Pump Up Your Fuel Knowledge

 

What’s the difference between 87 and 94 octane, and does it even matter? Yes, big time.

A luxury engine should only be fed premium gas, while conversely, there’s no point in putting it into a base model, the engine isn’t designed to take advantage of it.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Cheap gas in a good engine will make it sluggish, and the engine will vocalize its displeasure by emitting a knocking sound.. you’ll be broadcasting an air of cheapness. 

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Tips on Arriving in a Hired Car

There’s several things to consider when hiring a car during this holiday season.

  • limos are try-too-hard
  • don’t cram in passengers, it creates a clown car effect upon arrival
  • complete all monetary transactions before arriving
  • tip the attendant who opens the door – $2 is average, a $5 bill is classy

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Be mindful of your outfit when exiting, as it easily drags across the door jams covered in winter sludge. Do this, and now you’re walking into the party covered in the mark of amateur hour. 

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All ‘Keri on Driving’ columns here.

 

 

The 6 Types of Car Features

How does an automaker decide which features to go into which model? To find out we speak with Tim Franklin, Nissan’s Head of Product Planning.

He explains it’s a balancing act among the 6 different types of features:

  1. Expected Features – Bluetooth
  2. Regulatory Features – daytime running lights
  3. Primary Features – keyless entry
  4. Proprietary Features – only one automaker offers these
  5. Subtle Features – seat comfort, soft-touch dash
  6. Canadian Features – heated side-mirrors

Read it online at Autonet.ca.

Favourite line:

And that’s how it came to be that the Versa Note is sold in Texas, with heated seats.

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Bitcoins Used to Buy a Tesla

Wrote about this at Autonet today:

In the world’s first and largest transaction of its kind, a completely electronic currency was used to buy a completely electric car.

What is Bitcoin? It’s the world’s first de-centralized, online-only currency, first introduced in 2009. Notable vendors accepting this electronic-only currency include WordPress and OkCupid, but Bitcoins can also be used to purchase real-world goods, like electronics or meals at restaurants. (Autonet)

Read the full article here.

It was interesting to be a part of this news story.

I saw the news break Friday afternoon, then me and a lot of other journalists, reported the story this Monday morning, but then later this afternoon, CNBC spoke with the general manager of the dealership, and it wasn’t entirely correct.

So I added this update to the article:

UPDATE – 10pm

Today, CNBC’s Squawk on the Street talked to Pietro Frigerio, general manager of the dealership.

Mr. Frigerio said, “I never touched bit coins.”  The bitcoins were first exchanged for US dollars, and then wired to the dealership’s account.

That’s not as dramatic for sure.

Haven’t had to add an update like that before.  That’s the interesting part…  sure I was first to market , but the facts were wrong, but if I had waited till my Wednesday news slot, this story would be considered stale, and me slow on the news.

 

 

Google Studies how we Shop for Cars

Narrowing their focus on the automotive industry, Google conducted a survey about how we shop for cars online.  They then invited me to the Google office to share the findings.

Google noted that only 1/3 shoppers will buy a badge not on their initial list. And the average amount of time spent shopping is 28 days.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Only 43% of shoppers take a test drive? Way too low guys, get out there! What looks appealing online may fit your poorly. A feature you glossed over online, meanwhile, may become important in real life. 

Remember – car shopping is supposed to be enjoyable! Plus, writing a cheque that large gives you a lot of power, so have fun with that.

Read about visiting Google here.

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