Archive for July, 2009
Auto Upkeep as a First Course in a General Service Technician NATEF Program
Posted by: | CommentsI am often asked how Auto Upkeep, a curriculum designed to teach basic car care, maintenance, and repair, can also be used in a NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) certified program that trains automotive technicians. The key is that all students need to start somewhere, often this means learning about the basics. While Auto Upkeep does an outstanding job covering the basics for all drivers, it also covers 67 out of 153 General Service Technician (GST) tasks (about 44%). For a program to be certified for GST training, NATEF requires addressing all (100%) of the tasks. A NATEF certified GST program is required to have a minimum total of 500 hours of combined laboratory/shop (co-op) and classroom instruction. Auto Upkeep is designed as a 1 credit course (approximately 135 combined lab and classroom hours). Auto Upkeep works well as a first course in a GST program and for those that want to develop the fundamental knowledge and experience in owning and maintaining an automobile.
To learn more about Auto Upkeep, go to AutoUpkeep.com
To view the matrix correlation, check out the file below:
Auto Upkeep – NATEF General Service Technician 2009 Tasks Matrix
I am pleased to announce that the Auto Upkeep textbook and workbook are now available through Mardel, Inc. (Mardel Christian and Education Stores). Mardel, Inc. operates Mardel.com and 32 retail stores in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
We are lucky to have a store close to us in Springfield, MO. They have a wide range of educational supplies for homeschoolers. Click HERE to find a Mardel store near you.
Mardel Christian and Education
NACAT 2009 – Charlotte, NC – Blogging Live from 32,000 feet
Posted by: | CommentsThe last two days I attended the North American Council for Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held this year in the Queen City – Charlotte, North Carolina. Hundreds of automotive teachers from the US and Canada attended. I always enjoy seeing familiar faces and catching up.
This year I was a presenter. The two presentations that I gave were “Back to Basics” and “You Know Cars, They Know YouTube”. Both presentations can be accessed HERE.
I am now on my way home. After a “mechanical” delay leaving from Charlotte I got bumped to a later flight after not making my connection in Atlanta. I guess the plane had a light bulb out that needed to be replaced. But now I am on the way home and scheduled to land in the new Branson Airport in about an hour…then a 30 minute drive and I am home.
A special thanks to all the organizers of the conference and to those that chose to attend my sessions. I have been presenting all over the country educating teachers on how Millennials (aka Gen Y) learn and the importance of finding ways to connect to the “wired” generation. The use of YouTube, Twitter, Wikis, and Facebook is just a start. It also means beginning the curriculum where the students are at…that usually means starting with the very basics of car care, maintenance, repair, and ownership. At the end of a “Consumer Auto” or “Car Care” course, students then have the opportunity to advance onto curriculum that focuses specifically on NATEF tasks. If after a basic course they decide not to pursue a career as an Automotive Technician…that’s fine too…at least they will have a better understanding how cars work and will be empowered car owners.
PS I am using the GoGoInfight Wi-Fi service offered by AirTran…so far so good.
GPS Tracking Systems for Teen Drivers
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I got my license I was thrilled with the freedom it gave me. I could jump in my car and cruise to nowhere. Today’s technology allows parents to always be in the back seat if they want to – well at least through cyberspace. One program, called Teensurance, empowers parents to track a car’s location through an online connection and set speed alerts, driving curfews, and safe driving zones.
Amazon.com even retails a GPS (Global Positioning System) for your car called Zoombak. This device continuously tracks your car’s location, gives you the history of where your car has been, and issues alerts when your teen driver leaves safe zones.
Many GPS units and tracking programs are available on the market to track teen drivers. You may even get an insurance discount for adding such a device. Call your insurance provider to see if they have suggestions or details on specific car tracking systems or special insurance program discounts.
Here is a YouTube video on how it works from TrackingTheWorld.com:
What do you think? Are GPS tracking systems a good idea for teen drivers?
National Safety Council’s Alive at 25 Parent Program for Teen Drivers
Posted by: | CommentsThis week’s blogs have focused on teen drivers. Remember, according to the CDC teens are more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than from any other cause. What can you do to help your teen develop safe driving habits that will help them survive their most turbulent years (16 -24) as a driver?
The National Safety Council developed the “Alive at 25″ online program. This program focuses on:
* Encouraging parent/teen partnership throughout the entire process, from learning to drive through independent driving.
* Offering practical solutions so parents can take responsibility to reduce the unique risks and hazards teen drivers face.
* Helping parents understand teens’ need for defensive driver training.
