Steering Wheel – Is Yours Luxurious and Comfortable?

Ever thought while you were buying a car – whether the steering wheel of your dream car is ideal for driving. Well, when I said 'ideal', I meant whether the steering system is comfortable as well as luxurious. Steering wheel which is an integral part of automotive suspension and steering parts is operated as well as controlled by the person on the driver's seat.

Hence, it is very essential that you ensure that your car has ideal steering wheel. The cover of steering wheel is vital for comfortable driving. There are huge number of options available in the auto industry. Here are some of the tips to keep in mind while choosing your covers for steering wheel.

Genuine Leather - Make sure that whichever steering wheel you choose has genuine leather as cover material. The right kind of leather will ensure that cover lasts for a longer time. Manufacturers have also come up with environment friendly material for steering wheel.

Non Slip Steering Wheel Hold – Try a hand on the steering wheel and ensure that it is non slip and provides a strong hold or grip to the hands.

Luxurious Feel - An important factor that must be noticed is the luxurious feel and look of the steering. If you don't choose luxurious ones, you are about to mar the look of the plush interiors of your car.

Right Feel For Your Hand – The steering wheel cover should give the right feel to your hand and provide proper protection from hot and cold extremes.

Fit – Size is a vital factor while choosing the covers of steering wheel. Check that the cover fits your steering wheel (mostly 6-bolt steering wheel hub adaptor)

Easy to Install – Installation always is to be considered a priority. These covers should be easy to install. Though the covers should be easy to install, it is advised to be done by professionals always.

Evolving from simple vehicle control components to ones with different features, steering wheels have become styling centerpieces of a number of vehicle interiors. Apart from the tips mentioned above, following are some of the features that are in demand for steering wheel cover.

• Perforation designs

• Non-ozone depleting urethane foam

• Color versatility

• Hand-sewn construction

• Variety of leather wrap stitch patterns

• Full range of surface textures

• Embossed grains

Try out these latest designs and just add a splash of colors to any steering wheel. You will definitely feel that driving is a more enjoyable experience then. Happy Driving!

Automotive Springs and Titanium

The smooth functioning of springs depends upon the material used and its attributes. For automotive springs to yield better results and have longer working life, they need to be durable enough to withstand the pressure. Titanium is the ideal engineering alloy at present that has a number of features required for high production volume automobiles.

Till date, steel was considered the best material for auto springs, but titanium alloy is definitely better. Titanium alloy springs do not need as many turns as required by the springs made of steel. This alloy's density is around half of the steel and therefore less material is used to make a titanium spring. Though there is a major difference in density, there is no difference in ability to perform the same task.

The other benefits that these titanium made car springs have are the strength, density, and modulus for almost any weight- or space-sensitive application. These springs have the same manufacturing processes (cold spring winding, cold setting or blocking and shot peening) like that of steel springs. The shear modulus of titanium is low that minimize the need of turns of the springs. Weight is another essential factor that gives these springs an edge over the steel ones. Titanium automotive springs are around 60-70% lighter in weight than the steel springs.

Titanium's inherent attribute of corrosion resistance also makes this alloy ideal for being used in automobile spring. No protective coating is required for titanium springs which is very essential in steel springs. With so many attributes of titanium, the only disadvantage is that of its high cost.

Advantages Of Podcars – There Are A Number Of Them

Podcars will definitely bring a new revolution in the auto industry through their advanced technology. These personal rapid transits would make commuting within a city easier and definitely faster. This isn't the only benefit of a podcar, there are many. Listed below are the different advantages of Podcar – Your 'Personal Rapid Transit'.

1. Rapid Transit - Its the most obvious and common advantage of these podcar. You can travel a longer distance in a short distance.

2. Its Your Personal Car – Since its small and can accommodate just around 10 people, these future cars serve as your personal car that will take you to your desired destination.

3. Privacy – Definitely An Important USP – Being small, this car would be able to accommodate just your family & friends, thus giving privacy to you. You can now easily get away with those strangers on public transit who stared at you everyday.

4. Fossil Fuel – Electric operated, these cars on elevated guideways would reduce the usage and wastage of fossil fuels.

5. Eco-friendly – Unlike most of other automobiles, the podcars do not pollute the environment. Since it uses clean energy – electricity, it does not cause any harm to the environment.

6. No Frequents Stops – As said earlier, since its your 'personal' rapid transit, these podcars would only stop at desired stops. Being automated, this transit would not stop often thus minimizing wastage of time.

7. Reducing Traffic Congestion – Now, that would be of great relief for anybody on the road. As these cars would run on elevated guideways and not on roads, there would be less traffic congestion.

These are some of the benefits. If your see on the positive side, there are many more. But, there are two sides of every coin. This post covered one side and the next post would focus on the other side that is 'The Disadvantages Of Podcars'. Till then, you have a great time.

