The Car Coach: Preparing for a Trip - YNN, Your News Now

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The Car Coach: Preparing for a Trip - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Preparing for a trip

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach Rising gas prices won’t stop Americans from hitting the road this summer. Before you take off in full vacation mode, make sure that your vehicle is as ready as you are. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, tells you how.
•Fueling your vehicle with high quality gasoline is important and can help protect your engine. Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines contain 20 percent more active cleaning agents than before, helping protect your engine’s intake valves and fuel injectors from performance-robbing gunk. Tests prove that Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline cleans up deposits left behind by lower quality gasoline. No other gasoline protects better!
•Check your tires: Do it right by spending just five minutes a month to check your tire pressure. It can save you money and help keep your family safe on the roads. Properly inflated tires can save you to 12 cents per gallon at the pumps and technology like Continentals low rolling resistant EcoPlus can help you save money while being environmentally friendly. This technology has phenomenal wet-braking capacity and year-round traction. The additional combination of fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions makes EcoPlus a smart choice. •Check and change your oil filter: Using a high quality premium oil filter will provide superior particle removal, preventing contaminants from circulating through the system and causing damage. Royal Purple oil filters are high-performance with optimized flow characteristics for maximum performance and longer filter life. If you have a high mileage car, using full synthetic oil and a synthetic oil filter will lengthen the life of your engine. •Carry the essentials: If you get stuck on the side of the road at night, be sure to carry something that can shine some light on the situation. The Hard Case Professional Magnetic Area Light can magnetically mount under the hood of the car. It’s easy to activate by pushing the lens switch with three bright, wide-angle LEDS that are very durable. The device comes with a screw-in wall mount so you can work on your car in the garage too! •Charge up: For your gadgets and portable entertainment, carry a car charger that will keep you powered while on the go. The Energizer 5W Premium Universal USB Charger for Car has convenient cable storage, which eliminates clutter. It’s universal so it works with your iPhone/iPod as well as all your micro USB devices, turning any DC outlet (cigarette lighter) into a charging station. Now you can have continuous use of your favorite gadgets while on the road. This may help to keep the kiddos happy, entertained and not screaming “are we there yet!” •Learn to repair a flat tire: Who wants to wait on the side of the road as traffic flies by? The quickest and safest way to fix a flat is to carry a tire inflation product, like the Slime SmartSpair. This emergency repair kit fixes a flat tire in 15 minutes, includes a bottle of tire sealant and a portable air compressor, and seals punctures up to a quarter-inch.

The Car Coach: 2012 Mazda CX5 - YNN, Your News Now

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The Car Coach: 2012 Mazda CX5 - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: The 2012 Mazda CX5

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach The 2012 Mazda CX5 is a safe, affordable compact crossover that’s fun to drive. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, brings you a closer look. Model - 2012 Mazda CX5 Crossover
MPG - 26/35 mpg manual front-drive model and 26/32 for the automatic.
Engine - 2.0L Skyactiv with 155 hp.
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Price - starts at $20,695
AWD models start at $23,345
Maximum Towing: 5,200 lbs. The 2012 Mazda CX5 Crossover offers these standard features:
•Dynamic stability control
•Traction control system Optional:
•Bose 9-speaker premium sound system
•Power glass moon roof
•Remote Engine Start
•GT Tech Package Includes: Navigation system, HID headlights, advanced keyless entry system, auto dimming rearview mirror w/HomeLink, and a burglar alarm The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an all-new compact crossover utility vehicle that doesn’t disappoint. We found that it’s one of the best handling vehicles in this segment with strong driving dynamics. Inside, the seats are comfortable and supportive up front, and there's plenty of room in the back seat, even for tall adults. Open the hatch to find a long and flat floor, with a clever folding arrangement for the 40/20/40 split rear seat. And the CX-5 is also a quiet ride. Under hard acceleration you could hear the engine revving a bit louder than expected. Competes with:
•Ford Escape
•Honda CR-V
•Hyundai Tucson
•Toyota RAV4 Likes:
•Stylish design
•Very good fuel economy
•Driving Dynamics
•Spacious and functional
•Plenty of storage Dislikes:
•No option for a V-6 engine, or other more powerful engine
•Bluetooth not standard The 2012 Mazda CX5 Crossover is an affordable, fun to drive vehicle that offers sporty driving dynamics, wrapped in a stylish package that's all zoom-zoom. Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

