Author: Gova

We are now in the middle of winter and as you already know, the roads will be snowy and icy. This will certainly not make driving easier and may even put you in danger. But this is not the case for everyone! There are indeed certain categories of cars that are well equipped to face winter conditions. This can be seen in their motorization as well as in their design in general. In this section, we will draw up for you a small selection of the best winter cars for safe driving.

2015 Subaru Forester

Subaru’s models are generally known for their driving comfort in all weather conditions. On the 2015 Forester, this is very noticeable! It is a constant-drive all-wheel-drive car that is very popular for its versatility and sportiness. With this model, you can travel snowy and icy roads with pleasure and without worry! However, this does not prevent us from being cautious.

2015 Jeep Cherokee

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee is best known for its rather bold look. So, right off the bat, we can say that it is not afraid of the harsh winter driving conditions. This model confirms it again with its impressive road handling and its exceptional performance on snowy roads. In short, this is one of the best winter cars of our time!

2015 Tesla S P85D

It is a 100% electric vehicle that will not leave you indifferent. From design to performance, the 2015 Tesla S P85D has absolutely everything to appeal! In addition to its elegant appearance, it has two electric motors under the hood and is also equipped with all-wheel drive. So you can’t complain about performance! This car will help you get through the winter safely. With the added benefit of optimized comfort due to remarkable road holding.

2015 Ford Fusion all-wheel drive

If you’re looking for a car with both performance and style to get you through the harsh winter weather, the 2015 Ford Fusion is sure to satisfy. With its sleek and stylish lines, this mid-size sedan will win you over at first glance! Even better, since it is available with all-wheel drive (SE and Titanium models), excellent performance will be assured and driving will be a pleasure during winter.

Each year, an election is organized to select the most beautiful car of the year. For 2016, the competition has already started for a few days and as usual, 7 cars of different brands are in the running. At the moment, we are in the quarter-finals and one of the 7 cars presented has already been eliminated in the round of 16. And no surprise, it is the Citroën C3.

The Citroën C3, eliminated in the first round

The votes for the most beautiful car of the year started a few days ago, more precisely on December 08. At the end of the first results of the elections, the Citroën C3 is the one that was eliminated among the 7 cars that were presented. This elimination does not really surprise us since the bar was set higher for this year. Indeed, the 6 other competitors alongside the French sedan are rather well armed. These include the Peugeot 3008, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Volvo V90, the Mercedes GLC Coupe, the new Renault Scenic and the Fiat 124 Spider. In short, the Citroën C3 had very little chance and it should already be happy to have been part of the selection.

The result in early February 2017

To know the most beautiful car of the year 2016, we will have to wait a few more weeks. Indeed, the result will be announced on February^1, 2017. In the meantime, the remaining 6 cars will still have to compete in the quarter-final (which is happening right now), the semi-final (from 30/12/2016 to 08/01/2017) and the final (09/01/2017 to 22/01/2017). One car will be eliminated in each phase. And as for next year, the announcement of the final result will be made during the International Automobile Festival to be held at the Hôtel des Invalides in early February 2017.

It is worth mentioning here that voting is open to everyone. Moreover, a draw is also organized during the final and the winner will get a car of the winning manufacturer worth 30 000 euros. To participate in the election, you just have to go to the official website of the Automobile Festival.

Lately, the electronics and mobile industries seem to be very interested in the automotive sector. Indeed, after Google and Apple, it’s now BlackBerry’ s turn to express its intention to start designing autonomous cars. A decision that is surprising at first sight, since nothing indicated before that the Canadian company was going to get involved in such a delicate field, that even the two Internet giants (Google and Apple) have abandoned recently.

An investment of 70 million euros

BlackBerry is really willing to pay a huge amount of money for the development of its driverless autonomous car project. The company intends to invest 70 million euros in this project. The sum is certainly not as large as that committed by Google and Apple for their project. However, it is already significant for a company that has just gone through rather dark periods in terms of sales of its mobile devices. The money in question will be allocated to the construction of a research center for the development of autonomous vehicles and the technologies that go with them. Basically, the product that will come out of it will certainly remain the same as the one already developed by the precursors. In other words, we will have a car equipped with sensors that will be able to drive itself.

