The brakes in your car have got to be the component that you rely on the most. Though you may not consciously think about it, you sure would if they suddenly didn’t work. Don’t forget about your brakes. They need maintenance as much as any other part of the vehicle does. Checking the brakes as well as the brake fluid is something that you should have written on your calendar along with things like oil change and transmission flush.
Start by checking to see if your brake fluid is topped up enough. Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is. It should be clearly labelled like everything else on your car. If you aren’t sure you better check with your manual to confirm where the brake fluid can be found so you do not make a mistake and confuse it with something else.
The brake fluid reservoir should be clearly marked with minimum and maximum to indicate the proper levels. Some of these reservoirs are see through so you don’t need to look inside. However, if not you will have to remove the cap to look in and see how high the fluid is. If the fluid is low then simply add more brake fluid until you reach the full line. But make sure it is brake fluid designed for your make and model of vehicle. If you really are not comfortable with doing this you can always have a professional do it. Some may even show you how.
You should take a good look at all of the components that make up your brake system. Look for any signs of obvious wear or damage. If there is anything you’re not sure about, take a photo or make notes so you can look it up or ask a mechanic if it’s normal. Brake pads also need to be checked and replaced every so often. Check for signs of wear and have them serviced if you see any.
Pay attention to your brakes when you drive the car. Make note of any squeals you hear or anything abnormal you feel, like sticking. Don’t put stuff like that off hoping it will get better. Some vehicles experience squealing brakes when they are cold or wet. However, if your brakes always make noise then it is time to see your dealer or mechanic.
If you do not know how often your brakes should be professionally serviced, check your user manual that came with the vehicle. Someone that is certified can change brake pads, fluid and anything else that you may not be able to do yourself. Your brakes are easily the hardest working part of your car and in some cases like bad weather, they work even harder. Though you can check brake fluid yourself, a professional should check the rest of the braking system at least once a year.
Checking the brakes over as well as the brake fluid is part of increasing the lifespan of your vehicle. Safety should always be your first concern when it comes to driving and car care.
Thursday
VW Tiguan - Stole the Show
Isn’t it annoying if you have been waiting patiently at a bar for ages to be served and someone breezes in and gets served straight away. In most walks of life there is invariably some opportunist waiting around the corner to steal the limelight from the rest of us.With this thought in mind it seems that Volkswagen was able to time the launch of their compact 4x4 to perfection especially as they have sat back for a number of years and waited to see what the competition was doing and then simply breezed in with the Tiguan.
This was a masterstroke on the part of VW as they were able to assess all the shortcomings of the other vehicles in this class and introduce new technology that was way ahead of anything else on the market. Some would argue that the Tiguan was a little late to arrive at the party but I believe that by biding their time VW has been able to offer a vehicle that is simply light years ahead of its rivals.
Sure there have been successful offerings from other manufacturers in the meantime, not least Honda with its CR-V, Mitsubishi with its Outlander which has spawned the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 and Nissan with the Qashqai. However, it is the Land Rover Freelander that the Tiguan has its eye on.Although the Tiguan is not the most flamboyant off roader, it is almost certainly one of the best conceived. For a start it comes packed with gizmos that leave drivers of an old Land Rover Discovery like mine slack-jawed in amazement. These include an electronic self-parking system, a rear parking camera, a panoramic sunroof and a sat nav and stereo system that can store 30 gigabytes worth of your favorite garage tunes or alternatively nursery rhymes when the kids are on board.
More practical is the fact that the Tiguan can tow 2½ tons, more than any other car in its class, this is accompanied by a neat, optional pop-out tow hook. Further features include a steering system that prevents the steering wheel from breaking your thumbs during serious off-roading, a sat nav system that can work out where you are even if you are off road and a front passenger seat whose backrest folds forward for extra long loads.
It has a front-end design that allows it to mount steep banks without scraping the bumper, and comes with a sophisticated battery of electronic off-road aids. These include hill-descent control, pioneered by Land Rover, which brakes the car to crawling speed on steep slippery slopes, and a hill-hold control system that operates in conjunction with the electronic handbrake so you don’t inadvertently roll backwards off a cliff.The car’s electronic brain also activates a limited slip differential to eliminate wheel spin, alters the brakes to suit loose surfaces and reduces the accelerator’s sensitivity and there’s even a compass if the sat nav does pack up.All Tiguans come equipped with permanent four-wheel drive known as 4Motion, in VW language. This divides power equally between all four wheels, ensuring maximum traction. Once on the move it will send 90% of the engine’s energy to the front wheels if conditions are good, in order to improve fuel economy.The Tiguan is fitted with a 2 litre direct injection 140bhp turbo diesel which is considerably quieter than clattery old-school diesels, especially at motorway cruising speed.
The Tiguan’s impeccable road manners are complemented by its comfortable and well appointed cabin, which is also exceptionally well laid out. The sat nav screen is sited conveniently high, the instruments and controls are easily read and the electronic handbrake gives plenty of storage space between the front seats.Also impressive given this is a family car, is that the back seats are equally as accommodating, and when slid into the rearmost position still provide generous legroom. The seat which is split 60:40 is easily folded too. The boot is well designed and reasonably large, even with the rear seats pushed fully back.Practical design combined with innovative technology is what VW is all about these days and when you factor in a standard of finish that’s a cut above you can see why people are prepared to spend a bit extra on a Volkswagen.
