4 Wheels World

Top 10 Best Engines

2008-12-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Best 2009 Model Pickup Trucks

2008-11-24T00:51:00.000-08:00

Whether you are planning to buy a pickup truck or just one of the many auto enthusiasts who crave for news and latest info about trucks, here’s an interesting article for you. The site, TheCarConnection.com, named the best 2009 model pickup trucks based on their analysis.

Below is the list of the best 2009 pickups in their respective category and the review from TheCarConnection.com.

Full-Size Pickups: 2009 Dodge Ram
The latest version of Dodge's full-size Ram is the company's best pickup truck yet. It's smart in the same way that the company's minivans are smart: every interior inch has been outfitted with storage bins, even under the back seats. The interior's also one of Dodge's finest efforts yet, a marked contrast to Chrysler's latest cabins. And of course, there's the big power of the Ram's available HEMI engine - which takes a toll on highway mileage but pours on the power to provide the Ram with great towing and hauling numbers. The biggest change for the 2009 model year, though, may be in the Ram's hugely improved ride, which isolated and cradles occupants better than even the GM trucks that TheCarConnection.com's editors preferred until recently. The 2009 Dodge Ram is the leader in the full-size pickup trucks--the best in class for a class that's growing stronger and more sophisticated with each passing year.

Mid-Size and Compact Pickups: Nissan Frontier

A repeat winner from our Best Bang for the Buck comparo, the Nissan Frontier does everything expected of a less-than-full-size truck. Its rugged styling wraps around a choice of regular and crew cabs, with rear-drive and four-wheel-drive underpinning a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. The V-6 Frontier is a grunty, powerful truck, and four-door Frontiers have good interior space to go with numerous bins and cubbies--and Nissan's flexible bed and cargo options stand out among the mid-size trucks. For those of us who don't live on a ranch, the 2008 Nissan Frontier is large enough to haul real people and cargo, but sized for the urban-congestion reality.

Sport-Utility Trucks: Cadillac Escalade EXT

TheCarConnection.com's other picks in pickup trucks are clear-cut--but when it comes to sport-utility trucks, there's a little more leeway to judge a vehicle's merits. This type of pickup includes everything from the HUMMER H2 SUT, to the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac, to the Best In Class, the Cadillac Escalade EXT. All these vehicles have SUV-style cabins and short pickup beds--but only the Cadillac has the superb V-8 drivetrain, refined handling and plush interior, not to mention an exhaust note that would make Challengers and Mustangs nod in appreciation, if they could. The Escalade EXT is silky and somewhat usable--though TheCarConnection.com's editors have their doubts about how often buyers will actually drop its Midgate and turn the rear seats into part of the pickup bed. Nonetheless, the 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT stands out as the world's only transforming luxury truck/SUV.

Take Care of Your Vehicle's Drivetrain or Powertrain

2008-11-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a very sensible advice from the Hot on the Wheels which we may do very well to heed and follow. It is indeed very important for us to maintain our vehicles and most especially take care of one of its most important component: the drivetrain or driving train.

One of the important steering components that you should look after is the drivetrain. As it is responsible in delivering driving inputs, it needs to be kept in good working conditions, both for ease and safety while driving. Its location in the engine compartment makes it very difficult to access. However, periodic checking is recommended to make sure that it will not cause any problem right at the engine bay. Drivetrains work in conjunction with gears and other steering and transmission components. Knowing this would give you a clear picture of the catastrophe that happens if ever the drivetrain rack starts wearing and fouling up steering mechanisms.

It is advised that every vehicle must be submitted periodically to a technician for some tuning up. This way, all the necessary maintenance jobs will be done on the drivetrain. Accessing the rack need some expert hands for it need some of the engine bay components to be removed. Proper greasing can be done by anybody but the toggling and reinstalling of the rack as well as other engine parts will require enough knowledge of the anatomy of the engine compartment. That is why the job is best left to a qualified service technician. This way, the maintenance of the drivetrain and drivetrain parts and components will be done the right way.

