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Great List of People to Follow on Twitter!

2011-04-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

Need some guidance with your Twitter account? There’s hope! In today’s Blog, we list some of the most influential Twitter members with a huge list of potential people to follow. Twitter is a micro-blogging site that caters to over an estimated 190 million users, generating 65 million tweets a day and handling over 800,000 search queries per day. It’s right on the heels of Facebook regarding social media monopolization, and truthfully, it’s a lot easier. Here’s a great list of people to follow, enjoy!

Al Gore
@algore
Followers: 2.2 million
Vice President of the United States turned book author, movie maker, and cable channel entrepreneur, Al Gore tweets exactly what you'd expect from a man trying to save the world—lots of links about saving the world—although his feed isn't updated frequently.
Alison Agosti
@Just_Alison
Followers: 213,747
The comedy stylings of the Alison Agosti are of the NSFW one-liner variety. This relative unknown—outside of Twitter—earns her following by actually bringing the funny in a way few can in 140 characters.
Alyssa Milano
@Alyssa_Milano
Followers: 1.35 million
From child sitcom star to adult actress, sex symbol, and activist, Alyssa tweets (a lot) about her life in show business, her baseball obsession, dog rescue, becoming a mom, etc. She even tweets lots of great geekie links.
Barack Obama
@BarackObama
Followers: 6.8 million
Love him or hate him, President Obama's the first U.S. President to completely embrace the digital world,and his tweets, with a mix of info about his various addresses with occasional personal entries, give you a glimpse into the White House. He also has the honor of following more people on Twitter than anyone else at 702,000+; he truly has the ear of the people.
Beth Blecherman
@techmama
Followers: 13,199
The chief technologist of sites like Cool Mom Tech, Beth is a "power mom" who blogs about the intersection of family and the digital world. Her feed is a cornucopia of retweets from her own sites and elsewhere that no parent should miss.
Bill Gates
@billgates
Followers: 2.2 million
We all know him as the one-time richest man alive who drove Microsoft to prominence. Now he's focused on his and his wife Melinda's foundation to help people around the world. His current passion: eradicating polio.
Bill Maher
@billmaher
Followers: 2.2 million
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher's been doing his thing on late-night TV for almost 20 years now. He brings that same no-bulls#!@ approach to Twitter, calling it like he sees it and not caring at all if you agree.
Brian Heater
@bheater
Followers: 1,800
Call it self-serving, but if there's any one member of PCMag's staff that should be followed by the entire planet Earth, it's Brian Heater. Comic dork, music snob, California hipster, guy who will be played by Michael Cera in the movie of his life... call him what you will, but know this: If you read Brian's daily observations, you will laugh.
Cali Lewis
@CaliLewis
Followers: 118,361
The host of Revision3's GeekBeat.TV, Lewis is also a tech correspondent on TV news channels and tweets about (you guessed it) the latest in computing and tech. Of course, the majority of tweets are links back to her online show, but they tend to be worth a view.
Charles Trippy
@CharlesTrippy
Followers: 112,874
Webby nominee Charles Trippy travels the world and makes videos about those trips for his YouTube channel, Internet Killed Television. This might not seem like a big deal, but with 419,000+ plus YouTube subscribers, Charles obviously knows what he's doing with a travelogue. He brings the same energy and fun to Twitter with commentary on and links to his travels.
Chris Hardwick
@Nerdist
Followers: 1.4 million
You may remember Chris Hardwick from hosting Singled Out (the show that made Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra famous). But the comedian has gone on to do much more, including his musical act Hard 'n Phirm (with Mike Phirman). He also hosts G4's Web Soup. He's first and foremost a nerd (thus the username) and proves it with a geek-tastic Twitter feed.
Chris Luzader
@techzader
Followers: 31,157
Self-described internet addict and "social media-crippling Twitterwhore" Chris Luzader blogs at TechWorthy, but gets his kicks by tweeting just about every worthwhile tech news link he can find. If you want the latest news in the world of online and computing, you'll get it from Techzader almost instantly.
Conan O'Brien
@ConanOBrien
Followers: 2.5 million
It doesn't really matter where Coco goes to host a TV show (he's now on TBS, not NBC, in case you've been living in a cave), because he's one of the funniest guys around. And unlike so many tweeters, he's not using Twitter to promote, just to entertain.
John Cleese
@JohnCleese
Followers: 924,106
Certainly the tallest member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Mr. Cleese is also still alive. Although he doesn't tweet very much, when he does, they're quite funny sometimes and always very English. He's John Bloody Cleese, so you'll subscribe because of that alone!
John Green
@realjohngreen
Followers: 1.12 million
Green writes award-winning young adult novels and makes a lot of YouTube videos with his brother, EcoGeek's @HankGreen. Together they've built a following so large it has a name: Nerd Fighters. He tweets to them.
John Gruber
@gruber
Followers: 115,056
The proprietor of Daring Fireball, John Gruber blogs full time about Apple, Macs, and anything starting with a lower-case "i." His tweets aren't always Mac-centric (nor even tech-centric), covering his other passions.
John Hodgman
@hodgman
Followers: 507,141
You might know him as the PC in some old Macintosh commercials. Or as a Daily Show resident expert. Or book author. No matter what you know him as, follow John Hodgman and you'll be thoroughly entertained.
John McCain
@SenJohnMcCain
Followers: 1.7 million
War hero, former POW, Arizona senator, and presidential candidate from 2000 and 2008, John McCain uses the Twitter soapbox to reflect on world events, point to what he's working on, and let you know where he is, be it Lithuania, Egypt, Libya, or right at home on the Senate floor.
Kanye West
@kanyewest
Followers: 2.6 million
Kanye, the original crazy celeb of Twitter (crowned long before Charlie Sheen went online), joined Twitter and his feed quickly became the standard of wackiness in 140 characters. He says the kind of things only a rich musician with no filter can get away with, yet has moments of personal insight that might give you pause. Until his next awesome tweet.
Kara Swisher
@karaswisher
Followers: 725,722
Kara Swisher is part of the team at the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital site and conference, where she, along with Walt Mossberg and others, discuss exactly that. She points out the best stories to follow from her Twitter feed.
Karl Rove
@KarlRove
Followers: 228,516
Rove is the former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bush (some would also call him "the brains") and now a political analyst for various outlets. Not surprisingly, he tweets about the world of politics, pointing to his own commentaries and research.
Katie Couric
@katiecouric
Followers: 155,054
More than just the once perky host of Today, Katie Couric is now the anchor for the CBS Evening News and a single mom. While the majority of her Twitter feed is news related, you get occasional insights into her personal life as well.
Keith Olbermann
@KeithOlbermann
Followers: 247,311
The recently fired Olbermann, former big-headed face of MSNBC, will soon be premiering on CurrentTV. Until then, you can find the liberal commenter baiting and insulting the Republicans on Twitter, frequently prompting us to, literally, LOL.
Kelly Oxford
@kellyoxford
Followers: 98,768
We all know that the hilarious Twitter feed "S@%! My Dad Says" became a mediocre CBS sitcom for Capt. Kirk. Well, it's not alone. CBS and producer Jessica Alba are working on a pilot based on Kelly Oxford's witty blogging and tweeting, but this time, Oxford actually wrote the pilot herself, so maybe it'll still be funny when it's on the air. If not, just follow her Twitter feed for the funny.
Kevin Rose
@kevinrose
Followers: 1.2 million
Former TV geek, founder of Digg, video blogger at Diggnation, and now money man to future tech stars, Kevin Rose tweets like he talks, like the fun drinking buddy you know who also can help you with your computer.
Kevin Smith
@ThatKevinSmith
Followers: 1.75 million
Film director Kevin Smith is the very definition of NSFW. His tweets are virtually constant on days when he's not working (which seems to be most of the time), almost always profane, frequently interesting (especially to movie buffs and Smith fans), and usually funny. He's also the master of writing multiple tweets in a row on the same subject, as if 140 characters are never enough for his thoughts.
Lady Gaga
@ladygaga
Followers: 8.6 million
The undisputed heavyweight of Twitter, Lady Gaga sometimes uses the service to promote her political beliefs, have public fights with other celebs, and even fake her own digital death for charity. She's a woman who refuses to be ignored, and that's obviously working for her, even here.
Lance Armstrong
@lancearmstrong
Followers: 2.8 million
While finally retired from cycling (and doping scandals, we hope), Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong remains strong in his fight against cancer, improving the lives of cancer victims via his LiveStrong charity. Follow him to get a glimpse into the life of one very active retiree.
Larry Hryb
@majornelson
Followers: 210,919
Anyone with an Xbox 360 should know Larry Hyrb. Known by his gamertag Major Nelson, Hyrb is the director of programming for the Xbox Live network and on-screen personality in many behind-the-scenes videos found on it, as well as the Major Nelson Radio podcast. Naturally, you can expect lots of gaming talk from his tweets.
Larry King
@kingsthings
Followers: 1.8 million
Gone from our living rooms, but not from our hearts, Larry King is still live on Twitter with semi-regular posts as he takes up travel in his late-in-life retirement.
Michael Ausiello
@MichaelAusiello
Followers: 1.1 million
Formerly the master of entertainment-related scoops and spoilers at TVGuide.com and EW.com, Michael Ausiello is now the founder of the new TVLine.com site, where he continues to write about TV. His tweets point to the latest TV news, plus he continues his on-going lovefest with actress Lauren Graham of "Gilmore Girls."
Michael Ian Black
@michaelianblack
Followers: 1.6 million
Twitter doesn't come much more NSFW than Black's feed. The star of the Stella comedy group has a unique, profane, and an usually bizarre take on the every day, which he shares like a Tourette's patient with some comedy chops.
Piers Morgan
@piersmorgan
Followers: 416,724
This former newspaperman is a UK transplant, a one-time winner of The Apprentice, and the man who recently took over for Larry King on CNN. Much of the Britishness of Piers Morgan's tweets may be lost on Americans (there are posts about something he calls "cricket," which we understand to be the lovechild of golf and baseball), but he retains fans on both sides of the pond. He's definitely enjoying his new gig, and you'll see the infectious glee of it in his tweets.
Rachel Maddow
@maddow
Followers: 1.8 million
The first openly gay anchor of a prime-time news program, The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, Maddow is an outspoken and well-spoken "national security liberal," as she puts it. Naturally, her feed is a take on the day's headlines, both at MSNBC and beyond.
Rachel Sterne
@rachelsterne
Followers: 14,638
The young Chief Digital Officer for the city of New York started as the CEO of a digital media consulting biz and a citizen journalism site. Now her job is to make sure the city's digital media communication is up to snuff. Being on Twitter is a must for that, so New Yorkers who care about tech should be tuning into her feed.
Stan Lee
@TheRealStanLee
Followers: 126,660
The architect of modern mythology through comics, Stan "The Man" created Spider-Man, Ironman, Hulk, X-Men, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and so much more. There wouldn't be any superhero movies coming out today if not for his work 50 years ago. He continues creating and now tweets about that new work—which is no doubt hard to fit in between his cameos in Marvel movies.
Stephen Colbert
@StephenAtHome
Followers: 2.1 million
Truthiness in 140 characters or less. That sums up the tweets of Stephen Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, Comedy Central's answer to taking on all that pernicious liberal media bias.
Stephen Fry
@stephenfry
Followers: 2.3 million
Stephen Fry is a tweeter of such stature that hearts were broken when the British actor/writer/Renaissance man "left" the service temporarily to avoid a kerfuffle. He uses Twitter to great effect to promote charities and music and authors he likes, as well as his own endeavors, always with the class you'd expect from a guy who once played Jeeves the butler.
Steve Case
@stevecase
Followers: 388,682
Steve Case is the co-founder of AOL and was behind its merger with Time-Warner (even if that didn't work out in the end, he did okay). Now he runs a foundation and an investment holding firm, and he still has plenty to say and does so in 140 characters or less.
Steve Martin
@SteveMartinToGo
Followers: 718,731
From wild-and-crazy guy to respected writer, actor, and banjo player, Steve Martin never stopped being funny (we won't count the Pink Panther remake against him... everyone's got to eat). He's got the perfect humor for the Twitter-verse.
Weird Al Yankovic
@alyankovic
Followers: 1.9 million
He dropped the "weird" title form his username, but this is still the same Weird Al who's been making us laugh for over two decades. He's still making records, still touring, and now cracking us up on Twitter as well.
(List Courtesy of PC Magazine)