Here Comes Podcar – Your Personal Rapid Transit

It's small in size, automated/ computer-guided car and it can take you to the desired destination in few minutes. This is the vehicle of future – Podcars.

Personal rapid transit – Podcars are being defined as private, on-demand non-stop travel system. Electricity is the fuel for these cars that would definitely minimize the use of fossil fuels. This is one of the major advantages of podcars but has stunned the automobile industry that might face risks of being greatly affected when such cars become a common sight in cities.

With accommodation capacity between 2 to 10 persons, these cars would take you wherever you want to go. Sounds convenient! Isn't it? Podcars would run on an elevated guideways thus minimizing congestion on the road.

The concept of podcars is gaining momentum. These podcars are definitely becoming a debatable issue in the news of automotive industry. Now, as every new technology has something good and bad to offer, this one has them too. I'll be covering the benefits of these podcars in the forthcoming posts. Till then, be optimistic to get a ride soon in the podcars that might be coming soon to your city.

Some Do's & Don'ts of Safe Driving

Well, we always think we are aware of all the driving rules and laws. Really? Are We? Obviously, we know the traffic signals, identify the signs on the road, drive within the speed limit and so on. But there are some common ones that we often miss upon... Here is a brush-up on some of the driving Do's and Don'ts...

Some Do's Of Driving Are -

Driving License – Well a license though does not assure your driving skills, it will definitely save you from getting a ticket. Always Carry Your Driving License With You.

Seat Belts – Don't forget to wear them whenever you are behind the steering wheel. Ensure that even the kids at the back seat are buckled properly to the seat belts. You can definitely protect yourself from getting hurt if you jump the car off a speed bump or even in case of accidents. Wear Seat Belts Thats Just For Your Safety.

Speed Limits – Follow the instructions for speed limits that differ for expressways or city roads. Keep a watch on the speedometer and a check on your foot for accelerator. You are inviting trouble if you rush. Always Drive Within The Speed Limits.

Speed Bumps – These are there for those who are in hurry and do not follow the basic driving rules. Speed breakers help you break that mood for rapid driving that you have been carrying for several minutes. They are there just for your safety and avoiding any mishap. Watch Out For Those Speed Bumps The Next Time You Are Driving.

Driving Laws – You should have the knowledge about the different laws regarding driving. Just for your jurisdiction, keep yourself updated with any recent law. This might help you in case of an emergency or if you are being harassed by the police for the wrong reason. Know The Driving Laws.

Spare Tire – Always keep an extra tire for emergencies. There might be an unexpected flat tire any day, anytime. Keeping a working jack, screw driver and wheel accessories is also a good idea. Obviously you must know how to change the tires. Spare Tire In The Car Saves Time & Avoids Hassle.

Plan Ahead – It is always better and safer to plan about the destination prior to driving. This not only helps in avoiding any confusion but also helps you decide which route to pick up. Planning In Advance Is Always Advisable.

A Map – If you are visiting a new city or are in a new area, a city map is always of great help. Its better to find your ways yourself than to get lost by asking for directions from strangers. Carry A Road Map In The Car.

The Right Car Lights – Sharp high beam glares of your car lights can be a cause of fatal accidents of other drivers. It is always suggested to use low beam lights at night. The right usage of lights can keep you safe throughout your journey. Always Use low Beam At Night.

These are some of the Do's of Safe Driving. In my next post I will cover some important don'ts for safe driving. Stay tuned till then.

Top Tips To Increase The Lifeline Of Your Dear Vehicle

You spend thousands of dollars on buying the vehicle, but now you are just flushing that hard earned money by being careless. If you feel that you have been doing your part for your car by taking it for servicing twice a month, then let me put a check there. This is not enough... a few tips would definitely help in a smoother drive and longer lifeline of the car. Follow these tips that include some Do's & Dont's...

1. The Right Start

Obviously it is something very common but most of us never give it a thought. Turning on the car accessories before the car starts, wears down the engine. While starting the car, just turn off different accessories like music system, climate control, air conditioner or climate controller, etc. Increase the lifeline of the car – Don't Put Pressure On The Engine.

2. 'Warm Up' – But The Right Way

During Winters, you must be revving the engine to warm up the car. You never cracked your brain to the thought that when you rev the engine, the oil has not reached the system thus forcing the engine to work without any kind of lubrication. Rather than warming up your car, you are just heating it. So next time, you intend to warm up your darling vehicle, do it the right way – Let It Sit Idle For Around 60 Seconds.

3. Use The Emergency Brake

It is always advisable to use these emergency brakes that are commonly known as hand brakes or parking brakes. These would help in keeping the vehicle motionless without putting the pressure on the parking pawl and consequently on the transmission system. Why trouble the transmission of the car, when you can do without it easily. Therefore remember – Always Use Parking Brakes.