One you have noticed sluggish steering responses or noises when you turn the wheels left or right, you may already be experiencing a problematic drivetrain. Have it immediately checked so timely repairs can still save it from replacement. Should there be a need for replacement, there’s no need to worry. Internet automotive shops make it easier for you to find used or new drivetrain replacements, whatever serves your budget best.

Would You Consider Fender Flares for Your Car?

2008-11-05T03:04:00.000-08:00

Would you consider this? Here is Noelle Evans of Hot on the Wheels Blog take on this:

I am not expert but I know functionality and style when I see one in car accessories. As simple as car accessories, my instincts have never failed me yet. Whenever I look for new car accessories that are practical, I have learned to do my research so I will get my money’s worth in such indulgence. My classic example of such incident was when I decided to treat my car for stylish fender flares. These are the accessories that are fitted along the factory fenders of your car, extending the panels’ covered or protected area.

Adding up fender flares to your vehicle will surely spruce up its appearance as it is available n a number of fitment and design specifications. Whether you are looking for style or added wheel protection, these accessories offer both. In the style department, it extends the ultra-sleek profile of your car’s factory fenders, giving it a more appealing look while extending its protected area. Whenever a vehicle passes you by, you will notice that its ties usually throw out road debris such as grime, pebbles and rock chips as they rotate. What the fender flares do is shield the wheel well and the wheel assembly components from the intrusions of these elements. Its specially contoured form is also designed to minimize the splashing or dirt through the side panels of your vehicle. This feature is especially true when it comes to fender flares for 4x4 vehicles. Since it is used by vehicles that are built for all-terrain driving, the adding up flares is more about adding protection more than style.

More than cars, the addition of fender flares is common among 4x4 vehicles. Since they often have relatively higher suspension and a lot more of active suspension components, there are also a lot of components to protect. There are custom designed 4x4 fender flares that can be used to protect the wheel and suspension components. This way, you do not need to worry about pebbles and rock chips that might get stuck and interfere with suspension as well as chassis frame mechanisms.

Air Cars as Future Road Fighters

2008-11-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

With the massive crisis and huge cost of crude oil nowadays, simple news about cheap and valuable goods is really helpful. Just like the invention of this air-powered car which is expected to be released all over United States, it definitely lessen the worries of consumers when it comes to oil price hike.

With regards to this, a new carmaker is about to present soon in the market this cheap and environmental friendly air-powered cars. These cars will soon be considered as hottest cars to be driven on the road. According to Zero Pollution Motors, consumers can anticipate the real goodness of this vehicle. Not only it is pollution-free but it is also offered with a cost that won’t hurt anyone’s pocket.

The capacity of this air-powered car has also been presented. The manufacturer can guarantee that air cars can set out at a top speed of 35 miles per hour for some 60 miles just by using a tank of compressed air.

Some people might be bothered and would like to know how this type of car can manage to be driven on highways. Well for those who are interested, the CAV can cruise at highway speed for nearly 800 miles. This is only with the use of a small motor that compresses outside air to keep the tank filled.

Another good thing about this newly invented air car is that its motor isn't finicky at all. It can use just about any kind of fuel. It can burn gasoline or diesel or even biodiesel and ethanol. Believe it or not, vegetable oil is also accepted.

Tata, the Indian car maker who is behind the success of this air car is also proud to announce that this car leaves the highest-mpg vehicles you can buy right now in the dust. It can produce an average speed of 106 mpg even when using a regular gasoline. Although this vehicle can’t match those cars that were used in speed racing, it can definitely set a sufficient distance for consumers to be transported to work and back to their home while completing their daily chores.

Although Tata doesn’t plan to produce this in the United States, he does not hinder the plans of building an assembly plant where tools, machinery and the rights to use such trademarks are forwarded to this country. Along with this, he plans to charge $15 million for the rights to the technology. For most, this is not a big deal. Since the advantages of using this air-car does not impede the interests of most people in having such a cool and functional vehicle in the driveway. Especially that high cost of gas has become one of the major problems in the industry today.

