With every new snowfall, at least 70-80 car accidents occur within the city. I shouldn’t even be calling these “accidents” as many of these collisions are avoidable. I have driven through Calgary winters in all sorts of vehicles: those that are equipped with a rear-wheel, front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrain. I have also driven in cars equipped with all-seasons as well as winter tires. Despite what you may hear, vehicles of all types can be driven in the winter, it is all about equipping your vehicle with proper tires and most importantly, driving for the conditions.
1. Get winter tires.
This is one of the most important things to consider if you drive regularly in the winter. The most common argument I hear from people that don’t have winters on their car is that they have the best all-season tires and they have never had any issues driving with them. They’ve never been stuck and don’t feel that the cost of winter tires is worth it. The fact is, with all-else being equal, a vehicle equipped with winter tires will have more traction than a vehicle equipped with all-seasons. This additional traction allows you to accelerate quicker, corner faster, and stop in shorter distance. You may drive with the utmost care and attention but one factor you cannot control is other people. If someone cuts you off, the few extra feet of braking distance that winter tires reduce could make all the difference.
2. Ease up on the brakes
The roads are slick and you’re trying to turn onto a side street. You apply the brakes and you feel the car sliding. You turn the steering wheel but the car doesn’t respond, its just sliding and you feel like you’ve lost control. What most people will do in this situation is crank the wheel even more as they slide past the street where they are trying to turn. Worst case scenario, you slide into an intersection and get hit by another vehicle. If this ever happens to you, try easing off the brakes instead of cranking your wheel more. During that moment where the most common instinct is to turn the wheel more your foot will naturally want to apply more brakesto slow the vehicle down. The problem is, on slick winter streets applying the brakes wont make the car stop, it will just make turning more difficult.
3. Ease up on the accelerator
Back during the big storm on December 4th when all the roads across the city were ice rinks, I saw people trying to get their cars going spinning their tires away. On every hill this just became outright dangerous. If you try to get your car going and it just slides from side to side, your tires are spinning. The key to trying to get going in this situation is to ease up on the throttle. If you drive an automatic, just let go of the accelerator completely and let the car roll on its own to get going. I know, this sounds really obvious but next snowfall I can guarantee you’ll see someone spinning their wheels away trying to get going.
The second part to this is when you’re already moving. Those speed limit signs have a very important word above the number. It says ‘Maximum’. It does not mean you should be travelling at that speed even when the roads are covered in ice. Don’t feel you need to be travelling at the speed limit. If someone is tailgating you, and you aren’t already in the right lane then move over and let them pass.
4. Avoid any sudden movements
This applies to steering, accelerating and braking. If you stomp on the accelerator on slick roads, you’ll just spin your wheels. Likewise, if you stomp on your brakes while on an icy road you’ll either lock your wheels up and slide or ABS will go crazy and you slide a bit less. Crank your wheel suddenly and you’ll upset the balance of your car and depending on how slick the roads are, may throw your vehicle into a spin. Ease onto the throttle, the brakes and steer gently.
5. Pack a Winter Safety Kit
As much as you prepare, and as safe as you try to be on the roads, SHIT HAPPENS. In the event you are in a collision you’ll want to ensure you have a safety/survival kit. If you’ve ever had car trouble in winter, you’ll know how fast your car cools down when its not running. In -20 or colder weather, it’ll take mere minutes for your cars interior temperature to plunge to below 0. The most important thing to have in your vehicle is a jacket. You may be coming out of a heated garage and be in a toasty car, but if you’re ever in a collision where your car is no longer running, you’ll wish you had something to keep you warm. Here are some essential items you should have in your vehicle when driving in the winter:
Gloves
Blanket
Ice scraper
Small shovel
Booster Cables
Warning Light/Flare
Windshield Washer Fluid
Flashlight
Toque/Hat
Water
Candle
Metal Cans/Dishes
Matches/Lighter
Whistle
Of course, if you all you do is drive within the city during the winter you won’t need much more than a blanket, jacket, booster cables and windshield washer fluid but I’d recommend having some sort of survival kit in your vehicle if you ever do any highway driving.
Driving in the winter is no different than driving in the summer. As long as you are paying attention, your vehicle is equipped properly and you are driving carefully it should not be a problem. If you have a fear of driving in the winter, do everyone a favor and take public transit or ask for a ride.
Summer is over, unfortunately, and with the departure of warm nights and bright sunny days comes dark evenings and the freezing cold. Even though we are in October, it is rarely much better than the weather found over the December and January periods. It is important that your vehicle is up to scratch in the winter months as breaking down could have much more serious consequences than you think; in this article we will be looking at some useful and helpful tips to make sure your car is in tip top condition for whatever mother nature throws at us.