Quick Tips: 3 Ideas For Keeping Your Car Running Great

2011-04-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

Life is a blur, sometimes. Work can become stressful as the day begins and ends with an aching neck and sore feet. The last thing on your mind is maintaining your car’s performance. You’re more in the realm of kicking your feet up, getting a bite to eat, and catching the last part of 2 in a Half Men. Car maintenance is very important, so how do you know if you’re overdoing it or ‘under’ doing it? In today’s blog, we discuss 3 ways to keep your vehicle running great.

First, how often are you supposed to receive maintenance? All of your answers lie in a small space known as the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule-in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book-that includes details that vehicle’s need to sustain long and healthy lives. Taking a few minutes to assimilate the requirements will help you avoid the following car-maintenance pitfalls.

Tire Inflation & Rotation

Tires should be checked regularly, because over time, they leak naturally. Problems can arise from under inflated tires, which suckS up more gas, as well as over inflated tires, that wear them out sooner. Plus, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner’s manual will have a recommendation for pressure and rotation.

Wiper Tales

Fall is the best time for wiper replacement. After a certain period of time your wipers will be useless, leaving you prone to accidents. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climates.

Tune-Ups

Tune-Ups are almost non-existent. Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no more carburetors. All you really have left is the spark plugs. These are usually good for 100,000 miles! Save 60,000 and 120,000-mile services for timing belt, and coolant.

Got your own tip you want to ad? Feel free!

