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BMW ///M i3: It's Coming - Soon!

Monday, March 31, 2014 0 comments
A full range of official press photos of this semi-camouflaged Mi3 will be released a couple days before NAIAS in two weeks. This is the only one I was authorized to reveal.

About six months ago, Eric Loveday of InsideEVs.com wrote this article that predicted the BMW M performance division won't be making an M version of the upcoming BMW i3 or i8. I've known for a while now that that was not true, but the information I got from BMW was under embargo until now so I couldn't comment on it previously. I finally got a chance to look at a pre-production ///M i3 last week. The car I saw didn't have all the body work or the special wheels that the ///M i3 pictured above has since this one is being used for internal testing here at BMW's North American headquarters, but it did have all the performance upgrades and ///M badging.
I was lucky to be one of only a few people to get a sneak peak of the M i3 before its unveiling at NYIAS in two weeks.

Perhaps this was the intention all along, or maybe BMW changed their minds along the way, but both the upcoming i3 and i8 plug-ins from BMW i will get the "M" treatment. Back in August of last year I did a post about BMW offering a Sport Version to satisfy the desires of the performance minded i3 buyers and it turns out BMW was definitely listening. Honestly, I would have really been surprised if the i3 didn't have an ///M variant or at the very least, as I suggested, a special edition "Sport" i3.

One person posted this on Bimmerpost. Perhaps they were wishing for an ///M i3 also?
Recent articles have popped up around the web eluding to the fact that BMW was working on a "special edition" i3 and that it would have a more aggressive appearance, but many assumed that would be reserved for the i3 coupe which is expected to launch about a year after the 5 door hatchback i3 that is available now. That's may be so, but I have confirmed the ///M i3 will indeed be a modified version of the current i3 offering, and it will indeed be available soon after the initial US i3 launch. If the i3 concept coupe does make it to production, it would seem likely to get the same ///M treatment as the 5 door hatchback is.

I knew all along that if BMW really wanted their customer base to welcome the i3 and accept it as a true BMW then they would have to offer a performance version, just like they do with their other models. Performance is in BMW's DNA, it's what distinguishes a BMW from the other premium brands. To not make a performance version of the i3 would seem to be a mistake in my opinion. However I didn't expect it to come so quickly. I figured the ///M i3 would be launched sometime in 2016 to invigorate interest once the initial excitement over the i3 began to wane.
TopSpeed (www.topspeed.com) had their go at what they think the ///M i3 will look like
Loveday wrote, "We suspect that BMW will make available several performance-enhancing products for both the i3 and i8 in the near future, but both an i3M (Mi3) and an i8M (Mi8) seem to be no-goes." That's certainly understandable since BMW had said on more than one occasion that they will not be tapping the M performance division to tweak the i3 & i8.  So what do I think changed their minds? My guess is surveys; it's that simple. Last September I received an email survey from BMW i asking me about 50 questions regarding my interest in the i3. I'm not sure if I was included in the survey because I drive an ActiveE or just because I was signed up on the main BMW website for i3 information, but the survey focused on what options I would pay extra for. Almost all of the questions centered around paying for more range and paying for more performance, with one of the questions specifically asking if I would pay and additional $8,000  for an ///M version of the i3.

Fortunately the majority of the respondents must have answered as I did, saying yes we would be willing to pay extra for both range and performance. Yes, I know the i3 is focused on sustainable personal transportation for an evolving world, but hell, there's always the weekends, and i3 owners will want to autocross their cars just like 3-Series owners do. That's part of the BMW heritage, and part of why people gravitate to the brand.
TopSpeed's ///M i3 guess shown in coupe' form
Over the two weeks we should be getting all the details for the ///M i3 & ///M i8 models. The New York Auto Show opens on April 15th and both ///M cars will make their world premiers there. This will coincide with another special announcement regarding never-before released information about DC Fast charging for the i3, so if you are an i3 fan, head to the NYIAS this year. The Press preview days are April 16 & 17th, with the show opening up to the public on Friday the 18th and running until Sunday, April 27th.
The ///M i3 wheels will be a modified version of the optional 20" wheels available on the i8
Opening ceremonies of NYIAS will include Mayor de Blasio declaring the show officially open and that will take place at the BMW exhibit, likely next to the ///M i3 and ///M i8. This all but guarantees that pictures of the new performance-orientated plug-ins will be plastered in every newspaper in the NY metropolitan area. Unless BMW strategically places their gas offerings there which would be very disappointing.