The Car Coach: Getting Organized - YNN, Your News Now

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The Car Coach: 2012 Mazda CX5 - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Getting organized

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach Is your car trunk a terrible mess? Get the junk out of your trunk and out of your car. Organizing your ride is easier than you think. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, shows you how. 1.Take everything out of your car and trunk. You cannot organize things without removing everything from your trunk. Take out all items and arrange them so you can see what’s you need. 2. Begin with the spare tire well. Many car trunks have a separate space underneath a thin plywood/carpet divider that is where the spare tire and tools are kept. Make sure nothing is around the spare. Then you can go ahead with arranging the rest of your trunk, knowing that there are no stray items. 3. Clean out the interior, including small items from the glove compartment, door pockets and cup holders. 4. Keep only what's useful. Things like jumper cables, tire inflation products and emergency kit items belong in your trunk. Old clothes, sporting goods, kitchen items or other non-essentials do not. 5. Install a net if you carry smaller items in the truck area. Other types of car trunk systems are available at your local auto parts of big box store. 6. Clean the cup holder and door pockets with an interior cleaner and paper towel. Now you can add in the important items and place the other items elsewhere. 7. Visor organization. Keep a heavy-duty rubber band on the driver's side visor to hold parking tickets, directions, mileage logs and any other papers relevant to the day's travels. 8. Your new-car smell. Keep your car smelling sweet by placing fabric softener sheets under the seats or an air freshener. 9. Spare clothes. Keep a small travel bag with a change of clothes in the trunk, just in case. 10. A versatile tool. An old, clean shower curtain stored in the trunk comes in handy as a cover for a summer picnic table, a drop cloth for changing a tire or a protective tarp.
While you might think of your vehicle as simply a means to get from point A to point B, in reality your car is a portable household with everything you need and want while you're on the go. Setting up regular routines to maintain your abode on wheels will keep you buzzing happily down the road.

The Car Coach: 2013 Dodge Dart - YNN, Your News Now

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The Car Coach: 2013 Dodge Dart - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: 2013 Dodge Dart

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach The 2013 Dodge Dart is a name you may remember, but forget its past. This new car has Alfa Romeo Guiletta DNA. Let’s take a closer look.

Model – 2013 Dodge Dart
MPG – 16 city/ 23 hwy mpg.
Engine – 1.4 L - Multi air turbo; 160hp.
2.0L - Fiat design; 160hp.
2.4L - Multi air 2; 184hp.
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic and standard (dual dry clutch)
Fuel economy: 25 city/36 hwy. mpg.
Price – SE- $15,995 base
SXT -$17,995
Rallye - $ 18,995
Limited- $19,995
R/T - $22,495
The 2013 Dodge Dart features more technology and safety features plus these great additions:
•8.4-inch screen with backup camera
•Customizable 7-inch screen between gauges
•Heated steering wheel
•10 standard airbags
•LED head and tail lights
•Alpine 10-speaker Premium audio
•150 different accessories to make your vehicle stand out. Our test drive in the Dodge Dart presented nice ride quality and responsive handling. The oval chrome exhaust pipes create a more European look and sound. The design is modern, wide, and confident with materials that show good fit and finish both inside and out. The upscale look and feel also offers great storage in creative and unique areas (under the passenger front seat cushion, large glove box, side pockets on center console, and door storage). Competes with:
•Chevrolet Cruze
•Ford Focus
•Hyundai Elantra
•Honda Civic
•Mazda3
•Toyota Corolla
•Nissan Sentra
•VW Jetta
Likes-
•Tight handling
•Comfortable interior
•Big touch screen
•Nice sound system
Dislikes-
•Slow pick-up from a stop on base engine
•Touchy brakes

