Category Archives: Automobile

The Most Beautiful Seatbelt Advocacy Commercial

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I know it isn’t dev related, but couldn’t help but pass this on. So many PSA commercials are terrible. Either over the top crash videos, or a droll announcer, droning on.

This one, with no words, expresses so much emotion. It’s worth the watch regardless of the message.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/video-the-most-beautiful-seatbelt-advocacy-commercial-ever/

And if you’re one of those people that don’t wear your seatbelt, here’s a great quote from the comments on this post

“

You wouldn’t get on a roller coaster without a seatbelt or harness right? Why would you get on the road with a bunch of touchscreen pushin’, cell phone tweetin’, navigation glancin’ oversized SUVs without a seatbelt? Seatbelts. Wear em’.

mnmlist

 ”

Geek News Central Reviews CarChip E/X with Alarm

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An interesting device that connects to the OBDII connector in your car. Depending on the version, can report and record many different stats, and reset the ‘Service Engine’ light. Can do your own diagnostics if the garage isn’t helping.

Also could be used to keep an eye on your child, although depending on where the connector is, the CarChip may interfere with your legs while driving.

Geek News Central Reviews CarChip E/X with Alarm.

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – How government fuel economy ratings are determined

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Ever wondered how the fuel usage estimates are created? Here’s the details.

Reading through it, it’s no surprise you never (or at least very rarely) achieve the numbers they suggest. Also explains why it’s tougher in winter then summer (in a cold region at least), since cold winter blends don’t have as much energy per litre.

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – How government fuel economy ratings are determined

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Summer heat in parked cars can be deadly

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Talks about interior temperatures in the sun, and the benefits of a sunshade in the window. Makes a difference, and the lower the heat in the car, then less damage it can do. Doesn’t hurt that the sunshade keeps the sun off your dash too.

One interesting point is the results of a study where they left the windows open 1.5″. Made a negligible difference to the interior temperature, so appears best to leave your windows up all the way since more secure, and wouldn’t keep the car cooler anyway.

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Summer heat in parked cars can be deadly

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Cadillac’s Intellibeam

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Cadillac is introducing a smart high beam turn off system. Basically, it watches for oncoming headlights, and slowly dims the high beams until they’re off, rather then the sudden switch from high to low beams.

I would love this on my current car, as the low beams don’t shine far enough down the road, but I don’t want to blind oncoming traffic with my HIDs, especially on rural divided highways.

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Cadillac’s Intellibeam

Concept tire/wheel combinations

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Two interesting new tire ideas from Michelin. No more flats or checking tire pressure. Also, smooth ride but good cornering is possible.

If it arrives, will the tread patterns be interchangeable from design to design, or will each Tweel be proprietary so you have to have a Goodyear Tweel to install a Goodyear tread, and a Michelin Tweel to install a Michelin tread? My guess is no, it would be similar to what we have now where you buy a wheel and put the appropriate size tire on it.

CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Concept tire/wheel combinations

Crashing at 60MPH

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I haven’t done it, but a UK based auto show called Fifth Gear did. They bought two 10 year old cars, had them fitted with remote controls, and ran them at each other with each car doing 60mph.

I have extracted the relevant video so you can see the devastating results here. As noted in the video, a modern car would do better, but not enough to make a difference.

Keep this in mind the next time you’re racing down the street…

On a related note, here’s an interesting fact. If you were driving 50 km/h and came to a stop as fast as possible. Then place a pedestrian where your bumper is (i.e. just missing them). Now, begin stopping at exactly the same place with maximum force, but driving at 60 km/h (an increase of 10 km/h). How fast will you be going when you hit the pedestrian?

10 km/h?
15 km/h?
20 km/h?

Would you believe 35 km/h? Do the math and see for yourself…

NASCAR tests mall kart track

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The Toronto Star is reporting on new go-kart tracks that will be built in the Vaughan Mills shopping centre at 401 and 7. There will be 3 indoor and 2 outdoor tracks with karts aimed at differing age groups.

I just wonder if they’ll have any really challenging karts on good courses, meaning you have to actually drive the karts, as opposed to mashing the pedal to the floor, and steering around the course.

TheStar.com – NASCAR tests mall kart track

Side View mirror adjustment

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I will always tell anyone that will listen about adjusting your side view mirrors to almost eliminate blindspots, and reduce/eliminate the need for a full-blown shoulder check.

Here are some simple to follow instructions to help you setting up your mirrors. Car Talk