Crash Test Dummy: Cars and Driving 101

Car Musings: Chivalry, Equality, and Female Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:44:00 +0000

On my way home from work yesterday, I started thinking about car chivalry, equality, and female drivers… The following are some random musings on car chivalry, female drivers, and gender equality.

“You never learn to swear until you learn to drive.” – You spot it on tee-shirts and bumper stickers, on blogs and articles, and you nod and chuckle at how this amusing saying seems to be all too “spot on” when it comes to your driving experiences. So maybe that famous phrase isn’t supposed to be taken too literally—I mean from what I remember, I started swearing like a sailor long before I started driving. But the point is, driving does teach you to swear and swerve, block, and even intentionally overtake one driver and to slow down just to piss that person off. And why? Simply because that driver was rude enough to cut you in an intersection and nearly cause you an accident. Okay, so maybe you have a reason to be genuinely pissed off, but exactly how far are we (today’s drivers) taking this driving-induced, shorter fuse?

Has the automobile, one of the most important and convenient inventions of all time, really caused us to lose more than just our tempers, but our manners as well? See, this is the part where chivalry comes in. Let me start off with a simple definition of this fast-becoming ambiguous term.

Chivalry: a type of behavior associated with knighthood, but used in the modern times to refer mostly to man’s chivalry towards women.

When the world’s first feminists started the movement to free women from the unfair, gender-based restrictions implemented by society (male-dominated, no less), I bet they weren’t thinking—“men should act like pigs around women”.

Equality doesn’t mean “be rude!” On the contrary, it means “be considerate”. Women aren’t weak creatures who really NEED special attention, ok so maybe sometimes we do but guys do too—sometimes. But I think that sometimes some male drivers tend to take this “bid for equality” too far when they start haranguing female drivers because they drive too slow, or it takes them a while to park. Oh yes, I’m sure you’ve encountered a number of websites solely dedicated to showing the world how women are such bad drivers—a hasty generalization too, might I add!

Never mind that Danica Patrick and hundreds of other female racers around the world are trying to prove this generalization incorrect. Most guys I know see Danica Patrick and proudly exclaim how they have the magazine where she shows up wearing a bikini. Brain cells start to drip out my ears every time they go into that discussion. Sure, she’s beautiful, but let’s not forget that she’s also mighty talented too!

And let’s not even touch the numerous jokes about women being bad drivers and all (with pictures). I’m a female driver and I can take a joke or two about bad SOME bad female drivers, but when this generalization is taken to the streets, and you’re trying to squeeze in your car inside an ultra-small parking space in the mall and the driver behind you starts honking and cursing at you…that’s something else completely. When you step out of your vehicle, you see the lot of the spectators rolling their eyes and mouthing “see, told you it was a ‘she’.” And a middle-aged guy attempts parking in a nearby space and takes twice as long, and nobody pays attention… I don’t know if that’s what you call sexism or double standards, but it sure as hell ain’t right.

But maybe there’s still hope for car chivalry out there—provided of course that it’s mixed with a healthy dose of equality. Women aren’t really as dependent as we used to be, but some random acts of kindness like the three examples listed below, does feel good once in a while.

Opening Car Doors for Girls. The good news is that car chivalry isn’t completely dead, just dormant in most people. A lot of male drivers are thankfully not as narrow-minded as the chuckling folks in the mall parking space. In fact, I know quite a few guys who still open car doors for their ladies. The guys I know who don’t open car doors for other people use feminism as an excuse—“she can do it herself” is said with a smug beam.

Guys, don’t you know that while yes, women can open car doors themselves, opening your vehicle’s door for your lady is the modern day equivalent to a bouquet of flowers? Well, maybe not a bouquet, but women do appreciate it when you remember this chivalrous act every time you go out with your girl. And you shouldn’t really do it as a one-time thing either! Show your girl how much you care by opening your car door for her each time you go out.

Letting You Have the Last Parking Space. This one I’m yet to see, but a female friend of mine does swear by her story. It’s the last parking space on that floor, although there was another parking level upstairs. She rounded a corner only to be met by another driver. For a moment she thought she’d have to head upstairs and start hunting for a decent parking space once more, but amazingly, the other driver smiled and indicated that she should have the parking space instead. There was no ulterior motive; the guy was just really nice.

Letting the Other Driver Pass or Overtake You When You’re Not In a Hurry. If you’re not in a hurry to be anywhere, anytime soon, then it would be really nice if you let the driver who’s in a hurry or late for a meeting behind you to overtake your vehicle. You don’t have to stop completely just to let her pass; all you have to do is proceed to the side of the road and slow down until the other driver passes you. Now that wasn’t such a big sacrifice, was it?

These are just some of the car-related chivalry acts I’ve experienced or heard of from my set of female friends. Now, if only more male drivers could be as gallant as the drivers who practice the three examples mentioned above…

Cooking with Your Engine: Kooky or Brilliant?

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:14:00 +0000

God, I love the World Wide Web. Mainly because I get to find the craziest and yet smartest ideas there. Human beings are so resourceful. I actually saw various entries on how you can cook meals as you drive. Okay, so I’ve heard about those car ovens, car cookbooks, and even car coffee pots out there. And since according to the U.S. Vehicle Study in 2005, a human being spends around 4 years and six months of his life just waiting for a red light to turn green, cooking while driving or waiting for a “go-signal” from the traffic gods doesn’t seem like such a bad idea, right?

Apparently cooking with your engine, also known as engine-block cooking is a practice done by hundreds of people around the world. You can check Youtube if you don’t believe me. But either way, creating a great gourmet meal while you drive off to your desired destination sounds like a great deal to me. So how exactly do you barbecue or grill a chunk of meat while driving without poisoning yourself with water-coolant mixture?

It starts with grade-A planning of course. Follow these steps to create a great meal while taking a long road trip.

Step #1: Figure Out What You Want to Cook—and Be Realistic with your Choices. I don’t need to tell you why minestrone or any other soup is a bad idea when cooking using your engine block. Aside from the mess the fluids create each time you brake, you’ll also have to worry about fuel contamination and car problems caused by having so much soup sloshing around your car. Also remember that cooking on your engine block is going to take a bit longer than when using a conventional oven. The good news is that your cooking time is sure to be at least an hour shorter when you make a meal in your hotpot. Although I haven’t tried this, I’m going out of town with my boyfriend next week, so I’ll be sure to get a barbecue or potato dish in while he drives. People who have tried this say that cooking with your engine is essentially a lot like braising food. Not bad, right? You can also use your engine block to warm up pre-cooked foods. The point is, try to find food that will end up cooked by the time you pull over. As my grandfather used to say, “nobody wants to eat a half-cooked potato”.

Step #2: Determine the Cooking Mileage of the Meal You’re Planning on Cooking. There’s this book out called “Manifold Destiny: The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking On Your Car Engine!”. Personally, I think the book’s title would be better without some of the exclamation points, but I’ll probably buy it because it’s sure to be an interesting read. Some Carbeque cooking times (yes, they call it carbeque) include: Sliced Potatoes: approximately 55 miles, Shrimp: around 30 to 50 miles, Chicken Breasts: 60 to 70 miles, Salmon: 60 to 100 miles, Chicken Wings: 140 to 200 miles, and Pork Tenderloin: around 250 miles. If you, like me, are a novice when it comes to carbequeing, I suggest we stick with simply heating and hopefully not burning pre-made sandwiches. Also keep in mind that cooking mileage varies from engine to engine and driver to driver. If you’re stuck in traffic for a while, pull over and check on your food after around fifteen miles. If you’re a quick driver, add ten miles to your carbequeing time, that sort of thing. Don’t worry, I’m positive we’ll get a hang of this eventually.

Step #3: Prepare your Meal Like You’d Do If You Were Cooking Using an Oven. Make sure you have the right recipe, okay? And again, stay away from sticky soups, stews, and sauces.

Step #4: Wrap Your Food Tightly Using Aluminum Foil. Make sure the entire food is wrapped completely in foil to avoid contaminants from poisoning you. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil that won’t tear while you travel. When wrapping your food in foil, make sure you first apply some cooking oil and/or butter on your aluminum foil. This would keep your food from sticking to the sheet of foil. Lay down your food in the middle of your aluminum foil sheet and start wrapping tightly. Fold over the food at least twice to keep unwanted exhaust fumes out. Or better yet, if your car has exhaust problems, don’t bother carbequeing, coz it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step #5: Spot a Hot Surface without Plastic or any Non-Metallic Hindrance on Your Engine. Finding the perfect cooking spot on your engine means the difference between an undercooked mess and a lip-smacking great meal. One way you can find the perfect spot is by driving around for a few minutes, just enough for your engine to warm up. Pull over and turn off your engine, then pop up your hood. Lightly touch the surface of your engine and find the hottest spot available. Some people say that the hottest spot is somewhere near your exhaust manifold. I’m not sure I want to risk carbon monoxide poisoning though. >_<

Step #6: Make Sure Your Meal Fits the Space Between Your Engine and Hood. I’m pretty sure a whole pork leg won’t fit, so I suggest you go for flatter meats or veggies if you’re vegan. Make sure it’s a snug fit to avoid having your meal falling off of your engine when you’re cornering. One trick you can do is to put potato slices over your meal to act as a yummy space filler.

Step #7: Secure Your Meal Into Place. Some people actually tie their meals down. I suggest you just settle for a snug fit all around your engine block. Also, keep your meal away from your accelerator linkage and other moving parts. The stuff you’re cooking might just obstruct the movement of your mechanical parts, resulting in complete auto breakdown. And your meal gets squashed. Lose-lose situation there.

