GO on the ROAD

Auto Restoration tips from Go on the Road

On The Road — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:00:42 +0000

Auto Restoration - Successful Steps To A Great Looking Car
By Craig Thornburrow

Auto restoration is a big undertaking, but if done right can save you money and give you more customization. Below is a general overview of the points needed to do the work and your particular job may differ in some ways. Most importantly you should focus on doing these procedures safely while using the proper protective gear for yourself as well as others.

There are seven steps to a basic auto restoration.

Inspection and Evaluation

1) First wash the vehicle to allow for a clear look of all surfaces.

2) Make a list of parts needed that can be seen at this time.

3) Make a list of labor that that can be seen at this time.

4) Make list of tools and materials needed, such as a compressor, air regulator, air hose and hardware, hand tools, and other metal working tools as needed. Sandpaper and fillers will be necessary as well.

Disassembly

1) Expand on part list as you disassemble vehicle.

2) Organize lose parts.

3) Take detailed photos/video of complicated areas before disassembly.

4) Find safe storage for delicate parts

5) Do not dispose of any parts unnecessarily until the vehicle is finished. This is very important.

Clean, Strip and Protect Metal Parts

1) Before stripping be sure to have tools and materials in place for coating, such as: A good rust converter for rust that will not be removed, and a good primer to help protect the metal while body work is being done.

2) Power sand, sand blast, plastic media blast or chemically strip: Rotary sander should be variable speed used below 1000 RPM.

Do the Metal Repairs and Filler Work

1) Get decent tools like a die grinder, stud welder, MIG welder and hand tools.

2) If the job is large, concentrate on one or two areas at a time.

3) This is the time for filler tools and materials. Use decent filler and sandpaper; it isn’t worth purchasing cheap products. A dry guide coat is recommended for leveling the fillers.
Finish the Body Work and Start Priming

1) Polyester Putty is usually the final filler.

2) Direct to metal primer then 2K (filler) primer is applied.

3) Undercoating is usually done prior to doing the finish painting. Good “direct-to-metal” paints can protect the underside from deterioration.

The Painting Process

This is one of the most important processes of auto restoration and takes a lot of preparation and time. If you are planning on restoring your car, definitely look into this process further, as well as the other processes.

Compounding

After waiting for the paint to harden somewhat you can sand with ultra fine sandpaper (usually between 600 and 2500 grit) to remove orange peel, dust nibs, runs and other surface imperfections. If paint is fully cured, compounding and polishing takes longer, but is less likely to be damaged.

As mentioned earlier, if you are truly planning to restore your automobile, hopefully this gives you a rough outline of what you need to do, but you should certainly look into it further to give you a full idea of a complete auto restoration.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on auto restoration and an auto restoration part at http://www.autorestorationtip.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Auto-Restoration—Successful-Steps-To-A-Great-Looking-Car&id=1088050

Downsizing Arrives - With A Vengance!

On The Road — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:00:21 +0000

Detroit - The big shift to small cars this year threatens the revenue and profitability prospects of the Detroit 3.

The change in buying patterns accelerated last month, while overall sales tanked. The problem for the domestic automakers: Thy are still way underrepresented in the vehicle segments that are growing.

All three say they aim to bolster their small-car portfolio.

“We are working on a couple of programs that are small and premium” said John Smith, General Motors Group Vice President of Global Product Planning, last week.

Total U.S. light-vehicle sales in March dropped by 12.0 percent; sales for the first quarter fell 8.0 percent. But sales of small cars - from the Honda Fit to the Ford Focus - rose 3.6 percent during the first quarter, according to Ford Motor Co. The segment’s share jumped by 2.1 percentage points to 17.8 percent of the total industry.

The downsizing trend can be seen elsewhere, too. Crossover sales are now almost double those of truck-based SUVs, Ford says. And sales of four-cylinder engines are spiking: Nearly 40 percent of vehicles purchased in March contained cour cylinder, overtaking six cylinders and showing the highest monthly share since at least 2002, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

It’s all evidence of what Ford executives are calling a “seismic” shift in consumer preferences.

That begs a question for Ford, GM and Chrysler LLC: How do they compensate for revenue and marghin loss as buyers continue to leave the truck segments dominated by the domestic brands in favor of car segments dominated by import brands?

While overall demand is still weak, mix is even weaker,” Credit Suisse analyst Christopher Ceraso said in a research note last week. “The profit hit from mix deterioration will be profound.” Consumers are packing pricier content into those smaller vehicles, but that will only partially offset the hit, Ceraso said.

