Make the Most of the Summer by Driving Safely in Your Car
January 2, 2010 by Ethan Melandri · Leave a Comment
As summer begins the days become hotter and lengthier which present adventure on the road. All though it can be exciting to take to the road there are still issues of weather and other hazards which could hinder the unsuspecting motorist.
In the summer the warm temperatures and relative lack of rain to wash the roads can allow the level of small debris particles to build up on the surface. Typically this debris is made up of dust, oil and rubber from passing vehicles and after long periods without rain, the road can easily become increasingly slippery.
Slicker conditions appear after a short amount of rain. The debris is still on the road, but now it is mixed with the water which is not running off in the drains. This condition can surprise the unwary motorist more than you might consider.
If you are driving after rainfall and the weather has increased in heat you should be cautioned that braking needs to change. You will need more distance to stop. You also need to consider reducing your speed when you go around curves since the grip of the wheels will be less.
Asphalt will be slicker after hot and dry conditions. The surface as it heats becomes polished. Vehicles help to increase this heated condition on well travelled roads.
Warmer weather presents a number of adventures for the driver and it also brings out other potential fun seekers. Families on holiday with their caravans will become more noticeable and they can be a slight disruption in your speed. However, you dont want to irritate them. They belong on the road like you do, thus keeping your cool is appropriate when driving among others trying to have a great holiday like you.
Be aware that many of these drivers will have been travelling for long distances, on roads they are unfamiliar with, possibly distracted by their children or satellite navigation. Be prepared for them to make unexpected manoeuvres without signalling, and factor this into your decision when deciding whether it is appropriate to overtake them, and remember you easily come across a slow moving vehicle mid way through a blind bend.
Research announced that running your headlamps during the day can decrease the chance of an accident by 12 percent. This is due to the fact that other drivers may see you better with the lights on even with sunglasses or patches of shade on the road. There can be a huge contrast between areas of the road with bright sun.
If you are considering running with your car lights on during the day it is well worth upgrading your Car Bulbs, to maximise their visibility and endurance. One area that your lights will really benefits is by fitting New Sidelight Bulbs, they are straight forward to fit and are available as either xenon or LED bulbs.
Tags: auto, auto parts, automobile, Automotive, autos, car safety tips, Cars, cars - automobile, driving advice, driving tips, safe driving infoRelated posts
The Beginning of the Rally Car: Audi Quattro 4WD
November 29, 2009 by Blaise Sellberg · Leave a Comment
The Audi Quattro has been around since the year'80. This vehicle has the distinction of being the second road car to have had four wheel drive capabilities. Jensen FF was the first, having been produced in'66. Although it was the first road car of its kind, it was not considered to have a reliable transmission.
Until'80, four wheel drive had only been deemed suitable for off road vehicles, however with the Audi Quattro all that changed and the world of rallying would never be the same again.
The company wanted to ensure the 4WD would be created for more usability than the first vehicle with 4WD. To make this happen the transfer box and driveshaft needed modification. The Quattro was built with a smaller differential to enable a front mount for the gearbox. The idea provided two drive- shafts instead of one. The first driveshaft placed emphasis on the front wheels, with the other driveshaft for the back tyres.
The Quattro was turbocharged with 200bhp; this enabled the vehicle to go from 0 to 60 in a mere 7.1 seconds. The speed of the Audi was-7mph, which helped it perform as a rally car. One of the great advantages of the four wheel drive Audi is that it can hug the road. The extra traction proved to be an excellent addition when the pavement is wet from rain or snow. The world was very impressed with the Quattro both on the road and at the rally track.
For the'80 Rally rules changed. It was this modification which allowed the Quattro to enter even with the 4WD. Other car manufacturers were of the impression that the Audi would not do well. These thoughts were based on the heaviness of the 4WD system. The manufacturers were in for a surprise when it was learned what Audi did in order to make the vehicle lighter. The rally car was on the top at world rallies for six years. There were numerous series of the car, ending with the Audi Sport Quattro S1.
The S1 had one objective and that was to win. They added front spoilers and a 2.1 litre, five cylinder engine that could produce 590bhp.
The 80's marked a new era for the rally, one that could not be inclusive without the Quattro series using its turbo around the track.
In'91, Audi decided to discontinue the car. Quattro is now meant for all 4WD models from the company. Anyone lucky enough to have the original 4WD model has an extremely popular car. Car enthusiasts would enjoy having their own model. In German Ur means "original" and that is how the Audi Quattro is known.
The Quattro certainly has serious road presence and looked great on the night rally stages with its bright car lights blazing away. To improve your own vehicle's night time look you can fit Upgrade Car Bulbs. There is a wide range of products to choose from including Replacement Headlight Bulbs, so you can make every night drive a really exciting one.
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