Source: ZeoCars

With the rising cost of gas prices and depleting oil sources, many people are wondering what is going to happen to the future of the automotive industry. President Obama has declared that all cars must have a 54.5mpg fuel economy by the year 2025. Obama has stated that, “This agreement on fuel standards represents the single most important step we’ve ever taken as a nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” Major companies that make up over 90% of the vehicles purchased in the United States such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo are working with this agreement.

This is a very difficult goal to reach and many fear that this could hurt the automotive industry. Volkswagen has already spoken against the deal stating that it is unfair that smaller passenger cars must comply with heavier standards while heavier light trucks will have flexible standards. Tony Cervone, the Volkswagen executive vice president made an official statement where he has pointed out that passenger cars have to improve by 5% annually while light trucks only have to improve by 3.5%. Volkswagen wants the president to come up with a “one nation standard” so that it is fair and equal to every company.

What will this new standard mean to consumers of the automotive industry? The White house predicts that consumers will save $1.7 trillion dollars in gas money and $8,000 dollars per vehicle by 2025. It is also predicted that over 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas pollution will be eliminated. Some feel that this standard to too good to be true and will be impossible to reach. There exists the fear of job losses with the loss of big trucks and unaffordable hybrid cars.

Currently there are only a few regular cars that can reach over 26mpg. Audi has been working on using lighter weight materials to improve gas mileage. There are several downfalls of using lighter weight materials. Lighter weight materials tend to be more expensive and not as durable; therefore concerns for safety and cost arise. Audi’s A8 luxury sedan has a light weight all aluminum body but the cost is expensive as it starts at about $80,000. Many Americans can simply not afford an $80,000 vehicle.

Other car companies have been working on creating hybrid and electric vehicles. BMW is launching a new set of all electric vehicles called the i Series of vehicles, the i3 EV and i8 PHEV. Nissan also has an all-electric car called the LEAF but is limited in quantities. Technology for electric vehicles will have to be improved as there is not yet an electric car that can go over 150 miles on one charge. There are also not many electric car-charging stations in the United States, making it inconvenient to own an electric car. Hybrid vehicles seem to have the most potential of reaching President Obama’s mpg requirement as Toyota’s Prius hybrid-electric vehicle rates at 48mpg. Overall this government mandate will bring change to the automotive industry but only time will tell if consumers will be able to afford it.

Source: BestCarsReviews

We in the US love our cars. You can confirm this with the amount and time we spend on choosing, driving, fixing and caring for them. Also take in the amount of car shows that take place every year nationally and internationally and the vast turnout they bring. We have our favorite brand such as BMW, GM, Mercedes and the like; let’s take a look at a new concept car being offered by Peugeot in Frankfurt’s upcoming car show this September.

When we think of the French the things that often come to mind are good cheese, wine and the Eiffel Tower,-not cars. Rest assured they have their hands in this creative and lucrative market as well. Peugeot is to debut a new concept car call the People Mover HX1. It is a high end large sedan that will cater to the well off family set. In releasing this concept, the company is announcing that it has decided to return to the luxury sedan segment after its most recent choice of discontinuing their previous high end models last year. The car itself is appealing to the eye and has sinuous lines. It is made in a unibody architecture form and resembles a mix of coupe, wagon and crossover. The car hosts four doors which open and close in a semi-scissor fashion which optimizes passenger boarding. The interior is made of leather, natural oak brushed metal and fiber. The car will be offered in regular and hybrid form if taken to market.

This all sounds great so far, now I know many of you who may not be familiar with the car brand are thinking that you may have had a Peugeot coffee grinder, what you are thinking is correct it is one and the dsame company. To link all facets of their organization, the car will have a coffee machine and a mini bar standard built in to its white marble rear console. The fun is only getting started; the company also joined hands with shoe craftsman Pierre Hardy to craft a concept pair of ladies shoes that can change between slippers to make driving the HX1 easier and high-heels for when it’s time to make a fashionable entrance. Along with these extravagances, the actual driving of the cars is optimized as well. The car has seven spoke wheels which will create a type of turbine and the side skirts come out when the car reached 62 miles per hour. The shape and cut of the car have been chosen to optimize air flow, thus making this a car that actually adapts to its environment.