This was a masterstroke on the part of VW as they were able to assess all the shortcomings of the other vehicles in this class and introduce new technology that was way ahead of anything else on the market. Some would argue that the Tiguan was a little late to arrive at the party but I believe that by biding their time VW has been able to offer a vehicle that is simply light years ahead of its rivals.
Sure there have been successful offerings from other manufacturers in the meantime, not least Honda with its CR-V, Mitsubishi with its Outlander which has spawned the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 and Nissan with the Qashqai. However, it is the Land Rover Freelander that the Tiguan has its eye on.Although the Tiguan is not the most flamboyant off roader, it is almost certainly one of the best conceived. For a start it comes packed with gizmos that leave drivers of an old Land Rover Discovery like mine slack-jawed in amazement. These include an electronic self-parking system, a rear parking camera, a panoramic sunroof and a sat nav and stereo system that can store 30 gigabytes worth of your favorite garage tunes or alternatively nursery rhymes when the kids are on board.
More practical is the fact that the Tiguan can tow 2½ tons, more than any other car in its class, this is accompanied by a neat, optional pop-out tow hook. Further features include a steering system that prevents the steering wheel from breaking your thumbs during serious off-roading, a sat nav system that can work out where you are even if you are off road and a front passenger seat whose backrest folds forward for extra long loads.
It has a front-end design that allows it to mount steep banks without scraping the bumper, and comes with a sophisticated battery of electronic off-road aids. These include hill-descent control, pioneered by Land Rover, which brakes the car to crawling speed on steep slippery slopes, and a hill-hold control system that operates in conjunction with the electronic handbrake so you don’t inadvertently roll backwards off a cliff.The car’s electronic brain also activates a limited slip differential to eliminate wheel spin, alters the brakes to suit loose surfaces and reduces the accelerator’s sensitivity and there’s even a compass if the sat nav does pack up.All Tiguans come equipped with permanent four-wheel drive known as 4Motion, in VW language. This divides power equally between all four wheels, ensuring maximum traction. Once on the move it will send 90% of the engine’s energy to the front wheels if conditions are good, in order to improve fuel economy.The Tiguan is fitted with a 2 litre direct injection 140bhp turbo diesel which is considerably quieter than clattery old-school diesels, especially at motorway cruising speed.
The Tiguan’s impeccable road manners are complemented by its comfortable and well appointed cabin, which is also exceptionally well laid out. The sat nav screen is sited conveniently high, the instruments and controls are easily read and the electronic handbrake gives plenty of storage space between the front seats.Also impressive given this is a family car, is that the back seats are equally as accommodating, and when slid into the rearmost position still provide generous legroom. The seat which is split 60:40 is easily folded too. The boot is well designed and reasonably large, even with the rear seats pushed fully back.Practical design combined with innovative technology is what VW is all about these days and when you factor in a standard of finish that’s a cut above you can see why people are prepared to spend a bit extra on a Volkswagen.
Wiper Fluid - Keep On Top
It’s important to keep on top of all of your vehicle’s necessary maintenance issues. Windshield wipers may not seem all that important at first but try driving in the rain without them and see how fast that opinion changes. Don’t wait until something goes wrong before you check on your wipers and wiper fluid. It’s an easy and relatively fast process that should only take a few minutes of your time.
Open the hood of your car after you have let it cool down for a while. The temperature of the engine doesn’t really matter but you will avoid accidentally getting burned. The windshield wiper fluid reservoir is usually pretty easy to identify. It’s often placed off to the side and will be clearly labelled as the wiper fluid reservoir. There is no way that you can miss it. If you really question it, look up the location in the user manual that comes with your car.
If your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is half full or more then you can just leave it alone. There should be lines on the reservoir that indicate how high it is. Use this to measure the current fluid level. If it is less than half full then simply add more wiper fluid until you reach the line that indicates it is full.
For the most part, most cars can use any type of windshield wiper fluid available. But if you know that your car needs a certain type, you should be sure to use only that type. If you do not know what requirements fit your car, consult the manual. It should have everything that you need to know inside the manual. All specs for your vehicle will be clearly indicated. Look it up in the table of contents to confirm.
While you are refilling your wiper fluid, take a moment to examine the fluid reservoir. Look it over carefully for any sign of cracks, damage or leaks of any kind. Those types of things can occur at any time so don’t make the mistake of assuming that they are not present. You need to be certain.
Any wiper fluid that you choose to use should be mixed so that it will not freeze in cold temperatures. Read the label carefully to make sure that it is intended for winter use. You often require windshield wiper fluid in the winter months when roads become slushy and messy. Wiper fluid that freezes up will not help you in any way.
You should also make sure that there are no leaks in the wiper system when the wiper fluid is sprayed. Hit the spray button while the hood is open to make sure that everything is coming out as it should and there are no leaks somewhere between the reservoir and where the fluid comes out on the windshield. Any issues need to be addressed immediately.
