Automotive Blog automotive technology, explored

Category “general”

How and Why We Drive

Wednesday, 15 August, 2007

Trying to lead a green life and being a car enthusiast is a schizophrenic existence, especially when you run across articles like “The Fume-Spewing, Fattening Car is Also Utterly Expendable” by Lynsey Hanley, writing for The Guardian.
Essentially Hanley points out that the automobile does “more damage to our bodies, our built environment, our climate and [...]

What do MG, Austin Healy, Chrysler, and China have in common?

Wednesday, 4 July, 2007

Nanjing Auto of China is answering the dreams of classic car lovers from around the world. On May 29th Nanjing re-opened the MG plant at Longbridge, Birmingham to fire up production of three new TF sports cars.
The goal is a production of 25,000 units by 2008. Additional plans called for a chain of 50 UK [...]

Car Batteries and Summer Heat

Monday, 4 June, 2007

As summer temperatures begin to rise, remember that heat will shorten the life of your car battery by evaporating the electrolyte’s water and corroding the positive grids. By adopting some basic battery maintenance procedures and considering preventative measures, however, you can avoid being left stranded in the sweltering heat.

Keep the battery’s top clean so dirt [...]

Number of Auto Ad Dollars Spent Online Growing

Monday, 21 May, 2007

As authors of an auto blog, we weren’t surprised by the study released today by the Center for Media Research indicating that online ad sales for cars will reach an estimated $2.8 billion this year. That’s about 7.6 percent of all money spent on ads by the industry and a growth rate for online dollars [...]

Cerberus Buy Out of Chrysler Points to Industry Growth Pains

Thursday, 17 May, 2007

By now we’re all familiar with the broad details of the Cerberus Capital Management “buy out” of Chrysler. As it shakes out, Daimler will swallow profit losses of around $5.4 billion so, in effect, they paid to dump a company for which they shelled out $37 billion just nine years ago. There’s really little way [...]

Go Green, Go Geek, GoLoco

Tuesday, 24 April, 2007

We already live in a world in which pretty much anything can be done via the Internet. Want pizza? Click to order one with the toppings of your choice, and eliminate having to have cash. Don’t like the tedium of grocery shopping? Order online with your favorite major grocery store, and they’ll deliver using special [...]

Ideas for Greening Your Ride

Monday, 23 April, 2007

Since yesterday was Earth Day, let’s look at some ways to green up your driving experience other than buying a hybrid.
How You Drive

Keep it smooth. Rough starts and stops and faster speeds burn gas.
Take a minute to think about where you need to go and how you can get there by the most direct route. [...]

Rustproofing: Myth or Necessity?

Friday, 20 April, 2007

Just as the need for undercoating is a hotly debated topic among car owners so is the issue of rustproofing. The most prudent approach to the matter is to handle it case by case. Not everyone lives in conditions that will lead to corrosion nor does every driver intend to keep their vehicle long enough [...]

To Undercoat or Not to Undercoat?

Wednesday, 18 April, 2007

Let’s get one thing on the table first. Find twelve mechanics who recommend undercoating and two dozen more will step up telling you it’s a scam and not to go there. We can all agree, however, that rust on your vehicle is a bad thing. Whether you decide to opt for undercoating or rustproofing, you [...]

Lower Gas Prices in 2007?

Tuesday, 17 April, 2007

The numbers you see at the pump in your neighborhood may seem to dispute this, but CNN is reporting that gas prices will actually wind up being lower overall in 2007 than they were in 2006. In a story posted on April 11th, the news network shared government information that prices will peak earlier [...]