Not all cars that are conceptualized and shown make it to the market, but this one has a good chance of being in that lucky number. China and Australia have become 2 of the largest consumers of high end and luxury cars, most of which are produced in limit numbers further increasing their value.

Most cars have a crowbar, jack and lug wrench stored with the spare tire. Remove all the tools from your trunk, and use the crowbar to pry off the hub cap. Next use the lug wrench and use it to remove the flat tires lug nuts. This may be the hardest part of the entire process. Turn them counter clock wise, and alternate loosening them all, but do not remove them yet!

Once the nuts are loosened, you can jack up your car. Carefully place the jack underneath your car. If you are not sure where to place it, check your owner’s manual. The jack should come into contact with a sturdy spot on the car’s frame. Using the provided hand crank, crank up the jack until the wheel is high enough above the ground to remove the flat tire. Then go ahead and finish loosening the nuts, and remove the tire. Be careful to set the nuts somewhere safe, as you do not want to lose them!

Once you have jacked up the car and removed the flat tire, all you need to do is put on the spare. Line up the lugs  - or bolts – with the holes in the tire, and slide the wheel on. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand until they are secure, but not too tight. Lower the car – carefully of course! – until the spare wheel is firmly on the ground. Once you have removed the jack, use the lug wrench to finish tightening up the nuts, until they are as tight as possible.

The last step shouldn’t be forgotten. Now that you have your spare tire on drive to a mechanic or tire repair store and get your flat tire patched or replaced! Spare tires are just that – spares. They should not be driven on for extended periods of time, so getting your tire repaired or replaced is as important as knowing how to jack up your car.

Source: NationalDetailCenter

With these tips on how to detail your car, maintaining your paint job will seem easier than you think. Some people don’t like the idea of spending half a day cleaning and detailing their cars. It’s not that bad; all you need to do is to recognize what products to use for each texture and surface. If you combine that with some manual work and a couple of hours, your car will look like new. In addition, the more you do it, the longer your car paint will last and plus, it will seem easier every time you do it. Here is what you need to take care of:

1.Interior: It doesn’t take much effort and time to maintain your interior. You just need to wipe the dash with a vinyl protectant once a month, to keep it from cracking over time. Same thing applies to leather seats.

2. Tire cleaning: Although they say you should wash the car from top to bottom, most people like to clean the tires first. This could be because tire cleaners are supposed to work best, when applied to dry tires. After this little tire treatment, you need to get to the dirty part of the job: use a scrub brush to get rid of all the road grime and brake dust. In order to avoid damaging the surface when cleaning tires, it is better to use the newer all metal tire cleaners. These cleaners are formulated to work on bare aluminum, magnesium or painted wheels.

3. Wash: It’s no secret that the foundation for any detailing job begins with washing. In order to get the best results, use car wash soap and never use dish or laundry soap. Mix in enough soap, so that the water feels a bit slippery. First you have to rinse the entire car to remove larger dirt particles, after that use a thick wash mitt and apply the soapy water. It is best clean one section of the car at a time, so the soap residue doesn’t dry on the paint. After that, dry the car with a soft towel or chamois.

4. Polish: Color gets its shine by reflecting the light. In order to reflect the greatest amount of light, the paint’s surface must be as smooth as possible .On the other hand, scratched and damaged paint looks dull due to its rough surface; this doesn’t reflect as much light. Reasons for the topcoat wearing out: freeway driving excessive sun exposure, bird droppings and hard water. If you don’t take care of your car properly, the color will seem faded because of tiny scratches that have developed over time.

5. Wax: Wax is like a coating that keeps paint from drying out, and acts like a moisturizer. It also provides a protection layer against the sun’s UV rays. If you want to apply wax, you should know that it requires more effort, but the finish lasts longer. What you need to do is apply the wax with a soft sponge, wait for it to dry and wipe the residue with a microfiber towel.

If you just do these simple things once a month, your car’s interior and exterior will look and last much longer.

Source: Flickr

Car repairs are costly but inevitable. You know the feeling – seeing the “check engine light” come on and wondering “how much will this cost?”  Luckily, most car repair service shops will give you free estimates to give you an idea of what you may need to have done and an estimate for the total cost. While you might worry about hidden charges or that the mechanic is not being honest about the amount of work required, a car that runs safely and reliably is important for the safety of you and your family.  Car repairs can be quite expensive, but finding a good mechanic and maintaining your car well will cut back on those costly repairs.

