Sunday, June 30, 2013
New Car Review 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. |
I have only one complaint about the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.
The one they sent me was painted the same shade as Walter Whites Pontiac Aztek.
I really figured that color was something the studio made up to telegraph just how dull and drab ol Walts life was before he, you know, started cooking meth and killing people.
But, no. Subaru will sell you an XV Crosstrek in pretty much that same color. They call it "Desert Khaki". There are 7 other colors and youre free to make your own choice. I wouldnt pick "Desert Khaki", but if I were in the market, a Subaru XV Crosstrek would definitely be on my list.
As weve noted before, Subaru excels at the basics. Solid, reliable vehicles endowed with full-time four-wheel drive for not much money.
The XV we tested was the Premium model, which in this case, is the base model (the Limited is the step up). It starts at $21,995 with a 5-speed manual. Switch to a Continuously Variable Transmission like our tester and it jumps by a grand to $22.995.
For that, you get a nifty little crossover that has a raised suspension, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels, larger fuel tank and brakes (compared to the Impreza wagon on which its based), and...with the CVT, one that gets an estimated 25 miles per gallon city, 33 highway (which our week of mixed driving suggests is entirely realistic).
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek interior. |
While were on winter stuff, theres been a remarkable cold snap at TireKicker World Headquarters in Arizona....and the Subarus heater was a godsend. 2 minutes tops and hot air was ours (this is not a given...two Lexuses weve had recently have needed 10 minutes before any discernable heat was generated).
You also get two 12 volt power outlets, an outside temperature gauge with road surface freeze indicator, and an audio system with Bluetooth, iPod control capability, USB and auxilary jacks and six speakers. The only other niggle: Whoever wrote the warning that appears on-screen when Bluetooth and your cell phone fail to connect doesnt speak English as a first language. I meant to write it down or snap a picture of it and neglected to. But youll get the idea, and it will remind you where Subaru comes from.
The only option on the tester was the Moonroof and Navigation package for $2,000...so with$795 for destination and delivery charges, the bottom line wound up $25,790. Thats not a bad price at all. Skip the Moonroof and Nav and youre at $23,790....for a spacious yet small crossover SUV with both bad weather and light off-road capabilities that gets 33 miles per gallon on the highway. In our book, that pegs the value meter.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type |
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type |
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type |
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type |
New Mazda 6 Wagon will feature the new Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine clean. 2013 Mazda 6 sales will begin in Europe in late 2012. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine available in either Standard Power or High Power versions. Both types of machines according to European emission standard Euro 6. In addition, the new Mazda 6 will also be available with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 direct injection petrol engine. with this technology mazda car engine would be more environmentally friendly. and have highly qualified personnel
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon Type |
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
Nissan Qashqai SUV type with sport style. nissan body looks different from this one series before his series why. because these cars use wheels and large ring section hand side of the car, not just the front part of the hood of the car looks dashing with the presence of the headlights on the car.
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
at the stern of the car is equally dashing like other Nissan cars. tedapat one piece windshield cleaners at the rear of the vehicle is functioning so that when we use the car in the rain we need not bother to get off the car and clean the glass manually
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
in part because the dashboard looks more elegant blend of black color and black on the seat. there are two blank spaces left side driver section. This spot reserved for bottles laying.
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
photo sensor panel to facilitate the driver when parking in a parking space is quite narrow. camera resolution is presented quite high. when the weather is cloudy you can still easily see the back of the car without the condition to see or turn round
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
2013 Nissan Qashqai Deluxe SUV |
section vehicle door, pull the door handle to door using chrome color and there is space to put the goods in small quantities
Friday, June 28, 2013
Flushing nozzles with their own hands
The serviceability of any vehicle depends on one of the most important components of fuel injection - fuel injectors. Since the engine fuel system is quite sensitive device, according to this she was the first crashes, when you receive a low-quality fuel, which contains a variety of impurities, whereby the manufacturer increases the octane number. In combustion of impurities on the inner and outer surfaces of nozzles formed tar deposits. Deposits in the form of lacquer peel brown-black, do not dissolve gasoline. If there is a dedicated device for cleaning the injectors, then, in principle, it does not make much effort. But since such an attitude is not at all, it is manual cleaning. Initially to replace oil. To do this you must have the compressor or pump, a special fluid that is used to clean the carburetor, rubber hose, it should approach the nozzle, and to consolidate its use plastic cable ties; pliers and a screw. After preparing the instrument must be removed from the fuel pump fuse, and then start the car, wait until he stall, and then pour fuel. Then carefully unscrew that pipe, which supplied fuel injectors. Once the tube is removed, you need to unscrew the pipe and remove the nozzle. Terminals injectors are disabled. Hole formed on the engine, locked, that would not hit the dust. When