Ford and Lincoln vehicles for testing

In order to carry out its project, BlackBerry intends to use modified Lincoln and Ford vehicles. Here, the idea is not to radically change these test cars. Rather, it will be a matter of integrating certain hardware and software that will allow them to be autonomous. Work should already be in its early stages at this time and testing should take place soon. As for the latter, BlackBerry has already obtained authorization from the Ontario government to test these future products on public roads. It is therefore clear that the course will be easy for the Canadian group. However, like all those who had passed before him, there will also be difficulties along the way. At least, let’s hope that it will be able to surpass them and that we will soon see a BlackBerry autonomous car on the market.

Winter is fast approaching! If this pleases many of us as this season heralds the arrival of Christmas and the end of year celebrations, this is not the case for our car. Indeed, the cold and snow can create malfunctions and put the vehicle in breakdown. But also, the snow that piles up on your roof can be a source of danger for other motorists. That’s why, every time it snows, it’s important to remove the snow from your car. For this, there are several techniques. And in this section, we will describe one of them with the different steps to follow.

Step 1: De-icing the windows

This is the first thing you need to do. To de-ice your car windows, you need a scraper. Use it to remove the ice that accumulates on all your windows. Here you can use everything you need to deglaze properly. However, avoid using hot water. Since the temperature is unstable, it could break your window panes.

Step 2: Clear the wipers

To keep your wipers from freezing to the windshield, try to get them off of there. Make sure there is enough space between the two when you are not using your vehicle. And if they are ever frozen, never use them or you will damage your car’s engine.

Step 3: Remove snow from the hood and rear of the vehicle

Before driving, make sure your hood and the back of your car are clear of snow. Otherwise, your vehicle will feel heavier and may use more gas than it needs. Besides, if there is too much snow, leaving it on the hood can also disturb your vision and cause accidents, especially since the road is already slippery.

Step 4: Snow and ice removal from headlights

Headlights are essential for better vision and also for communication between motorists using the same road. Therefore, never leave the slightest trace of snow or ice on it. This can only disrupt your driving. But it is also dangerous for others.

Step 5: Clear the space around the tires

The areas around the tires are also places where ice and snow can be found. In order not to wear out your tires quickly and cause an accident, it is essential to clear the space around them.

In short, if you want to drive safely in winter, we strongly advise you to follow these steps and clear your car of snow. Of course, you’ll need some tools for this. And the most important thing is the snow broom. Never leave it behind wherever you go.

Sometimes, certain odors in your vehicle can be unbearable. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they don’t help you concentrate and in some (rare) cases can even cause an accident. In this article, we offer you some tips to help you get rid of car odors and drive peacefully and pleasantly.

Encourage ventilation

To fight car odors, there is nothing better than natural air. So the first thing you should do if you want to eliminate them is to improve the ventilation in your car. All you have to do is open all the windows in your car. However, if necessary, don’t hesitate to leave the doors open for a few minutes or hours.

Do a good interior cleaning when needed

If the interior of your car smells bad, it’s most often due to food and drink stains that have been left behind. These are often attached to the interior of the vehicle or to the seats. In order not to be suffocated by these undesirable car smells, it would be best to clean the interior well every time you need to. It will also help you keep it clean.

Apply baking soda

Strong gasoline odors are affecting the interior environment of your vehicle? This is certainly very disturbing! However, there is an effective solution to get rid of it. Just get some baking soda and sprinkle it well on seats, carpets and also the floor. Then wait a few hours, or even overnight, before vacuuming up the remaining powder. If the smell still doesn’t go away, then the best thing to do is to go to a professional cleaner.

Use scented products

Finally, if the smell of your vehicle is not to your liking, it is possible to change it. For this, you have the choice between different types of car fragrance products. Choose the one that makes you feel most comfortable and use it in your car. However, before applying, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Many players have been involved in autonomous car manufacturing projects for a few years now. Among those who have been the most talked about, we will mention first Google and its Google Car and also Apple and its Titan project. If the latter has recently abandoned his project, it seems that the firm of Mountain View has also followed its path. Indeed, if we are to believe the information shared by the newspaper The Information, Google would have the intention to put an end to its autonomous car project in order to launch another project.

