Driving through the desert- Car Buying Tips

Driving through the desert

Combine the thrill of driving with complete safety measures

Adaptability is the ability to adjust,adapt and appreciate the situation that one is in. The desert is not a place that generally invites tourists but Dubai has shown everyone how to make the most of it.

Driving enthusiasts have developed desert driving as a hobby and passion, an adventure sport and a means of livelihood. Driving in the desert in a four-wheel drive is one enjoyable activity,but it requires training and guidance. One must have sound knowledge of the mechanics of four-wheels drives, and be licensed for desert driving. The thrill of adventure must be complemented with contingency planning and safety measures.

There should be enough food and cold drinks. Extra coolant must be kept in the car. Spare tires,tools and vehicle oil must come in handy.

Essential contact numbers like those of hospitals,the police,ambulance,family and close friends must be readily available. Ensure your phone is charged and that emergency lights are loaded in the car. Spare belts,duct tapes and wires are also essential.

Before venturing out into the desert,it is advisable to take a short course of desert driving and the techniques of survival. Desert topography must be understood well. It is also highly recommended to be well-equipped with tents and be in the company of a group of drivers. Now,go enjoy your desert drive.

Desert Driving Tips

One must have knowledge of mechanics of4 WDS

Load food,drinks,essential equipment in the car

Keep a list of contact numbers for emergency cases

Electric vehicles a smarter option

One of the keys to a cleaner transportation future

The electric vehicle (EV) is emerging as a key solution to one of our energy future's biggest challenges: the impact of transportation on our environment. The smart grid will be one of the keys to a cleaner transportation future, and whether or not tomorrow's smart grid becomes a reality could hinge upon the widespread adoption of electric vehicles by consumers and construction of charging stations these plug-in cars will require.

Mainstream consumer adoption of the electric vehicle is just over the horizon. This new mode of mobility and the infrastructure that will sprout around it will require reliable, safe
and convenient energy management solutions that meet users' charging and availability needs while helping facility managers and utility operators optimize resources.

Energy management solutions are key to ensuring that the electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure are safe, convenient,economical and energy efficient for drivers and facility managers while ensuring that utility operators are able to manage the impacts of electric vehicle charging on the grid.

The electric vehicle is at a turning point. Investment in electric vehicles has gone mainstream. Warren buffet famously bought a 10 percent stake in Chinese EV company BYD and Google's Recharge IT program has been investing massively in green car technologies.

On the demand side, early hybrid electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius have received a warm reception from consumers, paying the way for future consumer acceptance of plug-in electric vehicles.

Handy Hints

Electric vehicles are fast- becoming mainstream
Motor shows now usually exhibit hybrid prototypes
Energy management solutions must meet user needs.

The importance of tire pressure

It is best to get the accurate reading when tires are cold

The next time you reluctantly clamber out f your trusty four wheeled steed, spare a thought for those tires.

You can check your cars recommended tire pressure in the owners Manual or inside the door on the drivers side. It is advisable to find out the accurate tire pressure reading when the tires are cold, not when they have been on the road As friction between the road and the tires yields heat thus increasing tire pressure.

Use a tire pressure gauge from any reputable auto equipment retailer. Do not rely on tire pressure gauges at gas stations .often these do not work well and will not be able to tell you whether you have an equal and adequate amount of air in your tires for safe driving.

Tires expand under pressure created by external heat . This is not good news for the inner workings of the tire because as the heat builds up, the tire morphs under the heat often resulting in blowouts and unsafe tire pressure. This would lead to an unnecessary increase in fuel consumption.

Don't rely on visual checks or eyeballing the tires to see if they are in good shape. The heat impacts all tires giving any driver an unbalanced and an uneven driving experiences

It is  also worth remembering that the caps that cover the valves are there to keep dirt and dust off the tires as these often brings a slow, steady decrease in performance.

Handy hints

- if possible check your tire pressure weekly

- use a personal gauge from a reliable retailer

- don't rely on eyeballing to check for wear and tear.