With winter officially upon us, and sleet and snow creating slippery street surfaces, it’s important to make sure that your tires are well-equipped for slick conditions. Many car accidents typically brought on by icy highways and frigid temperatures can be avoided if we take the time to verify that our vehicles are in tip-top shape. Here are four tips that will hopefully prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring in your area:
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Traction is essential for grinding through snow and directly related to the inflation of your tires. Colder temperatures tend to decrease tire pressure, so it’s essential to take precautions and gauge your current levels. Your car manual will inform you on the right inflation pressure.
Always carry chains. Blizzards can befall suddenly and without warning. Prevent the risk of driving in hazardous conditions. And, perhaps more importantly, learn how to suit up your tires in their metal jacket before you’re caught stranded.
Consider investing in winter tires. Clearly, if your tires are built to withstand winter weather, the better shape you’ll be when “Arctic Blizzard ‘08/’09″ rolls in unexpectedly. If you have 4-wheel-drive and know your car can handle a little white fluff on the ground, verify that the system is still reliable – especially if it hasn’t been engaged in the last six months.
Get your wheels aligned. Alignment enables your car to travel on the straight and narrow, which is especially valuable for extending the life of your tires. In icy conditions, it is vital that wheels are correctly aligned in order to maintain control and handling over your vehicle.
A variety of factors go into the fuel economy of a car. Although tires are not often the first feature that energy-conscious consumers look into when measuring the gas efficiency of a vehicle, tires do indeed contribute to the way in which a car uses fuel.
The role of tires in gas efficiency has been a hot topic of discussion in the past: President-Elect Obama made the claim in April 2008 that tire inflation boosts gas mileage — a remark that was initially mocked, but turns out to be supported by reports indicating that proper inflation can improve mileage by 3 percent. Other variables in fuel efficiency include tire weight and rubber make.
5 percent of gas is used up by the rolling resistance, or energy output, of a tire. Low-rolling resistance tires perform the best in government fuel economy tests because they require the least amount of push to move. Consumer Reports researched the affects of low-rollers on gas mileage, calculating that about $300 a year can be saved by opting for tires with the best rolling resistance.
California led the way for state-wide support of a fuel economy initiative, implementing a gas-efficient tire program in summer 2008 that establishes minimum efficiency standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Of the approximately 26 million passenger vehicles currently registered in California, 21 million vehicles are not running on low-rolling resistent wheels. The California Energy Commission projects that if these cars used tires with a 10% lower rolling resistance, the result would be a “statewide savings of 252 million gallons of fuel, $882 million, and 2.7 million metric tons less CO2 emissions annually.”
Resilient Technologies and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Polymer Engineering Center are working together to perfect a “non-pneumatic tire” that will support excess armor weight, survive IED attacks and still be able to make a clean, 50 mph getaway when escaping enemy combat. The airless tire looks like a honeycomb encased with a thick tread for ground grip.
The four-year, $18 million project is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Resilient pursued the development in response to the military’s need for an alternative to their current Humvee, which requires a small amount of air pressure for its tire, and if punctured can leave men stranded.
“The goal was to reduce the variation in the stiffness of the tire, to make it transmit loads uniformly and become more homogenous,” said mechanical engineering professor Tim Osswald. “And the best design, as nature gives it to us, is really the honeycomb.”
Soon, rims will no longer rep auto authority – “How big’s your honeycomb?” will be the new standard.
Looks like Wall Street isn’t the only U.S. market in dire need of government assistance in today’s fragile economy. The auto industry has experienced such a rapid decline since the beginning of the year, the biggest American auto makers are begging for a portion of that infamous $700 billion rescue plan. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi proposed an auto bailout bill yesterday, which could potentially extend the reach of the government funding beyond the financial industry. GM, Ford and Chrysler are seeking $25 billion in urgent assistance. The total bill would be $50 billion.
Hemorrhaging cash due to an extreme lack of consumer purchases, auto makers claim that rigid limitations to borrowing have prevented sales in an industry that is largely driven by credit. GM’s crippled financial standing has grown increasingly evident in recent months: It reported a 45% drop in U.S. sales last month and a net loss of $2.5 billion in the third quarter. Ford is in the best shape out of the three, but still burned through $7.7 billion last quarter.
Autoline blogger John McElroy wisely noted last week that GM was in position for bankruptcy if help didn’t come through soon: “Unless a miracle happens, there’s only one place it can realistically turn to: the Federal Government. The company needs a bridge loan to get it through this downturn. And it needs the money yesterday.”
The next question is: What does this mean for foreign competitors in the U.S. market? Honda sure hasn’t been deterred by global economic turmoil. It even opened a plant in Indiana just last month. Excited president of manufacturing, Yuzo Uenohara, declared: “With continued high demand for the Honda Civic, we are honored and excited to help meet the needs of our customers in North America.”
There’s no doubt that many Americans are frustrated and bitter over the success of foreign manufacturers. But the simple and irreversable truth is that Asian and European models sell, and American makers continue to fall short in satisfying consumer needs and interests. If the bailout does come to pass, hopefully the Big 3 are driven to produce autos that put the customer first.
My hands clench the wheel, horsepower surging the veins of my outstretched arms. Wind whips through the cracked window and my eyes narrow, tracking white dashes that divide bending streets. Rise and dip, pull and push, shift and soar – I am one with the road.
Since the dawn of its time, the automobile has been a symbol of human ingenuity and a source of ultimate pleasure. Driving is a hobby, tradition and experience that contributes to the composite of American culture.