But Why Mommy? How to Avoid Car Mishaps with Children

2011-04-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Why, a child’s favorite word in the history of mankind. Mommy, why is the sky blue? Mommy, why do I have to go? Why am I sick? Daddy, why do I have to wear a seatbelt? The questions come without remorse, and you answer them with quick precision, but the last question poses concern. Car safety is super important for adults, it’s CRUCIAL in children. In today’s blog we discuss the best safety precautions to take. Please provide your own and we’ll include them!

1.) Most accidents happen near home: Most accidents occur on residential, rural roads that are local, during a routine trip to the grocery store or day-care center. No matter what, always buckle your child into their seat, even if the drive is two minutes away. "Always buckle your child up, no matter how near or far you're going," says Marilena Amoni, associate administrator for research and program development at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "And never forget to use your own seat belt. Kids watch everything that you do, so it's important that you set the right example."

2.) Kids are at more risk than babies and toddlers: If your child is between 4 and 8 years old, they are more likely to be hurt in an accident than their smaller counterparts. Most parents strap their infants into rear facing car seats, but only 20% of kids between 4 and 8 ride in booster seats as safety experts recommend. Some children even sit in the front seat before 13 years old. Children are the safest in the backseat, putting them far away from the impact of a frontal crash.
3.) Kids don’t need to be inside a car to be hurt by one: nearly 400 children are killed each year when they’re hit by an automobile. ALWAYS keep an eye on your little ones, no matter how many times you’ve warned them to stay out of the streets. A survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide found that a majority of drivers speed in school zones, and that nearly a third violate stop signs in neighborhoods where there are kids.

Do you have any tips of your own? Feel free to comment below:

The Age Old Question: Manual or Automatic

2011-04-06T06:50:00.001-07:00

Hm…that’s what comes to mind when you’re posed with this question. Manual…you begin to ponder, imagining yourself as a speed demon. You’re Evil Knievel reincarnate as your car reaches gut-wrenching speeds, your hand fixated on your gearshift as you weave through traffic. Picturing Automatic is another animal. You can enjoy the relaxation of not shifting gears, leaving more focus to the road and your surroundings. The car ride is less work on your skills and more about maintaining a smooth ride. So, when posed with the question of Manual Vs. Auto, which is better? In today’s blog we discuss the differences and let YOU decide…

Manual

If you’re in search of power, Manual transmission is definitely the way to go. For example, an automatic equipped Dodge Neon has a reported 0-60 MPH time of approximately 10.5 seconds. The same Neon when equipped with a 5-speed manual has a reported 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds; a huge difference. The acceleration offered from a vehicle with a manual transmission is usually higher, because of the precise shifting the car encompasses.

Manual transmissions also excel at fuel economy. Most new Automatic cars have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car with a manual transmission. So, you’re not saving TOO much with a manual, but it is a small difference.

When it comes to maintenance, most manuals require less service than their automatic counterparts. The clutch disc in manual transmissions does need to be replaced on occasion. There are many factors that determine how long a clutch will last such as driving style, the material the clutch disc is made of, and the amount of city vs. highway driving. Clutch replacement is often a labor intensive task and can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop.

Automatic

Automatic cars are easy. There’s no clutch or shifter to control. That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple. There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road. If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic. An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task. Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal. So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required. If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic.

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics. The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value. The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual. Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts. What will you choose??? What do you prefer? Feel free to comment below:

How Hybrid Cars Work

2011-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gas is up. So, I understand when consumers say that we need an alternative. Electric cars are all the rage, with vehicles in high demand. The only question is, how do they work? We embrace the idea, and today we’ll provide some insight on how hybrid engines work.

Hybrids use traditional gas engines and an alternative power plant. There are two types: electric hybrids and hydrogen hybrids. Electric hybrids use an electric motor as their alternative energy source. Hydrogen hybrids extract the element from water and add the hydrogen to the fuel-air mixture of the vehicle. So how do hybrids help the environment? It’s important to know that oil is a limited resource; also carbon dioxide is produced when it’s burned. In addition, the oil that is extracted from the Earth damages the environment from drilling. Although hybrids still use gas, they achieve higher gas mileage than a regular vehicle because of the secondary power source. The average estimate is a five-mpg improvement in fuel economy.

One way the improved fuel economy numbers are achieved is through stop/start technology that is fitted to the vehicle. A stop/start system allows the engine to be shut off when it is not needed, such as when the vehicle is stopped at a red light or the vehicle is coasting. The technology allows for the engine to be restarted quickly so that the driver does not experience any hesitation.

Hybrids 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 hybrids a great alternative.

Music: the Best Part of a Drive Home

2011-03-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

Music is bliss. It’s that overwhelming feeling of reassurance when you’re feeling down. It’s that overbearing tune stuck in the back of your mind, resulting in uncontrollable whistling. Music is what keeps us sane in a world of car horns, missed appointments, and bad breakups. It’s the key to our souls. Now, imagine you’re sitting in your car at a stop light, wait, listen for it…nothing. No music to take you away from your daily troubles, sometimes it’s understandable not listening to music. You might have had a long day and want to enjoy some quiet, but most of the time our music soothes us. In our blog today, we discuss the best options for music in your car.

iPod/Mp3 Player – If you have your favorite tunes locked in on your iPod/smartphone/Mp3 Player-a-majig and your car has an Auxiliary connection, (most cars after 2006 have them) then you’re in luck. You can purchase an auxiliary cable online (eBay has them as low as 1$) plug it into the car and the other end into the headphone jack of your device. Push play on your device and viola, HD music directly from your favorite jukebox.

Satellite Radio – satellite radio is commercial and static free, music is beamed directly from satellites in space. Two big companies, XM and Sirius, have paid subscriptions with countless radio stations to choose from. Music from all genres, sports, traffic, talk shows (Howard Stern) and weather are all included. Purchasing the tuner for your car starts around $75 bucks, with a monthly subscription of around $15. One drawback is that reception can be deterred in cities with skyscrapers, but purchasing an external antenna will fix the problem.

Car Audio w/Cassette Adapter – if you own an older car, don’t panic! You can still play your mp3’s on the road. By purchasing a cassette adapter, you can play your tunes via a headphone jack. First, plug your cassette adapter into your player’s headphone jack. Then, insert the dummy tape into your car’s cassette player. With $20 dollars you can use your modern mp3 player to play your tunes, rock on!!

Top Vehicle Innovations of the Century

2011-03-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Flying cars have always been something we would like to see in our lifetime, but…for now, we’ll have to settle for some really cool, helpful, innovations. Cars have gone a long way since the Ford Model-T and in today’s blog we discuss some of the most influential technologies to date.
1) Fold-flat rear seats – Honda’s foldaway seats in the late 1990’s took the concept of space saving to another level. Seats that tuck out of the way are much easier to deal with than those that have to be removed.

2) Electronic Stability Systems – introduced by luxury manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz in 1995, this computerized system applies the car’s brakes or cuts the throttle to keep the car going where you want it. This maintains car stability, working within the car’s limitations.

3) DVD Players – In 2002 Honda and Saturn introduced the DVD player, children in the backseat of minivans rejoiced. Innovation? Very much so. DVD players were shrunk and fitted into vehicles, providing a smooth comfortable ride, minus the bickering siblings in the background.