The 2013 Dodge Dart offers mid-sized car roominess with compact car pricing; lots of style for the money, and surprisingly fun to drive. The more powerful turbo engine is the one to get. Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. www.dodge.com

THE CAR OF THE FUTURE EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 8-24-12
THE CAR OF THE FUTURE EDITION

Announcing the car of the future!  Called the 2019 Insipid by Humdrum Motors, this 250 cc four-seater will run 0-60 in 29 seconds and achieve a blistering top speed of 63 mph! Weighing only 725 lbs, this sedan will get your juices flowing when a gust of wind blows you and your family clear off a bridge!
But wait, there’s more!  Even though the Insipid has a whopping 29 horsepower, it still manages to achieve 52 MPG thanks to President Obummer! 
Imagine driving down the street and passing your friends at the gas station who are filling up the cars they actually wanted!  Meanwhile, you’re laughing all the way home thinking about the all money you’re saving, or until you hit a pebble in the road and the car crumples.
So what are you waiting for?  Head down to your local Humdrum Motors dealer today where the 2019 Insipid could be yours for the low price of just $79,995. 

Sound ridiculous?  Perhaps not.  With the new CAFE regulations getting ready to take effect, our future cars will have to be lighter and less powerful.  I’ve been saying all along that this is a bad idea because lighter cars means less safe cars, and now House Republicans are saying it too: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/house-republicans-urge-white-house-to-delay-2017-2025-fuel-econo/
While I’m all for better fuel economy and less dependence on foreign oil, I will not stand for it if it affects our safety.  Furthermore, since car companies are going to have to develop new technologies to make these uber-efficient unsafe cars, the cost will be passed along to consumers.  In other words, we get to pay more for crap-can cars no one wants.  Oh gee, where do I sign up?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Let the market bare it out.  If people want fuel-efficient cars, they’ll buy them.  Stop forcing your unrealistic green agenda down our throats, Mr. President.  Set standards that are achievable without compromising safety.  Make sure the consumer doesn’t get hit with the bill.  Who am I kidding?  Since when does the president care about Americans having to pay for absurd policies?
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/


My Final Thought:
Could this be real? http://gizmodo.com/5936580/they-finally-made-a-flying-star-wars-speeder-bike
A real hovering speeder bike like the ones in “Return of the Jedi”?  Where do I send my money?!!
If this is truly real and this technology can be replicated, then we’re looking at a paradigm shift in the motorcycle industry coming real soon.
Please let it be real!

Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix

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The Car Coach: Road Signs - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Road Signs

