Parents, when your teen took on-the-road lessons, the instructor had his/her own rear view mirror. You can also get one for approximately $4 at any Wal-Mart, Target or baby supply store. They can be found in the baby section and were designed for looking at your baby in the rear seat. They work wonderfully for seeing traffic behind the car when driving with your teen.
bullet Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working order. Also check your blinkers for proper operation. Look for any fluid leaks or things hanging from the vehicle. Check that the tires are properly inflated.
bullet When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition. To properly adjust the left mirror place your head against the left window and adjust the mirror so that you can just see the left side of the car. For the right, move your head towards the center of the vehicle and adjust the right mirror in the same way. When you are sitting correctly in the driver's seat, you will not be able to see your vehicle, but your
spots will be greatly reduced!
Always wear your seatbelts
Always drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4 times the distance with it's headlights on even during daytime hours.
When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to feel the car rock backward and spell S-T-O-P to yourself before proceeding. Always turn your head to look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding.
When a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding through the light. Notice all vehicles and ensure that someone else is not going to run the light.
Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening on the sides of the road and check behind you through your mirrors every 6-8 seconds.
When driving on a two lane road that allows parking on the right, stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car. This forethought will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no parking allowed on the road position your car toward the right to allow for more room between you and oncoming traffic.
Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop. Never cause an accident on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.
Every time that you re-fuel, check your oil and other fluid levels. Look for noticeable leaks throughout the engine compartment.
If your car stalls on the road, do not leave your car. Wait for the proper authorities to come to your aid. Do not let someone talk you into leaving your vehicle.
When traveling behind other vehicles, there should be at least a 4 second space between your vehicles. When the car in front of you passes a stationary object, slowly count to yourself. If you pass the object before the allotted time, you should back off. When traveling at night or inclement weather, these times should be doubled.
Don't talk on a cell phone while driving. Phones detract from your ability to concentrate on the road and increase your chance of a collision by nearly 400%. If you must use the phone, pull over to a safe, well-lit parking lot and place your call there. After completing your call you may continue on your way.
Take a lesson from pilots. When leaving for an out of home trip, be sure to give an itinerary to someone back at home with the route of travel, approximate time of arrival and a contact number at your destination. Do not deviate from this plan without informing your at-home contact. If you are traveling a long distance, check in throughout the trip with a current location and any changes in your route or times. If something were to happen, this information may be used to narrow the search.
When being approached by an emergency vehicle, pull to the right shoulder of the road and STOP. Put on your hazard lights to allow others to see you better.
Carry in your vehicle, in an easy to find place, all contact numbers that you may need as well as Emergency contact information, personal information and any outstanding medical needs that you may have.
Leave early, plan to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time. Speeding does not increase your ability to arrive on time, rather it only increases your chances of not arriving at all.
When traveling on a multiple lane road, keep in mind that the left most lanes are for passing only. If not actively passing a vehicle, stay in the right lanes, allowing others to pass.
Avoid the "No-Zone" with trucks or busses, they cannot see you from many areas. Remember if you cannot see the driver in the truck's rear view mirrors, they cannot see you! Also remember that trucks make large right turns.
There is an old saying... "If the roads are wet, then drive like it's snowing. If the roads have snow, then drive like they're icy. If the roads are icy, then don't drive."
In inclement weather, if it is necessary to reduce one's speed, the brake should be applied slowly without making sudden moves. When making sudden moves it's much easier to lose control of your vehicle.
Remember as your speed increases so does your braking distance. If you double your speed, you quadruple your braking distance. If you double the weight of your vehicle, you double the stopping distance.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Make the best of your behind-the-wheel time
The test drive is one of the most important parts of buying a car. No matter what the car reviews say, if a vehicle doesn't fit you and your lifestyle, you're going to become dissatisfied with it long before that payment book is empty. The test drive is your opportunity to make your own personal assessment in a thorough, hands-on manner. If you're attentive to the details here, you can quickly tell whether or not you and the vehicle are meant for a long-term relationship.
