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How to Find Affordable Car Rentals

February 17, 2020 by admin 4 Comments


Whether for work or pleasure, there are car rentals companies just waiting to serve you. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, and Budget are among the national brands to consider, along with smaller and regional brands such as Dollar, Thrifty, Payless and a handful of independent car rental companies. Finding affordable car rentals can take some work, so keep these tips in mind as you begin your research.


Affordable Car Rentals


1. Consider the Vehicle Needed

Before you begin shopping for a car rental, consider the type of vehicle needed. Know that car rental prices are based on vehicle size and type with a subcompact car such as the Nissan Versa Note costing the least and a luxury SUV such as the Lincoln Navigator usually costing you the most. You should also know that you may be offered a free upgrade especially if your vehicle type is not available. Accept the upgrade if you want, but also consider that you may be offered a less fuel-efficient model.

2. Use Internet Sites to Your Advantage

Consumers can compare rates between car rental companies by using travel sites such as Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, and Travelocity. Compare the rates on these sites and then go directly to the car rental company pages to find the best rate. Rates may vary due to special arrangements travel sites make with one or more companies.

3. What Discounts May Apply

You may be entitled to discounts and not even know it. Most car rental companies automatically provide a rate reduction for AAA and AARP members. They also extend discounts to certain credit card holders, national clubs, and frequent flier program members. If you are not sure that you are due a discount, then just ask.

4. The Long and Short of Car Rentals

Consumers should know that car rental terms are sometimes cheaper for longer rental periods. For instance, if you need to rent a car for four or five days, you may pay more than the person that rents a car for a week. If you need a long-term rental, such as for a month, your daily rate may be the lowest available. For short term rentals, consider renting for a week and returning the car early to enjoy the lower rate.

5. Why Location Matters

Not all rental car locations are the same. For instance, if you rent your car from Hertz and are considering an airport location, then you will pay a higher rate than for a rental that is not at the airport. Airport vendors pay airport management high rent for the convenience of the location. That extra cost is passed on to consumers. If you are flying and need to rent a car upon arrival, take a shuttle bus or taxi to an off-airport location. Daily rate savings of $5 to $10 are possible off-site.

6. Fees, Taxes, Insurance, and Special Charges

That $24.99 daily rate quoted for a midsize sedan may sound too good to be true. Well, it may be true, but it can also come with other charges that can increase your final cost. Among the fees charged are airport concession, parking, reimbursement, and a drop-off fee if you are returning your vehicle to a different location. Be mindful that a peak season surcharge may be passed on to you, as well as regional, local, and state taxes. You’ll also be charged for car insurance, but you may be able to get this charge waived if your insurer covers car rentals. Special charges may also be added, including for a child’s safety seat or a ski rack. Make whatever special arrangements you need in advance and find out what fees apply.

7. Fill the Fuel Tank Before Returning

One of the most insidious charges car rental customers may face is when they return a car without first topping off the fuel tank. Take a few minutes to stop at a service station nearest the rental car outlet and fill the tank. If you do not, then you will be charged the rate the car rental company charges, which can cost two to three times per gallon the local pump rate.

Shop Around

Savvy consumers can save money on their car rental by shopping around and asking for discounts. If you aren’t finding a deal, contact the car rental company directly and ask for their best price. Loyalty can help you too, so if you are a regular user of one rental company, tap that loyalty to procure further discounts.


See Also — Car Rental Primer: What You Need to Know

Devon Janse van Rensburg

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: AAA, AARP, car insurance, CAR RENTAL, car rental companies

Don’t Become a
Roadside Emergency Statistic

August 27, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Are you prepared for your next roadside emergency?

While cruising down the interstate in the center lane you hear what sounds like a small explosion, a noise that is immediately accompanied by the violent shaking of your steering wheel. A tire has blown out and you need to get off the road—and fast! Your car’s stability control system has kicked in, but you still need to signal your intentions, move over to the right lane and make your way to the breakdown lane—as near to the road’s shoulder as possible.

At this point you’re safe, right? Unfortunately, you’re far out of danger as traffic zipping by at highway speeds can present a problem if drivers don’t see you or have little time to react when they come upon you. People have been injured or killed while on the side of the road, which means you must do everything in your power to avoid becoming a roadside emergency statistic. Before you take your next trip, review some of the things you should have in your emergency kit and know what to do after your car comes to a safe stop.

1. Cell Phone.

Today’s driver may have OnStar or some other in-dash roadside assistance service, but for the rest of us, a fully-charged cell phone can bring help faster than a Good Samaritan. Your cell phone may have a built-in “hot key” to alert AAA or some other auto club, or you may have a plan with a carrier where you can dial #HELP and be connected to someone who will send assistance to your location. If all else fails, dialing 9-1-1 should bring a patrol officer to you.

