These Bold and Beautiful Diesel Cars Are Too Good to Resist!

In recent times, vehicle owners have been exhibiting their penchant for diesel cars. Manufacturers are also pushing the envelope and trying to bring enhanced features in their vehicles to match the requirements of customers. Apart from mileage and price, vehicle owners are also on the lookout for an upscale build with ravishing exteriors and interiors. Below is an insight on the most popular diesel powered cars which are revered for their exquisite body styles, and offer a tempting

proposition:

Mahindra Bolero

The Bolero, the flagship SUV of Mahindra & Mahindra, has bagged the title of the highest selling SUV in the country for the last several years. Launched in the year 2000, the company has been improvising the model to incorporate additional features to suit the contemporary lifestyle and expectations of its customers. When it comes to appearance and feel, the sturdy Bolero is second to none. With remoteless key entry, attractive headlamps, stylish dashboard, classy steering wheel, integrated digital display, and various other plush features, this car is surely a treat to the eyes.

Mahindra Scorpio

In order to compete with the likes of the Renault Duster, the giant manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra, recently made major enhancements to the iconic Mahindra Scorpio. The new generation Scorpio now looks chic and gorgeous with an all new platform, suspension, gearbox, front grille, dual projector headlamps, fog lamps, and LED tail-lamps. Available in five colors including the new red and blue hues, it also flaunts features such as 6 inch touch screen for controlling audio & navigation, automatic temperature control, splendid steering controls, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, auto headlamps/wipers, and an amazing voice assist system.

Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze boasts of a spacious cabin, sufficient boot space & leg room, great quality upholstery, impressive heat absorbing glass for windscreen, large tail lamps & eye-like headlamps, fantastically chiselled bumper, and much more. Offering a spectacular mileage of 25.8 kmpl, this sub-4 metre sedan is truly unique and charming.

Hyundai Grand i10

The zesty Grand i10 from the house of Hyundai is another lucrative option in the diesel vehicle segment. The large hexagonal grille, premium plastic quality, tastefully designed air-con vents, amazing steering-mounted controls, comfortable seats, and the abundant legroom at the rear, account for a nice driving and travelling experience.

Apart from the above-mentioned four-wheelers, there are several other stylish cars in this diesel segment, such as, Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, and more. Of course, the final decision depends upon the buyer's preference, budget, and requirements.

10 Best Cars for Students

The back-to-school period is full-on and brings its share of emotions and memories. As an automotive enthusiast since my early days in high school, I've had the chance to drive, own, love and hate several vehicles of different makes and models. Therefore, I present to you my top 10 of the best cars for students. Thanks to their affordability, reliability or stunning features, those vehicles made the list and caught my attention. Moreover, I would recommend these to a member of my family or a close friend without any doubt.

Since most students can't afford a brand new vehicle because of their steep price, this list majorly features pre-owned vehicles. Therefore, I would highly recommend a complete inspection before purchase to avoid unpleasant surprises.

10. Volkswagen Jetta

Fitted with the extremely reliable 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the Volkswagen Jetta is classy, spacious and fun to drive. The most affordable vehicle of the VW lineup, this sedan will perfectly suit any summer road trip and everyday ride to school. Several other engine options are available, however, models equipped with the 2.0 liter are usually the most affordable.

9. Mazda3

A replacement for the Protégé, the Mazda3 quickly established itself as great car that is both fun to drive and affordable, either new or pre-owned. Some older generations faced huge rust problems, beware.

8. Kia Rio

Thanks to its original design and great fuel-efficiency, the Kia Rio is a functional vehicle that packs a lot of punch and style. Naturally, newer models are both better equipped and more reliable.

7. Toyota Corolla

A vibrant symbol of reliability, the Toyota Corolla is a true performer that offers astonishing fuel efficiency and low-cost repairs. Sportier than ever in its 2014 edition, the Corolla is one of the safest bets when it comes to uncompromising reliability.

6. Nissan Versa

Look for the hatchback version which is far more functional than the sedan. Thanks to its popular CVT transmission, the Nissan Versa provides great fuel economy and boasts one of the roomiest cabins in its category.

5. Nissan Micra

The smallest car of the lineup, the Nissan Micra made the top 10 of the best cars for students thanks to its ridiculous price (starting from $9 998), original style and compact size.

4. Honda Fit

Powered by a fuel-efficient and agile 4-cylinder, the Honda Fit perfectly reflects its manufacturer's motto: It's a small car with a lot of punch and enhanced reliability. A huge plus: the Magic Seat which greatly enhances storing possibilities.

