Posts Tagged ‘ Alan Jay Automotive ’

HOW TO PROPERLY CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on tire-related crashes, the leading cause of tire blowouts is under-inflation. Aside for the potential for car accidents, under-inflation can cause negative effects on your vehicle’s handling and can reduce the overall life of your tires. Additionally, under-inflation increases the stress on your tires leading to tread separation and tread wear.

 In order to protect your tires from under and over-inflation you can follow these air pressure tips:

 AIR PRESSURE TIPS

 Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

 If you’re unsure what the recommended tire inflation pressure for your tires are, you can locate recommended pressures as follows:

  • On the vehicle information sticker that can often be found on the driver’s door jamb
  • A label located on the glove compartment door
  • Printed in the vehicle owners manual

 Keep in mind that the inflation pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall displays the maximum pressure, which is based on the tire’s maximum load capacity. It is best to use the recommended pressure located on the above recommendations, which is based on the normal load of a passenger vehicle.  If you are unsure of the recommended pressure, or cannot locate the information, it is best to your local mechanic.

 Valves and Valve Caps

Valves on your tires must be free from cracks as a deteriorated valve can cause air to escape from your tires. If you purchase new tires or notice a cracked or missing valve, replace all tire valves to avoid tire pressure loss. Valve caps must be tightly closed to prevent the valve from leaking.

 Check Pressure & Adjust Once a Month

Tires lose on average 1 psi, per month. Keeping this rate in mind, it is important to check tire pressure at least once a month or before long road trips.  

 Check Spare Tire Pressure

Check your air pressure on your spare regularly, as your spare could also lose tire pressure with time. Avoid being stranded and having to pay for a tow truck.

 Check Tires Cold

Check your air pressure when your tires are cold as tires become hot after driving. This is best done before you’ve driven over a mile or when your car has been parked for at least three hours. Keep in mind that air pressure goes up in warm weather and down in cold weather.

 Keep a Tire Pressure Gauge

Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge and check it for accuracy with your local mechanic. Keep the gauge in your glove compartment and test it periodically to ensure it is reading accurately.

2011
06/01
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2011 Nissan LEAF named 2011 World Car of the Year

At the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. Today’s award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world’s first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.  “It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.” The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.” The World Car of the Year competition was launched in 2004, with winners chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America. Nissan LEAF is available in Japan, the United States and select European markets and will be released in other global markets in 2012. The vehicle is currently built at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant. It also will be manufactured at the company’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the United States in late 2012 and at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom by early 2013. Aiming to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan, with its Alliance partner, Renault, has formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world not only to develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility. Nissan is also taking a comprehensive approach to encourage to the world to more sustainable mobility such as improvement of charging service, infrastructure deployment, the promotion of the use of recycled materials and overall energy management system including second-life use of lithium-ion batteries.

2011
04/28
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10 Eco-Friendly Driving Tips

 

Article Courtesy of http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/

Below are a few tips to help drivers conserve fuel and save money at the pump, while at the same time helping the environment and improving traffic safety.

1. Slow down and watch speed –Drive 100km per hour instead of 120km to save fuel. This results in an estimated 10 to 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.

2. Accelerate and brake smoothly –Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

3. No idling –Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

4. Check your tires – Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3-4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

5. Be kind to your vehicle –Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Always consult the Owner’s Manual for proper maintenance.

6. Travel light – Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.

7. Minimize use of heater and air conditioning – Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing your usage of the air conditioner can help you save 10-15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much as possible. Park in the shade to keep car cool and reduce the need for air conditioning.

8. Close windows at high speeds – Don’t drive with the windows open unless your keep your speed under 100km per hour. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.

9. Choose the right oil – Use good quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner guide.

10. Consolidate trips – Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will enable you to bypass congested routes, lead to less idling.

2011
04/28
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Chevrolet Volt Wins Gold Medal in 2011 Edison Awards

The Chevrolet Volt continued to build its resume of honors, winning the 2011 Edison Awards Gold Medal in the Personal Transportation Segment last evening in New York City. The Edison Awards honor innovation in the spirit of America’s greatest inventor and marketer Thomas Edison.

“Being selected as an Edison Award winner validates our drive to develop an all-new transportation solution,” said Tony Posawatz, Chevrolet Volt vehicle line director.  “Innovation has been at the heart of the Volt from its onset; from the development of the li-ion battery to the drive unit and the driver connectivity.”

At the same event, the OnStar Mobile App won the silver award as the 2011 Best New Product in the Transportation in the Remote Driving Aids Segment. In the Volt, the app allows users to control vehicle charging functions and view charge level, electricity rate tables and electric vehicle data along with other features.

The OnStar Mobile App allows all users to access current vehicle diagnostics, such as fuel levels, oil life, tire pressure, miles per gallon or next scheduled maintenance. It also lets users control certain vehicle functions, such as remotely starting the vehicle, locking and unlocking the doors, and sounding the horn and lights.

The Edison Best New Product award joins the Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine and Green Car of the Year Awards, Popular Science Best of What’s New and Ward’s 10-Best Engine designations bestowed on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

2011
04/28
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