Little is actually known about the spec's of the ///M i8, but I do have some of the details on the ///M i3. Besides a more aggressive exterior styling, including a new front grill and spoiler, monochromatic paint (Yes, the black hood and rear diffusers will be painted the color of the car) a larger rear spoiler and fender flares. The standard wheels on the ///M i3 will be the 20" Sport wheels that are currently available on the i3 (the 19" wheels aren't available on the ///M i3). However there will also be a wider wheel offering which puts a 20" x 6.5" wheel on the car with 245/40/R20 Brigestone Potenza S001 Tires. The wheels look very similar to the optional 20" BMW i8 wheels but they appear to be painted black in the press photo I obtained. The upgrade tire size is nearly perfect in diameter and the speedometer will not be affected at all. I suspect this will dramatically improve the handling, but it will certainly come with a price. I'd expect this tire and wheel combo to likely be about a $2,000 option, but for the performance-minded, it will likely be worth it!

Specification-wise all I know is that BMW is indeed using the same motor that the base i3 uses, it's just been modified to increase power output by about 25%. If that holds true, figure on about 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. I was told the goal was to get the 0-60 times in the mid 5 second range and with that kind of added power I believe it is definitely within reach since the stock i3 BEV does it in about 7 seconds with 25% to 30% less power. The suspension will obviously be improved for performance and the interior will likely get the usual smattering of ///M badging and special seats which offer more support.

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Now for the most intriguing part of this. The i3 has been designed around the philosophy of weight savings whenever possible. Many of these features will add weight which reduces efficiency. Plus, the more powerful drivetrain will likely use more energy than the stock set-up does. If someone were to drive the car hard (like it should be driven) then the range may only be 40 or 50 miles, and that's just not enough. So I asked if the ///M i3 would be available with the range extender, and was told definitely not; it will only be available in BEV form. Pressing further about the likely limited range of what will be a very expensive 40 mile electric car he replied, "The ///M i3 will have a greater electric range then the standard i3. It will also charge faster and offer technology unavailable in any other electric vehicle on the market." Now this is indeed getting interesting. There are really only two possibilities here that make any sense. It either has a larger battery pack, perhaps utilizing the space where the range extender goes, or BMW is using the higher density batteries that they have been testing in MINI-E mules for a couple years now. These cells are reported to have about a 30% greater energy density than the stock i3 batteries that come from Samsung have, so that would seem to work here.

I wish I could say I've had the opportunity to test drive it, but I didn't. I was only allowed a brief in person look at the one pictured above in Arravani grey which was at BMW NA's headquarters undergoing internal testing and give the BMW Press photo of the semi-camouflaged one on the track. Even without driving it or knowing what it's going to cost, I decided to cancel my Electronaut Edition i3 and place my order for an ///M i3. They aren't officially available yet so please don't call your dealer and ask to reserve one, that won't be possible until after the New York Auto Show. The ///M i3 & ///M i8 will also be available in "unique colors specific to the M division," I'm hoping Melbourne Red is one of them ;)

4/2/14 EDIT: As many of you figured out, this was an April Fools Post yesterday and I want future readers to realize that. If you take a look at the first letters of each paragraph that are in bold blue text you can see that spell "April fools", I'm surprised nobody commented on that here. I hope you enjoyed it and what I really hope for is a real ///M i3 form BMW sometime in the future!

