Driverside: A Comprehensive Car Site

Head out across the Internet, and you'll practically begin tripping over automotive and car-related websites -- websites from car magazine automakers' sites, blogs and many more.

That also means the car website segment is pretty much fragmented, which is where DriverSide comes in.

With its DriverSide Spotlight magazine-like content, reviews and many more tools and features all under one virtual roof, DriverSide seeks to be a one-stop shop for car consumers. No more searching and hunting for a site to find different components and offerings.

DriverSide is currently in Beta, and although it sports many of the features -- photos, reviews, forums, etc., -- that you might expect from an auto website, DriverSide offers compelling tools -- like you can get started on the site by entering your car's VIN number and seeing where that will take you.

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Vehicle's Air and Cabin Filters Offer Critical Protection from Soot, Smoke

The soot and smoke from wildfires can be a serious concern for both vehicles and passengers, unless the air filters and cabin filters are in optimum working condition. The Car Care Council suggests that these filters be checked to ensure they
provide maximum protection during this difficult time.

The vehicle's air filter traps dirt particles, including soot, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings and bearings. The air filter also plays a critical role in keeping smoke and soot from contaminating the airflow sensor on fuel-injected cars.

Air filters are a normal wear item that requires regular checks and replacement. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be inspected at each oil change and replaced annually or when showing other signs of contamination.

The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the passenger compartment. Under normal circumstances, it helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the HVAC system, which could also cause problems.

More than 80 percent of new domestic and import vehicles sold in the U.S. today come equipped with cabin air filtration systems or a slot where one can be installed. Most filters are accessed through a panel in the HVAC housing, which may be under the hood or placed within the interior of the vehicle.

A cabin air filter should not be cleaned and reinstalled. Instead, it should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or per the owner's manual. In areas with heavy airborne contaminants, it should be changed as often as necessary.

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New 'Connected Vehicle' Proving Center Opens in Ann Arbor

Michigan state government officials and executives from the transportation, manufacturing, automotive and telecommunications sectors were on hand for the dedication of the
Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC) in Ann Arbor.

The CVPC, funded by the state of Michigan, has been created through a strategic alliance between the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and the Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA). The CVPC will be a proving ground for testing, evaluating, and showcasing connected vehicle systems.

The center will integrate connected vehicles, smart roadway infrastructure and a broad range of telecommunication technologies. In addition, the CVPC will provide expertise in evaluation design, data storage and analysis, and information sharing.

Once fully operational, the CVPC will serve as an incubator that offers an advanced test and evaluation environment the can be accessed by original-equipment manufacturers, automotive suppliers, transportation agencies, and communications companies. Ultimately, the center will serve as a catalyst for growing the connected vehicle industry, thereby attracting related technical and engineering jobs to Michigan, the center says in a statement.

"Michigan's economic plan is all about building on our heritage to create cutting-edge jobs," says Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "This project is an excellent example of how innovation can fuel economic growth in our state."

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NASA Names Winners of Personal Air Vehicle Challenge

NASA has awarded $250,000 to participants of the Personal Air Vehicle competition, one of the seven NASA Centennial Challenges. The competition promotes the use of self-operated, personal aircraft for fast, safe, efficient, affordable, environmentally friendly, and comfortable on-demand transportation as a future solution to America's mobility needs.

Four teams competed for overall best performance and prizes for noise reduction, handling, efficiency, short takeoff, and top speed. The contest took place Aug. 4-12 at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Sonoma, Calif. At no cost to NASA, the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency Foundation, known as the CAFE Foundation, administers the challenge. The foundation is a nonprofit group of flight test engineers in Santa Rosa, Calif.

The award recipients are:

• Vantage Prize, $100,000: Vance Turner of Rescue, Calif., owner of a short-wing Pipistrel piloted by Michael Coates
• Noise Prize, $50,000: Dave and Diane Anders of Visalia, Calif., owners and pilots of a RV-4 aircraft
• Handling Qualities Prize, $25,000: John Rehn of Santa Rosa, Calif., owner of a Cessna 172, piloted by Jeff Stocks
• CAFE Efficiency Prize, $25,000: Vance Turner
• Short Runway Prize, $25,000: Vance Turner
• Top Speed, First Prize, $15,000: Dave and Diane Anders
• Top Speed, Second Prize, $10,000: Vance Turner
  

The challenge will continue annually for four more years. This year's competition establishes baselines for more difficult standards next year, when the total prize money will increase to $300,000. The total prize money provided by NASA for all five years is $2 million, NASA says.

Centennial Challenges is an element of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program. The challenges promote technical innovation through prize competitions to support NASA's plan to return to the moon and journey to Mars.