Step #8: Drive To Your Destination or Until the Food is Cooked Completely. It may take you a while before you perfect cooking mileage and all, but again, you’ll get better at it. If your food is undercooked, try driving around a bit more to cook your food.

Step #9: Remove your Meal from Your Engine. Keep in mind that your engine is going to be sizzling around this time, so it pays to use mitts when quickly removing your meal from your engine. Also, turn off your engine before you open your car’s hood to avoid getting burned.

Step #10: Enjoy your Meal. Savor your not-so-hard-earned meal. But if there’s a leak in the foil package, leave it and go to the local drive thru instead.

WARNING: Please keep your meal wrapped tightly in durable foil. When foil breaks, oil from your food or other fluids may leak, leading to an undesirable explosion under your hood. Well, not so much an explosion as smoke and some fire…but that’s essentially the same thing, right?

Top Ten Things You Should Never Say When You Get Pulled Over for Drunk Driving

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Just to answer your question, no I’ve never been caught drunk-driving *winkwink* and NO I don’t approve of driving under the influence of anything that could mean crashing your car or hitting anyone—or anything for that matter. And just for the record, that incident where I wasn’t-caught-drunk-driving-because-I-seriously-wasn’t-drunk-but-just-a-bit-tipsy happened when I was 18. And my dad was outside the house waiting for me—and boy, I got in such big trouble at home I was grounded for 4 freakin’ months. Mercifully, the only thing I did hit was my neighbor’s garden gnome—creepy little thing in the dark, I’ll tell you. If you ask me, I did her a favor. Although I did have to pay for it, and I’m proud to say, I’ve never driven home drunk after that incident. My boyfriend doesn’t drink, so lucky me, right?

So I’ve been prowling the intarwebs the past few days and I came across some great lists on what you should never say when you get pulled over by a cop. I decided to compile a list of my own, thanks to my buddies who happen to be the head honchos of the “major legal faux pas” department, I got verbal ammo for you. I swear, a couple of them are so experienced with getting hauled into jail every once in a while that I’m starting to think they actually enjoy the frisking. *just kidding you guys!*

And now, without further ado: My Top Ten Things You Should Never Say When You Get Pulled Over for Drunk Driving! (Hey, the title’s pretty long yeah? Next time I’ll try coming up with the longest title for a blog post—ever. Or not. Hohum.)

Note: See I’m trying to make the entry as light as possible. I know I’ve been bombarding you with info on specs and trims—and turning you into my own personal car lust confessional. So for a change, something a bit fluffier.

Warning: Don’t even attempt to utter these lines unless you’re slick enough to get away with saying them or unless you really want to get a good pat down from your local officer.

#10

Officer: ‘scuse me sir, do you know why you were pulled over?

You: Hey… aren’t you that cop from the Village People? *breaks into the YMCA dance* I frickin’ love that song!

Officer: Sir, can you give me your license and registration?

You: Yep. *fumbles with one hand for wallet* Wait, would you mind holding my beer for a minute?

(If it’s girls’ night out)

Officer: *taps on your window*

You: Hoohoo! Did my husband put you up to this? Hey girls! The male stripper’s early.

Your Cronies: Take it off! Take it off!

*while getting frisked or patted down*

You: Ohhhh… officer. Is that your baton or are you just happy to see me? *wink*

(If you’ve got your idiot buddy with you)

Officer: Sir, I’ll let you go this time with a warning… (that’s all thanks to your wicked charm and presence of mind…)

You: *trying hard to sound coherent* Yessir. Thank you sir. It won’t happen again mister police officer sir. *salutes*

Idiot Bud: *in a loud whisper that’s audible to the officer* Duuuude… it’s a good thing he didn’t check the glove compartment. Coz, that’s grade-A marijuana…

Officer: Is that beer I smell on your breath sir?

You: No officer, beer is for wimps. That’s a mixture of scotch, gin, whiskey, and maybe more than just a bit of tequila. *beams up at officer*

Officer: Do you know why you got pulled over sir?

You: The road was crooked?

*officer instructs you to walk a straight line and you end up wobbling after a few steps*

Officer: Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to give me your license and registration.

You: Wait! Wait! I’m not done yet! Itsh not my fault the ground ish shaky.

#2:

*after rolling down your window and seeing the officer*

You: Hey, it’s you again! Remember me?

Officer: Sir, I’m going to have to take you in for DUI.

You: DUI? *whew* for a moment there I thought you were going to check my trunk.

Auto Pick of the Week: the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Grading the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible

Appearance and Cabin: B

The good thing about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible is that driving this vehicle is sure to be a blast! The bad thing about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible is that for finicky drivers, that might be the one selling point his compact convertible has over its more expensive and more powerful competition. Sure, the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible looks good, but since you’re paying a third or maybe even just a quarter of what you’d normally pay for a high-performance luxury sports car, do you really have soaring expectations about this car when placed alongside its flashier and faster competition?

Ah well, this convertible isn’t really as bad as it may seem, really. It’s just one of those classic scenarios where you get what you paid for—and just that. Read on to find out why.

Note: The 2008 MINI Cooper comes in two trims or body styles: namely the hatchback coupe and the convertible. Because this article deals with the convertible, focus on the aesthetic, performance, and safety enhancements will only include those featured in the convertible.

Performance Components:

comes with automatic up-down power windows
a dependable engine ( to be discussed further under the Performance and Safety section)
has a CD player
a powerful six-speaker stereo
is equipped with rear parking sensors
has 16-inch wheels
is available with cruise control
comes with xenon headlights
has front and rear fog lights for better visibility during adverse weather conditions
heated seats
some models come with Bluetooth
has rain-sensing wipers
is equipped with a navigation system (integrated and/or portable)
comes with a dimming rearview mirror
has satellite radio and HD radio

Available Aesthetic Enhancements:

comes with a power-retractable soft-top that has a sunroof function
available with a multi-color mood lighting
definitely customizable!
Has varying wheel designs that you can choose from
Available with either cloth or leather upholstery
Has a number of different interior color schemes
Comes with an upgraded audio system that includes the 8-speaker Harman Kardon
Can be fitted with the “Sidewalk Package” that allows you to choose from a number of other options for better interior and exterior styling

MINI Cooper Convertible Cabin:

The cabin may leave a lot to be desired, particularly if you’re not used to having a lot of gizmos on your dash. The good thing about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible is that it’s a lot more user-friendly than its hatchback version. The downside is that it doesn’t have as much functions and accessories as the sportier hatchback.

Contrary to popular belief, the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible is also pretty spacious for its size. But if you happen to be pretty tall (approximately 6 feet or taller), your passengers seated on the backseat may have little to almost no legroom. Trunk space is also greatly limited in the MINI Cooper convertible, so it’s not really the ride you’d want when you’re hauling stuff from one place to another.

Performance and Safety:

Speed: B+

According to MINI, these compact convertibles are capable of moving from 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in 6.5 to 8.5 seconds—depending on the type of body style you go for. It’s not really the fastest ride on the market, but it’s still pretty good, IMO. (In my opinion—lolz)

Power: A

The engine is pretty dependable and the car is quite fuel efficient—which is always a good thing. But nothing completely extraordinary when it comes to power for this convertible.

Suspension Performance: B-

Although suspension is not as rigid as it used to be, it’s still a bit too rigid for me. If you value ride quality, then this might not be the most satisfying vehicle for you.

Safety: A

Standard equipment really. The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible has all the right equipment to keep you adequately protected in case of impact. It has side airbags, antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, and side curtain air bags (full-length, mind you!).

So basically, all in all it’s a pretty sweet and fun ride to have. J

Overall Grade: B+

Sources:autos.yahoo.com, Edmunds.com

Auto Pick of the Week: the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:20:00 +0000

Before the MINI Cooper, drivers, male drivers in particular really, rarely took the statement: “your car is cute as a button!” as a compliment. Decades ago, the trend was—“the sleeker or the bigger the better”. It was either you got a fast and flashy sports car or a monster ride equipped with jaw-dropping mags. But these days, it’s no longer about speed, power, and size—it’s also about practicality.

A MINI Cooper may not be as fast as a Maserati or as flash as a Ferrari, but it does give you “more turns for less burn!” Fuel efficient and compact, it saves you more than just money for gas, it also saves you space. Of course, this may not be the best choice for family car, but it does have its merits, right?

So, without further ado, I introduce to you the luxury 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible!

2008 MINI Cooper Convertible

Description: The MINI Cooper convertible is a carryover model from 2007. This “fresher”, 2-door convertible is capable of seating 4 passengers. Of course, a taller passenger may feel a bit “crowded” since this MINI is über compact, but what it lacks in size it makes up for gas you save. Pretty nifty, ei?

Trims: This vehicle is available in two trims: the Base and the S.

Engine: The Base comes with the standard 1.6 liter (L) 115 horsepower (hp), I4 engine that’s capable of getting in up to 23-miles per gallon (mpg) when driven in the city, and 32-mpg when on the freeway. While the S trim comes with basically the same standard 1.6-L, 168-hp, I4 turbo engine that attains up to 21-mpg when driven through the city streets, and 29-mpg when cruising on the freeway. Not bad, really.

Standard Transmission: The Base trim comes with a 5-speed manual transmission with a standard overdrive feature—though you can also get a variable speed automatic transmission if you want. While the S trim comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with an optional 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): $21,950 to $25,400

Invoice Price: $19,837 to $22,942

It’s definitely not as pricey as the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo that I featured last week, but it does cost more than your average car. That’s one of the things I love about the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible, by the way—it’s not as pricey as your regular convertible, but it is just as fuel-efficient.