4. Let The Car Stop Completely & Then Drive

This is what we always do and that is right from the parking we shift to drive before the car stops moving backward. I hope you would be honest to admit it. This will ruin your vehicle. Remember to let the car stop from going backward before you start driving. If you don't obey this, you are risking the gears, drive shafts and the entire transmission of the car. Avoid a worn out transmission – Let the car stop before shifting to drive.

5. Listen to Your Car's Needs

Paying immediate attention can reduce the aggravating problem. I am not suggesting you to be tensed about the driving – rather just be alert to any unusual sound of the car.

A small check yourself would help you identify the cause easily.

INTERMOT Cologne – Fair, Freestyle Motocross Spectacle and more

Amidst the pomp and show of the ongoing Paris Motor Show 2008, there comes another trade fair related to the automobile industry. INTERMOT Cologne, a trade show for the two wheelers that include scooters and motorcycles, opens today on 08th October, 2008.

Besides the fact that more than 1,100 exhibitors are expected to participate in the fair and it would surely unveil some spectacular motorcycles, there is more to this show. The visitors who would include motorcyclists, bike lovers, manufacturers and any one interested in such trades would be attracted to different types of racing motorcycles and personalities riding them. Apart from the bikes and scooters, other related parts, accessories and motorcycle apparel and helmets would be worth a watch.

This event is also in talks for world’s biggest freestyle motocross spectacle - 'The Night of the Jumps' where the top 12 riders of International Freestyle Motocross Federation (IFMXF) will be performing their daredevil manoeuvres. Well I have heard, they will be do backwards somersaults but not on ground rather all 11 metres up in the air. Now that sounds exciting and attracting!

INTERMOT, Cologne – the 6th International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair will be open from October 8 to October 12, 2008.

For those who would be visiting the fair, here are some key details:


Visitors :
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (8, 9, 11, 12/10)
Timing: 09.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.

Days : Friday (10/10)
Timing: 09.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m.

Exhibitors :
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (8, 9, 11, 12/10)
Timing: 08.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Days: Friday (10/10)
Timing: 08.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.

Paris Motor Show: Greenery Through Cars!

Well, as I said in the previous post that 'Go small & green' is the most in thing in the Paris Motor Show, 2008 or rather I should say this is the latest concept of the automakers, this motor show is unveiling a number of cars that advertises this concept. To me it seems to be that these green concept cars are mere promotion gimmicks or just ways to pacify the demand for lower emission vehicles (not to forget, obviously with lower fuel consumption levels.)

Popularizing the word 'greenery' that forms a part of almost every news from automotive industry, these cars are replies to issues on increasing global warming. In order to compete in the market and build up their image of being environment- conscious, almost all major automobile players are unveiling 'their eco- friendly cars'.

While Renault comes up with Zero Emission i.e. ZE cars, Fiat is introducing this year its Pur 02 – that's a car which would run only on thin air. Besides these, there are dozens of such cars being launched this season. Some of the top promises or special features of these green cars are : stylish models with neon glass, acid-green windows for better insulation thereby saving energy, minimum carbon dioxide emission, fuel efficiency, modified gearboxes, enhanced aerodynamics, 1.2-litre petrol engine and more.

Looks like the auto industry is soon to be packed with these cars that are ready to make the world green. Will it make some difference to the environment? The question arises - 'Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence?'

Paris Motor Show 2008 - A Must Visit For Auto Lovers!

Stealing the limelight at the 2008 Paris Motor Expo are the 'Concept Cars' from different auto makers. These are most talked about cars that will attract the maximum visitors especially the common public for whom the expo will open from 04th October.

One of the largest motor show of Auto Industry opened in Paris on 2nd of October, 2008. Covering 360 marquees from 25 countries, this auto expo unveils 90 new models of cars from Honda, General motors, Toyota, Nissan, Peugeot, Citroen and other major industry players.

From hybrids, fuel savers, eco friendly to electro-cars, there is a lot to be displayed. 'Go small & green' is the latest trend that is showcased in the range of cars to be exhibited by the automobile manufacturers.

Organized by COMEXPO Paris that is a subsidiary of the Comite des Expositions de Paris, this show is believed to pull in more than 1 million visitors. The stats reveal that it had attracted around 1.43 million people in the last motor show held in 2006.

Those Who Would Visit The Show Or Might Be Interested In It Are -

• Major Automobile Players
• Automobile Professionals
• High-net-worth families & individuals
• Executives & Businessmen
• Overseas Buyers
• Corporate Buyers – CEOs
• Automobile Engineers/ Technicians
• Media & Press
  

So, if your are fond of automobiles then get ready to visit the expo. The Paris Motor Show's key details will surely be of some help to you.