Better Fuel Economy with DynoValve: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

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We can take positive steps to reduce the amount of gas we use monthly and cut emissions. There are so many gadgets, gizmos and widgets that simply do not deliver. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

There are so many gadgets, gizmos and widgets that simply do not deliver. I’ve tested most of them and so has the federal government. Guess what - they don’t work. When I do find something that does work as promised, it’s important to me to help others.

While we’re all squeezing our budgets and looking for ways to save money on everyday costs like these, there are some obvious ways that we can improve our fuel economy.

Some ways to preserve fuel economy include correct tire inflation, using clean air filters, changing your engine oil and ensuring your gas cap is tightened securely. However, there is also excellent news on the crankcase ventilation front - a patented PCV valve that replaces the original equipment manufacturer (or “OEM”) PCV valve. It’s called the DynoValve®, and it optimally regulates the flow of engine blow-by gases with an electronically controlled switch. Or, put more simply, it makes your car breathe more efficiently and captures emissions in such a way that fuel and oil is preserved.

The result? MPG improvement by at least 10 percent in most makes and models, reduced emissions from your vehicle by up to 90 percent, and improved engine performance.

Cars not passing emissions tests are becoming more common. If your vehicle doesn’t pass emissions, your state may not let you pass inspection. Rather than parking your car, the DynoValve® eliminates the vacuum problems associated with today’s standard PCV valves by optimally regulating the flow of engine blow-by gases. This unique ventilation is an electronically controlled switch. The electronically controlled valve precisely regulates the flow of blow-by gases returning to the engine intake system.

In the 1960s, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System appeared on new American domestic cars. Not since the first engine exhaust emission control system has there been such a significant advancement in PCV valve technology.

The EPA laboratory has tested and accepted this part. Tests show that there were reductions of all exhaust emissions, including reduced pollutants (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides) while simultaneously reducing fuel and oil consumption.

DOMO CARIGATO EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-26-12

DOMO CARIGATO EDITION
Remember that old “Mr. Roboto” song about the guy who was actually a robot?  Well, we’re many years from that scenario thankfully, but our cars are becoming the robots it seems.
Take this video from Volvo for example: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/watch-volvos-autonomous-car-system-in-action-before-it-shows-u/
It shows technology that will drive the car for you in traffic situations and it’s just over a year away.  How does it work?  It basically follows the car in front of you.  While adaptive cruise control, which has been around for a few years, will do this in terms of acceleration and braking, it will not steer for you.   
My questions are many: What happens if you engage this technology while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway and fall asleep?  How long will your car follow the one in front of you?  Indefinitely?  Will it follow the driver in front of you to his house?
Also, what happens if the car in front of you is also using the same technology?  Will the two of you follow the third lead car?  This could end up causing quite the freeway fracas if a number of cars are all following one driver.  Imagine if the lead driver ends up driving off a bridge? 
As preposterous as that may seem, stranger things have happened.  For example, there are a number of well-documented cases where drivers blindly followed their GPS systems off a cliff or into a wall. 
While I’m all for the reduction of traffic and having to sit in it, we would need to eliminate human error altogether to truly make it happen.  That would mean cars that really drove themselves.  Luckily, there’s no plan for this.  Oh wait, Google!  Alas, the future of driving may just be robotic car.
To this I say domo arigato (thanks) but no domo arigato (no thanks).

What do you think?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/




My Final Thought:
Looks like we could have one heck of a Nor’easter heading our way folks.  In fact, much of the Eastern seaboard is bracing for some nasty weather with Hurricane Sandy on the way along with a cold front from the North.  It’s a recipe for the perfect storm.
My advice to you: Stay home!  If you have to go out, do NOT drive through flooded streets.  Find a different route.  This particular storm could bring some cold along with it and you do not want to be stuck in freezing water.

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

What does a 5-star safety rating mean?: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

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The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rates vehicles to determine crash worthiness and rollover safety. The safety ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at NHTSA’s research facilities. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.


The 5-Star Safety Ratings System was initiated in 1978 to measure the level of increased safety for vehicle occupants in frontal crashes. Side crash rating results were added with 1997 model year vehicles and rollover assessments with 2001 models. This is a program that encourages manufacturers to voluntarily design safer vehicles by giving them safety ratings that can be used by consumers to compare vehicles when shopping for a new car.

It's simple: More Stars equal Safer Cars. Five stars indicate the highest safety rating and one star the lowest. While the safety feature ratings may differ among vehicles, all automobiles must first meet Federal standards.

Each year, NHTSA rates a sample of new vehicles that are predicted to have high sales volume, those that have been structurally redesigned, or those with improved safety equipment. Tested vehicles are purchased from dealerships across the country; the vehicles are not supplied directly to NHTSA by the manufacturer, a common misconception.

