• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Doug Climenhaga

About Doug Climenhaga

Doug Climenhaga is president of SVI International, Inc., a leading supplier of parts for industrial lift equipment. With more than 20 years experience in the hydraulic and automotive lift industries, he holds two patents and has designed scores of problem-solving products.

5 Car Dangers That Come from Cold Weather

January 29, 2014 by Doug Climenhaga 1 Comment

There’s more to winter than bigger heat bills. In the automotive world, frigid temps may lead to unique problems that don’t show up at other times of the year. Look through these five dangers that come from cold weather and make sure your car is ready to deal with the rest of the winter.

1. Dead battery: It might be an all-too-familiar winter scene: A driver puts the key in the ignition, turns it, and the engine cranks sluggishly or not at all. Maybe the headlights and dashboard lights are dim, too — it could be a dead battery. Confirm that the battery is the problem is by checking the voltage. You can use a voltmeter or a dedicated battery tester, but each requires a different set of steps for checking the battery. If you’re not calling a service for help, consult your owner’s manual and be sure you know how to jumpstart the car. Stock your trunk with an emergency kit in case a dead car battery leaves you stranded in the cold: heavy coat, gloves, blanket, flashlight, snacks and water.

flat tire2. Cracked windshield wipers: After being frozen and unfrozen a few times in the winter, your car’s windshield wipers won’t perform as they once did. If you notice that they are skipping across the windshield or leaving streaks in your line of vision, check the wiper blades. If the rubber is warped or cracked, replace the blades. Also, make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid to last your journey. There’s not much more frustrating (not to mention dangerous, for you and other drivers) than running out of washer fluid on a slushy day in a high-traffic area.

3. Radiator problems: The radiator of a car keeps the engine at the proper temperature, whether it’s sweltering hot or bitterly cold outside. Antifreeze, or coolant, absorbs engine heat and dissipates it through the radiator. A half-and-half mixture of antifreeze and water is sufficient for your car to start and run in the cold. If the engine’s cooling system isn’t properly filled, or if the coolant is too diluted, your radiator could freeze, the car won’t start and you could end up with a cracked, leaking radiator. The next time you’re at the mechanic, they can check the level of your antifreeze and may recommend a flush of the system. Old antifreeze can be full of dirt and rust, which can lead to corrosion and leaks, and eventually overheating.

4. Salt-covered car body: While road salt keeps everyone safer in icy conditions, the resultant coating of salt is bad for the body of the car. The salt sits there for days or even weeks, and over the long run, that salt can cause rust. Wash your car when the temperature allows. The good news is that with improved corrosion-resistant coatings on newer cars, it will take salt a long time to eat its way to the metal — metal (not paint) rusts. If you go to a drive-through car wash, pick one that washes the undercarriage of the vehicle, where there are more hidden spots that can rust due to salt corrosion.

5. Tires deflating: Heat causes tire pressure to rise, and cold weather causes it to drop. Do not be surprised if your low-pressure indicator light turns on after a cold snap. If your car is older than model year 2008 and it doesn’t have a tire pressure monitoring system, check the pressure with a tire gauge before driving after the first cold day of the season. The proper PSI (pounds per square inch) for your tires will be on a sticker inside the driver-side door or in the owner’s manual. Do not go by the pressure listed on the tire itself — this is the maximum allowable pressure and is likely not the same as the manufacturer-recommended PSI. Optimum tire pressure allows your car to be fuel efficient, and, most importantly in the winter, to have the best traction and stopping time.

Cold Weather Care

Watch for signs of these potential dangers before you head out for a winter drive, especially before a longer journey. Just because winter is underway doesn’t mean it’s too late to check and address any of these hazards. What other winter car problems do you frequently run into?

See Also — 5 Tips for Driving at Night

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: car battery, car maintenance, cold weather, Doug Climenhaga, ice, snow, SVI International Inc., windshield wipers

5 Tips for Driving at Night

October 14, 2013 by Doug Climenhaga 4 Comments

It is no secret that driving at night is more difficult for several reasons, and with Daylight Savings Time ending the first weekend in Nov., we will all be behind the wheel in the dark more often. While there has been much advancement in the realm of headlights and glare technologies, good driving at night comes down to one thing: human behavior. No amount of hardware and technology can replace an attentive, well-prepared driver, and this article will give you five useful tips for driving at night.

night driving
Driving at night requires it own types of precautions.

According to Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, getting behind the wheel is the riskiest thing most people do every day. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 95 percent of crashes are caused by human error and these numbers are significantly higher after the sun has gone down. The facts are the facts: driving can be dangerous but you can avoid being a statistic if you follow the rules of the road and your vehicle is properly equipped.

Here are 5 Tips for Driving at Night:

1. Wear Your Glasses or Contacts

Although you should be wearing your corrective lenses at all times, driving at night requires your absolute best vision and reaction time. In order to receive a driver’s license, you must pass a vision test, and if you fail this test you have a legal requirement to wear corrective lenses. There is also a “Daylight Driving Only” restriction for those with exceptionally poor eyesight.

In addition to adjusting to the glare of night traffic, your ability to react to pedestrians or wildlife is compromised if you do not wear your lenses. Do yourself and the other drivers on the road a favor.