When it comes to test driving a vehicle, the more time behind the wheel on various roads, the better. If you can arrange to rent a vehicle that's similar to the one you're considering, it could be worth the cost to be able to spend several days in it. Besides helping you become familiar with the vehicle, a rental car—without the new-car gloss—can also provide a reality check by showing you what yours might be like a year or more down the road. Most often, though, you'll have to make the most of the dealership test-drive.
Here are some tips:
1.Don't rush. Allow yourself the time to do it properly. A car's true personality (the side you won't find on paper) really only shows up while driving. Also, make sure you can concentrate on the vehicle. If you feel self-conscious or distracted by the salesperson, politely ask him or her if you can drive alone.
2.Take another person to the dealership. Your friend can give you a second opinion, take notes while you're driving, or run interference with the salesperson, if necessary.
3. Start with the basics. How easy is it to get in and out of the vehicle? Some taller vehicles require a high step-up, which can be awkward for shorter people.
When it comes to test driving a vehicle, the more time behind the wheel on various roads, the better. If you can arrange to rent a vehicle that's similar to the one you're considering, it could be worth the cost to be able to spend several days in it. Besides helping you become familiar with the vehicle, a rental car—without the new-car gloss—can also provide a reality check by showing you what yours might be like a year or more down the road. Most often, though, you'll have to make the most of the dealership test-drive.
Here are some tips:
1.Don't rush. Allow yourself the time to do it properly. A car's true personality (the side you won't find on paper) really only shows up while driving. Also, make sure you can concentrate on the vehicle. If you feel self-conscious or distracted by the salesperson, politely ask him or her if you can drive alone.
2.Take another person to the dealership. Your friend can give you a second opinion, take notes while you're driving, or run interference with the salesperson, if necessary.
3. Start with the basics. How easy is it to get in and out of the vehicle? Some taller vehicles require a high step-up, which can be awkward for shorter people.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
BMW M3 Sedan
BMW has unveiled the sedan body variant of the new BMW M3 which has made it’s return after a decade-long hiatus. From the front, the BMW M3 Sedan looks nothing like it’s lesser E90 Sedan brother, instead from A-pillar forward onwards it uses the BMW M3 Coupe’s nose which is actually longer than the sedan.
The rear of the M3 Sedan is similiar to the normal E90 sedan (this means those ugly rear brake lights too unfortunately) except for a different rear bumper which incorporates a diffuser and four exhaust tips, and a little bootlid spoiler on the top. The M3 sedan also lacks the M3 coupe’s exposed carbon fibre roof, but the press release doesn’t really say if the sedan lacks it or it is just painted over.
Under the bulging hood is the same 4.0 liter high compression double-VANOS V8 in the M3 coupe which makes 414 hosepower (SAE) at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm, with 340Nm available consistently up to 6,500rpm. More details on the engine available by clicking here. Mechanically, the chassis of the new BMW M3 Sedan is also identical to the M3 Coupe - the same suspension, differential, brakes, aluminium chassis, and a 50:50 weight balance body.
While the new M3 Coupe does not look all that outrageous like say, a Lancer Evo, but it still has very obvious sporty intentions. The M3 Sedan however looks more like a sleeper car - except for the M badge and the bumpers of course. BMW even chose a rather conservative color for the M3 Sedan used for these product shots. It’s obvious the M3 Sedan was designed to discretely hide it’s potential until the driver decides to open wide all eight individual throttles.
Look at more photos after the jump, or read more about the new M3 in my posts on the coupe body model and it’s V8 engine below.
source: BMW
The rear of the M3 Sedan is similiar to the normal E90 sedan (this means those ugly rear brake lights too unfortunately) except for a different rear bumper which incorporates a diffuser and four exhaust tips, and a little bootlid spoiler on the top. The M3 sedan also lacks the M3 coupe’s exposed carbon fibre roof, but the press release doesn’t really say if the sedan lacks it or it is just painted over.