Do you have any innovations you would like to add to the list? There are countless other options available, add yours now!

Doggie Safety Tips (Car Edition)

2011-03-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Best Car Ads of 2010

2011-03-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

A TV advertising analytics provider, Ace Metrix, just announced its top TV ads of 2010. In one category, automotive, the list was dominated by luxury brands. The scoring is completed by a national sample of 500 consumers. They take into account viewer engagement, persuasion, and consideration for purchase. The scores increased 17% for 2010 vs. 2009. The creative quality has really been stellar, as car companies become more and more creative with their ads. As the economy improves and economic situations prosper, we’ll continue to see an increase. Here are the top ten videos:

1. Nissan: Wouldn't It?
2. Infiniti: Infiniti M Blind Spot
3. Mercedes-Benz: Triumphant
4. Acura: Man Keeps From Hitting Santa & Sleigh
5. Acura: The Ace Body Structure
6. Nissan: Nissan we make them better Category: Automotive
7. Mercedes-Benz: What Is Performance
8. Mercedes-Benz: Trust Car In World You Can't Predict
9. Lexus: Most Advanced Driving Simulator
10. Lexus: Lexus Responded To Challenge
You can see all the videos right here: http://www.acemetrix.com/events/event/auto-2010

HELP!! Get the Most Out of Your Gas Tank

2011-03-02T08:12:00.001-08:00

So, you’re driving steadily and carefully around town on a quarter tank of gas. Your palms are sweaty (because A/C is known to drain gas) and your eyes are glued to the road. Your pupils dilate as you scan the area, studying the prices of gas stations to find a reasonable destination. A maraud of signs flood the road way with numbers that cause you to twitch in fear. Of course, you’re driving the speed limit, or even a couple MPH below it, just so you can milk every last drop of the oil slowly evaporating in your gas tank. As the price of gas slowly rises, we provide several options to help you get your money’s worth, at least most of the time, 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.
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!

How a Smartphone Helped Avoid a Speeding Ticket

2011-02-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Imagine driving steadily on the open road, the highway providing a non-stop avenue to your destination. The weather is brisk, your favorite song is on the radio and your smartphone is in the passenger seat. Then, a flashing light impedes your rear-view vision. Your heart races, your palms are clenched on the steering wheel and your knuckles are white with fear.

A young man was pulled over for ‘speeding’ while a smartphone app ran simultaneously on his phone. The app: My Tracks, measures your location and speed, so he was able to offer his traffic judge documented proof that he was driving within the speed limit. He also asked the officer when he last calibrated his radar gun, when he was unable to answer, the judge ruled inconclusive evidence of speeding. The young man walked away scott-free! His smartphone app sealed the deal while his additional experience allowed him to walk away unscathed.

The My Tracks App is only for android phones, but there are also GPS tracking apps for apple (GPS speed, Speed tracker). It might not work every time, but if you’re going on a long drive that’s heavily policed, try utilizing one of these great tools.

Finding the Perfect App

2011-02-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Applications or ‘Apps’ for short, are more than brightly illuminated buttons on the homepage of your touch-screen smartphones. They consume our attention with accessibility and ease of use. A smartphone application can be for pure entertainment, utility, reading and education, or millions of other practical uses. There’s even an app that records your alcohol intake! They have infinite uses and can also save us time in certain aspects. When it comes to driving, all focus should be on the road ahead. There are some great apps that could prove useful without sacrificing your concentration.

Pandora is a free app that allows users to create their own radio stations. The music is clear and the artist info is showed on your smartphone screen. So, if you were to choose Michael Jackson, Pandora would create a station dedicated to his music. It would then play MJ’s music as well as artists similar to him. The freedom is endless because you could like or dislike a song, Pandora will then tailor the station to your liking. The idea is a stroke of genius!

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!

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.

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:

Some of the Most Famous Cars in Modern Film & TV

2011-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

We’ve all experienced the magic. The popcorn is buttered to perfection and the lights are dimly lit. The slow stir of anxiousness floods your body. Watching a movie for the first time is an experience in itself. The character interaction with trying situations creates a bond between you and the protagonist, but it doesn’t end there. Movies have created certain characters that, even after the film is over, you still have a connection or admiration for. In some cases, a protagonist’s car can be given this title. A vehicle used by main characters in the plot have a mind and personality of their own, or are reflective of their character, creating a cool ensemble of on screen characters to watch. Here’s a look at some famous cars in cinema:

Ford 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
This car, American muscle defined, starred in the film Gone in 60 seconds with Nicholas Cage in 2000. The Mustang named ‘Eleanor’ in the film had 360-hp and in one scene launches 30 feet in the air over 15 feet of cars to land intact on the other side. WOW

1981 DeLorean DMC12
Maybe one of the most classic movie cars of all time, the DeLorean starred in Back To The Future with Michael J. Fox. It was able to break the law of quantum physics with a modified flux capacitor to travel through time at 88 mph. The ill-fated Irish sports car had a good run.

1963 Volkswagen Beetle
The distinguishable red and blue racing stripe, the number 53 on it’s hood and the human-like emotions of a Classic Volkswagen, all incorporated Herbie’s demeanor. The car star of several films of the same name, it was even able to drive himself from time to time!

1969 Dodge Charger
The General Lee was an icon. The Dukes of Hazard car had a confederate flag painted on its roof, doors that were welded shut, and a trunk full of sandbags and concrete to let it fly over those hills. The Duke boys had it good…

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
This car was a super smart, crime-fighting machine built to protect its driver, (a young David Hasseloff) in the TV series Knight Rider. The car, known as ‘KITT’ was backed by an ‘Alpha Circuit’, which only the producers of the show know where it came from or how it made KITT speak.

1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters was a national hit when it was released in 1984 and with the “Ecto-1”, a white end loading ambulance corroded with dust and ghost catching technology, the Ghostbusters were able to speed through New York to solve problems with the macabre.

There are countless movies with unforgettable cars. What are some of your favorites?

Traffic, Can it be a Part of the Past?

2011-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

The average commuter lost 34 hours or a full workweek because of traffic in 2009, according to the latest Urban Mobility Report. In larger cities, traffic increases from office parks being built on rural land and the lag of mass transit continues to add fuel to the fire. Many individuals can make it to work in a relatively good time when traffic is smooth, but when congestion occurs, it can double or even triple a commute. This creates a dead stop between you and your destination. There are some solutions to ease traffic

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!

Color Me Glad

2011-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

The color of your car can reflect your personal demeanor. When you’re angry, what color comes to mind first? Red perhaps, a sign of passion and love that makes you feel the physical presence of warmth? What about a passive or easygoing attitude? Blue, possibly? There’s no doubt that colors have a large effect on our buying power when choosing a vehicle. Colors don’t necessarily mimic character traits of the driver, because expense and size may also be an important factor. However, it could give a general idea of that individual’s persona. Check out some comparisons below:

Black: usually more aggressive drivers, with power and authority. They are in control and self assured individuals who are confident in their lifestyle.