SEMA Show 2008

2008-11-04T01:25:00.000-08:00

The 2008 SEMA Show has just started and will end on November 7. Wow! Another set of upcoming models will entice my eyes after the Paris Motor Show that showed some of most anticipated hybrid cars. . This time the Las Vegas Convention Center will be fraught with glitz and glamour, showing a great line of the hottest rides on the planet such as Lexus IS F, Toyota Venza, Nissan GT-R and “Firehawk” as a Pontiac G8, just to name a few.

And the 2010 Chevy Camaro is the official car of SEMA Show 2008. So, for the meanwhile, here are the general features of 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
* A 3.6L DI VVT V6 engine with a projected 300 hp and manual six-speed transmission is standard on LS and LT models. Choose the available six-speed automatic with TAPshift to achieve an estimated 26 mpg highway

* A 6.2L V8 with a projected 400 hp with six-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift includes Active Fuel Management technology to achieve 23 mpg highway

* For the top-of-the-line, the 6.2L V8 with manual six-speed transmission produces a projected 422 hp

* Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5 link rear suspension

* Variable-rate power steering with the rack mounted forward of the front axle for better weight balance and greater driver feel

* Four-wheel disc brake systems with ABS standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models

* StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with traction control standard on all models

* Competitive/Sport modes for the Stabilitrak system offered on SS models, including launch control on SS models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission

* Robust body structure and exceptional build quality

Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2008

2008-10-29T02:56:00.000-07:00

Because of the hovering gas prices on the market today, it is a wise decision to choose fuel-efficient sedans. And for that, here is a list of gas-efficient cars from Edmunds.com. The ranking is based on using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel, particularly the EPA's combined fuel economy formula: 55 percent of city mpg rating plus 45 percent of highway mpg rating. Take note that *rating presented below is expressed in mpg as a city/highway ratio.

1. Toyota Prius — 48/45*

On the market since 2001, the noble Prius has come to be definitive of the hybrid category. It takes top honors as the most fuel-efficient sedan on the market.

2. Honda Civic Hybrid — 40/45*

The Civic has built a huge following by offering poise and practicality at a reasonable price. The Civic Hybrid is an even better deal, taking these two traits and melding them with a hybrid's supreme frugality at the pump.

3. Nissan Altima Hybrid — 35/33*

Who says hybrids can't be fun to drive? The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a fuel-sipper that manages to offer an engaging experience behind the wheel. Keep in mind, though, that it's only available in eight states.

4. Toyota Camry Hybrid — 33/34*

The Camry stands as a benchmark family sedan. The Camry Hybrid offers everything that its four-cylinder sibling does, plus a money-saving hybrid engine.

5. Toyota Yaris — 29/36

Yaris sedans start at just over $12K, making them bargains both in terms of price and fuel-efficiency. The car's hallmarks are the versatility of its interior and its amenable handling.

6. Honda Fit — 28/34

The Fit's compact size means that parking in tight urban spaces is never a problem. Its reasonably sporty handling means that driving is never a chore.

7. Toyota Corolla — 28/37

With over 30 million models sold, the Corolla holds the distinction of being the best-selling car on the planet. It's also one of the most fuel-efficient.

8. Honda Civic — 25/36*

Behold the mighty Civic, titan of the small-car category. Its longstanding popularity comes on the strength of its spacious cabin, poised handling and superb safety ratings.

9. Nissan Versa — 27/33*

The Versa is one of the more impressive recent entrants in the subcompact category. For a starting price of just over $12K, it offers amenities usually found in luxury cars costing thousands more.

10. Kia Rio — 25/35*

The universally competent Rio has done a lot in terms of upgrading the image of both the Kia brand and economy cars in general. Its fuel-efficiency is icing on the cake.

Overview of 2009 Acura Model Car

2008-10-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a repost from the MSN Auto of the overview of the specification of one of the new model cars for the next year.