Under the bulging hood is the same 4.0 liter high compression double-VANOS V8 in the M3 coupe which makes 414 hosepower (SAE) at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm, with 340Nm available consistently up to 6,500rpm. More details on the engine available by clicking here. Mechanically, the chassis of the new BMW M3 Sedan is also identical to the M3 Coupe - the same suspension, differential, brakes, aluminium chassis, and a 50:50 weight balance body.
While the new M3 Coupe does not look all that outrageous like say, a Lancer Evo, but it still has very obvious sporty intentions. The M3 Sedan however looks more like a sleeper car - except for the M badge and the bumpers of course. BMW even chose a rather conservative color for the M3 Sedan used for these product shots. It’s obvious the M3 Sedan was designed to discretely hide it’s potential until the driver decides to open wide all eight individual throttles.
Look at more photos after the jump, or read more about the new M3 in my posts on the coupe body model and it’s V8 engine below.
source: BMW
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
2011 AUDI Q3
Now, the SUV minaturized, compact-rization have already become the future inevitable developing trend. That height paints price and environmental protection has been one aspect , step by step diffused USA financial crisis has firmed manufacturers' determination then. AUDI asks Q3 to want the information debuting , is that X1 appears together prior to be accompanying BMW at any time. BMW has already announced the X1 concept vehicle approaching amounts products on Paris vehicle exhibition opening in No. 2 now,but Q3 has been but still difficult to expect that. Get up fictitious , also natural much.
GM applied confirmation that it will sell the HUMMER and the France factory
Borst expresses GM's financial controller Walter On 9th at the end of this month , is applied or used universally between 2 billion ~ 4 billion U. S. dollar planning the change gear factory , Walter Borst selling the fierce horse brand and Strasbourg being applied or used universally in France formally expressing the value being applied or used universally considering the assets selling in course of.
This has news report to fit in the front, the inclination being applied or used universally gives China , India or Muscovite enterprise in the person being sold , enterprise at present does not respond to but in an open manner. "Selling part assets is not able to affect GM's strategy plan ". Borst expresses Walter when attending Germany bank Leveraged finance convention.
Borst investment website being readjusted oneself to a certain extent having been member of GM in the filmstrip that the institute uses in giving a lecture has stood Walter. Data being applied or used universally estimating that faction sends out propagating selling the fierce horse brand and the France change gear factory being applied or used universally on October. France change gear factory employee about 1300 people who at present, is applied or used universally.
But since already being in deficit state, the American vehicle sells as early as the stage gliding, be applied or used universally automan has all come across flowability other as well as beautiful the inadequate fund problem, is applied or used universally from three kinds way raise funds have announced one plan on August. Be to comply with the disbursement cutting down 10 billion U. S. dollar in cost respectively; By the fact that assets sells acquisition 5 billion U. S. dollar; And continue arriving at bright end of the year borrowing money, more assets being applied or used universally on this fourth quarter may possibly have sells.
This has news report to fit in the front, the inclination being applied or used universally gives China , India or Muscovite enterprise in the person being sold , enterprise at present does not respond to but in an open manner. "Selling part assets is not able to affect GM's strategy plan ". Borst expresses Walter when attending Germany bank Leveraged finance convention.
Borst investment website being readjusted oneself to a certain extent having been member of GM in the filmstrip that the institute uses in giving a lecture has stood Walter. Data being applied or used universally estimating that faction sends out propagating selling the fierce horse brand and the France change gear factory being applied or used universally on October. France change gear factory employee about 1300 people who at present, is applied or used universally.
But since already being in deficit state, the American vehicle sells as early as the stage gliding, be applied or used universally automan has all come across flowability other as well as beautiful the inadequate fund problem, is applied or used universally from three kinds way raise funds have announced one plan on August. Be to comply with the disbursement cutting down 10 billion U. S. dollar in cost respectively; By the fact that assets sells acquisition 5 billion U. S. dollar; And continue arriving at bright end of the year borrowing money, more assets being applied or used universally on this fourth quarter may possibly have sells.
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