Easy Steps Toward Green Driving

Easy steps toward green driving from the synthetic oil experts at Royal Purple. Find out how you can make your vehicle environmentally friendly with these simple car care tips.

(NAPSI)— “Green driving” may be easier—and more important—to achieve than many people think.

It’s important because, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, highway vehicles account for 28 percent (1.5 billion tons) of U.S. CO2 emissions each year. Fortunately, even if getting a “green” or emissions-friendly vehicle isn’t in your budget, you can still reduce your car’s footprint on the planet. Here are some tips to consider:

• Stay Tuned.

Keep your car in shape by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance. Fixing a vehicle in need of a tune-up can improve gas mileage up to 4 percent.

• Take Care Of Your Tires.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Keeping your tires aligned and balanced can also improve your vehicle’s fuel economy up to 3 percent. Don’t inflate your tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Properly inflated tires are safer and will last longer.

• Replace A Clogged Air Filter.

If you have an older vehicle with a carbureted engine, replacing a clogged air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 6 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing the dirty filter will save gas and protect your engine.

• Upgrade Your Motor Oil.

Try high-performance synthetic oil. Premium automotive products such as Royal Purple synthetic oils are formulated with unique advanced additive technology that can improve the performance of the vehicle and allow for longer intervals between changes. With fewer oil changes, not only are you keeping the water and ground clean by reducing waste of used oil, you’re saving money by spending less time in the shop. Royal Purple motor oil has been reported to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent compared to ordinary petroleum-based or synthetic lubricants. It’s also been shown to produce notable horsepower and torque increases, so you can switch to an environmentally friendly product without sacrificing performance.

• Recycle.

Ask your oil change installer about recycling used oil. If you do your own oil changes, find a place that will accept your used motor oil. Royal Purple has partnered with Earth911 to provide recycling centers that take items such as used motor oil bottles, motor oil and oil filters.

Learn more at www.fueleconomy.gov and www.royalpurple.com. To find a nearby recycling location, visit www.earth911.com.

What To Do In The Event Of An Accident

What to do in the event of an accident provides some great information just in case you do have a collison while driving your car. It's always best to know what to do at the scene of an accident or collision before one actually happens.

Of course, no one wants to be involved in an auto collision, but it is certainly better to know what to do before hand so you can be prepared, just in case...Here's a time when the motto, "Always Be Prepared", comes in handy!


(NC)—Whether you're driving to work, running errands or heading up to the cottage, chances are that you will be in at least one minor collision during your lifetime.

So avoid becoming a nervous wreck by knowing what to do when a collision occurs. After you've been in an accident, experts agree that you should remember to:

• Move Your Vehicle Off The Road.

If the collision is minor, move your car into the nearest parking lot or driveway.

• Call 911.

Have your driver's license and proof of insurance ready when you make the call. Once the authorities have been notified, write down the other driver's name, insurance details and policy number, as well as all information related to their car.

• Do Not Discuss Accident Details.

Avoid conversations or disputes surrounding the accident by not recounting the details with the other drivers and passengers, and never admit fault.

• Keep Your Claim Number.

The officer onsite will assess the accident and determine who is at fault. They will then write a report and give you what is called an accident claim number. It is very important to keep this information handy and in a safe place for future reference.

• Call Your Insurance Company.

If the accident is your fault, call your insurance company as soon as possible. If it's not, use the other driver's policy information to avoid paying a deductible.

• Report To A Collision Centre.

By law, drivers involved in a collision must report into a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours.

“Even the most minor collision can be quite stressful but the process involved in getting back on the road is quite simple,” says Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Once you've visited your local CRC, your insurance company will actually handle the damage appraisal, give you a repair estimate and arrange for a rental car.”

More information is available from your insurance broker or online at avivacanada.com.

How To Keep Your Car Running For Years Longer Than Most

Find out how to keep your car running for years longer than most vehicles on the road with these helpful car care tips. Drive smart, drive less, keep your vehicle in a garage and always keep your car in tip top shape with scheduled maintenance!

