KeriBlog

Cars, Security & a Peek into my Life

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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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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Fight Every Speeding Ticket

A 2-part mini-series on speeding.

Read the other one, from the police perspective, here.

We speak with Jason Baxter at X-Copper Legal Services on why he feels it best to fight every ticket.

Read it online at Autonet.ca.

Favourite line:

Always fight a speeding ticket, because the insurance company can use that one ticket to raise your rates for three years.

You do this for the insurance game – not to save on the ticket itself, but in an art-of-the-long-view thing.

Update

Okay woah, this one really set people off over at Autonet… 118 comments what?! Might be a site record.

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