For the 2011 model year, NHTSA estimates 60 percent of the light vehicle fleet will be rated. Though NHTSA is unable to rate every car, all vehicles sold in the U.S. must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA has introduced tougher tests and rigorous new 5-Star Safety Ratings that provide more information about vehicle safety and crash avoidance technologies. Because of the more stringent tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to ratings for 1990-2010 models. Overall vehicle score and frontal crash ratings should ONLY be compared to other vehicles of similar size and weight.

5-Star Safety Ratings can be found on SaferCar.gov and are posted on the Monroney labels (window stickers) that are required to be displayed on all new vehicles.

PASS ON THE SANDY SEDAN EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 11-2-12

PASS ON THE SANDY SEDAN EDITION
I don’t need to tell you that Hurricane Sandy created an unprecedented catastrophe in the Northeast.  The loss of life and property is tragic to say the least. 
Unfortunately, it’s disasters like these that bring unscrupulous characters out of the woodwork to prey on the innocent.  One such type of unscrupulous character is the used car salesman.  Whether it’s an individual selling his personal vehicle or a used car dealer with too-good-to-be-true deals, beware the flood damaged car!
If you’re in the market for a used car and you aren’t sure if the vehicle you are eyeing has been in a flood, follow these tips:
·      Judge The Car By Its Title: There are a number of states that don’t bother with salvage titles.  In other words, if the car was salvaged in one state and re-titled in another, the salvage status may disappear.  Do a bit of investigating within the vehicle’s original state.  Call the DMV there and provide the VIN number.  They can tell you if it was salvaged after a flood.  This is especially useful if the vehicle’s title was recently issued in your state. 
·      Talk to Mat:  As in floor mats.  Actually, you can’t really talk to floor mats, but they can tell you a great deal, especially if you lift them up.  Peek under every mat and carpeted area in the car.  Is there mold, mildew or rust?  If so, walk away. 
·      Go Down Under: The car that is.  Bring along some newspaper and use it to lie upon when you take a look at the undercarriage.  Since much of the flood water from Sandy was saltwater, it would have quickly rusted non anti-corrosive components.  If you see what looks like a great deal of rust under there, say thanks but no thanks.
·      But I Love That New Car Smell: It’s a used car--it shouldn’t have that new car smell.  If it does, that means the interior was recently replaced.  This is a big red moldy flag!  If you turn the fan on high and put your nose at the air vents and smell mold or a perfumed scent to mask the mold – this is a flood damaged car!
·      Get Your Motor Running: Definitely give the vehicle a thorough test drive.  Does the suspension creak or moan?  If so, this could a sign of corroded parts.  Also, turn off the motor and conduct a thorough inspection of the engine compartment AFTER it has cooled down.  Remove caps and covers that could be hiding corrosion, including looking at the fuse box.  If there’s rust or moisture where it shouldn’t be, this is a dangerous car.
What are your tips for a avoiding a flood damaged car?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/




My Final Thought:
Way to go Nissan!  http://updates.jalopnik.com/post/34777313372/nissan-helps-out-sandy-victims-with-big-savings
A very classy move from Japan’s #3 automaker—They are offering employee pricing for those hit by Sandy who need a new car.  Now let’s just hope they don’t trade in their flood damaged cars!  If they do – let’s hope Nissan crushes them.
Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix

Art in the Barn 2012

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Several months back, I was with friends for our annual trip to Art in the Barn in Barrington, Illinois.  It is how we mark time and how we spend our birthdays together.  Art in the Barn...followed by lunch and a few beverages, lots of talking and laughing.  It is always a delight, and always too short and it makes me think how fast time goes.  Everytime we meet there, I can NOT believe yet another year has passed.
Art in the Barn is a staple of Barrington life.  It has been a festival to benefit the local hospital now, for 38 years. My mother used to attend regularly, her art teacher Dale Wilson, an oil painter, would show his beautiful paintings of the local barns and the countryside.  She could not resist picking up a piece or two to add to her ever growing collection.   The 6th year of Art in the Barn, a teacher from the High School, who was the folk club leader... Mr. Offet and I were strolling minstrels.  We walked among the artisans and show gowers... and played our guitars, and sang when we were so inspired.  
Fast forward about 12 years...Once we were all reunited and our children had grown, we were free to head out to enjoy our birthdays with one another.   Without fail my Sister Leslie, other "Sisters" Jinny and Lee, My daughter Aubrey,  good friend Cindi along with her husband Hank and other wonderful friends throughout the years, Sandy, Jan, Elaine, Pam and more...go back "home" for the festival.  We NEVER miss it.  Rain or shine.  
From year to year the same artists gather, sometimes there is a new artist or two.  This year, a favorite new pair of talented artists was a duo from MyNihilo.com,  a delightful booth, fulled with handmade fiber scarves, and handmade fused plastic totes along with other trinkets and baubles.  What made it even more delightful, was the creative use of  props in the booth.  Springs mounted on a 4"x 4"x6' pole to create a "coat stand" for items to hang from, corrugated metal for their sign, which was created using repurposed metal parts and pieces.   SO CREATIVE!  They had so many great ideas,  the use of old palettes and wood for much of their back drop... but the best part... by far, was the personality of these "Sister-in-Laws".  They could NOT be more darling.  Their quirky and fun sense of humor shone through in their work.  One knits beautiful, long silk scarves out of repurposed saris and silk that was sourced from other countries.  Colorful and lovely, I could not resist purchasing one (only $24)  and it is well over 118 inches of goodness!  
I loved them, and their work so much, that my girlfriend Jinny went back with me... after winning a raffle... (from which she chose the scarf) and chose a beauty!  Yet another girlfriend was browsing there for about a half hour before finding one she loved.  
The colors of the scarves and the originality of the display as well as the lovely personalities of the ladies in the booth, kept drawing me back!
Moral of the story.  Spend time with good friends, Find new friends and artists.  Support local artisans.  Find things for Chirstmas gift giving and help out locally.  ( The Art in the Barn festival proceeds do good works for the hospital.  These artists all donated a percentage of their sales to the cause, Art in the Barn is a festival that takes place in the Fall each year. Usually the 3rd Saturday in September) 
Who knows...someday maybe you will find ME there selling something I have created, Hand painted silk scarves, original watercolors and oil paintings ?  That day... the Circle will be complete.  Going from being a musician in the late 70s or early 80s to buying there for years, to showing there... would be a wonderful goal for me.
Be sure to click on the mynihilo.com link above to see where in the area they are showing!               
Thanks for stopping by!
   martha
opendoorstudio.etsy.com

