Author: Hildred Parris

Some of the Ways Technology is Changing the Automotive IndustrySome of the Ways Technology is Changing the Automotive Industry

Audi car

We all have to agree that most thing we do have been impacted by technology somehow. We are currently living in a digital era, and more is yet to be achieved as technology advances. There are many sectors affected by the advances in technology, and one of them is the automotive industry.

For a long time, vehicles have been changing as a result of technology; the first vehicles are quite different compared to what we are driving these days.You might be wondering like many other car lovers how technology is changing the automotive industry. Below are some of the ways.

Reducing the Environmental Impact

tesla charging stationWith the campaigns on saving the environment, many have become aware of the impact they have on the climate. Many of the activities that we do daily are credited with negatively affecting the environment. Among the many things that negatively affect the environment are vehicles. Most vehicles tend to emit harmful emissions to the environment.

There is a trend where car manufactures are making cars more environmentally friendly. The trend has led to the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles. This has led to the growing popularity of vehicles like Tesla.

Making Vehicles Interactive

The today drivers have more expectations to a vehicle more than how it performs while on the road. Though many are still looking for speed and other factors related to performance, a good number are looking for entertainment systems and gadgets to improve their driving experience.

It is now considered a norm to have vehicles come with huge display screens on the dashboard, something that was uncommon in the past. Many devices provide wireless communication when using a car. GPS technology has enabled drivers to view the location and get directions to other destinations through screen infotainment systems.

Making Vehicles Autonomous

self driving carIf you are into the latest news concerning vehicles, you might have come across autonomous vehicles. Though fully autonomous vehicles are yet to be achieved, many cars have autonomous features. There are many drivers assist features like automatic braking and the ability to change lanes. In a short period, anyone will be able to effortlessly drive a vehicle as cars are on the road to be fully autonomous.

There are many more changes that advances in technology have brought the automotive industry. With time, more is to be achieved.…

How to Rent a Car SafelyHow to Rent a Car Safely

holding a car key

When you read the title, you probably ask yourself, “What can go wrong with renting a car?” Unfortunately, there are many answers to that question. First, your rented car may be a lemon car. You may get conned, and to pay for damage that is not your mistake. Second, you can’t expect much for safety features in rented cars. Seatbelts and airbags may be faulty, and the tires may be worn out. 

But don’t be discouraged. Renting a car has many benefits for sure. Here are the safety precautions you can do to prevent bad things from happening:

Get a Rental Company with Online Presence

The most common scenario people opt for renting a car is when they travel to a new place. And once you arrive at the hotel you book, you are most likely to find many car rentals offered to you. But don’t make any decisions just yet. These days, rentals that have online presence provide some sort of user protection better than those who don’t. Just in case you have a bad experience, you can always share it with many other people. 

 

Review the Coverage

car rental contractInsurance is your best protection here. Check your credit card and see the details of your coverage. Usually, it will cover you regardless if you are using your own car or a rented one. But there is always a possibility that you may not get the coverage. If that’s the case, you should look for a separate insurance provider. Paying several hundred dollars upfront for a premium is much better than to spend thousands later. 

Check the Engine’s Oil

car's engineThis step looks trivial, but somehow many people seem to forget about it. Although the indicator on the dashboard is supposed to be your way of knowing if the engine has enough oil, you can’t be so sure unless you open the hood and see for yourself. In fact, you can’t be too careful about it. If you rent the car for a long trip, bring it to an auto shop to get inspected. 

Do a Test Drive Around the Rental’s Lot

holding a steering wheelThis is the rule of thumb in renting cars. You don’t leave the rental’s lot unless you are sure everything in the car works properly. And the only way to know that is by driving the car around. You should check the braking system, gear transition, and the steering. As for the airbags, make sure that the rental contract explicitly says the car’s airbag system works properly. 

Top Benefits Associated With Car Rental ServicesTop Benefits Associated With Car Rental Services

a car

Most people will opt to go for car rental services whenever they need a vehicle to help them move around. The reason why this is the case is that there are numerous benefits associated with car hire. If you are planning for a wedding event or any other traveling ventures, but you are not sure whether to hire or to drive yourself around, then you will find this article helpful.