2. Your Location.

Where in the world are you? Specifically, what landmarks are nearby to help you identify your precise location? Cell phone operators can identify a general area where you are, such as between two of its towers, but a mile marker can help too. Consider exit signage and other descriptive information such as a unique billboard and natural distinctions, such as rock formations. Don’t forget that your smartphone has a GPS locator, which can pinpoint your precise location.

3. Warning Equipment.

If your car breaks down at night or at a time of the day when visibility has been reduced, then you need to alert other drivers. Flares or signage—such as emergency triangles—should be placed several hundred yards away, ideally well before motorists come upon your vehicle. In the absence of warning devices, your car should be as far over to the right as possible. Unless the area is dangerous or the weather inclement, everyone should evacuate the car and move away from the highway.

4. Spare Parts.

It’s too late to do anything about a broken belt before you take a trip, but there are some things you can bring along to help you get back on the road quickly. Besides the requisite working flashlight with fresh batteries, bring along a container of coolant, a can of motor oil, rags, spare belts and hoses, and jumper cables. Ensure that your spare tire is properly inflated and a jack is in place and functional. Include a blanket, gloves, water, and food if your journey takes you through a remote area or where climate conditions are unfavorable. A fire extinguisher can be helpful as can a rescue mirror if you need to signal for help from above.

Fix it and Go

The sooner your car is ready to hit the road again, the better. You’ll be back on your way and, almost as importantly, you won’t risk being rear-ended by a motorist, thereby becoming a roadside emergency statistic.


See Also — 17 Essentials for Your Roadside Emergency Kit

Photo attribution: Hedi B., Pixabay.com.

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: AAA, AUTO CLUB, car breakdown, car care, EMERGENCY KIT, emergency services, OnStar, roadside emergency

Stabilizing Fuel Prices: Good News in Advance of Summer

May 12, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Motorists can expect lower fuel costs this summer driving season.

Ford Transit

Drivers should face less costly fill ups at gas pumps this summer.

Fuel prices may finally have begun to stabilize after reaching the highest prices we have seen in six months earlier in May. Refineries have increased production to meet record-high demand and that effort has forced gas prices down earlier this week by one penny to a national average of $2.21 a gallon according to AAA.

The price stabilization is welcome news for consumers as Memorial Day weekend arrives in two weeks, signaling the unofficial start to summer. At $2.21 per gallon, fuel prices have risen by 17 cents in May alone, but the average remains 45 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Record Gas Stock

According to the United States Energy Information Agency, gasoline stock is at the highest level since the start of May, setting a record. AAA expects drivers to take to the road this summer at levels not seen since 2007, the last year before the onset of the Great Recession. As long as supply keeps up with demand, fuel prices should remain relatively stable throughout the summer months. This is good news for consumers and should benefit the economy, especially the hospitality industry.

As always, fuel prices vary across the country with California ($2.80) currently with the highest averages followed by Hawaii ($2.64), Washington ($2.49), Nevada ($2.48), and Alaska ($2.46). Fuel prices are now above $2 per gallon in most locations, although Oklahoma ($1.95), Kansas and Missouri ($1.98), and Texas and Arkansas ($2.00) are currently at or below that threshold.

Regional Differences in Fuel Prices

Although historically coming in much higher than the rest of the nation, the western states have seen some of the largest year-over-year drops in fuel prices. California drivers currently are saving 91 cents per gallon to 73 cents for Nevada. Alaska drivers are saving 69 cents at the pump on average to 60 cents in Oregon. Meanwhile, Hawaii drivers are paying 59 cents per gallon less, while Arizona drivers are enjoying a reprieve of 55 cents per gallon on average.

Increasing demand on the west coast may put pressure on prices moving forward, but relief is on the way. Indeed, AAA says ExxonMobil’s Torrance, California, refinery should come back on line later this month once it restarts its fluid catalytic cracker and related gasoline production units.

Other regions are benefitting in various ways too. The Gulf Coast continues to enjoy the lowest fuel prices in the nation as the area benefits from a greater concentration of refineries. In the Midwest, prices are more volatile as the region deals with the twin challenges of increasing demand and heavy refinery maintenance.

On the East Coast, refineries coming back online have helped keep up with demand, although some of the highest costs in the nation are found in that area with Pennsylvania averaging $2.40 per gallon to $2.38 per gallon for New York.

Get Road Ready

As always, prepare your car for the road ahead, especially for those long trips that will take you far from home.

Pull out your maintenance schedule, taking care of all due items before you leave. Even if something isn’t due for another 1,000 or 2,000 miles — such as tire rotation — get this done now. The last thing you want is an incident or accident resulting from neglected maintenance.