Source: Automotive News

More…GO on the ROAD

Review - 2008 Jeep Patriot

On The Road — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:00:28 +0000

We’re on the Road in the 2008 Jeep Patriot

It started for Jeep, sixty something years ago, with a General Purpose vehicle (GP) that evolved into Jeep and today they still honor their heritage currently offering seven Sports Utility Vehicles that continue the tradition of that first general purpose military vehicle. Jeep embraces the challenge of creating utility vehicles in a time when the trend is moving away from utility and toward smaller cars with smaller engines, like 4 cylinder turbos. Let’s ‘Go on the Road, in the 2008 Jeep Patriot.

The American made Jeep Patriot should be a vehicle that pops to mind when you think of affordable compact SUV. An exciting sport vehicle, and a versatile utility vehicle, with a surprisingly affordable price tag (starting at just under $15k for 2 wheel drive sport - base model). The legendary nameplate delivers a great offering with a vehicle that’s well suited to the weekend traveler, the daily commuter, the off-road warrior (available 4X4 off-road crawl continuously variable transmission) or the light duty utility man (or woman) - the Jeep Patriot has a friendly welcoming personality that adjusts to fit almost every driving situation.

Pop the hood of the Jeep Patriot and find a standard 2.4-liter 4 cylinder dual overhead cam dual VVT engine outputting 172 horsepower – good for most situations. There were a couple times we noticed the engine working hard, at short freeway onramps or in quick acceleration situations. It’s a challenging trade off between power and performance, and Jeep got it right in this equation. In most situations the Patriot has more than adequate power and the result is improved gas mileage. You can opt down for 2.0-liter twin-cam four which rates 158 horsepower and 141 foot-pounds on the way towards delivering 26 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway; and it is available only in a front-wheel-drive Patriot “Sport” equipped with a “stepless” CVT automatic transmission.

The standard engine is recommended.

The Jeep Patriot comes with a five speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive 4×2 standard. In addition the Patriot is also available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package.

Freedom Drive I is (available) full-time, active four-wheel drive system (with lock mode) designed to give drivers the ability to handle rough weather in low-traction conditions. It’s an active four-wheel-drive system available for everyday use, especially in slick conditions like rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, allowing drivers to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode when maneuvering through ice, deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the 2007 Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4×4, creating a capable vehicle in the compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package includes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with low ratio (CVT2L), 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is recommended for off-roading, including grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate log or rock climbing.

Drivers will even learn to overlook the CVTs unusual driving feel on pavement where ‘stepless gear changes feel like a slipping clutch. When buyers come to understand the off-road prowess, five passenger seating and up to 54 cubic feet of interior cargo space, for less than $20k, it may just be envogue to drive a SUV again.

SAFETY

The 2008 Jeep Patriot has a comprehensive list of safety features, including: a full array of airbags (advanced multi-stage front airbags; side curtain front and rear airbags); electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation; anti-lock 4 wheel disc brakes; brake assist; theft deterrent system; speed sensitive power door locks; tire pressure monitoring system; illuminated entry; as well as other features. The optional security and convenience package includes: security alarm, daytime running lamps, hands free communication, and soft tonneau cover; which will run you a little over $500. Two other powertrain additions are recommended for off-road enthusiasts; the Freedom Drive II Off Road group – as we talked about above which will separate you from $745, and the Continously Varible Transmission w/Off-Road Crawl Ratio upgrade which will add $1050 to your bottom line. And of course our favorite option as techy’s – remains the DVD based GPS Navigation system with 6 disc CD/MP3 changer for just under $1400. We’ve heard stories of a navigation system out there on the market that has significant lag time behind where you actually are ‘on the road’, no such issues (no issiues at all) with this Nav system. It’s very simple to use, and you can delve into it without reading the manual.

Crash test ratings; the Jeep Patriot scored good results in government safety ratings for frontal crash – the Patriot scores four (out of five) stars for driver side, and five stars for passenger side. For side crash, the Patriot scored five (out of five) stars for both front and rear seats. In rollover tests, the vehicle received four stars.

Driving Impressions - On the Road in the 2008 Jeep Patriot! When you choose the stellar off-roading abilities of the CVT powertrain, you’ll find sluggish acceleration compared to other compact SUVs. The lack of fixed ratios keep the revs high & noisy.

This standard engine produces 172-hp, which is adequate for this size vehicle, but you’ll feel its sluggish-ness when pressed into service, on short merge or quick acceleration situations. The ride is controlled and firm around corners. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s at home on and off road – check out the Jeep Patriot, especially attractive, when you consider its affordable price. The Patriot holds true to it’s ‘trail rated’ badge sitting 1-inch higher than non-trail rated versions, with a nine inch ground clearance and a low-range gear that allows you to take on hills that would out of bounds for other vehicles in the class.

