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DRIVE march 19, 2016 special section
12 147
y o u r t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s h o p p i n g g u i d e
m o t o r c y c l e s a f e t y r v p u r c h a s e s e c o - f r i e n d l y
c h a n g e s
Albuquerque Journal
What better time for a fresh take
on Lincoln than in the midst of
a presidential campaign?
Of course, we’re talking about Lincoln MotorCo., not the revered bearded guy in a top hat.
There’s a new spirit surrounding Ford’s lux-ury division these days. After a lengthy periodof malaise, Lincoln appears to have regainedits motivation. The proof is in the models nowin showrooms — and the latest prototype fromthe most recent round of auto shows.
For the 2016 model year, Lincoln offersthree luxury SUVs. The line starts with the
compact MKC, growing in size (and price)with the MKX, and topping off with the Lin-coln Navigator, a full-bore luxury SUV withtough, body-on-frame construction.
The two newest models are the MKC and MKX, both featuring sleek styling with toned-down ver-sions of Lincoln’s signature split-wing grille.
The MKC is probably the best known of the pair,thanks in part to actor Matthew McConaughey’smoody TV commercials. The MKC blends the besttraits of a sport crossover with the refinement of aluxury sedan, according to Lincoln.
The larger, new-for-2016 MKX graces its
spacious interior with top-flight materials,enhanced with a wide range of ingenious fea-tures. Adding to the sport-luxury aura is theavailable 2.7-liter, twin-turbocharged Eco-Boost V-6 engine, delivering a quiet but potentcombination of power and efficiency.
The Navigator is offered in two sizes —standard wheelbase and the Navigator L with12 inches more in wheelbase creating a gargan-tuan cabin for family and cargo. Powered by alarger, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, the big rig cantow between 8,300 and 9,000 pounds, depend-ing on wheel size and front- or all-wheel drive.
NEW MODELS , FEATURES MAKE FORD’S LUXURY BRAND SHINE
lincoln shows
promise for 2016
By ken walston deputy news editor / albuquerque journal
Lincoln continued on page 2
insurance continued on page 7 flight continued on page 13
New Cars
T
he cost of auto in-
surance is contin-
gent on a host ofvariables. Such factors in-clude the type of vehicle be-ing insured and the drivingrecord of the policy holder.
While drivers may feelthey have little leeway re-garding the cost of their autoinsurance, there are severalsteps motorists of all ages cantake to lower their auto insur-ance premiums.
Address your credit score.Policy holders’ credit histo-ries is one of the factors in-surance companies use whendetermining the cost of indi-
viduals’ insurance policies.In a 2015 analysis of datafrom Consumer Reports, theInsurance Information Insti-
reduced cost
available for
insurance
shopppers
Insurance
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s aflying car! Move over hot rods andluxury sport utility vehicles. Thenew must-have auto may soon bethe one that can take flight.
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lincoln: vehicles
bring fresh ideas
Lincoln also has a pair ofluxury sedans, the midsizeMKZ and the larger MKS,the marque’s current top-of-the-line offering.
Lincoln says it has fivenew models in the pipelineto be released in the nextfew years. In an intriguingpeak into the future, Lin-coln displayed a concept ofthe upcoming Continental,to be the brand’s new flag-ship upon its expected re-lease this fall, which will in-
troduce the theme of “quietluxury.” The handsome se-dan will be powered by aunique 3.0-liter twin-turboV-6 not used in any otherFord product.
Lincoln is betting on thestunning new Continentalto give longtime rival Ca-
dillac a true competitor inthe high-end sedan class.
(An odd bit of history:Ford Motor Co. purchasedthe failing Lincoln Motor Co.for $8 million from GeneralMotors in 1922. The firm had
been established in 1917 — by Henry Leland, a founderof the Cadillac brand!)
So for folks consideringeither import luxury se-dans, SUVs or crossovers,or those from Americanmanufacturers, don’t hesi-
tate to pay a visit to yourlocal Lincoln dealership be-fore making your final deci-sion. If you haven’t checkedout Lincoln recently, youshould be pleasantly sur-prised at the design, luxury,performance and comfortthe lineup now offers.
continued from page 1
road trips continued on page 6
DRIVE www.abqjournal.com/drive
y o u r t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s h o p p i n g g u i d e
v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e a n d s h o p a t
Albuquerque Journal
New Cars
2015 lincoln mks
2015 lincoln mkc
2015lincoln navigator
Driving vacations are
popular for a variety
of reasons, not the leastof which is flexibility. Such excur-sions are not restricted by flightschedules, and travelers oftenfeel as though they have morecontrol over their trips whentraveling by car rather than trav-eling by air.