Acura

2009 Acura RL

The 2009 model year is looking to be a big one for Acura, with all three of the brand’s sedans getting fresh styling and feature upgrades. The flagship RL all get new satin-finish grilles similar to those on the MDX and RDX, now a defining trademark for Acura. The 2009 RL has a roomier rear seat, softer armrests, redesigned vents and easier-to-use climate controls. Additional sound insulation and an Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system help make the cabin even quieter. The bestselling vehicle in the Acura lineup, the TL is all-new for 2009, and is available for the first time with Acura’s high-tech Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This new drivetrain option should help handle the V6’s 305 horsepower – the most powerful engine ever to come from the brand. Inside, in addition to the luxurious leather seats, elegant wood trim and additional space, the TL is available with a keyless entry system with push-button start, a voice recognition navigation system with real-time traffic and weather (including Doppler-style radar overlays), and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Meanwhile, the new TSX still retains the basic shape of the previous generation, but it has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and a 2.6-inch wider track, which should make for improved handling and ride comfort. Bold fender flares and taillights provide an updated look. A new 2.4-liter DOHC VTEC engine gives the TSX more torque over a wider range for better midrange acceleration.

Car Buying Tips and Get Rich

2008-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Do you dream of owning a luxury car like Cadillac or other types of sports cars? Well, if you could watch this flash video entitled “Drive Free, Retire Rich” from daveramsey.com I’m sure you will be inspired and try to do whatever he said on the video.

What I like with this video is the level of concern he has to other people. He doesn’t want you to buy a new car as soon as possible especially if you are planning for a car loan.

If you don’t have enough money, be patient. Just buy a second hand car. Don’t push yourself too much and immediately get a car loan just to buy the car you wanted. Watch the video to know what I’m talking about.

What he wanted to say here is be patient and some day your dream car will be yours. This is such a good car buying tip for us auto lovers.

In the end, you will finish up having your dream car and aside from that, you will also get rich because you can still save lots of money from it. Plus, you will no longer have to think of huge payment terms that you need to complete because of your car loans.

Check the video here: http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/lms/drive_free/player.cfm

For BMW Nose Panel Buyer

2008-10-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Welcome back. For auto lovers like me, I just want to share some info about auto parts and where to buy it. I have a runny nose today so it gives me an idea what to write on my blog. I choose Nose Panel for BMW.

I found a site that offers nose panel and I think it is affordable. This is for online shoppers, sorry for those who do not usually buy online. This is useful for online buyers. But don’t worry. I’ll post other information here on my blog not only about auto parts but also other useful information that you will surely like.

You can buy this nose panel at this website - thepartsbin.com. I hope you find the nose panel you are looking for.

BMW 318i Nose Panel
Fits 1992-1996 BMW 318i
This product also fits the ff. models
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995: 4Cyl 1.8L Base
1996::4Cyl 1.9L Base
A High Quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Nose Panel, Without Headlight Washer
$49.39 Only

BMW M3 Nose Panel
Fits 1995-1996 BMW M3
This product also fits the ff. models
1995::6Cyl 3.0L Base
1995::6Cyl 3.0L Lightweight
1996::6Cyl 3.2L Base
A High Quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Nose Panel, Without Headlight Washer
$49.39 Only

BMW 318is Nose Panel
Fits 1992-1996 BMW 318is
This product also fits the ff. models
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995: 4Cyl 1.8L Base
1996::4Cyl 1.9L Base
A High Quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Nose Panel, Without Headlight Washer
$49.39 Only

BMW 328i Nose Panel
Fits 1996 BMW 328i
This product also fits the ff. models
1996::6Cyl 2.8L Base
A High Quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Nose Panel, Without Headlight Washer
$49.39 Only

Bumpers to Secure Your Future

2008-10-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

You may sometimes ask the real essence on why vehicles should have bumpers once created. Of course, the answers are so simple - to protect all persons inside the car in case of accidents, to prevent your car from a sudden collision and least of all, to accentuate your type of car.

Whatever among these reasons you may choose, huge percentage still goes to the basic rationale that bumpers are made to serve more as a preventive tool in case of catastrophe. Government strictly requires the proper implementation and use of this simple yet important part of an automobile. In fact, there’s even a federal regulation being implemented so that all vehicle classes will meet these standards.