Spoiling the carefree, unadulterated joy of pedal pushing in recent history is the high cost of gas. The culprit’s deterred many a road warrior, dropping activity 3.6 percent, or about 10 billion vehicle miles in July. But now, with oil at half the price per barrel compared with the summer months and the national average falling to $2.656 a gallon, the burden’s been lifted (at least temporarily) for consumers. Driving enthusiasts everywhere are given the green light to hop in, buckle up and rekindle their passion with the open road. So, with this pleasant drop in prices, why not take a trip down memory lane and remember how the car came to be a facet of American society.
The Wheel of Invention
The automobile’s presence in the U.S. was introduced in the late 1800’s; the first successful gas powered car was produced by brothers Charles and Frank Duryea in 1893. The invention boggled the minds and imaginations of Americans. Never before had it been possible to move about the city with such ease. Ladies no longer had to worry about ruining their dress coats. Men enjoyed the control of steering the wheel and shifting gears. Bopping around in a buggy downtown became a symbol of status — a declaration that your family was on the upswing. This sentiment fueled mass production led by Henry Ford, who improved the assembly line for automobile manufacturing and invented a transmission mechanism. Cars became the definition of independence and source of inspiration.
Iconic Heritage
Classic cars have created dazzling moments in movies and television. James Bond represents the ultimate archetype of a versatile driver. In his Aston Martin db5, Bond dodges criminals in high speed chases just moments before skidding to the doorsteps of his date and escorting her to dinner. It was more than a car to Bond; it was his companion.
1968’s Bullitt showcases one of the most influential car chase scenes in movie history, with star Steve McQueen swerving the streets of San Francisco. The sheer intensity of the chase transports viewers to the scene.
Real life famous cars include that of Bonnie and Clyde, which carried the bank robbers around the U.S. in their spree during the Depression. The getaway car was eventually the outlaws’ final resting place when it was riddled with gunfire upon their capture in 1934.
Revered actor Paul Newman had a love affair with racing that started with his movie role in 1969’s Winning. “I’m not a very graceful person,” Newman told The New York Times in 2002. “I was a sloppy skier, a sloppy tennis player, a sloppy football player. The only thing I found grace in was racing a car.” That grace Newman described is a sentiment shared by the most passionate of drivers.
A Timeless Fascination
You don’t have to be Steve McQueen to revel in the joys of driving. People of all different types and backgrounds appreciate the pastime for a unique experience: Like the speed demon, who revs the engine of his ’66 Pontiac GTO while waiting for the traffic light, leaving his mark with skids when it flashes green; or the road-tripper that blasts oldies through scenic routes, in no hurry for his destination; or the 16-year-old novice who’s eager to enter her rite of passage, hands at ten and two and mirrors adjusted; or simply the everyday man or woman who appreciates time coasting the freeway as moments alone with his or her thoughts. The portrait of a car lover takes many forms. And that’s why driving isn’t just a form of transportation — it’s a bonding experience between car and driver.
As the economy declines and adds stress to families, it is important to remember that the simple delights in life are what keep us moving, no matter our financial state.
Whether you’re sporting a ‘Vette, cruising in a Cobra convertible, or just hangin’ out in a Honda – you don’t have to be some famous rapper with billions of bucks to have a totally pimped out car, tricked out truck or sweet SUV. Getting the bling for your vehicle is easier thanks to the many car parts and accessories site available on the Internet. Many of them have discounted pricing you just cannot find at a local shop or garage. Let’s look at some of the easiest ways to pimp your ride while saving money at the same time.
Tires and Wheels and Rims – Oh My!
Chrome wheels are probably one of the most desired customization options you’ll find today. These dynamic rims come smooth, spiked, polished, wired or even with windows. A sharp-looking set of chrome wheels can outshine the usually more expensive spinners – looking seriously fine and saving you some cash. Adding some detail with a powder coat on part of the surface can further customize your wheels.
If chrome isn’t really your thing, consider new tires. Changing up your tread from the traditional gives your car a totally new feel. If you want a vintage look, nothing will get you there faster than some antique style tires. For something that will really stand out on the road, white wall tires look absolutely fabulous, especially on sporty cars. Plus, you can recoup some of your cash by selling your old, used tires.
After surfing for bargain prices online, if custom wheels and tires are still out of your price range – don’t freak out. Add boldness to your wheels with custom caps. Sometimes a custom cap can look just as hot as a custom wheel job. Although chrome hub caps are perhaps the most common, be on the lookout for other options available or chrome caps with added detail. Also worth checking out are the lug nuts for the wheels. They come in all kinds of unique styles; even bullet lug nuts are available.
Accessorize and Personalize
It’s important to remember that the most crucial part of complete car pimpage is to express yourself and make it your own. Several kinds of simple accessories are available to give your vehicle a unique, personal touch. Add a little love with a personalized license plate. If you cannot change the plate (or simply don’t want to go through the hassle of visiting the motor vehicle department), you can just get a snazzy license plate frame. There is a wide range of frames available and most of them look great and don’t cost much at all.
Bumper stickers are great for shouting out your point of view, but if you think they’re more suitable for a soccer mom than a slick hot-rodder, then consider an automobile emblem. Emblems have an edgier look and appear to be part of your car. They even come gold-plated if you’d like something snazzier than the traditional chrome.
Even if you can only resort to a pair of fuzzy dice or a hula girl on the dashboard, pimp your ride and have fun on the road.