HOW TO: Plug A Tire

Sunday, March 30, 2014 0 comments

So on Friday I made an early run to Ikea came home and hours later I had a flat tire. Thankfully my dad was planning to come over to my house and he noticed it. We went to Auto Zone and purchased the Slime/Tire Plug Kit $5.79 [ I highly recommend purchasing this and having it in your Emergency Kit]

Pictured below is the culprit the screw that caused my flat tire

My dad removed the screw and started the repair process.

Slime Tire Plug Kit x Instructions x Video








Video courtesy of: AutoMoto Mods

Bridgestone's "Ologic Technology" and the i3

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 0 comments


Much has been made about the tall narrow tires on the BMW i3. They are really unlike any tire on any other car currently in production and they certainly don't look like they belong on a BMW. However BMW and Bridgestone did their homework on this, and accomplished the goals they set out to. That was to develop a tire that is not only efficient, but also delivers the performance expected of any BMW.

How did they do it? Ologic technology. Yep, they developed something so new and advanced you have never even heard of it before! So while I as the Geneva Motor Show a few weeks ago, I made it a point to stop by the Bridgestone exhibit to ask about this new mysterious "Ologic Tech". As I approached the Bridgestone area, I could see they had a Capparis White i3 on display with it all lettered up promoting this new Ologic technology, and they even had an award in a case next to it that proudly displayed that Bridgestone won the 2014 Tire Technology International award for Tire Technology of the year! Fantastic! I was even more pumped up to find out what this new Ologic technology was. Could it be a new special rubber compound or tread pattern?  I was about to find out.


Tire Technology International Awards 2014 winner interview – Tire Technology of the Year

So after asking the information desk for someone to interview I was introduced to a Brigestone product manager to answer my questions. I didn't waste any time. My first question was: What exactly is Ologic technology? I don't have the exact words he used but to paraphrase he basically said "Ologic Technology is our way of creating an efficient tire that still offers optimum performance. By using a very tall narrow tire we simultaneously reduce drag, rolling resistance and tire deformation. The height of the tire in relation to the width also increases the contact patch which allows for retain the dynamic driving characteristics of a much wider tire" So Ologic is just a name of a concept, not any specific rubber compound or such? Yes. Alright well that was a little let down because I figured I was going to get a lesson on rubber or tread or something other than what I heard.

So why are they so special? They must have done something right to win the Tire Technology of the Year award, no? Here is an excerpt of how Bridgestone explains why these are indeed special:

"A Unique Concept for a Unique Car
 
BMW has achieved a genuine milestone with the i3 electric car. Doing justice to its unprecedented levels of both efficiency and performance demanded more than just a new tyre but an entire new tyre concept. Bridgestone’s answer came in the form of the ologic technology, which capitalises on the synergies of a large diameter coupled with a narrow tread design. The result is a tyre that delivers significant improvements in aerodynamics and rolling resistance, while still offering outstanding grip in wet weather conditions.
Combining a large diameter with a narrow tread pattern has several advantages. While the tread on smaller diameter tyres is typically inclined to excessive movement or “deformation” during driving, the larger diameter and higher belt tension significantly reduce tyre deformation and therefore conserve energy that is otherwise lost through internal friction which helps to reduce rolling resistance. By the same token, the narrow tread concept improves aerodynamics. The most spectacular achievement, however is that these improvements do not involve a trade-off in terms of safety. The tyre’s long contact patch (relative to its narrow width),  revolutionary tread design and compound still ensure outstanding grip in both wet and dry conditions."


They have obviously done something right because even though they look like they would be better suited on a motorcycle, the i3 handles exceptionally with them. I've spoken to quite a few people now that have had an i3 on a race track and all of them were genuinely surprised at how well the car performed. In a few weeks I should be taking delivery of my i3 and I can the really put the "Ologic Technology" to the test. :)


The Debut Of Camp Jeep Off-Road Experience at the Atlanta International Auto Show

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Today I had the pleasure of attending the Atlanta International Auto Show Media Preview early this morning and after the press conferences were done I headed straight to the Camp Jeep Off-Road Experience. 