Your antifreeze and engine coolant are vitally important during the winter. Antifreeze will help to protect and shield your engine against those bitterly cold winter mornings and will prevent any freezing up of your engine; it is important that this is checked and topped up regularly. Be sure to top it up with antifreeze and not distilled water as some mechanics may recommend during the summer months.
Make sure that your battery is up to standard. A weak battery is the most common reason a vehicle does not start or has trouble starting on a cold winter morning so check it first to make sure all connections are secure and that there is no obvious corrosion or damage. If you are in an area that is regularly experiences temperatures below -25C you should consider installing a battery warmer to keep your battery from freezing over.
Check both your tire pressure and oil level. An under inflated tire will not have a firm grip with the road surface and could potentially be lethal in icy conditions, so make sure you check frequently for any damage. The oil helps to keep the engine lubricated and removes any dirt that can interfere with the running of your vehicle. Ensure you are running the proper oil weight by consulting your owners manual as running oil that is too thick for your vehicle will result in trouble starting in colder temperatures and may result in damage to your engine.
While these tips make seem commonsensical, it is surprising how many road users do not regularly maintain and check their vehicles, especially in winter; in some cases it can make all the difference.
Electric transport seems to be the future. From President Obama’s $2.4 billion investment for the creation of an American electric car battery, to the huge demand from eco-warriors for electric cars, the world does seem to be moving towards an electric future. The latest enterprise to take the bait seems to be London’s Heathrow airport with the news that it plans to convert all of its inter-airport transportation system (i.e. the vehicles that take passengers to and from the plane from the terminal) to driverless electric cars, also known as a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system.
These driverless cars will take the form of electric ‘pods’ and will commute passengers in and around the terminal in under 5 minutes according to the airport operator, British Airport Authority. Some twenty-one of these cars are expected to be put into operation by early next year (2010) with over 400 after the initial roll-out. The £25 million ($45M) scheme is being hailed as a victory and is being billed as the first major PRT system to open up in the 21st century. The system itself will be running 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and will require no more human interaction than the passenger pressing a button to take them to their destination.
The pods themselves will be controlled by computer sensors which will manage the acceleration and braking of the cars; up to four commuters and their baggage will be able to fit into each vehicle.
“We believe that our PRT system can transform cities in the 21st century to provide the optimum form of environmentally friendly urban transport, relieving congestion and reducing emissions.”, Professor Martin Lowson, inventor of the PRT.
With Heathrow being the first airport to implement this service, it is unlikely that we will have to wait long for this concept to spread. The fact that we haven’t yet found a real, viable alternative to gas and diesel, only adds to the call to invest and use electricity and a power source for transport. Up to 400 of these ‘pods’ will be built and put into operation next year; with all the recent troubles Heathrow airport has had, it will be interesting to see if they become a success.
It seems every day that another company is either going into bankruptcy, being taken over by the government or their workers are on strike. As the recession bites, trade unions are beginning to play their part again in securing the rights of their workers; in SsangYong Motor’s located in South Korea this is no different.
However the situation in South Korea is a bit different from your average strike. Formed in 1954 SsangYong Motor’s is Korea’s fourth largest automobile producer and was put into receivership in January of this year. The automaker recently revealed they lost $155M in Q2 of this year. The recession has almost recreated a social hierarchy throughout the world; the corporate bosses at one end and the workers at the other. There is almost a feeling in some circles that the workers just have to grin and bear the struggles they face. The workers at the SsangYong Motor Company in Seoul decided enough was enough.
After 900 employees were laid off, they rebelled. They occupied the factory for more than 70 days halting production and output. They fought constant and running battles with police that escalated into systematic violence involving fire bombs and steel pipes. The worker unrest cost the automaker $255M US in lost production. Sadly this harks back to a few decades ago when worker militancy was all too common. Thankfully, however, the workers at SsangYong have since agreed to end their factory occupation and accept a redundancy package of sorts. Those who had been made and refused to take redundancy will now receive a period of unpaid absence.
It is hard what to make of this situation. On one hand it is becoming frightfully common and with redundancies, 3 day working weeks and job losses widespread - should we not allow the workers to stand up for themselves? However at what point do they take it too far? Should we openly condemn the actions of the SsangYong Motor Company workers or applaud them for ‘standing up to the man’? It is a worrying situation and, one suspects, SsangYong will not be the last place we will see it.
By now we are all familiar with the economics of the recession. Save, Save, Save! So in the spirit of this new age of cost-cutting and prudence, this article will show you some simple ways to cut your gas costs.
A new trend is influencing how people drive; it’s called ‘eco-driving’. In essence, this is driving in a way that will not only save you money but will also benefit the environment. In fact Britain’s RAC suggested that a few changes in your driving habits could slash up to 8% off your yearly gasoline costs; meaning that it could potentially save you around $200. Not a fortune, but in these dark days every little bit helps.
