Motoring Con Brio

The Five Most Dangerous Roads on Earth

•October 1, 2009 • Comments Off

Sometimes there is just no safe and easy way to get from A to B, and drivers must make the choice either to follow the road of terror or stay where they are. Dave Pankew of Autoblog Canada recently wrote an article called “The Top 5 Worst Roads, Bridges And Tunnels In Canada.” Well what you’ll find here below, are five of the world’s most dangerous roads and the cars we’d want to be in to make it through alive.

#5: The Arica to Iquique Road in Chile

Image source: funnyvideoandphoto.blogsopt.ca

At first glance, the Arica to Iquique Road doesn’t seem that bad – while it is certainly going over some rough terrain, it is well paved and there’s nothing to run in to. Looks can be deceiving, though – it’s a road built through the world’s second most arid place (a snowless region in Antarctica is worse) and the desert is so dry that even fungi and bacteria are scarce. It’s also at a very high altitude, and most engines (and drivers) will fail. The best car for this stretch of road would be a Saab 9-3 Turbo, since it’s good in crashes, and the turbocharger will allow it to function even in low air conditions.

#4 The Russian Federal Highway

Image source: chillopedia.com

Built during the Soviet era to connect Moscow to Yakutsk (coldest place in the northern hemisphere) the Russian Federal Highway is a long and boring dirt road – in winter. Once the summer rains come, it turns into a 1000 mile long ribbon of swamp, getting so deep in some places as to swallow cars whole. Entire caravans of cars and trucks have been known to disappear in the mud. A reliable and off-road capable Hummer or Jeep would be ideal here, since four wheel drive and ground clearance are musts.

#3 The Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Image source: toptenz.net

Built to connect Tibet to central China, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is extremely high altitude, combined with steep cliffs and poor maintenance. Blizzards, snowstorms and avalanches are common, and many drivers plummet to their deaths when they take a turn too fast, or fail to see it coming after dark. This sort of road demands a reliable and safe off-road vehicle like a Land Rover Discovery, but the locals are forced to rely on Soviet hand-me-downs from 30+ years ago.

#2 The Guoliang Tunnel Road

Image soruce: forums.floridasportsman.com

The people of Guoliang China wanted a road – and got one by making it themselves. Literally carved into the mountains by hand, it is notorious for falling rocks and poor construction. Large portions of the road collapse on a regular basis, killing anyone below. A Subaru Impreza would be best here – because the turbocharger and all wheel drive would let you get off the road as fast as possible!

#1 The Yungas Road

Image source: forum.santabanta.com

Known as the “Death Road,” this has all the problems of all the above roads combined – mud, poor-quality construction, steep cliffs, blizzards, rain – and bad traffic! The most heavily used road in Bolivia (it is the only one through the Andes) more people die per mile on the Yungas Road than anywhere else. The best vehicle to take here is a plane – skip the road entirely!

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Luxury seems recession proof when it comes to cars

•October 1, 2009 • Comments Off

For many people, budgets may still be tight, but luxury car sales are going strong. Even in the middle of a world recession, it seems we want to hang on to luxury products and our cars are a number one priority in this field.

Figures show that Mercedes-Benz topped BMW and Audi in the second quarter of 2013, which seems to indicate that top of the range luxury is staging a comeback.

It could be the introduction of the new A-Class and B-Class ranges, which are comparatively small and compact, which is attracting more buyers to the luxury brand. With the addition of these smaller models, Mercedes saw a massive 12% increase in sales over 2012.

The race to be top

Introducing models that scream luxury but are smaller and more economical seems to be the key to the increase in sales. More people want smaller cars and manufacturers are reacting to that. Each of the big three luxury brands, Mercedes, Audi and BMW, is competing fiercely for this market with the aim of achieving the highest sales figures.

We love luxury

Even through the slow recovery from a recession, people just love luxury, particularly when it can be felt on the open road. With jobs harder to find, people are spending longer commuting, which makes it even more important to be comfy whilst driving. Moreover, most people want to be particularly sure the vehicles they are driving will not cause them any major problems (even though all luxury cars are definitely not perfect) and will be as reliable as possible.

It is, however, not only compact cars that are climbing in popularity. Sales of BMW’s XI SUV showed a 15 per cent jump earlier in 2013, only a little behind the increase in sales for the smaller 3-series and the luxury compact C180 from Mercedes. People are becoming more interested in luxury vehicles as a way to enjoy the finer things in life whilst driving a family-friendly car.

Time on the Road

A large percentage of people spend an average of 25 minutes commuting every day and many spend much longer than that in their car. Just as consumers enjoy a comfortable couch for watching movies, they also demand a comfortable car to get them from A to B.

This is excellent news for luxury car brands and hybrid manufacturers alike. Luxury car makers may be missing out on a large part of the population, however, by not including as many eco-friendly vehicles in their selection. Consumers should not have to make a stark choice between luxury and saving money on fuel and a new raft of eco-luxury would be welcomed by the motoring public. Despite this current gap in the market, the demand for luxury is not deteriorating and demand will, without doubt, lead to more innovation in this area. Technology needs to solve the problem of bringing environmentally friendly and luxurious products together for today’s marketplace.