Road trips also can save travel-
ers money, especially when travel-ing in groups of three or more andexpenses such as fuel and tolls areshared. In addition to sharing theroad with a few friends and fam-ily members, road trip enthusiastscan employ several other strate-gies to enjoy a vacation that’s bothfrugal and fun.
downsize your
vehicle.
While prices at the pumphave been more driver-friendlyin recent months, road tripperswho drive large sedans, trucksor SUVs might be able to savemoney by driving smaller vehi-cles during their trips. Especially
small vehicles may be impracti-
cal and uncomfortable depend-ing on the number of people whoare making the trip, but mid-size vehicles with ample storagespace tend to be more fuel-effi-cient than large trucks or SUVs. Ifsomeone in your traveling partydrives such a vehicle and it’s ingood shape, take that car insteadof a larger alternative.
Road trips add fun, save money
Vacations
planning can make driving the best experie nce for travel
DRIVE
Albuquerque Journal
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Many people prefer leasing anautomobile to buying one, and leasing can be more advan-tageous than buying in various ways.
Leasing allows drivers who cannot
afford to purchase a new and more reli-able vehicle the opportunity to drive sucha car or truck, at a cost that is consider-ably less over the long haul than buyingthe vehicle outright. Leasing also makesit possible for drivers who prefer newercars to exchange their automobiles everyfew years, saving them the expense ofmaintaining a car as it ages.
When leasing an automobile for thefirst time, motorists may not be aware ofcertain things about leasing that could benefit them over the course of theirleases. The following are a few suchthings that drivers may want to con-sider when negotiating an automobilelease at the dealership.
Mile restrictions are not set in stone.
Standard leases typically limit driversto 12,000 miles per year over the life ofthe lease. In such an agreement, a three-year lease would allow lessees to drive36,000 miles in the vehicle. Any ad-ditional miles on the vehicle when it isturned in at the end of the lease wouldincur a penalty. But mileage limits arenegotiable, and drivers who think theywill exceed 12,000 miles per year cantailor their leases to allow for additionalmiles. Extra miles will cost more money, but that extra expense will likely pale incomparison to excess mileage charges,making it well worth the investment fordrivers to negotiate extra miles into theirlease at the time of signing.
You may need to pay a substantialinitial down payment. Monthly leaseterms are favorable to men and womenwho cannot afford to finance a car orthose who want to avoid long-term fi-nancing with hefty monthly payments.But many leases require lessees to paysubstantial down payments upon agree-
ing to the lease. If such a down paymentproves a hurdle you cannot clear, thenit’s important to know that some leasesdo not require a down payment at all,while others require only a minimal
payment upfront. However, such leasesmay be exclusive to drivers with excep-tional credit.
You can comparison shop with alease. Much like you would compari-son shop when buying a car, you can dothe same when leasing. After a dealerruns your credit and/or estimates yourdown payment, you may feel as thoughyou cannot afford to lease a new car. Butyou have many options to choose fromwhen looking for an auto lease, andeach one is likely to make a differentoffer. If you persevere and do your re-search, you ultimately may end up witha lease that puts you in a new car at anaffordable price.
Gap insurance protects you in case of
a theft or wreck. Gap insurance (whichstands for guaranteed asset protection)is available but not standard for an au-tomobile lease. Gap insurance protectslessees and covers their remaining leasepayments if a car is stolen or wreckedwhile the lease is ongoing. Some lesseeschoose to accept gap insurance, whileothers do not. The latter group is takinga risk that the car will not be stolen orwrecked during the life of the lease. Ifit is, the driver will then be responsiblefor the monthly payments even if he orshe no longer has the vehicle. Driversin the former group will not be on thehook for such payments. Some lesseesnever use their gap insurance, but the
peace of mind it provides is worth theinvestment for many drivers.Leasing is a great way for drivers to
drive new automobiles they otherwisemight not be able to afford. But driversshould familiarize themselves with theins and outs of leasing before signing onthe dotted line.
Leasing offersbest alternative
for many drivers
some leases do not require
a down payment at all, while
others require only a minimal
payment upfront.
Leasing can be superior to
buying in various ways
lower monthly payments
less long term cost
a b le to cha nge ca rs often
lower/no down payment
eventual ownership
no penalties for use
vs.
leasing
buying
Purchasing
get a tuneup.