Cost-Effective

best price

Some people tend to do away with the idea of hiring a car for whatever event that they have because they think that the whole thing will be expensive. If that is the notion that you also share, then it is high time to understand that you have always been wrong. Car hire services are cheaper than you first thought. A reputable rental company will never exploit you financially. However, limo tends to be a bit more expensive due to the luxurious nature of the vehicles. If you want quality car rental services, then it is essential to opt for a reputable car rental company.

Convenience

Car rental services also provide you with a convenient opportunity that you need to have happy and memorable travels. One of the reasons why car rental services are the best is because they come with their drivers. What this means is that you will not be the one to struggle with the steering wheel. This will give you all the humble times that you need to enjoy your event to the maximum.

Safety

Safety is one of the most significant aspects of human life. In anything that you do, it is always important to make sure that you have enough safety. Opting for car rental services is the best way of ensuring that you are safe. First, it can be dangerous to drive a strange city because you do not know much about the city. When you rent a car, you will be given a driver who will drive you around. This can go a long way in ensuring that you do not drive towards places that you can even be robbed.

Luxury

Whether it is your wedding or any other, even, you will always want to travel in style. This is the exact benefit that you are going to enjoy from a reputable rental company. Auto rental companies that have been in the industry for a long time tend to have all types of luxurious vehicles that you might need.…

Top Benefits of Car Window TintingTop Benefits of Car Window Tinting

benefits of car window tint
Usually, a car tint is installed for a few main reasons depending on the needs and preferences of the owner. You should note that there are extra benefits that the tint can offer. The following are some of them:

Better Driving

car window tintWhen you drive with the sun directly on your face, is not only an annoyance, but it can be fatal. Thus, car window tinting protects your eyes and prevents glare from various sources. This means you will not be caught driving badly.

Awesome Privacy

In certain parts of the city, you need to keep a low profile. There are tints that can guard your personal privacy notwithstanding where you are. Other than this, it protects several things inside the car even when you are not around. This means that you do not need to stash your valuables out of the park.

Upholstery Protection

The UV rays and heat from the direct sunlight are likely to turn your upholstery into a serious mess within a few years. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent this. This is because it helps keep the interior from becoming too hot to warp, crack, or fade. Moreover, it can block over 90% of the harmful UV rays.

Keeping Cool

With window tint, it becomes easy to reduce heat inside the car during scorching summer months by over 60%. In this way, you can keep the heat out without having to worry about pitching up at work.

Staying Healthy

Associated UV rays and direct sunlight not only damage the skin but can also accelerate aging. In fact, it can even cause cancer when exposed for an extended period. Fortunately, a car window tint helps reduce UV rays by 99%. However, this is dependent on the quality.

Accident Protection

car window tintingRemember that a window tint is designed to cover the whole pane of the glass. This can become helpful in case of an accident. In fact, it may act like a bandage by holding the shattered glass together. This helps reduce the risk of loose shards that are likely to cause a lot of harm to the passengers or the driver.
The truth is that car window tinting looks amazing. Nearly every person loves the appeal of dark, sleek car windows. It also helps protect your car from chips and scratches. It is also advisable to extend the protection film to other areas of the car such as mirrors and headlights.

Best Light-Duty Vehicles to Drive on the HighwaysBest Light-Duty Vehicles to Drive on the Highways

A Car on the Hill

If you live in a vast continent, such as US, Australia, or Europe, you can go across borders just by land. Going from London to Paris, for example, only takes seven to eight hours by a car. And when it comes to land travel, distance is not a problem, but the ride is. Without a proper car, the trip will be a nightmare. Narrow space, small trunk, and a flimsy engine will divert you from seeing the scenery along the way. What has been supposed to be an adventure can be a stressful experience.

But why light-duty vehicles? Why not a sedan or a compact? What are the advantages of possessing a light-duty?

Light-duty can contain more goods

When you set your eyes on a large vehicle, it is reasonable to assume that you are going to move a lot. Otherwise, you are only wasting money and fuel. Please bear in mind that air pollution is a serious issue these days. If it is not necessary, you would be better to own and use an eco-friendly car instead of a pickup truck. And once you move from one town to another, you will definitely bring some goods with you. Besides, a light-duty is powerful, sturdy, and fuel efficient for a long trip.

