Richmond Auto Mall Autoblog

A Full charge in 15 Minutes? You Better Believe It!

2012-05-03T18:59:58+00:00

As announced last year, eight automobile manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche, and Volkswagen) agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast-charging system. The result of their hard work will be on display during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles from May 6 to 9.

Photo: Volkswagen Group

The Combined Charging System (CCS) applies to electric vehicles in Europe and the United States. It apparently enables a full charge in – wait for it – only 15 to 20 minutes!

Fast charging works with home and public stations, and with 120- or 240-volt outlets. As a matter of fact, the International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the CCS as the fast-charging methodology for a standard that incrementally extends the existing Type 1-based AC-charging.

The technology will be integrated to all new European vehicles starting in 2017.

According to the manufacturers, a harmonized fast-charging standard will accelerate the development of EV infrastructures and reduce costs for owners.

Combined charging stations are scheduled to hit the market later this year. The first vehicles using this technology will be launched in 2013.

Source: [Auto123.com]

Green Tip - Drive part of the way to work or school, use public transit and save $

2012-05-03T18:24:54+00:00

Here's how you can do your part for the environment - If getting where you're going by bike or public transit alone isn't going to happen, consider driving part of the way and then jumping on public transit or your bike. It's a great way to beat traffic and save $ on your ICBC car insurance!

Go Green! Spring Car Care Tip

2012-04-26T19:08:21+00:00

Air filters need to be replaced on an average of three months or 3,000 miles. An air filter should not be clogged with dirt, dust or bugs. This will choke off the air and create a rich mixture meaning too much gas emits for the amount of air. A good air filter will increase your mileage by as much as 10% and help save on emissions into the atmosphere.

Top 10 Car Care Tips for Springtime Savings

2012-04-26T18:56:15+00:00

April is car care month and with the arrival of spring, there are several important items you should take care of with your vehicle before taking a drive to enjoy the spring weather and these tips will also save you money.

1. Get an oil change. Changing your oil every 3,000 miles will increase the life of your vehicle and it will also perform better. After a long, hard winter, your vehicle will appreciate it. Remember that if your vehicle is over 100,000 miles to look into high mileage oil.

2. Check all your fluid levels. You might not have wanted to stand in the cold weather to check your fluid levels as often as you should. You might be low on oil, antifreeze or windshield wiper fluid.

3. Use a high quality gas treatment. It will clean injectors or carburetors and keep your fuel system running the way it should. Again, this will save you money in the long run. You should do these treatments every couple of months.

4. Replace your gas filter. If you replace your gas filter, you will get better gas mileage and with the price of gas, this is a very good thing to do. In turn this will save you money when you take spring road trips and leave you a little extra spending cash.

5. Check the belts. Replace them if they are cracked or dry-rotted. If they break, they could cause significant damage to your motor. A new motor is not a cheap fix.

6. Get your tires rotated and balanced. Make sure the tires are inflated to the appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch). The wear and tear of the winter roads can play havoc with your tires and wear them down. Properly inflated and balanced tires will also improve gas mileage and save you money in the long run.

7. Do a thorough outside wash of your truck and make it sparkly clean. Make sure you pay extra care to wash the under carriage. Salt can rust out vehicles a lot faster. Grime in general is not good for your vehicle and will shorten the life span of your vehicle. It could also end up costing you unnecessary money to fix when it begins to rust.

8. Don't just clean the outside. Spring clean the inside as well. As much as you attempted to kick the snow and mud off your feet before entry, doesn't mean you got it all off. Chances are you have muddied up the floor and other areas of your vehicle as well. When cleaning the inside, don't forget to clean the windows as well. Often, times the windshield gets very dirty.

9. Check your wipers. Again, winter can be rough on your windshield wipers and with the April showers; you will want good wipers on your vehicle.

10. Buy your vehicle a gift after the harsh weather. I suggest a new air freshner. The packages of airfreshners are often cheaper and you have a couple when the other one wears out. Also, if you leave the bad half way on, it will make the life of the airfreshner go longer. That way your car will look good and smell good also. Perhaps even some new car mats if yours are worn from winter use.

Source: [voices.yahoo.com] Erica Higgs

Trailer tips - How to get ready for the summer towing season

2012-04-18T17:01:05+00:00

The arrival of spring and warmer weather means the start of the trailering season for many drivers, as families break out their boats, campers, and other outdoor gear after a long winter. But before you hitch up and go, it's important to think safety, both in terms of maintenance and once you're on the road.