If you belong to a roadside assistance club, verify that your information is current. Carry with you your card, download an app, and check that your account is active. Lastly, go through your emergency kit to ensure jumper cables are present, as well as all tools, a working flashlight with extra batteries, flares, cloth, and other items. You can build a kit yourself or buy one preassembled.

See Also — You Can Put Together a Car Emergency Kit

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: AAA, CALIFORNIA, EMERGENCY KIT, GAS PRICES, MEMORIAL DAY, OKLAHOMA, REFINERIES, ROAD TRIP, SUMMER DRIVING

America’s Crumbling Infrastructure and Your Car

February 22, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Americans shell out an average of $300 for each pothole-related vehicle repair. Time to fix the infrastructure!

pothole repair infrastructure
A federal maintenance and equipment staff member makes pothole repairs.
(U.S. Air Force Photo By/Josh Plueger)

America’s infrastructure of roads, bridges, and highways is in serious need of a major investment. Roads are in such disrepair in some areas that consumers are paying for it in personal repairs to their own vehicles (costing approximately $250 to over $1,000 per vehicle), to fix pothole-related damage according to a study conducted by AAA.

The motorist organization found that consumers made $15 billion in pothole-related vehicle repairs over the past five years, or about $3 billion per annum. Potholes routinely appear throughout the winter as roads freeze, thaw, and refreeze.

The Birth of a Pothole

The Michigan Department of Transportation adequately outlines the pothole development process in its four-step “Birth of a Pothole” graphic. It all begins when rain and snow seeps into the soil beneath the road surface. Then, when the ground freezes, it pushes the pavement up. Next, as temperatures climb, the ground returns to its normal level, but the pavement typically remains raised. Finally, a pothole is formed once a vehicle travels across the resultant cavity, damaging the road. It is that damage that causes potholes and puts all drivers at risk.

AAA cautions drivers be on the look out for potholes while at the same time urging local and state governments to prioritize road maintenance.

“In the last five years, 16 million drivers across the country have suffered pothole damage to their vehicles,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “The problems range from tire punctures and bent wheels, to more expensive suspension damage.”

(See Also — President Trump’s SOTU Address Touts $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Investment)

Deep Financial Hit

The AAA survey revealed that lower- and middle-income drivers have the most concern about potholes. That’s expected given that such consumers will also experience a deeper financial impact. For people who live paycheck to paycheck and depend on their vehicles for their livelihood, pothole-incurred damage can prove devastating.

“On average, American drivers report paying $300 to repair pothole-related vehicle damage,” continued Nielsen. “Adding to the financial frustration, those whose vehicles incurred this type of damage had it happen frequently, with an average of three times in the last five years.”

Because of the elevated risk of encountering potholes, AAA offers suggestions for damage avoidance that go beyond slowing down and skirting road damage. For one, drivers should ensure that their tires are properly inflated. Having sufficient tread depth remaining is important too, as it provides additional cushioning between the vehicle and the pothole.

When Avoidance is Not Possible

When encountering a pothole, drivers cannot always safely avoid hitting one, but they can slow down, release the brakes and steer straight when driving over a pothole. Remaining on the alert for road damage and allowing sufficient room between vehicles can also help drivers avoid potholes explains AAA.

Annually, AAA claims its members make more than 4 million calls to for flat tire assistance, usually due to pothole damage. The motorist organization also found that the typical spare tire has been replaced by a tire inflator kit, but those kits are not sufficient for making repairs for destroyed tires. Instead, motorists should opt for a full-size spare and keep it properly inflated. Adding that tire to the vehicle’s normal tire rotation procedure is a wise decision too.

Making Infrastructure Repairs a National Priority

AAA believes that road conditions will only worsen until legislators make road repairs a national priority. Motorists rely heavily on a crumbling infrastructure, what includes sketchy bridges, inadequate tunnels, and porous roadways. In 2015, Congress increased transportation funding to meet those repairs, but AAA says that as much as $170 billion in additional funding is needed annually to adequately rectify the problem.

See Also — Ford Announces Winter Tire Package for Upcoming Focus RS

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: AAA, BRIDGES, car maintenance, HIGHWAYS, INFRASTRUCTURE, POTHOLE, ROAD MAINTENANCE, ROADS, VEHICLE DAMAGE

Christmas Holiday Traffic to Hit a Record This Year

December 21, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Record numbers of people will be taking to the road this holiday season. Get there safely this Christmas by keeping in mind the following statistics and advice.

Lexus NX
Not all roads will be clear and traffic-free this holiday travel season.