Another way to save money onyour road trip is to get a vehicletuneup in the days before your tripis set to begin. Let your mechanicknow you are planning a road tripand ask that a full diagnostic test be conducted to make sure every-thing is running efficiently. An airfilter nearing its expiration datemay be worth replacing, as a newfilter will help to save money onfuel. In addition, replace tires withworn tread, as old or inadequatelyinflated tires will force the engineto work harder, wasting fuel andcosting you and your fellow trav-elers money along the way.
consider various types
of lodging.
Road trippers who plan well inadvance may be able to find greatdeals on lodging, but too muchplanning may cost travelers someof the flexibility and freedom theywere hoping to enjoy during theirvacations. Weather permitting,campsites can be unique and af-fordable places to stay. When plan-ning your routes, choose roadways
that are close to popular camp-
sites, avoiding campsites that aretoo remote, as such sites may costyou in time and fuel what youÕresaving on lodging. If campsitesare unavailable, download hotelwebsite apps on your phone anduse these apps to find affordablerooms as you go. Simply showingup to hotels without reservationsis unlikely to yield great rates, butapps may offer discounted rates onrooms hotels are simply looking tofill at the last minute.
bring your own food.
Fuel, lodging and food tend to be the three biggest expenses on
driving vacations. Travelers who bring their own food can save asubstantial amount of money andmaintain some control over whatthey eat. ThatÕs a big benefit formen and women who like to eathealthy and prefer to avoid the fastfood fare that tends to be the onlyoptions available at rest stops.
Road trips make for great vaca-tions, and travelers can take manysteps to make such excursions moreaffordable without sacrificing fun.
Vacations
road trips: drivers
enjoy planned tripscontinued from page 2
Sandia Automotive Corp.has been the leading BMWand MINI retailer in NewMexico for 30 years. GeneralManager Ken Koehler saysthey only have the commu-nity to thank. “We are verythankful to service such agreat community. Ourcustomers are the founda-tion for all of our success.”
Sandia BMW and Sandia
MINI are providing greatdeals on new and certiedpre-owned vehicles. In addi-tion to discounted pricing,some customers may alsond manufacture discountsas well. ere are hundreds
of vehicles available for testdrive, including the all-new,all-electric BMW i3.
“It’s important that we meetthe needs of every customer,”said Koehler. Luckily, betweenall of the options for bothBMW and MINI, just aboutanyone can nd a car they’redestined to fall in love withand want to take home. And,if you’re looking for some-
thing with just two wheels,Sandia BMW also has amotorcycle department thatspans from road cruisers tooff road machines.
e support of the comm-unity has helped Sandia
Automotive Corp. expandinto new areas.They now offer the samegreat sales and ser vicedepartments in Santa Fe.
“Our expansion is againall thanks to our greatcustomer base. We’re excitedto be able to serve anotherpart of New Mexico,” saidKoehler. “Sandia AutomotiveCorp. has grown a lot from
our modest beginningsin 1986, and we are verygrateful to the customersand community for helpingus along the way.”
Community Drivenfor 30 Years
Paid Advertisement
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Safety / Motorcycles
insurance: drivers
can reduce rates
with planningontinued from page 1
Insurance
tute found that drivers in Floridawho had excellent credit scores re-ceived insurance quotes that wereless than half that of drivers whosescores were considered poor. That’s because insurance companies seedrivers with poor credit scores asmore likely to be in an accident thanthose with excellent scores. Beforeshopping for new policies, driversshould take steps to improve theircredit scores by paying off theirconsumer debts and having anydiscrepancies on their credit reportscorrected.
Continue your education as a mo-torist. The III notes that non-drivingfactors, such as age, are among thevariables insurance companies con-sider when determining the cost oftheir automotive policies. While old-er drivers canÕt reverse the agingprocess and younger drivers can’tadd years to their driving histo-ries overnight, there are ways thesedrivers can lessen the impact theirages have on the cost of their autoinsurance premiums. Advanced de-fensive driving courses can refresholder driversÕ memories with re-gards to safe driving techniqueswhile also teaching them the latesttechniques to stay safe behind the
wheel. Younger drivers who takesuch courses can be taught how todrive in emergency situations incontrolled environments.
Consumer Reports notes that a2012 report jointly sponsored by theU.S. government, AAA Foundation
for Traffic Safety and Manitoba Pub-lic Insurance found that there is noevidence that traditional driverÕseducation classes reduce crashes,highlighting the importance of ad-vanced courses that can prepareolder and younger drivers alike forwhat awaits them on the open road.Taking such classes can save driversas much as 10 percent on their autoinsurance premiums, and those dis-counts may even last several years.
