THE MINER
FALL CAR CARE
OCTOBER 8, 2014 |
5B
What will the car of the future look like?
EDITORS NOTE: As our reader’s prepare their vehicles for the tough winter driving season, we thought it would be interesting to see what the experts think they will be driving in the future. This article is from the BBC.
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Car companies have recently been telling us what the car of 2020 will be like: autonomous is one word used, electric is another, and it will be connected to the internet too. Sound exciting? It is, but it’s doubtful you’ll find all of this on the forecourt in the next seven years (cars typically get completely redesigned every five to seven years). However, the directions being proposed are a very good starting point to look even further and ask the question: what might the car of 2050 look like? For a start, will there even be cars in 2050? Will an invention that will be 150 years old by then be replaced by something better? Will environmental concerns kill it? Will people become tired of getting behind the wheel, as recent studies suggest? The answer seems to be “maybe”, but the reality is that the automobile is a very liberating
on almost an
and flexible means of transportation. It fulfills people’s desire to move around freely and independently. And – done right - the automobile can be a sustainable and safe means of transportation. But we must also acknowledge this form of mobility comes at a premium, as polar ice melts, megacities become suffocated by smog and congestion, resources dwindle, and around 1.2 million people get killed in traffic
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accidents globally every year. We know why: we want to be mobile, and our mobility has some negative implications. So what can – actually, must – we do in order to make the automobile of the year 2050 cleaner, safer, leaner and still enjoyable to use? This is a crucial question: mass-motorisation in emerging countries means there will be more than three billion vehicles on the planet in 2050, compared with around one billion today.
Hands-free driving
The automobile in 2050 will be self-driving. Companies are working on concepts allowing cars to cruise along on the highway without driver intervention, many of which are likely to be seen on our roads. There is the Super Cruise from General Motors, which controls the vehicle on long highway stretches when not much is happening. Then there is the Traffic Jam Assistant from BMW; cars move along in a congested traffic area just like a school of fish. Or there’s Road Train from the European Satre project which includes Volvo, where one vehicle with a professional driver leads a platoon of other vehicles, connected virtually and following like pearls on a string along the highway – turning the commute into possibly more productive time as the drivers can now work or rest. And when the car makes it to its destination, it can park itself in a high-tech parking Wolf says. . We Offer all these Services
structure, just as Audi has demonstrated. Will the driver need to do anything at all? Will there still be a steering wheel? Cars will probably require that drivers monitor what the vehicle does and switch from one mode to another – such as highway driving to city driving. There will probably still be a steering wheel, but some models could have a little joystick that the driver only uses rarely. Driving is likely to get much safer (human error still accounts for the majority of all accidents) and also much more efficient, as centralised traffic control will lead to a smoother flow and less congestion. But how much of an effect this new technology has will depend on how widely it is rolled out. The changes might not
bility pods similar to the GM EN-V concept or autonomous vehicles like the Induct Navia. These will be urban, flexible solutions to move people around. In many metro areas, a well-organised public transportation system will be the most effective way to move large numbers of people. However, some commuters might not want to take it, either because of network problems, schedules or safety concerns. Publicly organised on-demand transportation systems that can accommodate up to six people will bring travellers automatically to their destination in downtown areas, and then move on to serve others. Customers will simply enter their destination and payment informa-
tion – think of it as a totally automated taxi system.
Digital frontier
Personal mobility will become more of a service, one that companies such as Google have recognised. The search and computing giant has become strongly involved in creating automated vehicles. And some think the car needs to serve us in other ways, whether we drive it or it drives itself. Many car companies are already working with Apple to integrate Siri into automobiles, creating virtual personal assistants in the car to help us with routes, traffic information, and the scheduling of our day. Our vehicles will be fully integrated into the digital lifestyle of 2050 – whatever that turns out to be.
Winter is on the Riverside Automotive way. . . Let Steve Service and Repair get you ready!
