Defensive Driving: The Basics

It is a fact that though drives can control most of their actions most of the time, they are totally powerless when it comes to the actions of others drivers. They simply do not know what other drivers on the road are going tot do. This is why it is very important for drivers to learn the special skill called defensive driving. So if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from accident, then it is highly advisable that you take defensive driving courses. Such classes offer a wealth of information when it comes to preventing or fixing road mishaps.

What is defensive driving? Simply put, it is a way of driving where the driver takes every possible precautionary measure in order to prevent accidents or untoward incidents from occurring. Defensive driving is probably the best way to ensure the safety of a driver and his or her passengers,

Below are some of the basics of defensive driving:

Be ready with every possible situation that might happen on the roads. Constant preparedness is probably the best trait of a very good defensive driver. Before driving your car make it a habit to check the tire pressure, and the water, oil and gas levels. It is also important to check the lights and mirrors. It is also wise to make sure that you have all the necessary documents pertaining to your car with you before leaving.

Avoid showing road rage. You should also, as much as possible, avoid other drivers showing signs of road rage. Don’t react to the anger of other motorists. Always keep your head cool.

The color of your car is very important in defensive driving. You are in a better position if your car is brightly colored. Advantageous colors in defensive are red, orange, yellow or other brightly colored. Because they are easily seen, bright colored cars are les likely to get involved in an accident.

Remember to always use your headlight while night driving. It is very stupid, not to mention illegal, to drive without the headlights on at night.

Always follow the three second rule of driving. According to this rule, a driver must always be at least three seconds of driving time from the driver in front in all conditions. Drivers should be five second behind the driver in front during bad conditions.

Never follow a vehicle, especially big trucks and busses too closely. By doing so, driver swill be sure to have perfect visibility.

Always avoid being in the blind side of other drivers. If an accident happens, It is pretty sure that you certainly cannot blame the other party for what has happened.

As much as possible, drive with a companion. This will ensure hat someone will be there with you in case something happens.

While on the road, avoid getting close to cars that are broken down or has damages. These cars are most likely run by irresponsible drivers. You can bet that they are not defensive drivers.

The above are just the basics of defensive driving. To know more about defensive driving and how it can save you money, your car and even your life, then consider enrolling in a defensive driving school soon.

These are only a few of the defensive driving rules that are out there. You will find a wide range of them as well as places to take defensive driving classes on the web.

About The Author
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides defensive driving resources on http://www.aboutdefensivedriving.info.

Young Drivers Out On The Road Alone

Driving alone can be very scary for some, especially inexperienced young drivers. Car insurance can compensate us for many road accident eventualities but being attacked when out in the car alone can be a terrifying, life changing ordeal that many do not fully recover from.

If you’ve ever had that feeling that another car is following you through a long, dark country lane or been nervous about venturing across a multi storey car park unaccompanied at night then read on for some advice of how to deal with these unpleasant situations.

A road trip action plan for young drivers

Plan your journey – go online and plan your journey or sit down with a map and road atlas to work out your route. GPS satellite navigation systems are also very useful, although a bit pricey, but you may be lucky enough to already have one installed in your car.

Get breakdown cover - many motor insurance companies will offer this service for a small fee. It provides peace of mind that in the event that you breakdown all alone in the middle of nowhere on a cold, dark blustery night someone will be along very soon to help.

Rest breaks – it is advisable to take breaks from driving when travelling long distances. If travelling alone make sure that you stop at respectable looking service stations and ensure that there are plenty of other people around. If you feel uneasy about entering an unfamiliar public toilet alone then alert a member of staff that you are going into the toilet so that they can send for assistance if you are a long time returning.

Keep in contact - arrange to text your friend or call your mum when you arrive at your destination so that they know you are safe and sound.

