Another entry in the annual Best New Technology Awards, Audi Drive Select is driver-selectable feature that adjusts the engine, automatic transmission, steering, suspension, and differential to provide increased comfort or greater performance.
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Entertainment | Maintenance | Technology | The Four Seasons | How Stuff Works
Industry Issues | Safety | The Environment | The Shadetree Mechanic
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AJAC Technology Awards – Audi Drive Select
AJAC Technology Awards
In addition to the annual Canadian Car of the Year awards, the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada presents the Best New Automotive Technology and Green Automotive Technology awards. Technical editor Jim Kerr discusses the contenders, beginning with Mercedes’ Attention Assist.
In addition to the annual Canadian Car of the Year awards, the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada presents the Best New Automotive Technology and Green Automotive Technology awards. Technical editor Jim Kerr discusses the contenders, beginning with Mercedes’ Attention Assist.
Getting ready for winter
Technical Editor Jim Kerr provides a quick guide to preparing your car for winter. “Modern automobiles are very reliable…but there are still some maintenance items you should check to make your winter driving safer,” he advises.
Technical Editor Jim Kerr provides a quick guide to preparing your car for winter. “Modern automobiles are very reliable…but there are still some maintenance items you should check to make your winter driving safer,” he advises.
Clutches
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr explains how clutches work, what can go wrong, and how to keep them working properly. “A clutch should last for many years if the car is driven properly,” he says.
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr explains how clutches work, what can go wrong, and how to keep them working properly. “A clutch should last for many years if the car is driven properly,” he says.
Driver’s education
High school Driver’s Education classes are a good beginning for young drivers, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, but there are many important driving skills that are not included in these courses which should be, he says.
High school Driver’s Education classes are a good beginning for young drivers, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, but there are many important driving skills that are not included in these courses which should be, he says.
Buying a vehicle from the U.S.
Make sure you do your homework before buying a new or used vehicle from the U.S., warns Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. It may be cheaper, but safety requirements, warranty issues, import and regulatory hassles can lead to disappointment.
Make sure you do your homework before buying a new or used vehicle from the U.S., warns Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. It may be cheaper, but safety requirements, warranty issues, import and regulatory hassles can lead to disappointment.
Voice activation
Mercedes-Benz latest generation LINGUATRONIC voice-activated system, which can operate the audio system, phone, and navigation system, can understand whole-word voice commands in eleven different languages, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Braking issues
Jim Kerr examines common problems with brakes, how and why they occur, and what to do about them. “Hydraulic brake systems have proven reliable for decades, but there are still things that can go wrong,” he says.
Jim Kerr examines common problems with brakes, how and why they occur, and what to do about them. “Hydraulic brake systems have proven reliable for decades, but there are still things that can go wrong,” he says.
Colour-matching paint
The most difficult part of painting a car is matching the colour from one panel to another, particularly when painting just one panel, such as might be needed in a minor fender bender, says Jim Kerr.
The most difficult part of painting a car is matching the colour from one panel to another, particularly when painting just one panel, such as might be needed in a minor fender bender, says Jim Kerr.
Tuning a modern automobile
Modern vehicles are particularly sensitive to spark, vacuum leaks and engine temperature, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. A misfiring plug, faulty oxygen sensor, vacuum leak or faulty thermostat can fool an engine computer into injecting more fuel, increasing fuel consumption.
Modern vehicles are particularly sensitive to spark, vacuum leaks and engine temperature, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. A misfiring plug, faulty oxygen sensor, vacuum leak or faulty thermostat can fool an engine computer into injecting more fuel, increasing fuel consumption.
Battery technology update
Technical Editor Jim Kerr discusses the different types of batteries used in automobiles and hybrid automobiles and how they compare to each other.
Technical Editor Jim Kerr discusses the different types of batteries used in automobiles and hybrid automobiles and how they compare to each other.
