Driving a car everyday, we sometimes become so engulfed in our lives, we neglect to realize just how innovative the technology is that propels out cars and gets us to the next destination. Below are some great car facts you can share with friends.
1.The first cars did not have steering wheels. Drivers steered with a lever.
2.The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
3.In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.
4.The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.
5.Most American car horns beep in the key of F.
6.Buick introduced the first electric turn signals in 1938.
7.The first car radio was invented in 1929.
8.In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter.
9.In 1887, Benz was the first car company to be offered for sale.
Got a fun fact you would like to share, comment!
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Amazing Smartphone Apps for Making YOUR Life Easier (Car Edition)
Life is rough, with schedules, play-dates, business meetings, and exhaustion lingering it’s hard to get a few seconds of ease. Well, there is a quick release. Millions of Americans have embraced the smartphone movement or the “computer in your pocket” mentality. It’s easy to pull your phone from your stone washed jeans, or khaki work slacks (whatever your preference) and update your Facebook, play a quick game, or catch up on the Huffington Post’s most recent article. It’s just that easy. Below, we’ve provided some cool apps that can ease that mental strain, and help you find that niche between work and relaxation.
Trapster, a free iPhone application allows drivers to scan the area for known speed traps, police hangouts, speed cameras or even stop-light cameras. Using the GPS capabilities in your smart phone it uses reported speed traps in Trapster’s network database to give voice alerts of approaching traps. This technology is due to a network of over 5 million Trapster users that constantly contribute trap locations.
GasBuddy is a lifesaver for savvy individuals with a frugal mindset. Gas changes fluctuate at the drop of a hat, sometimes varying as much as 20% within a couple city blocks. GasBuddy is a comprehensive source for up to date gas prices. The app lays out prices on a map and allows the user to choose one that fits their budget. Priceless.
Car Finder Plus is an app that records your position when you leave your car, tracking your location in the process. The GPS stores this location and when you’re looking for your vehicle after running your errands it provides a display of where to locate your car.
Repair Pal is a great companion for the everyday driver. It can tell you the right price to pay for repair, find a great mechanic in the area, and gives one-touch access to roadside assistance. Amazing! Plus the app is free!
There are countless smartphone applications available for your phone that helps make life a tad easier. Check out your smartphone application store for details and continue to drive safely!
Feel free to add your favorite app here:
Trapster, a free iPhone application allows drivers to scan the area for known speed traps, police hangouts, speed cameras or even stop-light cameras. Using the GPS capabilities in your smart phone it uses reported speed traps in Trapster’s network database to give voice alerts of approaching traps. This technology is due to a network of over 5 million Trapster users that constantly contribute trap locations.
GasBuddy is a lifesaver for savvy individuals with a frugal mindset. Gas changes fluctuate at the drop of a hat, sometimes varying as much as 20% within a couple city blocks. GasBuddy is a comprehensive source for up to date gas prices. The app lays out prices on a map and allows the user to choose one that fits their budget. Priceless.
Car Finder Plus is an app that records your position when you leave your car, tracking your location in the process. The GPS stores this location and when you’re looking for your vehicle after running your errands it provides a display of where to locate your car.
Repair Pal is a great companion for the everyday driver. It can tell you the right price to pay for repair, find a great mechanic in the area, and gives one-touch access to roadside assistance. Amazing! Plus the app is free!
There are countless smartphone applications available for your phone that helps make life a tad easier. Check out your smartphone application store for details and continue to drive safely!
Feel free to add your favorite app here:
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip
“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel. Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening. You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard. If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US. World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail. If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping. Great food balances out the equation.
The California Coast
Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling. You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline.
New York City
This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been). Public transportation to any location is convenient. The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream. Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!
Disney World, Florida
Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise. It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse! What more could you ask for?
Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty. Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot. The scene is truly breathtaking. This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card. Say cheese!
Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip. Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot? Feel free to comment below:
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US. World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail. If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping. Great food balances out the equation.
The California Coast
Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling. You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline.
New York City
This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been). Public transportation to any location is convenient. The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream. Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!
Disney World, Florida
Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise. It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse! What more could you ask for?
Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty. Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot. The scene is truly breathtaking. This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card. Say cheese!
Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip. Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot? Feel free to comment below:
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
How to Avoid a Traffic Jam
Traffic is a hassle. It’s time consuming, exhausting, and just plain aggravating. If you commute to work in a large city you’ve most likely experienced it. It takes away from work productivity, time with your loved ones, and causes distress. There’s hope. By making some changes to your daily routine you can avoid traffic (for he most part, sometimes it’s inevitable) and smile on your way to work.