Cars that are in the light-duty category are vans, pickup trucks, and Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Vans

Van for Heavy LuggageOwning a van is perhaps not the first option that appears on your mind, simply because the vehicle is not stylish and sporty. The design optimizes the backside of the car as an enclosed container. Unless you are an artist who needs to travel with your equipment, you do not need to own a van. If you are in need of moving your belongings, you can simply hire a van service, such as man with a van. They have Sprinters, Lutons, and Long-wheels, all of which are the best vans for transporting goods long distance.

However, if you belong the previous criteria, here is a list of vans that can still provide comfort for passengers:

  • Ford Transit
  • Ford Transit Connect
  • Kia Sedona
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Chevrolet City Express
  • RAM ProMaster City

Pickup trucks

Spacious Pickup TruckHaving a pickup truck in the past was exhausting. The vehicle burned fuel lavishly and required a lot of maintenance. Unless it was for commercial use or transporting farming items, people chose not to own it. But today, the technology innovation in energy efficiency has put pickup trucks on top of the other vehicles, regarding its fuel efficiency for a long journey.

Japanese auto companies have invaded Europe since the last day we can remember. Mitsubishi and Nissan are the giants. Mitsubishi L200 is the main champion of the company’s pickup series, while Nissan has Navara. Both have an exquisitely macho look which can boost your confidence while traveling abroad. The diesel engines of both cars are equally powerful and fuel efficient. It is simply hard to imagine a pickup truck better than those twos.

SUV

Cars on DisplaySUV is less spacious than both vans and pickup trucks. SUV autos prioritize the passenger’s comfort rather than the space for storage.
But you can always fold the passenger seats in the back of an SUV to provide you with some more space. Choose this type of vehicle only if you occasionally travel with more than two people. Therefore, SUV vehicles are best suited for a family trip.

Here is a list of popular SUV in 2018:

  • Land Rover Discovery
  • Volvo XC60
  • Peugeot 3008
  • Jaguar F-Pace
  • Kia Sorento
  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Audi Q5

Things you Should Know when Driving for the First TimeThings you Should Know when Driving for the First Time

drive

First-time drivers face lots of things while they on their first day in full control. The feeling can be nerve cutting and be exciting at the same time. Even though you have gone through the driving test and passed, it requires practical skills to become a better driver.

 

driving licenseFamiliarize with your Car

Make sure you are familiar with how your car operates. Never start driving a car that you do not know its features and performance. Familiarizing with your car will help you avoid committing a mistake on the road. Before you start your car make yourself familiar with all the basic controls. Some of the basic control features that you need to understand the performance include; seatbelts, levers, lights, switches, pedals, braking condition and blinker positions. Ensure you learn how to brake while turning. Use your parking space to learn some of the basic controls before hitting the road.

 

Make Necessary Adjustments

Make you make all the necessary adjustments before starting your car. Make adjustments so that you become comfortable. Before accelerating the car, ensure all the mirrors are positioned properly for a better road decision making. Being comfortable will help you in making proper judgments, and as well calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Always ensure the mirrors are positioned exactly where they are supposed to be for better judgments. Also, ensure the seat is adjusted to posture that makes you comfortable.

 

roadblockPay Attention to the Road

Once you touch the road, put your mind and energy in to driving. Always stay attentive in order to read all road signs and drive as it is required. Attention should be your number one priority. If you are with your young sibling who is probably going cause distractions, make sure you drive alone for maximum concentration. Also, at this stage avoid carrying pets or listening to music. Actually, avoid anything that may bring up distraction. Always keep in mind that you are still learning and concentrate on observing the road signs and rules. If you have to play music, make sure it is in a low tone. Avoid wearing headphone or headsets because they will distract you from proper concentration. Keep your mobile phone off because when someone will call, you will be tempted to pick it up. Make sure you as well avoid alcohol and sleep well before hitting on the road. Also, clean the windows and where your glasses if necessary for visibility.

 

Do Not Drive at Night

Since you are an amateur, avoid driving your car at night. Your first experience should a great one, and you do not want to have hard times reading the signs and taking corners at night. You must be experienced to start driving your car at night. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving during the night. Once you are experienced, you can start experiment at night.…