Top 10 Best Engines

There’s no doubt, engines play a big role in automobiles. And it is one of the main concerns of all car aficionados and professionals around the world when buying a new vehicle, whether car, truck, or sport utility vehicle.

Knowing the best engines on the market can help us select the best ride for our needs. Of course, we want an engine that runs smoothly and provides optimum power and performance. So, below is a list of the top 10 best engines according to Ward’s Automotive Group. Actually, it’s an annual award that seeks the most outstanding automobile engine on the market.

The Ward’s top 10 best engines are the following:

• Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
• BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
• Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
• Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
• Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

10 Safety Tips When Driving on Snow

Christmas is yet to come. And as expected, we are now experiencing the cold of a winter season. Snow starts to fall and fill our environment. Snow does not only cause chilling weather but a freezing and snow-filled terrain as well.

And since roads are filled with snow, driving just about any type of car is a bit dangerous. Although sanding crews and snow plows are there to help along the way, it is still necessary for drivers to know the preventive measures. Therefore, it will be best to provide you some helpful winter driving tips to totally avoid the chances of collision:

1. Prepare for the best vehicle traction. To have sufficient tire support and snow traction, a tire requires at least 6/32’ deep tread. New passenger-car tires on the other hand usually have 10/32’ of tread for better traction.

2. Make sure you can always see the road ahead of you. Use windshield wiper blades. Always clean windows thoroughly especially on the inside. On the exterior part of it, apply a water-shedding material. Always make sure windshield washer system works to avoid any hassle.

3. Run the “Fresh Air” option on the air-conditioner. To avoid condensation and frost inside the windows and windshield, turn on air-conditioner and choose the fresh air option, defrost setting or the hot temperature option.

4. Check your lights at all times. Using headlights and taillights is always recommended whether it is winter or not. This makes sure that others will see you and vice versa. Make sure these lights are always clear of snow.

5. Always check the brake. It is better to check on the breaks before traveling. This gives you the best and safest road preparation especially in case of emergency.

6. Beware of "black ice". If the road looks slick, expect that it is icy and just drive slowly. Also known as “glare ice," black ice is nearly transparent ice that often looks harmless but is really slippery at all. Test your car traction by slightly turning the wheel or by a smooth brake application.

7. Keep in mind the dangerous road spots. Since the road you are heading is usually the same route you are traveling each day, memorize the tough spots so that you can avoid any hassles and prevent accidents to happen.

8. Avoid too much steering. Anything that is too much is harmful. So too much steering won’t help especially in icy conditions. It will just make the situation worse.

9. Rear-tire slides must be avoided. For the usual winter season dilemma, it is best to choose a car with electronic stability control. Also, ensure that the rear tires of your car have the same tread with the front tires. And to top it all, it is highly recommended to have spare tires at all times.

10. Don’t depend too much on technology. Although most cars were offered with so many features and whatsoever, it is not really cool to just depend on that. No matter how technical your car is and no matter how great you are as a driver, still you can’t drive as fast as you can. Might as well be careful, be alert and always keep an eye on the road.

As we may say, even if we have the best driving experience, we cannot simply underestimate the forces of nature. Still, safety precautions are needed to completely stay out of danger. And these valuable tips will certainly help you avoid any road troubles that may arise during snowy season.