the hose is removed, you can completely drain the gasoline. Nozzle pulled out of the bar after the removal of fasteners. Careful examination of the rubber gasket held in order that would detect damage. As the car drives for a long time, it requires cleaning nozzle from the outside. This can be done with a brush. Followed by cleaning the inside. To this end is screwed into the filter nozzles from a prepared screw, clamping pliers, hanging out in different directions, but accurately, and to be removed. That now has the opportunity to begin cleansing itself inside the nozzle. You should begin with the accession of the hose to the nozzle. The next step is fixing it with a plastic strip to prevent a situation where he could fly. After that, using a can of cleaning fluid, sprinkled with output nozzle. To this end, the liquid is poured into the hose. This hose is attached to a compressor or pump. Best this can be done using a tight cap. The compressor can be switched on only very gently, without letting go of the hose. If pressure is good, then the opening in the nozzle, will be published washing fluid. Serve liquid need so much time, until it begins to vypryskivatsya uniformly, even spraying and measured flows. Such signs will indicate that the holes are clean well. Such an operation must be repeated with all the other jets. After finishing all the procedures for cleaning, start-to-assemble. To begin insert filter back into the nozzle, thus anchoring it very inscrutable, that is dense. Further, the nozzle must be cleared to put in place. Before you install everything back, you need to complete the entire mechanism lubricated with a special drug that buy is not difficult. In the next step nozzle crank until it stops in different directions.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
News Toyota Recalls 1 5 Million Cars
Just when the hysteria over unintended acceleration died down for lack of any evidence, Toyota has a real problem on its hands...a huge recall of a million and a half vehicles worldwide for brake fluid and fuel pump issues.
Details from the Associated Press via The Detroit News.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Obama Amendment Encourages Deceptive Practices By Car Dealers
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Adjusting the collapse of the toe with his own hands
Wheel Alignment wheels. What is the convergence of wheels? Words such as convergence and the breakdown is usually all mentioned together, but, in general, they mean different things. These words are used when talking about the operation associated with the adjustment and customization of automotive suspension. Setting the right angle to the axis of the leading wheels of the car is at the heart of the action. When you look at your car in front, you may notice that the front wheel axis deviated a bit out from the vertical for a couple of degrees. In the case where the wheels placed parallel to each other, the helm will be far harder. If the car is installed power steering, this effect is not so significant for you. For each wheel camber should be the same (may be small deviations), otherwise in motion the machine will go away. Convergence is the same, but when viewed from above the car. The front edge of the wheel after the collapse of the similarity should be directed inwards. All of this is the convergence of the wheels, plus some details of the provisions of the wheels and axles the car. Which requires adjusting the alignment? The first - is to improve exchange rate stability, ie, that the car is not thrown to the side (try to let go of the wheel on a straight road, and then you will understand). Second - this in order to make the car easier to manage, increase agility and reduce the chances of skidding. And the third - to more economical use of the rubber. When you keep that setup, which is designated plant manufactures a car, you provide a safe and comfortable driving. Tight control, a weak or inaccurate response to the helm may be due to misalignment. With proper adjustment of similarity between the collapse of good you can save! When misalignment is greatly increased tire wear and fuel, as well as accelerated wear podvesochnyh nodes. When properly installed corners new tires wear out within a month. From the effects of friction, they are erased in one place more rapidly than in others. How often are required to carry out adjustment of similarity of the collapse? For our cars is required to be made every 10-15 thousand miles. Foreign cars can hold up to 30,000. When adjusting the similarity of the collapse of each year you will be able to extend the work of tires and some suspension parts. It will save you money. In some cases, you have to make an unscheduled descent-collapse: If you are driving along a large pit, was hushed up drive wheels. If you have recently had repair the undercarriage. Once clearance has been modified car. If the car begins to lead the side. If the new tires wear out quickly. With poor steering return to its original position when you exit the turn (if you do not twist the steering wheel in position, but simply let them go, the wheel itself should return to its original position). When you move through the curb or on your way met a deep pothole, then you need to check the similarity of collapse, or soon you will find a quick tire wear, which is why you will have to wait for the premature replacement of tires. Many of the causes that are associated with problematic governance, for example, poor steering response and its withdrawal in the other direction can be determined only after checking the similarity of the collapse.
Monday, June 24, 2013
First Look McLaren P1 Supercar
McLaren P1 (Photo courtesy McLaren) |
You now have a whole new reason to become wealthy beyond all reason. Behold the successor to the million-dollar McLaren F1...the McLaren P1. Unveiled today, debuting at the Paris Auto Show next week. Full story from The New York Times Wheels Blog here.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
How to Choose a Good Car Rental
Choosing a rental company can say tricky, because nearly all car rental companies offer the same facilities, discounts and price is relatively the same. But one thing that needs attention is the service. Often many of us are ignoring the problem of service just because the problem of different prices around $ 20-10, which probably will result in a less satisfactory service.