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach Traffic signs give you information about the road, the highway, traffic flow, and local laws and regulations. Do you know what all the signs mean? Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has a brush up on road signs. The shapes and colors of traffic signs have specific meanings that you must be able to recognize immediately. Most drivers know what the signs mean but other may have difficulty remembering them from driver’s ed. •GREEN: guide and directional information, like exits.
•RED: Stop, yield, do not enter, or wrong way
•BLUE: Motorist service guidance, also used to mark handicapped parking spaces.
•ORANGE: Construction and maintenance warning
•YELLOW: General warning
•WHITE: Regulatory, like speed limit signs.
•BLACK: Regulatory SHAPES:
•Octagon: The octagon shape is exclusively used for stop signs.
•Diamond: The diamond is a warning sign; alerting drivers to potentially hazardous road conditions ahead. These warning signs can alert drivers to a sharp curve ahead, caution drivers that the road is slippery when wet or alert drivers of a hidden intersection.
•Circle: The circle is a regulatory sign to inform drivers they should not be doing something. These signs inform drivers not to enter, perform a U-turn or turn left or right.
•Pentagon: The pentagon is another type of warning sign, specifically alerting drivers to watch for school children or pedestrians.
•Triangle: The triangle is a different type of regulatory sign that alerts drivers to slow down because another direction of traffic has the right of way. This shape is reserved exclusively for the yield sign.
•Pennant: The pennant is a warning sign that inform drivers not to pass traffic in front of them. This sign is placed at the beginning of, and at intervals, along a zone where sight distance is restricted or where other conditions make passing traffic dangerous.
•Rectangle: There are two different shapes of rectangular signs: vertical and horizontal. Vertical signs inform drivers of speed limits, weight limits and railroad crossings. A horizontal sign could inform drivers of a one-way street, a possible road hazard or as a mile marker. Do you think that everyone knows his or her streets signs? A recent survey found that most drivers believe it's okay to drive the maximum posted speed limit even in bad weather conditions. Fifty-four percent don't know what an advance warning sign for a school is, and thirty-four percent are clueless when seeing a warning sign that means your lane ends ahead, merge into the other lane. Do these drivers create a safety hazard to other motorists? Yes they do!

The Car Coach: 2013 Mercedes GL-Class - YNN, Your News Now

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The Car Coach: 2013 Mercedes GL-Class - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: 2013 Mercedes GL-Class

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach The 2013 Mercedes GL-Class is classy, refined and offers the best of Mercedes. Let’s take a closer look. Model – 2013 Mercedes GL-Class
GL350 Blue Tec 4matic
V6 240hp/ 455 torque
18 / 24/ 20 mpg. combined
Top speed 130. 0-60. 8.3 sec
$62,400
GL450 4Matic
V8 362 hp / 406 torque
14 /19/ 16 mpg. combined
Top speed: 130. 0-60 6.2 sec.
$63,900
GL550 4Matic
V8 429hp / 516 torque
13 / 18 / 15 mpg. combined
Top speed: 130. 0-60 5.5 sec.
$86,900
Maximum Towing: all models 7500 lbs.
Built in Alabama. The 2013 Mercedes GL-Class offers every technology package you could think of as standard features, plus these standard safety elements:
• Around view camera - no more blind spots
• Collision prevention assist - visual, audio and maximum boosted brakes
• Crosswind stabilization - uses Digital Auto Pilot (DAP) to engages the opposite side wheel brakes.
• Park assist - parks the SUV for you and helps you pull away as well, making parallel parking easy. Our test drive in the dunes of New Mexico demonstrated how enjoyable the GL is to drive, no matter which model. The interior was luxurious with an upholstered dashboard, plenty of wood trim and Harman/Kardon surround sound system. It makes you feel like an interior designer designed the vehicle. Competes with:
• Audi Q7
• Cadillac Escalade
• Infiniti QX
• Land Rover LR4
Likes-
• Powerful V8 engines
• Upscale luxury is standard
• Comfortable and quiet interior
• Seating for seven
• Fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Massaging front seats
Dislikes-
• More expensive than competitors

The 2013 Mercedes GL-Class SUV offers a winning combination of comfort, high-end features, confident driving and impeccable build quality. Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. For more information, visitwww.mercedes.com.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 8-31-12
LABOR DAY WEEKEND EDITION


Labor Day Weekend is officially the last road trip weekend of the summer season and many drivers neglect some pretty important items that they should always bring with them when hitting the road.  These recommendations will keep you moving and help out in case of a breakdown.