Although the MINI has been around for decades, it’s only now that I’m starting to see how large their target market actually is! Or maybe it’s because I grew up surrounded by Japanese and American cars, so it used to be quite rare for me to see this British car that’s manufactured using the best auto technology from Germany. How deliciously international! It’s like driving a cute go-kart. Who says go-karts are just for kids anyways?

What Makes the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible Worth Its Weight In Gold?

It’s stylish, it’s fresh and it’s fun to drive! Superb fuel economy matched with a highly-customizable appearance, what more can you ask for? It also comes with a three-year, free scheduled maintenance. Excellent news, right? Oh, oh! And the new MINI Cooper also comes with automatic up and down windows! How’s that for modern?

Possible Cons:

Okay, so all cars have their cons. Let’s just say that this hatchback may be too small for some of your taller or bigger relatives. It also gives out squeaking and rattling noises. You also get limited rear visibility for this convertible and the suspension is a bit too rigid for my liking. According to Edmunds.com, the interior controls are also a bit off-putting.

Auto Pick for the Week: the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:51:00 +0000

Grading the GranTurismo

Appearance and Cabin: I give it an A.

While the 2008 GranTurismo retains much of the styling of the older Maseratis, it still gives off a fresher and more modern vibe. A lot of people compare the GranTurismo to the Quattroporte. Which is seriously unfair, since both cars have their merits. While the GranTurismo may be based on the slightly shortened version of the older Quattroporte, this luxury performance sports car definitely lives up to expectations, and not just in the looks department.

But since we’re already settling on body styling, cabin design, trim levels and available auto options, let’s discuss the aesthetic and performance enhancements that you’ll find in the 2008 GranTurismo.

Performance Components:

It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels
Also equipped with Brembo brakes
Has bi-xenon headlamps that come with handy washers
It has an adjustable suspension that can be modified electronically
Upholstery made from soft leather
Power front seats are heated and comes with “driver memory”
Has a hard-drive navigation system
Comes with a Bose surround-sound audio system

Available Aesthetic Enhancements:

comes with tree different wheel designs—two of which are 20-inchers, and one 19-inch set
customizable brake calipers that come in five different colors! If you fail to choose any, you end up with black brake calipers, which are seriously not shabby so it’s not a biggie.
Customizable interior comes in various hues, with separate trim pieces available
Vehicle exterior can be painted any of the ten types of “special paints” offered by the manufacturer upon request
Trim pieces, interior color, and exterior paint can be combined to create a truly personalized ride

GranTurismo Cabin:

The cabin is without a doubt, hands-down, amazing! Imagine driving a car with upholstery made from hand-stitched (yes, you read right, HAND-STITCHED) leather. No such thing as pleather (or faux leather if you’re grammatically fussy) inside this car. Unlike its competition, the GranTurismo looks just as good as it performs. And it performs extremely well.

Another plus for the GranTurismo, it’s not as loaded with complicated gadgets unlike other luxury coupes. In fact, it’s pretty simple. Don’t get me wrong, the car is ultra-modern, but you don’t really want a car that requires a technician to operate all its accessories, do you? I say the simpler, the better. Let the car’s performance speak for itself. I don’t need thousands of electronic gadgets in my ride. I just want it to be fast, smooth, sleek, and dependable—just like the 2008 GranTurismo.

Performance and Safety: I give it an average grade of

Speed: A-

The engine allows the GranTurismo to have a 0-60 sprint of just 5.1 seconds. Pretty quick, ei?

So it’s not as fast as the Jaguar XKR. It’s still a bit faster than the Mercedes Benz CL550, so that’s something you can brag about to your friends.

Power: A

Powered by a 4.2-L V8 engine, this car is capable of cranking out 405 horsepower. It also has a staggering 339 lb-ft. torque (pound-feet torque). With an engine designed and built by Ferrari, did you expect anything less? But like other cars from the House of the Trident, the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo comes with a specialized crankshaft and unique cylinder heads.

Suspension Performance: A+

So it’s not as powerful as other luxury performance coupes, at least numbers-wise—but the good thing about the GranTurismo is that it offers superb ride quality. No extra bounces for you and your passengers each time you drive through road irregularities. Although if you own this car, I seriously advise you against doing off-road driving, mainly because having your car repainted is going to cost you—dearly, literally.

Safety: B+

It has all the standard safety features you can expect from any luxury vehicle. The 2008 GranTurismo comes with traction control, antilock brakes, stability control, side-curtain for head protection for the front passengers, along with side airbags at the front seats.

Overall Grade: A-/A

Sources: Edmunds.com and autos.yahoo.com

Auto Pick for the Week: the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:26:00 +0000

The first time I saw a Maserati Quattroporte, it was love at first sight. The car seemed to beckon to me—it was like a light at the far end of an extremely dark tunnel... never mind that the driver cut before me and almost pushed me to join the list of auto fatalities this year, the sight of his car was just so darn appealing. Just when I thought that the House of the Trident couldn’t possibly make a sleeker and shinier ride than the Quattroporte, they come out with the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo.

2008 Maserati GranTurismo

Description: The GranTurismo is basically a 2 door luxury sports car that can carry approximately four passengers. Definitely not for the family man, but if you’re single, this might just be the right ride for you.

Trims: The GranTurismo comes with only one trim—the coupe.

Engine: This luxury sports car comes with the regular, 405 hp (horsepower), V8 engine with a 4.2-L (liter) capacity. It’s capable of running at 19 mpg (miles per gallon) on the highway, and around 13 mpg when you’re driving through the city streets.

Standard Transmission: A 6-speed automatic. This car also comes with the overdrive feature.

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): $110,000 up.

Okay, okay, so it’s a bit pricey. Is it worth it’s price?

According to the folks from Edmunds.com, it is so worth it.

See what we have here is a truly Italian car. I don’t know why, but Italian cars in general are always so well-made. Fiats, Ferraris, and yes, Maseratis too. These days, the biggest competition for the GranTurismo from Maserati is the Continental GT by Bentley. Another excellent ride, IMO (in my opinion if you don’t do IM speak).

What Makes the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo Worth Its Weight In Gold?

Well for starters, it’s sleek, über-stylish, and it’s definitely the epitome of class and performance. But like all the other high-end sports cars on the market, the GranTurismo has a few drawbacks—very minor if you ask me.

Possible Cons:

Single trim—and we all know how in the auto industry, variety is key. It’s also not as fast as the rest of its competition. But then again, it’s not like you’d want to drive recklessly with such a pricey ride, right? It also doesn’t come with a manual transmission, so if you prefer keeping your hand on your gearstick, then this ride might not be the right luxury vehicle for you.

Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You—From a Girl’s Perspective (Part V)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0000

Ah, the final section of my multi-part post entitled “Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You—From a Girl’s Perspective”.

Author’s Note: But before everything, some apologies for not updating much last week. I got this writing gig which doesn’t really pay well, but it’s pretty good—except it’s a ghost writer position… The actual article topics didn’t really bother me, but writing something that no one would ever know I actually wrote does kinda irk me. So yeah, existentialist drama abounds from this side of Earth. But the show must go on, and so should this post… so without further ado, PART V. Enjoy :D

(Still for Car Interior)

All-Out Slob: Have you spotted any cockroaches from under the seats? Tired of peeling week-old pizza from your shoes each time you ride shotgun with your man? Do you feel as if the foul odor emanating from inside the car is starting to stick to your clothes and that’s why your officemates are trying desperately to avoid you like the plague? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you’re shacking up with a slob. Or maybe not shacking up if you happen to be the conservative sort, maybe “going steady” would be a better term. Point is, you’ve got one messy man in your hands.

If his car looks that well lived-in, aren’t you afraid of what his apartment would be like? Maybe you should ask him if he actually lives in his car, because that would totally explain why his car is as messy as it is. Maybe he’s hiding a dead body under all that garbage—nah, that would be too X-Files meets CSI, right? Or maybe he’s trying to grow an entire ecosystem inside his car through evolution.

Either way, you should let your man know that an über messy interior is unacceptable. If you want to be bitchy about it, I suggest you leave a rodent on the driver’s seat where your man can easily spot it—before climbing in, mind you. (I’ve just read Rant by Chuck Palahniuk—brilliant piece, and I’m deathly afraid of rabies… can rats give you rabies?).

The nice way is to start cleaning his car for him. Tell him that you just want to know what his original upholstery looks like. Since you’re doing the work, he should have no complaints about you cleaning the interior of his car. Just make sure you inform him before doing anything. Guys are super sensitive about their rides.

***

Car Exterior

While you may care immensely how the interior looks like, you should care even more when it comes to the state of your boyfriend’s car body—mostly because that’s what other people see. And if you’re planning a get-together with your parents, you wouldn’t want your dad having “that talk” with you after dinner, behind closed doors. Although you’re not supposed to care what other people say about you or your boy for that matter, that’s no reason for you or your man to end up like slobs.

That being said, onto the next part of this post: the state of his car’s exterior.

Sleek and Shiny: From afar, it’s absolutely spotless. From up close, you see very slight swirl marks near the fender where your man probably used a duster to remove light traces of dust from the paint. It’s nothing to fret about. If you have this type of man—Mr. Almost Perfect—then you’ve got Mr. Just Right in your hands. Again, that’s so long as he’s great to you, puts your needs first, he’s well-mannered and doesn’t slap your hand each time you try to touch the dash or the steering wheel.

Scarily Spotless: Take Mr. Almost Perfect and make him Mr. Eerily Perfect… at least from afar. Drives a nice car that’s super shiny you can see your reflection from a mile away. His car looks like a show car and he’s hell-bent at trying to keep it that way as well. He’s the guy who uses car coasters and keeps everything wrapped in plastic. His ride may be a few years old, but the floors of his ride are still lined with newspaper—not even car floor mats! He makes you take off your shoes and wipe your feet before entering. Psycho much?

