Category Archives: Main

Walk into the showroom of any main dealer, and you will find cars that feature the latest technology. Typical examples include self-parking cars, and ones that can interact with your smartphone. These are just some of the characteristics that will enrich your driving experience.

As you might know, car makers have to evolve so that they can be leaders rather than followers. They are always looking for ways to make our motoring lives easier and more convenient. And what better way than inventing some useful new technology for us to use?

Image Source

The latest cars of today offer some pretty good technology. But what do the cars of the future hold? For today’s blog post, I did some research into what we are likely to find in our next vehicles. Some of these ideas are just concepts, whereas others are getting worked on as we speak! Intrigued? Keep reading to find out more…

Enhanced voice control

It’s no secret that many of today’s cars have functions that one can control using just the power of their voices. Some of the cars I saw at Saxton 4×4 the other day featured such clever technology.

But today’s current technology only goes so far. In our future cars, we are likely to find that we can control more aspects of our vehicles by using voice commands. For example, you could tell your car to open up the trunk, turn the air conditioning on or even adjust your seat. All without pressing a button!

Enabling cars with enhanced voice control offers many possibilities. Safety groups will welcome such features. That’s because it means that drivers can concentrate on driving without taking their eyes off the road. Or their hands off the steering wheel.

Augmented reality

The thing about augmented reality is that it offers a rich blend of reality and technology. Augmented reality is where computer graphics gets overlaid on top of real-life scenery.

One example of augmented reality can be seen in the windshields of some of today’s cars. Some overlaid computer imagery can display current speed and GPS directions. In future vehicles, we could see traditional dashboard dials replaced with augmented reality.

Of course, the only downside of that particular example is if the windshield gets damaged! By then, we might have tougher windshield glass as standard. Or we might not even have a windshield at all! We might drive cars that project the view in front of us onto a LCD screen up front. But, I digress.

Better integration with smartphones

The cars of yesterday had nothing in the way of smartphone integration. Today’s cars feature head units (car stereos) that come with Bluetooth as standard. Bluetooth is a wireless method of communication between electronic devices.

For instance, you could use a Bluetooth handsfree kit “paired” with your smartphone. A few months ago, smartphone maker Apple introduced a new system called CarPlay. In a nutshell, CarPlay lets you talk, text and play music without diverting attention away from the road.

Some new cars come with CarPlay as standard, whereas you can buy aftermarket head units for older cars. That’s great for Apple iPhone users, but what happens if you use an Android handset or Windows Phone? In those cases, CarPlay is next to useless.

Car makers are aware of these problems, and each has come up with unique ways of integrating cars with smartphones. In the future, a common standard will get adopted by all the leading car makers and smartphone manufacturers.

Image Source

At present, there is a standard called MirrorLink that is in development. It aims to better link smartphones with car infotainment systems – i.e. what CarPlay does with the iPhone. In the future, it should be possible to use any smartphone with any car marque.

Solar panels mounted on body panels

If you think about it, you often drive your car in places where it gets exposed to the sun. Electric car owners would find vehicles with solar body panels useful. Why? Instead of plugging their cars into a charging point when the batteries are low on juice, they can get charged as they drive!

The sun is an excellent source of energy. Many of us have solar panels on the roofs of our homes so that we can get free electricity and hot water. So, why can’t we use the sun to charge batteries in electric cars?

It’s likely that car makers will explore and develop such tech for future electric vehicles. Critics of today’s electric vehicles argue that these cars aren’t as green as gas and diesel cars. That’s because more energy gets used to make electricity from coal or nuclear sources, for instance.

But what if your electric car used solar power to charge its batteries? In that case, you will spend less time plugging your car into a dedicated charging point. Not only will that make your electric car greener, but it will save you money too.

Paint that corrects itself

It’s quite annoying and upsetting to find that the paintwork on your car got damaged. Scratches, “key” marks and other general scuffs can ruin the look of your otherwise immaculate car.

Getting such damage repaired is often expensive and time-consuming. So, what if there was a way that your car’s paint could somehow “heal” itself? I read with interest how car maker Nissan developed such a magical paint! Or, to be precise, a clear coat layer called Scratch Shield.

Without getting too technical, Scratch Shield uses an elastic resin. The clear coat layers on today’s cars are static.

“Smart” cars

Wouldn’t it be great if your car did more than just get you to your destination? Cars of the future are likely to be “smart.” For example, they could direct you to the nearest parking garage, tell you how much it costs to park and whether there are any free spaces. It can even pre-pay for your parking using your smartphone.