The Way You Feel Inside – On the road – inside the 2008 Jeep Patriot. The first thing you’ll notice is that this Jeep holds true to the GP design elements from years gone by, with updated gauge cluster, with circular shapes used throughout the heavily plastic dash and center stack. While the seating position is great for taller adults, providing great headroom! The high beltline, dash, and lack of telescoping wheel make it a difficult however for shorter drivers. Fit and finish seem to be a mis-match, with some descent quality and others are low-quality hard plastic. We really like the removable cargo floor and the optional premium sound system, that adds liftgate mounted speakers that will allow you to pump the music at your next tail gate party. Don’t plan on packing the entire tailgate party in this SUV with just over 54 cubic feet of storage space. However it’s sufficient space for everyday road tripping.

Overall we really like the Patriot, it’s such a versatile vehicle, especially for those that do the occasional off-road/camping trip. Jeep’s Wrangler would be good for these folks as well. Whether you’re the daily off-roader, or mostly a commuter that goes to the mountains two or three times a year, the Patriot offers an affordable, and dependable multi-purpose vehicle that will serve you for years to come.

By the Numbers:

The Jeep Patriot packs a lot of sport and lots of abilities into a nice package!

MSRP (starting prices listed, including destination charge)

The 2008 Jeep Patriot Sport - $14,985

Patriot Sport with Freedom Drive I – 4×4 system $16,735

Patriot Sport with Freedom Drive II -4×4 System $19,175

Patriot Limited 4×2 model starts at $19,985

Patriot Limited with Freedom Drive I – 4×4 system - $21,945

Patriot Limited with Freedom Drive II -4×4 system - $23,530

Road Rage?

On The Road — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:00:13 +0000

Danger on the road

Two drivers in two snazzy cars, adjacent lanes, and bad moods are about to “merge” on a freeway at seventy. They have never met before, on the road or off, and neither has earned the other’s anger, but for whatever reason, they’ve both had enough of pushy people for the day. They’re neck and neck. Their lanes will begin to join in 500 feet, or about five seconds. Each driver pretends not to notice the other.

During the next quarter of a minute, the gap between the cars slowly narrows, then disappears. You watch, astonished, as the two drivers compete for their single lane. Neither is willing to acknowledge the other.

Plenty of room remains on the road, and you avoid the conjoined pair of once pretty but now crumpled cars as their drivers lose control. They spin lazily to the shoulder in a jumble of metal scrap.

You have witnessed road rage.

We can’t say how bad the problem is; we lack clear data. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) believes the number of crashes caused by road rage each year to be “substantial”. An oft-quoted NHTSA statistic describes almost 13,000 injuries or deaths caused by aggressive driving between the years 1990 and 1997.

Road rage and aggressive driving are related but distinct. The relationship may be obvious, and we will explore it in a moment, but let us first make the following quick distinction: aggressive driving is a misdemeanor, whereas road rage is a criminal offense.

And, yes, it can be quite deadly.

The following story received wide media attention in Colorado between November 2005 and April 2007. On 8 November 2005 a 32-year-old man named Jason Reynolds with a history of dangerous driving chased-down a Toyota 4-Runner, swerved in front of it, and slammed-on his brakes. The 4-Runner lost control, crossed the median, flipped, and crashed at high speed atop an oncoming Ford Explorer. The Explorer’s driver, Greg Boss, and the driver of the 4-Runner, Kevin Norman, were instantly killed. After the crash Reynolds said that Norman “got what he deserved and what he had coming.”

Reynolds was convicted in 2007 of first-degree murder for deaths resulting from road-rage. In his apology, he blamed Norman for the crash, and the “journalistic hacks” of the media for the outcome of his trial.

The Arapahoe County District Judge Carlos Samour, who handed down the sentence, responded famously to the apology: “Mr. Reynolds, you might as well have been standing in the middle of the highway with a gun pointed at people. You used your car as a weapon, and you played Russian roulette.”

The NHTSA definition of road rage is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” Simply put, it is intentional violence on the road. It is a dangerous criminal offense that can lead to further altercations, to damaged vehicles or other property, to injury or to death.

From aggression to rage

Aggressive driving leads to road rage as the response. Many people drive too fast, tailgate, change lanes without warning or with little safety margin, or pass on the shoulder or in the emergency lane. But aggressive driving is carelessly dangerous, whereas road rage is deliberate.