Camp Jeep is a thrilling five-minute interactive adventure zone that pairs professional 4x4 drivers with riders. Passengers can experience the full capabilities of Jeep models including the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, as drivers demonstrate how to drive safely on off-road terrain. Guests sit right beside a professional driver and climb the eye-catching 14-ft high, 35 degree Jeep Mountain-the icon of the ride.

I had the pleasure of taking the course in the New Jeep Grand Cherokee and I was in total awe because this Jeep is amazing, the handling is superb and this vehicle is capable of handling whatever obstacles you encounter. My car is paid off but riding around in this course really had me thinking about purchasing a Jeep as many pot holes I run over in the Atlanta area. Make sure you visit the Camp Jeep Off-Road Experience at the Atlanta International Auto Show March 26-30th  at Georgia World Congress Center C Building 235 Northside Drive (next to Georgia Dome) Atlanta, GA 30313
Check out a few pics from my experience below:








All-New Ford F-150 Redefines Full-Size Trucks as the Toughest, Smartest, Most Capable F-150 Ever

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On Tuesday March 25, 2014 Ford hosted an exclusive preview of the Brand New 2015 F-150 at Frank Jackson Sandy Springs Ford 7555 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, Ga 30350.

Ford introduces the all-new Ford F-150, the reinvention of America’s favorite truck. It is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks.
 
The all-new F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.


“F-150 is well-known for being Built Ford Tough. Now, it is both tough and smart,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer. “The all-new F-150 redefines the future of trucks, and it is yet another example of our One Ford plan producing vehicles that serve customers with a commitment to the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”
 Check out some of the Hot Features:

360-degree camera system using exterior cameras creates
a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park,
maneuver in tight spots, and navigate down narrow roads
and trails
• Ultimate configurability for cargo – inside the cab and in the
bed – makes new Ford F-150 even more capable
• Available LED headlamps are a segment first, providing
brighter illumination and longer life


Dodge Introduces New 2014 Dodge Journey

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 0 comments

America’s most versatile mid-size crossover – the 2014 Dodge Journey with available seven-passenger seating -- is upping its capability and value quotient by offering the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) on SE models for 2014, with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,895 (excluding $995 destination). The Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD makes all-wheel drive more accessible within the Journey lineup by $1,800 compared to the SXT model.

“The Dodge Journey set an all-time sales record in the United States in 2013,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “We want to build on that sales momentum, offering levels of performance – 283 best-in-class horsepower, 24 miles per gallon, all-weather capability – our competitors can’t touch at this price point.”

The Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD is generously equipped with standard features such as 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seven airbags, 4.3-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cruise control, deep-tint sunscreen glass, black side roof rails and distinctive LED tail lamps.
 
The 2014 Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD is arriving in U.S. dealerships now.  

Emeli Sande’ shares her 'Journey of unconditional love' as part of new Lincoln series

Friday, March 21, 2014 0 comments


In the spirit of continuing its efforts to inspire, The Lincoln Motor Company has created a new branded content series, “The Journey,” a campaign that explores inspiration, entrepreneurship and people who have followed their dreams within the African-American community.


Award-winning singer/songwriter and Lincoln Ambassador Emeli Sande’ shares her “Journey of unconditional love” as part of the series. Sande’ is the first artist featured in the program that hopes to inspire new ideas, approaches and possibilities.
“My ambition in releasing music was never really commercial,” said Sande’. “The opportunities have been both incredible and humbling. I like working with people who inspire me, that I feel comfortable with and see what comes.”
The campaign, which will consist of seven docu-style videos and behind-the-scenes images, will live on www.now.lincoln.com. The program also consists of advertorial features for both print and digital media, and also will include integrations and talent appearances during various Lincoln events throughout 2014.
“As Lincoln continues to tell its reinvention story and attract a more culturally progressive luxury client, opportunities such as this continue to be of great importance,” said Shawn Thompson, Lincoln Manager, multicultural marketing. “These individuals have such inspiring journeys that quite frankly resonate with the brand attributes of Lincoln Motor Company.”
In addition to Sandé, the series will feature award-winning filmmaker Nelson George; award-winning director Kenny Leon; award-winning artist Danny Simmons; artist Afua Richardson; photographer Terrrence A. Reese; and acclaimed couture designer Bobby Joseph.