Volkswagen and SAP are working on such a system as we speak. They tested it in one city in Germany. It’s likely that more tests will get done in other places as the technology gets developed.

With the E 220 BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz has added a “particularly economical and environmentally friendly variant to the E-Class family.”

While the driving dynamics, comfort and pleasure characteristic of the German luxury carmaker are there, the latest E 220 BlueTEC also underscores the environmental credentials of the E-Class, emitting just 128 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The E 220 BlueTEC’s drive system is powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. Mercedes says the engine combines qualities which were previously considered incompatible – maximum tractive power and smooth operation – while at the same time operating on minimal fuel consumption.

Mercedes refers to the E-Class as the ‘efficiency class’, offering superior driving pleasure with fuel economy. It says 4.9 litres of diesel will get the E 220 BlueTEC a distance of 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and its CO2 emission level of 128 grams per kilometre betters any other vehicle in the segment. As a result, the E 220 BlueTEC already meets the future Euro 6 emissions standard.

Among competitors of the E 220 BlueTEC are the 2014 BMW 535d and 2014 Audi A6 TDI Diesel. The BMW features an inline six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-litre engine that delivers a smooth and quiet ride that can make one forget the vehicle’s a diesel, while the Audi has lag-free power delivery that nicely complements its imperturbable feel and sense of unmatched solidity and makes for satisfying back-road running and easy handling in traffic.

Fuel-efficient the E 220 BlueTEC is. Yet it’s also gutsy, generating 177 horsepower and impressive torque of 400 Newton-metres. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour is in 8.4 seconds and top speed is 227 kilometres per hour.

The latest model features a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that’s been optimized with respect to driving comfort and consumption, and there’s an ECO start/stop function that ensures the engine is temporarily switched off when the vehicle is at a standstill.

The 4-cylinder diesel powerplant with two output levels that sits under the hood of the E 220 BlueTEC is significantly more powerful, frugal and cleaner than comparable predecessors. BlueEFFICIENCY technologies were used to achieve the greatest possible environmental compatibility, says Mercedes.

The common-rail diesel technology features up to 2000 bar of increased injection pressure, optimized combustion chambers and fast, precisely switching injectors. Fast-acting ceramic glow plugs help to improve cold-running properties.

The high torque available in all engine speed ranges is thanks to the high ignition pressure and two-stage supercharging, while two Lanchester balancer shafts help to guarantee the required smoothness of operation.

In any given city, a drive about will always reveal a good many “hot spots,” where there will be a number of auto dealerships to be found. Anyone not familiar with the industry could easily become overwhelmed by the numbers of cars packed all together on the lots. Most people know that when previously owned cars, like Mercedes Benz used are sold at a dealership that sells more new Mercedes Benzs, like the Mercedes Benz E-Class and other top selling current models straight from the factory, the selling price will be higher. A little known fact is that many dealers rely quite a bit on the income produced by their used car sales.

What Dealers Don’t Want You to Know

By avoiding the dealerships, you stand to reap a significant reduction in savings off the typical price that a dealer would ask, for the same car. The most extensive collection of cars for sale is dependably to be found advertised on the online classified ads. You can easily conduct the search for your next car from the comfort of your easy chair at home, taking notes and making calls to inquire about availability. You can use this opportunity to set a time when you can meet with the seller to see the car, give it a test drive and even do a little price negotiating. The most effective price negotiating is best conducted in person, with the seller. If you have demonstrated your genuine interest in buying the car by coming to look at it, you will have a good deal more clout than you would, simply over the phone.

The Truth About Dealerships & Used Cars

Dealers want their customers to see their used car inventory as an afterthought–to which there has been little if any markup. Actually, while its the dealer who has the greatest ability to negotiate down from their asking price, used car shoppers at dealerships are less likely to put as much effort into those negotiations. Dealerships can take in a used car from a trade-in, and with on-staff mechanics and car detailing staff, bring that vehicle up to the condition that would command the best selling price. There is little investment involved in such used cars that are taken in by dealerships, yet it’s these very vehicles that put more money in the dealer’s pocket than much of the new inventory.

Best to Play it Safe

Shopping at public and government auctions can prove disastrous when you don’t have intricate knowledge on how to check out these cars before placing your bid on them. While there can be some great deals to be had from these events, there is often no opportunity to test drive the car, and there are not always any maintenance and repair records to go with them. Kijiji is a reputable, highly popular method of searching for great deals on cars. And the best deals don’t hang around long–so if you find one you like, act soon.