Aggression may arise in drivers who are frustrated by bad weather, time constraints, traffic congestion, or the carelessness of others. Or, for that matter, arguments earlier in the day with coworkers, and so on.

Oversensitive drivers may aggressively defend their cars from potential hostility. They may feel provoked, wishing to retaliate. And, unfortunately, they may perceive aggression on the road where there is none.

Thus aggressive driving can occur spontaneously but continue to propagate from one driver to the next unless we actively quash it by backing off and calming down.

Mark Nelson of RoadRagers.com names these causes of road rage: a frustrating environment, retaliatory instructive responses, and territorial defensiveness.

How can road rage be avoided?

Here again is the mantra of safe driving in aggressive conditions: back off and calm down. A two ton car moving a mile a minute can hurt people very badly because it lacks the margins of safety to waste in anger.

Remind yourself to give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Where you think you see aggression, you might be wrong. It helps to remember that driving styles are different in each city.

The locals probably have no idea why their failure to use turn signals should make newcomers so cranky and self-righteous. The locals may signal lane changes through a kind of telemetry involving moving to the edges of their lanes and waiting two seconds for other drivers to notice; and if other drivers make space, that’s nice, but such courtesy isn’t required. This all works quite nicely for the locals.

The newcomers, for their parts, may think nothing of passing on the right. To do so may startle the locals. In some cities, to do so may trigger a string of heart attacks.

Neither the newcomers nor the locals intend any aggression. Nevertheless, the potential for misunderstanding and subsequent anger is great, so try to be understanding.

On the other hand, do keep watch for true aggression. In your mind, mark aggressive drivers and road-ragers as road hazards, and try to predict their reactions to other drivers — and to you in particular — so that you can avoid any dangerous moves they might make. Your goal is to prevent an accident with them. Give them plenty of space, and give yourself an escape route. If they do something dangerous, use your escape route and the space you’ve created to avoid the danger.

But above all, be gracious and polite! Politeness is the direct antidote for road rage. Be nice and wave thanks to nice people, trying to be polite to everyone, because anyone could be feeling grouchy.

Much kudos to the polite

According to the AutoVantage Car Club’s “In The Driver’s Seat Road Rage Survey” of 2007, the most courteous drivers live in Portland, Oregon, followed by drivers in Pittsburgh, in Seattle / Tacoma, in St. Louis, and in Dallas / Ft. Worth. The rudest drivers in the nation live in Miami, Florida. They are followed by drivers in New York, then in Boston, in Los Angeles, and in Washington, D.C.

This writer happens to have grown up in Portland, and now lives in New York.

Source: Family Car

Car buying made easy!

On The Road — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:00:20 +0000

Car Buying Negotiations Made Easy
By Mark Hulen

Do you wish the car buying process were easier? This guide will help significantly reduce the hassle while also saving you money.

The car-buying process is about who controls the negotiating power. Since most people only buy cars a few times in their lives and the car salesman sells them on a daily basis, you are at a disadvantage from the beginning. Ever wonder why one of the first questions asked by car salesmen is something like, “How much are you looking to spend per month?” This information continues to give him power during negotiations. He can use that information to manipulate you into a higher-priced car by extending the length of the loan term.

How do you place yourself into the driver’s seat? The answer is by doing research. Here are eight easy steps to getting a good car price without lengthy negotiations.

1. First, you must determine how much you can afford to pay a month including gas and insurance. A good start is to find a website that has a reverse car payment calculator. This will help you determine the price range you should consider. Insurance costs will most likely increase with a new car. Contact your insurance agent for an estimate after you have narrowed your search. Also, be sure to find out if the new vehicle uses a different grade of gas than your current car.

2. Next, do your research to know what type of car you want and the list of options you do and DO NOT want. One really good way to start this process is to identify the major aspects of a car that you need such as good gas mileage, automatic transmission, and anti-lock brakes. Knowing the options you want will help narrow your search.

3. Now it is time to research the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), rebates, and special financing options. Manufacturers post current rebates and financing offers on their websites. Determine the offers for the type of car you are considering from each manufacturer.

4. Now you are ready to determine a fair asking price below MSRP. There are several sites that will provide estimates. The best way is to get invoice prices for the cars you are considering. Remember dealers have some hold back charges built into the invoice price which helps the dealer make money. Unless you are a skilled negotiator, do not go after these charges; just understand this when going after the invoice price. Generally, invoice price is 5% to 8% less than MSRP with the larger differences on cars loaded with options.