3. Hyundai Elantra

Rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the Hyundai Elantra is spacious, fuel-efficient and more reliable than it ever was before which makes it an easy pick from my Top 10 best cars for students list.

2. Toyota Yaris

First there was the Tercel, then the Echo and now the Toyota Yaris. Powered by one of the most fuel-efficient engines and Toyota's finest technologies, the Yaris is one of the greatest examples of Japanese reliability and also one of the most solid vehicles in its category.

1. Honda Civic

My first car as a student, like so many other teenagers, the Honda Civic is the perfect example of what a student's car should be. It is agile, fun to drive, fuel-efficient and incredibly cheap to fix thanks to the outstanding popularity it gained over the past 25 years. Some used and even new models are sold at a lower price than the Fit even if the vehicle is slightly bigger, making it one of the most interesting options for those who spend more time on the road.

Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

If I name some of the most popular pieces of public safety equipment, the warning lights, siren speakers, push bumpers and grille lights of different types will come to mind. With the increasing rising risks for first responders, the need for these essential items is critical. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of police, fire fighters, and EMS for the safety of the public.

These products are used constantly; all having and meeting the same purpose, public safety. The light and sound systems used by the police and other first responders are a type of safety equipment.

Public safety radio and speakers

All through the hours of an emergency or patrolling, the police are largely dependent on their vehicle's flashing lights, emergency radio systems, sirens, and speakers. These devices are made to comply with and act perfectly during their emergency operations.

Though these devices are often left un-maintained, neglected, and taken for granted, but they indeed are an important utility that should be taken well care of. If these systems would not work properly, first responders and those they serve could be imperiled.

The manufacturers of public safety equipment incorporate unique features that ensure these perform their duties robustly, during the emergency hours.

Power backup - The first blueprint of public safety radio, which are nowadays installed in police vehicles, did not have any provision for power backup. Additionally, it would consume a large amount of energy, which used to affect the operations of the vehicle.

The safety radios and speakers of today come with smart design, which does not consume high levels of power and keeps them on for longer duration of time.

Water resistance - Lighting systems on vehicles are an electronic utility, and just like any other electronic device, they too can get affected with the water, moist and rainy weather conditions. To ensure the safety of lights, speakers and radio systems of the police vehicle, it is a must for them to be water resistant. They are assembled in casings that are watertight.

The feature of water tightness gives them a shield against the moisture occurring due to weather-borne conditions. On vehicles, the water tightness of the lights will have a chief role in the success of police operations, especially during night hours.

Frequent maintenance - Last but not the least, the lights, radio systems, alarms, sirens, and speakers should be properly and routinely checked, and adequate measures should be taken to keep them working and in well-maintained condition. Though the systems of the present generation are usually water-resistant, yet that does not imply that they will be working perfectly well in moist surroundings. They need to be check at frequent intervals, and as some discrepancy is experienced in their operations, they should be sent for service and repair.

New Technology in Tyres

Tyres don't seem even remotely complex on the surface. Rubber, steel belts and air, not much technology involved here, right? This may have been the case decades ago, especially in regards to the consumer market, but it isn't the case any longer, not by a longshot.

In recent years tyre manufacturers have been implementing completely new concepts in tire construction. These concepts create more durable, higher performance and safer products that are every bit as important as any other advancement in automobiles.

This article will review some of the newest advancements in tyre technology as well as the designs and engineering principles that are expected to become industry standards in the near future.

Advances in Pneumatic Tyres

Pneumatic tyres are the industry standard for all consumer vehicles. Early rubber tyres were solid, however, ever since John Dunlop designed the first pneumatic tyre in 1888, the world embraced this form of tyre, in spite of the durability of solid rubber, they were downright uncomfortable.

In approximately 455 factories around the world over 1 billion tyres are produced every year containing the same basic ingredients; rubber, carbon black and various chemicals.

Tyres are constructed on a drum and cured in a press under heat and pressure. The heat creates a polymerization reaction that links the rubber monomers and creates long elastic molecules. This allows the tyres to compress where the rubber meets the road and then reform to their original shape.

Different manufacturers uses their own compounds to deliver a combination of durability and performance. However, most tyres all start out the same way.

Digital Tyres

Tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been testing "digital tyres" on the Ferrari FXX K supercar to collect data about coefficient of friction, footprint and pavement grade. This information is then transferred to the car's ECU and the traction control systems to optimize power delivery based on grip.

