Did You Know?: Interesting Car Trivia

 

It goes without saying: we love cars. How can we not? Cars are beautiful high-tech wonders. And just as fascinating to us as the cars we drive today is the history behind the cars themselves, especially because buried in the automobile’s past are tons of fun facts.

For example, did you know:

●      Before automobiles were widely used, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists in 1898.

●      The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.

●      The first Ford cars had Dodge engines.

●      The first gas gauge only appeared in cars in 1922.

●      Most American car horns beep in the key of F.

And that’s just the first five car facts we could think of! Get even more fun car facts by clicking here.

Fuel Saving Tips: An Infographic

Fuel prices are one of the things that can make what should be a fun drive in your car seem like a costly annoyance. Everyone wants to get their money’s worth from their fuel tank, as they should. The problem, though, is that there’s a lot of conflicting information floating around out there about how exactly you save fuel!

Have no fear, readers: to help you we’ve found a great infographic with tips on how to save fuel. It may say “tips for a new year,” but come on: it’s never the wrong time of year to get tips when it comes to car care! Click the image to view a larger version.

Top 10 Weirdest Things Found In Rented Cars

 

Ever forgotten something in that car you rented while you were on vacation? Don’t worry: even the best of us manage to leave our sunglasses or car keys behind occasionally.

But sometimes even stranger items get left behind in cars. What do we mean by strange? Well...take a look at this infographic and you’ll see what we mean! Make sure you read all the way to the end - this has some great tips on how to make sure you don’t leave anything behind in your rental.

How To Handle An Engine Fire

While driving can be an extremely fun activity, there are always dangers that drivers need to be aware of. One of those dangers are car fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is a vehicle fire every 96 seconds in the United States.

The dangers of car fires are further highlighted by articles like one on Detroitnews.com that tells one man’s tale about how his truck went up in flames within three minutes. “A fire in a modern vehicle burns fast and furiously,” the writer states. “What's intact for the moment can be gone or enveloped in toxic smoke in a matter of seconds.”

All drivers need to be aware of this potential danger, especially since most fires start due to electrical problems, which can’t be seen and can be undetected. Signs of potential problems, according to Statefarm.com, are:

·      Fuses that blow repeatedly

·      Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change

·      Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle

·      Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal

·      Very loud sounds from the exhaust system

·      Rapid changes in fuel level, oil levels, or engine temperature

·      A missing cap from the oil filler

·      Broken or loose hoses

Should the warning signs lead to a real emergency before any problems can be fixed, remember to stay calm and do the following:

·      As highlighted in the Detroitnews.com article, if anything seems “off” in your car, pull over and get out – you’ll be able to see if anything is obviously wrong.

·      If you smell gasoline, don’t just assume it’s coming from another car – it could be a sign of trouble in yours. Pull over.

·      When you pull over, turn off your car’s ignition immediately. Exit the vehicle and do not go back for personal items.

·      If you see flames once you exit the vehicle, call 911 immediately and keep away from your car.

·      Do not open the hood of your car and attempt to fight any fire yourself; opening the hood adds extra oxygen to the blaze and makes the situation worse.

As with all accidents, you should also find ways to alert oncoming traffic to the danger your car poses, and take pictures of the damage to show to insurance agents later.

The 10 Most Common Car Myths

Did the Model T Ford only come in black? Do bigger wheels make you go faster? Do red cars cost more to insure than other colored cars?

If you answered yes to any of the above, we’re sorry to say you’ve bought into at least one common perpetuated car myth, if not more. Don’t worry - it happens to the best of us.

Curious to know the truth and see what other myths you and your friends may be confusing with the truth? Check out this entire list of 10 most common car myths. We guarantee you’ll be surprised!

The Secret Lives of Drivers: An Infographic

Have you been checking out other drivers to see if they’re attractive? Or maybe you’ve been applying makeup to yourself while behind the wheel? Whatever it is, we’re sure you’re not alone. Everyday both men and women get behind the wheel and practice driving habits that we were all warned against back in drivers ed. and yet, nearly 70% of both men and women believe that their driving habits are not dangerous!

Check out the rest of these crazy driving habit statistics by viewing this great infographic here: http://bit.ly/w7Irv3

The Future of Driving: A Video

Electricity! Alternative oil! Solar power! The future of automobiles and alternative fuel has been a driving force of discussion over the past few years, but finding a new fuel to use is not the only concern that is out there. A large cause of wasted fuel are everyday occurrences like traffic, gridlock or even trying to find a parking space! The following TED talk, given by Bill Ford Jr. - Executive Chairman of the Ford Motor Company, talks about these everyday occurrences and the idea of not building more roads, but of more innovative ways of thinking, for example, developing cars on the road that can communicate with each other to a point where they know where traffic is, and then will rearrange your driving route before you too are bumper to bumper.

To check out what Bill Ford Jr. says about the future of driving, click this link here: http://bit.ly/lWAlXd