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FALL CAR CARE
| OCTOBER 8, 2014
THE MINER
Six vehicle warning signs your nose can recognize Most vehicles start out with a “new car smell,” but there are other specific odors that motorists should never ignore. Identifying these suspect smells early on can help car owners be car care aware and avoid the hassle and expense of an unexpected breakdown. “Unusual smells can be the sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle. By acting quickly and making necessary repairs, you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing there is no harmful damage to your car,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
The Car Care Council recommends a sniff test of your vehicle to identify any unusual smells, including the following six warning signs: 1. The smell of burnt rubber could be slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses
pulleys. Do not reach in if the engine compartment is hot. 2. The smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area. 3. The smell of gasoline is likely the sign of a gas leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Any smell of fuel can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given. 4. The sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that your car is leaking engine coolant from a leaky component related to the car’s cooling system. Do not open the radiator cap
Unusual smells can be the sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle. that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive
when it is hot. 5. The smell of burning carpet could be a sign of brake trouble and a safety hazard. Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions. 6. The smell of rotten eggs is never a good one and, if you smell it coming from your vehicle, it could mean a problem with your catalytic converter not converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. This smell can also be attributed to a poor running engine, causing the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown.
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4 tips for safe Halloween driving
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Halloween is one of the most anticipated times of the year for young children. To help keep trick-or-treaters as safe as possible, the Car Care Council reminds motorists to drive slowly, especially through neighborhoods, to be extra careful when entering or exiting driveways or alleyways, and to be car care aware by making sure their vehicle’s brakes, lights and wipers are working properly.
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THE MINER
FALL CAR CARE
Tips for fall car care month October is Fall Car Care Month. Why not take a little time to be car care aware and make sure your vehicle is ready for the harsh winter weather ahead? Taking a few simple steps now can save you the headaches and cost of an emergency breakdown later. Battery – Keep the battery connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Cold weather is hard on batteries, so it’s wise to check the battery and charging system. Because batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail, it is advisable to replace batteries that are more than three years old. Heater, Defrosters and Wiper Blades – Check that the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system
are working properly as heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting. Fall is also a great time to check your air filters. Wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don’t properly clean your windshield should be replaced. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. When changing the blades, be sure to also check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir.
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OCTOBER 8, 2014 |
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Gas prices to keep dropping in October Consumers Paid the Cheapest September Gas Prices in Four Years Drivers paid the lowest September gas prices since 2010 with the monthly average at $3.39 per gallon, which was about 13 cents less than last year and 44 cents less expensive than 2012. “American drivers will have a bit more money to spend or use on savings as gas prices continue to fall,” said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. “It is a nice relief for most of us to pay a little less than in recent years to fill up at the gas station.” Gas prices have declined about ten cents per gallon since the beginning of the month with the daily average falling 24 out of 30 days in September. This is the fourth consecutive year that gas prices have fallen in September. Gas prices have dropped 35 cents per gallon since June 28 despite a busy travel season and conflict in the Middle East. Gas prices generally have been less expensive than in
ly common in some parts of the country. Already, consumers can find at least one station selling gas for $3.00 or less in 26 states. Nearly four percent of U.S. stations are selling gas for $3.00 or less today, and this number should increase significantly over the next couple of months.
recent years due to the dramatic boom in North American petroleum production. U.S. refineries have taken advantage of increased crude oil supplies to make more gasoline. In addition, increased domestic production has helped insulate U.S. consumers from conflicts and instability overseas. Gas prices typically decline in September as the busy driving season ends and because many stations begin selling less costly winter-blend gasoline on September 16. As the weather grows cooler, summer-blend gasoline is no longer required in most
areas to prevent gasoline evaporation and air-quality issues. For the second year in a row, consumers caught a break in September with no Atlantic hurricanes striking the U.S. coastline. September is the peak period for the Atlantic hurricane season, and hurricanes can cause gas prices to rise significantly by disrupting refineries, pipelines and oil U.S. Gas Stations Increasingly Selling Gas for Less than $3.00 Per Gallon Gas stations selling gas for less than $3.00 per gallon are growing increasing-
Signs your brakes need to be inspected The national Car Care Council reminds motorists that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle. “When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year,” said Rich White, executive director. “Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.” They recommend that motorists watch for seven signs that their brakes need to be inspected: Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes. Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking. Low Pedal:brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage. Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal. Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions. Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard. Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually
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need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.
509-684-2587 Fax: 509-684-3549
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SPOKANE / NEWPORT SPECIAL MOBILITY SERVICES A.M.
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ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM
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Bring Auto Batteries and 5 Gal. max/Day: • Motor Oil • Antifreeze • Oil Based Paints • Stains Solvents, Thinners and Other Hazardous Products from your Home to the County Transfer Stations.