* Examining how to approach Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, in addition to those related to safety belts, speeding, and alcohol and drugs.
* Providing a recommended example of an effective Parent/Teen Driver Contract, and discussing the importance of how parents and teens can use it to manage their driving experience.
Alive at 25 Parent Program Online Demo
The National Safety Council has a website dedicated to Teen Drivers – check it out at TeenDriver.NSC.org.
What will you do to help your teen become a safe driver?
Toyota, Parents, and Teens work Together to Promote Safe Driving
Posted by: | CommentsYesterday my blog focused on “How to Choose a Car for Your Teen”. Today’s focus will be on safe driving for teens and what parents can do to help their teens. Toyota, the largest automaker in the world, created a program titled “Toyota Driving Expectations”. This program is “designed to empower and educate teens and parents about driving and road safety through a unique combination of interactive hands on sessions and simulated defensive driving exercises”.
The program has four main goals for teens and parents:
* Learn defensive driving behaviors
* Identify the dangerous driving situations that they face daily
* Know what vehicles are capable of
* Understand the relationship between distraction and reaction time
To learn more about the Toyota Driving Expectations program, watch the YouTube video below.
What do you think? How will you help your teen become a safe driver?
How to Choose a Car for Your Teen
Posted by: | CommentsWe have several nieces entering the driving age. I know when I turned 16 the first thing I wanted was to get my own car. But what is a good car for a teen and what should parents be looking for?
According to AAA, teens need “safe, reliable and affordable transportation”…with safety being #1. Did you know that according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group”.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Finally, research the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings on specific vehicles.
After reading this, what do you think would be a good car for your teen?
Today there is a “New GM”. This morning General Motors exited from bankruptcy. But now the difficult task begins…how to become profitable. In the GMBlog, Fritz Henderson GM President and CEO stated his priorities as (in this order) “customers, cars and culture”. Here is the official news release.
GMChina.com
So now the billion dollar question is (at least for taxpayers who own a part of GM)…will GM survive and thrive?
From the Hybrid Leader Toyota – “Not all Hybrids are Created Equal”
Posted by: | CommentsAren’t all hybrids the same? NO! The general definition of a hybrid is true – using two sources of power (in currently available hybrids that is a gasoline engine and an electric motor) to propel the vehicle down the road. The two types are full hybrids and mild hybrids (commonly used names for mild hybrids: power assist hybrids, integrated starter/generator hybrids, belt-alternator-starter hybrids, start/stop hybrids). Toyota’s recent news release markets the advantages of the full hybrid system which it has over 1000 patents to its name.
View this video from the United States Department of Energy on the differences between a full hybrid and a mild (start/stop) hybrid – Full Hybrid vs. Start/Stop Hybrid – FuelEconomy.gov
Full Hybrids vs. Start/Stop Hybrids from FuelEconomy.gov
Toyota’s campaign is needed. There is a big difference in hybrid technologies. When researching hybrid vehicles, determine what hybrid technology is used and the fuel efficiency benefits of each. To learn more, go to Energy.gov.
The Campaign for Clean Diesels – Are Diesels “Greener” than Hybrids?
Posted by: | CommentsHave you seen the new Audi campaign, “Diesel – It’s no longer a dirty word”, promoting clean diesel technology? Below is a YouTube video from Audi of America.
So what are the advantages of “Clean Diesel’s” over traditional gasoline engines? And even hybrids?
Diesels got a bad reputation in the late 70s and 80s due to their excessive black smoke, bad smell, and hard to start engines. But today’s diesels are clean, energy efficient, easy starting, and have plenty of power. So why diesels and why now? Not until recently did we find Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (an Environmental Protection Agency requirement in 2006) at station pumps. Today US law requires a maximum of 15 ppm (parts per million) of sulfur content, compared to the 500 ppm allowed before 2006. The lower sulfur content coupled with advanced emission control systems greatly reduces particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen (basically makes them much cleaner). Diesel’s higher energy content over gasoline (129,500 BTUs vs. 115,000 BTUs per gallon) and higher compression (~16:1 vs. 9:1) allow more energy to be converted from the chemical energy of the fuel to the mechanical energy of motion to move you down the road. Due to the fact that diesels cycle less (fewer revolutions per minute to create the power needed) and a heavier built engine, diesel engines (when maintained) can easily last 200,000+ miles. I remember changing oil on an older 1980s Volkswagen diesel that had over 400,000 miles on it – and the engine was never rebuilt.