Silver: calm, cool, and prestigious these are individuals who are in control of their lives.

Green: reflects the beauty of nature, so drivers tend to be more concerned about the environment and eco-friendly.

White: the symbol of innocence and purity. These are usually safe, social, drivers who are less involved with traffic accidents. They tend to pay attention to detail and careful in their endeavors.

Red: High energy, risk taking drivers who are passionate people. These cars are high ticketed and stolen most often. Red usually corresponds to a higher price bracket.

Blue: Calm and serene, blue drivers are loyal people who drive cautiously. They have a strong maternal instinct and like to blend in.

Yellow: joyful, fun at heart, and confident individuals.

Orange: hard to find, this color car makes you eccentric. You crave attention and generally have an upbeat attitude.

Gray: you’re stable and self-reliant.

Gold: like to be noticed, also exhibit wealth and pride. You enjoy being seen and usually are financially independent.

Brown: you’re rare, reliable, approachable, and friendly.

Pink: you love to smile and are usually in good health.

So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

Go green! Get a hybrid!

2011-01-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

The world has its eye on going green these days. There has never been a better time to give into peer pressure! Join the revolution and check out a hybrid vehicle.

Not only is the air cleaner, less gasoline is used which preserves that much more of Earth's natural resources.

Hybrid vehicles also preserve your own resources; the money in your wallet. As gas prices continue to skyrocket, hybrids are the natural economic alternative.

Ask about a hybrid today!

Automotive lift safety

2010-12-29T13:10:00.001-08:00

For those do-it-yourself advocates out there, good for you! Trying to work on your car takes bravery. An awesome device that makes tinkering on your own vehicle a much simpler task is the automotive lift. Although it may not seeming daunting, the automotive lift comes with a certain amount of safety hazards that you need to be aware of.

First of all, make sure you read the directions and know how to actually properly work the device. This is heavy machinery that means business! Knowing how to properly work the equipment will reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Never work the lift with people inside of the vehicle, or if the weight of the vehicle is larger than the maximum amount of weight the lift can handle.

Be vigilant and inspect the lift before you use it make sure that nothing is broken or loose.

Good luck!!

For more information check out:
http://www.autosupportforum.com/general/automotive-lift-basic-safety-rules/

Traveling this holiday season? Make sure your car is winterized!

2010-12-22T13:17:00.001-08:00

With the holidays comes a lot more traffic than normal, which brings more hazards on the road. In order to avoid trouble as much as possible, simply take a few precautionary actions.

Make sure that your car is clean inside and out. This is important for many reasons. First of all, cleaning the inside of your car clears any debris that could be shifted during travel and prevent things from rolling under the gas or brake pedals. Cleaning off the windows enables better vision for the drivers as well. Cleaning the outside of your car can get off any extra salt or debris that isn't any good for your car.

Check the tire pressure on your vehicle before you go anywhere. This can prevent many problems you may face on the road. Make sure that your car is in general good maintenance and able to be driven distances.

Have safe travels!

http://www.theskichannel.com/news/skinews/20101222/5-quick-fixes-to-winterize-your-car

Keep a well oiled machine

2010-12-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

We all know that we should get our oil changed every couple of months, and a lot of us still need the reminder of the little flashing oil can light. But why do we need to change our oil? Will it REALLY not run properly if we don't? The answer is yes you need to change your oil, and yes it will REALLY REALLY not run properly if you don't maintain your car.

Think about it this way, how would you feel if you didn't have any liquids for an extended period of time. You would feel pretty terrible and parched and get yourself a bottle of water. Well your car can't exactly drive itself over to a Jiffy Lube or pop open the top of a jug of oil and drink up (well yet anyways!), so you need to stay vigilant and take care of your vehicle when it shows he warning signs of being parched.

Your vehicle is a complicated machine fun of cylinders and pistons and things that need to move around freely, but need the lubrication of oil. If there is no oil then too much friction occurs and we all know that fast moving metal on metal never ends well. In order to make sure your engine is happy and healthy, just make sure you keep some oil in it.

For more information on what happens if you don't change your oil, check out:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080204193107AApEcRz

Prevent automobile theft!

2010-12-08T12:36:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately things aren't like the good ol' days where we could leave our car running out in the parking lot. We need to be careful. Thievery is a problem, but you can take many measures to prevent loss of property.

First of all, lock your car doors. Always. Whether it's in drive, parked at the grocery store, or parked out front of your house, lock the doors. You never know when a criminal may strike so you might was well be prepared.

Don't leave personal belongings such as Ipods, cell phones, purses, or garage door openers in your vehicle in the first place. If it is necessary to leave such an item in your vehicle, hide it or lock it in your glove compartment. No need to dangle a prize in front of a potential thief!

Make sure you know where your car keys are at all times. You don't want to set them down and have someone easily steal your car.

If your car gets broken into or stolen, file a police report right away. Make sure the law knows what's going on so they can possibly prevent further issues.

Be safe out there everyone!!

Hang up the phone and drive!

2010-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

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

How to change your own tire

2010-11-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing puts the damper on a road trip like a flat tire. Many of you out there have AAA or some form of roadside assistance, but what happens if your stuck on the side of the road with no cell reception? Unfortunately these scenarios don't just happen in horror flicks. But never fear, we're here to teach you a few easy steps to change your own tire.

First, pull safely off the side of the road, giving your call every sign of distress. Put your car in park, preferably with the emergency brake on and put on your hazard lights. Make it obvious you are there to give yourself the most amount of safety precautions. Next, get out all the tools and spare tire from car. If you do not have emergency tools or a spare tire, invest in that ASAP!!! The most basic tools you need are lug nut wrench and a jack. Remove the hub cap and loosen lug nuts without actually removing them. Jack up your car far enough off the ground so that the fully inflated tire can replace the old flat one.

Now comes the actual change. Remove the lug nuts and flat tire and place the spare tire in alignment with the holes with the air valve facing you. Secure the flat tire with the lug nuts and replace the hub cap. Lower the vehicle with the jack.

Now that wasn't so bad was it??

For more information go to:
http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/learning/how-to-change-a-tire.aspx

Dangerous Debris: Avoid it!

2010-11-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

There are many dangers on the roadways, one of which is debris that does not belong on the road. Whether it fell out of a cargo truck, is left over from a previous accident, or a stray piece of garbage that somehow made it into the road, debris poses many problems for you.

Eighty to ninety fatalities per year can be attributed to crashes caused by debris in the road; unacceptable for a preventable action. You can make the first step in preventing these crashes by securing your own personal belongings to your car, and ensuring that your vehicles doors are all properly shut.

Be a vigilant driver in order to avoided hitting debris. If you see a debris along the roadway or highway, report it to make sure action is being taken to rectify the situation. When avoiding debris in the way make sure to check before moving into another lane instead of having a sort of "knee jerk" reaction. Swinging into the next lane can cause a fatal crash.

Be safe out there!