If you’re planning to travel at least 50 miles this Christmas season, you’ll be joined by nearly 30 percent of the other 320 million Americans who will be doing the same. That’s the prediction of AAA, America’s largest roadside assistance and leisure travel organization.

For the first time more than 100 million people are expected to take to the road for the year-end holiday season, beginning on Dec. 23, 2015, and ending on Jan. 3, 2016. Lower gas prices and slightly higher incomes are combining to make travel more affordable in 2015. AAA has forecast 100.5 million people will travel at least 50 miles across that 12-day period this year.

Lowest Fuel Prices Since 2009

The national average for a gallon of regular grade gasoline is right at $2 per gallon. That’s about 25 cents lower than last year and more than a $1.30 below 2013’s average. By New Year’s Day, AAA says fuel prices will be the lowest we’ve seen in seven years for the holiday.

Inasmuch as Americans will be traveling in record numbers, accidents will rise in conjunction with the increased travel. The independent National Safety Council has forecast 307 deaths and 37,200 serious injuries for the three-day Christmas travel period alone (Dec. 24-26).

2014 Ford Fusion PHEV.
Reduce your speed when traveling on slick roads.

Another 346 deaths and 41,900 serious injuries are forecast for the three-day New Year’s travel period (Dec. 31-Jan. 2). The NSC notes that as many as 405 lives could be saved across these two holidays if everyone wore seat belts.

“Too many celebrations are marred by tragedies during the holiday season,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “When you are traveling, remember that you are your car’s most important safety feature. Getting to zero deaths on our roadways requires each of us to be safer behind the wheel.”

High Impaired Driving Rates

For its part, AAA is warning against impaired driving throughout the two-holiday season. AAA notes that 21 percent of licensed drivers who drink at least occasionally have admitted to taking to the road when their alcohol consumption may have been close to or over the legal limit.

“As we celebrate the holiday season, AAA urges travelers to be cautious about their safety and the safety of everyone sharing the roadways,” said Marshall Doney, AAA President and CEO. “Ninety-seven percent of licensed drivers consider it unacceptable to drive when they may have had too much to drink, yet there is an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving death every 53 minutes.”

Lexus IS C
Make it a safe and fun Christmas this year!

Get Road Ready

For drivers planning to take to the road for Christmas or New Year’s Day, ensuring that the vehicle is ready for the trip is especially important (see How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter). That may mean replacing your all-season radials with winter tires, especially if your trip involves winter driving conditions. Ensuring that your roadside assistance plan is current is important as insurance for a possible breakdown.

As for the driver and vehicle occupants, the NSC recommends that everyone wear a seat belt. If you plan to drink, then a designated driver is a must. You should also begin your trip rested — get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks along the way.

Avoid using a cell phone while behind the wheel, including hands-free. Importantly, if your teens take to the road — even for short distances — don’t allow them to drive with their friends. The NSC notes that just one teen passenger will increase distractibility as well as your teen’s crash fatality rate by 44 percent.


See Also — Should I Buy a Car Now or Wait?

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: AAA, CAR SAFETY, CHRISTMAS, NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL, NEW YEAR'S DAY, ROAD & TRAVEL, SEAT BELT

Ford Announces $4.5 Billion Electrification Initiative

December 11, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

The Ford Motor Company is about to embrace electric vehicles in a big way. On Thursday, the automaker announced plans to invest $4.5 billion over the next five years to bring 13 new or updated EV nameplates to the market. By 2020, at least 40 percent of Ford’s nameplates will have an electrification option.

The announcement comes as fuel prices are among the lowest we have seen this century. Indeed, a gallon of regular fuel will cost you less than $2 in most states, approaching levels last seen in 2009. Nevertheless, the long-term trend for fuel prices has it rising gradually over the next five years, with some analysts forecasting $5 per gallon gasoline come 2020. At that price, interest in EVs may intensify, particularly for standard (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

2017 Ford Fusion Energi.
2017 Ford Fusion Energi.

New Battery Electric Ford Focus

Speaking at a press event, Raj Nair, executive vice president, Product Development explained that Ford’s investment will include a $2.1 million contribution for a battery lab at the University of Michigan in a bid to advance research and development. Moreover, the automaker plans to roll out the first of its 13 new or updated products next year, when the battery electric Ford Focus hits the market.

Ford says the next-generation BEV Focus will have a range of approximately 100 miles and offer DC fast-charge capability, enabling it to be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity in about 30 minutes.

However, most of the vehicles included in the initiative will be HEVs and PHEVs, a more sensible decision given the range anxiety inherent in pure electric vehicles. Typically, electric vehicles have a 100-mile average range, but weather and travel conditions can significantly reduce that number according to a 2014 AAA study. Although most consumer trips fall within those limits, an electric vehicle is simply too restrictive for most vehicle owners.