To illustrate the hybrid vs. diesel argument, in 2008 Popular Mechanics compared two vehicles – a Toyota Prius and a Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion 1 (a European available car). The result…the Prius achieved 54 mpg, the VW 74 mpg. And the VW billowed out fewer CO2 emissions.
What do you think? Are you ready to try a diesel for your next vehicle?
Take the Guesswork out of Auto Repair Costs
Posted by: | CommentsWhen you need a repair completed on your vehicle it is best to get several estimates. I have always suggested that it is important to get estimates from several sources: independents, chains, and dealerships. The key is to find a facility that is honest, reliable, and affordable. A shop that has ASE certified technicians in the area that your vehicle needs repair is a must. If you are new to the area remember to check the Better Business Bureau to locate a business that has a good record and is a BBB Accredited Business. Also ask friends and colleagues for input on a quality repair facility.
RepairPal.com
Where will you purchase your first electric vehicle? GM, Tesla, Mitsubishi, or Best Buy?
Posted by: | CommentsGeneral Motors hopes to begin selling the Chevy Volt in 2010. Tesla Motors currently sells the Tesla Roadster. Mitsubishi plans on selling the i MiEV. And now Best Buy is making its way as an electric vehicle retailer. Several media outlets (CNET, AutoBlog, Wall Street Journal) have reported that Best Buy will begin selling the Brammo Enertia – a plug-in electric motorcycle – at retail stores.
Brammo.com
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* Travels 15,000 miles on about $85 worth of electricity
* Plugs into a standard wall outlet
* Has no gears or clutch
* Has a top speed of 55+ MPH
* Has a range of 45+ miles
For more information about the Enertia, go to Brammo.com.
Gas Prices and Your Car’s MPG – Why is Fuel Economy Important?
Posted by: | CommentsThis week I have focused on gas prices and fuel economy…but why is this so important? According to FuelEconomy.gov there are four main reasons why fuel economy is so important:
FuelEconomy.gov
2. Increased fuel economy reduces our dependence on imported oil. Did you know that only 42% of the oil we use is from domestic resources? Click HERE for more information.
3. Increased fuel economy reduces climate change. Did you know that the average vehicle emits around 6 to 9 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) each year? Click HERE for more info.
4. Increased fuel economy helps promote energy sustainability. Sustainability can be achieved through the use of renewable resources, technological advancement, and conservation. Click HERE for more information.
What will you do to increase your fuel economy and decrease your carbon footprint?
GasBuddy.com, the online leader in having a network of volunteers (gas spotters), gives you a way to locate the lowest gas prices as you are traveling in the United States and Canada. For travel across the United States and Canada, GasBuddy’s “USA Gas Temperature Map” and “Canada Gas Temperature Map” help you quickly see gas prices around each country. If you want to become a gas spotter in your area you can earn points and win prizes.
Gas Buddy USA National Gas Temperature Map
To further help motorists, GasBuddy.com lists ten fuel/gas saving tips:
1. Avoid High Speeds
2. Do Not Accelerate or Brake Hard
3. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
4. Use A/C Sparingly
5. Keep Windows Closed
6. Service Vehicle Regularly
7. Use Cruise Control
8. Avoid Heavy Loads
9. Avoid Long Idles
10. Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
For more detailed information, click HERE.
Where can you buy gas for $1.49? Nowhere, unless you purchase a Hyundai!
Posted by: | CommentsThis week’s blogs on Blog.AutoUpkeep.com have all been focused on gas prices in preparation for the upcoming July 4th holiday, where 32.6 million Americans will get in their cars and travel (according to AAA). Hyundai released information about a new promotion called “Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock”. Teaming up with the company Pricelock, Hyundai offers fuel for $1.49 a gallon. Below is the asterisk(*) beside the offer:
* ALL NEW 2009 HYUNDAI’S MODELS (EXCLUDES BASE MODEL ACCENT #15313, GENESIS, GENESIS COUPE AND ENTOURAGE). For one year, you pay $1.49 per gallon of gas. HMA pays difference between actual gas price at pump and $1.49. Gallons limited to 2009: Accent 415, Sonata 4cyl 480,Sonata V6 545, Elantra 430, Santa Fe AWD 635, Santa Fe FWD 600, Azera 3.3L 570, Azera 3.8L 600, Tucson 4cyl 545, Tucson V6 600, Veracruz 670, Elantra Touring 465 – No cash refund for gas not purchased below maximum gallon limit. At participating gas stations. Limitations and conditions apply. Ends 7/31/09.
See all details about how it works, frequently asked questions, and rules at HyundaiUSA.com.
HyundaiUSA.com