Born Electric Guest Blogger: Meet Ross from The UK

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Ross and his new baby in front of  Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Hello, I'm Ross from The UK and I was Born Electric on Saturday, March 1st, 2014.

Why an i3?

I will start this blog by saying that I am totally obsessed by cars.  I love cars, I always have, and the cars that find their way into our household are usually of the performance variety, ranging from TVRs to Hondas with even the occasional 4x4.  To be perfectly honest, electric cars had never really appeared on my radar.  I was aware of them obviously, but had never considered owning one.  My view was that most of them were slow, couldn’t go very far and generally a bit dull.  



However, one of my favourite websites is Pistonheads, and I happened to read their review of the new BMW i3 back in October.  Wow!  This sounded like one exciting little car.  So, at this point I started doing some more research, reading every i3 review I could find.  At this time, my car was an E92 M3 and my wife was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  This meant that we had two cars that were pretty expensive to run.  Both had annual road tax of £490 and not so great fuel consumption.  So, the i3 was beginning to sound attractive as it was fun, funky and cheap to run.  That the electric only version could be run as a company car with zero benefit-in-kind was the clincher.

So, it came to be that I ordered an electric only i3 without seeing or test driving one - with the proviso that I could cancel my order if I didn’t like it when I test drove it.  I had to wait about 3 weeks till the 16th November before I could get my hands on one.


Is it a real BMW?
I have owned three BMWs previously, an E46 330i (saloon), an E91 335i (touring) and the E92 M3 we have now. My wife had also owned two minis, a Cooper S and a Cooper S JCW. So we had high expectations. Before getting our test drive, we had an opportunity to have a good look around the showroom car. The consensus from all the family was that it was larger than expected and that from the outside the overall appearance was ‘funky’. Inside the i3, it was even better; the interior feels really modern especially with the large central nav screen.


i3 curb.jpgWe were blown away on the test drive.  Putting your foot down just elicits a huge grin.  It is such a hoot to drive.  The instant and rapid acceleration takes a bit of getting used to but is addictive.  Also being able to drive with just one pedal is great and it only takes a few moments to become accustomed to it.  We were sold!

It really does drive like a BMW; the way it handles the road and the feel of the steering all felt familiar.  Since taking delivery of my own i3, I have also taken it to a local sprint circuit.  The circuit is only 600 metres in length but over 3 laps the i3 was great.  It really surprised most of the people there and I was posting times that were quicker than two MX5s, an MR2 and and an E36 328i.  I have also since discovered that the i3 is compatible with the ///M laptimer app.  That said, don’t buy one as a track car!  The range was down to just 43 miles on the day including driving there and back on a dual carriageway.  The M3 is much better suited to track work.


The Options
For anyone considering the purchase of an i3, the options list can be a bit daunting.  I chose laurus (laurel in the US) grey which I am really pleased with and the standard interior because I liked it!  Suite was a consideration but at £2,000 I felt it was too expensive.  I have recently discovered that the mood lighting with colour change is not included with the standard interior - this isn’t mentioned in the brochures or the website.  I was lucky to get the Pro Sat Nav free as I placed my order early and I think everyone should consider this as it really suits the interior of the car.  I ordered the heat pump option as BMW erroneously told me this was required to preheat the vehicle - it isn’t. Supposedly this gives better range in cold weather due to more efficient heating, but as I have nothing to compare it too I have no idea how effective it is. The Harmon Kardon hi-fi option is utterly brilliant and I am really pleased that I added that to my spec. In my opinion the standard wheels are awful, and the 428 alloys I ordered receive very positive comments. The heated seats are the fastest / hottest of any car I’ve owned and therefore a must.