Adjust your existing policy. Mile-age is another factor insurancecompanies use when pricing their
automotive policies. While drivinghabits change, few drivers think tocontact their insurance companieswhen their habits change in waysthat can save them money. If yourdaily commute is shorter than it waswhen you initially opened your pol-icy or if you now take public trans-portation to save money on gas, con-tact your insurance agent and give amore up-to-date assessment of yourdriving habits. Doing so might saveyou a considerable amount of mon-ey each year.
Combine your policies. Perhapsthe simplest way to save on auto in-surance is to combine your auto andhome insurance policies. Covering
your vehicles and your home viathe same provider may save you asmuch as 15 percent on each policy.
Auto insurance is a considerableexpense, but drivers can take numer-ous steps to reduce the costs of theirpolicies.
Motorcycle enthusiasts inlocales with cold wintersmay anticipate the warmerweather of spring and summer morethan others, as it means they can pulltheir bikes out of their garages and get back on the open road. While ridinga motorcycle can be an exhilaratingexperience, the U.S. Highway SafetyAuthority notes that fatal crashes aremuch more likely to occur to motorcy-cle riders than automobile drivers. As
the number of drivers and riders on theroad continues to increase, it has never been more important for riders to prac-tice motorcycle safety.
be seen and heard
Ever wonder why some motorcyclesmake so much noise? It’s to attract theattention of other motorists. Thanks totheir small profiles, motorcycles can eas-
ily go unnoticed by motorists. Failure ofother motorists to see motorcycles onthe road is a chief contributor to colli-sions involving motorcycles.
One of the more comprehensivestudies on motorcycle accidents oc-curred in 1981. Titled “Motorcycle Ac-cident Cause Factors and Identificationof Countermeasures” and published by researcher Harry Hurt with the helpof the University of Southern Califor-nia and the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, the study ana-lyzed 3,600 motorcycle traffic accidentsin a specific region of California. Thefindings showed most motorcycle ac-cidents involve a short trip associatedwith shopping, errands, friends, enter-tainment, or recreation, and the acci-dent is most likely to occur within closeproximity to the rider’s home. Accidentinvolvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps,
including during daylight hours, andthe wearing of highly visible clothing,including yellow, orange or bright red jackets.
Although this research was conduct-ed some time ago, it still underscoresthe importance of remaining visible onthe road. While leather and denim may be the traditional uniform of motorcy-cle riding, synthetic materials that havereflective fabrics can improve visibility.Highly visible colors, such as orange
and yellow, are good choices when onthe road. Riders also can add reflectiv-ity to existing gear with reflective tape.
Many motorcycle riders, particu-larly those on Harley Davidsons, swapout stock exhaust pipes for ones thatemit a louder decibel range. This helpsother motorists notice them.
use the right gear
When a rider is on the open road, heor she doesn’t have the protection of acar frame to offer a buffer between therider and the pavement should an acci-dent occur. That is why it is crucial toinvest in quality gear that can offer acertain measure of protection. A high-quality helmet that fits well is an impor-tant piece of safety equipment, as headand neck injuries can result in paralysis
or fatalities. Pair the helmet with gog-gles or glasses with safety lenses. Dura- ble nonslip gloves will help riders main-tain a good grip on the handlebars, and boots can cover the ankles. Although itcan be tempting to forgo long pants or jackets when the weather warms, do-ing so can lead to painful abrasions androad burn should a fall occur. Invest in aleather jacket and pants or a high-quali-ty, durable and bright-colored material.
riders: emphasize safety on the open roadMotorcylists face many threats, dangers from other vehicles
Safety / Motorcycles
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The average age of a
personal vehicle on
the road today is more
than 11 years, according torecent news reports. In tougheconomic times, it’s natural torein in spending.
But the experts at the nonprof-it National Institute for Auto-motive Service Excellence (ASE)
warn that putting off routine automaintenance or ignoring serviceintervals is false economy. Smallissues can morph into more ex-pensive repairs. For example,failure to replace worn brakepads or a faulty oxygen sensor --
both relatively easy services forqualified auto technicians -- canresult in expensive brake rotor
service or costly replacement ofthe vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Frequently neglected items in-clude oil changes, tire and brakeservice, wheel alignment, air andfuel filters, and transmission ser-vice, according to ASE-certifiedauto technicians.
Besides, a well-maintainedvehicle gets better gasoline mile-
age, pollutes less, is safer to op-erate, and lasts longer than onethat’s neglected, notes ASE.
