Who said we can’t live a life of luxury…while driving 51 MPH in your innovative vehicle? Our cars are an extension of ourselves; they provide us comfort, style, and a vehicle to connect us between two points. In today’s blog we discuss the coolest car innovations to date. Don’t see your favorite on our list? Add yours!
1) Heated and cooled seats – Heated seats have been around for a while, however, cooled seats made their debut in the mid 1990’s. Electric coils warm the seat while air circulates to cool it. This is seen in countless luxury vehicles as well as sedans and SUV’s
2) Navigation Systems – Honda claims it was the first to implement Navigation in the 1990 Acura legend. The ‘co-pilot’ of your daily commute, navigation can guide you step-by-step to your destination.
3) Hybrid drivetrains – this innovation began in 2000. They combine gas engines with electric motors for power. On a gallon of gas you can travel longer, which is ideal when gas prices are on the rise.
These innovations have revolutionized cars, and will continue to spawn further technologies. Do you have a favorite? Leave your comment below:
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Doggie Safety Tips (Car Edition)
A wagging tail is a smile in dog form. Man’s best friend has been keeping us company since the beginning of companionship. In the age of the modern consumer it gets more and more difficult to keep your pet safe. In our recent blog post we discuss some great tips for keeping your ‘Lassie’ safe during a car ride. Below, we’ve provided a quick list of options:
1) Restrain your dog – We know dogs want to have their freedom, however it’s so much safer to keep them restrained while in the car. If your pet is unrestrained it can cause distractions and injury. Imagine making a sudden stop. Even at low speeds this can be very dangerous for your pet. For small and medium sized dogs a crate, or a harness works wonders in the back seat. Now, if you’re Great Mastiff is riding with you today (some grow up to 7 ft. in length) we suggest you have a big enough rear area to contain them. The Front seats can be used to block them in.
2) Don’t put your dog on your lap – Having your dog on your lap is like driving while using a Tablet computer. Huge distraction!! Your reaction time is substantially slowed and if the window is open, an extremely curious dog could run out into traffic.
3) Create a ‘pet friendly’ car – some items for a dog car utopia would be: a cushioned pet bed, extendable cargo area, rear ventilation (A/C or fan), rubber floor mats, and a spill-resistant water bowl. There are several vehicles ideal for dog lovers out there. A lot of car manufacturers are chasing dog lovers with new technology and innovations.
4) Don’t let your dog ride with their head out of the window – I know it’s tempting, but they can be easily injured by debris flying in their eyes.
5) Keep proper ID – just in case your dog gets lost while traveling, you want to make sure you have emergency contact info and up to date ID tags.
6) Prepare a doggie bag – make sure it contains clean up supplies, towel, feeding watering bowl, food, and toys to keep them well behaved
A pet is a family member, lets keep ours safe by practicing great car etiquette, while making the trip fun and exciting for our canine companions.
1) Restrain your dog – We know dogs want to have their freedom, however it’s so much safer to keep them restrained while in the car. If your pet is unrestrained it can cause distractions and injury. Imagine making a sudden stop. Even at low speeds this can be very dangerous for your pet. For small and medium sized dogs a crate, or a harness works wonders in the back seat. Now, if you’re Great Mastiff is riding with you today (some grow up to 7 ft. in length) we suggest you have a big enough rear area to contain them. The Front seats can be used to block them in.
2) Don’t put your dog on your lap – Having your dog on your lap is like driving while using a Tablet computer. Huge distraction!! Your reaction time is substantially slowed and if the window is open, an extremely curious dog could run out into traffic.
3) Create a ‘pet friendly’ car – some items for a dog car utopia would be: a cushioned pet bed, extendable cargo area, rear ventilation (A/C or fan), rubber floor mats, and a spill-resistant water bowl. There are several vehicles ideal for dog lovers out there. A lot of car manufacturers are chasing dog lovers with new technology and innovations.
4) Don’t let your dog ride with their head out of the window – I know it’s tempting, but they can be easily injured by debris flying in their eyes.
5) Keep proper ID – just in case your dog gets lost while traveling, you want to make sure you have emergency contact info and up to date ID tags.
6) Prepare a doggie bag – make sure it contains clean up supplies, towel, feeding watering bowl, food, and toys to keep them well behaved
A pet is a family member, lets keep ours safe by practicing great car etiquette, while making the trip fun and exciting for our canine companions.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Don’t Leave Your Wallet at the Gas Pump
The Jetsons have it too good. Floating space age hovercrafts are great for the environment (no emissions), make traveling efficient, and most importantly: they don’t use GAS! However, it’s not 2062, and in 2010, gas prices have taken an unexpected turn toward increased money signs. As the price of gas slowly rises, we provide several options to help you get your money’s worth in this week’s blog.
One obvious way to improve gas mileage is by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. There are countless vehicles to choose from: the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra to name a few. In the era of the smartphone, it’s easy to find an app that utilizes your local GPS to find the best surrounding gas prices. Try using Gasbuddy, a free app that checks local gas prices through a network of community users that keep in touch with real-time updates. Another great alternative is to keep up with vehicle maintenance. Check your tire pressure, receive oil changes regularly, flush your radiator, and keep your oil level reasonably leveled. This decreases wear and tear, and increases gas mileage. Also, Do not IDLE! Idling is a waste (unless you’re at a red light, we do advise you to obey traffic laws…hehe) Park your vehicle and go into a restaurant rather than idling in the drive-thru. It usually saves time, and definitely saves gas. Do you have any tips for us? Feel free to comment! We could all use the help!
One obvious way to improve gas mileage is by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. There are countless vehicles to choose from: the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra to name a few. In the era of the smartphone, it’s easy to find an app that utilizes your local GPS to find the best surrounding gas prices. Try using Gasbuddy, a free app that checks local gas prices through a network of community users that keep in touch with real-time updates. Another great alternative is to keep up with vehicle maintenance. Check your tire pressure, receive oil changes regularly, flush your radiator, and keep your oil level reasonably leveled. This decreases wear and tear, and increases gas mileage. Also, Do not IDLE! Idling is a waste (unless you’re at a red light, we do advise you to obey traffic laws…hehe) Park your vehicle and go into a restaurant rather than idling in the drive-thru. It usually saves time, and definitely saves gas. Do you have any tips for us? Feel free to comment! We could all use the help!
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Interesting Car Facts
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!
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, 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!
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