Below we have tips from when I want to rent a vehicle:
Look for car rental companies or travel correct and clear address of his office.
Looking for car rental companies or travel via the Internet and can contact them by telephone first.
The characteristics of the car rental company that is credible is if we order a vehicle shall be served by the employee as soon as possible.
After you order would be required to pay a booking / booking fee to ensure certainty of booking your vehicle, this is to ensure the vehicles are definitive for rent in the day that you specify.
After arriving in the city of destination and your vehicle driven to the airport, prior to submitting a copy of ID card and payment, the entire state of the vehicle thoroughly good condition body and engine and vehicle papers, key equipment, spare tire, etc..
It would be nice if the vehicle is equipped with all risk insurance.
If you submitted a letter agreement, please read carefully before you meyetujuinya.
Car rental companies usually provide a special vehicle registration car rent to tenants and the car can not be taken out of town.
Once the lease document signature you get a copy and keep it well if there are problems on the road such as accidents, strikes etc please contact the car rental company.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Russians are transplanted to the bikes
Tendency to change the four-to two-wheeled transport is observed the last couple of years. And there is nothing surprising in the changing preferences of Russians. The economic crisis and rising petrol prices cause drivers auto irresistible desire to reduce their maintenance costs of transport. A fashion for a healthy lifestyle only offers a solution! Bike it - other than a vehicle that does not require investment funds to replace oil, rubber, etc. Another plus "two-wheeled friend" - he was not afraid of traffic jams! Even the mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, who last March urged Muscovites are not stuck in traffic jams, and change seats on the bikes! Another, an undeniable advantage of a bicycle is a healthy body. Enough, only 45 minutes a day to your figure look toned and slim. Bicycling helps to strengthen leg muscles, burn fat on the thighs, the development of stretch and strengthen the cardiovascular system. All pluses in the face ... just a figure! Limited, in all respects, the Soviet bicycles remained only in memory. Today the choice of cycling for different purposes never ceases to please the customer, as a professional and beginner. Russians simply sweep away from shop fronts various adaptations for cycling. According to some, today in Moscow, the number of holders of two-wheeled transport has reached the number of holders of four-wheeled transport.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Repair Cardan in a car UAZ
To repair the shaft, remove it from the vehicle. Unscrew the clip seal splined connection, straighten her first in places where it was produced kernenie, and move in the direction of the pipe seal. With the help of an indicator, measure the radial clearance slot "cardan" two planes (perpendicular) at 7-8 cm from the end of the fork slots and fix its value. Permissible shaft runout after the edits must be a maximum of 0.6 mm at any place along its entire length. Crossings should be changed if: Bore than 1.6 cm on the cylinders are visible longitudinal indentations; heavily worn neck crosses at the installation site seal. If damage or wear of the working edges, seals, replace the end seals. The same applies to the needle bearings, if deformed or lost one of the needles, or they swing on the cylinders. Replace the developed parts of the compound (spline) "cardan" when the radial clearance in the slots becomes more 0,13-0,15 see Worn plugs should be replaced if the hole for the bearing has a diameter over 3 cm, or between planes ears fork length exceeds 6 If you see damage or wear rubber or felt ring, replace them. Change the shaft in case of breakage or wear of its individual parts. Without balancing driveshaft may be replaced with a cross in the set, only if there is no vibration. Propeller shaft assembly. At the end of the slotted "cardan" install everything in reverse order of removal. Before you collect the splined connection, felt ring lubrication necessarily saturate and do not forget to lubricate the splines. Collect splined connection needed so that the forks "cardan" were in a common plane with the deviation within 5 degrees. To do this, combine the labels (arrows) established before disassembly. Further, failure to screw the clip into two locations (opposite) and zakernite so that the perimeter of the cage a few curved to the side grooves moving fork. Fork pivot and cross check so that the nipples of slots and crossing, located near the bridge, located in one plane, and press nipple cross the other end of the shaft - a quarter turn against the clock. arrows, if observed by the axle gear. Securing the crossbar with a fork in a vise, zapressuyte glasses in the eye of bearings (needle). In this case, make sure that workers are not wrapped edge seals gaskets bearings. In the cup grooves check snap rings. Cardan joint the other end of the shaft is going the same way. Before assembly, lubricate the hinges with grease. Just fill each bearing grease on half of its volume. Gathering "cardan", check whether it is easy to move the fork pivot. There should be no jamming, forks should move freely by hand. Angular displacement for each joint should not exceed the value of 0,3 mm (recommended value of 0.023 cm) of torque at 10-12 kg / m at a radius of 35 millimeters. If you decide to open a beauty salon, you probably need quality equipment. Inexpensive Car equipment you can buy the company "Ode to service." Experienced professionals can help you choose the right equipment.