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Tire Rack Military Discounts

Another common question that visitors to Coupon Chili have been asking recently is whether military discounts are available for Tire Rack customers. Generally speaking, the answer is no due to the wide range of existing deals and offers already in place which benefit general members of the public as well as serving military personnel and veterans. Despite there being no real military discounts specific to Tire Rack, Coupon Chili are committed to monitoring the situation and will update the website as and when they become available should the situation change in the future.

If you do want to be kept up to date with any developments on the situation, then make sure that you bookmark the Tire Rack military discount blog page that will be updated as and when any new promotions become available for those serving in the army, navy, or air force. Please note, Tire Rack do currently ship to APO and FPO addresses at home and abroad so getting new tires for military vehicles has never been easier.

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Partner Content: the History of the Limousine

•October 1, 2009 • Comments Off

Ever since the 1900s the limousine has always been a symbol of luxury and excess, but very recently the limo has seen its decadent reputation fall into disrepair as its commercialisation has seen it become associated with garish hen dos and high school proms.

The original limousine was simply a luxurious car containing a carriage in the back and a covered seating area at the front for the driver and accounted for much of the traffic on the roads at the time. Over the years, this relatively small car has evolved into the large stretched saloon models we are familiar with today.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, huge stretch limousines were synonymous with celebrity, and stars often turned up to film premieres and events in various extravagant models, most of which could seat at least nine people. It was this aspect of celebrity culture that catapulted the limousine into commercialisation, and limo companies began hiring out their vehicles to the general public. Limo hire is a big business in both the US and UK, and can return big profits if you can afford to invest in the vehicles and motor fleet insurance in the first place.

It’s now common for limos to be used at weddings, proms and for hen parties and stag dos. Perhaps a more masculine version of the limo is the Hummer model. The chunky exterior has a less feminine feel about it, and is often used in the same way as the classic stretch limo. The interior of limousines is usually luxurious and lit up with coloured LED lights, as well as having space for refreshments and champagne should it be required. Rather than hiring stretch limos to get from A to B as celebrities once did, the general public usually hire the vehicle and driver for an hour at a time, and request to be driven around before arriving at their destination.

Now, we see fewer and fewer celebrities riding in stretch limousines, and instead it seems most of the rich and famous prefer the smaller models, much like the US Presidential state car (which itself has a long and decadent history as detailed in this article). It seems the stretch limousine in particular has now been handed over to the general public, no longer wanted by celebrities and public figures that more recently seem to prefer something a little less excessive.

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Part-exchange increase pushes used car prices down

•October 1, 2009 • Comments Off

With all the incessant talk about triple-dip recessions in the news you wouldn’t blame hard-working people in our country for hugging a bundle of cash rocking back and forth under their bed shouting: “my precious”, like Gollum from Lord of the Rings. You’d certainly think that no one has any money to splash out on a new car straight from a dealer’s forecourt, but you would be very wrong.

The new car market is buoyant at the moment, which is causing ripples across the used car industry. Black Book Live (BBL), a real-time car valuation trending tool published by CAP Automotive, showed a rise in new car sales and is seeing the acceleration in the number of cars put up for part-exchange by eager buyers looking to get a better deal on a brand-new car.

In turn this is having an adverse affect in eroding used car market values as dealerships are no longer looking to boost their stocks with used cars from auctions and such like. Another consequence of this is that the dealers are sending further part-exchanged cars that they are unable to move on, which is flooding the market with used cars.

Industry outlook

BBL believes that this volume of unwanted used cars will subside and that this trend will tail off shortly and the market will again be stable. However, this is leaving used car dealers and every used car supermarket in with more of a chance to source cut-price used cars at auction as the lack of competition is driving prices down.

Normally, this level of used car price erosion would hint at troubling times ahead for the industry. But, as BBL is forecasting it as a current blip on the horizon more so than an established trend, the used car market should shift back to its normal levels once available used car volumes diminish.

What this means for customers

As used car supermarkets and dealers are able to buy second hand cars at auction for less than the ticket price then they can pass the savings onto customers on their forecourt; well in principle at least. However, this does not bode quite as well for those looking to offload used cars in the current market as prices have dropped well below where they should be, so it would a good idea to hold onto vehicles until the market springs back to its usual seasonal prices.

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1. Seek Compensation When Appropriate

Injuries sustained in a car crash can be costly – both financially and psychologically. If another party is to blame for your pain, seeking compensation can sometimes be the best way to alleviate some of your suffering. This is a somewhat tricky area of law, however, so it’s usually a good idea to consult with a professional before launching any legal actions. Speak with specialists in personal injury law, such as Sinnamon Lawyers, to ascertain whether you have a solid case.

