We enjoy electric toasters, electric music players, and occasionally the electric slide (for the musically inclined, of course). Now, electric cars have peaked our interest with promises of aiding the environment and saving on gas money. Many have thought about the purchase, but how do they work? In today’s blog, we touch on the subject of so much popularity.
First, they create less pollution than gas-powered cars, and are environmentally friendly. Vehicle power is derived from an electric motor. These motors use electricity in place of gasoline to power the vehicle. Electricity is fed to the motor, creating a magnetic field. That magnetic field causes a tightly wound coil to rotate while spinning the axle of the vehicle, turning the tires for motion.
Electric cars are literally ‘plugged in’ to juice up the engine. Electric cars with a battery use an electrical outlet to charge before they are operated. Another way is the hydrogen fuel cell. Fuel cells work when pure hydrogen combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells is water. Yet another way is a solar power. Solar panels on a car collect energy from the sun and store it into the car's battery for later use.
Electric cars are great for the environment. They produce less noise pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Innovation and technology will continue to change and adapt to the times making electric cars a great alternative.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
3 Car Innovations that Changed the Way You Drive
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:
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, 1 June 2011
Nice Paint Job! Quick Tips to Preserving Your Car’s Shine
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The age-old quote does have some clout in the modern day world we live in. A clean paintjob can make your car shine and reflect (pun intended) your character. Wax, basically used on wood to create a water resistant barrier, and polish, used on modern vehicle paint, can make your car dull. It creates a cover over your paint job that makes it age faster. The main cog in keeping your paint job new is to avoid friction, meaning abrasive polish, waxing or buffering. Below is a quick step process for keeping that shine.
1.Pure liquid and non-abrasive application will preserve your paint, so choose a product that does not include wax, abrasives or polish.
2.Make sure it is a spray or mist.
3.Wash your car with clear water and grease cutting liquid soap.
4.Starting at the top, hose the car down, then grab a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush and do the same.
5.Hose the car while you scrub with the brush.
6.Take a soft towel and dry the vehicle without letting the soap dry.
7.Starting with a clean dry towel on clean dry paint, apply the spray conditioner sparingly to the top of the vehicle and spread it out.
8.Acrylic conditioners are absorbed into the paint and have a application spread rate of 10 to 1 in area sprayed to area covered.
9.Do not over saturate your paint.
10.After completing the top follow the same conditioning pattern as when washing, finishing at the bottom.
11.The total application time for a spray mist conditioner is under 10 minutes per vehicle.
12.Conditioners do not harden and will continue to add conditioning strength to the paint days after the application.
13.The effects will last for months, vehicle easily clean up with just water. No soap is needed when using a true acrylic paint conditioner.
14.The Shine will lasts for months, no wax is needed.
15.Reapply once a month and your factory shine will last longer than with any wax or polish being sold today.
(Courtesy of wikiHow)
1.Pure liquid and non-abrasive application will preserve your paint, so choose a product that does not include wax, abrasives or polish.
2.Make sure it is a spray or mist.
3.Wash your car with clear water and grease cutting liquid soap.
4.Starting at the top, hose the car down, then grab a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush and do the same.
5.Hose the car while you scrub with the brush.
6.Take a soft towel and dry the vehicle without letting the soap dry.
7.Starting with a clean dry towel on clean dry paint, apply the spray conditioner sparingly to the top of the vehicle and spread it out.
8.Acrylic conditioners are absorbed into the paint and have a application spread rate of 10 to 1 in area sprayed to area covered.
9.Do not over saturate your paint.
10.After completing the top follow the same conditioning pattern as when washing, finishing at the bottom.
11.The total application time for a spray mist conditioner is under 10 minutes per vehicle.
12.Conditioners do not harden and will continue to add conditioning strength to the paint days after the application.
13.The effects will last for months, vehicle easily clean up with just water. No soap is needed when using a true acrylic paint conditioner.
14.The Shine will lasts for months, no wax is needed.
15.Reapply once a month and your factory shine will last longer than with any wax or polish being sold today.