New Car Review 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. |
As impressed as we were with the 2011 Kia Optima just a month ago, nothing could have prepared us for the Kia Optima Hybrid.
Heres the recipe: Take everything that makes the Optima a winner, and add a hybrid powerplant. But make it a hybrid powerplant that delivers the mileage. 24 mpg city/34 highway in the gasoline Optima becomes 35 city/40 highway in the Optima Hybrid...good enough to vault into 7th place on TireKickers Top 10 Fuel Savers, ahead of smaller, lesser-performing cars like the Honda CR-Z and Lexus HS 250h.
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid rear view. |
Best part of it all? The price spread between gasoline and hybrid is small as such things go...$4,005. Now, admittedly, thats the difference between $22,495 and $26,500. But if your priorities include using less gasoline and putting fewer pollutants into the air, there are higher prices to pay.
Much like the gasoline version from a month ago, this Optima Hybrid was loaded. You might remember the $22,495 wound up being $27,440. Well, in this case, a single option, the $5,000 Premium Technology Package (Nav system with backup camera, Sirius Traffic, an Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, upgraded 17-inch tires with alloy wheels, auto-leveling HID headlamps, leather seat trim, drivers seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel and power front passengers seat) ran the price with $750 freight and handling to $32,250.
Yeah, thats a pricey Kia. But again, its less than five grand above the loaded gasoline version.
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid gauge cluster. |
So...the big question: Hows the mileage? Well, we did 225 miles of purely city street driving over the course of a week, and got 31.0 miles per gallon. Yes, the EPA estimate is 35 city, but the small print under that number says "expected range for most drivers 29 to 41 mpg". So were in the ballpark. As always, your mileage may vary. Id bet on having hit 35 had we done our usual amount of freeway driving...and on a roadtrip, 40s probably realistic.
Bottom line: Kias on a roll, and the Optima is a contender not just among family sedans, but among alternative-energy vehicles as well.
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
Base price: $26,500
As tested: $32,250
Likes: Styling, smooth power, impressive mileage for its size.
Dislikes: Overly sensitive tire pressure monitoring system.
EPA estimates: 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
When Fans Go Berserk
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Rastonirovanie car windows with his hands
Given the tightening of requirements for toning cars, as well as increased interest in his services, road patrol, many motorists are removed dubbing the film from the glass. There are two ways rastonirovaniya car windows - in person or at a service station. Of course, inside the wizard, do rastonirovanie car windows very quickly, freeing you from all trouble, but their services will cost you just do not come cheap, yet this work is well under the force of every motorist. Some motorists believe that the exercise rastonirovanie car windows with his hands quite that easy, you just have to catch a film with a knife, and it has no problems "spoiled" by the glass. However, dubbing the film attaches to the glass with very strong adhesive, which greatly complicates the process rastonirovaniya glasses. But if you are enthusiastic and willing to perform the procedure on rastonirovaniyu car windows with his hands, then this article is for you. For that, you should stock up on: - a ruler or credit card payment (must be something fairly thin plastic products). - A clean cloth towel or newspaper. - Detergent or rubbing alcohol and warm water. All this is necessary in order to wash off the glue. Give clear guidance on the application of certain means are very difficult, because in each case may be nuances. If the tint did not very long ago, no more than three years ago, the removal of the film is simple enough warm water, and if earlier - in this case have to try and try different cleaners. That's all you need for this simple process. Nothing extraordinary, all you need is in each sector. If dubbing the film stuck very long time, then rastonirovaniya glasses require building a hairdryer, a typical home is not suitable, since its power is quite small. Before you remove the dubbing a film, be sure to thoroughly warm up the glass. To heat the film is recommended to use a hairdryer construction, have a greater capacity and ability to quickly heat the film. When heated to monitor air temperature, so that it did not reach 40 degrees, otherwise you risk melt dubbing the film, which greatly complicate its removal. Carefully heat a small portion of the film, but do not remove immediately. Aim the dryer only to the film, otherwise under the influence of hot air to glass or plastic and rubber parts will crack. If you properly remove the film, the glue will remain on dubbing the film, the glass also will be clean. To remove adhesive residue, use detergents for cleaning glasses. Many motorists use rubbing alcohol or clean with warm soapy water. Full clean glasses on the adhesive easier to navigate after the removal of glass from the car, also working with the filmed glass, you eliminate the likelihood of damage to the exterior and interior car. Although it is not necessary to dismantle the glass, if you act very carefully. It has long been known that much easier to remove the high-quality dubbing the film, as if to catch her and pull, it will come down one piece. Rastonirovanie glasses coated with cheap dubbing the film is more complex, because this film is easily torn, separated by parts, and requires more energy from your side.