The National Institute forAutomotive Service Excellence(ASE) was founded in 1972 as anon-profit, independent orga-nization dedicated to improv-ing the quality of automotiveservice and repair through the
voluntary testing and certifica-tion of automotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicianswear blue and white ASE shoul-der insignia and carry credentialslisting their exact areas of certifi-cation. Their employers oftendisplay the blue and white ASEsign. Visit www.ase.com for sea-sonal car care advice and more.
Repairs
advice from the pros:
Do not neglect auto service
Wash your car
like a pro
small repairs in the short term save money in the longrun
Keeping vehicles clean maintains value
Maintenance / Cleaning
Vehicle owners know maintain-ing a vehicle can be a lot ofwork. Taking the time to prop-
erly care for a vehicle can prolongits life expectancy and help ownersavoid breakdowns and other issuesalong the way.
Regular washing is an aspect of vehi-cle maintenance that some may classifyas a purely cosmetic benefit. Certainlya car wash can keep the vehicle look-ing its best, but there are other advan-tages to washing as well. Washing offerspreventative maintenance for the car’spaint and can help prevent rust and cor-rosion resulting from dirt, acid rain androad salt. Rust can compromise hydrau-
lic brake and fuel lines, as well as manymoving parts in the chassis and frame.Corrosion of electrical connectors andother parts under the hood can lead toleaks, electrical shorts and a host of ad-ditional problems. It’s easy to see howwashing the car is more essential thanone might have suspected.
If you live in an area with a highamount of dust or industry, you may needto wash your car as frequently as oncea week. Drivers who live along or nearcoastal areas may need to wash their ve-hicles frequently to combat sea salt build-up. Garage-kept vehicles may be able togo longer between washes, but in gen-eral washing a vehicle every two to threeweeks is a good rule of thumb. In addi-
tion, a good sealant will protect the paintand other trims throughout the year.
The following are some other car-wash tips to follow.
Always use a proper washing soapsolution. This will preserve the car’s fin-
ish better than other homemade soaps.Avoid using dishwashing liquid, whichcan strip protective wax coatings.
Be prompt when cleaning off bugs,sap and bird droppings that may stick tothe paint and become difficult to removeover time.
Wait until a car has cooled down be-fore washing. Heat speeds up the dryingof soap and water and can make it moredifficult to clean.
Always use a clean, non-abrasivesponge. Resist the urge to move thesponge in circles as you clean. Doing socan create noticeable swirl scratch marks.Instead, move the sponge lengthwiseacross the body panels and hood.
Keep a separate rinsing bucket to cleanthe sponge or washing mitt so that dirt isnot mixed into the clean, sudsy water.
Consumer Reports suggests usinga soft squeegee to remove most of thewater on the body of the car after wash-ing and rinsing. Blot up any extra waterwith a chamois.
Wax the car every season to ensure ithas maximum protection. In between,apply a liquid spray wax to touch upspots. Water beading is not an ideal in-dicator of whether or not the car needs acoat of wax.
Don’t forget to pay attention to theinterior. Vacuum the carpets regularlyto prevent ground-in dirt and routinelyclean the upholstery with a product spe-
cific to your vehicle’s interior, whetherthat interior is leather or fabric.
Protecting a vehicle investment in-volves keeping the car clean. Know theright ways to help a car or truck look andperform like new.
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$15,270Yours for
Only
List $28,792
$23,812Yours for
Only
List $38,360
$29,970Yours for
Only
List $29,884
$23,983Yours for
Only
List $
53,115$42,341
Yours forOnly
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page 12 drive / albuquerque journal saturday, march 19, 2016
BUYERS CONSIDER SEVERAL FACTORS BEFORE RV PURCHASES
There arevarious
classes of
RVs, but
the largest
ones tend
to be
the most
expensive.
Opportunity for adventureabounds for recreational
vehicle owners. With amotor home parked in the drive-way, a road trip or instant familygetaway is only a few steps away.
While RVs can be rented, seriousroad-trippers often prefer purchas-ing one so that it can be custom-ized with the features desired andalways be at the ready. RVs varyin price depending on the vehicle,and there are a few thing prospec-tive RV owners should know be-fore they begin shopping.
First and foremost, drivers whohave not previous owned an RV oreven stepped inside of one you mayhave an inaccurate perception ofthese vehicles. Today’s recreationalvehicles are much more than meetsthe eye, and it pays to attend an RVshow to become acquainted withthe various types of motor homes.
This way you will be familiar withthe jargon and have a reasonable
idea of what you want before goingto a dealership.