I recommend stocking up on the following must have-items before hitting the road one last time this summer:
1.      Jumper cables (don’t buy the cheap ones): Your best choice is to buy jumper cables and a power source that will permit you to jumpstart your battery without another vehicle. Regular jumper cables require two cars. If you have your own power source, you’ll be able to quickly start your car without help.  There’s nothing worse than stopping for a meal or hotel stay and leaving your lights on only to be stranded afterward in the middle of nowhere.
2.      Tire Inflation Product: Since most flat tires occur due to a slow leak or a small item such as a nail or screw, most tire inflation products can seal effectively seal them quickly.  Make sure the tire inflation product is Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) safe, such as Fix-A-Flat and Slime.  These products will get you on your way in a matter of minutes and are much safer to use than changing your own tire or waiting on the side of the road for hours for an auto service club to arrive. 
3.    Bottled Water and Protein Bars:  Imagine breaking down on a hot, desolate highway with two kids in the car, no cell service and no air-conditioning.  It could be a while before anyone stops to help so be sure to feed and hydrate the family with healthy protein bars and bottled water.  It’s so simple but hardly anyone does this.
4.  LED Flare:  There is no chance of getting burned by one of these and they’re just as effective at letting emergency personnel you need help from up to half a mile away.  They are definitely more effective than trying to flag down a state trooper as it passes by. 
5.  Extra Washer Fluid: Have you driven in the south in the summer?  Your car can end up looking like an entomologist’s nightmare.  Worse yet, the creepy crawly critters end up stuck to your windshield as you’re driving, creating blind spots and distractions.  A simple spray of the washer fluid should do the trick but not if you just ran out.  Carry an extra bottle.

Do you have any road trip tips to share?  Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/



My Final Thought:
Ford built its 350 millionth car today!  https://twitter.com/Lebeaucarnews/status/241520108206428160
Congrats Ford!  That’s quite an accomplishment!
To put this in perspective, this number is the equivalent to every man, woman and child in the U.S. plus an additional 39 million or roughly the population of California.
Here’s to another 350 million, Ford—keep up the good work!

Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix

DRIVING TIPS Back to School Safety

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It’s that time of year again to keep an eye out for students with so driving tips for back to school safety.

Pedestrian-vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Kids are back from summer camp, school is in session again, and school buses are out on the streets. That means drivers need to step up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops, and wherever children may be playing outside. Here are some back-to-school tips:

Be familiar with school zones. Get in the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks that are on routes that you normally take. Pedestrian accidents are far more likely to occur on routes that drivers are familiar with. Stop for school bus lights. Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop for the duration that the red lights are on. Some school buses have flashing yellow lights, which means that drivers may proceed with extreme caution. Bus drivers engage the flashing yellow lights before the flashing red lights, signaling that they are about to stop. Obey crossing guards. School crossing guards are given police training and the same authority as local traffic police in most areas, so obeying the crossing guards.  Anticipate. The speed and distance away of oncoming cars is more difficult for young children to judge. Always anticipate the chance that a small child may run in front of you by slowing down and preparing to brake. Be careful around parked vehicles. Be especially careful in areas with parked vehicles on the side of the road. Children waiting to cross may be especially difficult to see behind parked sport-utility vehicles. Headlights on. Drive with headlights on in areas with children and pedestrians. The use of headlights can reduce pedestrian accidents by about 25 percent. Avoid distractions when driving. Cell phones are a known distraction. Never use hand-held cell phones or hands-free cell phones devices while driving in school zones or areas with children. The same goes for activities that distract the driver, such as changing eating and adjusting controls. Avoid reversing. Try to avoid reversing your vehicle in areas with children. It’s more difficult to see small children as they can hide in your car’s blind spots while reversing. Don’t speed. Remember that the speed limit in most school zones during school hours or when children are present is 25 miles per hour. Bad weather, or areas with limited visibility, will require a lower speed. Your visibility to pedestrians, your ability to see them, and your stopping distance all may be greatly impaired by weather or road conditions, so slow down. Don’t honk at pedestrians or bicyclists. Honking at a child, whether on foot or on a bicycle, is generally not a good idea. The noise could possibly cause the startled child to trip or fall and be in a dangerous position for other approaching traffic.