We have always searched for ways to liven up a long road trip. There’s nothing more dull than hours upon hours of endless motorway. If you’ve got children, the chorus of “Are we there yet?” doesn’t make the journey any easier. Whether it’s music, books or car games, we have always looked for something to keep us busy. Anything that makes the trip go a little faster is a bonus.

image credit

Technology has helped significantly in this area. The introduction of car radios changed our entire driving experience. There are new technologies just around the corner that will have a similar revolutionary effect. It won’t be long before most cars are equipped with the internet as standard. This is a game changer for in-car entertainment. We will soon be able to access ‘the cloud’ from our cars too.

The whole nature of in-car systems is in a period of change. They have remained much the same for decades, but technology is in a transitional period. Dashboards are becoming more intuitive. Many new cars have voice recognition and satellite navigation as standard. This has paved the way for a new generation of car entertainment. This list looks at some of the best new entertainment systems available.

DVD players

Keeping the kids occupied in the back has been a long battle for parents everywhere. Mums and Dads have always looked for something to keep the noise down. Anything that stops the relentless kicking on the back of the chair is a lifesaver. The addition of DVD players in certain cars came as a welcome relief. Being able to put on their favourite DVD lets you get on with driving in peace and quiet. It’s actually safer too as it ensures the driver stays focused and isn’t distracted from behind.

Drop down DVD players – There are a couple of different options for car owners here. The first is the DVD screen that folds down from the roof of the vehicle. It can be neatly tucked away when not in use and dropped down when needed. The kids in the back will have to share one screen, so you’ll have to find a film they agree on!

Headrest DVD players – The more modern option is the headset in the back of the seat. In some cases, each of these can be controlled separately. With a pair of headphones, you can play two different films on the two screens. These tend to cost a little more than the drop down but offer more versatility.

Dashboard DVD players – These are not so widely available. In fact, they are banned in certain states in America. The argument here is that they are potentially distracting to drivers. They are designed for the passenger on long drives. The screen is sunk into the dashboard and angled towards the passenger for their entertainment.

When the internet arrives in our cars as standard, we will be able to stream TV programmes too. We will be able to connect these screens to our Netflix accounts or other streaming services. Passengers can catch up on some TV or binge watch their favourite shows on long journeys.

The internet

Within the next few years, 25% of new cars will come with Wifi. A quick glance at www.easternwestern.co.uk will show that some already have it as standard. Even if your car doesn’t have a wifi hotspot, you can connect using your smartphone’s tethering service. This will alter the way we use entertainment in our cars. It will reduce our reliance on the radio and CDs for music. It will let us stream TV and get up to the minute traffic news. You will even be able to update your Twitter or Facebook status on the go with voice recognition.

Android and Apple integration

We are only just beginning to see this technology. However, Apple and Android both now have a car integration service. That means that your smartphone can be synced to your car through the dashboard screen. The touchscreen service will let you access key functions to your phone without actually looking down at it. The technology is controversial. Some say that it is no different to actually using your phone. However, it will allow you to access your music library, maps, text messages and calls.

Music

Radio has already seen a significant decline over the last ten years. The internet has allowed us to make our own playlists of our favourite music. Services like Pandora and Spotify give us access to any song we want. These services will soon make the transition to our cars. Up until now we have had to choose between radio or CDs. Now we can take our entire online collection with us on any journey.

Stereo systems are also becoming more and more sophisticated. The speakers that come as standard have typically produced poor, tinny sound. Nowadays many new cars are equipped with subwoofers and high tech speakers. In the past you would have to pay big money to install these powerful sound systems. The future sounds much better.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality is only just being tested in some cars. This technology really is futuristic and exciting. You’ll have seen augmented reality talked about in connection with Google glass. Essentially, it is a technology that adds information and value to the world around you. In the car, it will be housed on your dashboard or on your windscreen. For example, you may drive through a new town and have no idea where anything is. Digital pop ups will appear on the windscreen to give you information about the city. They will direct you to tourist sites or useful shops. This technology is way off yet. However, the potential for both information and entertainment is limitless.

This list should give you a good idea of what’s out there right now in the world of car entertainment. More interestingly, it’s a look towards the future. It paints a picture of what our car entertainment might look like ten years from now. One thing’s for sure, the internet will be a big part of that. Cars are the last place in our everyday world that hasn’t taken advantage. Rest assured, they’re not far behind.

Every time I talk to somebody they have different preferences when it comes to the musical instruments they like. It turns out that some people enjoy the sound of pianos while others like the soothing sound of a saxophone. Which group do you belong to? Are you sticking with the pianos, or are you rather those who would be likely to visit wwbw rico alto sax reeds and get that saxophone they have always been dreaming about?