Please follow our ‘How to Avoid a Traffic Jam’ rules:
1.) Alternate route- check online maps and research the area, because street flow can be faster than the highway during rush hour.
2.) Access roads- during peak hours can save time and energy.
3.) Change your work schedule- most people work 8 to 5. Try coming in earlier and leaving later. A thirty-minute change can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a bumper-to-bumper halt.
4.) Do the speed limit- if everyone drove accordingly; traffic jams would be an imaginary thing of the past.
5.) Listen- try listening to the radio or watching the news before you leave for work. This helps you build an alternate route before your legs touch the brake pedal.
Do you have any to add to the list? Feel free to comment!
Please follow our ‘How to Avoid a Traffic Jam’ rules:
1.) Alternate route- check online maps and research the area, because street flow can be faster than the highway during rush hour.
2.) Access roads- during peak hours can save time and energy.
3.) Change your work schedule- most people work 8 to 5. Try coming in earlier and leaving later. A thirty-minute change can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a bumper-to-bumper halt.
4.) Do the speed limit- if everyone drove accordingly; traffic jams would be an imaginary thing of the past.
5.) Listen- try listening to the radio or watching the news before you leave for work. This helps you build an alternate route before your legs touch the brake pedal.
Do you have any to add to the list? Feel free to comment!
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
What Does Your Car Say About You?
So, its 6:15 at night and you’re sitting in traffic at a standstill. Brake lights brighten up the night sky in an array of crimson during gridlock congestion. The radio is on, but it’s an infomercial that you’ve begun to ignore, so your mind wanders. You peer to the right and then to the left. The man on the right drives a gunmetal painted Hummer, while the person on the left navigates a fluorescent yellow Toyota hybrid. Immediately, you start to make assumptions. The Hummer is a beast, made for adrenaline junkies and off-road advocates, while the Prius is for the health conscious, environmentally friendly neighbor. Many of us associate certain cars with certain people.
A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing. Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed. So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle?
According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city. A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.
Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher. These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.
Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons. Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car. Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.
The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs. Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities.
Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem. Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status.
Car colors also say a lot about their owner. Check out these examples below:
Black: Aggressive personality, rebellious, prestige
Silver: Cool, calm, collected
Green: environmentally friendly and gracious
Yellow: Idealistic
Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious
Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz
White: Status seekers, gregarious
Cream: Contained and controlled
So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!
A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing. Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed. So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle?
According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city. A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.
Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher. These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.
Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons. Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car. Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.
The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs. Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities.
Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem. Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status.
Car colors also say a lot about their owner. Check out these examples below:
Black: Aggressive personality, rebellious, prestige
Silver: Cool, calm, collected
Green: environmentally friendly and gracious
Yellow: Idealistic
Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious
Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz
White: Status seekers, gregarious
Cream: Contained and controlled
So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Entertainment vs. Safety features
Nowadays vehicles have so many feature options, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose which one you want to opt for. Interestingly, and perhaps not practically, the trend these days seems to be to choose entertainment technology as over safety features.
Although GPS and fancy stereos are great features, it might be in your best interest to invest in safety features first. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents happen due to human error. Having technology on your side is an added bonus to protect you and your loved ones.
For more information on car features, check out http://autos.aol.com/article/entertainment-trumps-safety-features
Although GPS and fancy stereos are great features, it might be in your best interest to invest in safety features first. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents happen due to human error. Having technology on your side is an added bonus to protect you and your loved ones.
For more information on car features, check out http://autos.aol.com/article/entertainment-trumps-safety-features
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Hang up the phone and drive!
In today's world it is expected to be able to be reached 24/7. Texting, calling, and e-mailing friends, relatives, and coworkers helps us to feel connected and in the loop. With the beep of the phone everyone is tempted - even at the wheel - to answer. Studies show, however, that that is a bad move to make safety wise.
Not only is your brain power lowered because you are so distracted, you are four times more likely to get into an accident while on the phone. So why take the risk? Missing one phone call is not worth the risk of damaging your car or worse.
Teenagers need to be particularly wary because they are four times more likely than an adult to have an accident while using a mobile device.
Be safe out there everyone!
Statistical information provided by:
http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/teen/detail/64
Not only is your brain power lowered because you are so distracted, you are four times more likely to get into an accident while on the phone. So why take the risk? Missing one phone call is not worth the risk of damaging your car or worse.
Teenagers need to be particularly wary because they are four times more likely than an adult to have an accident while using a mobile device.
Be safe out there everyone!
Statistical information provided by:
http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/teen/detail/64
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