Author Archives: Richard Martin

Home / Articles Posted by Richard Martin

5 Tips For New Drivers

by Posted in Blogging

For any info, you can contact me at: instructeurdeconduite@gmail.com

5 Other Tips For New Drivers.

About the first tip, there are times when you should look in the mirrors when backing up, like when you want to know if you’re too close to something that you already know is there (example, when you do a 90° parking between two cars and want to check the distance between you car and the others. Still, you should alternate between checking the mirrors and turning your head).
Note: While I try to make my videos as universal as possible, rules and laws may vary according to the place where you’re driving and might be different from the ones in this video. Always drive according to the laws and rules that apply to the place where you are driving. Requirements at the driving exam may also be different than the ones shown here. Always respect the requirements that apply to the place where you are passing your driving exam. This video is not meant to replace your official driving courses.

40 Fuel Economy Tips & Factors Affecting Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency. Improve Gas Mileage.

by Posted in Blogging

40 FUEL ECONOMY TIPS

TIP NUMBER 1: Do not exceed the indicated speed limit.

TIP NUMBER 2: Do not open your window when travelling especially at high speeds.

TIP NUMBER 3: Avoid packing items on top of your car.

TIP NUMBER 4: Take the aerodynamic shape of your vehicle into account when buying your vehicle.

TIP NUMBER 5: Inflate your tyres properly.

TIP NUMBER 6: Prefer rib type tyres which are better with regard to rolling resistance than block type tyres. Choose low aspect ratio tyres which are stiffer, allowing for less flexing under load, thus they typically have lower rolling resistance compared to high aspect ratio tyres.

TIP NUMBER 7: Buy second hand, good condition tires.

TIP NUMBER 8: Choose a vehicle suitable for your needs. Do you really need a power-hungry car?

TIP NUMBER 9: Using 4-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Prefer to use 2-wheel drive cars.

TIP NUMBER 10: Remove the excessive weight from your vehicle.

TIP NUMBER 11: Fuel also contributes to weight.

TIP NUMBER 12: Plan your journey more wisely. Take the amount of traffic, possibly congested routes and the time of the day into account.

TIP NUMBER 13: In cold weather, wait for the engine to warm up a bit.

TIP NUMBER 14: Incorrect axle alignment influences rolling resistance and increases fuel consumption.

TIP NUMBER 15: Prefer not to drive when raining due to water drag effect as you drive on the road.

TIP NUMBER 16: Stop aggressive driving.

TIP NUMBER 17: Do not over-rev.

TIP NUMBER 18: Gear fast, run slow and accelerate slowly.

TIP NUMBER 19: Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.

TIP NUMBER 20: Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate.

TIP NUMBER 21: Any electrical equipment in use worsens the fuel economy of the vehicle with air conditioning being the biggest culprit.

TIP NUMBER 22: Exploit the force of gravity when going down the hills.

TIP NUMBER 23: Avoid coming to a complete stop whenever possible.

TIP NUMBER 24: When approaching red traffic lights, either let the car roll itself on gear or select the neutral gear to roll it.

TIP NUMBER 25: Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your owner’s manual can increase gas mileage by an average of 4%.

TIP NUMBER 26: Change your oil regularly.

TIP NUMBER 27: Check and replace air filters regularly.

TIP NUMBER 28: Consider the alternative vehicles.

TIP NUMBER 29: Hybrid Electric Vehicles offer another option for car buyers. These vehicles combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to achieve different objectives, such as improved fuel economy and increased power.

TIP NUMBER 30: Consider using the public transport such as underground, overground or bus.

TIP NUMBER 31: Use a bicycle or just walk if your destination is near.

TIP NUMBER 32: Get in the habit of saving all your fuel receipts, recording distance travelled and fuel economy (MPG).

TIP NUMBER 33: Leave for your destination a little early so you don’t feel pressure to drive faster, brake later and otherwise fall back into bad habits.

TIP NUMBER 34: Travelling at a constant speed on a freeway within a flow of traffic (in the same direction) is more efficient than going the same speed in isolation.

TIP NUMBER 35: If you regularly travel the same roads, make an effort to memorize.

TIP NUMBER 36: In multi-lane traffic, choose the “lane of least resistance” to avoid unnecessary and unpredictable braking/changes in speed.

TIP NUMBER 37: Parking in the shade will keep the inside of your vehicle cooler, which can help you minimize use of air conditioning.

TIP NUMBER 38: Maintain appropriate following distance to prevent constant brakes which will reduce your speed.