I’ve had the car for just over two weeks and already done more than 900 miles.  Range anxiety really hasn’t been an issue although I have got home a couple of times with only 3 miles left.  It’s a great car and it seems that for the distances we generally travel it is going to meet most of our journey needs. For those occasions when it doesn’t I will just have to put up with that howling V8...
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This makes the seventh Born Electric guest blogger here. The other posts can be viewed here: 

Andy from The UK 
Hil from Holland  
Toni from Belgium 
Jan from Belgium 
Steven from The Netherlands   
Jon from Norway

If you own an i3 and would like to participate here in the Born Electric guest blogger series, email me at: tom.moloughney@gmail.com

2014 Nissan Rogue earns Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS

Thursday, March 20, 2014 0 comments

Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the completely redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue a "Top Safety Pick Plus" vehicle safety rating, which is the group's highest-available ranking. The 2014 Rogue scored "Good" in all five "Top Safety Pick" categories and earned "Top Safety Pick Plus" status with a basic rating for front crash prevention for models equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning.

In 2013, IIHS introduced more stringent criteria and requirements for the "Top Safety Pick Plus" designation. The established "Top Safety Pick" award recognizes passenger vehicles that excel in protecting passengers in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and also achieve a "good" or "acceptable" rating in the small overlap frontal test. For a "Top Safety Pick Plus," the vehicle must meet "Top Safety Pick" criteria as well as earn a "basic," "advanced" or "superior" rating for front crash prevention.

"Nissan has a long-standing commitment to safety and innovation, and this IIHS rating is a very important milestone for the all-new 2014 Rogue," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "Rogue is the second best-selling vehicle in Nissan's lineup, and with its standard and available safety features, we're bringing a new level of affordable technologies and innovations to a growing segment looking for fresh ideas."
Safety and security features standard on all 2014 Rogues include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with position monitoring and Nissan's innovative, class-exclusive* Easy Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the car horn to notify a person filling a tire with air when the recommended tire pressure has been reached.
Also standard on Rogue are a suite of confidence-inspiring dynamic technologies, including Active Trace Control, Active Engine Braking and Active Ride Control. The Active Trace Control system utilizes Rogue's standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes or smoothing engine torque characteristics while accelerating. Active Engine Braking uses the CVT helps slow the Rogue as the driver brakes, resulting in less brake effort by the driver. Active Ride Control helps smooth out the drive by automatically applying the brakes and adjusting engine torque after the vehicle hits a bump, reducing the typical "head bobble" pitch.
Rogue's available class-exclusive* Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system features four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle that provide a "bird's eye" virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle. It provides additional selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views, helping the driver maneuver the car in or out of tight spots.
Moving Object Detection builds on the capabilities of the AVM system, helping enhance the driver's situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings (front, side or back range object detection) if the system detects moving objects (such as another vehicle) within the displayed image in situations such as pulling out of a parking space. Using sophisticated image processing technology, the system detects moving objects within the "top view" (when the vehicle is in Park). When starting off or backing up, it detects moving objects crossing within the front or rear views, respectively.

Apple Introduces CarPlay

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 0 comments

Apple introduced their latest innovation at the Geneva International Motor Show: CarPlay. Described as "the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone® in the car," it will allow iPhone users to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with a word or a touch. 

Once your iPhone is connected to a vehicle with CarPlay integration, Siri helps you easily access your contacts, make calls, return missed calls or listen to voicemails. When incoming messages or notifications arrive, Siri provides an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands, by reading drivers' messages and letting them dictate responses or simply make a call. CarPlaySet to premiere in vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo this week, and will continue with the release in additional auto manufacturers in the coming months. The CarPlay app will be available as an update to iOS 7, and in select cars shipping in 2014.