A Truly Global Initiative

Ford’s initiative is global too, as the company will allocate a portion of those funds to battery development in a bid to expand into Asia and Europe. The automaker has targeted China, Korea, and Taiwan as its prime markets for growth.

The automaker isn’t looking solely at electric vehicles as it plans for its growth. Ford also has autonomous vehicles in mind, part of its Ford Smart Mobility plan whereby it will also field a host of products.

“As both an auto and a mobility company, we at Ford are going further than just designing the product to move people from point A to point B,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president, Product Development. “We are considering the way customers interact with our vehicles as a unified experience, looking for ways to excite and delight customers and make their lives better.”

Competing Manufacturers and Vehicle Electrification

Ford, of course, is not the only major manufacturer investing billions of dollars in vehicle electrification. Toyota, a pioneer in all things hybrid, has a new Prius to show for it and has plans to expand production of its Mirai hydrogen-powered car. GM recently released the second-generation Chevrolet Volt and will also have an all-electric Chevrolet Bolt arriving in 2017.

Other manufacturers are certain to release new or improved products over the coming years. For example, the second-generation Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is here and now includes a PHEV variant. Hyundai is also a pioneer in all things hydrogen.

Fuel Price Trends

As for the lower fuel prices, they’re putting the hurt on EV sales. Instead, consumers are buying pickup trucks and SUVs in greater numbers, vehicles that are much less efficient than gas-powered sedans, but much more profitable for manufacturers too. Likely, some of those profits will fuel EV development with automakers such as Ford hoping that a robust market awaits come 2020.


See Also — Energized by the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: AAA, CHEVROLET BOLT, ELECTRIC VEHICLES, FORD FOCUS BEV, Ford Motor Company, FUEL PRICES, HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID, RAJ NAIR, Technology, Toyota Prius

Eight Key Facts About the 2016 Nissan Maxima

June 2, 2015 by admin 7 Comments

The full-size sedan segment is a modest one, but Nissan has committed the company to it as it introduces an all-new Maxima. Audacious, if not controversial styling marks this five-passenger conveyance, dubbed a “4-door sports car” by the manufacturer. The 2016 Nissan Maxima is now in US showrooms.

2016 Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima is a full-size, front-wheel drive sedan and flagship model for this second-largest Japanese brand. On this very day, the 2016 Nissan Maxima goes on sale, a sport sedan that started off as a trim level for the Datsun 810, but later earned its own model designation. In recognition of the Maxima’s persistence, Auto Trends presents to you key facts about the latest model.

Fact No. 1 — 2016 Begins its 8th Generation

How far back does the Maxima name go? Well, as a dedicated model you have to go back to 1982 when Nissan models were still known as Datsun in the US. That year, Nissan abandoned the “810” model name for Maxima. But it wasn’t until 1984 when the Datsun to Nissan transition was completed, when the “Nissan Maxima” officially was presented. That year also coincided with the final year of the first-generation Maxima.

Edmunds counts nine Maxima generations as it includes the Datsun 810 models sold from 1977 to 1980. Those earlier models were sold in “Deluxe” and “Maxima” trim levels. The most distinguishing feature of the first Maximas was the computer voice that whispered, “Please turn out the lights,” if you forgot to extinguish the headlights.

As for Nissan, the 2016 model ushers in the eighth generation. We’ll go with how the manufacturer assigns generations to its flagship sedan.

Datsun 810 Maxima

Popular Mechanics surveyed early owners of the Datsun 810 Maxima to gauge their opinions.

Fact No. 2 — The Latest Maxima Almost Never Happened

The 2016 Nissan Maxima almost never happened as reported by Automotive News. Declining sales of full-size cars was one factor that might have led to its cancellation, as well as the cost to produce a new model. Soon after the seventh-generation Maxima came to the market, Nissan seriously considered giving its big sedan the ax.

But dumping the Maxima was not to be, as this model still records more than 50,000 units sold annually, a respectable number, but only one-seventh the sales for the midsize Altima. Still, the company recognizes that the Maxima name is significant, with even more brand recognition for it than for the Nissan moniker itself. It is also the longest continuously running Nissan nameplate and a proper stepping point to luxury models, including Nissan’s own Infiniti marque.

Fact No. 3 — It is Based Upon the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

Nissan says that the Maxima’s design is based on a jet fighter. In fact, the company sent its designers to visit the US Navy’s Blue Angels for concept inspiration. As a result, Nissan claims that the eighth-generation model has been lowered, sculpted and streamlined with a fighter-jet sweep evident in its body.

