Hot Driving & Safety Posts
How To: Do the Left Hand Reverse for Driving Tests in England
Here is a video to help you with the left-hand reverse manoeuvre, which occurs on the driving test. There is a full explanation of the manoeuvre followed by an in-car demonstration. Make sure you keep your speed low and do plenty of observations when you perform this. It should help you along with your driving lessons.
How To: Deal with Pedestrian Crossings When Driving a Car in England
Here's a video on how to deal with pedestrian crossings in England. It's to help all of you taking driving lessons in Nottingham and the surrounding area, and can be used before or in-between your training.
How To: Deal with Roundabouts When Driving a Car in England
Here's an educational video about dealing with all types of roundabouts, suitable for those practising with driving in the Nottingham and surrounding area.
How To: Deal with Crossroads When Driving a Car in England
Now, here's a subject that has a lot of information in it. The brief for this is quite long, so you'll have to pay attention when taking driving lessons in Nottingham and the surrounding area.
How To: Emerge at T-Junctions When Driving a Car in England
Here's a very informative video for those of you learning to drive in the Nottingham and surrounding areas. We look at what to do when you get to the end of a road and you can't see what's coming from the sides. Keep slow so you can look, assess, decide and act upon what you see. You have to wait at a give way line and definitely stop at the stop sign. It's the law.
How To: Approach Junctions to Turn Left and Right When Driving a Car in England
Here is a video to help all of those who are learning to drive in the Nottingham and surrounding area. It is one of the most important topics in driving and needs a whole lot of skills to do properly.
How To: Meet Oncoming Traffic and Pass Parked Cars in England
Here is a video all about meeting other vehicles when you're having lessons with driving instructors in Nottingham and the surrounding area. It happens when you are passing parked cars and someone is coming the other way.
How To: Learn to Move Off and Stop When Driving a Car in England
This tutorial video is all about how to move off and stop and use your mirrors when taking driving lessons in Nottingham and the surrounding area.
How To: Jump start a car with a dead battery
You don't want to get stuck on the side of the road when your car's battery dies. Learn how to charge your car's battery off of someone else's using jumper cables. Don't let a dead battery leave you stranded! Every driver should know how to jump start a car.
How To: Unlock a frozen car door using a butane lighter
Live in a place with severe winter? You may eventually find that your car door lock has frozen solid. You can try jiggling the door handle, but if that doesn't work, then bring out a butane lighter and heat up your car key. Take care to not get burned!
Note To Self: When Bored, Try Car Surfing
Dumb as it may be, it sure looks fun. And when boredom comes calling... (for those with a death wish)... presenting, the highly dangerous game of car surfing:
News: The Wall of Death (Thank God for Centrifugal Force)
We've seen it before, but India's Wall of Death never ceases to awe and amaze. Below, taken from the Guardian's Eyewitness photo series, a man performs the incredibly dangerous stunt during Jhiri Mela, in India ("a fair held every November in memory of a farmer who killed himself in the face of unjust demands from a landlord").
How To: Determine if you should buy an electric car with Electric Car Calculator
Are you thinking of trading in your 6mpg Hummer for something a little more efficient? Well, if you've got an electric or hybrid car in mind, this video will show you how to make a choice that works for you. With a little program called Electric Car Calculator, you can determine if the savings are worth it for you to get into one of today's hybrid or electric cars.
News: Can You Pass the Crazy Chinese Driving Test?
China is a hot mess of traffic and is stereotyped for spawning some of the craziest drivers in the world. The traffic jams are known to be so bad, drivers have been gridlocked for 9 straight days.
News: Ralph Lauren's Decadent "Garage" (Re: Luxury Auto Museum)
You can see why Ralph's daughter Dylan may have conceived of the $15 grand gingerbread house. Below, images of the fashion King's exotic car garage, via Vanity Fair.
News: Synchronized Drifting = High-Speed Motor Ballet
It's an auto freak's wet dream: the beauty of synchronization + the adrenaline rush of engines revving and expert vehicle maneuvering. Check out these incredible dancing Toyotas on Japan's Fuji Speedway. Inspired? Start small.
How To: Pack a recovery kit for your 4x4 to ensure your safety while offroading
If you spend a lot of time alone or close to it in the wilderness, then hopefully you already know how important it is to bring a properly packed survival kit. This is true for offroading enthusiasts as well as pedestrian outdoorsman, but the kit requires some great specifically related to your being in a 4x4. This video will show you what you should pack in your 4x4 offroad recovery kit and explains why this stuff will keep you safe.