5. Enter the information you have gathered into a payment or cost calculator to determine which car will cost you the least. Play around with the car price, trade-in value, and down payment to find the combination that results in the monthly payment you have already determined you can afford.

6. You need to be realistic in your estimated trade-in price; you will not get $10,000 for a 10-year-old-car with 500,000 miles. Several websites are available to help you determine a fair value for your trade-in. One good method is to get a price from each of these websites and then average the numbers.

7. Another key area to research is your loan options. Before going to make your purchase be sure to have a pre-approved interest rate unless there is a special finance package being offered by the manufacturer and you know that you will be approved for it.

8. Once you have the information regarding the amount you need for trade-in and price for the car, you are ready to talk to the dealers. Now you know exactly which car you want, exactly how much you will pay for it, and exactly how much your trade-in must get to meet your financial needs. You now have control of the negotiations regardless of the salesman’s approach. Take your financial requirements to the different dealers and see who can meet or beat them. Be aware that you will often be told that they cannot make that deal. This is usually a last-ditch effort to regain the control of the negotiations. If they make a statement to this effect, you should tell them to contact you if they change their mind and leave. More often than not, they will call you back later that day or the next and be willing to meet your prices.

Mynewcarcost.com is a new website dedicated to helping the consumer with the car buying process.

The payment calculators found on this website will enable the user to accurately estimate the total monthly cost of a new car, including the car loan payment, gas, and insurance.

Other useful information found on this site includes direct links to car manufacturers’ current offers and rebates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hulen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Buying-Negotiations-Made-Easy&id=1062523

12 Important Safety Features On Cars!

On The Road — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:00:56 +0000

12 Important Safety Features On Our Cars We Don’t Think About
By Shaun Patrick Davidson

Well ok, this is kind of a different subject, and probably not the most obvious to some. But I’ll guarantee some of us will be a little bit more informed, folks might even feel safer when they drive to work tomorrow. Whether you’re the consumer or an automotive sales consultant, this article will list a dozen important safety features found on every car on the road. The consumer can benefit knowing what’s on today’s automobiles, just in case he/she meets the salesman who is not the most educated on their product knowledge. And lastly, sales consultants can enhance their presentations with these tasty tid-bits and increase potential commissions. So without fail, here are the main safety features found on the exterior of those cars.

#1-crumple zones-A mainstay in todays automobiles, this is the harmonic flow of numerous body panels and brackets that absorb the energy normally associated with a crash. Parts like the hood, bumper and fenders are engineered to crumple like an accordion, therefore taking the brunt in any accidental situations.

#2-Wraparound Headlights-Just like its name implies, it’s a one piece headlight design that integrates the low beam, high beam, and turn signals. The headlights wrap around from the front or back of the car to the sides. Not only are the halogen headlights brighter and wider with the use of reflective cuts in the chamber, but folks driving along our blind spots can easily know our lane changing intentions. As a result, causing less accidents.

#3-Breakaway Motor Mounts-These mounts attach the engine to the frame of the car. They’re not noticeable, but the life saving impact is huge. In a front impact collision, they’re specifically designed to break the engine away from the frame and with the forward motion, will make the engine slide underneath the car at a 45 degree angle. Making it less likely to have an engine sitting in your lap when the crash comes to a halt.

#4-steel belted radials-It’s pretty obvious, our tires are very important safety features, it is what keeps the car on the road. Tires are built with steel fibers built right in, how do they help? Well, motorists will have the peace of mind that their tires will hold up in even the most extreme conditions. Those belts will also give these tires a longer lasting life span. Less maintenance in the long run.

#5-ventilated disc brakes-Equally important as the tires are, disc brakes stop the car. Brakes are constructed of a rotor, pads, and calipers for short. The rotors are engineered with internal vanes, to help vent out the heat. And this will help defend against fade and making it less likely to repair the brakes often.

#6-Side Impact Door Beams-Like the crumple zones, this aids in absorbing energy in a side impact collision. They are steel intrusion beams built inside the door for extra reinforcement. Every car and truck have these.

#7-Laminated Windshield-This might be important, it is the very object that keeps bugs out of our teeth, and the rain out of our hair. The windshield is made up of two pieces of tempered glass with a laminate sheet in between. This is a glass sandwich that holds together well when sharp or heavy objects smash into it. There’s no shattering or large pieces of glass flying about.

#8-Tempered Safety Glass-The other glass that gives us 360 degrees of protection is also designed with safety in mind. Automotive glass is heat tempered, so that when it breaks, it shatters into a multitude of small cubes. The small cubes won’t cut or injure the occupants.