A bumper is a shield made of steel, aluminum, rubber, or plastic that is mounted on the front and rear of a passenger car. It is designed to prevent or reduce physical damage to the front and rear ends of passenger motor vehicles in low-speed collisions. Some bumpers use energy absorbers or brackets and others are made with a foam cushioning material to completely protect the car from severe damages.

With these information, people especially car enthusiasts can have that very same idea that bumpers are not just a vehicle add-on but a safety material instead. Having this tool in front and rear part of your car can definitely give you and your car enough security that you always need.

So even though bumpers may be seen as just a small part of your luxury vehicle still, it provides massive strength to protect your car from being smashed and in turn, can definitely save you from any unwanted circumstances.

2008 Paris Motor Show

2008-10-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Paris Motor Show, which started last October 14 and will end on Oct. 19, showcases a unique collection of new concept cars. The show also features a great number of hybrid and electric cars that will soon hit the roads.

Here are some the best concept cars that 2008 Paris Motor Show features:

Nissan Nuvu - The Nuvu, a fully-electric vehicle, is reasonably wide and tall for its size. The 77.0-in. wheelbase makes it ideal for cruising congested roads while still having enough amount of cabin space. Tthe Nuvu comes in a unique 2+1 seating arrangement with 2 main seats and a third "occasional chair" that can be folded down when a friend needs a ride.

Peugeot Prologue - The PROLOGUE HYmotion4 features a sharp-look windscreen and a bold front end with a wide central grille and angular headlights. Its aggressive details plus SUVish profile provides great impression.

Lexus LF-X - Powering the all-wheel drive, Lexus LF-X is a V-6 combined with great output electric motors. According to the manufacturer, it will give low emissions and better fuel economy.

Chevrolet Orlando– The Chevrolet Orlando concept is powered by at 2.0L turbo diesel providing 150-hp and 236 lb-ft. of torque. The Orlando's second-row seats have a 60-40 split while the third row seats have a 50-50 split.

Lamborghini Estoque - The Estoque gets its name from bullfighting -- a 3-ft-long rapier used by matadors. This Lamborghini sedan is longer and wider than a Cadillac STS, and 1.7 inches taller than a Porsche 911.

Whoa.. Scary Car Features??

2008-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Whoever thought of these car feature sure do not know what he is doing! Here are the Top 10 of the scariest new features in cars nowadays, reposted from Yahoo! Autos. We hope you have not encountered them yet!

Top 10 Scariest New Car Features

By Kelsey Mays, Cars.com

We like heated seats and high-end stereos as much as the next car shopper, but some of today's automotive features provoke more fright than delight. Take GM's left-hand steering-column stalk: Until recently, this stalk housed the cruise controls in the form of a tiny, three-position switch plus a secondary button. The same stalk also managed high-beam headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals. Twist something the wrong way and the car could turn into a five-passenger R2-D2.

With things like that in mind, we chose 10 not-so-delightful features in today's cars, from chairs that perform pneumatic jujitsu on your back to owner's manuals that could qualify for a summer reading list.

10. Rain-Sensing Wipers

Rain-sensing windshield wipers have crept from high-end luxury cars to everyday models like the Toyota Avalon. They generally use infrared sensors to monitor a certain section of the windshield for moisture or dirt, then trigger the wipers to respond according to a threshold the driver sets. They usually work OK — until, invariably, they don't. When one editor's Volkswagen Jetta tester had its rain-sensing wipers suddenly spring to action one cloudless night, it was mildly frightening, to say the least.

9. Soda Can Cool Zone

Various automakers offer air-conditioned compartments to keep sodas and other sundries cool. Problem is, those cool zones get hot in the summer when the car is off; we had a couple sodas explode in a certain Dodge after a 90-degree weekend. A spokeswoman told us the car's so-called Chill Zone is not intended to be used as a refrigerator. All the same, we came away a bit steamed. And sticky.

8. Smart Transmission

The Smart ForTwo deserves its own category. The minicar's automated-manual transmission shifts gears with its own electronic clutch while the driver sees a traditional automatic setup. Drive the thing and you feel like you're on a bucking bronco. Once you're through first gear, the transmission stutters, shudders and very nearly takes a personal day before engaging second. The same thing happens on the way to third, and fourth, and fifth. Sorry, Smart, but this gearbox is anything but.