A trailer may not be as complex as the car, truck, or SUV pulling it, but it can be every bit as dangerous at highway speeds. And most recreational trailers tend to sit unused for longer periods than the family chariot, which can be detrimental to safety components such as bearings, tires, wiring, and lights.

If you're a first timer, have recently stepped up to a larger trailer, or just want a refresher, start with our towing guide for the basics. That has plenty of information about how to match your vehicle to the load. (Also read: "Pulling your weight.")

And whether you're an experienced trailer veteran or hitching up for the first time, take a few minutes to read the following tips.

Once you're ready to go, remember that accelerating, turning, and especially stopping all take longer with a trailer, so make sure to leave plenty of room, and slow down. Not only will you improve the odds of getting to the great outdoors safely, chances are you'll be less stressed out when you get there.

Always do a safety walk around before setting out, checking lights, tires, and all connections.

If your trailer is wider than your tow vehicle, you'll need a set of extended side mirrors to see around it.

Two safety chains between your trailer and tow vehicle are a required safety item in case the trailer tongue comes off the tow ball. Anchored to each side of the tongue, they should have enough slack to allow sharp turns without dragging, and should cross under the trailer to form a sling to support the tongue if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

Many states require a separate braking system and breakaway switch for loaded trailers with a weight greater than 1,500 pounds. Check with your state department of motor vehicles for local regulations. If your trailer has brakes, make sure they're in good working order. Attach the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle, not to the hitch.

Federal law requires that trailers have operating taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and side-marker lights. Vibration and moisture can wreak havoc with these components, particularly with boat trailers that are occasionally submerged. Check all your lights as part of a walk around check every time you use the trailer. Corroded connections can be freshened up with spray electrical cleaner, available at auto parts stores. Water resistant, non-conductive Dielectric grease can help protect connections.

Make sure all lug nuts are tight, check tire pressure regularly, and inflate your tires to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations. Consider investing in a spare tire and wheel if your trailer doesn't have one, and include a lug wrench and a scissor-style jack or other compatible jack. Always bring along a wheel chock.

Remove trailer wheels at the start of the season to inspect wheel bearings, or have your mechanic do it. Bearings may need to be repacked with grease after a long winter or exposure to water. While you're at it, lubricate all moving parts of the hitch assembly with grease, and check all nuts, bolts and fasteners to make sure they're tight.

Trailer tires often don't wear very much, but they do dry rot, crack, and generally go bad with age as they sit stationary and loaded while being exposed to the sun. We recommend replacing trailer tires no more than 10 years after manufacture, regardless of wear. You may need to check the tire sidewall to confirm the build date.

Make sure to load your trailer evenly, from side to side and front to back, and secure the load.

Make sure you have the proper size tow ball for your trailer coupler. Towing handling is improved if the hitch puts the ball at the same height as the trailer tongue, keeping the trailer level, and puts the ball as close to the tow vehicle's rear bumper as possible. Heavier trailers may require more work to ensure proper weight distribution, along with anti-sway equipment.

If you're traveling through another state, check to make sure your trailer complies with all local regulations and weight restrictions, and always plan any route ahead of time to be aware of bridges, tunnels, and other potential concerns.

Trailers can often bring a load of fun to your road tripping, and by following these tips, you may avoid misadventures along the way.

SOURCE [ Jim Travers, ConsumerReports.org]

Here’s how you can do your part for the environment.

2012-03-27T20:37:38+00:00

People don't run well on empty stomachs and neither does your car. Keep your gas tank full. When it isn’t the moist air in the tank condenses against the inside wall. This water affects the quality of the fuel, causing starting problems, fuel not being burned efficiently, engine misfiring, and added strain to your vehicle’s engine.

Richmond Auto Mall’s 2011 Food Bank Challenge a Huge Success!

2012-02-14T19:42:35+00:00

Avoid “Jack Rabbit” Starts and Aggressive Driving.

2012-02-07T22:40:10+00:00

Avoid "jack rabbit" starts and aggressive driving. Increasing your speed from 100 kilometres per hour to 120 kilometres per hour will increase fuel consumption by about 20 per cent, and can lead to drastically higher pollution rates. Just one second of aggressive driving can produce nearly the same volume of carbon monoxide emissions as half an hour of normal driving. The tortoise wins again!

Auto Show Highlights from Detroit

2012-02-07T21:31:20+00:00

With Detroit and LA often vying for attention when it comes to automakers plans to debut new vehicles, for 2012 at least, the Motor City appears to be staging a comeback. There were more than 40 concept and production unveilings this year, including a number of world premieres. Here’s a look at some of the most significant production vehicle introductions this year.