(ARA) - If you've been in an auto dealer's showroom recently, you won't be surprised to learn that the average price of a new car is approaching $30,000. While there's no getting around the price you have to pay for a new automobile, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you won't have to make the same investment again anytime soon.

By doing the little things to maintain your car on a day-to-day basis, you can do everything in your power to make your car last long past the day you make your final payment on that car loan.

"Time and miles are the two forces fighting to destroy every car," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. "Giving the car an occasional wash and wax is nice but really not as important as regular maintenance. Driving and maintaining your car as if it needs to last for at least 200,000 miles or 20 years is a smart way to preserve the value of an expensive asset."


Storage


If you have a garage, make it your car's permanent home. Reserving a garage space for your car instead of household items that could be stored elsewhere will help you avoid the accelerated wear and tear caused by prolonged exposure to the elements.


If you store your car in a partially protected carport or use a car cover, regularly inspect underneath your hood for signs of vermin. "I recently needed to replace a fuel injector connector that a rat gnawed off our 20-year-old family van after it was left unattended in a carport for just a few days," says Taylor. "Rats and mice like a nice warm engine bay and they chew constantly to wear down their ever-growing teeth."


Scheduled Maintenance


Your car's maintenance, engine oil, radiator antifreeze and other components might differ significantly from your last car. Following the maintenance schedule laid out in your owner's manual is important to protect your vehicle. The photos in the RockAuto.com online auto parts catalog can help you become familiar with the maintenance parts for your specific car. Making sure items like filters, struts and brake pads are replaced when needed will help protect other components, saving you money and unnecessary wear.


Drive Smart


Occasionally kicking up your heels is fine, but consistently accelerating too fast can put unnecessary strain on your engine and other moving parts. Stopping or cornering too quickly can prematurely wear out your brakes and suspension. If you're starting your car in the cold, take it easy at first - letting your car idle won't help protect your car, but driving a little more methodically than usual while your car warms up will.


Drive Less


You don't need to cut out the annual family road trip - highway miles are among the easiest miles you can put on your car. But eliminating unnecessary trips in everyday life can have noticeable results since the starting and stopping associated with short trips can be tough on your car. Take care of all your errands in one trip, walk with your kids to school if it's close to home or ride the bus to and from work. If you can cut down on driving by 5 miles per day for 10 years, you'll save 18,000 miles of driving. Taylor estimates that those miles are worth $4,000 in parts, depreciation and gas. Not only will you save money, but you'll also put less stress on your vehicle, which should extend its lifespan.


When shopping for a new car, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping and finding the best price. But good maintenance and driving practices can save you thousands if it means you won't have to buy another car for 20 years.

Auto Tech Gadgets More Appealing To Americans Than Safety Features

Auto tech gadgets more appealing to Americans than safety features...auto gadgets like GPS and bluetooth get more attention than your vehicle's safety features. That's a little bit scary when you think about it.

(ARA) - Whether you're planning a short trip to the store or a long ride across the country, getting behind the wheel is the easy part. Staying safe while driving, on the other hand, takes a bit more work.

However, when it comes to investing in technology that's designed to make the driving experience safer, Americans admit favoring increased convenience over driver and passenger safety, according to a MetLife Auto & Home American Safety Pulse Poll.

"The most recognized and sought-after technology features tend to be those which promote style over substance, when in reality, it's the less glamorous features like electronic stability control which make for safer vehicles," says Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home. "By increasing their understanding of the available safety features in today's vehicles, consumers can make more informed choices about which cars provide the best safeguards to help protect themselves and their families on the road."

Technology Awareness: Are Americans Too Distracted By Gadgets?

When asked about their familiarity with safety-oriented automobile features - some of which have been available for several years - survey respondents gave low marks:

* Less than half of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with electronic stability control, one of the most significant safety advancements in recent years, which helps improve steering and prevent rollover accidents. Almost one-third had never heard of it at all.

* Forty-four percent of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with brake assist, which applies additional brake force in the event of a sudden stop.

* Forty-three percent were very or somewhat familiar with forward collision warning, which alerts the driver when sensors detect an imminent front-end impact.