A new business of autonomous cabs?

Google has been focusing on its autonomous car project for several years and has spent a lot of money on it. However, the results do not seem to be up to his expectations. This would have led the Mountain View giant to turn to other projects that would be less expensive and more lucrative. More precisely, we are talking about an autonomous cab business. Indeed, The Information reported that Larry Page, the CEO of Google, would now intend to create a fleet of self-driving cabs for the year 2017. These would be developed in collaboration with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and, as their name clearly indicates, they will be able to drive themselves, without the help of a driver.

An arrival on the roads for 2018

Although the Google Car project has been abandoned, the years the firm spent on its design and development will not be lost. On the contrary, all the technologies that have been developed on this occasion will be assembled in a database for a shared project. As mentioned above, they will be used in the autonomous cab project that the Silicon Valley giant is currently designing and preparing. At the moment, there is not enough information available regarding the evolution of this project. However, these autonomous cabs would be in the process of being manufactured in the Google factory located in Detroit. In particular, their arrival is planned for the year 2018, but nothing is certain yet.

Planning a winter vacation? This is a great idea! However, if you are going by car, certain precautions should be taken. Indeed, as the road will be snowy and icy, it will be necessary to prepare your vehicle well so that the trip can take place in comfort and safety. Here are some tips that will help you do that.

Check your car carefully

Before you hit the road, it’s important to do a few checks on your car. There are several points to consider for this. First of all, there is the battery, the ignition, heating, defrosting and cooling systems and any other element essential to the proper functioning of the vehicle. When it’s freezing, don’t forget to check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Make sure everything is in order before you leave and make sure your gas tank is always full so that you are not caught unprepared in remote areas. Finally, before you leave, you should also make sure you have all your accessories with you (squeegee, broom, de-icing products, cloth, etc.).

Equip your vehicle with winter tires

When it’s winter, you should never forget to equip your car with winter tires. It is indeed essential for your safety. As soon as the temperature drops below 7°C, it is important to mount special tires on your vehicle. Moreover, this will be mandatory if you plan to go to Germany or Switzerland. In this case, you will have to equip yourself with snow tires. These provide better grip on snow and therefore guarantee a more stable and comfortable ride. Winter tires also have treads that help evacuate water and slush. This increases the resistance to aquaplaning and allows for a safe driving experience.

Also, in case there is a lot of snow, it may be necessary to have chains or socks. These accessories wrap around the wheel and provide a safer ride.

Clear your car of snow

So that you can drive with a clear vision, never forget to remove the snow from your car. Do this every time you see snow on your windshield. Besides, you won’t need any specific tools for that. A strong cardboard box will do very well. Do the same for the snow that piles up on your hood or on the roof of your car. If it doesn’t bother you, a pile of snow on your roof can still cause problems for other vehicles following you. Also, if you notice frost accompanying the snow, it will be essential to scrape them off. In order to make it more effective, you can put the car’s de-icing system into action.

Adapt your driving

Last but not least, you will also need to adjust the way you drive. Follow the safety tips carefully and drive slower than usual. Also, make sure you have as much visibility as possible and respect the safety distances. All of this will help you avoid accidents and drive safely.

It looks like the annual road death toll will finally turn into the green. Indeed, once again, the number of fatalities due to road accidents has decreased. This is quite encouraging as the statistics were previously quite worrying. However, this does not mean that the root of the problem is really solved. While the death rate on the roads is decreasing, this is not the case for injuries.

13.2% drop in road fatality rate

The traffic fatality rate dropped again in the month of November 2016. While 296 people died on the road during the same period last year, that number has dropped to 257 people. This resulted in a 13.2% decrease. Of course, the drop is not really significant. However, it is enough to help us have a more positive balance sheet. Indeed, a steady decline has been noted since January^1, 2016. In total, there were 3,139 road deaths in the first 11 months of this year. This corresponds to a decrease of about 0.5% in one year and will therefore allow us to have a balance sheet in the green. We will only have to wait for the results of this last month of the year to know for sure.