Before the production-ready model was introduced at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, the automaker first showed the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the 2014 Detroit auto show. That concept has become the 2016 Nissan Maxima.

Nissan Sports Sedan Concept -- Nissan Maxima

Nissan relaxed the Maxima’s profile, based on this concept sedan.

Other standout exterior features include boomerang-shaped headlights, distinctive LED lamps, wraparound LED tail lights and “4DSC” stamping embossed within the lamps to denote this four-door sports car. The floating roof design, attributed to the canopy of a jet fighter, is also present.

Inside, the jet fighter motif is evident in the sweeping and arching lines that traverse the door frames, cut across the dashboard and amplify the center stack. To provide enhanced viewing for the driver, the instrument panel is canted by 7 degrees. And in this example Nissan turned to its own super car, the GT-R, for inspiration. New for 2016 is a display commander, which controls the infotainment system through toggling, side-to-side movements, scrolling and rotating. As for the front seats, Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” design is evident, what provides a natural if not neutral seating position in an endeavor to diminish fatigue and dispense with lower back pressure, and the resultant pain that comes with it.

As for the Maxima’s interior, Mike Rabkin, President, From Car to Finish, believes that Nissan has successfully achieved the “premium class above” look it sought for the cabin. Said Rabkin, “Having Alcantara inserts is a nice touch found in higher end vehicles. And having it “quilted” adds to a more premium feel.” He gave high marks to the seats and to the center stack, and pointed out that the sedan’s telematics has received a much-needed overhaul.

Fact No. 4 — 300 Horsepower is a Reality

There is something inherently magical about performance in any vehicle. And when it comes to full-size sedans, reaching the 300-horsepower threshold is the mark of a potent player. Indeed, the competing full-size Chevrolet Impala is one such success story, with its V-6 engine making a robust 305 horsepower.

Both the Nissan and Chevrolet reach their performance levels without resorting to forced induction. And that is a big deal for some buyers. Sure, the previous 290-HP rating was competitive with the 292-HP Chrysler 300 and bested the 268-HP Toyota Avalon, but it still trailed the 293-HP Hyundai Azera.

Maxima owners seem fine with the sedan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission, a proven workhorse that will facilitate the new model in reaching 30 mpg on the highway, for a 30 percent fuel economy improvement over the previous model. Steering column paddle shifters will allow drivers to operate this sedan in manual mode, but those shifters are available on the SR grade only.

But not everyone believes that Nissan did everything it should have done to make the 2016 Maxima the standout four-door sports sedan it could be. Jordan Perch, who is a regular contributor to DMV.com, a collaborative community for US drivers, believes Nissan fell short in two areas: a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Said Perch, “It seems that Nissan made a mistake by not offering an all-wheel-drive option, given that almost all sport sedans on sale today have it.”

Nissan Maxima drive mode selector

Fact No. 5 — A Drive Mode Selector is a Model First

Drive mode selectors are appearing on more mainstream sedans than ever before. The 2016 Nissan Maxima will offer this in its SL, SR and Platinum grade editions. Two modes — normal and sport — can be chosen.

The selector adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning and steering feel. Moreover, it includes active sound management, what pumps artificial engine noise into the cabin. When activated, you will hear a sound that mimics the rumble of the engine. Of course, Nissan isn’t the only manufacturer to provide simulated noise, a trend that isn’t sitting well with enthusiasts who prefer reality over reproduction.

Fact No. 6 — Five Grade Levels, But No Options

Generally speaking, luxury brands routinely offer one or multiple editions with no options available. That strategy is to package the amenities customers want without offering infinite permutations that only make comparing models an annoyance. This is the approach Nissan takes in its Infiniti brand and is also employed with the Maxima.

The five grades for the 2016 Nissan Maxima and the corresponding prices are as follows: S ($32,410), SV ($34,390), SL ($36,890), SR ($37,670) and Platinum ($39,860). That’s a big shift from the 2014 model (no 2015 Nissan Maxima was offered), where only S and SV editions were offered. The previous model did offer a pair of package choices — Premium (for luxury and convenience items) and Sport (for performance-oriented amenities).

2016 Nissan Maxima

Fact No. 7 — Technology Rises Yet Another Notch

Nissan continues with the stepped up pace whereby the industry is adopting the latest in-cabin technologies to satisfy customer insistence. Here, the Nissan Maxima will satiate consumers by offering standard navigation on an 8-inch color display. By the same token, it is part of the NissanConnect package that combines navigation, entertainment, and handheld device connectivity in one unit.

For 2016, NissanConnect ties in SiriusXM Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link, online search with Google, and other connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Twitter and TripAdvisor). Moreover, you can access sport scores, retrieve stock market data, and weather forecasts. A free, 30-day SiriusXM streaming trial is offered. After that, customers must subscribe to a paid plan to continue using the service.