Useful things for young drivers to keep in their car

Mobile phone and in car charger

List of emergency phone numbers

Map and atlas to save having to stop and ask for directions

Coins for parking meters and tolls to save having to ask a stranger for change

The car's handbook in case of a breakdown

Bright, heavy duty torch (with spare batteries)

First aid kit in case of injury

Car insurance details in case you need to pass them on following a road accident

Safer parking for young drivers

When parking in a dark or unfamiliar place make sure that you exert extra caution:

Always try to park on the ground floor of a multi-storey car park so you can get to your car quickly

Park as near to the pedestrian exit as possible away from bushes or bins that an attacker could hide behind

Park near a street lamp at night so that you and your car are visible

Always try to reverse park, it is easier to make a quick get away if you feel under threat

Have a friend walk you back to your car if you are wary

Have your keys ready to open up and get in quick when you reach your car

Look through the windows and check for anything suspicious before getting in your car

If approached by a shifty looking stranger then lock yourself in and blast the horn until they retreat

Advice for young drivers that are being followed

Being followed is a terrifying ordeal but adhering to the following advice will be very useful:

Don’t panic as this could affect your driving and cause an accident

Remember that you are inside your car and nobody can touch you

Drive around a roundabout a few times to try and deter them

Drive to a police station or a service station where there are plenty of people

Stay in the car and draw attention to yourself by tooting your horn and flashing your headlights

If you are lost call the police or a friend and look for landmarks so that they can work out where you are

Always avoid pulling over but if another driver needs your assistance then pull over in a well lit, public place. Also, if you do break down, even if sure that you can trust people recommended by your car insurance company, ask the breakdown services for I.D before stepping out of your vehicle.

So for young drivers braving the roads alone it is essential to be extremely safety conscious in the rare event of a nasty incident occurring. For your own peace of mind follow our advice ensuring that you plan your journey thoroughly, keep handy items in your car while travelling, be cautious when parking in an unfamiliar place, and take care when you suspect you are being followed. This advice aims to increase your personal security as well as help you avoid the risk of having a road accident which has many potential costs such as causing serious personal injuries and increasing your young driver car insurance rates.


About The Author
Katy Lassetter, Hoot Car Insurance Services http://www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk.
Hoot Car Insurance Services are specialists in providing fantastically cheap young driver car insurance. For a free quote in matter seconds just call 0808 144 9954 or go to http://www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk.

Car Gazing #004: Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster

(+) The new Boxster offers an even more impressive experience at the wheel with faster responses and improved refinement. The cabin has more standard equipment while boot space has also grown.
(-) Not much. Styling may not set the new Boxster apart from its predecessor enough for some. Cabin design also a little unexciting.

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The 240bhp 2.7-litre and 276bhp 3.2-litre S are responsive engines with sparkling performance. There’s plenty of pulling power for fast acceleration, while the manual ’boxes have a shorter throw than those in the old Boxster. The standard car offers decent poke but the S version has an extra 36bhp and for many it will be worth the extra outlay.

Ride & handling
Variable steering response provides low-speed manoeuvrability without affecting high-speed stability, but feedback is still peerless. Near-perfect balance and a wider track give fabulous poise and grip on all roads. Optional Active Suspension Management improves handling to the ride’s cost.

Refinement
An extra layer and new materials for the reshaped roof mean the cabin is far more isolated from wind noise, even at very high autobahn speeds. The Boxster can’t quite match the steel-roofed Mercedes SLK when the cabin is covered. The optional windbreak cuts back on buffeting in alfresco mode.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Discounts are highly unlikely, but strong residuals should take the sting out of that – expect more than 70% of the purchase price back if you sell after three years. Fuel economy sits between the most costly Mercedes SLK and BMW’s more frugal Z4.

Quality & reliability
The materials used are of high quality, feel robust and are well put together. We found no squeaks or rattles in any part of the cabin. The Boxster should provide years of hassle-free motoring.

Safety & security
Front and side airbags are joined by extra head airbags deployed from the door – a first for the roadster market. Powerful anti-lock brakes, now ventilated and cross-drilled on every model, offer strong, predictable stopping ability. Electronic stability control is fitted to every model. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard, but like any soft-top the Boxster will be vulnerable to thieves.

IN THE CABIN


Behind the wheel
The steering wheel adjusts for rake as well as reach, while the seats travel further back to offer more room for taller drivers. Some switches and displays are obscured by the wheel, but most are sensibly placed and easy to use. The heater is more powerful than that in the old Boxster.


