Nicks Car Tips #12 - Driving and Talking

Today, I'd like to talk about how to make your driving simpler and safer. As you've probably noticed in the last few years of driving, there are two types of drivers these days - those who are talking on the cell phone while driving, and those who are dodging them.

It reminds me of a time, years ago, when I was learning to fly airplanes. My flight instructor said that there were 3 priorities when flying - avigate, navigate and communicate. In other words, make sure you're in control of your airplane, make sure you know where you are and where you're heading. And then you can talk about it. It's pretty much the same thing when it comes to driving our cars. It's a good idea to make sure you are in control of your car, and pointing it in the right direction, before taking on a phone call.

There are recent reports that driving while talking on the phone can actually result in worse driving than being drunk. (And I don't want to even think about a drunk driver on the phone!) http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/06/29/hscout533489.html

You may also be aware that we have a law going into effect soon, here in California, that is going to require everyone, who is not in an emergency, to have a hands-free way to use their phones while driving. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/press-release/3910/

Which all leads to the question - if I am going to use a phone, safely and hands-free while driving, what are my options? If you're considering a new car, all the current new Lexus models are available with Bluetooth technology. (There's today's shameless plug.) Bluetooth allows you to have a wireless relationship between your phone and your car, so you can use the car's speakers and microphone for a safer, hands-free phone conversation.

If you want Bluetooth now, without replacing the car just yet, your current cellular provider may have a hands-free kit available for your current phone. Or you may be able to get an upgrade on your phone that will allow you to take advantage of Bluetooth. I did this last year for both my wife and myself, and we are able to deal with the occasional necessary call much more safely.

Of course, the best option would be to pull over to a safe place before continuing your conversation.

Best wishes for safe driving!

Nick

Nicks Car Tips #11 - When am I due for service?

Have you ever wondered, "Just when is my car due for service?" It's not hard to lose track, with all the other demands for our time and attention these days.

In theory, it shouldn't be complicated, because the recommendation for most recent Lexus models is to bring them in every 6 months, or 5000 miles. But, with most things in life, there are exceptions. What about those of us who drive very little - or very much. My recommendation, next time you do bring your car in for service, ask your service advisor, "Based on how many miles I'm driving, and what you're seeing as the condition of my car, when should I bring my car in for service next." He or she may recommend coming in sooner or later than the normal guideline based on your individual situation.

One other thing that can help make it easy, make sure that our service department has all your latest contact information, including cell phones, addresses, and email. We can contact you in any and all of these ways to provide you with service reminders, as well as special offers and discounts. Let us do the leg work for you on helping you schedule taking care of your car.

Best wishes for safe driving!

Nick

Nicks Car Tips #10 - Oprah and the Lexus LS460

This tip was originally sent in 2007.

Today's tip comes courtesy of Mrs. Hart, because she keeps an eye on Oprah while I'm at the office. On yesterday's Oprah show, Oprah, with Lexus's Vice President of Sales, Jim Colon, experienced parking the new LS460 with the new Advanced Parking Guidance system, right there on her stage in front of a live studio audience.

Apparently, Oprah is not the most confident of drivers. She says that, other than passing trucks, going over bridges, bumpy roads, or driving at night, she's fine. Oh, and parallel parking is not her thing either. She was delighted when the car did the steering, while she had the security of controlling the brake herself.

You can see more about the segment at http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200702/20070201/slide_20070201_350_107.jhtml. And Mrs. Hart says that, if you visit the site, or request it enough, they might put the actual footage up as streaming video too.

If you would like to experience the new LS460 for yourself, I'm happy to help. You don't even need tickets to Oprah.

Best wishes for safe driving!

Nick

Nicks Car Tips #9 - The New EPA numbers

This tip was originally sent out in 2007.

We just received the first glimpse of how the new EPA testing methods are going to affect the mileage estimates for our cars.

As we discussed in an earlier tip, the EPA mileage estimates are a great way to compare one car to another. But, as most people notice, they seem a bit removed from the way most of us drive. So the EPA has been adjusting the testing procedure to help make the EPA numbers more realistic.

We now have the results from one of the first cars to be tested with the new method. We actually are about to receive the first of the 2008 Lexus RX350s. (We've almost sold out of the 2007s that were produced, so here we are, already making a model year change. Pretty wild!) For reference, the 2007 RX350 had EPA ratings of 19 city and 24 highway for the All Wheel Drive model. The new 2008 has ratings that are 2 mpg less, or 17 city and 22 highway. There are corresponding changes for the two wheel drive model also.

Keep in mind, nothing has changed with the engine or transmission. The only thing that has changed is the way it's tested. Now the tests take into account a few more real world factors such as

Faster Speeds and Acceleration

Air Conditioner Use

and Colder Outside Temperatures

So what does this mean for you? As we move forward, the EPA number will not only be a great way to compare cars to each other, but they will be a better way of approximating what you might expect from a car. Of course, no test can accurately reproduce your specific driving style, vehicle and road conditions. So we'll probably always see that classic disclaimer, "Your mileage may vary."

Best wishes for safe driving!

Nick

Nicks Car Tips #8 - No Brakes!

I recently read that, some years ago, a couple of people drove across the country without using their brakes. The brakes were sealed, and it was proven that they were never touched. It must have taken some care and planning, and they must have really had a great feel for anticipating traffic and road conditions.

Imagine being able to plan every stop so just the vehicles inertia and rolling resistance brings you to a smooth stop. Picture having so much room behind the traffic that you don't have to slam on the brakes when you're surprised by someone. How much more efficiently would you use each gallon of gas if you weren't wasting it as heat in your brakes?

Of course, the reality is that, in today's traffic, people cut us off, lights change often, and it's really hard to avoid using our brakes completely. But try going a day or two remembering the ideal - no wasting your gas with your brakes. Make the gas you use take you as far as possible. And you just might find your dollars going farther, and you'll leave some of that traffic stress behind. Just remember to do what you have to if you really do need the brakes. Safety first, then great economy.

Best wishes for safe driving!

Nick