New radar to protect pedestrians

While the figures seem quite encouraging for road accidents, this does not seem to be the case for pedestrians. According to the Observatoire National Interministériel à la Sécurité Routière (ONISR), the pedestrian death rate increased by 16% during 2016. This number is so alarming that the state is considering using a new radar at the crossings. The radar in question consists of the use of a set of cameras to better punish all drivers who tend not to give priority to pedestrians.

For the moment, this radar is already tested in the south of France. However, a deployment in all the cities of France should be planned in the months to come, starting with the North of France which should be equipped from next month. In detail, the radar detects motorists who do not respect the right of way and transmits it by telephone network to an agent who will be in charge of punishing the offender.

Are you looking for a utility vehicle for your work needs? As you already know, there are hundreds of models on the market. The choice will not be easy! That’s why it’s important to look at certain criteria before choosing the right model for you. In order to help you, we offer you in this section some advices to choose your commercial vehicle.

A utility vehicle for what needs?

This is the first criterion you should consider when making your choice. First of all, you need to ask yourself what you are going to use your commercial vehicle for. Will you use it to transport people? Or would you rather use it to transport goods and materials of all kinds? In the latter case, you will still need to determine what types of products are involved. This will allow you to refine your search and find the model of utility vehicle best suited to your needs. Finally, you should also make your choice according to the area (rural or urban) in which you will use it.

Which model to choose?

When it comes to choosing, you may be faced with different models, each one corresponding to your needs. The choice can then be even more difficult. However, you can still add other criteria. If you like more economical models, choose the one that consumes the least fuel while delivering the same performance. You can find several of these models at Renault or Mercedes. Just browse through the catalogs and choose the commercial vehicle that best suits your needs. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the options offered by each model. They are often key indicators of the level of comfort provided by a car.

However, if you have more specific needs, you can also note them in your specifications and find a specialist to carry out the interior design. Finally, don’t forget to compare prices in order to find your cheapest utility vehicle.

The automotive industry is one of the most interesting sectors for developers today. Applications dedicated to cars are becoming more and more numerous on download platforms (App Store, Google Play Store, etc.). And faced with this diversity, one is spoilt for choice. That’s why, in this article, we make a small selection of the best car applications of the moment.

Waze GPS social

Waze presents itself as the social network for drivers. Indeed, like Facebook or Twitter, this mobile navigation application allows the sharing and exchange of information between drivers. It focuses on traffic and therefore offers its users the possibility of knowing the situation of roads in their surroundings. This not only saves them time and gas, but also avoids fines. Waze GPS is available for both iOS and Android.

GazoilNow

As its name clearly implies, GazoilNow is a mobile application that allows you to quickly find a gas station. It is especially useful when you are on the road and your vehicle suddenly runs out of gas. In this case, the application shows you the gas stations that are closest to you, but also those with the best prices. This application is also available in iOS and Android versions.

ChargeMap

You have an electric car and you are short of charges? Don’t panic! ChargeMap can help you. This mobile application will tell you where you can find charging stations quickly. But that’s not all! ChargeMap also tells you everything about the opening hours and the paths to follow to reach the charging stations. If you are interested in this application, you can download it at this address for iOS devices and at this address for Android devices.

Find My Car Smarter

You are in a place where you are not used to go and you can’t find where to park? This is certainly a very inconvenient situation! However, there is a solution and it is quite accessible. Simply download Find My Car Smarter and install it on your smartphone. It will quickly show you a parking lot or a car park where you can park.

Trip Advisor

Finally, this application should certainly be familiar to you. Trip Advisor is the tool you need when you travel and want to find a hotel to stay in or a restaurant to eat at. The application will show you in a few seconds the closest establishment to you and will also inform you about the services and benefits available.

As the end of the year approaches, the Officiel du Taxi has just revealed the name of the car that deserves to be named cab of the moment. Now the verdict is in and for this year 2016, the “cab of the year” is therefore the Mercedes E-Class for France. In fact, this is not really a surprise to anyone anymore. This beautiful German sedan has been the talk of the town among cab drivers this year. It is therefore only natural that it should take first place and dethrone the Renault Espace, which held this title last year. However, we would like to see cab or vtc driving a high performance lamborghini urus 2023.