#9-Child Safety Door Locks-As this name indicates, they are small locks in the inside door jams of the rear two doors(4 door sedan or suv only). Lock them up and the little guys in the back seat can’t unlock and pull the inside door handles while we are driving.

#10-5 mph bumpers-I would classify this as a safety item for the car itself. In the event a driver lightly hits a lightpole, grocery cart, etc. at 5mph or under, it is unlikely there will be any major structural damage. These days, the government mandated limit to follow is 2.5 mph, most automakers have the 5 mph variety.

#11-Center High Mounted Brake Light-It’s actually just a 3rd brake light mounted higher than the two main brake lights, and most autos have them. They’re main purpose is to make drivers behind the motorist aware of their braking intentions, normally cars 6-10 back can see this clearly.

#12-Safety Cage Construction-Think of a built in rollcage, it’s the main exo-skeletal feature that provides the most protection. In every accidental situation, this protects 360 degrees. We can even literally turn a car or truck upside down on its roof, the cage will support 1.5x it’s own weight. There’s nothing more important.

Hence, there is our short list of safety features, hopefully you readers have a use for this information. And maybe, this will put more awareness at just how safe our cars really are. No longer will we pinpoint safety as just airbags and alarm systems, our daily drivers have been designed as intricately as the human body. All this for making our commutes, a safer one.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to visit my finance/leasing tips at: http://kookoox10-lease-finance.blogspot.com/

Spend less time at the gas pump, 5 proven tips and tricks to save money, my article at: http://kookoox10-rulestosaveatthepump.blogspot.com/

Shaun Davidson-Automotive and Finance Consultant-2008

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Patrick_Davidson
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Important-Safety-Features-On-Our-Cars-We-Dont-Think-About&id=1073393

Review - 2008 Buick Lucerne

On The Road — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:59 +0000

2008 BUICK LUCERNE

We’re on the Road in the 2008, Buick LUCERNE

The Good: Very nice exterior styling, decent list of standard features, good engine options, roomy, quiet and comfortable interior, very safe;

The Bad: Handling is lackluster, and steering is numb.

Overall: The Lucerne is a great looking American made sedan, offering a well designed, nicely appointed, safe and very plush ride. Power: Available V-8 where most of the competition offers V6.

The 2008 Lucerne is Buick’s six passenger sedan, one of Buicks newest models, initially introduced for 2006. Though the name may be new, it picks up where the LeSabre and upscale Park Avenue left off. The Lucerne can be had in XC, CXL, and CXS trim levels. Standard on the XC and CXL is the 3800 V6 which outputs just 197 horsepower. Opt up to find Buick’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8 as an option on the CXL and standard on the CXS, with 275 horsepower it offers plenty of power for the large sedan. The competition has largely moved to five speed transmission, while the Lucerne offers a smooth shifting four speed automatic transmission, standard across all trim levels. The down trim CXL looses the optional V8 this year, and the high end CXS model gets a power tilt-telescoping steering column. Lucerne Super is now available topping the line with increased handling, unique interior and exterior styling cues, more power (4.6-liter V8 outputting 292 horsepower), and other upgrades.

The Lucerne is Buick’s flagship sedan, a large front wheel-drive, four door that is family friendly, a best friend on that long road trip. Exterior styling has been updated from previous Buicks it’s certainly more modern than your fathers Buick. Nostalgic drivers will enjoy the ride and Buick hopes it will appeal to a younger driver with the updated design. Drivers will enjoy the ride, especially on a long family or business trip! The Lucerne provides a plush, absorbent and very comfortable ride, thanks to the soft suspension tuning. The integrated rounded headlights and chrome waterfall grille complete the front fascia nicely.

Safety

The Lucerne scored best possible marks in Government Front, Driver and passenger and rollover crash tests; and four out of five stars for side crash front and rear. The Lucerne has a number of standard safety features, they include: six air bags, including an industry-first dual-depth front passenger air bag, Stability control is standard on CXS and Super models, optional on V6 models, rear child safety seat anchors/locks, theft-deterrent system-pass key, Tire Pressure monitoring (TPMS), 1 year of On-Star Directions with Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The lane departure warning system is a slick system that (as the name implies) alerts you if you cruise out of your lane, without your turn signal active. Also cool (optional) technology is the Side Blind Zone Alert which activates a light on your side mirror if there is a vehicle in your blind zone. Very useful, smart technology! All come with stellar five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection.

