Tips for Getting Into F1 Racing

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carl-turnley-f1Formula One racing is one of the world’s biggest entertainment pastimes — a competitive sport that demands dedication and perseverance from its participants. If you’re just looking for a new hobby, Formula One racing might not be right for you – but if you have the drive to succeed and the patience to train for years, these tips can lead you to victory.

Consider Racing School

If you’ve been driving on normal roads for years, you might think that you have an understanding of what it takes to drive a Formula One car – after all, it’s just faster, isn’t it? Not exactly. Formula One cars require faster reflexes than normal driving and involve higher stakes, not to mention the inherent differences in the designs of the vehicle platforms. Racing schools can give you an opportunity to refine your skills and see what you’re made of – not only that, but they allow access to vehicles you might not be able to try out otherwise. This is a great way to make sure this is the right path for you.

Start Slow in a Kart

Some suggest that you should train with a go-kart before you actually start Formula One racing – while this can be a valuable way to train your skills, it isn’t always necessary. That said, if you do need to start out slow, try earning a go-kart certification and finding a nearby course that has their own karts. That way you’ll save money overall and you’ll always have somewhere to train – and some go-kart races even have cash prizes, meaning you could earn back the price of your membership to the course.

Meet Racing License Standards

Since this is a rather dangerous sport, you’ll need to meet a number of requirements to become a Formula One racer – you’ll need to spend two years of licensed racing in a junior class of single-seat vehicles, like go-karts, as well as 40 race points from victories. You’ll also need 300 hours in a Formula One car itself on a course or as a junior member of a team – and, of course, you’ll need to be a legal adult.

Keeping all of this in mind, Formula One looks like a hard hobby to break into – but if you’ve got the skill and the commitment to go the extra mile, those steps should help you get started.

Crucial Tips for New Drivers

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carl-turnley-drivingThere are over 200 million people in the United States who regularly get behind the wheel of an automobile. Earning your license is certainly a major accomplishment, but it comes with a lot of responsibility; you need to make sure you are driving both safely and responsibly, so consider these crucial tips.

Keep Practicing

Just because you’ve earned your license doesn’t mean that you are suddenly an expert driver. In fact, you’re probably far from it. No matter how much you think you know about driving or how good you may be, you can always improve. Pay attention to how others drive, stay on top of changing traffic laws, and keep practicing.

Slow Down

This tip really cannot be stressed enough. Not only will speeding get you in trouble with the police, but it will kill you or someone else if you’re not careful. The faster you drive, the harder it will be to control your car or stop, especially if the weather is less than perfect. As much as you may want to drive fast, you should keep your speed down to a manageable level if you don’t want to crash.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving has become a serious problem throughout the country, and it will almost certainly get worse as time goes by. When you drive, cut out as many distractions as you can. This means no texting, no talking on your phone unless you have to, and no changing your radio station unless you’re stopped. Keep an eye on the road ahead of you at all times, no matter how much you want to read the text you just received.

Obey All Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are there for a reason. Even the ones that seem arbitrary or too much of a hassle are in place to keep you and other drivers safe. Stop at every stop sign and red light, keep your speed manageable, signal whenever you turn or switch lanes, and avoid tailgating the vehicle ahead of you.

Drive Defensively

You have no control over what anybody else is doing on the road, but you do have control over your own vehicle. Keep a close eye on all of the other vehicles on the road, and stay away from drivers who are speeding or weaving in and out of traffic. As long as you keep your distance from them, they can’t crash into you.

Five of the Best-selling Cars of All Time

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carl-turnley-corollaHow does a car become so popular that people want to buy it again and again? It needs a reputation of being reliable year after year.

Just a few cars have been able to pull this off. Here are five of the best-selling cars of all time along with facts about what makes them so great.

Toyota Corolla

How Many Sold: Over 43 million

What Makes It Great:

A practical, economical car, the Corolla was launched in 1966. Since then, it’s become the best-selling auto of all time. No matter how many millions of Corollas are already on the road, buyers still show up for new models.

Options run from bare-bones staples to advanced safety and comfort features.

Ford F-Series

How Many Sold: Over 40 million

What Makes It Great: The F-150 and its larger cousins are true workhorses that last and hold their value. The only pickup on the list, this model has grown from a simple work truck to a more stylish, luxurious ride.

Today’s F-Series appeals to everyone from families to handymen to corporations.

Volkswagen Beetle

How Many Sold: Over 23 million

What Makes It Great:

The odd little car with the bug-eyed headlights and the engine in the rear spoke for a generation of young Americans in the sixties. It stood out from the other cars and was a perfect fit for the times.

A relaunch and design changes removed some of the quirkiness. Still, it retains a loyal following.

Lada Riva

How Many Sold: Over 19 Million

What Makes It Great:

The boxy, sturdy design tells the story: this is a tough little car. It lacks charm and comfort, but it’s a reliable and affordable means of transportation.

Also known as the VAZ 2101, this car was last produced in 2012 but is still a common sight on the road.

Honda Accord

How Many Sold: Over 17 million

What Makes It Great:

This mid-sized sedan popped up in the mid-seventies and has been in production ever since. This is a popular family car with remarkable economy, safety and reliability.

Redesigns have taken the vehicle from basic to sleek and back again several times, but it’s remained a top seller for decades.

Winter Car Maintenance Tips

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carl-turnley-winterCar maintenance is an important aspect of ensuring a vehicle runs smoothly. Executing such action bears even greater significance3 during the wintertime. This brief blog highlights several suggestions car owners can employ to keep their cars functioning at an optimal level during these cold, potentially harsh weather months.