TIP NUMBER 39: New forced induction engines tend to use less fuel than their naturally aspirated cousins. Forced induction includes any type of turbocharger or supercharger that forces air into the combustion chamber.

TIP NUMBER 40: Constantly investigate to find out new ways to improve fuel economy.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

And SOME MORE TIPS:

TIP NUMBER 41: Rough asphalt increases tyre losses by ~ 7% compared to smooth asphalt.

TIP NUMBER 42: Do not change gears excessively. Use brakes to slow down.

TIP NUMBER 43: Low gears shifted at low revs give max torque. Higher gears at higher revs give max power. So use torque or power depending on the need.

TIP NUMBER 44: Changing to small diameter drive tyres increases engine RPM but may disturb fuel economy.

TIP NUMBER 45: Share your car with family members or friends. If 5 people are going to the same destination, it is sensible to use just one car rather than more.

When to change gear in a manual/stick shift car. Changing gears tips. Learning to drive.

by Posted in Blogging

When to change gears in a manual / stick shift car http://www.driving-school-beckenham.c…

Learning to drive in a manual car? Want to know when to change gears in a stick shift? This video might help. When to change gear in a manual car can start off being a bit tricky. The best way to know when to change up gears in a stick shift is when the engine sound is louder and it sounds like it’s working too hard. When to change down gears is once you’ve slowed down, the engine starts to struggle and it makes a lower sound or when you stop and need to go again (always move off in 1st gear).

How to change gears (palming method) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFP7k…

How to change gears in a manual/stick shift car:
You would have to come off gas, press down the clutch, change gears, release the clutch gently and then back on gas.

When to change down gears in a manual car:
You would have to change down gears once you have slowed down and then you’d have to change to a gear that matched your speed. You can also block gear change, for example 3rd to 1st. It basically means skipping gears. It is possible to do this changing up gears too but is less commonly used.

When to change up gears in a manual car:
Speed up first and build up momentum and then you can change gears. Be careful not to over rev your car. If you’re going uphill or you have extra weight in your car then make sure that you speed up a little extra first before changing up gears.

You can stop in any gear, but if you want to move off again then make sure that you’re in 1st gear or the car could stall and switch off.

Make sure that you’re in the correct gear for what you’re approaching. If you’re about to turn or go onto a roundabout then slow down and change down gears before.

Low gears are best for steep hills as they have the most power. If you’re driving uphill then make sure that you speed up and build up momentum before changing up gears or the car will slow down and possibly stall.

Please note that every car is different. Listen to the sound it makes and you will get used to when to change gears.

Please subscribe for our latest videos and give us a thumbs up like if this video has helped you as it helps us to make more videos.

If you’re learning to drive then make sure that you get professional help from a fully qualified driving instructor. Videos can’t compare to real life driving experience in a safe environment.

World Driving copyright 2015 ©

Top 10 Ways to Beat a Car Dealer | Auto Expert John Cadogan | Australia

by Posted in Blogging

Here are the updated top 10 tips for beating a car dealer and buying a cheap new car without getting ripped off. It’s how you can fight back, and organise a much better deal on basically any new car.
Buying a car is not fun. Everyone on the other team is match fit, and systematically incentivised to rip you off – if you let them. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s how to recognise the car dealer’s tricks and sidestep the traps.
Let’s focus on the car you want. It might not look like a commodity, but that’s exactly what it is. There’s no qualitative difference between the car you want at Dealership A and the same car at Dealership B. They came out of the same factory. Their mothers can’t tell them apart. The dealership doesn’t change them in any way, or add intrinsic value. The dealership is actually just a fancy vending machine.
When you’re buying a commodity, the only factor that matters is the price. Lowest price wins. That’s what you need to deliver. For more advice, fill in the contact form on the right at www.autoexpert.com.au – I’ll help you see just how low the price on your new car really goes. I’ll also show you how to put your trade-in out to tender and arrive at the highest possible price, if you lack the time or the inclination to sell your old car privately.
Buying a car is not an uplifting experience. It should be, but it’s not. It’s challenging, stressful and generally fairly unpleasant. But it doesn’t have to be a rip-off. You absolutely can drive away in a cheap new car without being absolutely violated by a car dealer. Especially now.

10 Tips For New Drivers

by Posted in Blogging

For any info, you can contact me at: instructeurdeconduite@gmail.com

Here’s a video with some cool driving tips for new and not so new drivers, and some of the most frequently asked questions during driving lessons. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions for videos etc., don’t hesitate leave them in the comments.