Driving Impressions

You’ll notice as soon as you jump inside the Lucerne the solid build quality, you feel safe inside. It’s an upscale environment! As you drive around town and on the freeway the car is quiet inside, with virtually no road noise. The Lucerne has great fit & finish! Interior build quality can be a mis-match of great and sub-par quality materials, as there is some cheap plastic used inside the sedan. The gauge cluster is clean and straight forward. A nice function within the gauge cluster is the driver information center, which allows you to scroll through information, such as: Tire Pressure, Gas Mileage, Fuel range, Two Trip computers, and more. The CXS has adaptive Magnetic Ride Control shock absorbers, which tighten up the ride of the large sedan, especially when cornering, making it more fun on the long and winding road. There is virtually no steering feedback, however brake feel is fine. The Lucerne has a plush and absorbent ride.

Thank you for calling On-Star!

One of my favorite features over the past couple years has become On-Star! On-Star offers a few levels of service, emergency assistance, turn-by-turn directions and hands free calling. We’re discussing the turn-by-turn direction service, which is like having an unlimited set of maps in the trunk and a friend to look through them and verbally (and visually) tell you how to get to your destination, even if you don’t know the name of where you’re headed. We were on a road trip out of town and pressed the on-star button to find the nearest Mexican restaurant (even though we had no idea the name or location), it was so great! That’s just one of the many great ways On-Star can help!

To use On-Star, you press the button at the bottom of the rear view mirror, and usually very quickly someone is on the line to help you. You tell them where you’re headed (either city, state and address – or they can look it up for you), they map it for you and directions are sent to the vehicle. During this time, the radio is muted while you discuss your needs with the operator. After the operator has found your destination, the call is ended, the radio comes back on and Directions are then sent to the vehicle. The audio turn-by-turn information (turn left at Route 66 in one mile) and the same info is updated as you drive, by text display, either on the radio (if you don’t have a touch screen system) or on your driver information center (inside the gauge cluster). It’s a simple solution to a problem that’s been around since the car was first invented, now that I can go anywhere, how do I get there? On-Star answers the question, at the touch of a button, every time!

The Way You Feel Inside

Comfortable, spacious cabin, clean design with solid materials, the way you’re coddled inside a Buick, is like few others. The controls are simple and even though it’s 2008 there’s no need to break out the manual to operate any of the systems. Also, this Buick has some cool available technology; like the heated washer fluid, to keep the windshield wipers from freezing to the glass on cold winter days, the Blind Zone Alert system, Lane Departure Warning system, On-Star, available touch screen nav system, Heated and cooled front seats, power sunroof – This ain’t your fathers Buick! Even if you didn’t grow up with a Buick in the garage and aren’t reminiscing the Lucerne is very nicely appointed. With the numerous powertrain options and trim levels, it’s easy to find one in this $27 – $39k price range to make your own. If you’re looking for a stylish, modern sedan with seating for up to six, the Lucerne should definitely top your list of American made (the Lucerne is made in the motor city) vehicles to test drive.

Stowage

When you remember your first Buick, you remember the large roomy interior and big trunk. This Buick doesn’t deviate from that legacy, in the updated Lucerne. You’ll find a large spacious interior and lots of trunk space for your luggage after (or on) a long trip. Trunk space is measured at 17 cubic feet. As you’ll see in the photos, it’s good sized space for this legenday name plate’s new sedan!

By the Numbers

By the new 2008 fuel rating the Buick Lucerne CXS with Northstar 4.6-liter V8, and 275 Horsepower - is rated at 15 city / 23 highway, and we averaged just under 19 MPG on regular fuel (Premium fuel recommended but not required for V8 engine) combined (city and highway) driving.

Buick Lucerne	Powertrain	Transmission	Horsepower	MSRP	EPA-MPG	Curb Weight LBS.
CX	3.8-liter V6	4 Speed Auto	197-hp	$26,755	16/25 highway	3764
CXL	3.8-liter V6	4 Speed Auto	197-hp	$29,400	16/25 highway	3969
CXL Special Edition	4.6-liter V6	4 Speed Auto	197-hp	$31,385	16/25 highway	3969
CXS	4.6-liter V8	4 Speed Auto	275-hp	$35,845	15/23 highway	4013
Super	4.6-liter V8	4 Speed Auto	292-hp	$38,630	15/22 highway	4004

The Super model replaces the CXS trim in spring (April) 2008.

General Motors provided LeBow Media, LLC a vehicle for our review.

Got an automotive or mechanical question? Ask Carl!

On The Road — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:00:39 +0000

Got an automotive question that’s got you befuddled? Our ASE certified mechanic is on call to help with your automotive issues!