Windshield wiper fluid is part of safe driving. If you can’t see then you could certainly be in or cause an accident. Keep up on these tasks to maintain your driving comfort and the health of your car.
Monday
Free Safe Driving Tips
Use the signal lights. Keep track of traffic. Check the mirrors frequently. Look far down the road and keep your eyes moving to spot any problems before you reach them. Have a clear head while driving. Alcohol and other drugs can impair your driving skills. Have a good night’s rest and don’t drive for hours at a stretch without a break. If you are traveling on a highway don’t risk your safety and others who are with you. Just try other modes of transport like taxi cab or public transportation. Before taking any medications just read the labels. If on the label certain instructions are written as this medicine can cause certain drowsiness then don’t drive. Before taking these medications just consult the doctor that can I take any other medication so that it does not cause drowsiness.
Safety is always at the priority list before buying any vehicle. Air bags are mandatory in all the new cars. Look at even side impact bags in many new models as well. While buying a used car look it has air bag. Be a calm person while driving the car; don’t be in a hurry to reach your destination. If you ride faster, breaking all the signals there might be chance of meeting with an accident. If the signal shows red light it means stop, yellow means slow down, and green means you can move on. If you feel tired while driving just stop and let the other person drive. If you are alone, then just stop the car at a safe location and take a short nap or walk around for a few minutes. When you are driving on long trips, eat light as heavy meals can make you feel drowsy.
Always wear your safety belt. And also see that others have worn there safety belts. Before you start to drive, keep certain things on mind that are easy to reach like directions, map, and sunglasses etc. Always don’t talk while you are driving. Driving at night is more dangerous due to darkness. While driving at night, remember certain things like aim your headlights properly, prepare the car for night driving, clean taillights, headlights once in a week. Keep the headlights on low beams. Don’t overdrive the headlights. Don’t smoke while you drive. Smoke’s nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night version. Always obey school zone speed limits and stop for school buses with flashing lights.
Always plan ahead. Allow no less than 2 seconds between vehicles during the daytime, 3 seconds at night, and 4 seconds during inclement weather such as during rain, snow, or icy conditions. Be especially cautious when approaching stop lights, intersections, and when changing lanes. Anticipate potentially hazardous situations that could cause the driver in front of you to stop suddenly.
If you do need to stop quickly, don't slam on the brakes; instead, use firm, even pressure. If your brakes lock, release the pedal and use a pumping action. However, if your car is equipped with an ABS braking system, never pump the brakes. Remember, too, that alcohol, some types of prescription drugs, fatigue, and your emotional state will affect your reaction time and could lengthen your stopping distance.
Kia Soul : Turbo Diesel option
The first thing that strikes you about the Kia Soul is the way it looks like a child’s toy that has been designed by a hyperactive, caffeine-addicted, Attention Deficit Disorder sufferer. The thinking behind the aesthetic design is obviously Kia’s attempt to shake of the drab and cheap impression that many people have of the brand. The boxy body, with odd curves, tall roofline and high ground clearance does look a lot more striking than anything else that has rolled out of Kia’s Korean production line, but is it all a bit too much for the classically reserved British palette?
Early indications suggest that the Kia Soul will most probably fit very nicely into the market; unavoidable really considering it is trying so hard to impress every single type of car owner. The sporty looks will attract the youngsters, the ecologically-sound engine will impress the ‘Green’-set, the roomy interior will persuade those of us with families and the price-tag will convince those who have recently been credit crunched. For one car to attempt to corner four vastly different markets is a very brave move but one that could potentially blow up in Kia’s face.
The Kia Soul is available with 1.6 Litre Petrol or Turbo Diesel option, both generating an impressive 124bhp and producing 55.4 mpg, so it is relatively powerful for its class and isn’t a gas-guzzler either. Its notable 137 g/km Co2 emissions are also worth mentioning in this increasingly environmentally aware society. All in all everything under the bonnet performs above expectation, which is a rare boon for Kia, who seem to stick rigidly to the engineering principle of ‘never surprise or overwhelm’. That is until the Soul popped its odd-looking head over the horizon.
Inside the Kia Soul is a relatively comfortable and pleasant place to be. The interior has obviously been as well considered as the exterior. Clearly laid-out controls, good driving position and firm but comfy seats show that Kia have the driver’s pleasure at the forefront of their designing minds. The Kia also comes with air-con as standard to keep you feeling cool, whilst the Soul continues looking cool.
The handling is light, progressive and responsive, which is everything the prospective supermini owner is looking for in a car. The 16inch basic wheel option is also oddly superior to the 18-inch option, which somehow manages to multiply the feedback of every tiny bump thousands of times. Other than that, the Kia Soul provides a generally smooth and enjoyable ride.
The Kia Soul will be available for around £12,000, which slots it in at the lower end of family-sized hatchbacks. Its nearest competition is likely to be the new Fiesta, which we already know will trounce the Kia Soul in every conceivable way. What Kia will be looking for however, is to make a little headway into the market and hopefully convince a few naysayers that Kia can manufacture cars with character and good performance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)