Monday, June 17, 2013
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review
The arguments in its favor? Price...a base price of $22,995 for the all-wheel drive SE model we drove...$18,495 for the 2-wheel drive ES model (which comes with a 5-speed manual that might cure a lot of our problems with power and drivability...every step up comes with the CVT)...and mileage (the EPA says 24 city, 29 highway. We saw 24.5 in a mix of city street and freeway driving over 420 miles in one week)...and Mitsus warranty package (10 years/100,000 miles powertrain, 7 years/70,000 miles anti-corrosion/perforation, 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Chevy Volt On The Street
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Characteristics of excavators
Excavators «excavo», translated from Latin means "dolblyu. This is a special technique, which is designed to perform the excavation in soft ground. There are two groups of excavators: - continuous operation (bucket excavators) - Batch (shovels). In the first case, the process of digging and mixing of soil occurs at the same time, the second - consistently. Despite the fact that the performance of the first type above, basically used all the same the second type, ie shovels. The reason is banal - versatility. This type can be used for loading and unloading excavation and types of work, as well as works from the rocky soil (which had previously been blown up). Now, no building is complete without the use of excavators. And despite the fact that this technique with one hand is very strong, massive, she also periodically goes down and beyond repair. A break can be anything: a fuel system, control valves, pumps, bearings, etc. Well, when your city is avtoremzavod. And what if it is not? Only one way: Call a specialist 'firms, which can in the shortest possible time to buy and deliver any spare parts for excavators and not only for them but for all of your equipment. By way of movement of classified land and floating excavators. Land excavators, in turn, can be divided into: crawler, wheeled and walking. As for the engine type, the diggers are diesel or electric. Diesel is used mainly where there should be a permanent move to the area (such as building cars, rail roads, etc.), electrical work in one place (in quarries, in the development of non-metallic materials). Also available in special excavators, which are used for underground (peat extraction, mining, shipping papers, etc.).
Lexus hybrid six hundred a test drive LS600h L
Now actually have ideals that look simple, but expensive to live modestly, but with taste, value for money and comfort, Ponte despise and condemn the overconsumption, love, and not just sex, more reading and less partying. If hanging out, then with her. Privacy, secrecy, self-sufficiency - key words coming era. Slightly matured new Russian money want to look like old. In an era of credit available Anybody can buy a Bentley. But who wants to look like "everyone"? Indicator of true success is not consumption, and self-expression and the amount of free time you can personally spend on themselves. Nikolai Uskov, editor in chief of GQ magazine twentieth century ended, "Crazy ninetieth" are gone forever. Together with pochivshimi its criminal elements were replaced by value. Lexus LS600h L - the latest Russian "six hundredth and most advanced premium sedan. Avto@Mail.Ru tests long wheelbase Lexus LS with the letter «h», the first representative hybrid car. When designing a new flagship, the Toyota engineers have tried to do neither more nor less than perfect car. But the perfect vehicle should move in a perfect world with perfect roads, adequate neighbors downstream, with a perfect driver, finally! Unfortunately, the machines have not yet learned to travel on closed roads, as in the sci-fi movie Minority Report, where Tom Cruise went to the concept car Lexus. In our reality - early spring, which exposes road defects, awakens "snowdrops" and brings street racing. Can LS600 improve this reality? Frankly, if you really change the reality, then this should be done in the rear seats. Test the long-wheelbase LS need it as a passenger. An ideal place in the perfect car and one is on the back row on the right. Only you must first move the front seat, pressing the button. After fifteen seconds the front seat rests on the dashboard and bows headrest. From knees to him now, good two feet, with electric you can push the leg and throw: "Get on." Look around. Plastic little, some elements of the interior are decorated with veneer. Everywhere light skin other than manufacturing. Very soft and pleasant to the touch. In chairs, in addition to built-in massage, is ventilation. Summer in handy. If you want to take a nap, can be tilted back at a decent angle, turning the place into a sort of lounge chairs. In arm hidden refrigerator and a small table. Sorry, it is convenient to attach to the laptop it will not work. We should also mention entertainment system Mark Levinson. Here full-fledged DVD-cinema with 19 speakers and an LCD monitor on the ceiling. If the monitor glare from the sun, or in traffic "blikuete" you from the outside world can be fenced off with electric shutters. Now peresyadem forward, because even the president, sometimes you want to get behind the wheel. Although the wait, because we have not yet visited our ideal car. External contrast "the six hundredth" of the LS460 in the headlights. Under the caps appeared six LED light sources.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
News Arizona Man Sues For 8 Million Over Photo Radar Ticket
Full disclosure: This report is from ABC15 in Phoenix, my fulltime employer.
Monday, June 10, 2013
UPDATE NY Prius Case Human Error
Thats whats called human error...and as we reported last week, thats the most common finding once investigators dig into allegations of unintended acceleration.
So its two down as Toyota battles back against sensational stories of Priuses that allegedly defied driver attempts to stop.