* Only 28 percent were very or somewhat familiar with the lane departure warning feature, which warns a driver that he or she is drifting out of the designated lane on a highway. Forty-one percent of respondents had never even heard of the feature.

In contrast, Americans gave much higher marks for convenience features, such as GPS (90 percent) and bluetooth accessories (77 percent). And, when asked which features they wanted in their next car, more people opted for convenience features such as GPS (63 percent) over safety features like electronic stability control (45 percent).

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that electronic stability control significantly decreases the likelihood of a single-vehicle crash by up to 59 percent and provides a 23 percent reduction in the probability of fatal crashes. Starting this year, electronic stability control is a standard feature on all new passenger cars in the U.S.

Although safety technology can help to make America's roadways safer, the fact remains: No amount of technology can replace the safety benefit of an experienced driver behind the wheel.

"Auto manufacturers have made significant strides with regard to safety innovations over the past 10 years, but the ultimate safety feature is an alert and prepared driver," says Moore. "Technology advancements have greatly improved the comfort and safety of cars, but overreliance on these features can be dangerous - drivers need to remember that it's still up to them to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner."

Where Can You Get Up To Speed On Safety?

To learn more about new auto technologies and how to make a positive difference in your driving, consider the informational tips offered at www.metlife.com.

Hot Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Vehicle In The Cold Weather

Hot tips for getting the most out of your vehicle in the cold weather. Keep your car performing at it's best this winter.

(NC)—You love your vehicle and want it to look and perform at its best, but Canadian winters can create challenges for keeping it in tip top shape. Here are a few tips to safeguard your vehicle from the rough weather to keep you and your ride looking ready for the road:

Inspection/Maintenance:

Routine maintenance is a must for vehicle longevity, but before any long journey in the cold weather, it's even more important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. Brake pads, tires, belts and hoses should be inspected for wear and proper operation, fluids should be checked and topped off.

High-Quality Gasoline:

It's important to note that a 'high octane' number doesn't necessarily ensure the gasoline is 'high-quality'. “For vehicles whose manufacturers recommend or require the higher octane associated with a premium gasoline, ensuring you buy a high-quality fuel can make a difference. For example, Shell V-Power Premium Gasoline is designed to clean and protect your engine from performance-robbing gunk that lower quality gasolines can leave behind, providing maximum protection for optimum performance,” explains Ken Mitchell, an engineer at Shell.

Tire Swap:

Snow tires have deeper grooves that provide significantly more traction than all season tires, making them capable of stopping your car faster than all season tires. In addition, the colder weather and rolling resistance caused by snow and slush can decrease air pressure in tires. After you switch to your winter tires, ensure that the pressure is optimal, and re-check the pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature. Each tire that is under–inflated by 2 psi (14 kPa) causes a 1%* increase in fuel consumption.

Cold Starts vs. Idling:

You may believe that you're doing the best for your vehicle by allowing it to 'warm up' in the cold weather with a few minutes of idling. In fact, more than just the engine needs to be warmed up and this can only happen if the vehicle is moving. For an average vehicle, it takes about five kilometers of driving* to warm up the engine as well as the wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires.

Emergency Kit:

Although the aforementioned tips are preventative measures, vehicle breakdowns can still occur. Pack an emergency kit for your car filled with a first-aid kit, flashlight, thermal blanket, tire pressure gauge, coolant, water, jumper cables, safety flares, and emergency tire inflator.

* Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Auto$mart Thinking program

Nissan GT-Rs of the Tokyo Auto Salon

Love Nissan GT-Rs? Then you most certainly would love the Tokyo Auto Salon. Featuring the latest tuning trends and most amazing race cars, much of the content on the show floor was GT-R related this year – although to be honest, the show is GT-R heavy every year.
On display were plenty of modified GT-Rs from tuners like Kansai Service, JUN and even Tommy Kaira. And let’s not forget the race car content, with the outrageous Kondo Advan GT-R GT500 race car, as well as the Motul Autech GT-R (above), which won five of the eight races in Japan’s Super GT series last year.
Check out all the GT-R hardware from this year’s TAS below:

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#1: The Bottom Bottom Line? $19,280

Starting at $25,280 (after a $7,500 federal rebate), the Leaf costs less than the average new car sold in America. In addition, some states offer extra incentives. For instance, California offers a $5,000 clean-vehicle rebate, and Colorado residents are eligible to receive an additional $6,000 tax credit, which brings the price tag down to $19,280. Even for $26,000, the Leaf is a lot of car. Try outfitting a Toyota Prius with a navigation system and satellite radio, and you're pushing $30,000. Lessees can cash in immediately with a government-subvented lease deal of $349 per month (in which case Nissan's financial subsidiary takes the refund).

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#2: Operating Cost Per Mile: $0.03

A car with an internal combustion engine that gets 25 mpg will require $1,800 in gasoline (at $3 per gallon) over a year of driving (15,000 miles), which works out to $0.12 per mile. The Leaf can be programmed to start charging in the wee hours, when off-peak electric rates apply—a feature that makes consumption economical. At $0.11 per kwh, the Leaf costs $0.026 per mile to operate, or $396 for 15,000 miles—a savings of about $1,400 (per year).

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#3: The Leaf Tells You How to Drive

"Turn off Climate Control for +10 miles," the energy menu advised us. Heeding this suggestion (in part because the outside temperature wasn't uncomfortably warm), we canceled the air conditioning, switched on the vents, and watched the range estimate jump from 70 to 80 miles.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#4: It Can Go 95 Miles per Hour

The instant we hit the highway, we throttled the Leaf up to its top speed, which is supposedly electronically limited to 90 mph. The digital speedometer read 95, at which speed the range estimate began dropping a mile every few seconds, which makes speed thrilling for an entirely different reason (this is why GM has coined the term range anxiety). We did not have enough time, or unpatrolled highway, to verify the Leaf's range under these conditions, but would guess that it might go 20 miles at full speed.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#5: The Nav System Displays Your Reachable Area in Real Time

The standard navigation system displays the range in graphic form, with a halo around the car's current location, which provides a visual estimate of how much farther you can go before recharging. The navigation system is in regular communication with Nissan's databases using satellite networks, and displays nearby charging stations on the screen.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#6: The Leaf Can Text You

The Leaf can communicate with the owner's cell phone using an e-mail-based system that manages the charging system. It will notify you when the batteries are charged, at which point you can control the air-conditioning system so the cabin reaches a specified temperature before you get in the car. It will also notify you by text message if charging is interrupted, which alleviates the need to physically baby-sit the charging station or stare at an extension cord for hours on end.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#7: It Gets an 80 Percent Charge in a Half-hour

Ten years ago, Nissan was selling a lithium-battery-powered car in Japan called the Hypermini. With lessons learned, the Leaf's batteries have twice the energy density (the battery power is rated at over 90 kw, with a capacity of 24 kilowatt-hours) and are less expensive to produce, thanks to the use of manganese electrodes. Using a single-phase 200-volt, 15-amp power supply, the batteries can be fully charged within eight hours using a 220-volt outlet, or about twice as long if you plug into 110. Using a three-phase, quick-charging station, the Leaf can attain an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#8: The Headlights Actually Make It Quieter

Even some of the Leaf's exterior components serve dual roles. The LED headlights not only illuminate the road using half the energy of halogens; their winged shape actually directs air away from the side mirrors (an innovation Nissan is currently attempting to patent) to reduce interior noise, which is whisper-quiet even at highway speeds. The Leaf is quieter than most luxury cars inside the cabin—so quiet, Nissan had to engineer new windshield-wiper motors. Apparently, the drone of internal combustion engines covers the noise made by normal wiper motors.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics

#9: The Batteries Have a 100,000-Mile Warranty

Of course, all batteries degrade over time, but the Leaf's lithium-ion pack comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. According to Nissan's estimates, even after a decade of use, the Leaf's batteries will likely maintain 70 to 80 percent of their capacity. The company also points out that since lithium doesn't chemically change over time, the batteries are completely recyclable.

Read more: Nissan Leaf Facts - Electric Car Facts - Popular Mechanics