Don't Punch Yourself in the Face!

Have you ever been told to put your hands on "10 and 2 O'clock" position?
At least 50% of the BC drivers do it, according to a recent CTV survey.

This was how people used to drive before modern airbags were implemented. And apparently that's not so good of an advice nowadays because doing so also puts you at risk of major injuries.
You are more likely to lose your fingers, hands, or gain a broken face.

In crashes, airbag from the steering wheel explodes out at 320km/hr (twice as fast as a fastball) in less than 1/20th of a second.
With hands placed in the wrong position, we end up punching ourselves in the face or even amputation at the elbows.

What does ICBC and NHTSA recommend? Driving with "9 and 3" or even "8 and 4".

    Good

    Bad

    "I don't need my left arm"

And as always. Drive safe everybody :)



source: http://m.ctv.ca/bc/20120508/bc_steele_steering_position_120508.html

M.I.L. Malfunction Indicator Light

Have you ever seen this on your car's dash?

Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean your car is about to explode.

Much like a cough or sneeze when you're about to have a cold, the MIL (a.k.a Check Engine Light) is simply a sign that your engine needs some care soon.

----------------- Here comes the boring part -------------------------------
This light is part of a very sensitive on-board computer system which monitors the vehicles emission control system. This system is called:

On Board Diagnostic System. (OBD)

Normally, the light comes on when turning the key and starting the engine.

Once the engine is running, the light goes out, indicating the emission control system is functioning correctly.
----------------- Boring part is over -------------------------------------

Now sometimes this is a symptom of small issues, such as:

• Completely empty fuel tank <---- probably most common reason if you're cheap adventurous like me.
• There is a problem in engine's electronic control systems <--- aka false alarm
• The fuel filler cap is not tightened securely <--- your gas station attendant didn't pass Pumping101

If, after checking on these points, the MIL continues to stay on, this can mean a big uh-oh.

Call Joseph or an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible for an inspection.

In most cases, the car is safe to drive and there's no need to tow the car to the dealership.

Silly Curious Rabbit asks: so I should race to the dealership at 80km/hr??? because my car can't wait!

Answer is no. 

Here's what you should do:

• Continue to drive with reduced power.
• avoid hard acceleration or steep hills.
• Avoid high speeds

Remember, if you ignore the MIL and keep driving your car for extended periods, damage on engine or emission control system can and are very likely to happen.

When in doubt, call Metrotown Mazda at (604) 433-7779 and get Joseph :)

CX-5

Hi everyone,

Spring is finally around the corner! If you’re still adjusting to the time change, remember never to drive when you’re sleepy!

Let me update you with the Mazda brand. Some people may know already that the CX-5 debuted in March of this year.Even before this car hit the market, it won the Crossover of the Year award for Autobytel, and more are piling up. Here’s a bit more info.


The Look

CX-5 features the Kodo design, with flowing lines and front grille that shows more confidence than the CX-7 and CX-9. New front bumper to improve the aerodynamic (wind noises), revised rear bumpers, and the twist spoke alloy wheels are all part of the new design!
Here it is on the road -> Click Me

Interior retains the Mazda tradition: the always superior fit-and-finishing in its class, and the high quality of material used. Center rear seat can be folded down, turning the second row into two bucket seats! This picture above is obviously for the fully loaded version, but you get the idea.



Under the hood where the squirrels run

CX-5 will feature the complete set of SkyActiv technology (go here if you don’t know what it is yet), making it one of the most fuel economic SUVs out there. This is its major advantage, and it’s not a hybrid!



Hope you guys like these updates I’m sending. Please do feel free to give me any feedback.
Keep me in the loop with your car questions. Even if they are minor things like stone chips, scrapes,or  broken windows, I can always give a second opinion or recommend reputable stores for you.