Full story from The Detroit News here and discussion on the Prius Chat forums here.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
2011 Ford Flex Review
Saturday, June 8, 2013
New Car Review 2011 Chrysler 300
The 2011 Chrysler 300. |
This is the second 2011 Chrysler 300 the press fleet folks have sent our way in the past few months. I wrote about the first one for High Gear Medias Carnewser.com a couple of weeks back. That first car came option-free...sporting a price tag $7590 less than the 2011 Dodge Charger reviewed here on TireKicker in late September.
The Carnewser.com piece focused on my trying (and failing) to understand why Chrysler, working to set itself apart as an upscale brand would build and sell such reasonably priced examples of their flagship, the 300.
Since then, though, word has come that Chryslers dropping the ax on the Dodge Grand Caravan. Come 2013, theyll only be selling the Chrysler Town and Country, setting off speculation that once Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Lancia-sourced Chryslers begin appearing in showrooms, the product mix between those brands, Dodge and Jeep may be very different from what we see now.
So lets assume a plan is in the works and assess the 300 on its own merits, absent percieved price crowding with its cousin, the Dodge Charger.
The 2011 Chrysler 300 rear view. |
First of all, even in base form. the 2011 Chrysler 300 is drop-dead gorgeous. Its a completely different design from the last generation, relying on subtle cues to tie the two together. The details are superb and the effect sets the 300 apart as the only big American sedan of its kind.
The new Chrysler Pentastar V6 is a revelation...strong, smooth and economical. Even with a five-speed automatic (an 8-speed is on tap for 2012), the EPA says 18 city, 27 highway, and we saw a rock-steady 20 miles per gallon in a week of nothing but city streets.
The 2011 Chrysler 300 interior. |
Like example number one, this 300 was the base model, with a base price of $27,170. Unlike the first car, this one had options...but just two. $295 for Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, and another $295 for Customer Preferred Package 27E...Chryslers Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth.
Fold that in with the standard equipment (4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, all the airbags a car can hold, power locks, keyless entry and pushbutton start, 8-way power drivers seat, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an AM/FM/Sirius/CD/mp3 audio system with 6 speakers and USB and auxilary connections, and dual-zone climate control and while you dont have the pinnacle in luxury, you do have a remarkably equipped, very quiet, comfortable and reasonably quick big sedan for $28,585 with destination charges.
Ive decided to stop worrying about why Chrysler offers this car for so little money. There are people who will be very glad they do.
2011 Chrysler 300
Base price: $27,170.
As tested: $28,585.
Likes: Room, quiet, fuel economy for its class.
Dislikes: Pairing and connecting phones with the Bluetooth system is a lengthy, hit-and-miss proposition.
EPA estimate: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Removing and replacing the springs and shock absorbers on the front Mazda
First, disconnect the sensor «ABS» and fix the wiring. Also disconnect the brake hose system. Then remove the bottom cover untwists bolt intermediate shaft, pin and lock nut (use «SST») tie rod. Take off the top of the control rod stabilizer, the lower ball, and by the transfer of an oil pipe with a hose and connector angle sensor (first remove the expansion tank), the nodes rails, steering and front subframe. Before you withdraw these nodes by transmission rack detach the front subframe and stabilizer, the collection of the steering transmission and lower arm. Next untwists on the shock absorber upper nut and lower bolt. After that, put a tough bet (LH and RH) mark up, as shown in Figure 1. On the front lower arm weaken the internal bolt. Then separated from the wheel hub damper, together with a knot knuckle by scrolling with a hammer drive the knuckle (the top). Be careful not to damage the spring, with the flap tissue set «SST» untwists nut and piston rod. After that, remove the rubber gasket. Raise the bearing and hung on the edge of the upper part of anther (Figure 2). Align the tabs bearing (B) and the bottom of the absorber (A) at the same level (Figure 3). Anther set by hanging on a ledge damper on the hook to the lower part, and the limiting stop. With the help of «SST» compress the spring and remove it with a shock absorber. Install the spring and the front bumper is strictly in reverse order. Camber and toe should be within specification. Otherwise, the piston rod nut and spring align. To this end, the nut centered damper installed by moving it to the desired length (A) (Figure 4), after which the top nut on the damper twist. A label on the underside of amartizatora align the protrusion fist. Jack lower arm from the front and ustonavlivayut new shock absorber and spring. If necessary, check and adjust the total convergence angle of the steering (alignment), the front wheels. Previously on the tip of the steering lever loosen nuts and remove the cover clamp rack, then begin to rotate.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Painting cast wheels with their hands
