Most of us listen
to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know
that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects
on your driving abilities? This study
shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions
like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more
mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also
shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves
to moderate your heart rate.
So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) originally determined that E15 fuel was
suitable for vehicles manufactured after 2007. However, automakers then
filed a lawsuit against the EPA and its motion to endorse the renewable
fuel, making it illegal. E15 is essentially gasoline that contains 15
percent ethanol. The auto industry determined that the fuel was
unsuitable because many older vehicles were vulnerable to some of its
effects. So with ethanol based fuels basically outlawed, consumers had
to continue to be reliant on ruthless oil companies.
Some believe that the oil companies are taking advantage of consumers on this basis.
“We are writing to express concerns that oil companies are engaging in
anti-competitive practices aimed at blocking market access for renewable
fuels,” says Grassley, an Iowa government state representative.
New research has
emerged suggesting that the fuel is indeed safe for all models built in
2001 or later, which verifies E15 proponents' claims that consumers were
being misled. Ultimately, the EPA endorsed the ethanol-based fuel and
now it is up to businesses and the consumer to adopt E15.
There are many
advantages to producing and using E15 fuel. Ethanol is produced
domestically which will create jobs, not to mention lessen our
staggering reliance on foreign oil. It will also effectively lower
greenhouse gas emissions by 59%. Another benefit to consuming E15 rather
than standard gasoline is the reduced risk of oil spills, considering
that much less oil will have to be transported across the ocean. The
fuel is also 100% renewable.
Along with all
the pros listed above, there is one last thing to consider. E15 is
cheap. It's relatively inexpensive to produce compared to gasoline, and
that translates to lower prices at the gas pump.
What are your thoughts on E15? Comment below or connect with us on Facebook.
Hello there, fans! It's time again for our #WeeklyCarTip!
This week we'll
keep it short and simple. It's the kind of preventative maintenance that
you will take for granted 364 days out of the year, but that ONE day
when you do get a flat tire, you will be glad that you took action. So
without further ado, we present:
It's safe to
assume that just about everyone has had to deal with a stubborn flat
tire. You know the one, where you put every ounce of your body weight
into loosening one of those forsaken lug nuts — to no avail?
Use some
anti-seize compound to keep those lug nuts from sticking. You will thank
yourself the next time you're on your way to an important meeting and
the worst happens. Keep a can of anti-seize lubricant in the car, as well. That way you'll never have to worry about stubborn lug nuts again.
Until next time!
It's the season for road trips—that
perfect time of the year for putting those hard-earned PTO hours to
good use. If you happen to be single or married but without children,
forget this article. There are no rules or suggestions for you. Well,
except one: Enjoy it while you can.
For the rest of
us, the whimsical nature of road trips is a thing of the past. We have
to painstakingly plan every moment. What used to be a capricious
expedition into the unknown is now more of a NASA flight plan, with each
miniscule detail calculated to the second. First, we establish a rough
itinerary. Then, to be safe, we develop a contingency plan. We take
stock of food provisions and medical supplies. Then, we plan some more.
What's originally
intended to be an escape, quickly becomes the same old routine. Worse
actually, because the stress levels are much higher when you're
somewhere unfamiliar. So how can you prepare well enough for such an
event, that you still have the capacity to appreciate the spirit of
exploration? Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The obvious
way to get a kid to shut up is to fill his/her mouth with something.
Snacks are very important when hitting the road with children in tow.
Portable and non-messy foods are ideal here. Some good items to bring:
Boxes of raisins, string cheese, crackers, grapes, apple slices, juice
boxes.
- To maintain a
good schedule, you'll want to limit the number of bathroom breaks by
limiting the amount of fluid intake. Make a game out of it. Like, "You
can't take a drink until you see a blue car."
- Too few
breaks can be equally as damaging to you sanity. Think realistically how
often you'll need to stop to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls
of the mini-van. Plan your schedule accordingly to this.
- Messes are
inevitable. Be prepared for this. Items like zip-lock bags, paper
towels, easy-wipes and spill-proof cups are just a few examples.
- The dollar
store is your friend. There are so many great, affordable options
available that will provide entertainment. Speaking of entertainment,
here are some ideas:
- Electronic Games
- Have the kids
trace your progress on a map. Buy an extra so they can draw on it with
water soluble utensils. (This will also somewhat mitigate the "Are We
There Yet?" cliche.)
- Portable DVD players are your savior!
- Bribe them
with toys! Also, bring along some toy catalogs. This will keep them
entertained for hours. Bring some glue sticks and construction paper so
they can create a "Toy Wish List".
- Don't underestimate the power of music. Perhaps some classical music will YOU in the mood while putting THEM to sleep?
- Of course,
there are the old fashioned ways to keep entertained. Games like I Spy,
the License Plate Game and Slug Bug are always effective.