With the winter approaching quicker than you could imagine, it’s now time to consider your car and its performance during the long, dark months. Winter has a wild variation of different weather types. With this, driving can be problematic during the inclement weather. So, it’s best to start prepping your car now so that you are protected against the elements.

Did you know that there are nearly 7000 more accidents in the winter than in the summer? This is largely related to issues regarding improper car maintenance.

As you can see, it is imperative that you make sure that your car is fit for purpose during the cold winter months.

Here are some fantastic, simple ways that you can do this:

Maintenance and Servicing

When was the last time you took your car for a professional service? According to Motorline Direct, you need to ensure that you are doing this annually. But, many motorists have confessed to only doing this every few years. Or, worse, when they spot a problem. It’s time to make sure that your car is in a good state of repair and fit for winter. Book in a service and make sure that your wheels are prepped for the treacherous conditions.

Oil and Fluids

One of the most inexpensive ways that you can make sure that your car is fit for winter is to top up the oil and other fluids. Your car will be working harder during the winter months. The cold will force the car to use more fluid. With this in mind, it’s time to complete a fluids check. If they are running low, top them up. Coolant and antifreeze are vital at this time of year. Carry spares in your boot and make sure that you never run short.

Lights

Lights are vital during the winter. With dark mornings and the night times starting earlier, you need to make sure that all of your lights are working. Bulbs and spark plugs are cheap to purchase. There is a wide range of online vendors that can help you source these with ease. What is more, they are easier to replace. Make sure that you complete a visual check of your car. This will ascertain any broken or weak lights. Replace them with urgency. Make sure that you are fully illuminated on the roads this winter. This is one of the best ways to avoid a crash.

Alexander Saprykin

Cracks in the Windscreen

The winter presents grit and gravel on the roads. This can flick up and crack your windscreen. If this is the case, you need to make sure that you are getting your windscreen fixed before the icy weather sets in. The ice can cause the windscreen to crack even more. You need to avoid the shatter effect of winter so that you can drive safely.

Change Your Tyres

Have you checked your tyres recently? What is the grip like? Do you have much tread? If not, now is the time to make sure that you are changing your tyres so that you can grip to the roads, whatever the weather.

The best way to see the world is to drive. There’s nothing like getting out on the open road and exploring new places. The classic road trip is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Waking up in a new city every morning, finding the local food and meeting new people is the stuff of legends. You’ll make more memories and have more stories to tell than your typical beach holiday too.

If you do it right, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It can be a cheap alternative to a big holiday and you might just have more fun. You can pack much more into two weeks when you’re driving. You can see the entire length of a country. You could drive the length of the UK in a day for example. The USA might take a bit longer but there’s plenty to see. There’s no need to rush a road trip, it’s all about the journey.

Before you set off on your great adventure, make sure you do a little research and planning. Simply jumping into the car is a recipe for disaster. At the very least, it’s a recipe for arguments! Set a budget, make a route and make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is a breakdown to ruin the holiday. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way.

Thanks to Daniel D’Auria for the image

Plan the route

Road trips should always be about spontaneity. You should let the world take you and see what adventures are thrown up. However, you should have a destination in mind. You should plan a general route and mark out key stops along the way. Spontaneity is good, but mix it with a healthy dose of direction. A route and a plan makes sure you get to see everything you want. At your destination, try to give yourself a few days to actually relax before you hit the long road back home.

If you’re travelling with friends or family, let them each pick one thing or place they want to stop. It could be a particular museum on the route, a certain city or a monument. That way, everyone gets to have a say and something to look forward to. Everyone else will get to experience something new as well.

Get a GPS

You might think you know where you’re going, but you never know what might come up. Roadworks or blocked routes can derail an entire road trip. If you’ve got a GPS handy you can always find an alternative route. It will also cut down on arguments and save you from getting lost. When you’re in a new place it’s always difficult to familiarise yourself. It also helps to carry a physical map too. This is much more useful if you need to stop for advice or directions. Showing local people a map can let them point out exactly where you are, for example.

Be aware that some countries prohibit the use of GPS. This is the case in most continental European countries. The reason is that they highlight forthcoming speed cameras which is illegal in many countries.

You don’t have to stick to the plan

Try to keep that one destination in mind. However, the beauty of the road trip is that you can change course at any time. If a new adventure rears its head, follow it. See where it takes you. If you pass a particularly interesting town, stop by and visit. Keep your plans flexible and let the road take you to new places.

