Fuel saving tips Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, offers some tips on how to improve your fuel economy by altering your driving habits, doing proper vehicle maintenance, and using simple aftermarket tools to measure fuel consumption.
Advances in automatic transmissions New automatic transmissions are making dramatic differences in fuel economy and performance, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. Five, six, seven and even eight-speed automatic transmission are now available, he says. And continuously variable transmissions are becoming more common.
Tire pressure monitoring systems Tire pressure monitoring systems seem like a good idea, but there are some glitches, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. For example, temperature changes in the spring and fall often cause the low tire pressure warning to turn on, he notes.
Bearings Most vehicles use sealed bearings on all wheels, but there are still some vehicles such as pickup trucks, boat and camper trailers that do not, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. "They need to be maintained every year," he advises.
All-wheel drive systems Technical Editor, Jim Kerr helps clear up some misconceptions about all-wheel drive by explaining the different kinds of systems, how they work, and what they do for you.
Designing the 2009 F-150 To help redesign the 2009 Ford F-150 pickup, Ford designers invited a group of owners to show them exactly how they used their current F-150 trucks. Some new design features, like a folding side step, were a direct result of these demonstrations.
Vehicle emissions: Going 'green' Light Duty passenger vehicles contribute only 12.5% of Canada's total green house gas emissions, but even so, auto manufacturers are continually researching and developing new products to reduce CO2 emissions. Technical Editor, Jim Kerr reviews the latest technologies.
GM's global internet forum Technical Editor, Jim Kerr recently participated in GM NEXT, an around-the-world Internet conference where he was able to chat with General Motors' automotive experts from India, China, South America, Europe, and of course North America.
Engine technology and design Increased computer power and engineering advances have improved engine technology vastly, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. "Designs or systems that worked only partially a couple of decades ago now work superbly," he says.
Trailer towing There are many factors which determine how much a vehicle can tow, but the most important is engine torque, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. "Contrary to what most owners believe, it has very little to do with maximum horsepower," he says.
Anti-lock brakes Though a common feature on most cars nowadays, anti-lock brakes are still a mystery to many drivers. Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, explains common misconceptions about how anti-lock brakes work, and what ABS can do for drivers.
Automobile painting Automobile manufacturers have been making the switch to water-borne paints for several years, primarily to meet environmental regulations designed to reduce volatile organic compounds, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. But are water-borne paints as good as solvent-based paints? Jim weighs in.
Hybrids in winter Driving a Lexus GS450h Hybrid sedan in minus 30 degree weather, Technical Editor Jim Kerr found "fuel economy wasn't as good in the winter as it was in the summer," but the driving experience "was no different that driving any other vehicle."
Heater woes Aside from the fact that's it's really cold outside right now, there are many reasons why your car's heater might not be working as well this winter. Technical Editor Jim Kerr looks at the possibilities.
Ford's new EcoBoost direct injection system Ford's new EcoBoost technology uses turbocharging combined with direct fuel injection to increase fuel economy by 20 to 30 per cent and reduce CO2 emissions.