Painting cast wheels rukamiSo their time covering cast wheels tarnish the paint loses its factory appearance. This article was written to help those who are not happy with the status of their CDs, the paint which has lost its former luster, and money for new wheels you do not. Her goal - to tell, both independently with minimal cash outlay, painted alloy wheels and restore them to youth. For a start Take your hands and wear rubber gloves. Now take the disks and follow them carefully mine. When washing, you can use simple household tools: powder, an old sponge, for penetration into hard to reach places you can take an ordinary toothbrush. If something is rubbed with difficulty, such as places with dust from brake pads, then take any cleaner containing acid - it can easily cope with this filth. After cleaning the disc scratches and other defects that become more evident. Scrapes on the rims can be eliminated in the following ways, choose: - a file, rather tough and radical method - sandpaper with a fine-grained, rather dreary exercise, take a long time - The best way to grinding - drilling machine, if you happen to have a sim miracle tool - certainly use it! You can also combine all the above mentioned methods, ranging from the "rough" and ending with "soft". Handle all the defects, remove chipped paint with sandpaper, grind the end it all a drill. Do not be afraid to remove too much of the old paint, primed with all the consequences will be ustraneny.Kogda you polished wheels properly and you are satisfied with their appearance, clean them from dust and degreased. Degrease they can be absolutely any solvent: acetone, "White Spirit" and even a means for removing with nail polish. Now, after a complete cleaning, we must find a place where, in fact, we proceed to the main - priming and painting. You can use a simple bucket, of course, if you are not lying around the house a special berth for coating disks, which is hardly possible. Primer. One liter cans should be enough for all four discs. Gruntuem tripled. After drying, one coat before applying the next grind bumps. You can use the good old sandpaper or some coarse cloth. Painting. There may be difficulties, most importantly the right to follow the instructions. The ideal distance for the spray cans of paint is about 50-70 centimeters. Again plot the three layers, between which produces grinding. Polishing is best soaked in water nulevkoy. Varnished. Here we reach the final stage of the return of the factory gloss cast disks. It will take two or three banks. Luck also be applied in three layers and also with an intermediate grinding with moistened nulevki. Thus, we have saved on buying new cast wheels and expensive painting in the old service center, as well as purchased, no doubt, a valuable experience that can be useful in the future. And now rather run and try on the updated drives your darling! Good luck!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Engine heater with their own hands
Engine heater requires each vehicle to easily lead into any frosty winter. You can buy factory heater and install it on your car, but if you do not have enough money to plant or do you want to do with their hands engine heater you need special skills and materials. In order that would make a good heater with your hands, you will need these components. 12 mm Gun sleeve, Candle Warmer, relays, copper wire and maybe this will be enough. First of all you will need to drill a hole in the side pocket in the bottom of the well will need to make a hole, which is threaded for candles. After that sleeve is attached to the suction nozzle. Such a design is set in a tank car, and it provides the wire with a voltage of 12 volts. The operation of this self-made heater is that the candle set in the sleeve is energized, which gradually heats it, and she has a candle heats the fuel in the tank car which comes in a sleeve through the suction port. After installing such a system, you can not worry about what your car will not start at a low temperature. Now you are in any case be able to make your car even if the street bude temperature below 30 degrees. In the case where the temperature is very low try to start your car, not including this system as well as for frequent use and not too low temperature, it can break down. To protect this system, using protective materials that are manufactured on the dress design. Before you run a homemade heater must be very careful to check it, he should be very clearly and accurately operate. Such a heater should not be used with water, place it only in combination with antifreeze. Thoroughly check the cooling system it should be no precipitate. Heater may include not only when the engine is running, because otherwise it may happen after the failure of which to rebuild your engine will be very expensive and time consuming. For whatever mistakes and no reason not reparable damage to your car to follow certain safety rules. If your car is installed V-twin engine then you need to install the heater on both sides, it will allow more efficient operation of the heater and will soon make your car even at very low temperatures. At close approach, and proper execution of all work for the production of engine heater, you can produce quality and reliable heating system with their own hands, and she in turn will enable you to easily start your car in any weather. When installing the system be very careful and attentive it will allow you to avoid some or errors.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
New Car Review 2012 Acura TL
The 2012 Acura TL front view. |
I am not a fan of plastic surgery. Too many botched jobs out there reminding us every day that the nose wasnt really that big or other bits werent really that small. In the case of the 2012 Acura TL, however, Im prepared to say that sometimes a nose job is really what the patient needed.
In case you dont remember the 2009, 2010 and 2011 TL, heres the "before" picture:
The 2009-2011 Acura TL front view. |
The good news is that overall, the package as a whole has had a chance to jell, too. While not the canyon-carver that the TL with SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) is, the TL holds its own quite nicely. Up front is a 3.5 liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and its hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift. Theres also four wheel disc brakes, front double-wishbone suspension, a rear multi-link suspension, electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and a high-flow sport-tuned exhaust system.