A clear victory

Although the result of the election was not yet revealed, everyone already knew that the award would go to the Mercedes E-Class. Indeed, it had everything to get it! It is the newest grand tourer in the segment. It also has many assets that seduced the jury, which was composed of various actors of the cab world, journalists and readers. The selection criteria are numerous and design, power and comfort were among them. All of these points are among the main strengths of Mercedes and its E-Class sedan.

A “most beautiful cab” award for the Renault Talisman

The “Taxi of the Year” is certainly the most beautiful prize that can be obtained from this contest organized by the “Officiel du Taxi”. However, it is not the only one! Other prizes were also awarded. One example is the “design prize”, which this time was awarded to the Renault Talisman. It thus became the most beautiful cab in France for the year 2016/2017. There is also the price of the cab with better “quality/price” ratio. This year’s award went to the Skoda Superb.

Planning to buy a new car? This is a very good project! However, before jumping in, it is important to think carefully and make wise decisions. In this section, we offer practical advice to help you buy a car.

Establishing the budget

This is the first thing you need to do! Before choosing which car to buy, you should first establish the budget you have on hand and the one you are willing to invest in the purchase of the vehicle. Here, it is already necessary to include the different types of expenses you will have to deal with. These include the purchase price, insurance, registration, fuel, etc.

Determining the model of car to buy

Once you’ve established your budget, it’s time to think about the types and models of cars you can afford. Here, in addition to your tastes, it is also necessary to take into account your needs. For example, if you have children with you, a family car may be the best choice. Also, don’t forget to look at the features of the car you need (engine, transmission, etc.).

Store around

Now that you know what kind of car you want, all you have to do is find the store or dealership where you will buy it. To do this, don’t hesitate to take some time and store around. This will allow you to see for yourself the quality of the car you are about to buy and will also help you make a better decision.

Test the car

Once you’ve found the right car for you, don’t forget to test drive it. There are several elements to consider in order to know if it really suits you. Drive it and see how comfortable it is, check the acceleration and test the blind spots. The best thing would be to do the test in the city as well as on the highway. This way, you will have a more informed opinion about the car.

Proceed to purchase

Finally, once everything is in place, all that’s left is for you to proceed with the purchase of your new car. Ask for everything that is included in the price and don’t hesitate to negotiate to get your car for less.

A few weeks ago, the German car manufacturer Volkswagen unveiled a new SUV. Named Atlas, this large 7-seater SUV was initially announced only for the American market. However, this may not be the case after all! Indeed, it is very likely that the new Volkswagen Atlas will be marketed in Europe. However, only a few countries in the Old Continent will be able to find it on their soil.

Limited availability

While this news is pleasing to many of us, we shouldn’t jump for joy too soon. If we are to believe the statements of Volkswagen’s head of large cars, the Wolfsburg-based company is currently considering selling its new Atlas vehicle outside the United States. European countries would be among those who would benefit from the offer, but not all. The project manager says that the new SUV is too big for most garages in Western Europe. It would rather be destined to Eastern European countries and more particularly to Russia where it would be of much more interest to car buyers. For the moment, nothing is really sure about this! It is not yet known if this Volkswagen will also arrive in our countries or if it will be reserved for the Eastern European market as explained by a company official.

The Volkswagen Atlas, a powerful SUV with a massive design

As a reminder, the Volkswagen Atlas is presented as the big brother of the Touareg. It has a classic design, but is nevertheless more massive compared to the other models of the brand. We can clearly see in it the Cross Blue concept that Volkswagen unveiled in 2013 and it adopts slightly larger dimensions than the Touareg (5.03 × 1.97 × 1.76 meters). In terms of power, there is nothing to complain about. The Volkswagen Atlas offers two types of engines from which buyers will have to choose: a 2L TSI four-cylinder with 238 hp and a 3.6L VR6 with 280 hp. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and are gasoline-powered.

Ford recently unveiled its new Focus. An opportunity for him to make some interesting announcements about the upcoming news. Indeed, in addition to the official announcement of the Ford Focus ^8th generation, the American carmaker also announced the upcoming arrival of its autonomous cars and its new Mustang in Europe.