Atlanta International Auto Show

Monday, March 17, 2014 0 comments


The 2014 Atlanta International Auto Show

Location:

Georgia World Congress Center - C Building
235 Northside Drive (next to Georgia Dome)
Atlanta, GA 30313
Dates: March 26-30, 2014 TICKETS: ADULTS $10 * CHILDREN 6-12 - $5 * CHILDREN UNDER 6 - FREE

http://www.goautoshow.com/

Road Trip Checklist

Sunday, March 16, 2014 0 comments

The most critical areas to check before going on a driving trip are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes. Appropriately preparing these key areas of the automobile before you leave for your trip will not only keep you safe while driving, it’ll also help prevent costly repairs.

1. Engine Oil
Check your oil levels and the date you’re due for an oil change. If you’re close to the manufacturer-recommended oil-change then go ahead and change it. 

2. Transmission and Differential Fluids
Did you forget about the other fluid reservoirs in your car? Both your transmission and drive axle have their own lubricant supply. Check your owner’s manual for their change intervals. They are usually quite a bit longer than those for engine oil, but if your car has over 75,000 miles and you’ve never checked or changed these other lubricants, it’s time to get busy. 

3. Hoses
Look for bulges or blisters in hoses, which indicate a weakness in the wall. If your hoses have cracks or blisters, replace them. As a precaution, buy a hose-patch kit at the local auto parts store to keep in the glove compartment.  

4. Belts
Check belts by turning them sideways with your hand so you can see the friction surface. If they’re even the slightest bit ragged, torn, cracked or showing the fiber cords, it’s time for fresh ones. Consult your service manual for instructions

5. Engine Coolant
New vehicles come equipped with engine coolant designed to go 100,000 to 150,000 miles. If your car is less than four years old, just check that the under-hood coolant reservoir—usually a clear plastic bottle that says “engine coolant” on the cap—is topped off. Not all coolants are the same and it’s not a good idea to mix them, so be sure to use the same coolant type that is already in the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type.  

6. Tire Pressure and Tread
Low tire pressure can decrease fuel economy, but more important, may cause the tire to run hotter from the extra friction, leading to a blowout. Before you hit the road, be sure to check the pressure in all four tires using a good gauge (available from your auto parts store). If it is too low, an air hose is usually available at most gas stations. It’s also important to look at the tread on all four tires to make sure they’re not too worn or unevenly worn. If your tires are questionable in terms of wear, or have a bubble in the sidewall from a recent bounce against a curb, it’s best to install new tires now rather than take a chance on them wearing out while you’re on the road. 

7. Brake System  
Rusted brakes are bad. Check your brake reservoir for the color of the fluid and make sure that it is topped off up to the full mark. If you haven’t had a flush in the last two or three years, get one before you leave. While you’re at it, go ahead and have your brake pads and rotors checked, replacing them if they’re worn so you can stop on a dime in an emergency situation.
 
8. Battery
Have your electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your battery is more than four years old, it might be a good idea to replace it before your trip. Check the battery condition visually. If you see any leaks, cracks or any other damage, do replace the battery. Make sure the battery terminals are tight and not corroded. 


Main Image: Google
Source: AskPatty.com



Do-It-Yourself: Changing Your Front Brakes

Friday, March 14, 2014 0 comments

Most new cars require brake service during the first 30,000 to 42,000 miles. It is also important to inspect them for wear before every winter and summer, because extreme temperatures may affect the brakes' effectiveness. Most basic brake repairs are relatively simple to do, as long as you work slowly and carefully follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Buy the Service Manual.
It contains essential information for doing the job right the first time. 

Getting Started
Jack the car up and remove the wheel and tire.  

