 1890s, the American automotive industry began and, thanks to the use of mass-production and the large size of the domestic market, quickly evolved into the largest automotive industry in the world (though this title would be taken from the U.S. by Japan in the 1980s and then from Japan by China in 2008).

The U.S. motor vehicle industry actually started with hundreds of manufacturers, but by the end of the 1920s, three companies stood apart from the rest:

1. General Motors
2. Ford
3. Chrysler

The Big Three

These three companies continued to prosper, even after the Great Depression and World War II. Henry Ford began building cars back in 1896 and started the Ford-Motor Company in 1903. Ford utilized the first conveyor belt-based assembly line in 1913, improving mass production of its Model T. The assembly line decreased costs significantly and the Model T sold so well that it propelled Ford into the largest automobile company in the U.S.

General Motors was founded by William Durant (formerly a carriage maker)n in 1908. In the first couple of years, GM acquired Buick, Oldsmobile, Oakland (later to become Pontiac), Cadillac, and a number of other car companies. Durant also wanted to acquire Ford but Henry Ford opted to keep his company independent. Having become a little to "acquisition-happy," Durant over-extended the company and was forced out by a group of banks who took controlling interest in the company. Durant then teamed up with Louis Chevrolet and founded Chevrolet in 1913, which became a quick success. Durant retook majority control in GM after acquiring enough stock and GM acquired Chevrolet in 1917. This did not last long, however. Durant was forced out again in 1921. In the late 1920s, GM overtook Ford as the largest automaker.

The former president of Buick and a former executive of GM, Walter Chrysler took control of the Maxwell Motor Company in 1920, revamped it, and reorganized it into Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Chrysler acquired Dodge Brothers in 1927 and, in 1928, introduced the DeSoto and Plymouth brands thanks to the dealer network and manufacturing facilities that came with the Dodge acquisition. By the 1930s, Chrysler overtook Ford and became the second largest automaker.

1950s and Beyond

By 1950, America produced almost 75 percent of all automobiles in the world. At the start of the 1970s, however, U.S. auto companies (especially the Big Three) were severely affected by increased competition from foreign auto manufacturers and high oil prices. In subsequent years, companies bounced back occasionally but the crisis reached its pinnacle in 2008, prompting Chrysler and General Motors to file for bankruptcy reorganization and be bailed out by the federal government. While Ford was also affected by the crisis, it decided to power through on its own and did not take the bail out. We actually have a lot of respect for Ford as a result of this. They did not take the easy way out.

Driving School - Why Should You Learn Driving and How It May Help You

Nowadays, driving has become a part and parcel of life. Students reaching the age of 15 are getting themselves admitted to the driving school to sharpen their skills and drive their own independent vehicle. However, before hitting the roads one needs to be a driving license and a level of maturity to handle the traffic and adverse situations on the road.

Why has driving become so important?

Learning to drive has become very important for the hectic schedule we have to go through every day. It is nearly impossible to take a public vehicle and run to and fro for work. Families prefer to use their personal vehicle instead of waiting in the queue and getting late for the routine schedule. Once you have imbibed the skill of driving, you are free to sit in your vehicle and off to your work visits.

How has driving encapsulated our lives?

If you do not have driving skills, you shall have to always depend on someone who is a professional in this field. Whether you are off to work, or visiting a friend's house, going for a date, off to vacation, or picking up kids from school, the first thought that will cross your mind is taking the car. No matter how much distance you travel, you will always look for a smooth, safe and convenient ride. This can be only achieved if you have the ability to drive the transport and reach your destination spot.

Find a reputable driving school

In order to learn the professional driving skill, you need to get help from the driving instructors. There are many schools opened up in the city, who are providing professional driving lessons to all so that they do not have to rely on anyone. The driving school guarantees the beginners to have a secure driving experience, taught by the skilled instructors. The diving license acquired at the end of the training helps the individuals to drive their own vehicle.

For them who sees this as a profession

Driving is considered as a serious profession. Some earn their day to day livelihood through their driving skills. The transport on the road would have stopped working if there were not enough proficient drivers. Henceforth, there are some schools who arrange for free driving lessons to the one who cannot afford the fees. They not only master this art but also help him to live independently.

Successful Automotive Marketing Strategies For Vehicle Dealers

What good is your marketing campaign if it leads to an empty lot and silent telephones? Whether you're an established player or an amateur, who's just entered the industry, if you do not regularly review your marketing strategies and market position, you might as well be throwing huge amounts of cash without any measurable results.

Being one of the world's largest industries, the automotive industry is rapidly changing and constitutes of complex supply chains and demands. Automotive dealers aren't immune to such demands and are under more pressure than most other business owners. Therefore, it becomes vital to propagate their ultimate selling proposition to their customers, potential and existing alike, through sophisticated channels the modern buyers are accustomed to; the prime being the digital world. As much as 90% off all the automotive shoppers begin their car buying journey with the internet. Majorly most of the potential buyers regularly check their emails and most of all on their mobile devices. Such metrics clearly show the need for effectual digital marketing strategies.

Internet is a no-pressure form of research and ensures that the buyers know what they are going to get, would end up paying, and all the purchasing terms, well before entering any dealership. On the other hand, internet lets a brand come across as an involved and forward-thinking company with effective and attractive digital marketing strategies. It's a win-win situation for both the buyers and automotive dealers.