2. Clean Your Windshield and Mirrors, Adjust if Necessary

Dirty windshields and mirrors reflect and diffuse light that can produce an eye-squinting yet completely avoidable distraction. You can find a proper cleaning spray or wipe at any auto store or even use the window or glass cleaner from your home. If you clean your windshield and mirrors at least once a week your vision will never be impaired.

The option of tilting your exterior mirrors depends on your height and the vehicle you drive. You should always test new angles to see if they reduce glare and remember to turn on the night or automatic dimming feature of your rearview mirror to darken the mirror at night. These are all simple steps to make toward a safer night on the road.


See Also — How to Fight Back Against Drunk Drivers


3. Aim Your Headlights

Although some of the newer luxury vehicles offer self-adjusting, adaptive headlight systems, not everyone can afford them. If you are one of the many with standard motionless headlights, it is imperative to make sure they are angled properly. If not for your own benefit, to make sure you are not blinding oncoming traffic.

You can find the instructions in your owner’s manual or have your mechanic perform this simple yet important task. Some drivers don’t even know their headlights are misaligned and have been driving with them since they have owned the vehicle. It is definitely worth checking and may provide you with a brand new nighttime driving experience.

4. Turn on the Fog Lights

The main purpose of fog lights is to light up the road during foggy conditions. Your headlights catch the water vapor of the fog and can make the view of the road in front of you quite difficult to manage. In effect, the lower fog lights illuminate the road instead of the fog.

But fog lights are not limited to the conditions they were built for; you can use fog lights every night for enhanced driving. Turning on these two additional lights is never a bad thing and will only improve your vision. When you think about it, how many times a year do you actually use your fog lights in fog? Get some use out of them.

5. Be Mindful of Other Drivers

Federal traffic studies have shown that there is a higher percentage of drunk drivers at night, as well as tired drivers, so keep your eye out for erratic behavior. If you find yourself heading toward someone with their high beams on, look down at the right edge of the road and use it as a steering guide. You should also be mindful of your own high beams with oncoming traffic to avoid causing them the same issue.

And if for any reason you have to pull off the road, pull off as far as you possibly can. Many drivers have been seriously injured or killed when changing a tire or dealing with engine trouble at night. For all of the reasons listed above, put as much distance as possible between you and the roadway if you ever have to pull over at night.

Photo copyright “Night Drive” by Christopher Cook.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: FOG LIGHTS, HEADLAMPS, IIHS, NHTSA, NIGHT DRIVING, safety, VISION

Infotainment: Will Dashboard Internet Access Be Too Distracting?

March 20, 2013 by Doug Climenhaga 2 Comments

Tesla Model S
Cabin interiors, such as found in this Tesla,
come with infotainment systems.

Access to the Internet is more widely available than ever before and the inside of your vehicle is no exception. As cars become capable of displaying more than just simple navigation instructions, will navigation become infotainment? And, will dashboard Internet access be deemed too distracting?

What is Dashboard Internet?

Dashboard Internet is a relatively new car feature. Essentially, it centralizes several features already available in some vehicles, with screens above the gear shift equipped with a fully functional touch-screen PC. Dashboard Internet is a centralized hub for navigation, music, car information, phone calls and more.

These systems allow drivers to get GPS navigation wherever they are; they also provide access to 3D maps and street views. Systems may also allow drivers to call friends, adjust the cars temperature, play music and check fuel levels while driving, using voice commands. While the car is parked, the technology can be used to get location or event information, such as temperature, venue information, business or restaurant reviews and traffic conditions. In addition, drivers can stream videos in their car.

Currently, dashboard Internet is mainly available in luxury vehicles, but over time, it may become standard in most new cars. This means that many consumers will be learning to navigate new, potentially distracting car features.

Infotainment Benefits & Risks

Some people are worried about the potential distraction posed by dashboard iInternet. This new technology creates many of the same risks as existing car features, such as front-seat televisions and GPS navigation systems. The ability to watch videos and get directions while driving is not a new phenomenon, but it takes that to the next level by providing drivers with access to the entire web.

People concerned about safety raise several concerns about this new trend:

  • Distracted driving is proven to be a factor in many accidents, especially when drivers look away from the road.
  • Drivers may be too busy pressing buttons and watching the screen to pay attention to road conditions.
  • Systems may be too elaborate to easily navigate while driving.

On the other hand, manufacturers and consumers counter that dashboard Internet is safe when used correctly because it:

  • Prevents drivers from having to fumble with maps.
  • Can be manned by the front seat passenger instead of the driver.
  • Should be set before the driver hits the road.
  • Is similar to other devices which have been on the market for a while and are still approved for the road.
  • Can give voice commands and play videos with sound, meaning drivers don’t need to rely on looking at the screen.
  • Is often manufactured to restrict access to complex features while the vehicle is in motion.

Personal Judgment

Right now, the verdict is still out on infotainment for the car dashboard. It needs to become more widespread before we’ll have a clear answer. Studies on the subject are being conducted. What is clear, though, is that drivers with dashboard Internet, like all drivers, should exercise good judgment and personal responsibility when using their devices.

Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors.

Filed Under: Engineering & Technology Tagged With: : 3D MAPS, DASHBOARD INTERNET, DISTRACTED DRIVING, GPS, infotainment, NAVIGATION SYSTEMS, WEB

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in