A new Ford Focus

As mentioned above, Ford has just officially presented its new ^8th generation Focus. As expected, it comes with many new features that are sure to please. Among the most interesting are the arrival of the new Sync3 multimedia system (with touch screen), the integration of sign recognition, the presence of emergency braking assistance for blind spots, etc. Other new connected features are also on the agenda, all of which are designed to improve the user experience and optimize safety and driving comfort.

Autonomous Fords in Europe starting in 2017

In addition to the announcement of the new Focus, the company also talked about the upcoming arrival of autonomous Fords in Europe. Indeed, this American giant is going to put its new autonomous cars on European roads. However, at this point it will still only be a matter of testing. The date planned by the firm regarding the commercialization of its types of cars is still far away since it will not be possible before 2021.

Ford Mustang dedicated to the European market

Finally, European fans of the brand’s Mustang models will now be able to rejoice. Indeed, Ford is now preparing to launch two special Mustang series in Europe. At this time, it is not yet clear which models are involved. Nevertheless, all indications are that this is a special Shelby series. In short, only the future can tell us more about this and we still have to wait for more information to know for sure.

Electric cars are all the rage these days. Indeed, the various car manufacturers are gradually moving into this field and the products that are coming out are more and more numerous and diversified. In this article, we will present you the best electric cars available on the market today.

Tesla Model S

When talking about electric cars, it is impossible not to mention the name Tesla. This car manufacturer is one of the first brands to enter this sector and now has numerous models. Among the most popular is the Tesla Model S. This is a sedan that offers three battery capacities (70 kWh, 85 kWh and 90 kWh) and can provide up to 500 km of range on a single charge. The Tesla Model S has all-wheel drive and can go from 0 to 1001 km/h in just 3 seconds.

Renault ZOE

Although it is still quite young in this field, Renault also has a strong presence in the electric car market. With its ZOE model, this manufacturer has been able to impose its name on the market and seduce many French drivers. The Renault ZOE is a 5-seater city car with an electric engine (the R240). It is equipped with a 22 kWh rechargeable battery, which gives it an average range of 160 km on a single charge.

Nissan LEAF

It is currently the best-selling electric car in the world. Indeed, since its release in 2010, this compact sedan has already been sold in more than 20,000 units. It is equipped with a powerful 110 hp engine and is offered in two battery capacities (24 kWh and 30 kWh). For the one with a 24 kWh battery, the average range is announced at 160 km for a single charge. The model with a 30 kWh battery capacity offers an average range of 190 km on a single charge. That’s good enough for most drivers of our time for an electric vehicle.

Are you planning a little hike in the mountains? This is a great idea! Indeed, there is no better way to get away from it all and relax than to change the air a little. However, as climbing a mountain is not an easy thing to do, it is important to be well equipped. And for that, what is better than to offer a 4×4 ? An all-terrain car that can get you out of trouble no matter what the circumstances. Nevertheless, here again, you should not choose just any model. In order to make the right choice, it is advisable to be based on certain criteria and it is precisely that which we will speak to you about here.

The transmission

This is the first thing you need to consider before choosing this or that 4×4. In particular, you’ll have three main models to choose from: the 4×4 with interlocking all-wheel drive, the 4×4 with semi-permanent all-wheel drive and the 4×4 with permanent all-wheel drive. All three are certainly efficient and effective. However, if you want to benefit from better traction, the best option would be to opt for the model with permanent all-wheel drive. But in this case, you will have to be prepared to pay a lot for fuel.

Towing capacity

After the transmission, you will now have to look at the towing capacity of the 4×4. Indeed, if you go to the mountains for several days, it goes without saying that you will take with you some equipment and luggage. For this, you will need to choose a vehicle with good towing capacity. Generally, manufacturers display a towable weight limit. You just have to refer to it to find the model that meets your needs.

The tires

Last but not least, the choice of tires should not be taken lightly either. These are indeed the accessories on which your safety will essentially depend during your hike in the mountains. Here, the best option would be to opt for all-terrain tires. Also, it would be better to choose winter tires since mountain roads are often slippery and the slightest mistake can cause a terrible accident.

No matter what kind of car you have, it’s important to take care of it. Indeed, regular car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in good condition. There are different methods to do this and discover the essence of it in the following development.