For more information on debris safety, check out:
http://www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=4&ContentID=313

How Technology is Helping to Defeat Drivers Falling Asleep at the Wheel

2010-11-10T12:58:00.001-08:00

Many Americans have admitted to driving drowsy, and even falling asleep at the wheel. This raises alarms for many reasons, the first being safety on the road.

The easiest way to prevent this road hazard is to not drive while tired in the first place, but unfortunately, as life happens, sometimes sleepiness grabs hold of us while at the wheel.

New vehicle technologies are hoping to add that extra step in preventing fatal car accidents by adding alarms if the vehicle starts to drift off the road as would happen if the driver drifts off to sleep. Some vehicles will even restrain seat belts tighter at these warning signs in hopes to jerk the driver awake.

As you make your next car purchase, keep these technologies in mind as they can help ensure a bright future.

For more information check out: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/blog/cars-money/car-safety-new-systems-could-save-drowsy-motorists/1878/

Collision Warning Technology: Too Robotic?

2010-11-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

New burgeoning automotive technology involving radar-based safety has many wonderful benefits, but has us asking: will it lead to other dangers?

Distracted driving is a huge problem these days, and these car safety-moniters can help, but may also go a little bit too far. With the extra assurance some people may throw all caution to the wind and rely too much on their vehicle instead of actually paying attention themselves. No matter how great technology is there is always a potential for error or technological failure, so the humans behind the wheel still need to be vigilant.

Now 5 percent of vehicles in North America including these radar-based safety features and the market of sales for these vehicles is expected to grow exponentially. Automakers are still fine-tuning this technology and hopefully will be able to find a happy medium between extremely safe and not having a completely robotic car.

For more info check out: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101101/OEM06/311019987/1182

Back Seat Safety

2010-10-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

A new study shows that back seat passengers have a higher risk of injury compared to front seat passengers in the occurrence of an automobile accident. These findings are surprising as previous tests had found that back seat passengers were at less risk than front seat passengers.

The cause for this unbalance seems to stem from the fact that during last quarter century a lot of emphasis has been placed on developing safety features for front seat passengers, making the gap between the safety of those in the front and the back far more pronounced. Improvements on airbags, seat belts, and driver ergonomics has helped to improve front seat passenger ratings.

This means that more attention needs to be paid on the safety of the back seats of the cars to protect both children and adults.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/back-seat-car-safety-3511848.html#ixzz13abQ2MIC

Learn the Unwritten Rules of the Road

2010-10-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Go to http://www.icbc.com/drivesmart and check out the "unwritten rules of the road." This rule book may be lighthearted and whimsical, but there is a lot of truth to every word of it.

From tips to how to curb road rage to preventing break-ins, this guide gives us a fairytale-esque view of driving.

One of the most important lessons is to "treat your vehicle like you treat your friends." Routine check-ups help to prevent you from getting into a sticky situation on the road. No one likes a flat tire! In the long run you save money from unnecessary fix-ups and gas usage. As the book states, a vehicle that is not well maintained consumes up to 15% more gas which isn't any good for the environment or your wallet.

The main moral of the story: be aware of what driving entails, and don't hit the road unless you are willing to be a safe, conscientious, and courteous driver.

Get the Correct Tire Fitting for Safety Purposes

2010-10-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Avoid tire failure or poor handling performance by selecting the proper tires for your vehicle. Check your owner's manual or consult a tire technician specialist for size, weight limits and inflation rate before buying new tires.

Considerations

Choosing the right tires for your vehicle contributes to your safety while driving. Always select tires able to carry the full weight of your car or truck. Even the best tire is not safe if overloaded and unable to respond quickly in an emergency, according to TireTrack.com. Tires too large or too small for the vehicle can affect safety and performance.

Tire Size

The tire wall has letters and numbers that signify their intended use and their size. Those designed for passenger vehicles, meaning cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans and light duty pickup trucks, are marked with a "P". The numbers indicate the diameter. When fitting a new tire to a rim, be sure the wheel diameter number and tire number match.

Correct Inflation

Of equal importance is correct inflation. Check your tires to ensure the number identified by the psi--pounds per square inch--number on the tire wall matches the number on the gauge you use. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires are not safe. Too much pressure in a tire may cause it to explode. Never inflate to pressure greater than 45 psi, as cautioned by CDX Online eTextbook.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Toughens Safety Ratings for Vehicles

2010-10-06T13:43:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Department of Transportation Tuesday unveiled a more rigorous safety-ratings system for vehicles, one that will use “female” crash dummies in tests, as well as evaluate side-pole crashing and crash-prevention technologies like electronic stability control (ESC).

The updated system will make it much harder for automakers to achieve the “Five-Star” ratings that they have in the past, but this system does seem like it will be more meaningful and accurate for consumers, especially women.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland unveiled the “enhanced Five-Star Safety Ratings System” for new vehicles and released the safety ratings for the first model year 2011 vehicles tested under the program.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/PR/NHTSA-13-10

Safety officials stressed that for the first time, the ratings system will use female crash test dummies to simulate crash scenarios involving women, not just men. The new system will also simulate hitting a pole on the driver’s side.

“More stars equal safer cars,” LaHood said in a press release. “With our upgraded Five-Star Safety Ratings System, we’re raising the bar on safety. Through new tests, better crash data, and higher standards, we are making the safety ratings tougher and more meaningful for consumers.”

Vehicle safety ratings range from one to five stars, with one star being the lowest and five stars the highest.

“Because so many vehicles had reached the highest rating under the old rating criteria, and because the new standards are much more rigorous, not all previously rated five-star vehicles will remain at five stars,” the transportation department bluntly said in its press release.

The new Five-Star Safety Ratings System evaluates the safety of passenger cars, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks in three broad areas — frontal crash, side crash and rollover resistance.

For model year 2011, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans and nine pickups under the new ratings system.

“We want consumers to embrace these new safety technologies as a way to make vehicles safer,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said in the press release. “We believe electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning offer significant safety benefits and consumers should consider them when buying a new car.”

One biggest changes to the ratings program is the addition of an Overall Vehicle Score for each vehicle tested.

“The Overall Vehicle Score combines the results of a frontal crash test, side crash tests and rollover resistance tests and compares those results to the average risk of injury and potential for vehicle rollover of other vehicles,” the transportation department press release said.

NHTSA recommends consumers consider vehicles with crash avoidance technologies that meet the five-Star Safety Ratings minimum performance tests, not only ESC but also forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW).

All of the 2011 model year vehicles currently rated have ESC as standard, except for the Nissan Versa, in which it is optional.

Technological Advances for Gas Pedals Increase Automobile Safety

2010-09-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

When it comes to driving, it’s only a matter of a split second between successful application of brakes, and a disaster due to a delay. The importance of a car’s braking system can’t be overestimated. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.

The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that many car accidents still occur well over a 100 years past the automobile’s invention. The US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.

If the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents perhaps could have been averted. This technology might not just be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make collision warning happen. The pedal, whenever it senses danger, is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.

Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would probably be desirable.

Buying a Car? Know the Safety Features First!