Needs Some Cleaning: So washes his car once a month. Not a big deal, right? Just try suggesting to him (in a very sweet voice)t hat he should probably get his car cleaned twice a month instead of just once to avoid having hardened debris from accumulating on his ride.

Biohazard: Does your man drive a car that you’d rather be miles away from? Does it look like a swamp creature? Has rust eaten away a major chunk of the car’s façade? If yes, don’t ride. Don’t even date the driver. Or at least help your man find a safer and more aesthetically acceptable vehicle.

Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You—From A Girl’s Perspective (Part IV)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:51:00 +0000

And here’s part IV of my extremely-long, multi-part post! J Enjoy!

So we’ve covered some of the basic vehicle types and their respective drivers, now it’s time to go for the more luxurious rides available: the Sedan and the Convertible.

Sedan Sweetie: Nothing says luxury better than a sweet Sedan. (And maybe a limo—provided your man is the one in the backseat, pouring you a glass of sparkling, Krug Clos du Mesnil 1995 or Bollinger Blanc De Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises 1997 champagne that runs at $750 and $400 per bottle respectively). Subtly ask him, is it his car or his dad’s car he’s driving. It shouldn’t really matter during your first date, but if he’s driving his old man’s ride that might explain why you’re not allowed to touch the steering wheel or dash.

If it’s his ride and he makes you take your shoes off every time you get into the car—that’s a deal breaker. Yes, cleanliness is next to godliness, but let’s not get too sentimental over a few specks of dust. Unless you’ve been stomping through muddy grounds, you shouldn’t have to sit in his car barefoot and holding your Manolo Blahniks on one hand.

Next, check for a ring, for all the reasons I listed on the previous post. The last thing you’d want is a man who married rich to score with hotter chicks.

Otherwise, enjoy your expensive date, and make it clear that a nice car doesn’t necessarily guarantee sex. (Unless of course, that’s what you’re after too.)

If he holds the door open for you ALL THE TIME, it usually means he’s a keeper. (Although some are just out to impress you—remember, go for constancy).

Hot Convertible: Usually red, silver, or black in color with leather seats and chrome interiors. Remember that old saying that goes: “the flashier the ride, the smaller the wang?” No? Well that’s probably because I invented it. But c’mon, you’ve got to admit it—society has pinned down the flashy convertible as a man’s way of compensating for his “smaller-than-usual-thingamajiggy”.

Well, let me tell you—NOT TRUE, SOMETIMES. The size of a man’s little friend can’t be measured by the type of car he drives.

I believe it’s more of the size of the ego that’s measured by the type of ride a man drives around. I’ve met some of the most obnoxious people driving around in itsy-bitsy convertibles. Although, there are some nice folks out there who just like the wind in their hair as they drive top down in the freeway (which by the way is NEVER a good idea when driving through the busy streets of a polluted city).

***

And now, since we’ve basically covered everything that I want to cover in vehicle types, let’s head on to how clean the car interior is.

Car Interior

Spick and Span Interior: One guy I know refuses to eat, drink, or even nap inside his car. The rules extend to anyone who enters. He lines his carpet with newspaper to prevent grime from coating the floors and he even keeps the plastic on his upholstery intact to “prevent scratches on the genuine leather upholstery” he owns. Can you say anal? But, you know, it’s his car, and he’s going to drive it the way he wants to.

Spick and Span is A-Okay, so long as we’re not talking— “Shoes Off!”, “Keep Your Hands on Your Lap!”, “No Drooling!” kinda thing.

Slightly Messy Interior: This is the average guy. He hops into his car, chews on a granola bar (healthy man) or candy bar and leaves the partially-eaten bar folded and wrapped on the dash. He remembers to throw it out the minute he steps out of the vehicle but has no qualms on you eating inside his car. He cleans his car once a week or a couple of times a month and has it waxed at least once a year. He knows the fundamentals of car care and follows it when he can.

Really, nothing to complain about. At least he won’t make you pick up every bread crumb you spill on the carpet right?

Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You—From A Girl’s Perspective (Part III)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:55:00 +0000

Now on to the next batch of vehicles! (I got sick last week, so I wasn’t able to write as much as I wanted to. Still feeling under the weather, so you’ll have to make do with a multi-part post. J But don’t worry, I’ll get this done as soon as I can.

As a continuation to my previous post, I start with the:

SUV Dad: I know, I know. Not all guys who drive SUVs are necessarily dads or are looking for families. But there’s one thing I can say about SUV guys and that’s how most of the time these guys are extremely reliable. Although a word of warning for all the ladies out there, if your man drives an SUV and he NEVER spends the night at your place, I suggest you check his ring finger. Chances are, you won’t see a ring. But you might find a thin white strip of whiter-than-usual skin. That’s a sign that he’s been wearing a ring and that he might be married.

If he says he’s separated, just make sure he really is. But don’t settle for the “I promise, I’ll leave my wife for you”. Because most of the time, these married guys, they never really do. (And if he does leave his wife, would you really like to earn the title of “homewrecker”?) Think about it duckie.

P.S. If the SUV is decked out with huge wheels and a large assembly of lights mounted on the roof, chances are you scored yourself a wilderness-junkie. Off-road driving is just one of his many adventures. The good thing is you’ll never get bored. Although expect a lot of your later dates to be up in the mountains and you sleeping in a tent. If he’s really hardcore, you might actually have to sleep outside the tent with him… Not a problem if you love the woods yourself, but if you’re a bit conservative and your idea of a fun weekend is cuddling on the couch and watching romcoms, then this might not be the guy for you. Unless of course, you can convert him, or vice versa.

Pickup Guy or Monstrous Truck: If your guy is cruising the streets in a monstrous truck or a pickup, chances are he’s lugging around a lot of baggage, literally. He might be using his ride as part of his business. Just make it clear that you’d prefer riding with him if his truck was a bit cleaner. Years of mud on the sides of his truck is always unacceptable… you’ll find out why later.

Mr. Van: Sweetheart, are you sure you’re not dating a 16-year old? I’ve met a lot of guys who own vans, most of them are friends of my teenage cousin. Although there are some hippy-ish guys out there who prefer the comforts of the van. Determine his “date-ability based on the contents of the van. He might be a florist or he owns a catering business and he’s using the van for deliveries—not really a bad thing. A hardworking guy is always good—as long as you’re in his top three priorities, by the way.

If you spot weed or you smell weed on the upholstery, and yes, I know you know the distinctive aroma of a freshly used joint, unless you’re a user yourself, don’t date him. It might be a lifelong thing. He might say he just uses a bit to help him relax… and you might be surprised months later when you find out that he chronically has to use weed as a way to relax. Not a good sign.

If you spot white stuff in small packets, run for the hills. He might be dealing drugs, and if you get caught or if he makes a deal with you in the car, if you get caught, you can’t defend yourself with the “I’m an innocent bystander” remark.

If you see band equipment, then obviously he’s either a roadie or a part of the band. Based from experience, band guys are great. But the loyal and the ones who’d treat you well, well, they’re few and far between. Try to make it work, but you have to remember that sometimes, you’re not going to be top priority. And watch out for those scantily-clad groupies waiting for your man backstage after every gig.

Lastly, he might be a coach, a dad, or a devoted uncle. The soiled carpet consisting of mud, food stains, and grass should give you a clue. That’s not really a bad thing. Although if you’re going for the dad, make sure he’s divorced or separated. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be stuck in the crossfire between the guy and his wife.

Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You—From a Girl’s Perspective (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:32:00 +0000

Now that we’ve tackled guys that Lease or Own their rides, it’s time to go for the car types. Or more accurately, vehicle types. So, without further ado, the rest of the post on “What Your Car Says About You”…

Vehicle Types: Yes, I know that there are a lot of vehicle types out there, so I’m taking the “more general, the better” route.

Green Guy (Hybrid/Electric Cars): The green guy is usually extremely practical and of course, environmentally aware. He probably forgoes the use of plastic bags in favor of reusable, organic cotton or heavyweight hemp grocery bags. He’s the type of guy who’s very well-informed about the state of the environment and could go on and on during dinner about his interests. Not to say that he’s bad company, he’s just in the green team, that’s all.

He’ll encourage you to quit smoking and list down all the bad effects of smoking on your health (unless he smokes himself). He’s usually either a vegetarian or a vegan—and would try not to wince the moment you order a slab of medium raw steak for your first date. If he is vegan, trust me, you eating meat will be a big problem. Most vegans can’t stand the smell of meat. (Personally, I can’t really smell meat most of the time—but I can spot a good quarter-pounder burger from a mile away).

Subcompact/Mini Driver: Does size really matter? Nope. What matters is how you use it. The subcompact driver isn’t too full of himself. He drives around in a small ride, with macho guys gunning their big trucks as they pass by—and he usually doesn’t mind. He’s pretty comfortable in his tiny car, weaving in and out of traffic. Watch out for a truck’s blind spots though! The subcompact driver is generally the “play-it-safe” kinda guy, especially during your first date. If it were a choice between going to an Italian or Mediterranean resto, he’ll probably pick Italian. Not a bad choice though!

Four-Door Square: A standard four-door car is never a bad thing. Because it’s usually the generic choice, this guy can be pretty hard to read based solely on his car model. So I suggest you read into how clean he keeps his car. The cleaner the better, so long as he’s not Mr. Spotless. If he makes you take your shoes off before getting into his car, that’s usually a bad sign. (Unless you’re a bit obsessive-compulsive yourself). If he swats your hand each time you try to touch his dashboard, hail a cab…ASAP.

