KeriBlog

Cars, Security & a Peek into my Life

Diesels are the New Hybrids

Today’s diesels are far different than when they first arrived in the 1970s, yet somehow the stigma has unfairly stuck.

If you’re looking for great fuel economy on a tough-as-nails engine, consider a diesel. Better re-sale value too.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Don’t take my word for it – ask a diesel owner, because they will sing its praises, and word-of-mouth is how you really know. 

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Driving in a Roundabout

If you feel nervous: don’t be shy to put on your hazard lights and let the other drivers know you’re new to this.

Just remember…

The 1 Rule of a Roundabout:
never brake inside one

Read it online at Autonet.ca

Favourite line:

Remember there are hundreds of thousands of roundabouts being used in Europe right now, some 4 lanes wide, and there’s no way they’re all better drivers than you – you got this.

Turns out roundabouts are a touchy topic, 73 comments, not bad.

Below is a video of me driving inside a roundabout.

I’m driving a GMC 2500 HD Denali in the States. There’s a video over at Motoring TV.

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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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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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