2010-09-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

It’s important for consumers shopping for a new or used car to know what car safety features to look for in order to ensure that the vehicle is safe. There are quite a few online car safety guides for car owners and buyers to go to learn more about the safety features of a particular vehicle. Guides offer an overview of the features that effect the safety of a vehicle the most. Kelly Blue Book, located online at www.kbb.com, provides unbiased and accurate information to consumers including pricing for new, used, and trade-in vehicles. This guide to car safety outlines what consumers should consider before making a vehicle purchase. The ability to adjust and be comfortable are important features, along with handling and stability, the restraint system, front/side air bags, audible warning devices, anti-lock brakes, front and side impact protection, and traction control. Other factors to look out for are whether it’s four wheel drive, front wheel drive, or rear wheel drive.

According to CNN Money at www.money.cnn.com, cruise control is more important to some consumers than side air bags (a safety feature people need but don’t want to pay for). Many buyers overlook car safety features, and auto companies tout their crash test ratings and advanced safety features because they believe that safety sells. According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, anti-lock brakes came in fourth in desirability after air conditioning, a radio and a CD player. More focus should be emphasized on finding out which cars have which safety features, instead of color and cruise control when shopping for a new or used vehicle. With rising gas prices, consumers also may want to keep in mind economy and gas usage in addition to the car’s safety features.

It’s a good idea to test drive a vehicle at night to check visibility of headlights, make sure the seat belts fit comfortably well, and that head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs don’t interfere with the driver’s ability to see.

Other important car safety features that buyer should pay particular attention to are front/side air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, all-wheel drive, and electronic stability control (designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers). New car safety features are ever increasing, and many are included as standard equipment or available for purchase as an option. To learn more about available car safety features, visit www.auto.msn.com, www.carsdirect.com, www.kbb.com, or www.travelers.com for reliable consumer car buying information.

Roadside Safety Tips If Your Car Breaks Down

2010-09-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

One of the most dangerous parts of having car trouble on the road is that when it happens, your attention immediately shifts from driving or traffic, to the problem, and that can lead to accidents. Thus, it’s good to keep some safety tips in mind if your car breaks down.

The first thing is to notice that something has gone wrong; your engine might be overheating, you’ve run out of oil, or maybe you have a flat tire. Whatever it is, accept the fact that something bad is happening so that you can get your car out of traffic as quickly and safely as you possibly can. Then, don’t panic, do your best to move in a safe manner to the lane that is closest to the shoulder, then ease onto the shoulder. If you can’t get the vehicle out of traffic, wait until no cars are coming and then try to get away from the car, because if it gets hit, you don’t want to be in it. Also, be aware of the other passengers in your car, do whatever you can to help them get out of the car and away from traffic as well.

If you are able to pull your car off the road, do so as far as is humanly possible from the road; many cars and people are struck alongside roadways because other drivers fail to see them in time. Next, get yourself and your passengers out of the car. Get the passengers to all exit the vehicle on the side that is the farthest from traffic, so that won’t be getting out next to speeding vehicles. Then, get all your passengers to get even farther off the road if possible. Being anywhere near a broken down vehicle on a roadway is a very dangerous place to be.

Then, call for help; whether it’s AAA, a local garage or whatever. Call the police if you have too. Call someone to come tow your vehicle to wherever it will be repaired. If it’s a flat, only change it next to the roadway if there is a lot of room between the car and the road. And if its possible, you might want to try turning the car around so that the flat tire is facing away from traffic so you won’t be working so close to the road.

If you have flares, use them. Better is if you have some red flags on a pole that you can put near your vehicle so that cars coming can see your car sooner. Also, put on your blinkers. In short, do whatever you can to alert other drivers to the fact that your car is broken down on the side of the road.

And then, just wait for someone to come help you.

Back To School Safety Tips

2010-09-08T11:17:00.001-07:00

As parents or caregivers, it is important that you take time to sit down with your children and make sure they know how to stay safe.

Summer is nearly over and everyone has headed back to school. Just like teachers, books, and homework go hand in hand with the school year, so should safety. The following tips were provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

Tips for those riding the bus:

While waiting for the bus, take five giant steps back from the curb until the bus has stopped completely.

- Inside the bus, stay seated at all times.

- Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never throw anything out of the bus window.

- Always hold on to the bus handrails when you are getting on or off the bus so you don’t fall.

- Be careful that clothing, book bags, and key rings don’t get caught in the handrails or doors

- When getting off the bus, go to the closest sidewalk or side of the road and take five giant steps away from the bus.

- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. If you bend over to pick it up, the bus driver may not be able to see you.

Walking to school safely:

- Children under age 10 should never cross a street without a grown-up.

- Choose a safe route to school. Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings.

- When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road.

- Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing.

- Keep looking left and right until you are safely across the street – and remember to walk, not run.

- Follow all traffic signals and markings.

- Don’t enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubs. Drivers might not be able to see you.

If you will be riding a bicycle to school:

- If you are old enough to ride alone, plan a safe route to school and have a grown-up ride with you the first few times.

- Children under 10 shouldn’t ride on the road without a grown-up.

- Be sure that your helmet fits. It should sit even on top of the head – not rocking in any direction and always fasten the safety strap.

- Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.

- Walk, do not ride your bike across the street.

- Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.

- Do not ride at night.

And last, but not least, if you are riding in a car to school the safest place to be if you are 12 years old or younger is in the back seat buckled up safely. Remember, you should be in a booster seat until you are eight years old and weigh 80 pounds.

Automobile crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children 14 and under with almost 2,000 deaths in 2005. Inappropriately restrained children are nearly three and a half times more likely to be seriously injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. In 2007, more than 178,000 children ages 14 and under were injured occupants in a motor vehicle crash.

Riding in a motor vehicle:

- Children ages 12 and under should ride buckled up in the back seat in a child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt.

- Infants should ride in a rear-facing infant seat until they are at least one-year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.

- Use a convertible or forward-facing safety seat until the child outgrows it – up to about four and when the child weighs 40 pounds.

- All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4-feet 9 inches tall.

Adult safety belts alone do not sufficiently protect children weighing less than 80 pounds from injury in a crash. Children can’t ride comfortably and remain properly restrained until they are tall enough for the knees to bend over the edge of the seat when their backs are resting firmly against the back seat.

If the shoulder portion of the lap-shoulder belt comes across the neck, rather than the chest, they should be in a

How Secure Is Towing A Camper

2010-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than a family vacation, than hitting the road with a caravan in tow. During this option, you can enjoy some of the greatest freedoms can never offer him a price. The towing of a camper requires a special touch and certainly a lot of attention to detail.

Before you head out, there are things about driving a camper you need know. To avoid solving your camper and your vacation dreams go up in smoke, you should follow these steps:Suggestions:

Ensure that the correct vehicle for the job? Towing a trailer behind a two-seater sports giant can not be the best idea. Make sure you know the towing capacity of the car you plan on driving the weight of the camper. Could it be that it is necessary to reduce a vehicle to tow handle, or even rent the plans for the camper. In both cases, it is safe to play and the pull of mathematics.