There are various classes ofRVs, but the largest ones tend to
be the most expensive. Some RVshave an engine and are driven likea bus, while other models hitch tothe back of a truck or van. If youwill be towing an RV, you must becertain the car or truck doing thetowing is equipped to tow a ve-hicle the weight and size of yourparticular RV.
Some RVs have fixed dimen-sions, while others expand, eithermanually or electronically, push-ing out walls to provide evenmore interior room when the RVis parked. RVs have different floorplans, and there are many differentmodels to fit a buyer’s needs.
Many RVs are equipped with
no frills furnishings, but there aremodels that feature top-of-the-line
appliances and fixtures. It’s pos-sible to get granite countertopsand cherry cabinets in an RV, butsuch accessories will increase thecost of the vehicle. Upholsteredsofas and dining room banquettesmay be upgraded to leather. SomeRVs have an additional kitchenette
built into the exterior of the unitfor easy access when barbecuingor cooking at a campsite.
How you plan to use the RVshould also be considered priorto purchasing one. Will you bespending time cooking meals andsleeping inside, or will it mainly
be used as a storage unit for yourcamping gear? Do you plan on tak-ing extended vacations and desireall the comforts of home? Definingthese goals will help you find theright RV for you.
Another thing to consider isrenting an RV for a day or two to
get a feel for driving it and whatit is like to spend a night inside.You may be able to determine ifyou need more or less of a mobilehome when you ultimately decideto purchase.
Make sure everything works before you drive the RV off of thelot. Repairs can be expensive, andyou do not want to be stuck witha lemon when you’re on the road.Find out if there are any roadsideassistance packages that can be ne-gotiated to offer you peace of mindwith your first RV.
The decision of whether or notto purchase an RV requires ampleforethought. Comparing a numberof different models and designsand weighing personal needs cangive buyers a good idea of whichRV is right for them.
Recreational vehicles requirespecial considerations
RVs & Motorhomes
today’s recreational vehicles are
much more than meets the eye,
and it pays to attend an rv show
to become acquainted with thevarious types of motor homes.
recreational
vehicle types
towablemore affordable than motorized rvs because they can
be pulled behind your existing vehicle
travel trailer:
similar to motorized
but w/o the cab,
popular, versatile
pop-up: folding,
lightweight,
inexpensive,
convenient
fifth-wheel: hooks
up to a pickup truck,
similar to travel
trailer, on pickup bed
motorizedbroken down by class, including class a, b and c. The
distinction between the classes of rv is based on size.
class a: large,
most expensive, like
a home inside w/
full bathroom
class b: “van
conversions,”
limited space
but economic
class c: combo of
class a & b. mid-sized,
sleep up to ten people
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drive / albuquerque journal saturday, march 19, 2016 page 13
a car that can transition into flight. It may
cut down on commuting times or allevi-ate traffic jams. And let’s face it, a flyingcar might be pretty fun to operate. Nowthose dreams are getting closer to reality.
The production prototype of theTransition(R) Street-Legal Airplane com-pleted its successful first flight at Platts-
burgh International Airport in Platts- burgh, NY on March 23, 2012. The samevehicle has also successfully conductedinitial drive and conversion testing, dem-onstrating the Transition’s capability toprovide unmatched freedom, flexibilityand fun in personal aviation.
Developed by Terrafugia, Inc., a grow-ing aerospace company founded by pilotsand engineers from MIT and supported
by a world-class network of advisors andprivate investors, the Transition is a two-seat personal aircraft capable of driving onroads and highways, parking in a singlecar garage, and flying with unleaded au-tomotive fuel. The prototype was unveiledat the New York Auto Show in April 2012.At a price tag of $279,000, it’s unlikely theskies will be crowded with them anytimesoon, but the arrival of a car/plane hybridshows promise for future travel.
“The successful first flight of this Pro-
duction Prototype Transition® marks a
critical move toward initial productionand first delivery,” said Terrafugia COOAnna Mracek Dietrich. The companywill continue its testing program in prep-aration for first delivery, which includesmeeting stringent automotive crash teststo meet federal standards. The aircraft isexpected to be sold within the next year.
The Transition’s first flight reached analtitude of 1,400 feet above the groundand lasted eight minutes while staying inthe vicinity of Plattsburgh InternationalAirport. Six phases of flight testing areplanned to continue development anddemonstrate compliance to the LightSport Aircraft standards.
The government has already allowed
the use of special tires and glass on thecraft that are lighter than normal automo-tive tires to make it easier for the vehicleto fly. It can travel 70 miles per hour onthe road and 115 in the air. Terrafugia saysan owner would need to pass a test andcomplete 20 hours of flying time to beable to fly the Transition.
