Top 5 Things To Keep In Your Car

So you're broken down on the side of the road. You don't remember how long it's been since you've seen a street light or the last service station. Your phone has reminded you twice now that you're running low on battery. Not the most ideal circumstances, huh?

Hopefully if you're reading this then the about situation is only hypothetical and not a reality. Whether it be through friends' horror stories or our own personal experiences, we all know that those are circumstances that we want to try our best to avoid. Unfortunately, sometimes such circumstances can and do arise, so here is a list of the top 5 items to keep in your car at all times to best avoid those crummy breakdown situations:

1. Flashlight- Only thing worse than being broken down on the side of the road is being broken down on the side of the road in the dark with no way to see what you're doing. Luckily most phones now come with flashlight technology, or at least light up bright enough to sorta see what you're doing. Which leads us to our next point; don't get caught without a...

2. Phone Charger- It's indisputable, we place so much trust in our phones. Whether it be for navigation or the only way to get a hold of your emergency contacts, you don't want to be caught in an emergency situation with a dead battery.

3. Spare Tire/Donut- Arguably one of the most common roadside problems, a flat tire should never set you back more than 15 minutes and a little bit of elbow grease. It will, however, if you don't have a spare tire on hand in your car. Double check that you do, and while you're at it, check that you have...

4. Jack/Tire Iron- That spare tire isn't going to do you any good if you do not have the proper tools to get the bum tire off and the new one on. Make sure you're always set for this circumstance; a flat tire is not a question of 'if' it's going to happen as much as it is a question of 'when'.

5. Jumper Cables- Batteries die, such is a fact of life. However, unlike when your iPhone dies, a dead car battery is going to set you back a lot more than a couple of hours without access to your Facebook app. Don't be a fool, always carry a set of jumper cables in your car so the next good Samaritan that comes along can give you a jump and get you on your way to the nearest auto store. You could even be that good Samaritan if you see someone having car troubles!

Good luck, and be sure to help out others on the side of the road if you ever see someone in need!

Solving The Traffic Problem

We've all been there -- you've been sitting in stop-and-go traffic for the past 45 minutes. Your right ankle has gotten quite the workout between all the transition from the gas pedal to the brake, and doubly so if you drive a manual transmission car. You're so bored and frustrated and all you'd like to do is focus your eyes on something other than the bumper stickers on the car in front of you that you've already read five times over. Well I've got good news for you: these very well could soon be problems of the past.

The self-driving car is an idea that has been around likely since right around the time car ownership became the norm, but only recently has it garnered serious attention as viable technology. With many of the major auto manufacturers devoting a lot of time, effort, and money into exploring and developing this technology, some are expecting that we may have tested, reliable autonomous driving available for public use by as soon as 2015. Other experts believe that no only will this technology provide a much more luxurious driving experience, but that it will also help to drastically reduce the risk of automotive accidents due to texting or other distractions.

Nissan has just received the permits and plates to begin public testing of a semi-autonomous vehicle in Japan, as well as many other manufacturers, so while it may be speculative as to when such technology is implemented safely at the public level, experts are fairly certain that it is undoubtedly on it's way.

What do you think about these technologies? Smart? Safe? Or too dangerous? Let us know below in our comments section.

2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models

After almost a year on the market it, it is becoming more clear to Dodge how customers like to option out their Darts, so the automaker has combined popular features into three special edition packages and sweetened the prices. Start with a standard 2013 Dart and add either the SXT or Limited "Special Editions" or Rallye Appearance Group, and you'll save yourself a lot of box checking.

The $595 Dart SXT Special Edition takes the trim just above the base model and adds a new grille, dark-tinted headlights and projector fog lights, LED racetrack taillights, cruise control and audio controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited Special Edition starts with the top-end model and adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather seats among other features, for $1,810.

The Rallye Appearance Group (pictured) is a package for the SXT, and it blacks out the front fascia, throws on 17-inch wheels and some badging for $395. The new special editions are reaching dealers now and could help the Dart's sales to further improve after a slow start. You can find out more about them in the press release below.

Source: autoblog.com

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, is safety at the very top of your checklist? If so, you’ll want to take a close look at the driver assistance features offered on the 2013 Dodge Durango.

Available Forward Collision Warning: Using forward-facing radar sensors, this system detects when the Durango could be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts the driver to take action, avoiding a potential collision.

Available Adaptive Cruise Control: This intelligent system reduces the vehicle’s pre-set cruise speed when closing on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into your lane. Using the driver’s pre-set speed, the system constantly maintains a driver-adjustable distance between the Durango and the vehicle in front of it.

Available Blind-spot Monitoring: Using dual ultra-wideband radar sensors, this system aids the driver when changing lanes or passing. The driver is notified of a vehicle(s) in the Durango’s potential blind spots via a driver-selectable chime and illuminated warning indicators on the side view mirror.

Available Rear Cross Path Detection: This detector works when the driver is backing up with an obstructed view. When the vehicle is in reverse, sensors monitor vehicles or objects crossing behind. Available ParkSense Rear Park Assist: Sensors in the rear bumper detect obstacles behind the vehicle and alert the driver.

Available ParkView Rear Backup Camera: This rear-mounted video camera with 6.5-inch dash display activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Includes the ParkSense rear park assist system.

Obviously, none of this advanced technology, great as it is, can take the place of an attentive, careful, capable driver. These empowering features give you the tools to help you be the best driver you can be. To learn more about the Durango’s crash avoidance technology, see your local Dodge dealer for more details.

Source: http://blog.dodge.com

HEMI Orange and Plum Crazy Return

They’re back!

In the swinging ‘60s, Dodge introduced an entire palette of far-out exterior colors for its world-beating muscle car lineup. Known as High Impact Paint (H.I.P. for short), the assortment of groovy hues included Go Mango, Sublime, and Citron Yella. The wild paint schemes helped to make Dodge a style leader of the muscle car era.

Now Dodge has gone back to the vaults and returned with two of its most memorable colors, Plum Crazy and HEMI Orange. Plum Crazy is available exclusively on the 2013 Challenger R/T Classic. Hemi Orange can be ordered on any R/T. Thanks to 21st century paint technology, these colors are even more dazzling and vibrant than they were back in the day—and they’re as durable as any conventional modern finish, too.

Plum Crazy (shown above) returns for a limited time here in March, with ordering available now. HEMI Orange goes live in May, also for a limited production run. Loaded with style, comfort, and performance features including a standard HEMI engine, the Challenger R/T is America’s most affordable V8 muscle car, so visit your local Dodge dealer today.

Source: http://blog.dodge.com/features/hemi-orange-and-plum-crazy-return/

The Chrysler Group's new AWD system is smart enough to know when you need that extra pop of performance in any type of inclement weather.

Whether you are looking for luxury or muscle, the new Chrysler 300 Glacier edition and the new 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport deliver.

The Chrysler 300 Glacier not only has an ice-cool street presence, it can also carve through some of the most snow-covered landscapes.

The new 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport flexes its muscle and all-weather capability to power through some of the worst precipitation Mother Nature can dish out.

Source: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com/blog.do;jsessionid=52E1D5E4678FD2B6B359519D65799850?id=2029&p=entry

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!!