Check and Change The Oil

Oil is vital to the operation of a vehicle’s engine. Many mechanics recommend changing oil every three months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles traveled regardless of the season of year. However, during the wintertime, oil might thicken, which could threaten proper engine flow. Therefore, during colder periods, it is suggested that car owners check their oil content on a more frequent basis.

Install Snow Tires

Vehicle owners residing in regions prone to receiving significant quantities of snow and ice might wish to consider installing snow tires. Unlike typical tires, snow tires are designed to tread through adverse weather conditions and give drivers better traction, which may lead to maintaining better control of their vehicles during harsh weather.

Practice Battery Maintenance

During the summer months, a car’s battery expends much power. Unfortunately, this occurrence often precipitates a gradual weakening that is exacerbated by cold temperatures. Should the weakening become pronounced, car owners may experience a dead battery will require recharging or possibly replacing. Either situation could present a major hassle and expense to a driver. To avoid this pitfall, mechanics recommend drivers have their car batteries tested in advance of the winter season.

Ensure Proper Antifreeze Levels

As the substance’s name would indicate, antifreeze ensures the liquids that flow through a vehicle’s working parts do not freeze, which enables said structures to operate efficiently during cold durations. Drivers are encouraged to ask their mechanics to test the potency of and measure antifreeze levels.

Preserve Visibility

Few issues carry more importance than a driver’s ability to see during adverse weather conditions. Preserving visibility can be accomplished by executing actions such as installing winter windshield wipers, placing fresh bulbs in headlights and ensuring the windshield wiper tank is filled with deicing fluid.

Have The Radiator Cap And Thermostat Inspected

The radiator cap plays an integral role in preventing antifreeze leaks and ensuring the radiator functions properly. A vehicle’s thermostat regulates systemic internal temperature. Mechanics highly recommend having both parts examined and, if need be replaced prior to the winter driving season.

Winter Car Maintenance Tips

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carl-turnley-winterCar maintenance is an important aspect of ensuring a vehicle runs smoothly. Executing such action bears even greater significance during the wintertime. This brief blog highlights several suggestions car owners can employ to keep their cars functioning at an optimal level during these cold, potentially harsh weather months.

Check and Change The Oil

Oil is vital to the operation of a vehicle’s engine. Many mechanics recommend changing oil every three months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles traveled regardless of the season of year. However, during the wintertime, oil might thicken, which could threaten proper engine flow. Therefore, during colder periods, it is suggested that car owners check their oil content on a more frequent basis.

Install Snow Tires

Vehicle owners residing in regions prone to receiving significant quantities of snow and ice might wish to consider installing snow tires. Unlike typical tires, snow tires are designed to tread through adverse weather conditions and give drivers better traction, which may lead to maintaining better control of their vehicles during harsh weather.

Practice Battery Maintenance

During the summer months, a car’s battery expends much power. Unfortunately, this occurrence often precipitates a gradual weakening that is exacerbated by cold temperatures. Should the weakening become pronounced, car owners may experience a dead battery will require recharging or possibly replacing. Either situation could present a major hassle and expense to a driver. To avoid this pitfall, mechanics recommend drivers have their car batteries tested in advance of the winter season.

Ensure Proper Antifreeze Levels

As the substance’s name would indicate, antifreeze ensures the liquids that flow through a vehicle’s working parts do not freeze, which enables said structures to operate efficiently during cold durations. Drivers are encouraged to ask their mechanics to test the potency of and measure antifreeze levels.

Preserve Visibility

Few issues carry more importance than a driver’s ability to see during adverse weather conditions. Preserving visibility can be accomplished by executing actions such as installing winter windshield wipers, placing fresh bulbs in headlights and ensuring the windshield wiper tank is filled with deicing fluid.

Have The Radiator Cap And Thermostat Inspected

The radiator cap plays an integral role in preventing antifreeze leaks and ensuring the radiator functions properly. A vehicle’s thermostat regulates systemic internal temperature. Mechanics highly recommend having both parts examined and, if need be replaced prior to the winter driving season.

Ten Crucial Car Maintenance Tips

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carl-turnley-maintenance

Having a car is a tremendous privilege, but comes with great responsibility. Here are some tips to bear in mind to make sure your car’s maintenance is up to date.

  1. Check Your Air Filter

Whenever you want to pop on the air conditioner, you will want to make sure the filters in your car do not suffer much wear and tear. It is recommended that you change them every 12 months or so to prevent breathing in unhealthy air.

  1. Spark Plugs

Any issues that you may face with your engine can most likely be attributed to the spark plugs. Spark plugs are typically good for around 30,000 miles.

  1. Brakes

Cars that last longer typically have strong brakes. Every two years, ensure that your brakes are replaced. Checking your brake fluid can also be helpful.

  1. Cover It

Covering your car can ensure that the paint stays fresh and that your car remains stylish. This is more of an aesthetic tip, but it could save you money.

  1. Practice Better Driving

You could save money that you’d have to pay for damages to car by simply driving better and avoiding accidents. It reflects well on you, and saves you money in the long run.

  1. Exterior Engine Cleaning

Cleaning the exterior of your car can prevent excess debris from entering the internal compartment. Remove any debris or garbage that should not be there.

     7. Oil

Your oil should be amber in color, and you can refer to your owner’s manual in regards to when and how often your oil should be changed.

  1. Headlights

The headlights provide you with safety, allowing you to see what’s up ahead of you at night. Make sure the battery is up to date and that it is actually working before driving off.

  1. Windshield Wipers

The windshield wipers are one of the more vulnerable parts of your car that can wear out quickly. However, they can be easily replaced with a wiper blade.

  1. Tire Rotation

The general rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated and properly aligned every 5,000 miles. Doing so will also help your car’s fuel economy as well.