Fact No. 8 — Safety and Driving Aids Are Present

Of course, no car built today comes without a standard safety package. Indeed, all Nissan Maximas come with a suite of airbags, front and rear crumple zones, and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. You also get stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Available safety features include forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, forward emergency braking, and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert. Unique to this segment is an available driver attention alert system (DAA). DAA, standard in the Platinum grade, detects driving behavior by monitoring for various mannerisms that would strongly suggest drowsiness by measuring steering input patterns. To illustrate, when out-of-the-ordinary conduct is recognized — such as consistently encroaching an adjoining lane — the system uses an audible chime sound and activates a coffee cup icon and posts a “Take a Break?” statement on the instrument panel. To that end, Nissan believes that it is doing its part to diminish what AAA says leads to more than 300,000 accidents each year, with 6,400 of them fatal.

Nissan Maxima: Make it Eight

Without doubt, staying with the Maxima is a tremendous gamble for Nissan as the segment continues to wither. However, the automaker believes that there is yet life in a segment that offers halo possibilities as well as a purposeful segue to the Infiniti brand.

And if Nissan buyers do consider Infiniti, the rear-wheel drive Q50’s price point starts just below the Maxima Platinum. Moreover, it comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission with shift control and offers optional all-wheel drive. Here, the automaker may have presented the most compelling reason for Nissan customers to consider Infiniti.

See Also — 7 Headliners at the 2015 New York Auto Show

Photos and video courtesy of Nissan Motors. Datsun 810 Maxima clip copyright Popular Science.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2016 cars, 4DSC, AAA, CVT, design, DROWSY DRIVING, FLOATING ROOF, FOUR-DOOR SPORTS CAR, front-wheel drive, INFINITI, JASON PERCH, JET FIGHTER, Mike Rabkin, Nissan Altima, NissanConnect, POPULAR SCIENCE

AAA CEO Robert Darbelnet Implores Congress to Suspend E15 Sales

February 28, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

The chief executive of North Americas largest motoring club testified before Congress on Tuesday, asking members of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcomitteee on Environment to suspend the sale of E15 fuel. That fuel, comprised of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent straight gasoline, may harm cars. in his testimony, CEO Robert Darbelnet cited the lack of consumer protections in place and called for additional testing by the National Academy of Sciences.

EPA Approval

AAA’s intervention follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to permit the sale of E15 fuel. Last November, AAA published a report noting that only 12 million of the more than 240 million registered light-duty vehicles in the United States have been engineered to take E15 fuel.

flex fuelThe organizations in-house engineering experts have claimed that using such fuel in most vehicles could speed up engine wear and failure, as well as damage fuel systems including accelerating fuel pump failure. Also, the check engine light could come on for no reason.

Notably, AAA also found that 95 percent of American consumers were unaware of E15 fuel and might mistakenly using this fuel when they should not. Several manufacturers including Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Chrysler and Nissan have come out and said that E15-related engine problems might not be covered by their warranties. Other car manufacturers have said that the fuel does not comply with owners manual requirements and could void warranty coverage.

Flex-Fuel Vehicles

Owners of current flex-fuel capable vehicles can use E15 without incident. Certain other vehicles including Porsches from 2001 model year on and newer GM vehicles also can handle the fuel. The Ford Motor Company says that all 2013 model-year Ford vehicles are E15 capable.

Most of the gasoline that consumers buy today is E10 fuel or what can be found in 90 percent of the fuel blends sold in America. That blend does not cause engine failure nor fuel line problems.

Ethanol Coalition Position

AAA’s position is in stark contrast to the American Coalition for Ethanol, the ethanol lobby that has been pushing for E15 acceptance. The organization sent a letter to the Environment Committee, disputing the Coordinating Research Councils findings, the same tests the AAA has cited. ACE insists that the fuel is safe following rigorous EPA testing and scientific data.

That AAA is speaking out against E15 underscores its commitment to its 53 million members and the driving public in general. In a radio interview shortly before giving his testimony, Darbelnet explained to Blog Talk Radio listeners that AAA wanted to make sure that every American motorist is aware of the risk that E15 presents, so that we can minimize the likelihood of people being stranded at the road side or experiencing unnecessary engine repairs due to misfueling.

Consumer Awareness

Darbelnet noted that AAA will support E15 fuel provided that consumers are aware of the possible problems and once manufacturers adjust their fleets to accommodate the fuel. Still, there will always be cars on the road that cannot handle the higher ethanol blend, therefore support from the motor club will probably be held in reserve for now.

