Wed 23 Jul 2008
ABC News is reporting that swiping a credit card at the pump may instantly increase your per gallon cost of fuel by a few cents.
Right now I’m running an expierament at several gas stations and I’ll report my findings next week. I’d first like to ask if you’ve noticed any hidden gasoline charges at the pump?
Wed 28 May 2008
Recently my lapse in judgment lead to my beloved Garmin nuvi 250 being stolen out of my car. It was a smash and grab on a busy street in broad daylight - an hour after I had parked my car.
Here’s what I knew (and should have done) to prevent being a target and learned afterwards.
Before It’s Stolen
- GPS devices use suction cups that leave big rings on the windshield. Even if you hide your system, you run the risk of becoming a target unless you wipe off the telltale suction marks. Pack a few wet towelettes, and when the ring becomes noticeable, wipe down your windshield.
Thu 22 May 2008
More people are treating their automobiles like additional rooms of their homes, leaving them vulnerable targets to theft and vandalism. Most of us don’t find out that any 3rd party accessories (no matter how expensive they might be) aren’t covered by insurance until they get stolen.
As I found out after a recent experience, you can add GPS, satellite radios, and stero systems to your car insurance policy if you want them to be covered in case of theft or damage after an accident.
Keep in mind that you’ll still have to fork over the cash on items that cost less than your deductible and your premiums may get a rate hike. Unless you travel with expensive equipment often that you can’t hide (i.e. video equipment for work) in most cases it’s not worth it.
You’re best bet is to keep electronic goodies and their suction cup holsters out of sight every time you park your car no matter when or where - that will help prevent any damage your actual car in the long run.
[photo by: Qole Tech]
Wed 14 May 2008
My recent post on how to avoid a speeding ticket generated some feedback about the disadvantages of driving faster. In particular, peter wrote:
How about not breaking the law. Example added benefits are reducing the chances of killing someone and using less gas - save money and the planet.
Must be a reasonable option?
So I ask you out there, is speeding worth the risks to you or are the risks in your opinion small and worth the saved time? Are the alternatives “reasonable options” as peter suggests?
Mon 12 May 2008
Automobiles are the most common method of travel and many of us use them to jet from city to city. Hitting the gas on the open road can help shave minutes of any trip but get pulled over and you’ll lose time, money, and maybe your ability to drive.
Although it’s not encouraged, if you do decide to speed here are some ways to avoid the flashing lights and scruffy beards of police speed traps.
Mon 5 May 2008
We often neglect how often we are in a car during our travels. Consequently we don’t pay enough attention to planning around our automobile use, plopping ourselves down in a car and expecting the vehicle, traffic, and pedestrians to act the same all over the world.
Most people spending days fretting over a flight across the Atlantic, but neglect to avoid these basic driving mistakes. Cars are the most dangerous form of travel and getting ready for foreign roads may save your life.
Thu 6 Dec 2007
The company with the poofy white mascot provides extensive information on millions of miles of European asphalt. ViaMichelin helps travelers plan and coordinate road trips across the continent.
You’ll be able to find out where the best rest stops are, get maps and updates on road conditions, and get a sense of where you may encounter speed traps. ViaMichelin also calculates the price the kilometers will cost you at the gas pump. (It will help to select a rental car that will go far on a liter of gas.)
Those of you stateside can use the Low Gas Price Google widget to find low prices in your area, Google Maps to get traffic and street level views of various cities, and Trippish to get weather reports on along your course.
Fri 16 Nov 2007
The smart folks over at MIT are developing a short range car for rental in urban areas. The car is being sponsored by GM in the hopes to reduce pollution and congestion.
The wheels also enable incredible maneuverability. Instead of making U-turns, the car can spin on the spot, and when the driver turns each wheel 90 degrees, the car can parallel-park by moving sideways
Details on the range and power of the vehicles are still not available, but expect to see more of this sort of thing in the near future. For now you can offset your automobile carbon emissions and get directions using public transportation only.
[via Engadget]
Tue 6 Nov 2007
A devoted Web site would be better (any suggestions?) but I stumbled across the VWvortex forum’s unique license plate gallery.
If you need ideas, or haven’t kept up with the newest lingo, or what to translate something you’ve seen on the road, look it up in the custom license plate dictionary.
Tue 23 Oct 2007
Traveling by motorcycle can be made safer with the use of an airbag jacket that inflates if you’re ejected from your bike. It has already saved lives.
Motorcycle airbag jackets work by filing the jacket up with carbon dioxide when the rip cord between the bike and the jacket is broken. Riders can adjust how hard the cord must be pulled to cause the jacket to inflate and have to remember to connect it to the bike each time they get on.
Check out The Motorcycle Diaries and Long Way Down to inspire your inner gypsy. No word on the price of this jacket but seems much useful than an airbag mounted on the bike itself.
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