Evolving Tyres

Michelin has made some very impressive developments in the longevity of tyre wear. The tire manufacturer has invented a tyre that will evolve as it wears out, preserving its road-gripping performance until the bitter end.

This new technology uses main tread grooves that get wider as they wear down, leaving plenty of space for water to still escape. The new tyres have tiny slices that expand into teardrop shapes and compensate for having shallower grooves, making the tyres safer as they age.

Self-inflating Technology

Self-inflating tyres for the consumer market are also being currently explored. This technology is already being used for heavy machinery and military vehicles, and uses sensors that measure the tyre pressure. If the pressure drops too low, an air compressor inflates the tyre, if the air is too high, a pressure relief valve deflates it.

Airless Tyres

Hankook has been experimenting with a tyre design that doesn't require air. One of, if not the biggest drawbacks to pneumatic tyres has always been punctures and leaks. The new "iFlex" tyres are being made from completely eco-friendly materials.

The tyre manufacturer has been working with geometric shapes, in place of air, to offer pliable, bouncy qualities of a typical tyre. When tested for durability, hardness, stability, slalom and speed the Hankook NPT (non-pneumatic tyres) performed comparable to traditional air-filled tyres.

Car Dealerships Adapt New Practices

The consumer purchasing process in the auto industry has dramatically changed over the last decade. Consumers now have access to endless amounts of information online. Websites feature reviews, pricing, financing offers, comparison shopping, and much more. Certain websites make comparing models, filtering search criteria, and calculating trade-in values and monthly payment estimates quick and easy. In the past, customers would make multiple trips to showrooms to conduct research and to test drive different makes and models before signing a contract. Today, consumers do most of the research online. In order to promote brand awareness and to create a rich customer service experience, automakers have to adapt. Some are developing innovative retail strategies and new programs to stay abreast of a rapidly changing retail experience.

Cross-Industry Innovation

One manufacturer looked to brands in other luxury retail sectors to identify retail trends and inspiration. Drawing from a computer company, the manufacturer established a new system, called the Product Genius, at locations across the country. The non-sales position of this system serves to strictly educate consumers about the manufacturer and available makes, models, and technological features. This structure allows salesmen to focus on the transaction and financing aspects instead of guiding the customer through the vehicle's features and capabilities. Initially, the concept experienced some resistance from automobile dealership owners. But after receiving positive feedback and proven sales numbers, car dealerships are rethinking employee structure and hiring more than one "Product Genius" to meet the growing demand.

Digital Car Dealerships

On the other hand, another auto company took an entirely different approach by creating the world's first digital showroom. The showrooms, known as Cities, do not have any physical automobile displays. The test displays were built in London and Beijing. They are engineered and designed for large metropolises, like Berlin, Shanghai, and Paris, where a traditional car dealerships simply are not a practical option. The city displays the automotive fleet on wall-to-wall screens called power walls. The power walls operate much like smartphones, allowing visitors to swipe for viewing and exploring different options. This concept has an infinite inventory, allowing a brand to display every possible model, color combination, and style option. The experience also caters to the senses, because even the sound of the engine corresponds to the model on the power screen.

These two automotive companies approached the changing marketplace differently. Both avenues explore original and positive purchasing experiences. As technology continues to boom and the consumer shopping experience evolves, car dealerships will continue to reinvent the wheel by offering new services, creative displays, and convenient customer-driven experiences.

How to Drive Manual Vs Automatic Transmissions

There are two types of transmissions that vehicles can be built with. These include either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. There are several pros and cons to each that you want to consider before driving one or the other. How you drive these two types of transmissions will also change while driving in the snow during winter time. So make sure you know how to drive your particular car's transmission when the time comes.

Automatic Transmission Pros and Cons

In general, cars with automatic transmissions are easier to drive and preferred by some for this reason. Automatic's still shift gears like a manual, but it is involuntary, so you do not have to focus on controlling several things yourself while driving. It can also be safer because you can keep both hands on the wheel. The automatic vehicle has a clutch, but the clutch pedal and torque converter separate the transmission from the engine automatically.

Some negative aspects to this kind of transmission is that it is not as fuel efficient. That torque converter and the hydraulic pump working together cause the car to lose power and lowers efficiency. These cars also take automatic transmission fluid, which has to be changed more often than a manual. This kind of fluid can deteriorate quicker over time. Another con to automatic's is that the vehicle may require more repair costs because of the gear box and complexity of the transmissions used while driving.