It has long been claimed that reducing your overall speed will provide better fuel efficiency to your car. 55mph being the recommended highway speed as this is the speed that new cars are test driven at to analyze their fuel efficiency. However recently that view has came under some criticism and led Peter de Nayer (Green Car Guide) to assert that 40mph was indeed the best speed to cut your fuel expenditure. Furthermore, having the air conditioning turned off can also increase your fuel efficiency by up to 8%, believe it or not, so on occasion, open your windows instead.
During Driver’s Ed, anticipation and observation are seen as key attributes necessary to successfully complete a lane change, but this strategy also proves to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. How? By anticipating how the traffic is flowing you can eliminate any unnecessary braking or accelerating. Last but not least, you should switch off your engine completely if, for instance, you are stuck in a traffic jam or if you are at a red light you know will last for more than a couple minutes.
Gas prices are fluctuating all the time and these days they seem to be staying up instead of coming down, so the fuel consumption of your car is important. By following the above tips, you will notice a difference in how far you can go on each tank.
Another money saving tip is to skip out on the premium fuel. The type of fuel is advertised at an extra cost as it is said to increase your cars performance and longevity; unfortunately this may not be the case for yor vehicle. Unless you have a car that requires premium, just buy regular.
If you look around you will often see some promotions for money off gas – generally in supermarkets. These usually offer you a few cents off each gallon in return for spending, say, $50 in their store. If you begin to shop at that store regularly then this could be a real money saver in the long run. Some chains will offer a loyalty scheme so it’s worth checking out some outlets that offer store credit or company money (ie: Canadian Tire Money). Paying by credit card can also give you a little extra back if it has a rewards plan.
Performing one of these tips on its own might not save you a thousand dollars but if you combine them all then you will notice a difference in the amount you spend on gasoline. It is something we don’t always notice, however, say that you spend $30 per week on gas for commuting etc… this amounts to $1,500 a year. Don’t you want some of it back?
In an age when the environment and environmental issues seem to be cropping up everywhere; in the news, in magazines, in documentaries, we are becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and our personal responsibility to the planet. So the search is on for an alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. This article will look at one alternative: Steam powered vehicles.
Perhaps the greatest advantage a steam engine has is its ability to use almost any source of fuel to convert into heat in order to run the vehicle. This certainly opens up different possibilities for fueling a steam engine as opposed to the limited options of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, steam powered engines are not affected by low atmospheric pressure meaning that they work just as well in both low and high altitude situations. There is also a high torque associated with a steam powered engine. From stationary mode this can be useful as it removes any need for both a clutch and a transmission system.
However with every advantage there has to be some form of disappointment. While the above attributes may make steam propelled engines attractive the fuel efficiency effectively kills any chance that we have to see the technology power our cars. Only about 30% of the fuel converted can be used by the engine and couple this with the fact that a steam engine can only reach about 35 miles before it needs refueled then its prospect for becoming a viable alternative to petrol are diminished. Moreover if you are continually starting and stopping, say in the city or at traffic lights, then fuel efficiency is reduced even more as steam pressure needs to be sustained throughout a journey.
Steam may not be replacing gasoline as a source for fuelling your car any time soon, or indeed ever. While it is more environmentally friendly than your average car it requires a lot more maintenances and refueling – far from ideal if you are using it regularly to commute. In saying that steam cars are popular, albeit as a novelty, as The Steam Car Club in Britain is thriving; just don’t expect to see a traffic jam of steam cars yet.
As the global recession bites and local economies in the industrialized and advanced nations are slowly crumbling; shouldn’t we be buy ‘local’ goods to benefit our own domestic economy? Perhaps we should, but that hasn’t stopped the sales of the Japanese manufactured Toyota Prius from jumping by 30% from this time last year and an astonishing 50% from last month alone. While we are being told to support our local economies, especially in the case of the declining American car industry, it seems that more and more people are turning to foreign imports. Foreign manufacturers such as Toyota are enjoy a sales growth because Americans are increasingly looking for vehicles with better fuel economy. It is certainly a major factor in the buying decision.
“I don’t want to have to import a hybrid car,” said President Obama “I want to build a hybrid car here.”
With a new President in the White House there seems to be a desire now from Washington to halt the monopolization of Toyota on hybrid vehicles and create an American rival. However is it possible to create a similar alternative? Many would argue that you cannot. It is basic economics they say; if you are producing the best product then you will accumulate the most sales. So to create an almost identical version would fall short of denting Toyota’s profits in the United States.
However there is another side to this issue; Toyota aren’t producing the hybrid batteries crucial to the Prius fast enough and this is where President Obama’s $2.4 billion investment comes in. It is earmarked to provide both research and production of United States made nickel metal hydride batteries to use in hybrid cars and is hoped to go some way to faltering Toyota’s domination. Indeed even the Ford Escape Hybrid uses foreign batteries at the moment.