Dealers should:

• Know the competition: Researches are conducted to address strategic questions and internal needs; keeping a close eye on competitors, their marketing successes and failures, where the competition is headed. These are some of the questions you need to address.

• The demand: It makes little sense to open up a store and later realize that no one's wants it. Stay current with what the customers are looking for with the right inventory mix, and tools.

• Determining the digital mix: As an automotive dealer, it's important to know which mix delivers the best of your brands. For sales and services, use email marketing; search engine optimization, search engine marketing and blogs for brand development and increasing organic presence and so on.

• Cross-device marketing: Ensure that your website and marketing campaigns are well-optimized for all the devices.

• Making it transparent and personal: Everyone who is well versed with internet buying will become wary of your service if it doesn't include price and photographs. Also, stock images would get your dealership dropped from consideration. Real pictures and videos provide a direct connection with the vehicle. It's important to bring all the vehicle details above the fold; the manufacturing year, make and model, mileage, interiors, amenities, etc. Further, personal descriptions would get the customers excited and also tells them why the vehicle is best-suited to their needs.

Apart from the above mentioned digital strategies, include the following in your marketing mix:

• Express deliveries and pickups: A great way to convey how you value your customers' time.
• Exchange policies suiting your dealerships.

Keep your inventory and dealership fresh with strong research and great planning and add value to your outcomes. Regularly evaluate your target market and communicate with you prospective buyers for a competitive edge over your competitors and to maximize your revenue.

Driving the Future

As we think about learning to drive where ever you are isn't it time to think about how your driving will change over the years. With all this talk about self-driving cars and now there is news that one company is thinking of designing a car that can fly too, where are we going.

I have sat down and thought what were people thinking about when the main form of driving was riding a horse or riding in a carriage which was drawn by a horse. If they were to travel forward in time what would be their thoughts on our driving.

Would they be thinking that we are all crazy driving around the country at what they would call fast speeds? They probably think that we would be crazy doing all this stuff. So what are your own thoughts on a car driving its self around with you sat in the driving seat with you reading or watching something?

The cars that are being tested for driving on their own are being slowly introduced onto the roads around the world. So let's put you in a situation, You are being driven down the Motorway in your self-driving car and you see problems ahead do you jump in before the car reacts to the situation or do you see what the car is going to do as you have been told it is totally safe to let the car drive for you.

In the world, we have slowly become more technical but also a lot lazier and for me, a lot fatter as I do less walking and more sitting. So why do we need to have the car drive for us, we have to learn to dive even if the car is going to drive for us, we still may need to take over. So why not leave the self-driving car and let us do something as we travel around.

I am totally happy for changes but maybe we should take a step back and look at what we are doing to ourselves making even lazier than we are at the moment. I am guessing next the scientist is going to start looking at ways to grow wheels out of our feet so we do less walking as well.

Within today's world let's just start being happy with how we are now and enjoy what we have and make use of what we have got. I agree with the hybrid cars but definitely, don't agree with self-driving cars.

Top 7 Tips to Help You Drive Safely in the Rain

Driving in the rain is not as easy as walking. Driving during a heavy shower or ghastly winds may not cause fear in the drivers' mind, but none of them can ignore the challenges associated with it. Adverse weather conditions are sure to increase the potential risk of falling into a grave danger and cause a situation for you along with your family. Evidently, driving in such conditions requires your undivided attention.

Enrolling for driving lessons may help you remain prepared for emergency situations and make you confident to drive in inclement weather. Moreover, you should be well accustomed with the possible downturns that may come in your way and take necessary safety precautions. Here are some quick tips for driving in the rain.

· Turn on wipers: This is possibly is the foremost thing you should do when it starts raining abruptly. It not only helps in keeping your windshield clean but increases your visibility. It will be wise for you to replace the wipers every year for preventing any unwanted occurrence. Moreover, it is advised to use hydrophobic washers that will make the water drop.

· Switch on the headlights: Turning the lights on is the other essential thing you need to do as soon as it starts pouring even if there is daylight.

· Drive slow: It can prove to be foolish on your part to keep a high speed while it is raining. High speed will increase the chances of the skid and ultimately lead you to meet with an accident. To ensure your traction with the wet roads, you must slow down your speed.

· Eyes on the road: You are required to be extremely focused while you are driving in the rain. Turn off the music if possible and stay glued to the road ahead. Moreover, it is the best time to drive utilising both of your hands.

· Don't smash the brakes: An essential tip you can follow is to not be harsh the brakes whenever you want. If you do it often on the wet roads, you may end up sliding or skidding forward. You may lose control as you wallop the brakes. Moreover, as you smash the brakes hard, your car brakes will be filled with water and cause malfunction as well. Slowing down the accelerator is a better option for such occasions.

· Maintain safe distance: It is mandatory that you don't act smart and try to speed up when there is too much traffic. Keep at least 5 feet distance from the car in front of you. Leaving the required space in front of the car will help you to avoid accidents.

· Take slow turns: Drive as slow as possible while you are taking turns. Making sharp turns during rain may lead you to skid and meet with an unexpected accident.

According to the experts, you need to decrease the speed of your car for about a third, while it starts raining.

You may also try wearing polarised glasses for obtaining better visibility. Following the guidelines of driving learning schools will help you in acquiring necessary knowledge regarding driving in adverse climate.