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In the City of Spokane, we pick up or drop off at the Bank of America on Riverside and Howard. Upon request, we can also pick up at the following locations: Spokane International Airport, any of the major Hospitals including VA hospital, NorthTown Mall, Northpoint Wal-Mart, 29th and Regal, Fancher and Sprague or Trent and Fancher.
If you have a disability that prevents you from reaching one of our stops, please call our office to see if we can arrange a pickup at your home. One-way fares $3.00 Newport/Spokane Reserve seating has priority. Open seating is available without reservations as capacity allows. To reserve a seat, please call 24-hours in advance or during office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
1-877-264-RIDE (7433) • 509-534-7171 Service is open to the general public. Service is available to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. This service meets the requirements of the American’s With Disabilities Act. This service is funded through grants from Washington DOT.
Pend Oreille County Solid Waste www.pendoreilleco.org
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FALL CAR CARE
| OCTOBER 8, 2014
THE MINER
FUTURE: Exciting things to come; what’s in store for the future of driving? its demise may not be quite so quick. In general, the daily commute will be in an electric vehicle with no combustion engine. The electricity grid is likely to include a much higher percentage of renewable energy by then, so everyday driving will be cleaner as well. But what about longer trips? Batteries might allow a 500-mile range, but they might be heavy and expensive, and recharging them might take time. So, the ultimate solution for long-distance car travel might still be a combustion engine. Research is underway by institutions and car companies across the world to further improve efficiency and cut emissions. In 2050
FROM PAGE 5B
It is hard to imagine what the world of Apple, Microsoft, Facebook and Google will be like in 30 years time, but we can assume that everything that has a digital representation will be available in our cars. The automobile seems to be the final frontier for the digital lifestyle – some people want to be disconnected while driving – but in decades to come it will be completely connected and – hopefully – safe to use. But what will actually drive these cars? Electricity? Hydrogen? Or will it still guzzle petrol and diesel? At first glance, one might think the good-old internal combustion engine is on its way out. However,
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a small, turbo-charged, rotary engine might serve as a range extender – used only a few days a year, but good to have on board. Another range extender might be wireless power transfer to the vehicle as it moves along the highway. An alternative is hydrogen-powered vehicles, converting hydrogen into electricity in a fuel cell. This would result in a smooth electric drive and only water vapour coming out the tailpipe. While fuel-cell technology has already come a long way (Daimler and Toyota are at the forefront of this evolution), there are still challenges to overcome, such as where to get the hydrogen from. It is unclear if there will be an answer by 2050.
Morphing motors
People value flexibility; just as they have come to expect it from their smartphones and laptops, so will they want it from their car? As mobile technology has allowed us to make decisions on everything in an instant and away from home, we will want those same freedoms in our cars. The commuter of the
future may have a “personal mobility portfolio”, with the car being only one part of it. An automobile might be there to drive for pleasure on the weekend (the affection for the car will probably not go away completely). As mobile internet becomes ever-more powerful it will be totally normal and convenient to step out on the street and make an immediate decision. You could hail a self-driving shared vehicle. You could jump into the car of a social-media friend, who just happens to be driving by and going in the same direction. Or you will take public transportation if is the best option. The car will be totally integrated into a greater mobility network. We are already seeing beyond existing car-sharing schemes, such as ZipCar, where people can book cars for the hours in which they actaully need them. There will be a network of different options to integrate services in places such as airports, all of them combined in one app on our 2050 communication device. We basically tell the app where we want to go and, based on our preferences, three different optimised transportation modes will be
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offered, similar to the three different routes that a GPS navigation system offers us today. There’s one more question to ask: what will the 2050 car look like? Will we still be able to recognise it? It might still have a steering wheel, maybe just a joystick. It is safe to assume that it will still have four seats and wheels and might still resemble a metal box. But that’s where the similarities may end. Carbon fibre or other lightweight material might replace steel. The design will be a mix of efficient contours (low aerodynamic drag) and emotional styling. And maybe there will be some sort of morphing shape. MIT has looked into some very
promising vehicle concepts that allow for small footprint in the city and a more safety and dynamic configuration for the open road. The car of 2050 might be relatively easy to recognise, which might not be true for the phone or computer. This is because a car is a car is a car – it is supposed to transport people and goods and as long as people continue to be as tall as they are cars won’t look too much different. But the personal automobile as we know it will have much competition: from remotecontrolled, on-demand pod and personalised public transportation. And in our livable cities, good old-fashioned walking and cycling, too.
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