Space & practicality
The Boxster continues to lead the prestige roadster pack with 280 litres of boot space split into two compartments, both offering very usable room. The spare wheel is replaced by a repair kit to provide increased boot space. The roof doesn’t encroach on the luggage area when folded away, a process which takes just 12 seconds and can now be done at speeds of up to 31mph. Cabin stowage is not so great.

Equipment
Climate control, electric windows and a CD player are standard, and alloy wheels are 17-inch designs on the Boxster and 18-inch on the S. Optional extras include heated and leather covered seats, satellite-navigation, a hard top and ceramic brakes which are an eye-watering £5349.


source: www.whatcar.com

Save Money On Gas

You can easily pay 25 to 50 cents less per gallon of fuel, reduce your maintenance costs, have an impact on the environment, and help reduce our dependency on oil producing countries.

1. PRE - TRIP.

When approaching your vehicle you can spot numerous things just by looking.

Any drips on the ground? How about the tires? Any large cracks in the rubber, is the tread separating from the sidewall of the tire?

Every 2 or 3 weeks check your air pressure. Low pressure can decrease mileage and life of the tire by as much as 15%, not to mention throwing alignment off. This should be done before driving, when tires are still cool and it's best to go by the car manufacturers recommendation listed on the end of the door. Look for even tread wear, uneven wear usually is over or underinflation or out of alignment. Stick a penny between the grooves - if the tread doesn't reach Lincolns head go and buy tires.

2. GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Do you lack knowledge of how to twist your belts around looking for cracks on the inside, how to check your air filter, or even oil? I could show you how easy it is in less than five minutes so don't be afraid to ask someone you know, it really isn't a big deal - just beyond the scope of this article. If no one can show you, visit my site and contact me. An air filter that needs replacing can cut mileage by 10%; clogged fuel injectors or bad plugs can be over twice that much.

3. FUELING

Resist the urge to 'top it off', finish fueling when the pump shuts off automatically, gas will slosh out. Do replace the filler cap if it's loose as gas does evaporate. Your local gas stations pumps measure the flow by volume so the best time to fill up is early in the morning when fuel will be the coolest. When you fill up simply add the product shown on my website, it?s dirt cheap,dramatically reduces emmisions and cleans out your fuel system while giving you an increase in fuel mileage of up to 35%.

4. DRIVING HABITS

You're driving habits can save so much fuel that most medium to large size trucking companies give a fuel mileage bonus. Practice defensive driving, stay aware of the road situation waay up ahead as well as right next to you, and behind you. Anticipate changes in traffic; entering, exiting, turning traffic, etc. Leave a comfortable gap between you and others allowing you to smoothly change lanes without touching the brakes. Staying aware of the big picture helps a lot, and will keep your stress level down. In town try to go with the flow of the timed lights.

Stopping and starting also has quite an effect on mileage. Instead of pushing you?re foot down, apply pressure. Let off the gas before the brake is necessary, you should be able to come to a stop applying a consistent pressure, not having to stomp down right before a stop sign.

Avoid idling when possible and remember, toady?s cars don?t need to ?warm up?.

5. AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATERS.

Your air conditioner needs horsepower from the engine to operate, using more fuel. In hot weather a good foldable windshield protector is a worthwhile investment. Also look for shady parking spaces. When returning to a hot car roll down the windows to allow the heated air to escape, then turn on the ac, running at medium instead of full blast. The air will be cooler and your engine won?t have to work as hard. The same principle applies in the winter, it doesn?t help to run the heat at full blast. Some cars defrost runs off the ac motor so use only the heater if defrosting isn?t necessary.


About The Author
Charlie Bulow began driving professionally at the age of 17 and has recently retired from driving big trucks(now 50ish). Charlie strongly believes we can reduce our dependency on oil and has begun working with a new company called BioPerformance which helps achieve that goal. His website is: http://www.gasprofits.com/savesfuel/

Understanding the Drive Layouts

The drive layout is the arrangement of the engine, transmission, and driven axles. The types of drive layouts are Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/ FWD), Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/RWD), Mid engine Rear wheel drive(MR), Rear engine Rear wheel drive(RR), Four wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) and the All Wheel Drive(AWD). Each of these layouts has their own performance, advantages and disadvantages.

Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/FWD) – The Engine and the two driven axles are placed in front, where the power from the engine is transferred straight to the front wheels. This layout increases the interior space especially in small cars because there is no central tunnel needed for the driveshaft. FF layout has advantage when it comes on low grip surfaces, and its tendency to understeer reduces the risk of losing control. The disadvantage is the load placed on the front tires. The front tires must transfer all acceleration, steering, cornering, and braking forces to the road. This kind of tasks gives a lot of stress in front tires which may lead to wear and tear, while the rear tires have very little load on them.

Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/ RWD) - This is the complement of FF layout, where the engine is placed longitudinally at the front but the two driven axles are placed at the rear connected through the driveshaft. With this kind of layout, installation of more powerful engine such as V8, V10 and V12 is not a problem. Since the FR has a driveshaft, central tunnel is present in this layout a little interior space is sacrificed. All of the disadvantages of the FF layout are the advantages of FR layout.

Mid Engine Rear wheel drive (MR) – The drive layout that consumes a lot of interior space of the car especially the seating capacity, the engine is placed in the middle of the chassis and the driven axles are at the rear. Although it has more weight at the rear, entering a corner makes it more difficult because the front tires have less traction resulting to understeer and since the rear is heavy, the car tends to oversteer when exiting a corner. This kind of layout is commonly used in racing cars and sports cars because of weight distribution focused in the center of the car.

Rear engine Rear wheel drive (RR) - This layout places both engine and the driven axle at the rear of the vehicle, even though the rear wheels benefit from the additional grip due to the added weight given by the engine, the front wheels still need grip in order to steer the car effectively. That’s why RR layout car can also be prone to understeer.

Four Wheel Drive (4WD or 4X4) / All Wheel Drive (AWD) – It is a term usually used to describe a car where the four wheels receive power from the engine simultaneously. This can be found in an off-road vehicle. A well distributed power to the four wheels improves the grip of the vehicle. The terms 4WD and 4X4 are used in jeeps and other off-road vehicles that require the driver to switch from 2WD used in street driving (two wheel drive) to 4WD to improve the grip depending on the road condition like mud, snow, etc. and it has a high and low gear selection. The AWD term was invented to identify the vehicle capable of driving all the wheels on any road condition without selecting high and low gear selection because the power is distributed on all the wheels. Unlike the 4WD with gear selection, you don’t have to select the appropriate gear to match the road condition. Most of the modern cars use AWD system for more traction and better handling.

Author:
Alvin D. Agomaa - For free car classified listings visit Oz Free Cars for Sale

How to Help Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen

Has this ever happened to you? You're ready to leave, grab your things, lock your house and go to your car. It's GONE! Someone stole it! Panic, frustration, rage, fear, helplessness all crash into your brain at one time. What did you do wrong, why did this happen to you?

Well, unfortunately, it seems that in the United States, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 30 seconds. That's 120 cars an hour or 2,880 cars in a single day. Not a comforting statistic. Recovery statistics are just as bleak, around 50% recovered successfully. What does recovered successfully mean? No major damage to the vehicle when it's found. Unsuccessfully recovered means the police found your car, but it's been stripped and basically is nothing but a shell.

It is completely up to the vehicle owner to take steps to prevent auto theft. There is a wide range of products to help prevent car theft, with just as wide a range of cost. However, as an owner, there are steps, some simple, and some complex that you can take to help keep you from being part of the above statistics. Let's start with the simple steps.

Lock Your Car! The most basic step of all, and yet people don't do this. Lock it when you leave it, and lock the doors when you are in the car. Your door doesn't easily open when it's locked. A car jacker can't open the door and pull you out if the door is locked.

Keep your spare key somewhere other than hidden on your car. There are only so many places you could hide that spare key and the thieves know them all.

Never, ever, leave your car running without you in it, even if you lock those doors. An unattended, running car is an engraved invitation to a car thief. You think you will only leave the vehicle alone for a few minutes. Right. In 2 minutes 4 cars are stolen.

Be as choosy as you can when you park your car. Well lighted areas are always best. Turn your wheels toward the curb on the street, or to the side in parking lots and driveways. Sure, you'll have to spend a few more moments to straighten the wheel when you leave, but it's worth the time if you still have your car. If you have rear wheel drive, back into your driveway, front wheel drive, head in parking. This will reduce the chance of your car being towed while stolen (yes, the thieves use tow trucks!)