Remove the Caliper.
Check to see how much friction is on the rotor by turning it by hand. A small amount of drag is normal. Remove the caliper so you can inspect the condition of the rotor. To do this, loosen the bleeder screw, located on the back of the caliper. Then, disconnect the flex hose, (which is connected from the caliper to the car) by loosening the fitting that attaches it to the car. At this point, place a your metal pan beneath the caliper to catch any remaining brake fluid coming out. Then, remove the caliper retaining bolts and rock the unit back and pull it away from the rotor. 



Check the Rotor.
Remove the hub retaining nut in the middle of the rotor. Some rotors will slide off without any unbolting. The rotor should come right off at this point so you can inspect it. If a rotor is badly worn, you may be able to notice pronounced grooves on its surface. However, most of the time, you will need to use your micrometer to measure whether it is thick enough for you to continue using it.

Your rotor most likely has the minimum thickness measurement stamped on its edge. If your rotor is dirty or rusty, use your wire brush to clean it and expose the measurement. Then, take your micrometer and determine whether the minimum amount of thickness remains. If so, wear on the face of the rotor can be machined by a service technician. If not, it must be replaced. If a rotor is suffering from lateral run out, (i.e., is warped) the rotor must be replaced with a new one. Lateral run-out tends to cause a shimmy and pulsation through your steering wheel when you apply the brakes. 
 
Check the Wheel Bearings.
If your car has a sealed roller bearing and it has become worn (normally around 100,000 miles or so), the entire wheel hub assembly must be replaced. If it has a tapered roller bearing (as most cars do) you can remove the roller bearing from the hub assembly and inspect it. Look for evidence of pitting or scoring. If it has these conditions, it should be replaced.

Before replacing the bearing, it must be greased. Before handling the grease, take some hand cleaner and rub it onto your hands, especially concentrating on your fingernails, then wipe off the excess. Next, take a large portion of grease into the palm of one hand and the bearing in the other. Turn the bearing to its wider end and then press it into the grease, until the grease is completely through the holes in the bearing. Take some time to make sure that the grease is worked through the entire unit. Then, work some grease into the bearing race on the hub that holds the bearing and insert the bearing.

Next, you must apply the grease seal. Many people make the mistake of pounding the seal into place with a hammer. This usually destroys the seal, forcing you to buy another one. However, you can save time and money by using a seal driver, which you can purchase at an auto supply store. This tool fits over top of the seal, then you hammer the top of the tool, which pushes the seal into place. The money you save on seals should cover the cost of the tool. 

Replace the brake pads.
If your brakes are squealing, the pads might need to be replaced. Sometimes, the reason they squeal is because the brake pad wear indicator tab is being exposed by the pad wear. Taking the old pads off the caliper is easy, they usually click in and out of place. When putting new pads on, it is advisable to apply an anti-squeal gel or shims. These are applied to the side of the pad that comes in contact with the caliper. If you are applying the gel, allow about 30 minutes for the material to dry on the pads before replacing them. Then, simply click the pads into place.



Put the assembly back together.
Now, you have checked all the components of your brakes and have replaced or fixed any parts as needed, it is time to put them back on the car. First, take the rotors and wash them with soap and water to remove any grease that may be left from your hands. Then, put them on the spindle and attach them into place using the hub retaining nut.

Very Important: Make sure you torque the bolts to the specifications outlined in the car's manual. Over- or under-tightening can cause major damage to your car and/or could jeopardize your vehicle safety.

Then, slide the caliper back into place and bolt it on to factory specs. Take the flex hose and re-attach it to the brake line.
 
Bleed the brake fluid.
You can remove old brake fluid from the master cylinder by using a turkey baster and sucking the old fluid out and putting it into a pan. Then, add new fluid. Go to the caliper and attach a rubber hose to the back of the bleeder screw and put the hose into a pan for it to drain. Have a partner sit in the car and pump the brakes while you open the nut to drain out the old fluid and bubbles in the line. After several times through, tighten the bleeder screw again.
 
Replace the tire and wheel assembly, put the hubcap back on, and you are finished!

Steps provided by Pep Boys
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