Taking to the skies in personal aircraftcould revolutionize how people travel.More information is available at www.terrafugia.com.
the transition can reach
around 70 miles per hour on
the road and 115 in the air.
flying: vehiclefueled by
unleaded gascontinued from page 1
Trailers require special handling, care
Technology
Active adults and busy families un-derstand that one perk to owning apickup truck or an SUV is the abili-
ty to tow items behind the vehicle. Many ofthese trucks already come equipped withtrailer hitches that make it possible to tow
boats, RVs, snowmobiles and more. Butsafe and successful towing requires knowl-edge of the basics of hitching a trailer andsome special rules of the road. The follow-ing are a few safety tips for drivers unac-customed to towing.
know your vehicle’s tow
weight capacity.
The owner’s manual will list the maxi-mum weight a vehicle can tow safely, butthis is just a simplified estimation of data.To tow successfully, it’s important to knowyour vehicle’s gross combined weight rating,or GCWR. This includes the vehicle itself, itspassengers and cargo, as well as the trailerand the trailer’s cargo. More passengers on
board reduces the amount of weight youcan pull. Another weight factor is the tongueweight, or how much of the trailer’s weightrests on the hitch, which should be around 10percent of the trailer’s weight. This helps re-duce trailer sway and can improve steering.
practice proper weight
distribution.
Distribute the weight of the item beingtowed to make towing smoother and safer.The cargo’s center of gravity should be low,and most of the weight should be toward the
front. Weight on either side also should beeven. These steps will help prevent the trailerfrom fishtailing or flipping over.
use the right hitch
equipment.
Adjust the hitch so that the trailer be-ing towed is relatively level to your vehiclewhen attached. Connect lights to your trailer
through the hitch system so that brake lightsand other indicators work properly. Makesure the hitch ball is the right size for yourtrailer, otherwise the trailer might disconnectduring towing. Use a pin and safety chains tokeep the trailer secure.
Check if extra brakes are required.Many states require a separate brakingsystem on towed vehicles with a loadedweight in excess of 1,000 pounds. Newertrucks may have a built-in controller for
brakes or you may need to have a systeminstalled. Experts from Popular Mechanicsadvise using a trailer brake output system
that matches the trailer brake output tothe tow vehicle’s deceleration.
slow down and drive more
cautiously.
A vehicle towing a trailer will not ma-neuver the same way as a vehicl e withouta trailer attached. Give yourself a greatercushion of space between other vehicles.
It may take longer for you to brake be-cause of the added weight. Get used tousing side-view mirrors because the trail-er may block your rearview. Larger, ex-tended side-view mirrors may help youfeel more comfortable and safe. Makewide turns so that the trailer will clearcurbs and not tip over.
avoid backing up
Unless you’re experienced with drivinglarge rigs, you may find reversing with atrailer very challenging. Limit situations
that require backing up. Park in pull-through parking spots when possible. Ifyou need to back up, move slowly and withyour hand on the bottom of the steeringwheel, turning it in the direction you wantthe trailer to go.
Practice, practice, practice. Get accli-mated with towing in a parking lot or onempty streets before taking your trailerout on the open road.
Safety / Trailers
Leasing can b e more advantageous than buying in various ways.
TRUCK MONTH ATLARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM ALBUQUERQUE
Truck month at Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep DodgeRam Albuquerque is the perfect time to buy a new
Ram truck. Right now, take advantage of greatrebates and discounts up to $12,000 MSRP onselect models and available 0% APR nancing for60 months. Our sales team is ready to show you allthe amazing features of the 2016 Ram Trucks. At
Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Albuquerqueyou will nd competitive prices, and huge inventoryof 2016Ram Trucks, anda helpfulsales team. With
a variety of engines, transmissions, and features tochoose from, the Ram 1500 is built to deliver onevery job. Our knowledgeable sales specialists willhelp you select the perfect truck for your needs.
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Why should you choose Larry H. Miller
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Ourteamisdedicatedtoyourcompletesatisfaction.Everything we do is designed to make your carbuying experience seamless and enjoyable fromstart to nish. Our knowledgeable staff, superior
customer service, and competitive pricing all addup to an excellent experience whether you areleasing or purchasing a new vehicle or servicingyour current vehicle!