If you are parking in an attended lot, you might be a little safer, but to safeguard yourself, only give the door/ignition key to the attendant. Whenever possible, make sure your door/ignition key and the trunk key are different. At the very least, you'll know that the person you gave your keys too won't be able to get into your trunk.

Close all your windows. Hot days make this a terrible option, but really, an open window is another invitation and I'd rather have a hot interior in my car than not have my car. Most cars have air conditioning, and if not, you can open the windows while driving.

Do not keep the title or registration documents in your car. Thieves can use these to sell your car after it's stolen! Carry the documents with you on your person (purse, wallet, etc.)

If you have removable face plates for your stereo equipment, remove it when you leave the vehicle! If you can't carry it, lock it in the trunk.

Don't leave valuables in your car where everyone can see them. Even if all you have is a small blanket to cover up your shopping bags, if a thief can't see what's in your car, he might not be tempted.

If you have a garage, use it. Lock not only your car, but your garage as well. A car thief may know a burglar and pass along the info that you don't lock your garage.

Lastly, get educated about vehicle theft prevention products. From alarms to kill switches to the simple "Club" device, there are many different products to choose from. Some states participate in a national voluntary motor vehicle theft prevention program called "The Watch Your Car Program." Check with your local law enforcement department.

Yes, thieves will figure out how to bypass many theft prevention devices, but most of them will pass up a "protected" vehicle for an unprotected one. Don't make the thief's attempt easy.

Steven Anderson is the Reservations Manager for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, now offering Maui car rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and destinations as described above.

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

A Guide To Choosing Alloy Wheels For Your Car

Why Choose Alloy Wheels?

A set of aftermarket alloy wheels will improve the appearance of your car and make it stand out from the crowd. Alloy wheels will reduce the unstrung weight of a vehicle compared to one fitted with standard steel wheels. As a result your car will benefit from precise steering as well as slightly better fuel economy.

Improved Safety And Performance.

Alloy is an excellent conductor of heat, improving heat dissipation from the brakes, reducing the risk of brakes failing when your car is subjected to tough driving conditions. There are also performance benefits in the steering response and road holding, especially around corners. Keeping Your Alloys In Top Condition.

It is important to keep your alloy wheels clean and in good condition. You can do this using a soap and water based solution. Other products such as wheel wax are also available. Avoid products with chemicals that can cause deterioration in the finish of your alloy wheels.

Before choosing and purchasing a new set of alloys, ensure that they are the right type for your car. Remember, fitting a large set of alloys will give different handling characteristics to that of the smaller set ( i.e. upgrading from 14” alloys to 15” alloys ) you may have on your vehicle at the moment.

Also, don't neglect the tyres you fit to your alloys. This is imperative. Ensure that the best rubber grade is fitted on your front tyres ( if front wheel drive ) and that they are matching spec.

Article by Roger Bridgwater of http://www.alloy-wheel-information.com ( Your pitstop for alloy wheel information )

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

Car Care Tips – How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

There are several things you must do to keep your car in immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although it takes a bit longer, you’ll find that hand grooming your car achieves a far better result. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few. These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.

Exterior

Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it with a sponge and soapy water. Once you’ve washed the whole car, rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don’t dry your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they dry out, you’re left with many spots all over the body of the car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.

Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product on the body of your car. There are many of these types of products available at most car care stores. A great product to go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while polishing the car’s surface at the same time.

Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the “shiny look” and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.

Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look magnificent.

For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun’s UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors and windows, and for the interior as well.

Interior

Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car. Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt from getting into your carpet.

Clean the inside of your car’s windows with a glass cleaning product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful you don’t use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting spray on these areas also.

When you aren’t using your car, park it in the garage. This not only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from getting dirty. If you don’t have access to a garage, consider buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.

Go to http://seatcovers-online.info for information on car seat covers, car detailing products and vehicle covers.


About The Author
Paul MacIver is a car enthusiast, and writes about various vehicle-related topics for http://www.vehicle-covers.info. You are welcome to reprint this article only if this resource box is included, and links are intact.