(Courtesy of wikiHow)
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
You’ve said it a thousand times before: “I want to see what the United States has to offer, I mean, it Is our backyard!” Road trips are an adventure through culture and should be taken several times during a lifetime. Take a journey once in a while. Below we’ve included some US hot spots that are known for shock, awe, and a little rest and relaxation that’s much deserved. Feel free to tell us your story or recommendations:
Colorado
Two words: Calendar photo. Because that’s what pictures look like from the beautiful state of Colorado. Lush vegetation, countless hiking trails, fishing, rock-climbing, and museums, all for your enjoyment and that’s just during the summer! In winter, you can experience any sport under the sun including snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing, all the while enjoying what the Centennial State has to offer.
Chicago, Illinois
The ‘windy’ city has the largest US building, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sear’s tower), an observatory, a walk along path on the coast of Lake Michigan, zoos, and some very cultural clubs based on the home of the Blues.
New Orleans, Louisiana
After Hurricane Katrina, all seemed lost for the Mardi Gras foundation New Orleans created. One of the oldest cities in the US, a place is only as strong as its people and New Orleans inhabitants never give up. As the birthplace of jazz New Orleans has the Mardi Gras festival, the beautifully designed French Quarter, and delicious Cajun food for inquiring connoisseurs.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva Las Vegas! Elvis said it best in this culturally rich city. Even if you don’t gamble, Vegas is a smorgasbord of excitement. Extravagant shows, hotels like the Bellagio with gorgeous designs, nearby hiking grounds, and cool museums like the Neon make Vegas a unique place to visit. Not to mention a great club scene for party patrons.
Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is a historical centerpiece. The monuments, like the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, and Georgetown will make this trip unforgettable. Washington is a quintessential stop for American citizens to soak in some historical knowledge and aesthetic pleasure
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:
Colorado
Two words: Calendar photo. Because that’s what pictures look like from the beautiful state of Colorado. Lush vegetation, countless hiking trails, fishing, rock-climbing, and museums, all for your enjoyment and that’s just during the summer! In winter, you can experience any sport under the sun including snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing, all the while enjoying what the Centennial State has to offer.
Chicago, Illinois
The ‘windy’ city has the largest US building, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sear’s tower), an observatory, a walk along path on the coast of Lake Michigan, zoos, and some very cultural clubs based on the home of the Blues.
New Orleans, Louisiana
After Hurricane Katrina, all seemed lost for the Mardi Gras foundation New Orleans created. One of the oldest cities in the US, a place is only as strong as its people and New Orleans inhabitants never give up. As the birthplace of jazz New Orleans has the Mardi Gras festival, the beautifully designed French Quarter, and delicious Cajun food for inquiring connoisseurs.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva Las Vegas! Elvis said it best in this culturally rich city. Even if you don’t gamble, Vegas is a smorgasbord of excitement. Extravagant shows, hotels like the Bellagio with gorgeous designs, nearby hiking grounds, and cool museums like the Neon make Vegas a unique place to visit. Not to mention a great club scene for party patrons.
Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is a historical centerpiece. The monuments, like the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, and Georgetown will make this trip unforgettable. Washington is a quintessential stop for American citizens to soak in some historical knowledge and aesthetic pleasure
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, 18 May 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!
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
What Type of Gas Should I Get at the Pump?
Gas plays an extremely crucial part in our lives. As daily commuters, it’s a means to an end, our destination. As gas prices rise in the summer months, many are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles, transportation alternatives, and cutting their driving down considerably. One age old question that many consumers have at the pump, when they do visit, is what IS really the difference between gas types? It’s always the same scenario: you’re at the pump and you see the ambiguous numbers 87, 89, and 92 plastered on the front of the gas pump terminal. You read the benefits of the higher priced gas and think: “Is this really making a difference?” In today’s blog, we discuss the differences and how it affects your specific vehicle. Check it out!
When buying gas for your vehicle, you should consider a couple things. When you arrive at the gas station you fill up on unleaded gas, with three options: octane, special additives, and ethanol content.
Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92. Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane. The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites. If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark. Thus, damaging your engine. If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.
Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean. For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean. All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration.
The final option is ethanol content. The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine. Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost.
Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car? These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!
When buying gas for your vehicle, you should consider a couple things. When you arrive at the gas station you fill up on unleaded gas, with three options: octane, special additives, and ethanol content.
Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92. Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane. The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites. If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark. Thus, damaging your engine. If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.
Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean. For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean. All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration.
The final option is ethanol content. The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine. Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost.
Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car? These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Do You Have Android, Apple, or Blackberry?
Are you a businessperson, bent on maximizing your potential? A tech guru who enjoys open source operating systems, or a combination of both? Your phone has to encompass all three to cater to everyday needs of an individual on the go. ? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the best smartphone based on your needs. The 3 big conglomerates: iPhone, Android based phones, and Blackberry by RIM lead the pack with their innovations. Lets dive in!
iPhone: the iPhone has a HUGE, dedicated fan base of followers. Debuting in 2007, the iPhone took the cake in innovation. Creating a user-friendly operating system that was simple to use, and quick implementation was ideal. Apple has introduced many innovative features in its smartphones and has redefined the mobile-device landscape, forcing the competition to evolve and play catch-up in many cases.With the new operating system iOS 4 the phones move quickly (except for older models losing some of that speed in the process). Pros: Operating System, App Store, Web Browsing, Hardware, and Flexibility. Cons: Battery Life, iTunes, Durability, Consumer-centric.
Blackberry: RIM’s (Research in Motion) first smartphone hit the streets in 2002 with a heavy focus on e-mail and corporate messaging. Blackberry’s niche in business makes it a strong contender in the smartphone market. Creating an operating system and hardware also contributes to RIM’s success. Blackberry has the best contact management, calendaring, and e-mail client of all the devices. It is built for the business user and has extras for the consumer. A strong emphasis in battery life provides THE most optimal power consumption for the business user. Pros: Battery Life, Operating System, Durability, Productivity, and Hardware. Cons: Apps, Web Browsing, Business-centric, and Server software.
Android: Android’s operating system is like no other. It is owned and operated by Google, flourishing on a plethora of devices. What started on specific phones has become strictly an operating system for countless phone manufacturers. Android prides itself on being open source, boasting an application store containing thousands of free and paid apps. Android outsells both Blackberry’s and iPhone becoming the number one selling OS. Pros: Google Apps, Android Market, Choice of Hardware, Open Source, ActiveSync. Cons: Battery life, applications, fragmentation.
So…what do you use? Feel free to comment!!
iPhone: the iPhone has a HUGE, dedicated fan base of followers. Debuting in 2007, the iPhone took the cake in innovation. Creating a user-friendly operating system that was simple to use, and quick implementation was ideal. Apple has introduced many innovative features in its smartphones and has redefined the mobile-device landscape, forcing the competition to evolve and play catch-up in many cases.With the new operating system iOS 4 the phones move quickly (except for older models losing some of that speed in the process). Pros: Operating System, App Store, Web Browsing, Hardware, and Flexibility. Cons: Battery Life, iTunes, Durability, Consumer-centric.
Blackberry: RIM’s (Research in Motion) first smartphone hit the streets in 2002 with a heavy focus on e-mail and corporate messaging. Blackberry’s niche in business makes it a strong contender in the smartphone market. Creating an operating system and hardware also contributes to RIM’s success. Blackberry has the best contact management, calendaring, and e-mail client of all the devices. It is built for the business user and has extras for the consumer. A strong emphasis in battery life provides THE most optimal power consumption for the business user. Pros: Battery Life, Operating System, Durability, Productivity, and Hardware. Cons: Apps, Web Browsing, Business-centric, and Server software.
Android: Android’s operating system is like no other. It is owned and operated by Google, flourishing on a plethora of devices. What started on specific phones has become strictly an operating system for countless phone manufacturers. Android prides itself on being open source, boasting an application store containing thousands of free and paid apps. Android outsells both Blackberry’s and iPhone becoming the number one selling OS. Pros: Google Apps, Android Market, Choice of Hardware, Open Source, ActiveSync. Cons: Battery life, applications, fragmentation.
So…what do you use? Feel free to comment!!
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