MC ASOC AUTOS

With constant traffic, red lights and never ending roadworks setting out on a car journey in the city is not usually something to look forward to.

There are some top tips however to make your driving experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Get a car made for the city. Parking is always a nightmare regardless of whether you are good at it or night. Compact car parks and tricky on road spaces can be made a lot easier by getting a smaller car such as a Smart Car which is smaller in length and width can make parking a lot easier as well as avoiding scratches and scrapes. Car clubs are a good option where you can lease a car perfect for city driving. Weigh up manual vs. automatic. Driving manual cars can make driving stressful and tiring, particularly in hilly cities. The constant stop and go is annoying so you might be better off with an automatic.

Get help with your parking. That annoying beeping when a car in reverse can be extremely useful. Rear parking sensors are fairly common, and some luxury cars offer them in the front as well. The camera projects an exact image of what’s behind you on the navigation screen, which can be easier than relying on your ears alone.

Drive economically. Not all of us have access to an eco car so to drive more economically try and drive at a steady speed with less use of the break. If you’re stopped go into neutral. Use the accelerator lightly and coast where you can. Remember to fill up before you hit the city, petrol stations are usually in difficult places and hard to find.

Stop the lane change game. Believe it or not, changing lanes frequently will get you there only a few seconds earlier, while greatly increasing your chance of a collision.

A new year is always an exciting time in the automotive industry. Manufactures have been hard at work developing new cars to unleash onto the market. There is more importance than ever riding on the release and success of these new cars because of the poor economy. Each car company is hoping to have the newest, hottest car out there that can boost them back into the black. 2010 is no different – all of the car companies have introduced new models, so let’s take a look at some of the best!

Let’s start with the BMW 3-series. This car has been on Car and Driver’s top ten list for about 19 years running now. The 2010 model comes as a 2-door coupe, convertible, 4-door sedan and wagon. This incredibly versatile car can come with some incredible power – up to 265 horsepower. A manual transmission has an average of 24 mpg, not too shabby for a sports model car.

The next car on the list is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. “Green” is all the rage when it comes to vehicles and the Fusion has been making a steady climb. It has been rated to have one of the best integrated electric-fuel systems on the market. The Fusion has been said to drive much better than the Prius, making up for its higher price tag. The four cylinder engine comes standard at 2.5 liters. The most praise this car has received is how drivers don’t even notice when the gasoline kicks in – the transition is seamless. This hybrid will get you between 35 and 40 mpg, lower in a city setting. This isn’t for the mpg-obsessed driver but for a driver who wants the complete package.

Night driving can be appealing and peaceful due to reduced traffic. As the sun sets, however, you are presented with new hazards that can make driving more dangerous and increase your risk of a serious accident.

The best way to avoid the potential hazards associated with night driving is to understand what causes nighttime accidents. First, darkness causes poor visibility, which reduces your ability to judge speed and distance as well as alters your depth perception. Fatigue is another common problem that results in nighttime automobile accidents. Finally, any vision impairment, such as night blindness, contributes to your risk of an accident when driving at night.

Fortunately, you can take some steps to stay safe when driving at night. Follow these simple tips to reduce your risk of an accident the next time you’re driving after dusk.

Tips for driving at night

• Prepare your car – Before driving at night, check your headlights. Make sure they are clean, operating and adjusted properly. Position your side and rearview mirrors to reduce glare and ensure your taillights and other lights are working, too. This not only improves your visibility, but also makes it easier for others to see your vehicle.
• Prevent halos and glare – Clean your windshield and eyeglasses before driving at night. A buildup of dirt, oil and other substances can prevent the proper diffusion of light, resulting in halos and glares.
• Be courteous – Use your low beams when other drivers are on the road. High beams can temporarily blind drivers, especially those in oncoming traffic. When confronted by another car’s high beams, shift your gaze to the side of the road. Use the line as a guide to steer until you are safely away from the offending automobile.

Unlike clothing, books, or games, car customization isn’t something that will get shoved to the back of the closet or put away and forgotten about. When you help upgrade someone’s vehicle, you enhance their daily life. Their new mobile electronics will go with them on their commute, road trips, and to the grocery store. From eliminating driving hassles with in dash navigation to taking the bitter chill of wintery mornings with a remote car starter, the gift of car customization just keeps on giving!

“Borrowing” your giftee’s car and dropping it off at the car electronics shop is a simple way to get your car enhancement present installed on the sly, but you can also purchase components for installation at a later date. And don’t forget, if you aren’t sure what kind of mobile video or car stereo upgrade your loved one would want, many car electronics shops offer gift certificates. So visit your car audio video store today to get the perfect present for the audiophile or car lover on your list. Your present is sure to be this year’s absolute favorite!