Our tester was the Advance model...a package that includes a blind spot information system, ventilated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, as well as the Tech Package (navigation, backup camera, AcuraLink communication system with real-time traffic and weather, leather sport seats, push-button ignition, GPS-linked, dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless access with a security system...plus an AM/FM/CD/DVD-Audio/SiriusXM/Hard Disk Drive Dolby Pro Logic II ELS Surround Sound audio system, along with an auxilary jack and USB connection for your personal music player (as astonishing as the demo disc of the DVD Audio system sounds, its a very nearly dead format, overtaken by the comparatively low-fi iPod).) in the base price of $41,535.
The 2012 Acura TL rear view. |
Yes, I said GPS-linked climate control. No, Im not kidding. Heres Acuras explanation:
The GPS-linked automatic climate control system further enhances occupants comfort level by tracking the suns position and intensity. The GPS positioning technology monitors the suns location relative to the cars position while a sensor on the dash measures the suns intensity. By knowing which part of the cabin is receiving the suns rays, the system compensates to keep each side of the cabin at its designated temperature. The system is completely automatic and requires no manual adjustments, regardless of outside conditions.
Wow.
Base price is also bottom line in the case of our tester. Zero options, just the standard $885 destination and handling charge, which made the final tally $42,420. For that, in addition to what weve already mentioned, you get the full complement of airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, a power moonroof, LED taillights and fog lamps.
The 2012 Acura TL interior. |
Other no-cost goodies: Driver recognition memory system, power seats (10-way for the driver, 8-way for the front passenger, both heated), HomeLink, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, phone, cruise and trip computer).
While 280 horsepower isnt epic power for a sport sedan in 2012, it is more than adequate to move the TL with some authority. And theres a bonus...better than typical gas mileage for its class. The EPA says 20 city/29 highway.
Overall, the TL is an attractive package. And more so than last year. Especially from the front.
2012 Acura TL
Base price: $41,535.
As tested: $42,420.
Likes: Balance, handling, a superb (if technically outmoded) audio system, new front styling.
Dislikes: If Honda can clean up the nose of the TL, they have to be able to get the button count in the cockpit down to three dozen or so.
EPA estimates: 20 city/29 highway.
News Cadillac Kills The SRX Turbo
Monday, June 3, 2013
Future Car Without A Driver Control Of Navigation Sensors
Piaggio electric van has traveled nine thousand miles from Parma, Italy to Shanghai on Tuesday. What makes it special, the driver does not need to control the wheel.
Alberto Broggi, automotive expert from the University of Parma, which is also the project leaders car without a driver welcomed the success of the test. Although to park the vehicle was still done by manual means requiring a technician to parked. During the trial in the Russian car must also strive to deal with the situation in the city of Moscow jam. If it gets snatched disturbances due to other vehicles, then the technician had to take over the wheel.
Alberto Broggi, Project Leader said, "We want to have a long test on a very different scenario, road infrastructure, traffic, and different weather. We think to make the long journey from Italy to the Expo in Shanghai, tested the system on 15,000 miles over three months, so once again, there will be a lot of data to work on, "he said.
A technology that makes the car can run without a driver and not half-hearted, this trial carried out by traveling from Italy to China that took 3 months and will travel a distance of 13,000 km.
Used cars are electric cars and will be equipped with cameras and lasers to monitor the situation around and avoid obstacles in front of him.
This vehicle uses sensors to detect their surroundings, in order to forward, brake, or gas insert. At the front, there are two cameras mounted to detect the lane marks, three of the windshield to detect vehicles, and three laser scanner to detect obstacles, such as pedestrians.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Car Reviews DeZir Renault Concept
Now, the French manufacturer is again offering a concept car called Renault DeZir. And as well as previous products, this one is brave in offering a new concept that is far from word conventional.
From the outside, it seems that Laurens van den Acker, the designer who had become a courtier Mazda, wanted to provide a design concept. Although there is still a fine line that ran on the front of the car but globally, the more dominant form lengkunglah.
Accent was barely intersect because of the bubbles that exist in the whole body of this car seems to flow like water. Revolutionary concept also occurs in the door that opened on different sides. In the driver (left) hinges are in the front while in the passenger actually quite the opposite. Renault calls this door design as Yin and Yang style.
Renault Concept DeZir
Design flow is still brought up to the interior which is also revolutionary. To be honest, there is absolutely no impression of being inside the car cabin, especially on the passenger side. If the outside drenched in red paint, in the fact that even predominantly white with red accents everywhere.
The drivers seat and passenger seat made similar blends with grooves that would bind for passengers and drivers do not shift when car running. In the middle there is the console that made floating, split between the driver and two passengers.
According to Renault, this DeZir fully use the electric engine that sits in the back cabin. Motor is capable of spewing power of 148 horsepower with a torque of 167 lb-ft. It takes only 5 seconds for DeZir to reach speeds when the car lauched 100km/hour while until they run out then the maximum speed can reach 180km/hour. Unfortunately, lithium ion batteries are installed only able to supply power only as far as 159km.