The Car Coach, Car Review: 2013 Nissan Altima

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The Car Coach: 2013 Nissan Altima

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach




The 2013 Nissan Altima is a completely redesigned sedan. Let’s take a closer look.
Model – 2013 Nissan Altima
MPG – 16 city/ 23 hwy mpg.
Engine – 2.5L 4 cyl- 182hp. 27/38 mpg
3.5L V6 - 270hp. 22/31 mpg
Transmissions: CVT assists in obtaining 38 mpg on all trim levels
Price – $21,500 / 2.5S
$25,360 V6- 3.5S
Built in: Smyrna, TN
The 2013 Nissan Altima offers a Convenience package at $1,350 and a
Technology package for $1,090.
The new Altima offers an innovative 4" full color display between the driver’s gauges that can offer you navigation, blind spot warning, music and more information without taking your eyes off the road.

Nissan Connect is a smart phone integration system that offers a hands-free text messaging assistant (for Blackberry and Android), Google interface, and Pandora integration.
The center stack has a 7" screen, Sirius XM, Pandora, iPod connection, nav traffic and weather, and hands-free text messaging, all integrated into steering wheel controls
The rear camera offers a "4 in 1" expanded rear view and wide angle- usually not offered in this segment. If your rear camera lens is dirty, it will even wash and dry it! Very cool.

Other safety features:
1- Rear view monitor
2- Lane departure warning
3- Moving object detection
4- Blind spot monitor
The seats are more comfortable and support the back and hips better than previous models, which means less fatigue while driving.

Other interior comforts:
• Bose sound system
• Remote start
• Heated steering wheel
• Easy fill tire alert (eliminates the guesswork, a light flashes when you begin filling, and the horn beeps when it's within range).

Competes with:
• Hyundai Sonata
• VW Passat
• Ford Fusion
• Chevy Malibu
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry

Likes:
• Great fuel economy
• New design
• Premium leather and material
• Great technology
• Lane departure warning

Dislikes:
• No passenger lumbar support
• Rear headroom can be tight

The 2013 Nissan Altima is a pleasure to drive, has great fuel economy, handles well and is jam-packed full of technology, all for a reasonable price.
Remember, when purchasing a vehicle, be sure to test drive all the cars in the segment before making a final decision, and for more information go to www.Nissan.com

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach on YNN: School Bus Safety

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Courtesy of Time Warner/ YNN
Aired: 9/6/2012

The kids are back at school and we all need to remember to slow down in those school zones and watch out for buses. Here are some rules to remind you about how to drive safer.

Pedestrian-vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Kids are back from summer camp, school is in session again, and school buses are out on the streets. That means drivers need to step-up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops, and wherever children may be playing outside.

Sgt. David Martek of the New York State Police said, "People that are standing by the road need to be aware that even though they are waiting for a school bus, a driver may not be looking for them particularly. So they should always be alert and stay as far back from the road as they can."

Be familiar with school zones. Get in the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks are located on routes that you normally take.

"You can be delayed in your commute five, six, maybe 10 minutes sometimes between school busses and crossing guards. You just can't get frustrated. Leave a little early," Martek said.

Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights.

"When there are yellow lights on, be ready to slow down," Martek said. "When they are red, you can't pass, ever. It's a five point violation, $250 fine, plus it can get worse than that. So that extra second isn't worth it."

School crossing guards are given police training and the same authority as local traffic police in most areas, so obey all crossing guards. Drive with headlights on in areas with children and pedestrians. The use of headlights can reduce pedestrian accidents by about 25 percent. Remember that the speed limit in most school zones during school hours or when children are present is 25 miles per hour. Bad weather, or areas with limited visibility, will require a lower speed. Your visibility to pedestrians, your ability to see them, and your stopping distance all may be greatly impaired by weather or road conditions, so slow down.

Martek said, "We need to be focused on our driving. Expression I like to use is to keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road. Concentrate because people take driving for granted; they don't take it seriously."