Make sure you have the hook right? Not all joints are equal. You mustto know what kind of clutch is for your camper and / or a trailer and have installed is recommended. RV Sales Center can usually help on this front.

Keep in mind the weight if the package? It 's too attractive to be a camper at the edge of the pack before going on vacation. Although this may seem like a good idea, can cause problems. Keep weight in mind and try to form the load will certainly not be exceeded. Also make sure to distribute the weight inside the camper with about 60Percent front and 40 percent in the rear. Better yet, pack only the essentials for maintaining the appropriate weight campers.

Safe products carefully? All items are subject packaged in a mobile home before moving trawlers and even decreasing. Attention, are properly fastened to face roughness of the road.

Consider carefully brake systems? Make sure that the brakes of the towing vehicle to the task. It 's a good idea to have visited before going on tour. It can also berecommends that the braking system have even installed a separate trailer. Some states require.

Make sure the lamps? Every state in America requires followers have driven signaling systems. This means, stop lights and direction indicators. If these are not installed, make sure you understand. Test before leaving on a regular basis and if they are on the road.

take extra precautions? During a hitch, Barra do is usually the task, additional safety chainsnot a bad idea. This is simply a second connection between the trailer and towing vehicle.

Get the complete motor vehicle inspected? Beyond the braking system is very wise idea to ensure that the towing vehicle to travel. This means that fluids and filters checked and also check the tire pressure correct and performance.

Drive carefully? Towing a caravan is a lot of work for the car or truck in question. Drive carefully and be sure to leave enough spacebetween you and vehicles ahead of you. Stay within speed limits and never forget that a car or truck is a motor home towing much more than it seems.

family vacations, which include motor homes give you the freedom to go where you really want. Do not take the time to get everything set up with security in mind before you pull. Some precautions can help, a journey that is safe, solid and enjoyable.

Tire Inflation Lamp Confounds U.S. Drivers

2010-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Talk about your idiot lights.

A recent study by TPMS-maker Schrader showed that 33% of drivers have no idea what the low tire pressure warning lamp on their dashboards means.

The TPMS icon, which now shows up on all consumer vehicles sold in the U.S., illuminates when the inflation pressure of one or more of a vehicle’s tires falls to 25% below the vehicle maker’s recommended inflation pressure.
 Schrader's study, however, showed that driver familiarity with the new “idiot light” is wanting. And NHTSA’s designed and mandated icon is not helping.

Schrader’s survey also found that 46% of drivers had no idea that the icon was supposed to represent a tire, and 14% thought it was a warning lamp for another vehicle system.

The study also showed that while 96% of drivers agree that driving on underinflated tires is a safety issue, 44% claim to rarely check their tire pressures.

Have You Checked Your Tires Lately?

2010-08-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Tire maintenance is something that many drivers overlook. Unless air pressure is drastically reducing, you can’t tell that it’s time to change your tires from behind the wheel of your car. But, neglecting to do so can cause damage to the suspension system of your vehicle, and it can increase your gas consumption if the car needs more power to run because of low air pressure or poor traction. There are also safety concerns, of course. Neglecting to change your tires when it’s needed can increase the odds of a collision, especially when the roads are slick with water and ice.

Here are a few things you should know about replacing your tires:

Check tires for wear regularly – the wear on your tires depends on how much you drive on a weekly basis. It’s important to inspect the wear on your tire treads on a regular basis and determine if the tires are wearing down consistently all over. If so,, it could be an indication you need new tires. If only certain spots are wearing out, you may not need new tires, just a wheel alignment, a change in air pressure or a tire rotation. For Dummies has some great diagrams depicting the different types of tire wear. Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but there are easy ways to check your tires yourself as well. (For more detail on tire rotation, check Edmunds.com )
Look for tread wear indicators – did you know that allowing your tires to wear down too much can land you a large ticket? The law in most states requires that you replace your tires when the tread falls below 1/16th of an inch. To gauge this, you don’t necessarily need to get out your tape measure. Most tires have rubber bands that are only visible when it’s time to replace your tires.
Check your mileage – it’s usually necessary to change your tires every 50,000 to 75,000 miles. This can vary depending upon the type of driving you do. When your odometer falls into this range, pay close attention to the tread depth of your tires. If you’re not certain whether or not you need to replace your tires, ask your Carhelp mechanic to take a look at them during your next oil change.
The buzz in the car servicing industry is that drivers who have purchased new vehicles with tires from the dealer are more likely to need a tire change sooner. When you replace your tires, look for manufacturers that guarantee a certain amount of mileage before they should require replacing to save money in the long run!

Driver Education Battles Texting Obsession

2010-08-11T07:28:00.001-07:00

Never before have inattentive drivers had a distraction like this.

Texting while behind the wheel has made our roads less safe, especially when you consider that inexperienced teenage drivers are doing most of the clicking. So, driver safety instructors are stepping up efforts to combat the trend.

"It's a big problem," said Prince Boparai, who operates United Driving School on Calhoun Road in Brookfield. The school draws many of its students from the Elm Grove and Brookfield area.

"It's gotten to the point where we've started an exercise where we have the kids doing simple things, like trying to walk in a straight line, while they're texting. They'll realize it's not so easy. If that's the case, how can you be texting while driving a car?

"We're also going to get a new driving game that simulates what it's like to operate a car while texting. We've got to get the point across," he said.

Message getting stronger
Elm Grove's Gabbi Zierath, a 16-year-old enrolled in the class, said the exercises have been eye-openers.

"They showed us how hard it is to multitask," she said. "Our instructor would send us a text message while we were doing a math problem or riding on a bike, and we'd have to answer. I didn't think it would be that hard; actually, it really was."

Instructors aren't the only ones laying down the law. The state is bringing down the hammer, too, making texting while driving illegal starting Dec. 1.

Wisconsin is the 25th state to pass such legislation, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Penalties for sending text messages while driving will range from $20 to $400 - the same as for inattentive driving.

Beyond a ticket, Boparai hopes these alarming facts about the risks of texting will help get kids' attention:

• Eighty percent of all accidents are the result of being distracted.

• Texting raises the likelihood of getting into an accident by 23 times.

• A car travels 100 feet per second at 60 mph, so if a driver glances away to text for just five seconds while driving at that speed, he or she has just traveled 500 feet with their eyes off the road.

Some will take the risk
Even more convincing, Zierath said, were the graphic photos of texting-related crashes shown to her class.

"They were very scary," she said. "People die because of this."

As a result, Zierath said, texting while driving will be something she'll avoid, but she adds that not all her peers are convinced.

"No, I won't do that," she said, "but I think it's split. Some won't do it, but others will take the risk."

Meanwhile, Boparai is not only fighting the idea of texting on the road, but in his classroom - it happens even when the topic is inattentive driving.

"Yeah, it happens," he said. "The kids just can't seem to do without their text messages.

Kia of Vero Beach - We Need Your Trade - TV :30 (6/2010)

2010-07-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our First Blog

2010-05-08T13:47:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Kia Of Vero Beach Blog! We'll posting all kinds of interesting articles about our dealership and the exciting new Kia product. See you soon!