Manual Transmission Pros and Cons

There are several reasons to drive a manual transmission car, as well as adverse things to consider.Manual vehicles are driven with a clutch pedal and stick shift to change gears yourself. These cars tend to be cheaper in general for repairs because problems are less likely and they are less complex making them easier for mechanics to work on. Manual vehicles also take gear or engine oil, which has to be changed less frequently than its automatic counterpart. Also, these cars are much more fuel efficient because they don't use as much power while driving.

While manual cars are easier to control, some cons to consider are how much harder they can be to learn to drive at first. When you are driving, you shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. This is done by depressing the clutch pedal, however, it is disengaging that pedal that can prove to be difficult. If not done correctly, it can make the car jump-start and may even cause it to stall out. It takes time to learn how to drive a manual so that you start out smooth and transition between gears smoothly. Since all of this is required while on the road, you have to take your hand off the wheel and concentrate more on shifting, sometimes proving to be distracting.

Manual vs. Automatic Driving in the Snow

While there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding between an automatic transmission or manual transmission vehicle, there are certain things to consider while driving on snow and ice. With both, you will always want to keep your distance to bring your vehicle to a complete stop avoiding sliding regardless if you are down shifting yourself or simply stepping on the brake. Driving a stick shift can be easier in the snow because you are controlling the gears yourself. With a manual, the car is in more control so ease up on the gas if you are slipping on ice so your wheels can gain traction.

If you are driving on a hill, there are several things to keep in mind. Make sure you are pushing on the brakes as little as possible whether you are going downhill or uphill. When you're about to drive uphill, speed up so you do not have to hit the gas as much causing the wheels to spin. If going downhill, slow down before the hill so you can coast as much as possible. You want to do your best to drive as smoothly as possible with steering, accelerating, as well as using the brakes as little as you can. With an automatic transmission, an automatic gearbox can help with decelerating just as a manual would do;while declutching.

While driving a manual transmission in winter road conditions, try your best to start off in second gear, even though this will take some getting used to. This will make your tires turn slower and be more forceful when beginning to move, which can be very useful to get going on s now. If braking is necessary, downshift before you do because going into lower gears you can lower your speed by slowing the tire rotation. By keeping all of this in mind and dependent on the road conditions as well as how you drive, you can ultimately increase your fuel efficiency.

Three Reasons Used Cars Are Better Than New

Every year, over 50 million sedans, coupes, vans, trucks, and SUVs are sold in the United States. Of those sold, about 75% are pre-owned vehicles. Why are used cars so much more popular than new ones? Here are three reasons why.

Certified Vehicles

It used to be that when you bought a vehicle from the market of used cars, you were going to have to deal with some deficiencies, such as faded paint, worn tires, dirty seats, or rust on the frame. Buying pre-owned also meant that you wouldn't have the luxury of a warranty if anything went wrong. Fortunately, consumers now have the option to buy certified used cars that are as close to new as possible. Certified pre-owned vehicles are carefully inspected by dealerships, and any problems are fixed. That means the interior is cleaned, the paint is fresh, and any dents, dings, or scratches are repaired. They even have the new car smell. Furthermore, since these vehicles have been so closely inspected, they are offered with a factory warranty. That means you can drive off the lot with a vehicle that is new in all but name, but carries a reduced price tag since it is considered pre-owned.

Same Safety Features

Years ago, people would buy new sedans or trucks in order to have the latest safety features. Drivers wanted air bags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Fortunately for buyers of used cars, these features are standard, or at least very commonplace. Since the mid-1990s air bags are installed in every car. Since 2011, anti-lock brakes have been necessary requirements in all vehicles sold in the U.S. Buyers can easily find a model that is a few years old with all of the best safety equipment. This means that a pre-owned automobile can offer the same level of safety as a new one, at a greatly reduced price.

Better for the Environment

In years past, the environment was generally not something considered by the average automobile buyer. Fortunately, consumers today are more aware of how their purchases impact the world. For every new truck or convertible that is built, a large amount of energy is used to create it. In fact, some recent studies have shown that the energy used to build a new vehicle is greater than the energy emitted by that vehicle over the course of its lifetime. Furthermore, for every new vehicle, a pre-owned model goes unused. The unused vehicle then has to be disposed, creating waste. If you buy an auto that is several years old, a new one will not be built, and an old one will not be junked. It is a win-win situation.

In closing, it is clear why the majority of vehicles sold in the United States every year are used. They offer buyers a driving and ownership experience comparable to a new model, at a fraction of the price. The choice is easy; choose your next truck, coupe, or wagon from the market of used cars.