How To: Use a wheel winch to rescue your 4WD drive from the mud
If you and your 4WD Jeep or other offroading vehicle venture far enough afield, you will probably find yourself stuck in mud, sand, ruts, or some other sticky situation. This video will teach you how to use a wheel winch to self-rescue your vehicle from all sorts of situations and get your truck driving again.
How To: Keep your car seat cool with a reflective emergency blanket
If you've ever parked your car outside in direct sunlight and it's about 90 degrees out, you know what ends up happening 2 hours later when you get back into the car.
How To: Ride a motorcycle in a group
In this tutorial we learn how to ride a motorcycle in a group. You will have each person separated by enough length so you can each safely stop. There should be a trail of one in front of the other, not everyone next to each other. Follow the hand signals that each person gives so you call know where to go. You should have one leader and then other people following with one person in the back. If you are riding into the sun, make sure each person is wearing sunglasses because it will be brigh...
How To: Make a u-turn on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to make a u-turn on a motorcycle. You must be able to complete a u-turn without putting your foot down. Depending on the size of your motorcycle, you will need 20-24 feet to do this properly. The most common mistake is oversteering and putting your foot down. Keep the clutch in the friction zone, drag the rear bike the stabilize the bike, add throttle if needed, and shift your weight. Keep your head up and make sure you are looking all the way through the u-turn. D...
How To: Start out on a motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to start out on a motorcycle. Before you ride a motorcycle, you will want to learn where all the controls are. After this, you need to make sure all the springs are in place and the clutch works well. Then, check the engine oil to make sure it's full, and then make sure the throttle is working correctly. The steering bar should also be checked and the ignition switch should be checked. Once you know that your bike is ready, then you can pull the kickstand up wit...
How To: Countersteer and turn on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to countersteer and turn on a motorcycle. First, you will push left and lean left while you are on the motorcycle. Push on the hand grip while you are leaning your body. Turn at a normal speed, not while you are going really fast, or you can fall off. You will turn the handlebars just like a steering wheel on a car going at a slow speed. This should be between 8 and 15 miles per hour, so you will have to countersteer. Practice this on a closed course and then you c...
How To: Master the obstacle swerve on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to master the obstacle swerve on a motorcycle. First, you must reach a speed of 15 miles per hour and then swerve around a 7 foot obstacle 13 feet ahead. Learn how to swerve to the left first and then start to swerve to the right on a closed course. Do not brake while you are swerving and learn how to use counter steering. Keep your head up and look where you want to go while you are riding. Enjoy riding your bike and make sure to be extremely cautious when you are...
News: Go, Granny, Go! Hacked Mobility Scooter Goes 69 MPH
Though the idea of a highway-friendly mobility scooter might seem absurd, we think it makes perfect sense: After all, who has a greater need to move quickly than those with the least amount of time left to live?
How To: Use the smart key for the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this video, we learn how to use the smart key for the 2010 Prius. You can use this just like any other keyless entry system. Press the lock button to lock the doors and the unlock button to unlock the doors. When you press unlock once it unlocks the drivers door, if you press it twice within 3 seconds, it unlocks all the door. After 60 seconds, the Prius will automatically lock itself. Press the red alarm key if you need to draw attention to yourself in an emergency situation. Make sure yo...
How To: Adjust the steering wheel in the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust the steering wheel in the 2010 Prius. Every Prius has a tilt and telescopic steering wheel that should only be adjusted when the car is stopped. Reach under the steering wheel and push the lever down to release. Then, move the steering wheel in and out and up and down until you find the position that is comfortable for you. Pull the lever up to lock it into position. Make sure the steering wheel is completely locked into place before you start driving ...
How To: Operate the solar powered vent system in a 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to operate the solar powered vent system in a 2010 Prius. Prius models that come with a moon roof also have a solar powered roof. The control switch is on the left hand side of the steering wheel. With the ignition on and the switch turned on, you can exit and allow the ventilation system to start to clean the air out of the car. Since this doesn't rely on power, it will not drain your battery. This is not only eco-friendly, it's also great for your health and c...
How To: Use different drive modes in the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to use different drive modes in the 2010 Prius. The Prius offers a smooth and gentle ride, and new technology lets you tailor the driving experience to your needs. All you have to do is press the button and let the car do the rest. The EV mode lets you drive for longer distances at low speeds using the electric motor only. This is an extremely quiet ride that doesn't produce any emissions. The ECO mode makes the most of fuel economy, even on stop and go city str...