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Automakers Join Forces Against Climate Change, For Fuel Efficiency

There's been a sea change for industry in the last several months. More and more, companies are looking to jump in and tackle the issue of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

The transportation sector is a top cause of emissions, and automakers are looking to do their parts to increase fuel efficiency and cut emissions.

That's the reason Isuzu Motors Ltd has joined with Toyota Motor Corp to team to enhance the development of diesel engines.

Isuzu is the maker of the popular ascender SUV. Work such as this is aimed at making SUVs and other passenger cars that are environmentally friendly and more efficient overall.

Isuzu is also one of the largest diesel engine manufacturers in the world, producing about 1 million diesels each year for a variety of industrial and vehicle applications.

Yoshinori Ida, president of Isuzu, feels the research alliance with Toyota is a positive one for the diesel engine industry. Ida states, “By teaming up with Toyota, I am certain that we will be able to create the world’s best diesel engine. This business tie-up will not only strengthen the two companies’ competitive edge, but will also contribute to the global environment.”

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Better Late Than Never When it Comes to Winterizing Your Car

It's time to fess up. You didn't winterize your car and it really could have used some attention, especially with below freezing temperatures striking many parts of the United States. Now what? The good news is that you're not alone and it's not too late.

The Car Care Council reports that 70 percent of motorists don't winterize their vehicles in preparation for winter. There's still time though to have the battery, antifreeze, wipers and wiper fluid checked to help avoid "no starts" and breakdowns and ensure safety and visibility during harsh winter driving conditions, the organization says.

Very cold temperatures will reduce a vehicle's battery power so it's important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Unfortunately, batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail completely. If your vehicle's battery is three years old or more, it's wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make and model.

For antifreeze, the owner's manual will have usage specifications but the mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle's radiator is typically 50:50. When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil and anticorrosive properties. As a reminder, don't make the mistake of adding 100 percent antifreeze as full-strength antifreeze actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed with water, the council says.

Cold weather can affect the life of windshield wipers. Freezing temperatures can make the rubber hard and brittle and increase the potential for cracks. Wiper blades that are cracked or torn, or that chatter, streak and don't properly clean your windshield should be changed. Some manufacturers offer special winter blades that have a rubber boot covering the arm assembly to keep snow and ice out. When changing the blades, have the windshield wiper system nozzles cleaned and adjusted ifnecessary, and check the windshield washer reservoir in case it needs fluid.

The council recommends changing to low-viscosity oil in winter, as itwill flow more easily between moving parts when cold. Drivers in sub-zero driving temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car. It's also good to allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing to let the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.

Tire pressure should also be checked as tires will lose pressure when temperatures drop. Lastly, don't forget your winter emergency kit that should include an ice scraper, flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, gloves, flares, a first aid kit and needed medication.

"Below freezing temperatures can stress out a vehicle, as well as itsdriver," says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Motorists who invest an hour or so to have their vehicles checked will have peace-of-mind and one less thing to worry about as the harsh winter conditions continue throughout much of the country."

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Automaker Produces 1st Fuel Cell Firefighter Vehicle

DaimlerChrysler has introduced what the automaker calls the first fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as a supervisor's vehicle in the Sacramento, Calif., area.

Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is true zero-emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. The U.S. federal government is pursuing research to replace gasoline-powered cars with fuel cell vehicles and create a "hydrogen economy."

Outfitted with decals, lights, sirens and a coat of bright red paint, the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology, DaimlerChrysler says. The new fire response F-Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car, also built by DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the Wayne State University Police Department. These two vehicles are the first hydrogen fuel cell powered emergency response vehicles in the world, the automaker says.

"This program exhibits how DaimlerChrysler is taking on the challenge for industries and governments to create viable alternative-fuel solutions," says Mark Chernoby, vice president - advance vehicle engineering, Chrysler Group. "We're pleased to be a driving force in this team effort to develop zero-emissions transportation."

The Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will be refueled at a BP Energy hydrogen refueling station located at the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Delivering hydrogen fuel cell vehicle experience to the fire service, the F-Cell contributes to the development of appropriate solutions for hydrogen transportation safety.

DaimlerChrysler says it has spent more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research and development. No other manufacturer has accumulated more data or driven more zero-emissions miles -- almost 2 million, the company adds.

The DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicle fleet is diverse -- in addition to several research vehicles, it also includes medium-duty fuel cell Dodge Sprinter vans and more than 35 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, which operate in Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. As part of the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles, DaimlerChrysler has 32 fuel cell vehicles in customer hands within the United States and more than 100 around the world.

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell technology, the company boasts. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds. The fuel cell stack has been developed by theDaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.


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