The ILX gives US dealers an entry-level Civic based model to sell, while in Canada serves as a replacement for the CSX. The 2013 RDX Crossover, adopts a more mainstream stance, ditching its four-cylinder turbo motor for V6 power.

2013 Buick Encore
Does Buick really need a compact crossover? It probably won’t hurt, especially in Canada given the popularity of vehicles like the Ford Escape. Powered by a 1.4-litre Ecotec four, it should offer decent fuel economy and will feature a wide range of luxury amenities.

2013 Cadillac ATS
GM’s BMW 3-Series fighter is designed to provide a true sporty driving experience, mixed with cutting edge technology. It should give Cadillac a chance to shine in this highly lucrative segment.

2013 Dodge Dart
Chrysler should give its dealers a welcome trump card in the popular compact segment, with the 2013 Dart. Using Alfa-Romeo DNA, it promises to deliver an invigorating driving experience and quality craftsmanship at a very competitive price.

2013 Ford Fusion
A game changer if ever there was one, the 2013 model aims to strengthen Ford’s position in the hot selling (especially in the US) mid-size sedan market. Smaller engines, more upscale interior fittings and European styling are key points on this car which will be sold globally.

2013 Honda Accord
It’s definitely familiar, but the 2013 Accord shown in loosely disguised concept form, is slight smaller and lighter than the current model. With four and six-cylinder engines, plus a CVT transmission, it’s said to deliver class leading fuel economy and the production version will be joined by a Plug-In Hybrid.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Genesis Coupe
At Detroit, Hyundai revealed a hotter version of its youth oriented Veloster, a turbo model with 201 hp. A revamped 2013 Genesis coupe with styling tweaks, more power and updated transmissions was also announced.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
A new version of Mercedes’ best-known luxury two-seater has been a long time coming and now finally here, making its world debut in Detroit. Lighter than the previous version with a smaller displacement V8, it’s deemed to be the most powerful and capable ever.

2013 Mini Roadster
In yet another proliferation of the Mini brand, the two-seat open air-roadster is offered in base and turbocharged S versions. A hotter JCW version is reportedly in the works.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder
A change of direction sees Nissan’s premium SUV change from a body-on-frame truck based vehicle to a car-derived crossover, likely a good move. Three-row seating should prove popular with families.

2013 Scion FR-S
Although Subaru did much of the engineering work, this little, rear-wheel drive coupe, should help Toyota’s youth brand establish itself as a credible player in the performance car stakes.

2013 Toyota Prius C
We’ve seen the addition of the Prius V hatchback, now Toyota has added an entry-level city car model in an attempt to bolster appeal of its cult Hybrid.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
It was all about sustainability on the VW stand. The Jetta Hybrid adds a thrifty, zero emissions capable version to North America’s most popular European branded car, bringing the total number of variations to five.

Source | Huw Evans, a contributor editor for Canadian auto dealer and a longtime automotive industry journalist.

Nissan Eyes Top Spot for Green Autos

2011-10-25T22:14:28+00:00

Yokohama - Oct. 24 - Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn unveiled a new environmental plan on Monday, pledging a host of measures that aim to balance ambitious growth targets with sustainability.

Among goals in the Nissan Green Program 2016, the automaker will further expand the global market for electric vehicles, cut CO2 emissions from corporate activities by 20 percent per vehicle from 2005 levels, and invest 70 percent of its research and advanced engineering budget on environmental technologies.

“Our track record demonstrates these plans are driven by clear and challenging operational objectives that we are consistently able to achieve,” CEO Ghosn told reporters gathered at Nissan’s Yokohama headquarters.

Under the new green plan, Nissan’s third, the company will build on its leadership in zero-emission vehicles, producing a total of 1.5 million EVs with partner Renault by 2016 and boost battery capacity to 500,000 units a year.

That’s something that should get the backing of Japan’s government, says Nissan Senior Vice President Hitoshi Kawaguchi. “The government currently is quite eager to support us for those advanced technologies because that’s the way Japanese companies can lead the international competition,” he says.

To lower cars’ impact on natural resources, Nissan also plans to raise the ratio of recycled materials in its vehicles to 25 percent and boost average fuel economy by 35 percent from 2005 levels in key markets, tapping technologies including a new CVT and a front-wheel drive hybrid system.

“We’re also focused on developing lighter materials and optimizing structures to increase fuel efficiency. For example, we’re developing the world’s first ultra-high density steel and will adopt it in vehicles from 2013,” Ghosn said.

Combined with the Power 88 mid-term business plan, Nissan expects to achieve an 8 percent global market-share target by 2016 without sacrificing its environmental commitment.