He probably won’t swat your hand away on your first date, but he’ll definitely give you a grimace and go “I just had that cleaned!” and maybe shake his head a bit and give out “tsk-tsking” sounds. Not fun.

A complete slob, however, tops the list of people you shouldn’t date. If you can’t find your car seat, then chances are he’s breeding a rodent community under the seats. You wouldn’t want that, would you? Can you imagine stepping on Stuart Little under all that rubble? Ewwww.

Mr. Exotic: He comes to pick you up, what is he driving? A Lotus Elise? Aurora Car? Bentley Azure? THE Bugatti Veyron 16.4? Whether it’s an exotic super car, sports car, luxury ride, or even a limo—point is, this guy’s got style. Maybe too much style for that matter. Most of the time, we choose cars that suit our preferences—unless you’re on a budget. But if you’re dating a guy who owns an exotic car, then chances are, budget isn’t a problem—at all! Something you might need to contend with? His vanity, vanity, vanity.

There are some rare guys out there however who would let you touch his fender, hood and even his gear stick—he’ll even let you drive his car—but those guys, they’re pretty rare.

Dating for Dummies: What Your Car Says About You--From a Girl’s Perspective (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:48:00 +0000

You’ll probably disagree with this statement, but whether you like it or not, your car definitely says a lot about you. Whether you’re driving a sports wagon, a convertible, or a large pickup for that matter, it says something about your personality. And let’s face it, it’s not just the car, it’s also how you keep it. Do you prefer having grease stains on the upholstery, or does eating inside your vehicle completely turn you off? What does it mean if you use air fresheners for your car?

Note: All these assumptions and judgments are based from personal experience. So yes, this piece is biased.

Leased vs. Owned:

Shiny, Leased Cars:

When I meet men driving leased cars, three things come to mind. It’s either he’s:

Holding out for a sweet deal on the car that he really wants.
Flashing his (faux) riches like a maxed-out platinum card.

Guy # 1 is for the sweet guys out there who work hard to eventually buy the car of their dreams. These guys usually settle for shiny, but not necessarily flashy cars. They don’t want much attention drawn to themselves—and they don’t feel ashamed to say that the car is leased. Having a nice car to impress a boss or a date is sweet in a pretty warped way, but if the guy has a follow-through plan, then he’s no rotten apple at all. ;)

Guy # 2 is for the guy who goes around town in different convertibles and sedans every few months. He walks into a room like he owns the place and reeks of powerful (albeit not too expensive) cologne. He cards all your dinners, sends you flowers, but eventually runs out of cash and you’ve got to “pitch in” for his rent. That guy’s bad news.

Some guys actually fall in the gray area. They’re a bit flashy, but not as arrogant as Guy # 2. These guys are usually young, in their early 20’s and are looking for a hot date on a great night, and probably has a money-making scheme or two up a sleeve. Crafty, but not so humble.

Owns an Old and Rotting Ride:

Either he:

inherited the car from his father or great grand-father if it’s vintage; or
he’s just too practical for his own good.

Nothing wrong with slightly worn cars, but if you let your car rot to the point where the car is sprouting mushrooms or housing small, furry creatures in between the cracks on the upholstery, then that could be a relationship-stopper for anyone.

Guy # 1 probably isn’t the bad sort. He’s probably saving up for a new car (especially if you happen to be dating a high-school student or something). But if he’s out to spend on a new car, and you notice he’s got a one-track mind on this issue, then expect him to scrimp on your dates. Or you pick up the tab—which is even worse than him scrimping, trust me.

Guy # 2 is just practical… too darn practical. He thinks that if a car can take him from point A to point B, no matter how slow or how darn unattractive the car happens to be, then it’s a good car. I’ve met one or two boys with this… attitude. It’s not bad, in fact it’s admirable in a way. But unless you’re the type of girl who likes roughin’ it from time to time, then you might want to think about your compatibility with this dude.

Auto How To: How To Tighten a Loose Fan Belt

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:26:00 +0000

What is a Fan Belt?

The fan belt is one of the most important yet super underrated parts of your vehicle. It is designed to transfer power from the crankshaft-driven pulley to your engine’s fan. It basically keeps your fan moving to prevent your engine or motor from overheating. This component can also be used to power your vehicle’s other accessories that are usually mounted near your engine, like the air injection pump, power-steering pump, and even your a/c compressor.

Each high performance fan belt is crafted from reinforced, high-tensile synthetic rubber and strength cords. It’s made to be extra durable to be able to handle the intense pressure that comes with running at incredibly high RPMs.

Because of the importance of your fan belt, you need to keep this vehicle component in excellent condition. The moment you see signs of slack on the belt, bring out your tools, because it’s time to do some tightening.

A Little Trivia: Some time ago, this rubbery cord went by a different name. It used to be called the “drive belt”. So don’t be confused if your old school mechanic informs you that you need to change your drive belt. Fan belt, drive belt—essentially the same banana.

What are the Signs that your Fan Belt is Loose?

Since the fan belt powers a lot of your car’s accessories, the most common sign is how your car gradually loses power even as you step on the accelerator completely. Sometimes, you may also find that your vehicle is starting to become rougher and tougher than normal. If your car is also a lot slower than it used to be, for example, you’re trying to go for 65 miles per hour (MPH), and you’ve got your foot completely sunk with the gas pedal and you’re still going 30 MPH, that’s a sign that your fan belt is no longer in superb condition.

Other signs of a loose fan belt includes: the dimming of all your auto lights and when your radio no longer functions well. (Add to that how the rest of your in-car electronic gadgets start to flicker and die out).

If your car is exhibiting the following symptoms, then open your hood to check your fan belt for signs of slack. Once you confirm that it is your loose fan belt that is causing your car’s problems, then it’s time for you to tighten this loose belt.

How to Tighten a Loose Fan Belt.

Engaging in a DIY (do-it-yourself) project like this one isn’t as complicated as it may seem. As long as you have the right tools, the correct set of instructions, and the patience to accomplish this project, then you can keep your ride performing like you just drove it off the car lot—regardless of its age!

Materials:

Your owner’s manual

Wrench

Heavy-duty Scissors

Screwdriver

Clean Rags

Step 1: Bring out your owner’s manual and look for any information regarding your vehicle’s current fan belt. If you can’t find your fan belt, then your owner’s manual should give you an idea on where to find it as well.

Step 2: Keep your tools where you can reach them. Tools include your heavy-duty scissors, wrench, screwdriver and clean rags. (Hint: you’re using your clean rags to wipe away signs of dirt and grime under your vehicle’s hood.)

Step 3: Hold your fan belt firmly in its place while you remove its nut using your wrench. You can use your screwdriver to prop up the fan belt, but just make sure you don’t damage this component while you keep it in place.

As for the tiny nut, don’t lose it! Sometimes it helps to have a container nearby where you can put all the auto components you remove from your car—this way, you can’t lose ‘em.

Step 4: Remove signs of dirt, grime, and grit from the belt assembly and your actual fan belt. This should give you a better view of these components. Check the fan belt for signs of damage that includes cracks, breaks, wear, and excessive tear. If the damage is extensive, you’ll know that it’s time to replace your fan belt as soon as possible.

Step 5: Now, look for small black rings found on your belt assembly. These parts are called the shims. You need to remove each one from the belt assembly. To do this, use your heavy-duty scissors.

As you remove each shim, make sure you check just how taut the belt is, and what the average distance of each shim is from each other.

Step 6: Bring out the nut and put it on the adjusting bolt. Tighten it, and make sure the nut is securely in place.

Step 7: Go around your car and start your engine. Let the engine run for just a few minutes.

Step 8: Turn off the engine. This is a way to test just how taut the belt is after you tightened it.

Step 9: Lastly, check the fan belt’s tightness manually. Get out of your car once the engine is off. Since you were only running your car for a few minutes, the components under your vehicle’s hood shouldn’t be too hot. But if you feel the temperature rising from your vehicle, and you think it’s going to be scorching hot, I highly suggest you wait a minute or two before checking the fan belt.

If after tightening the fan belt you find that it is not performing the way it should, then consult a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Auto How To: How to Replace a Dark Headlight

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:32:00 +0000

Driving around with burnt-out headlight bulbs? Why risk being at the receiving end of traffic ticket or getting into an accident? The moment one of your headlights start to flicker or becomes dim, you need to replace it immediately.

Your headlights are some of the most important active safety features installed in your vehicle. They help you see better at night or during low visibility conditions. They also help other drivers see your car better when rounding a curve or cruising through a dimly lit street. Without functioning headlights, you might as well hang a sign on your car saying: “Hit me!”—well maybe that’s a bit extreme, but you get my point.

Replacing your dim headlight is actually incredibly easy, so instead of risking your life or money for that matter, why don’t you just replace it ASAP instead? That should save you from a lot of trouble, believe me.

(Did I ever tell you about that time when I got pulled over for driving without headlights—it was a dare—and my dad found out and made me polish his baseball school trophies? Right. Didn’t think so. I tried crying in front of the cop, and when he found out that I had functioning headlights, I got into even bigger trouble. Tsk tsk. I learned my lesson)

But enough preamble. On to the actual stuff.

How to Replace a Dark Headlight:

The first thing you have to do is to find out which one of your headlights is about to croak. You do this by turning on your headlights, while your vehicle is parked, mind you, and checking. Once you find the headlight that needs replacing, check out your other one. (When one gives out, the other is usually not that far behind). If your only functioning headlight is also dimmer than usual, you may want to consider replacing both of them.