Note: While I try to make my videos as universal as possible, rules and laws may vary according to the place where you’re driving and might be different from the ones in this video. Always drive according to the laws and rules that apply to the place where you are driving. Requirements at the driving exam may also be different than the ones shown here. Always respect the requirements that apply to the place where you are passing your driving exam. This video is not meant to replace your official driving courses.

Clean Car Hacks & Organizing Tips

by Posted in Blogging

My car was getting seriously gross! I’d love to say my house & car and life are always perfectly organized and spotless, but even more so after having my son, it’s just NOT the case. You do the best you can, and honestly, thats what matters anyway. =) It’s more about enjoying your life instead of worrying how clean & tidy things are. With that said, I do enjoy when I get a chance to set aside time and organize. It honestly relieves a bit of stress & makes me feel so much more productive. haha I also love that some of you feel inspired by it too.. Thanks for watching!

How to unlock your car in 30 seconds

by Posted in Blogging

Have you locked yourself out of your car?? No problem, You need just a shoe lace and handy fingers! Pull your shoelace out of your shoe. In the middle of the lace, make a small noose knot that can get tighter as you pull on both ends. Hold your shoelace gently from both ends, and fit it over the closed door in the crack between the door and the car’s frame. Pull the shoelace down and try to get the loop around the car’s lock. One the loop is around the lock, pull on both ends to tighten the noose. Once the loop is secure, pull the shoelace up from both ends. The lock will be pull the lock up, allowing you access to your car.

Fuel saving tips from Ford

by Posted in Blogging, Featured

You may think that your vehicle’s fuel economy is set, based on its combined MPG rating.

But did you know that how you drive, as well as how you maintain your vehicle, can make a big difference in your vehicle’s fuel consumption?

Use the following tips to help maximize your fuel economy:

FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

Drive smoothly (up to 33%)
Aggressive driving wastes fuel—especially while driving at highway speeds. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can also prolong the life of your brakes and tires.

Slow down (up to 25%)
Speeding wastes lots of fuel. Your fuel mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. That equates to paying an additional 26 cents per gallon for every 5 mph above 50 that you drive.

Only use A/C on the highway (up to 15%)
Your fuel economy drops when you use the air conditioner at low speeds—by up to 15%. So if it isn’t too hot, turn off the A/C around town, and roll down your windows instead. However, at 55 mph or higher, using the A/C is preferable to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine makes more power at higher revs, it’s able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.

Remove the rooftop carrier (up to 5%)
Your vehicle was designed for good aerodynamics—but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. So if you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle, or attached to the rear. Washing and waxing your vehicle can actually lower wind resistance too.

Remove excess weight (up to 4% for every 100 pounds)
Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your trunk or back seat can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. To travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.

Keep the convertible top up (up to 4%)
As much fun as your convertible is, you should put the top up during highway trips. You’ll have less wind resistance, less turbulence, and a better hairdo.

Keep the windows and sunroof closed (up to 4%)
Take advantage of mild weather by leaving the A/C off, using vent air, and keeping the windows and sunroof closed. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.

Use cruise control
Activating your cruise helps you save fuel in two ways: It keeps you from mindlessly driving at faster—and less fuel-efficient—speeds. And it maintains a constant speed, and won’t use additional fuel while accelerating.

Note that many modern vehicles will let you monitor your miles per gallon while you’re driving. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it’s at or below the legal limit.

Stay in gear when stopping
While shifting into Neutral and coasting to a stop sounds like it would save fuel, the opposite is true: Many modern fuel-injected vehicles go into a “fuel cutoff” mode when the engine senses that the vehicle is in gear, the rpm is above idle, and the throttle is closed. Shifting to Neutral may cancel that mode, so keep it in gear.

Turn off the engine while waiting
If your non-hybrid vehicle is safely parked, and will be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. This is even more effective if your vehicle is powered by a large 6- or 8-cylinder engine, as they typically will waste more fuel at idle than smaller engines.

Combine trips
Your engine is more efficient when it’s warmed up. Many short trips that start with a cool engine will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.

FUEL-EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE TIPS

Keep your engine tuned (up to 40%)
Fixing a vehicle that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve fuel mileage by an average of 4%. But here’s the real bonus—replacing a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve your mileage by as much as 40%.