Car Coach, Car Review: 2013 Infiniti JX35

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The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a seven-passenger CUV loaded with sophisticated technology, plenty of driving comforts, and a curvy design. The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.
  Model - 2013 Infiniti JX35
MPG - 18/24 21 mpg combined
Engine - 3.5L V6 engine with 265 hp. riding on 18-inch alloy wheels
Built in: Smyrna, TN
Price - starts at $40,450
Test Vehicle - $54,070 was equipped with the Technology package including Back-Up Collision Intervention and Forward Collision Warning, remote engine start, heated steering wheel, Blinds Spot and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention Systems and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 also offers a Theatre package with dual 7-inch color screens and 2-wireless headsets. The Deluxe Touring package includes 20” wheels and Bose Cabin Surround Sound system with beautiful sound, especially when you add the Premium package to the shopping list.
Infiniti’s goal with the 2013 JX three-row crossover is volume. The interior is a huge space with plenty of storage and comfort for the whole family.
The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Infiniti has always done an amazing job with body design.

Competes with:
•Audi Q7
•Lincoln MKT
•Mercedes-Benz GL-class
•Acura MDX
•BMW X5

Likes:
•Easy access to roomy third row
•Plenty of high-tech safety
•Very comfortable seats
•Pleasing ride quality
•Easy to use technology systems

Dislikes:
•Engine needs more power
•Not a fan of the CVT transmission
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is an excellent luxury CUV for someone who wants everything from style to technology to a smooth quiet ride. It's a great family vehicle if it fits your budget.

NEVER YELL FIRE IN A CROWDED HONDA EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-5-12

NEVER YELL FIRE IN A CROWDED HONDA EDITION
It’s been a dismal week for the #2 Japanese automaker.  Hundreds of thousands of Honda Pilots, Civics and Accords are being recalled and/or investigated for potential fire hazards related to headlight wiring issues: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/05/recall-of-820000-pilots-and-civics-caps-a-rough-week-for-honda/
To this I have to ask: What the heck is going on with the quality of cars these days?  It seems no automaker is immune to a huge barrage of recent recalls, much more so than at any other time in automotive history.
Did the Toyota debacle from a few years ago cause the feds to go into panic mode and investigate every little issue and turn molehills into mountains or are today’s cars really this faulty?
Could you imagine if the feds investigated cars from the ‘70s and ‘80s with this much scrutiny?  I’m willing to bet every car made in that era would have been recalled for a slew of safety and quality issues.
Or were cars simpler and easier to build back then?  Perhaps they weren’t so sophisticated and didn’t cause so many issues as a result.  Either way, modern automotive manufacturers need to get their acts together. 
How much confidence does it instill in the consumer to buy a new car only to worry that it could catch fire or breakdown on a busy highway? You’re almost better off buying used, since a pre-owned vehicle will likely have had the bugs worked out of it.
And it’s not just Honda this week—Ford is also being investigated: http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/10/safety-investigators-probing-over-2-mil-honda-ford-vehicles/
Nissan had a recall: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/10/recall-alert-2012-nissan-frontier.html
Hyundai Velosters have shattering sunroofs: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/10/05/feds-probe-shattering-sunroofs-on-hyundai-veloster/
Yugos have faulty transmissions: Just kidding!
But seriously, who’s setting the benchmark for automotive quality these days?  It must be Mazda—I haven’t heard of any recalls from them lately.


What do you think?
Post your comments at  http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/



My Final Thought:
Please watch this video: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/surveillance-camera-shows-mercedes-driver-parking-fail/
It should be a PSA on always remembering to put your car in park and to use the emergency brake if on a hill. 

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