Then, have a look at your owner’s manual to find out what type of replacement headlight you should get. There are two main types of headlights when it comes to headlight construction: the composite and the sealed beam. If your vehicle has sealed beam headlights, you’ll have to replace the entire headlight assembly when your bulb gives out. If you have composite headlights, then you can simply replace the bulb instead of throwing away the entire headlight assembly.

Don’t forget to check your manual for headlights that meet your vehicle’s requirements. It’s all about compatibility, sometimes…

Materials You’ll Need:
Screwdriver (you might need it)
Replacement headlight/s
A plastic cup

To Replace Just the Bulb: (For Composite Headlights)

Step #1: Open your hood. Most headlights can be accessed through the front of your engine.

Step #2: Bring out your owner’s manual and look for your headlight assembly.

Step #3: If there are any nuts, retainers or screws that you need to remove to access your headlight assembly, remove them. Place them inside your plastic cup to make them easier to find later on. Set them aside for a while.

Step #4: Do you see the black plastic ring that holds the bulb to your headlight assembly? Twist and remove that ring.

Step #5: Pull out the bulb and its housing.

Step #6: Remove your headlight’s bulb from the housing.

Step #7: Bring out your replacement bulb, and make sure you don’t touch the glass itself. (Especially if you have a halogen bulb on your hands)

Step #8: Insert your replacement bulb into the housing and slide the assembly back into your headlight.

Step #9: Replace the black ring. You usually need to just retighten the ring.

Step #10: Close your vehicle’s hood.

To Replace the Entire Headlight: (For Sealed Beam Headlights)

Step #1: Open your hood. Most headlights can be accessed through the front of your engine.

Step #2: Bring out your owner’s manual and look for your headlight assembly.

Step #3: If there are any nuts, retainers or screws that you need to remove to access your headlight assembly, remove them. Place them inside your plastic cup to make them easier to find later on. Set them aside for a while.

(same instructions as before, if you’d notice. )

Step #4: Pull out the entire headlight assembly. If there are any wires connected to the assembly, unplug them.

NOTE: Throw the headlight assembly the proper way. Dispose of it through an auto parts store or your local recycling center.

Step #5: Install your replacement headlight into the old headlight’s place.

Step #6: Reconnect the wires and replace all the retainers, nuts and screws that you removed.

Step #7: Close your car’s hood.

Top Ten Ways to Get Your Car Stolen (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:55:00 +0000

As the continuation to my previous post “Top Ten Ways to Get Your Car Stolen”, here are more tips on how you can speed up the stealing of your own car!

Tip #6: Park at the Dark End of Your Office or Shopping Area’s Parking Lot. Remember, the darker and the more isolated the area, the better. While security guards do usually roam around the parking lot most of the time, they also spend quite some time in their booths looking out for the cars near them. By parking your car in the farthest corner in the lot, you can make sure that you’ve invited just the right amount of trouble in.

I don’t know how they do it, but I know the crudest method is to either jimmy your car doors or to break the window completely by putting a thick cloth over the window glass and hitting it hard with a heavy object. If you’re in a particularly giving mood, remember to turn off your car alarm before you leave your car.

Tip #7: Leave Your Car Parked in a Deserted or Empty Lot Instead of Inside Your Garage. Why bother parking your car inside your own garage when you can set up a pool table or foosball table there and bring out the couch and TV for some wild nights with your friends? Who needs a car anyways? They eat up too much gas and if auto theft is covered by your insurance, you can always get some monies while getting rid of your ride for good.

But it’s true, actually leaving your car parked in a deserted and/or empty lot inside your village should get your car stolen in no time. But remember, be considerate. You wouldn’t want the thief to get caught red-handed right? So conveniently forget to once again use your car alarm and to use your anti-theft, steering wheel locking mechanism. Those gadgets are way too complicated to lock and unlock anyways, right?

Tip #8 Leave Your Spare Key Inserted Into Your Car Door Lock. After putting away your groceries, why bother going back to get your spare key? To make the thief’s job easier, feed the key to him/her. By leaving your key lying around the area or directly inserted into your car door lock, the thief can make a speedy getaway without you even detecting his/her presence.

If you’re feeling magnanimous, catch the thief’s attention by leaving your wallet, mobile phone and house keys lying on your front seat. This way, you can also go home to a ransacked home that’s missing all your expensive furniture.

Tip #9: Give Your Original Key AND Spare Key to the Valet Parking Attendant (Or Whoever Looks Like Him/Her). For this tip to work, you have to be really crafty. Spot the fake from a mile away by checking out the uniform, and make sure you hand your keys (both of them) to the guy/girl wearing suspiciously “regular” clothes. The fake valet parking attendant usually has no nametags on his chest… so that should give you a clue.

To make things even more convenient for the thief, make sure you leave all your car’s documents (ownership papers, insurance, etc.) inside the glove compartment.

Tip #10: Lastly, Turn Off Your Car Alarm and Follow All of the Tips Listed Above. By being reckless and ignorant when it comes to car protection against auto theft, you can make sure your vehicle ends up in parts in some random garage or another country in less than 24 hours! That’s quite a feat, doncha think? ;)

(But if you don’t want your car stolen after all—if you’ve had a change of heart, or something close to that—then keep your vehicle protected by making sure you don’t commit any of the tips listed in this two-part post).

Top Ten Ways to Get Your Car Stolen (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:24:00 +0000

These days, there are so many top ten lists dishing out hot tips on how to steal a car. While these tips are mainly there to help you keep your car protected from auto theft, I thought it was better to give you tips on how you can get your beloved vehicle snatched from right under your nose. (Not literally, of course).

Use these tips to either get your car stolen easily or to avoid getting your ride klepto-ed. Whichever way you choose to use this post, let’s hope you get the results you’re after, yeah?

So without further ado, my “Top Ten Way to Get Your Car Stolen”!

Tip #1: Purchase a high-risk vehicle like the Cadillac Escalade. According to an MSNBC study, the Cadillac Escalade is a favorite target for auto theft. Or at least this ride has the highest rate of insurance theft claims. Same banana, really.

Frankly, I don’t really see the logic. I mean it’s a huge vehicle so people would notice someone jimmying your vehicle doors from afar, right? Well actually, I guess I do see the logic, somewhat. Since the Cadillac Escalade happens to be the preferred vehicle for rappers and other celebrity A-listers, come to think of it, it does make sense, right?

You must have big money if you’re going to buy a massive, not to mention, extremely pricey ride like the Escalade. (autos.yahoo.com shows that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can fetch up to $73,285—enough moolah to feed an entire town for weeks!)

Other rides that are easy-targets for crooks? Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Pickup, Mitsubishi Lancer, 1995 Honda Civic, 1989 Toyota Camry, 1991 Honda Accord, 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup and the 2005 Dodge Ram pickup to name a few.

So, pick your poison today!

By the way, if you still want your car stolen, even if it’s not a part of the vehicles listed above, then have no fear—if you follow the next few tips, you’re sure to be filing a car insurance theft claim in no time.

Tip #2: Pack Up Your Bags and Move to Sin City or Sunny California.

Studies show that in the United States, the highest auto theft claims come from Modesto, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. I don’t know if it has something to do with the fact that both areas are relatively near the border or if it has something to do with security in those areas but either way, these places are great locations where you can lose your car easily.

Come to think of it, some studies claim that car theft is more common in the West compared to the East, so I dunno. All I know is that if you ever decide to visit these cities, either you park your car in a dark and dubious location to lose it, or you keep a careful eye on your ride to keep it. Choose your own adventure.

Tip #3: Leave Your Ride Idling While You Shop. For thieves, nothing is more inviting than an empty ride with the key still stuck in the ignition. All they have to do is jump into your car and drive away like nothing happened. Meanwhile you’re happily spending money completely unaware of the thievery happening right outside the establishment you’re in.

Do this ALL THE TIME when you run errands, and I guarantee that you’ll get your car stolen in no time!

Tip #4: Keep Those Doors Unlocked and Your Car Alarm Off… and you’ll surely invite trouble in. If you’re parking in a crowded parking lot, expect some persistent thieves to keep trying different doors until they find your car. When they flip that door handle and your door actually opens, it’s a jackpot for them!

Tip #5: Conveniently Leave your Car’s Spare Key, Your Wallet, Laptop and Other Valuables on the Front or Back Seats of Your Vehicle. If you have cash, bait a thief with a lucky $100 on the seat. The time it takes you to run your errand, at least 30 minutes, should be enough time for the carjacker to jimmy those doors open and drive off with your spare key. Nifty idea, right?

The Quest for the Perfect Car Color (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:48:00 +0000

Aesthetics aside, other reasons why picking the right car color is important has to do with vehicle safety and cleaning issues. And as the second part to my post on the quest for the perfect car color, I’m including some things you need to consider when picking out the color of your next ride.

Darker Colors vs. Lighter Alternatives
While black is universally acknowledged as an easy favorite for most car owners, my mom used to tell me that a black car is accident prone. We never had a black car and I don’t think anyone in my immediate family would ever do.

True, while saying black cars are more prone to accidents may seem like complete nonsense, in a weird way, it actually makes sense. Think about it. While black cars or dark-colored cars may be incredibly visible during the day, at night or during poor visibility conditions (harsh weather and the like), these hot rides tend to blend in with the background. And if you happen to be one of the drivers who love riding-sans-headlights, then I could understand how your vehicle can be accident prone after all.

One thing you have to consider when picking out your car’s color is vehicle visibility. Vehicle visibility is not the same thing as driving visibility. While you may have absolutely zero problems spotting other cars at night, other drivers may have a problem seeing your car, particularly if it’s parked in an ultra-dark neighborhood without lamps. (In the first place, any car owner would tell you that it’s not a very wise move if you’re parking your car in an exceptionally dark place.)