Whether you have a problem with your engine or get into a fender-bender, there are many different reasons why you could end up in an auto body shop. Even small problems like replacing a bald, worn or punctured tire can be costly and time consuming, but most of us are not prepared to repair these damages ourselves. Whether you lack the knowledge, time, or tools, a mechanic is a good option to service your car and keep it running smoothly.

Finding a mechanic can be difficult. There are tons of auto body shops out there and it’s a competitive industry with many mechanics vying for your business. Deciding who to trust with your money, time, and car can be difficult. Many of the high street names are sometimes fully booked, understaffed, or simply over-rated. The best way to find an auto mechanic is to ask around. You will find that once somebody has visited a company a few times, they will stick with them for life and even refer friends and family members.

No matter the scope of the damages, the cost of working on a car has a wide range and you may not be surprised if it costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you have an expensive car, you can bet that having it repaired is going to cost you twice as much as a lower-end model, which is why many manufacturers offer warranties to cover certain aspects of the maintenance and repair.

The auto repair industry is a busy trade. You can always guarantee work as there are millions of cars in the world now and they are all in need of TLC at some point in their lives. So, it is best to do your research in your area by reading reviews before jumping in to anything too soon. You want to make sure you get your money’s worth and a great job done at the same time. Finding a reliable mechanic whom you can trust with your money will make a huge difference in your life and your car’s.

Source: Flickr

Road trips are part of the American experience. They are synonymous with summer, the open road, the night sky, and American kitsch. They’re a fun, liberating experience whether you are a college student, young family, or retiree. Loading into your car and heading onto the open road for weeks, days, or even months is a truly unique experience. Yet, if you don’t have the right vehicle, your vacation could be a diaster. I have compiled a short list of stories and learning experiences to help you choose the right car for your weekend getaway.

Make Sure Your Car is Big Enough
A station wagon is an excellent vehicle for a road trip. However, a station wagon with 4 adults, a week’s worth of luggage, and two medium-sized dogs makes for a particularly long ride – especially when stuck in traffic in the blazing summer heat. Similarly, a four-door sedan like a Toyota Corolla is great for two adults, since it gets excellent gas mileage and handles well. However, three adults, two dogs, and luggage for the holiday weekend makes everything a little crowded. Make sure you pack lightly, that you have storage room for luggage and food, and that you aren’t overloading your car with either people, luggage, or pets!

Make Sure Your Car is Reliable
This should go without saying, but the romantic idea of traversing America in a Volkswagen van or clunker car seems to tempt too many of us. There is certainly something nostalgic about taking off with just a tape deck and manual transmission to keep you company. However, when you break down in Minnesota and have to spend $1,500 on auto repairs, you may find your road trip cut short. Having a reliable car with good gas mileage, air conditioning, and safety features will definitely make your getaway more enjoyable.

Make Sure Your Car is Ready
Much like having a reliable car, making sure your car is serviced and ready to drive 1,000 miles or more is an important step. Whether you are driving that old-school scooby-doo van or a modern station wagon, get your oil changed, your tires rotated, and your fluid levels checked. Make sure that you will not run out of gas the first 50 miles into your trip, and ensure your spare tire is in good shape!

Being prepared for auto mishaps will make the rest of your road trip so much more memorable!

Source: Flickr

If you are moving to San Francisco from a smaller town, whether or not to keep your car will be a big decision and one that you should put a good amount of thought into. There are several pros and cons to owning and driving a car in San Francisco. This includes money, public transportation and where you move, but the final decision depends entirely on your own personal preferences.

One of the major perks of San Francisco is the access of public transportation. Whether you take the bus or light rail, you will no longer be dependent on your car. But, do you still need your car? Think about your daily routine. Do you commute to work? Do you carpool with friends? Is there a convenient bus or train route near your apartment? If you don’t think you can get to work, maintain a social life and run errands without your car, it may be worth keeping it.

In spite of this, you will have to think about where and how to park your car. Does your neighborhood have enough parking or will you need to pay $75 to $150 a month for a parking spot in a garage? Will you need to buy a city sticker for zoned parking? Is your neighborhood safe? Make sure to think about all the aspects of maintaining a car before you commit to moving as it can be very costly.

