Weather affects gas mileage in many ways. Beyond temperature extremes and gusty winds, rain can also increase fuel consumption.
The primary reason is the increase in rolling resistance encountered on wet roads. Tires are engineered to displace water and maintain contact with the road. Channeling the water away, however, increases rolling resistance and READ MORE »
To illustrate the fuel economy capability of the new Optima Hybrid and 2012 Rio Sedan, Kia recently invited a group of journalists to Florida. The official event title was “Fun & Forty MPG ride and drive” with a route that went from South Beach in Miami to Key West then back to Miami Homestead Speedway for the KIA 200 road race. To spice things up, the KIA PR team challenged the journalists to READ MORE »
A last minute photo assignment beyond the state line had me in search of a suitable vehicle to transport a studio worth of photography equipment. In the past, I’ve resorted to a large SUV or family van for this same mission. In my driveway, however, was a 2012 Honda CR-V that promised increased versatility over previous models. So, I folded the seats down and started loading – studio strobes, light stands, boom mounts, backdrops, seamless, clamps, cameras, tripods, and reflectors all fit neatly in the cargo hold. The fourth-generation Honda CR-V really does offer increased versatility. READ MORE »
With a base price starting well under $14-grand and 40 mpg highway fuel economy, the redesigned Kia Rio is a pleasantly frugal find. The 2012 model is offered as both a Sedan and a 5-door hatchback. Our test car was a fully loaded sporty SX with 17-inch alloy wheels and 205/45R17 tires. Even with the 6-speed automatic and READ MORE »
Numbers don’t lie and I recently experienced what a profound effect wind resistance has on fuel economy first hand. We were on a 180 mile round trip to pick my youngest up from college for spring break. There was a strong and gusty wind blowing out of the west and our route took us northwest then directly into the wind due west. On the return 90 mile route the headwind would turn into a tailwind. READ MORE »