Maintenance of the engine of your car

The engine is the heart of your car. It goes without saying that we take good care of him. To do this, you should start by regularly changing the oil in the engine. This will optimize its operation and provide better durability. Next, try to lubricate the various components of your vehicle’s engine so that they are free of impurities. To do this, choose the motor oil that best suits your engine and always make sure it is at the right level. Finally, don’t forget to change the spark plugs in your engine. It is best to do this about once every 3 years.

How to maintain your car tires

In addition to the engine, tires are also essential to the proper functioning of your car. So remember to change them as soon as they show signs of wear. This will ensure more safety and comfort while driving. However, as you probably already know, tires are changed in pairs, so both will need to be replaced even if one doesn’t look too worn out yet. In addition, in order to properly maintain your tires, it is important to regularly check their pressure. To find out the ideal pressure level, simply refer to your car’s service manual. Also, try to take care of your driving and avoid excessive braking, which causes premature wear of your tires.

Taking care of your bodywork

Last but not least, the bodywork must also be taken care of in the car maintenance. Of course, you won’t have to repaint it every time scratches show up. However, remember to use the cleaning service from time to time and avoid using products that are too corrosive and can gradually deteriorate the paint.

The automotive sector is nowadays pointed out as the one that pollutes the environment the most. The rate of CO2 emissions from all types of vehicles is particularly high. That’s why many manufacturers have nowadays decided to switch to hybrid or electric vehicles, which are known to be more environmentally friendly. This is the case of Toyota, for example, which recently announced its intention to invest in electric vehicles. And after it, it’s now Mazda’s turn to announce that it will also launch a plug-in hybrid within a few years.

A response to future environmental standards

Mazda’s decision to switch to hybrid and electric power is primarily to comply with future environmental standards. Indeed, new rules are currently being prepared for Europe, the United States and also some Asian countries like China. These future regulations are generally aimed at protecting the environment and impose certain requirements that will affect vehicles and more specifically their engines. In the particular case of Mazda, which remains the only one without hybrid or electric car models among all Japanese manufacturers, the transition will happen soon. The brand has finally decided to add an alternative to the solution of “righstizing” and propose in a few years cars with plug-in hybrid engines.

Launch of the first models in 2021

Mazda is already starting to develop its first plug-in hybrid models. However, these will not be available until the year 2021. A date that is nevertheless quite distant if we base ourselves on the time it took other manufacturers to switch to this technology. But if this Japanese firm has decided to take so much time for the development of its future cars, it is because it has its reasons.

Planning to buy a new car? Why not opt for a used car? This can be particularly advantageous for you. The only thing you will have to do is to check the essential points to avoid being trapped.

Why buy a used car?

Buying a used car can offer you many advantages. First of all, since these types of cars are cheaper to buy than a new model, you can get the most out of your money. For example, you can get a more luxurious car with better performance for less money. But that’s not all! By choosing a used car, you will also pay less for your car insurance. These types of vehicles are often subject to lower insurance premiums. This way, you can save a lot of money not only on the purchase, but also on your car insurance. Finally, contrary to what some people think, used cars usually come with a factory warranty, which can be transferred to the new owner as part of a bill of sale.

Things to check before buying a used car

You want to buy a used car? This is a great idea! However, in order not to get trapped, it is important to go through some checks before making the purchase. Here are the main points to consider for this:

• Vehicle documents: several documents should be checked here to see if everything is in order. This includes the technical inspection, the maintenance booklet, the manufacturer’s manual and the invoices.
• The exterior: even if the car seems impeccable at first glance, make sure you check the bodywork and the underside of the vehicle thoroughly to see if everything is in good condition. The most important things to check here are the paint, windows, seals and tires.
• The interior : after checking the exterior, it is also recommended to thoroughly examine the interior of the car. See for example if the meter is good. Also check if the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and don’t forget to check if the air conditioning still works properly. If necessary, do not hesitate to perform a test run.
• The engine : this is the vital organ of the car and its verification is essential. Here, several points should be checked, including motor noise, oil, speed and battery.

Finally, once you have checked everything, you will now have to take a test drive to judge the reliability of the vehicle. If the test is successful, then you can buy your used car.