Plus, black dirties easily. After cleaning your black ride (especially when you’re in a hurry), expect to see water and soap streaks ruining your car’s appearance.

But if your heart is set on going for dark colors, then one way you can avoid streaks and visible dirt is to invest in a high quality car duster.

If, however, you’re still open to some persuasion and you want a classic and elegant color that’s more visible than black but equally as impressive, I suggest you go for white.

Classic Colors vs. Trendy Shades
It takes a brave and super confident driver to cruise around in a multi-colored ride. If you’re on the artistic side, or if you’re out to show people your unique personality, then a trendy color might do the trick for you. Aside from making your car stand out, a trendy color like hot pink or even a cool finish like matte black does give your car a hipper look.

But if you prefer something more conventional, then I suggest going for classic white, black, silver, gray, blue, red or even green (not apple green though, that’s too bright to be considered classic). Another advantage of going for a classic color is that it never goes out of style.

Easy-to-Dirty Colors vs. Masks-Dirt Colors
Black, as we’ve discussed earlier is easy to dirty. And white easily shows dirt too. So what are the car colors that could help hide dirt? Beige and sand. Not my favorite car colors in the world and they’re rarely every striking, but if you don’t like washing your car every Sunday, they’re excellent color choices—trust me.

The Pros and Cons of Heart-Stopping, Sexy Red
Yes, it’s one of my favorite car colors, but yes this color isn’t foolproof. It’s attention-grabbing, true. But it doesn’t always attract the right attention.

Imagine riding down the freeway and speeding just a teensy bit. A green or blue car zooms past, speeding even more than you. But you’re the one who gets pulled over by the cop. Now wasn’t that just unfair?

Well, it’s part of the whole package. You got the cop’s interest because of your eye-catching ride and the other driver with the safer color choice didn’t.

Plus, a little secret (well, not really a secret. Lolz): some sites say that there are a number of insurance companies that may increase your premium if you’re driving a red ride.

So that’s something you need to consider.

Metallic vs. Non-Metallic
According to TopSpeed, metallic colors are supposed to last longer. Meaning, it’s a pretty good investment in the long run, particularly if you want to trade in your ride in the future.

Specialty Paint vs. Standard
The rare car colors you see out on the road are usually “customized”, which means they may be more expensive than a popular color choice like white or gray. Be sure to ask for the price of the white version of the car that you want versus the price of pink or other rare colored ride you’re after. If the offer remains the same, then you’ve got a sweet deal. If the price is slightly higher, then start thinking if purchasing the custom-colored car is worth it.

The Quest for the Perfect Car Color (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:57:00 +0000

I know a lot of people who firmly believe that when it comes to cars, “geniuses pick green”. And while only half of those people actually own green cars, it made me think about the importance of picking out your car’s color.

It’s an ongoing joke between my guy friends that when women visit the car lot, the first question they ask is “does this come in pink?”, and while this may be true in some cases, it’s not because women don’t care about the actual performance of the car, it’s just because color matters.

According to the Colors Matter website, your choice of car color creates an impact in your life. It also creates an impression on the different people you meet. You may be seated inside your vehicle most of the time, but trust me when I tell you that one of the first things people notice about your ride is the color of the vehicle.

For example: You may be driving a classic beauty like the 1951 Chrysler New Yorker that’s in mint condition, but if the color’s a bit off-putting, then that can distract someone from his/her quiet appreciation of your otherwise genuinely hot ride. True, color boils down to preference, but the key to picking out the perfect car color is to go for the color that represents your personality best.

Side Note: Personally, my favorite car colors include: silver, red, apple green, black and yellow. And the most unattractive car colors for me: brown, puke green/mustard yellow and orange. But that’s personal preference, and if you think your brown car is rockin’ or if it’s a high-quality and high-performance ride with an ATTITUDE, then go for it.

So What Does Your Color Choice Say About You?

Going for Cool Colors: The term “cool” when used in this phrase has more to do with its calming effect on the viewer than its trendy appeal. Cool colors include neutrals like gray, white, silver, green and blue. If you tend to go for cool colors, then there’s a high chance that you’re the type of person who’s laidback, cool, calm and collected. Not a bad description, ei?

Going for Warm Colors: Warm colors like red, yellow and orange indicate an exciting and upbeat persona. These colors are usually more noticeable and flashier, more attention-grabbing than anything else. So if you’re the type of person who’s on the aggressive side or likes being the center of attention, then pick between the various shades of red, yellow and orange for your car.

Other warm but more neutral colors include black and brown.

Mixture Between Warm and Cool Colors: Colors like pink, purple, lavender, the bright green and turquoise tend to be a bit more trendy. Not as flashy as warm colors but not as calming as cool shades either, these hues give off a younger feel for your car.

Beige is another happy in-betweener, but it’s more classic and neutral compared to the rest of the more fashionable colors I mentioned above.

Classic/Neutral Colors: Classic car colors include black, white, gray, ivory, brown, beige and even silver. These colors are more elegant compared to other warm, cool and mixed colors. Going for classic colors produce a more mature and conventional impression on bystanders.

Popular Color Choices: (not listed in order)

Black: Mysterious, classy and somber. Makes you think of the classic James Bond.

Silver: The younger and more modern “black”. Still mysterious, still classy but more chic than somber.

White and Gray: Probably the most classic color choice available. Elegant (as long as you keep it clean) and rather conventional.

Red: Red is probably the flashiest color in the list. Because it’s been a popular color choice for such a long time, it may as well be a classic, but it’s dynamic appeal makes it the perfect color choice for executives, singles, DINKS (double income no kids) and basically the young to the middle-aged. When you drive a flashy red ride, you may come off as the aggressive and the go-getter type. Which you probably are anyways. :P

Blue and Green: Though not really classics, these colors remain as two of the safest and more popular color choices on the market.

Top Ten Signs You’ve Got Road Rage… Bad (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:34:00 +0000

As a continuation to my previous post on road rage, here are the final FIVE signs that you’ve got a bad case of road rage and will either need an immediate attitude adjustment or will have to stop driving altogether. (Pick the one which appeals to you most.)

#5: If the car from the next lane zooms past yours, you feel the NEED to overtake the vehicle at all costs… and you do. It’s a lot like sign #8, really. While being competitive is considered a mark of a strong character, there are some occasions where you have to curb your competitive streak… One of them is when you’re driving in a public road with hundreds of “clueless” drivers surrounding you. Unless you’re racing in a circuit, you shouldn’t be trying to “outrace and outdrive” other drivers.

True, there are times when you will feel as if the next driver is taunting you by speeding alongside you and zooming forward leaving you in a cloud of dust, but that’s not a go-signal for you to try to “keep up” and move past the other driver ASAP. Consider the rest of the “slower” drivers in front of you. These people just want to get to their destinations as soon as possible without breaking their necks or getting into nasty and possibly fatal collisions.

#4: You’re packing heat…and you have the urge to show it to all the drivers around you. Brandishing a weapon in public (or threatening other people with it in private) is, I’m pretty sure, against the law. If that’s not enough reason to dissuade you from showing off your pistol, then I suppose I’ll just tell you an itsy-bitsy secret… showing off your gun is so NOT cool. In fact, if anything, it’s pretty sad.

It’s the equivalent of beating up a little kid for his lunch money. If you’re old enough to drive, you’re old enough to know better than to break the law by “bullying” other drivers with a gun. Besides, even if you just want to scare off the other driver, you won’t know if the other driver has a weapon as well. What if you become a victim of road rage (his/hers not yours)? If you get shot or wounded by another driver after you show him/her that you’re packing heat, the other driver’s attorney could always slap you with the “self-defense” plea. And believe me, that’s gonna hurt.

#3: You curse at other drivers, even when you’re not the one driving. As if being a backseat driver isn’t enough of a punishment, having a backseat driver who yells at the top of his/her lungs at surrounding drivers is twice as embarrassing and three times more annoying.

You fit this bill if you are on the passenger seat or backseat but you’re the one rolling down the window and yelling at the other “lousy/stupid/SOB” drivers.

If that’s you, two words bub: Anger Management. Learn it, live it, love it.   look! A smiley! See, I’m not trying to be snarky or anything, I’m just saying, being an angry backseat driver makes you more prone to road rage… that’s all.

#2: You think pedestrians have no right to be ANYWHERE…in fact, if you spotted a pedestrian crossing the road (even if he/she is on the right lane), you would want to run that idiot over… (and you have… and it’s a secret). If that’s you, I’ll have to admit, I’m a bit creeped out. First and foremost, running over pedestrians is definitely against the law. I’m not a lawyer, and I know that. And it’s not the civilian’s fault that he/she doesn’t have a car. Or maybe he/she does, but with the increase in fuel prices, the driver had to leave his/her car at home. That’s why we got trains, buses and tons of other alternative modes of transportation.

While jaywalking is also against the law, it doesn’t give you the right to play hero vigilante and to rid the world from such “cretins” by running them over. That’s attempted murder or murder if you’re successful.

#1: Losing any type of racing game makes you want to beat up your friend… and you do… bad. First and foremost, if you beat up your friend over a stupid racing game, I don’t think you guys would still be friends for long. Second, if you can’t handle simulated driving stress that means you can’t handle real-world driving, period. Unless of course you see a shrink to find out the root of all your aggression and you seek therapy to help you better control your anger.

Point is: if you exhibit any of the signs shown in this post, it means you need help. Prevent accidents by controlling your emotions well and by actively finding a way to keep your cool when you’re driving.