Choose your vehicle wisely

This is important. By its very nature, a road trip puts a lot of pressure on your car. Is your vehicle up to the challenge? If you’ve recently picked up a brand new car from RRG Group, you’re probably okay. If you’ve got an older model with a rickety engine, be aware of the limitations. You’ll also have to take certain things into consideration if you’re driving in a foreign country. Are there certain laws you need to be aware of? Should you consider hiring instead of driving your own car?

Check your vehicle

Before you hit the road, you’ll need to make sure the car is in good working order. Get under the hood and check all the fluids. That’s the oil, coolant, transmission fluid and windscreen water. If you’re in any doubt, don’t be afraid to replace them. These fluids are essentially to the smooth running of your car. You don’t want any problems out on the road.

Be sure to do a thorough check of your tyres too. You’ll be putting them through their paces on a lengthy road trip. Ensure that your tyre pressure is at the right level. Too low and you’ll burn through fuel like crazy. Too high and you risk poor handling and losing control. Finally, check that the tread is above 2mm. On long journeys you need adequate grip and control on the road.

Make a budget

Before you leave, try to put together a sensible budget. Once on the road, stick to it. Fill the car up with fuel before you leave. Remember, you know where the cheapest stations are at home. Try to take a lot of food with you to cut down on spending on the road. Of course, you should indulge in a few meals along the way. It’s always good to try the local cuisine. However, things like breakfasts and lunches can be eaten in the car. Finally, those car checks we talked about, keep doing them! Correct tyre pressure and correct tread depth will help your car run more economically. A well kept car is cheaper to run.

That’s just about everything! Make sure you take some entertainment for the long journey. Stock up on music, books and games to while away the driving time. Try to switch up the driving with friends or family so one person isn’t doing the majority. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy the sights and hit the road.

Most companies are now benefiting from the use of trucks and trailers. Sadly, not everyone of them are able to provide the proper care that their trucks needs. Some of them do not place great importance to the maintenance of their trucks while most people do not understand the need for such routine checkup.

Trucks carry heavy loads and travel far and wide and such type of use can lead to wear and tear. Because of this, proper maintenance is necessary for the upkeep of such vehicles. To help you further understand the need of truck and trailer maintenance, here are some good reasons:

Regular maintenance ensures safe driving.

No matter how good of a driver you are, your skills will be nothing if the truck you are using is not properly maintained. According to statistics, majority of vehicular accidents are due to vehicle neglect. By maintaining your car on a regular basis, you will be able to check which part of the truck or trailer is already not working properly. Because of this, you can be able to carry out the necessary safety precautions before you drive the vehicle.

Regular maintenance reduces operational cost.

Most truck owners think of maintenance services as unnecessary costs. What they do not understand is the fact that shelling out money for these services can actually help them to save money in the long run. When a car is well maintained, it would not need any repairs. With this, you do not have to spend money on paying the repair technician. Additionally, you will not have to buy new parts and accessories. The money you spend on maintaining the truck is much lesser than the money you will have to shell out for the repairs.

Regular maintenance boosts performance.

When you regularly monitor the fluids and the gauge of your truck, you are doing you and your truck a big favor. When the truck is properly maintained, it will be able to perform better on a long period of time. On the other hand, an improperly maintained truck will show signs of aging at an early time. If reliability is what you want, then maintenance is what you need.

Regular maintenance makes your truck eco-friendly.

A lot of truck owners do not see the relation between the environment and proper truck maintenance. The emissions of your truck have a great impact on the environment. When the truck is well maintained, its dangerous fumes and the amount of harmful gases that it emits in the air will be reduced or eliminated.

It is true that we all need to find reliable truck providers like NextTruckOnline.com. More than finding the best trucks, it is a must for each and every truck owner to carry out proper maintenance to take good care of his fleet. By doing this, you can be able to prolong its life as well as boost its efficiency.

i have been traveling with my pets in my car for a long time now. During this time, I have had a chance to learn many interesting things that allowed me to enjoy the whole experience a lot more. For example, every time I read this blog, I realized how blessed I am to have such a wonderful companion by my side. I love my dog so much and I would do anything to make sure that he is happier with me.

I am so glad that I live in a detached house as opposed to a semi-detached or an apartment. To be honest, I am not sure how I would be able to play any musical instrument if I were to live in a flat. Luckily for me, I can do whatever I want in my home and nobody is going to say a word.

When I go here I see many nice options I have such as trumpets, guitars, or pianos.