Keep your tires properly inflated (up to 4%)
Properly inflated tires are safer, handle better, last longer, and get better fuel economy. The operating vehicle tire inflation pressure can be found on a Certification Decal or Tire Decal, usually located on the driver’s door, a door pillar, or the glove box. But don’t exceed the operating tire pressure either, because overinflated tires can cause problems as well.

Use the recommended grade of motor oil (up to 2%)
Following the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in your Owner’s Guide will keep your engine’s lubrication system as efficient as possible. Using the wrong grade of oil can drop your fuel economy by up to 2%.

All the little things can add up (up to 25% combined)
The technicians at your local Ford dealership are trained to optimize your fuel economy. Along with the above-mentioned maintenance, they can change worn fuel filters and spark plugs, perform wheel alignments, and inspect your exhaust and emissions systems. Together, all of these vehicle maintenance procedures can improve your mileage by up to 25%. 

FUEL-EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE TIPS

Tighten the fuel cap
Your fuel tank needs both fuel and fumes for your engine to work most efficiently. So if your vehicle has a fuel cap, make sure to tighten it all the way after every fill-up. Many modern vehicles will turn on the check engine light if they detect a bad seal at the fuel cap.

Use the correct octane
Your vehicle operates most efficiently on the recommended fuel octane listed in your Owner’s Guide. Always use the recommended octane; using a higher octane than called for is usually more expensive, and most vehicles won’t benefit from it.

Sources: www.fueleconomy.gov, www.epa.gov, www.drivingskillsforlife.com. 

DOES YOUR ENGINE NEED SERVICE?

Keeping your engine in top shape will help it run better, last longer, and may use less fuel. So if you see any of the following symptoms, schedule a service appointment with your local Ford dealership immediately:

  • The dashboard engine icon doesn’t light up when you start the vehicle
  • The dashboard engine icon lights up and doesn’t turn off after the engine starts
  • You experience hard starting, or rough idling and driving
  • You smell fuel when the engine is running
  • You see fluids leaking from the engine
  • You see visible damage to engine components
  • You hear loud engine noises
  • You see smoke coming from under the hood

Source: https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/vehicle-features/energy-efficiency-and-fueling/fuel-saving-tips-from-ford.html

Vehicle Cleaning Tips

by Posted in Blogging

It’s amazing how fast your vehicle can get dirty.

But returning your pride and joy to showroom condition is easy—all it takes is some cleaning products, a nice day, and a little elbow grease.

And when you consider the cost of having it professionally detailed, cleaning your own vehicle can save you money, too.

Car care products

Locate or buy the following car care products before starting this project

    • For cleaning the interior, you may need: a car vacuum cleaner with brush and crevice attachments, cotton swabs, plastic and vinyl cleaner, cloth cleaner, leather cleaner, spot and stain remover, and microfiber or paper towels.
  • For cleaning the exterior, you may need: detailing spray, bug and tar remover, car wash, clay bar, wax, ammonia-free glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, lambswool wash mitt, microfiber drying towels 
and polishing cloths, microfiber or foam wax applicators, large nylon- or natural-bristle brush, small detail brush, wash bucket, water hose, and optional pre-wax cleaner, scratch remover, and
 sealer/glaze.

Cleaning the interior

Vacuum
Start by vacuuming the carpet, the seats, and the dash and package shelf. A vacuum attachment with a brush helps dislodge stubborn dirt; a narrow crevice attachment will clean hard-to-reach spots like under the seats.

Clean cloth seats
Clean cloth seats with a dedicated cloth cleaner: Spread it around with a sponge, and let it sit. Once dry, vacuum. Any leftover cleaner can be removed with a clean towel.

Clean and condition leather
Help remove stains and grime from leather surfaces with a quality leather cleaner, a clean towel, and light pressure. Be cautious not to rub too hard, as it may remove the dye.

Tips for trim pieces
Shine up your interior trim pieces with a plastic and vinyl cleaner. Use it with a clean towel and a little elbow grease to help remove set-in grime. Most cleaners also have the added benefit of long-term protection once they soak in. Clean hard-to-reach crevices with cotton swabs, which work well for the instrument cluster, emblems, switches, air vents, audio system, and dash.

Remove carpet stains
Treat carpet and upholstery stains with a stain lifter like Motorcraft® Professional Strength Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, or Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover. Let it soak for a few minutes, and scrub spots with a plastic-bristle brush. Wipe clean with a new cloth, then vacuum again. Repeat the process on stubborn stains.

Cleaning the exterior

Inspect your paint
First, go over your entire vehicle and find trouble spots: contaminants like bird droppings, tar, and tree sap, as well as scratches, swirls, and chips. Pretreat any soft contaminants with detailing spray; use Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover on hardened tar or bugs.