Autopartswarehouse.com Mini offers free driving lessons

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:06:00 +0000

My wife is a great driver, (of course you are, honey!) but that doesn't mean that I can't suggest improvements now and then. However, the folks at MINI know I don't like sleeping on the couch, and they're willing to take the heat on this one.

On their Web site they're offering a handy "Drive Like A Pro" section full of useful tips to improve your driving. Anyone who has ever driven autocross will recognize many of them like sitting up straight, keeping things smooth, proper cornering technique and the best way to shift (again, smooth). There's even a basic heel-and-toe primer.

And, thanks to the MINI's lessons, my wife now admits her husband is right that her hands should be at 9 and 3 on the wheel, not 10 and 2.

She says I can get off the couch as soon as I admit her driving would improve even more if I bought her a new Clubman. I wonder how much change is under this cushion.

[Source: MINI]

Autopartswarehouse.com Driving Tips. Visionary Tactics: Part V

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:35:00 +0000

Look for clues. "You can observe a lot just by watching," baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was quoted as saying. Every driver looks, but few comprehend what they're seeing. For instance, those who like to drive quickly on curvy, tree-lined back roads soon learn to check the tops of trees for a clue about the severity of the next turn. Oncoming drivers with their headlights on are saying they're having trouble seeing you. Brake lights in unexpected places can mean debris on the road, a dog trying to cross traffic or a topless photo shoot in progress. (We've run across all three.)

Focus on the important stuff. The car 3 seconds ahead of you is not important stuff. Peripheral vision will take care of him. What's important is what's happening 4 to 10 seconds ahead. City drivers on vacation are prone to tailgating the only car within 20 miles, largely because they're used to focusing on the car 2 seconds ahead. Another example: At night on two-lane roads, your attention may be drawn to oncoming headlights. Instead of falling into that trap, focus on the white-painted fog line on the right shoulder.

Finally. Back when hood ornaments (and disco) were popular, we thought drivers looked too close to their cars because they were using the ornaments as gunsights. We know better now. Those drivers just had no idea how to properly use their eyes.

Source: Autopartswarehouse.com, Car Guides

Autopartswarehouse.com Driving Tips. Visionary Tactics: Part lV

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:33:00 +0000

Keep 'em moving. Back in the glory days of dogfighting, pilots in combat were told to "keep their heads on a swivel" to avoid getting caught unaware by the enemy. Traffic is often like combat, no? Keep your eyes moving (and use your mirrors to limit moving your whole head). Scan to the horizon and back to 4 seconds ahead of your car. Repeat. Scan down cross streets for red-light runners. Scan on-ramps for oncoming cars…and cops scanning you.

Avoid target fixation. Military aviators use the term "target fixation" to describe the situation when pilots become so focused on their goal that they lose sight of their surroundings. In extreme cases the pilot drives this plane into the ground. A similar situation often occurs for highway drivers in heavy traffic or novice racers on course. Highway drivers will focus on the car just ahead. Racers focus on the apex or the car just ahead.

Look around, under or through. How do you see ahead when you're in heavy traffic, riding behind an 18-wheeler or on a tree-lined road? Look around, under or through the obstacles and vehicles ahead of you. Race drivers in tight traffic learn to look through the windshield of the cars ahead: Do the same on the highway. If you're following a behemoth, try moving to the left to see around. Often, you can look under an 18-wheeler. (Never lollygag alongside an 18-wheeler: Not only are you limiting your own vision, you may be virtually invisible to the big rig driver.)Stay tuned..

Source: Autopartswarehouse.com, Car Guides

Autopartswarehouse.com Driving Tips. Visionary Tactics: Part lll

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Drifting 101. Looking where you want to go is a key part of learning how to catch an oversteer slide. When the tail steps out, turn your head to continue looking down the road. Turn your head to the right if the car tries to spin in a left-hand corner and turn your head to the left if the tail steps out in a right-hand corner. Do this and you'll naturally put in some countersteering…perhaps not enough, but it'll be a start toward learning an important skill. The same thing is true with understeer or push: Look where you want to go. Looking at the on-rushing concrete barrier will encourage you to do the wrong thing: Turn the wheel more or step on the brake.

Position with peripheral. Use only your peripheral vision to position your car within your lane. You can't look far enough ahead if you waste your very limited central vision checking lane lines (or, for racers, apex marks). Practice by keeping your eyes above the marker line on the inside of your windshield. This tip is one of the most important. Practice it.

Work reduction. Work your eyes smarter, not harder. Properly adjust your mirrors so that you don't have to look over your shoulder to check blind spots. Here's how: Imagine making a low-tech panoramic photo with your three mirrors. The image in the inside edges of the exterior mirrors should overlap the image on the outboard edges of the interior mirror. You don't need to see the side of your car: It follows obediently along.Stay tuned..

Source: Autopartswarehouse.com, Car Guides

Top Ten Signs You’ve Got Road Rage… Bad (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:47:00 +0000

When I wrote my recent post called “How to Deal with Road Rage”, I was trying to address readers who were victims of road rage… or people with road rage via osmosis—meaning you were really provoked and was just reacting.

This time around, I’m going to address the people with road rage—meaning, you’re the one initiating your “angry encounters”. If you find yourself agreeing to any or most of the items listed below, then there’s a high chance that you have a very bad case of road rage. (If, however, you find yourself agreeing to all ten signs, then you need help :p )

So, without further ado, my top ten signs that you’ve got road rage… bad.

#10: In any scenario, it’s NEVER your fault. Sometimes it’s NOT your fault. I’ll give you that. But if you frequently find yourself in road rage scenarios where you’re the aggressive party asking the other driver to get out of his/her car and engage in a fistfight, then you have a problem. If you believe that you’re NEVER the party at fault (ever), then you’re in denial.

While you may feel the urge to sometimes roll down your window and start shouting at the other driver, it never pays to actually follow through.

#9: You’ve turned psycho-stalker. What?! You followed the other driver home and ran over his/her cat? If you’re thinking: “…well that stupid SOB (son-of-a-b**ch) or wh*re deserved it!”, then you don’t just have road rage, you have issues. Deep-seated ones. And you need to seek professional help this time buddy… as soon as possible.

But seriously, if you’ve ever followed the “other driver” home, even if it means you just sat outside the hapless person’s house for hours plotting revenge but you “didn’t really do anything,” I’m sorry to say that if that doesn’t count as road rage, it counts as “creepy-psycho-stalker-who-should-go-to-jail”.

#8: You think anyone who tries to overtake you or move for your lane is disrespecting you. In short, if driving is something extremely “personal” to you, and you feel as if you’re being challenged by the other driver each time he/she overtakes your ride, then you’ve got road rage.

Remember: most of the time, unless you’ve scorned the other person in the past (or you slept with that person’s significant other or mother/father), the other driver doesn’t give a d-a-m-n for you. Meaning, if the other driver overtakes your vehicle or makes a move to enter “your” lane, then it’s probably because he/she is in a hurry or is about to make a turn. It’s nothing personal bub, it’s just driving.

#7: You want a bumper sticker that reads “Devil on Wheels” or “Beware: Has Road Rage”, “Road Bully” or something equally cheesy and you want to prove it to everyone you encounter… If that’s you, then that’s just sad… I really don’t understand why some people seem to think that it’s “macho” or “cool” to have road rage. It’s rather juvenile, isn’t it?

#6: You believe that: Any bad driver must be a woman driver or … Being a female driver, I know all about the prejudices against our kind. While there are some bad female drivers out there, they don’t necessarily outnumber the reckless male drivers in the streets. I mean, come on. Being a bad driver doesn’t all boil down to gender, race or even age—it’s all a matter of concentration, reflex and skill. Anyone can be a bad driver… especially if you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or something else…

So, that being said, I’m concluding part I of this post. Check for the continuation tomorrow. :D Cheerio!

Autopartswarehouse.com Driving Tips. Visionary Tactics: Part ll

noreply@blogger.com (bimbo-free zone) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:01:00 +0000

Look ahead. If you take away only one thing from this article, here it is: Look far ahead. Regularly scan out to the limit of your vision. Indy and Champ Car drivers have little option save to look far ahead. The top of the cowl is just a hair below the pupil of their eyes. Want to know what it's like to drive an Indy car? Remove the seat from your personal vehicle and drive it while sitting on the floor. My 4-foot, 10-inch great aunt had a better view of the road and she looked under the steering wheel. For Indy drivers, there's no problem: At 230 mph, 100 yards is 0.89 a second away so it doesn't matter what's right in front of the car. Drivers of 18-wheelers are told to look at 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Trust me, when herding 80,000 pounds down the highway at 75 mph, 15 seconds doesn't offer a lot of cushion. Determine how far you're looking ahead by marking your farthest point of vision and counting until you reach it. You might be surprised.

Make sure. Here's another way you can make sure you're looking far enough ahead: Use an erasable marker to make a thin line across your windshield at eye level. When traveling on flat land, you should rarely focus below the line. Train your peripheral vision to check items below the line.

Look where you want to go. Don't look at what you want to avoid. Many drivers do exactly the opposite: They focus on the problem. When facing an unexpected obstacle — say, a pothole — they look at it and drive right into it. Since it's natural to steer where you're looking, focus on the desirable and ignore the hazard. Practice looking at where you want to go — and not at what you want to avoid — when changing lanes on a freeway marked with Bott's dots. To change lanes without touching the marker, look at the space between markers. Next try to change lanes while driving over the dots with all four tires: Look at the markers, not the gap between them.Stay tuned..

Source: Autopartswarehouse.com, Car Guides