Also think about your extracurricular needs. If you own a dog, you may find a car is necessary for getting to vet appointments If you are an avid sports-person, you will need a way to transport bikes and mountain climbing gear out of the city on the weekends. Or, if you plan on visiting out-of-town friends frequently, you may find a car to be more convenient than public transit.

In essence, it comes down to cost and convenience. If you have the budget for city fees, parking, and higher car insurance, it may make sense for you to keep your car. If, however, you want to save money and can easily transition to living without a vehicle, you will find public transportation an easy and affordable option. Whatever your lifestyle, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of owning a car in San Francisco.

Source: Flickr

When it comes to owning a car in San Francisco, one of my most important factors is the size of the car. I want a small car that can easily parallel park and can weave in and out of traffic. I want to be able to park in busy parking lots without driving around to find an empty space. I want to squeeze in the “compact car only” spots at the movie theater lot. Ultimately, I want a car that is easy to drive.

I’ve found compact cars such as the Volkswagen Jetta, the petite Ford Fiesta and the Smartcar make driving in San Francisco very easy and fun. Of course these cars have their downsides. Space is a premium and you may not feel comfortable taking a Smartcar on a cross-country trip, so my personal choice for city driving is a mid-sized sedan or something more spacious like the Toyota Corolla.

Another aspect to consider when driving in San Francisco is parking. Public lots are expensive, street parking is scarce and paid meters are a pain to keep in check. Moreover, leaving your car outside in the foggy weather can actually lower its overall value because this can impact your car’s paint and maintenance. It’s not a big deal but if you have a luxury car, ensure you have the financial means to take care of it. Also, if you don’t want your 16-year-old neighbor to practice his parallel parking behind your convertible, consider housing it in your garage.

Gas mileage is a very important factor when driving in the city of San Francisco. Since you will be spending a lot of time in traffic and stop signs are plentiful, you want a car that has efficient city mileage. You don’t want to waste money driving a large gas-guzzler to the grocery store or doing your kid’s carpool.

Overall, finding a car to drive in the city just depends on your personal preference. Just find a car with great gas mileage that is easy to drive and you will no doubt discover that your drive will be stress free when finding street parking and navigating through traffic jams.

General wear and tear on your vehicle is understandable. Most mechanics would recommend you take your car to have it serviced at least once a year. The repair shops can find any little crack or dent in your car and offer a repair estimate to fix the problem. There are different types of skills required for different parts of a car. If you have a scratch on the side panel, for example, you will need to have this sanded down and the scratch can then be sprayed over. But if the panel has cracked, you would need to have the crack filled in before having it sprayed.

Windshield damage is a very common problem and happens to thousands of commuters every year. It is also one of the most dangerous versions of cosmetic damage, as it often gets left for much too long without being fixed. Even the smallest of cracks can cause the entire windshield to shatter. In spite of this, it is one of the least expensive jobs for the windshield repair crew to carry out.

There are many different types of machinery the auto body repair team will use. Usually there will be a single individual who specializes in one type of car damage repair. For example, if you have a dent that needs knocking out, a mechanic would use his hydraulic jack to suction out the dent, or if the problem lies within the engine, there are special frames to let the mechanic examine under the car with ease.

No matter the size or amount of expense required, Karry’s Collision Repair Center will ensure your car is back in shape and on the road again in no time.

Source: ImageShack

Once you receive your estimate, you’ll know whether the price is right or not. You can even shop around to see which repair center will give you the best deal. The mechanic will also need to know who is going to pay for the job because sometimes it can be another party. If the mechanic requires removing other parts of the car, in order to restore or change specific pieces that have been damaged, they will need to understand why the cost is more than they might expect. Again, this comes down to labor costs.

If you are weary of the auto body shop that you are talking to, then you could ask them for a portfolio of their past work. This will show how they provide estimates to customers in the past. Preferably, the vehicle should have been in an accident where some major body work was required; you can then see the transformation these mechanics have made in the past. In turn, you can subsequently put your mind at rest that they will carry out the same top quality service for your car. If you are still worried about whom or where to leave your car, you can always go to your car’s manufacturers garage and pay a little more for their service. This way you will be safe in knowing that the service received will definitely be to the standard you expect, with little to no complications at all.