• Leather wrapped steering wheelwith audio controls
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page 14 drive / albuquerque journal saturday, march 19, 2016
Technology / Fuel Standards
The move is on to produce more
fuel-efficient automobiles. Al-though alternative fuels have gar-
nered significant publicity in recent years,some automakers are simply shrinkingthe standard car engine.
Automakers have been producingthree-cylinder engines for some time, butare just now starting to reveal such en-gines to the public. While these types ofengines have traditionally been associatedwith lawn mowers, mopeds and snow-mobiles, a handful of cars are now being
equipped with three-cylinder engines toincrease fuel efficiency.
While three-cylinder engines have hadthe unfortunate stereotype of being punynext to vehicles touting more under thehood, experts say that advances in en-gine technology have made it possible forthree-cylinder engines to produce morepower with less. Ford, Nissan and BMWare just some of the automakers experi-menting with three-cylinder engines whilealso promoting other innovations to boostefficiency. Streamlined aerodynamics, car-
bon fiber and improved horsepower canchange public perceptions of cars with en-gines that have fewer cylinders.
In addition to requiring less fuel, three-cylinder engines take up less space in en-gine compartments, freeing up more roomfor interior passenger space. This can cre-ate more space in traditionally compactvehicles. Smaller engines can improvesafety because there is less risk that the en-gine will penetrate the interior in a front-end collision.
While some three-cylinder vehicles
have lackluster responses with accel-eration and road performance, othersoffer comparable horsepower to somelarger engines. According to the auto-motive website Jalopnik, many mod-ern three-cylinder engines offer powercomparable to that offered by V8 en-gines in the 1970s.
The three-cylinder offerings may beconcentrated to a few brands right now,
but the advantages of these smaller en-gines may make them more prevalent inthe years to come.
Increasing fuel standards lead to shrinking engines
environmental concernsguide auto design
experts say that advances in engine
technology have made it possible
for three-cylinder engines to
produce more power with less.
Many new vehicles are made
with the environment in
mind, as more and more driv-ers are embracing eco-friendly featuresthat reduce the carbon footprints of theirvehicles. But motorists need not purchasenew cars to make their driving habitsmore environmentally friendly. The fol-lowing are a handful of steps drivers cantake to protect the environment regard-less of how new or old their vehicles are.
maintain your vehicle
Even if your car or truck has no eco-friendly features designed to reduce fuelconsumption and cut down on emissions,that does not mean the vehicle cannot
be more fuel-efficient or produce feweremissions. Adhering to the maintenance
schedule recommended in your vehicleowner’s manual can conserve fuel andcut back on potentially harmful emis-sions. Well-maintained vehicles burnless fuel, as they don’t force engines andother components to work as hard dur-ing operation as vehicles that have not
been taken care of. Replace worn downor dirty spark plugs, which misfire andwaste fuel, and fuel and air filters oncethey are no longer operating at peak ca-pacity. Address any issues that arise withyour vehicle’s emissions systems imme-diately, visiting your mechanic if the ve-hicle seems to be sputtering or emittingany abnormal fumes.
slow down
Driving above the speed limit is not just
dangerous but potentially harmful to theenvironment as well. According the Unit-ed States Department of Energy, each fivemiles per hour drivers drive over 50 milesper hour is akin to adding an additional$0.14 per gallon for gas. That’s becausedriving above 50 miles per hour is far lessfuel-efficient than driving below that fig-ure. So slowing down when posted speedlimits mandate driving 50 miles per houror slower is not just safer and more eco-friendly, it’s better for your wallet as well.
keep cargo off the roofWhen you must haul cargo, keep that
cargo in rear-mount cargo boxes or the back-seat or trunk of your car rather than theroof. Rooftop cargo boxes make vehicles lessaerodynamic, reducing highway fuel econ-
omy by as much as 17 percent according tothe U.S. DOE. By comparison, rear-mountcargo boxes reduce highway fuel economy
by just 2 to 5 percent. If you haul cargo inyour trunk, remove items when your trip iscomplete, as excess, unnecessary weight inthe car will reduce its fuel efficiency.
inspect the gas cap
Few drivers may think to examine theirgas caps while filling up at the pump, butsuch an inspection may reveal cracks orother damage that are wasting fuel. Whengas caps are cracked, loose or damaged,fuel can escape gas tanks as a vapor, wast-ing fuel and contributing to emissions. Ifthe cap is in need of replacement, consultyour mechanic, the dealer who sold youyour vehicle or the vehicle manufacturer.
4 changes to make cars eco-friendly
new fuel standards
35.5 mpg in
new cars
54.5 mpg in
new cars
minimum miles per gallon /2016
minimum miles per gallon /2025
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