Submit questions to askcarl@goontheroad.com

How 2 - How to drive safe this winter

On The Road — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:16 +0000

Tips for safe driving as you ‘Go on the Road’, this winter! No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition.– Visit your mechanic for a tune-up or other routine maintenance.– Have your entire vehicle checked thoroughly for any leaks, bad hoses, or other needed part repairs or replacements.– If you plan to use snow tires, have them installed now. Check out www.safercar.gov for tire ratings before purchasing new ones.
For existing tires, check to ensure they’re properly inflated (as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer), the tread is sufficient with no uneven wear, and that the rubber is in overall good condition. Note that tire rubber starts to degrade after several years, and tires need to be replaced even if they have not seen much wear.

When the temperature drops, so does battery power. Plus, it takes more power to start your vehicle in cold weather than in warm.
Find out if your battery is up to the challenges of winter.

– Have your mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage.

– Have the charging system and belts inspected.

– If necessary, replace the battery and/or make system repairs.
When coolant freezes it expands. Such expansion can potentially damage your vehicle’s engine block beyond repair. Don’t let this happen to your vehicle this winter!

– Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that it’s designed to withstand the winter temperatures you might experience in your area.

– A 50/50 mix of coolant to water is sufficient for most regions of the country. See your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

– Thoroughly check the cooling system for leaks or have your mechanic do it for you.

– If your system hasn’t been “flushed” (draining the system and replacing the coolant) for several years, have it done now. Over time, rust inhibitors in anti-freeze break down and become ineffective. Coolant also needs to be refreshed periodically to remove dirt and rust particles that can clog the cooling system and cause it to fail.

Get your car serviced now.

Check your battery.

Check your cooling system.

You can go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid fairly quickly in a single snowstorm, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might send your way.

– Completely fill your vehicle’s reservoir before the first snow hits.

– Use high-quality, “no-freeze” fluid.

– Buy extra to keep on hand in your vehicle.

Safe winter driving depends on achieving and maintaining the best visibility possible.

– Make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades.
– If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice, consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers.

– Check to see that your window defrosters (front and rear) work properly.

Regardless of season, you should inspect your tires at least once a month and always before embarking on a long road trip. It only takes about five minutes. If you find yourself driving under less-than-optimal road conditions this winter, you’ll be glad you took the time!

– Check tire pressure and make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a label inside the driver’s door.

– Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times and check pressure when tires are “cold” — meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours.

– Look closely at your tread and replace tires with uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater on all tires.

Every vehicle handles somewhat differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Take time now to learn how to best handle your vehicle under winter weather driving conditions.

– Practice cold weather driving when your area gets snow — but not on a main road! Until you’ve sharpened your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, it’s best to practice in an empty lot in full daylight.

– Drive slowly. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow covered surface. On the road, sufficiently increase your following distance so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

Fill your washer reservoir.

Check your windshield wipers and defrosters.

Inspect your tires.

Know your car.

– A word of caution about braking: Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently.

– If you find yourself in a skid , stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your
car in line with the front.

Plan your travel and route.

Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather.

– Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.

– Don’t rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

– Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

– Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm. Note: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when stuck in snow, be sure to keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice, run your vehicle only in the open with the windows partially down, and run it only long enough to keep warm.

– If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle.

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks — such as cleaning off your windshield — as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency.

Keep the following on hand:

– Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.

– Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.

– Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices, such as flares and markers.

– Blankets for protection from the cold.

– A cell phone, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

- Stock your vehicle.

Learn what to do in a winter emergency.

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

– Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.

– Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.

– To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm!

…and stay Safe this winter, with Go on the Road!

Comments:

More…GO on the ROAD

Bateman: John McCain’s “Energy Security”

On The Road — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:00:27 +0000

GO on the ROAD

Auto Restoration tips from Go on the Road

Related Articles from GO on the Road

Downsizing Arrives - With A Vengance!

More…GO on the ROAD

Review - 2008 Jeep Patriot

Related Articles from GO on the Road

Road Rage?

Related Articles from GO on the Road

Car buying made easy!

Related Articles from GO on the Road

12 Important Safety Features On Cars!

Related Articles from GO on the Road

Review - 2008 Buick Lucerne

General Motors provided LeBow Media, LLC a vehicle for our review.

Related Articles from GO on the Road

Got an automotive or mechanical question? Ask Carl!

Related Articles from GO on the Road

How 2 - How to drive safe this winter

More…GO on the ROAD

Bateman: John McCain’s “Energy Security”

Related Articles from GO on the Road