2. See A Doctor

While this may seem a tad obvious, you might be surprised by how many people neglect to get medical treatment after being injured in a crash. Even if your accident doesn’t result in people getting driven away in ambulances, the damage done can be quite severe. It’s important to book an appointment with your doctor to make sure none of your injuries are more serious than you realise.

Keep in mind that emotional trauma can also be a consequence of an accident on the road. If you experience any symptoms of depression or anxiety, be sure to speak to your doctor about setting up a mental health plan.

3. Inform Your Insurance Provider As Soon As Possible

The sooner you report your accident to your insurance provider, the sooner you can be reimbursed for relevant repairs and medical expenses. Contacting your insurer at your earliest convenience will also enable you to clarify what kind of medical costs your plan will cover and determine how much you can expect to pay yourself.

4. Appreciate Your Circumstances

There’s no question that an injury-inducing car crash is a stressful experience – one that no one could possibly enjoy. However, even while you’re recovering, it’s important for your mental wellbeing that you be thankful for the outcomes that didn’t occur. You may not have come away from the accident unharmed, but you did come away from it. Many people involved in car crashes are less fortunate. A non-fatal motor accident can be an opportunity to refresh your outlook on life.

5. Talk

The harm caused by a car accident can feel overwhelming and seem like the biggest part of your life as you recover. As with any serious injury, a great way to overcome this sense of despair is to talk about it. Continue socialising with your friends, have honest conversations with your family about your struggles, and see a counsellor if you wish. Putting your pain out there in the open can help you keep perspective and cope with the emotional turmoil.

Have you been injured in a car accident before? What would you have done differently if you had the benefit of hindsight? Are there any tips you would add to the above five? Share your ideas and stories in the comments below.

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It Is Still Possible To Refresh Your Old Car And Make It Look Brand New

•September 2, 2009 • Comments Off

If you had all the money in the world, you would probably be changing cars each and every day. Since that is not the case for most of us, we have to work with what we have. You might not be able to afford a new car at the moment, but you can raise enough money to refresh an old car that is just parked in your backyard. The question is, what do you really need to do to get it back to the road and still look good? This article will tell you all you need to do to refresh your old car

Repainting

You do not have to go to the best graphics designer to paint your car. Honestly speaking, the more you invest in a paint job, the longer it is going to serve you. It is therefore advisable to go for a premium paint job since it will serve you for close to 7 years. Once you are done painting the exterior, you can opt for plasti dip aerosol spray to coat your wheels and detailing the interior parts. The good things is that with plasti dip, you can get a variety of colors.

Changing The Tires

Getting some new wheels fitted on your old machine may really make it look new again. You will surely find a good design that fits perfectly on your car. In some cases, probably only one tire is the one with the problem. Repair, clean and protect your tire until you are ready to purchase a whole new set. If you think about it, you end up saving more money as compared to if you had bought an individual wheel.

Clean Your Car Thoroughly

A clean car makes the owner smile and happy. Take time and go through each and every part of the car. Most service stations just do a quick wash, therefore, do it yourself. Pay extra attention to sections like the underbody, wheels, and engine. Finally, dry clean and vacuum the interior parts of the car.

Take Care Of The Seats

Most old cars do not have seat covers. Evan if they do, they are torn and worn out. Replacing seat covers makes a huge difference to the interior of the car. You can be more creative and match the seat covers with the door pad inserts and floor mats.

Focus On The Dashboard And The Cockpit
People who have old cars are mostly advised to focus on the cockpit of the car. The next important thing would be investing in a good dashboard cover. Just in case your dashboard is faded, you can always paint it. Finally, check the switches and knobs. They can also be replaced at a very low cost
Upgrading Technology On Your Vehicle
Honestly speaking, most of the automotive technologies available on the market currently had not been manufactured when your old car was functioning. Some of the systems like audio, navigation and rear-seat entertainment can be installed.
Let A Mechanic Take A General Look At The Vehicle
At the end of the day, the difficult part has to be faced by a professional. Give your mechanic time to go through each and every detail of your old vehicle. Do not operate it if he has not fully approved that it is in perfect condition.
Repair All The Dents And Scratches

Removing dents from your car can be done using few ways. Some of them include hot glue method and suction method. These are ways that are far much cheaper than you opting to paint the whole vehicle.

Cleaning Windows, Both Inside And Outside

As much as this improves visibility as you drive, it also improves the appearance of your car. There are different ways in which you can do this, some opt to use newspapers, others vinegar and others window cleaners. All that matters is that at the end of the day, the mission has been accomplished. Windows are sparkling clean.

CONCLUSION

The suggestions mentioned in this article are very critical when it comes to refreshing an old ride. If you have taken your time to go through this piece step by then you are a assured of positive change in your old car. You probably did not even think your car would ever move out your garage, now all friends want to buy it! best of in this process.

Author Bio

Stella Grant

My name is Stella Grant . I am the founder of Speedfinal.com . Automotive is my passion, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

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