The consensus seems to be that hybrid cars will be essential and the norm in the long term if we are to combat the problems facing our environment; namely, each individuals carbon footprint. While the hybrid cars today might not be perfect they are going a long way to developing a carbon neutral form of private transport, the question is; is $2.4 billion going to be enough to ensure that America gains a firm foothold in the hybrid automotive market?
Last month we watched in awe, hope and romance as golf veteran Tom Watson came within inches of wining the British Open, only to be denied and lose heavily in the play-off. The heart said Watson, the head backed Cink. In sport we all love a fairytale story; the minnows triumphing or the glorious return of a legend. Formula 1 thought that it was going to have its own Tom Watson moment, unfortunately for them, that reality is now a distant dream.
When Michael Schumacher retired in 2006 motor racing lost a true legend. Seven times Formula One champion and frequent podium finisher, Schumacher cemented himself in the F1 history books. However just recently many thought he was about to return and re-conquer the sport he so dearly loves. He was planned to come out of retirement to replace the injured Felipe Massa this weekend in a move that was highly anticipated throughout, not just motor racing, but the whole of the sporting world. For everyone who despaired at Tom Watch last month they now had a chance to rejoice for Schumacher. Unfortunately Schumacher will not be returning to Formula 1 it just wasn’t to be and he will instead be replaced by Luca Badoer.
In February of this year, Schumacher was testing a motorbike at the Cartagena circuit in Spain when he sustained an injury to his neck. Despite the injury, Schumacher was reportedly doing extremely well while testing on the 2007 car at Mugello. Out of concern for his health the decision had to be made to cancel his return to Formula 1 but for the racing legend, it was probably not the way he would want to bow out for good.
However, perhaps there is a silver lining in the clouds. Many sports stars some out of retirement and, more often than not, it ends in disappointment and regret. While Watson did not come out of retirement, the story of the old veteran returning to glory days gone by has a certain romance and enthrall to it. Maybe it is best that Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 did not proceed; thankfully we remember him for what he was, an outstanding driver, not someone who didn’t know when to quit.
The recession seems to be affecting everyone in some shape or form. From food prices to the housing market crash to the cost of petrol, no-one seems to be immune from having to stump up extra cash for the things that are almost essential to sustain us and the way we live. The automobile industry is no exception. However, with money becoming a much more valuable possession and we are developing more of a reluctance to part with it; have fuel efficient vehicles become more popular among consumers?
In an age when style, fashion and looks are more important than substance, there is evidence to suggest that we are becoming more concerned with the actual specifications and results that our vehicles produce as opposed to just their looks. While aesthetics will always play a big part in our choice of car there is evidence to suggest that fuel efficiency is now becoming the major factor in deciding which car to buy. Both the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit have seen an increase in sales over the last year as they both offer around 34 miles to the gallon. Similarly the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 have also seen a rise in sales; they might be slightly bigger than the Fit or Yaris but they will get you about 30 miles to the gallon. If you use your car frequently, communing back and forth to work for example, then these little details can be a life saver when it comes to your expenditure on gas.
Further afield in Japan, the home of the Prius, the government is providing incentives for consumers to purchase fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. It is their version of a ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme designed to not only promote hybrid cars but also to allow the buyers to get more money for trade ins. Obama recently raised the fuel efficiency target for automakers. By 2016, the average combined fleet mileage must be at least 35.5mpg up from the current target of 25.1mpg. By raising the target, automakers will be forced to build more fuel efficient vehicles, discontinue the gas guzzlers or do a combination of both.
Are we now turning to fuel efficient cars more than before? The evidence would suggest that we are. While automobiles such as the Yaris, Civic and the Prius are all showing high volumes of sales, the gas-guzzling SUV’s are down some 53%. While we may not be totally abandoning aesthetics for performance, we are certainly heading in that direction.
In February of this year, Schumacher was testing a motorbike at the Cartagena circuit in Spain when he sustained an injury to his neck. Despite the injury, Schumacher was reportedly doing extremely well while testing on the 2007 car at Mugello. Out of concern for his health the decision had to be made to cancel his return to Formula 1 but for the racing legend, it was probably not the way he would want to bow out for good.
In an age when style, fashion and looks are more important than substance, there is evidence to suggest that we are becoming more concerned with the actual specifications and results that our vehicles produce as opposed to just their looks. While aesthetics will always play a big part in our choice of car there is evidence to suggest that fuel efficiency is now becoming the major factor in deciding which car to buy. Both the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit have seen an increase in sales over the last year as they both offer around 34 miles to the gallon. Similarly the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 have also seen a rise in sales; they might be slightly bigger than the Fit or Yaris but they will get you about 30 miles to the gallon. If you use your car frequently, communing back and forth to work for example, then these little details can be a life saver when it comes to your expenditure on gas.
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