7. Power-Sliding Doors

Parents, rest assured the power-sliding doors on upscale minivans employ all sorts of electronic cutoffs to ensure they won't eat your Brownie troop. But we'll admit the prospect of power doors that can do their thing by remote 20 or 30 feet away can be a bit, um, dicey. They can also add hundreds of dollars to a car's out-the-door sticker. If you're feeling the pinch, go with manual sliders and open 'em yourself.

6. Multi-Manual Owner's Booklets

The thought of wading through an owner's manual to figure out how something works is daunting enough. Try wading through 10 of them or more; that's the number of pamphlets, manuals and quick-start guides included in some cars' libraries. With online directories only a click away, do you really need a state-by-state list of dealerships? Memo to carmakers: Just because it goes in the glove box doesn't mean it needs to be a box set.

5. Self-Parking Cars

Ian Merritt, Cars.com

Lexus' self-parking feature is optional on the LS sedan. Line up the superimposed square in the backup camera with your intended parking spot, gently let off the brakes and the LS will slowly steer around adjacent cars as it backs into the spot. You have to press the brakes to bring the car to a stop at the end. We didn't know Big Brother had a valet job, either.

4. iDrive

Even among the trio of similar dashboard interfaces from Audi and Mercedes, BMW's iDrive is utter knobsense. Directional inputs send you to various submenus, but in most models there are no shortcut or previous-screen buttons around the knob. In many models, street labels sit on a horizontal plane no matter the direction of the street, and if you need to scroll along the map you have to spin the knob to move east/west, then click it down and spin it again to move north/south. If you get the hang of it, you'll be ready for "Survivor" tryouts.

3. Voice Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Navigation systems have been barking out orders for years. With the exception of Land Rover's charming Brit, most of them employ a female American voice whose intonations range from casually disinterested to downright annoyed. Some systems try gamely to pronounce street names, but the result is usually anything but clear: You're cruising along, and she suddenly directs you to turn left on ... what was that? Ah, Fockner Ave.

2. Heart-Rate Monitor

You read correctly. Volvo's Personal Car Communicator monitors the cabin and pulses a light on your keyfob if your car has an unexpected visitor inside. TV ads show a woman approaching her S80 in a deserted parking garage, seeing the warning and hightailing it away. The thought of having this feature is scary in and of itself — not for fear of being carjacked, but because we wonder what sort of paranoia would drive you to want it.

1. Overly Aggressive Seats

Driver's seats run the gamut, from flat benches to the sort of hip-huggers you'd get in an F-15, and some of the more extravagant ones don't sit so well with us. The BMW 7 Series offers a massaging driver's seat, but its throbbing motions feel downright Frankensteinian compared to a real massage. In some of Mercedes-Benz's pricier models, active side bolsters automatically inflate to hold you in as you take a corner. They're convenient on highway offramps and winding roads, but 90-degree city turns can result in sudden rib pinching as the seats go hog-wild to keep up. Avoid large spicy meals beforehand — or wade through the Benz's onboard computer menus to turn the feature off.

So, folks, have you ever experienced a scary moment with these scary auto accessories? We hope not. Have a good day.

Technorati Profile

2008-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

Tsikot.com 6th Anniversary "Autoberfest"

2008-10-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

It’s been 4 years from now since the first day I met Master Jedi Dancel of tsikot.com. This coming October 25, 2008 is the 6th year anniversary of tsikot.com yet I had never been there even for once. But now on Tsikot’s 6th year anniversary, I can finally join the celebration. For sure everyone will enjoy the event and be amazed to those wonderful cars they have on the car show, not mentioning the hottest models to accommodate you during the show. You can see sample on their videos.

Autoberfest will happen on October 25, 2008, Saturday in the Philippines at the Hobbies of Asia, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City near Mall of Asia. The show starts exactly 10 a.m. onwards. Everyone is invited so you can also attend and watch the show! I’ll promise to post pictures for those who can’t attend the party.