How To: Adjust the front seat and heater in the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust the front seat and heater in the 2010 Prius. First, you will need to adjust your seats by lifting the lever in the front of the seat. Move up and down until it's comfortable. On the side of the seat is a lever which will move the seat up and down. The other lever behind that will move the seat back up and down until it's in the right place. There is also a button on the side that will change the lumbar support for your back. There is also an option ava...
How To: Operate the backup camera on the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to operate the backup camera on the 2010 Prius. The Prius models can come equipped with a navigation and a backup camera. When you shift into reverse, the navigation screen will change to show what the camera sees behind the vehicle. You will also hear a repeating beep to indicate that you are going in reverse. This is a great tool to use while you are backing up your vehicle, which can help you avoid small things in the road. This is also a great tool to help a...
How To: Utilize the informational display in the 2010 Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to utilize the informational display in the 2010 Prius. This is in the middle of the panel display and appears after the welcoming screen. It includes a clock at the top and can be changed when you press the correct button on the steering wheel. Pressing the display button will bring up different screens to give you information on how your vehicle is running and give you history of it. It will also provide access to settings of your car so you can change the clo...
How To: Use steering wheel controls in the 2010 Prius
In this video, we learn how to use steering wheel controls in the 2010 Prius. The Prius has steering wheel mounted controls that come with touch tracer display. When you press these, the display produces the duplicate on the panel to see what you are doing. This is located in the driver's line of sight. You will find radio, volume, and radio channel controls on the left hand side. You will also find voice activation and phone on the left hand side. The switches on the right hand side will hel...
How To: Operate the audio system of a 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to operate the audio system of a 2010 Prius. Every Prius comes standard with a 6-speaker AM/FM tuner with a single CD player. There is an 8-speaker with 6-disk changer available as well. The top of the line comes with a premium auto system and a navigation system. The left hand knob switches the system on and off and controls the volume. To set a radio station, use the manual knob and press it down until you hear a beep when you find the station you want to list...
How To: Adjust the interior lights in a 2010 Prius
In this video, we learn how to adjust the interior lights in a 2010 Prius. To adjust the intensity of lights, rotate the thumb wheel that is left to the steering wheel. Rotating up increases the intensity of the lights. Rotating downwards dims the instrument panel lights. There is a central light switch located on the roof. There are three positions that turn the lights on, off, and auto. There are also right and left map lights which you can switch to turn on or off. The lighting in this car...
How To: Adjust the mirrors in a 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust the mirrors in a 2010 Prius. The interior rear view mirror will dim automatically if it sense a glare coming into it. You can turn this function on and off by pressing the buttons on the mirror. There are also outside mirrors that have controls to the left of the steering wheel. Press the buttons to adjust the area the lens is at. There is also a defroster that will activate when you turn on the front or rear defroster. This will loosen any ice from th...
How To: Access XM Satellite Radio in a 2010 Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to access XM satellite radio in a 2010 Prius. To access this feature, press the "sat" button the dash or the "sat" button the steering wheel. You can also use the voice recognition button on the steering wheel by saying "satellite radio" out loud after pressing it. You can search for music by channel or use the type scan button while in audio mode to find the type of music you prefer. There are a variety of channels offered, look at your channel guide to find th...
How To: Open & utilize the trunk area of a 2010 Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to open & utilize the trunk area of a 2010 Prius. To access the cargo area, open the rear hatch by pressing on the release above the license plate. To keep items out of sight, there is a sliding cover that you can pull back and hook into slots. To open, pull towards you slightly, then reel it in. There is additional space under the floor which can be accessed by twisting the locks and removing from the vehicle. Underneath this, there is a cargo bin, and undernea...
How To: Choose which driving mode to use in the 2010 Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to choose which driving mode to use in the 2010 Prius. The Prius offers four drive modes: normal, eco, power, and ev mode. To activate the mode, press the appropriate button the center console and the light will appear in the center console. Now, you can press it again to deactivate it if you no longer want it on. The Prius has a driving range of 1/2 mile and can operate at 25 mph using light throttle. If the battery needs charging or the speed exceeds 25 mph th...
How To: Acquire legal ownership of an abandoned car
Been keeping an eye on the car that's been sitting on the side of the freeway for the last month? This video shows you how to legally acquire the title for an abandoned vehicle. You'll need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and license plate number to locate the owner. Then work out the transfer title, and the car's yours!