All about chrome
Nothing makes a car stand out like some tasteful and well-placed shiny chrome but real “show” chrome finishes take a lot of time, workmanship and money to do successfully, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Nothing makes a car stand out like some tasteful and well-placed shiny chrome but real “show” chrome finishes take a lot of time, workmanship and money to do successfully, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Shock absorber performance
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr explains how shock absorbers work and why some are better than others. “They all are supposed to do the same task: keep the tires in contact with the ground,” he notes.
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr explains how shock absorbers work and why some are better than others. “They all are supposed to do the same task: keep the tires in contact with the ground,” he notes.
Towing limits
When towing a trailer, it’s important to observe the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as stated in the owner’s manual in order to prevent possible engine overheating, transmission damage, or brake failure, warns Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
When towing a trailer, it’s important to observe the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as stated in the owner’s manual in order to prevent possible engine overheating, transmission damage, or brake failure, warns Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Torque, altitude and turbocharging
For every 100 metres you climb above sea level, your vehicle will have about one per cent less performance, says Technical Editor Jim Kerr. One of the most effective ways to overcome that is with turbocharging, he says.
For every 100 metres you climb above sea level, your vehicle will have about one per cent less performance, says Technical Editor Jim Kerr. One of the most effective ways to overcome that is with turbocharging, he says.
Ford’s new Active Park Assist system
Quicker than Lexus’ automatic parallel parking system, Ford’s new Active Park Assist will get you into tight parking spots you might not have attempted yourself - and you won’t scratch your expensive rims, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
2010 Toyota Prius technology
Technical Editor Jim Kerr reviews the changes to the new 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid that help improve its fuel economy by seven per cent while increasing power by 22 per cent.
B.C.’s CAPTIN wheel plant
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, takes a walking tour of the Toyota alloy wheel manufacturing plant in Delta, British Columbia. The plant supplies wheels for Toyota vehicle assembly plants across North America, including Toyota plants in Ontario.
Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, takes a walking tour of the Toyota alloy wheel manufacturing plant in Delta, British Columbia. The plant supplies wheels for Toyota vehicle assembly plants across North America, including Toyota plants in Ontario.
Lowering fuel costs
The top five ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency take very little effort on your part, says Technical Editor Jim Kerr. Simple techniques, such as checking your tires’ air pressure regularly, can save you money at the pumps, he says.
The top five ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency take very little effort on your part, says Technical Editor Jim Kerr. Simple techniques, such as checking your tires’ air pressure regularly, can save you money at the pumps, he says.
2010 Taurus technology
The redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus includes some advanced technological features, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. For example, a programmable microchip in the ignition key allows parents to limit the car’s top speed when their teenage children are driving it.
Keeping up appearances – the importance of detailing
Master detailer, Ken Wilson, discusses how the average consumer can detail his or her own car with far less effort than expected in just a couple of hours.
Progressive throttles
Different vehicles have different throttle response but new electronic throttles can adjust throttle response automatically to different situations, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Drive-by-wire systems programming is continually getting better, making vehicles easier to drive,” he says.
Different vehicles have different throttle response but new electronic throttles can adjust throttle response automatically to different situations, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Drive-by-wire systems programming is continually getting better, making vehicles easier to drive,” he says.
Powder coating finishes
If you have metal car parts that need refinishing, consider powder coating, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Powder coated parts are extremely durable and can withstand bumps, knocks and blows that would destroy paint,” he says.
If you have metal car parts that need refinishing, consider powder coating, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Powder coated parts are extremely durable and can withstand bumps, knocks and blows that would destroy paint,” he says.
Downshifting automatic transmissions
One reason for downshifting an automatic transmission manually is to reduce the load on the brakes on long downhill grades. “Trailer towing downhill can overheat brakes, so downshifting the transmission improves braking and your safety,” says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
One reason for downshifting an automatic transmission manually is to reduce the load on the brakes on long downhill grades. “Trailer towing downhill can overheat brakes, so downshifting the transmission improves braking and your safety,” says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Ford’s Ecoboost Engine
Ford’s new Ecoboost engines produce lower emissions, more performance and up to 20 per cent better fuel economy and will eventually be offered in up to 90 per cent of all Ford models, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