Hand wash only
Park your vehicle in the shade, then wash it with a bucket of Motorcraft Detail Wash and a lambswool wash mitt. Always wash from the top of the vehicle down. A nylon- or natural-bristle brush will help get dirt out of the tire sidewalls.

Rinse and dry
Next, rinse the vehicle by flooding it with a garden hose from the top down—this “pulls” the water off in large sheets. Dry the vehicle from the top down with microfiber drying towels. Dry the windows first, then move on to the paint. Always dry the vehicle in the shade, and be sure to get it dry before water spots form.

Remove contaminants with clay
Place your hand on the vehicle’s hood, and gently slide your fingers up and down the hood. You’ll be able to “feel” the contaminants on your fingertips—they feel like little bumps on the surface. If your paint is new and the surface feels completely smooth, you can skip to the next part.

If you feel contaminants, remove them by using a clay bar: Flatten the clay bar so it fits in your hand, and grab your detailing spray in the other hand. Then spray detailer on one panel to lubricate the clay, and gently rub the flattened clay back and forth over the entire paint surface. Do one panel at a time. When dry, repeat the fingertip test—the paint should now be clean.

Add wax
You should always wax the vehicle after using a clay bar. There are two ways to wax: If your paint has lots of swirls and scratches, it will need a multistage system that uses separate applications of scratch remover, cleaners, and a glaze, in addition to wax. If your paint is new and/or in good shape, you’ll need only wax.

Put a small amount of wax onto a microfiber or foam applicator pad. Put the applicator on a top panel like the roof or hood, and, using a circular motion, apply the wax to a couple of panels at a time. Dried wax should show only a light haze—bright white means you’re using too much.

Remove the dried wax using microfiber or all-cotton cloths. Be sure to turn the cloths over often, so the wax doesn’t load up on them. When you are done, use a clean cloth to do a final pass over the paint, and remove any wax lodged in tight areas like emblems and spaces between body panels.

Clear up windows and mirrors
Clean your exterior and interior windows and mirrors by spraying an ammonia-free cleaner onto a lint-free or microfiber towel. Ammonia-free cleaners smell better, won’t streak, won’t damage window tint, and won’t damage your interior if you overspray. If you see any hard water spots on your windows or windshield, a good chrome polish can remove them.

Cleaning convertible tops

  • For cloth tops, wash with a high-quality, convertible top cleaner and protectant.
  • Do not use stiff bristle brushes, abrasive materials, or cleaners.
  • For top material that shows lint (e.g., Cottonwood tree seeds), use a lint roller vacuum attachment with a soft bristle brush.
  • Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can make cloth material cleaning-resistant.
  • Sending convertible top and windows through high water pressure or wand-type car washes may cause water leaks and weather strip damage.
  • Do not fold convertible top when wet, as it may cause mold and mildew, as well as wear and discoloration of cloth material.

Choosing the right wheel cleaner

Before buying a wheel cleaner, check your owner’s manual to find out which kind of wheels you have.
Wheels can be:

  • Painted, anodized, and clear-coated aluminum (many factory wheels)
  • Polished aluminum
  • Polished magnesium
  • Chrome

When you know your wheel type, you can choose an appropriate cleaner: Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner is great for factory clear-coated wheels, a chrome wheel cleaner works for chrome wheels, and there are polishes for uncoated aluminum and magnesium wheels.

To clean your wheels, wash them with soapy water, then rinse. Attack brake dust and grime with your spray-on or paste wheel cleaner, and always remove it quickly by either hosing off the spray cleaner with water, or wiping the paste residue off with a clean cotton towel. Repeat when necessary, and then do a final wipe with a clean towel to ensure that the cleaner has been completely removed.

Source: https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/vehicle-care/vehicle-cleaning-tips.html?fmccmp=myfordmag-site-MFPR0915LIF

Bucket Seat Covering Tips and Tricks Classic Car Ford Mustang Cougar Episode 186 Autorestomod

by Posted in Blogging

Bucket Seat Covering Tips and Tricks Classic Car Episode 186 Autorestomod

We repair a worn seat bun and save the base upholstery cover for re-use in the 1967 Mustang. Our tips work on most any bucket seat base. We use seat buns from National Parts Depot and hog rings and hog ring pliers from Eastwood..

Home page: http://www.autorestomod.com/ Rate, ask questions, we are very good about responding!

Thanks for watching!