AAA and the ethanol lobby are in agreement about a few things: ethanol blends support American jobs and also reduce our nations dependence on foreign sources of oil. Both organizations also contend that such fuels save Americans money, but judging by current fuel pump prices and the much lower mileage estimates of E85-fueled vehicles, those savings quickly evaporate.


See Also — Rebates For Buying, Using An E85 Vehicle

Robert Darbelnet photo courtesy of AAA.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: AAA, CONGRESS, E15, engine problems, ETHANOL, FLEX FUEL, fuel lines, Robert Dalbernet

Winter Driving Means Exercising Special Precautions Throughout The Season

December 30, 2008 by admin 1 Comment

winter driving
Winter driving can be treacherous even for the person who is experienced with driving in the nastiest of weather. The following tips can help ensure that your trip is a good one.

Cold air has pushed down from Canada while moisture is moving east out of the Rockies, a dynamic mixture that means only one thing: snow, ice and freezing rain will impact all of the midwest and northeast over the next few days, making driving treacherous in some areas. Certainly, if you don’t have to be out on the roads during the worst of natures fury, you’ll want to ride this storm out.

It seems that the auto clubs and insurance companies are each doing their part to alert drivers of the pending problems of venturing out on the highway during the worst of the weather, urging people to wait the storm out. But, as we all know, work beckons and some of us are still away from home during the holiday season and needing to get back to where we live. A one day delay may not be possible for everyone.

“The best defense is preparation,” said Mike Convery, chief claim officer at MetLife Auto & Home. “Experience has shown us that many winter-related claims are avoidable, which is why it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s well-equipped and in good condition to take on the cold weather. By taking precautions, and being aware of what actions to take when you’re on the road, you may be able to avoid a serious accident and protect your loved ones from injury.”

Before the snow starts to fall, consider the following:

  • Give your vehicle a tune-up. Check the level of antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, and make sure the battery is fully charged. If you haven’t changed your wiper blades in the past six months, purchase a fresh set.
  • Inspect your tires for bulges and uneven wear. If you get stuck in the snow, worn tires won’t be much help. Worn tire can also create potentially dangerous situations, too, such as a blowout on the road.
  • Keep emergency gear in your car. Make sure you have things like a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, and snow brush, windshield wiper fluid, and warning devices (such as flares). Also, consider packing a “winter survival kit” that includes blankets, a bright piece of cloth to tie to your antenna, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, such as candy bars, and waterproof matches.

Snow, ice, and extreme cold can also cause problems for vehicles, especially during snow and ice storms, when driving can become treacherous. When braving the winter weather:

  • Drive slowly. Let someone know what route you’re taking and when you plan to arrive, so they can take action and alert authorities, if you don’t get there or are unreasonably delayed.
  • Consider the road conditions. Driving over the speed limit—or even at normal speed that would be considered unreasonable based on the conditions —can be hazardous, and the extra time you gain isn’t worth the risk.
  • Avoid ice patches. Avoid icy skids by matching your speed to the road conditions and taking precautions on curves and turns by slowing down in advance. Also, remember that ice patches are particularly common on-ramps, bridges, and overpasses, which tend to freeze first.
  • Slide smart. To bring a sliding car under control, remove your foot from both the accelerator and brake pedals, unless your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS). In that case, depress the brake pedal as hard as possible until the vehicle stops moving. Meanwhile, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go and continue steering and counter steering.

Even with the best of precautions, your car may still end up stuck in a snowbank. Above all, don’t panic: try to push the snow out of the way of the wheels, by turning the steering wheel from side to side a few times or digging out with a shovel. Ease forward, keeping a light touch on the gas, and don’t spin the wheels or you’ll dig yourself in deeper. Rock the vehicle, shifting from forward to reverse and back again. If this doesn’t work, use your cell phone to call for help and then wait in your car, because it’s easy to get disoriented in the snow.


See Also — 5 Tools To Help Safer Driving In Winter Weather


To stay warm, turn on the motor for 10 minutes every hour for heat, and make sure you have your window open a crack, for fresh air. Check to ensure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe. For best visibility, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away.

I also recommend that drivers not leave home without some sort of auto club arrangement in place. We’ve had a lot of success with AAA over the years, an auto club that provides towing, lockout service, car restart and other services. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a snowbank somewhere and needing the state to shovel you out – you’ll be responsible for that bill and you could end up causing a much worse accident!


Source: MetLife Auto & Home


Further Reading

Higher Education: Winter Driving School

Winter Driving School the Michelin and Tire Rack Way


“winter driving.” by clive-staples is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: AAA, AUTO CLUB, black ice, DRIVING, ice, MetLife, Mike Convery, shovel, sleet, snow, WINTER, WINTER DRIVING

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