Eriks Blog

I am fan of National Geographic, I worked for NG in my early years now I do advising and consulting for living, in addition being a digital enthusiast I like to share views specially on Quora or Digg, sharing and spreading knowledge works.

[erikegan]

Hur man väljer de säkraste dubbdäcken

Däckval är en viktig del i att säkerställa ditt fordons säkerhet. Om du inte väljer däck som kan ge bäst säkerhet för ditt fordon riskerar du omedelbart att hamna i en olycka. Däcken måste noggrant väljas för fordonet du kör och för körförhållandena som du syftar till att köra i. Eftersom du troligen redan har fordonet när du börjar leta efter däck är startpunkten inställd. Det finns olika däck för olika typer av fordon. Tyngre och större fordon kommer att behöva däck med större dimension med högre belastningsgrad. Sportiga fordon kan kräva en högre hastighet och också däck som kan leverera den förväntade prestanda.

Om du har bestämt att du vill ha vinterdäck som har dubbar, eftersom du vill ha det bästa greppet på snö och is, måste du bara se till att du hittar de bästa och bäst för ditt fordon. Däcksäkerhet mellan olika däckmärken bedöms bäst i olika däcktester som utförs av olika biltidningar eller bilorganisationer. Däckbedömningar görs alltid baserat på summan av olika tester som kommer att inkludera bromsavstånd på snö och på is, hantering på snö och is och några få andra. Om du huvudsakligen syftar till att köra på isiga ytor är dessa tester de viktigaste som du bör basera din utvärdering på när du väljer däck.

Varför man använder vinterdäck

Det främsta skälet till att använda vinterdäck istället för sommardäck är att gummiblandningen som används i sommardäcken är annorlunda än den som används i vinterdäck. Vinterdäck är optimerade för låga temperaturer, medan sommardäcken är optimerade för varma temperaturer, så när temperaturen sjunker under noll grader kommer sommardäcken att bli hårda och förlorar större delen av sin möjlighet att skapa grepp och dragkraft och därmed är vinterdäcken överlägsna till sommardäck så snart temperaturen sjunker under noll.

Dubbade eller Dubbfria

Valet av dubbar eller dubbfria beror på var du bor och var du kör. Dubbdäck är inte tillåtna i alla länder, men om de är tillåtna tenderar de att ge bättre grepp på is än dubbfria däck och är därför föredragna. Guldstandarden för vinterdäck tenderar att vara Nokian Hakkapeliitta från uppfinnaren av vinterdäck, Nokian Tyres.

Om du letar efter de bästa dubbdäcken är Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 det senaste tillskottet och de har nu även den första patenterade dubbla dubbtekniken som ger dig det bästa greppet under utmanande vinterförhållanden. De ger dig det bästa greppet på is och snö och ger utmärkt grepp i kurvor, när du bromsar och accelererar, så att du får den ultimata säkerheten när du kör. De är också officiellt godkända för vinterbruk och kan användas där vinterdäck är obligatoriska och dubbdäck är tillåtna.

[erikegan]

Hva forteller den nye EU dekkmerkingen meg?

For å hjelpe deg å ta et informert valg, rangerer den nye EU dekkmerkingen ytelse i 3 hovedområder: drivstoffeffektivitet, vått grep og støynivåer.

Drivstoffeffektivitet

Påvirker kjøreøkonomi og utslipp

Bruk dette diagrammet for å se hvordan et dekk yter i forhold til drivstofforbruk.

Lavere rullemotstand betyr lavere drivstofforbruk og CO2 utslipp.

Et dekk mister energi gjennom ‘rullemotstand’.

Rangeringen går nedover fra ‘A’ for dekket som yter best, til ‘G’ for det som yter dårligst.

Vått grep

Påvirker sikkerheten til kjøretøyet ditt

Dette måler og rangerer ytelsen til et dekk under våte kjøreforhold.

Dekk med bedre grep-ytelse gir kortere bremselengde på våte veier.

Rangeringen går nedover fra ‘A’ for den beste vått grep-ytelse, til ‘G’ for det som yter dårligst.

Støynivåer

Påvirker kjørekomfort og støyforurensning

Dette diagrammet viser de ytre støynivåene til et dekk målt i desibel.

Det grafiske symbolet viser en sort lydbølge for mest stillegående ytelse, og opp til tre sorte lydbølger for det minst stillegående.

[erikegan]

EU tire sales to undergo digital transformation

The digitalization of tire sales from the 1990s is now gearing up for digital transformation. The digital future of the EU tire sector, with its steady progress in digitalization, is now robust and ready for the digital transformation. With 50.5 million tires sold in Germany out of the 207.5 million units sold in Europe, the Cologne tire fair from 9th to 12 June could be the game-changer for the digital future of the EU tire market.

Digital transformation the key to success in a competitive EU tire market

European Union is the pioneers and center of action for all auto activities in the world. To also lead in the digital transformation, a lot of innovations and change in the mindset of Europeans to buy tires online is crucial. The structural upheaval, shift to new types, and digital transformation will not change the EU tire market stability. It is only the tires that bring the motor power to the roads, irrespective of how the power is generated by gas or electric. Hence with innovative and effective digitalized transformation to identify the best seller products for the future will change the dynamics of the EU tire sales market.

EU tire sales to increase with future mobility

For more than a century now, tires have been only the black circular products and will remain so in the future also. Only within this structure, multiple innovations in production and raw materials have changed the quality for better grips on the road. But for sales, the traditional method of retail to digital is not in par with the other products. Even the e-commerce, which is having the lion's share of the business pushing aside the retail to less than one- fourth, is slow in online tire sales. The EU tire digital transformation to future mobility will take its sales to the next level.  

The digital journey of tires

Tire manufacturers have been competing only on the price for years now. Now with the fierce competition, they may concentrate on fast reaching the customers for it. The online sales are one place that could turn the tables to their favor in the future. With nearly twenty years from the start of the online tires, there hasn't been much change in it when compared to other commodities. Having just a website for online tire sales are long gone with the 90s. Now it is the time that complete online research is essential for a well-informed purchase decision. For a satisfying full online shopping experience, the dealers should provide online all details of tires including among others

·         Inventory

·         Prices

·         Taxes

·         Best features

·         Safety elements

·         Guarantees

·         Discounts

Comparisons of costs to choose the best

Reviews

Shopping tires 24 x7

Upgrading the shopping of tires 24x 7 with new innovative steps could change the tire market dynamics in the EU. Europeans do not buy the cheapest tires, nor are they last-minute shoppers.  Hence to have the online sales as per their requirement is essential. You can buy your all season tires and SUV all season tires now online for secure, fast, economical, and with the best options now.

[erikegan]

Steps to avoid Windshield from Fogging Up

With winter season right above the horizon, the holiday plans are all set to get rolled out.  Driving on the roads in your car with good quality winter tires is not going to be fun-filled but equally dangerous as well. And the reason for the danger is not just only roads where we will actually drive during winters but foggy windows do contribute equally. 

So why are the foggy windows at fault? Fog is nothing but a dense cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere. No matter how contemporary a car is; you may owe an exotic SUV with resilient, long lasting SUV winter tires, fogging is unavoidable. As and when the accumulation gets underway, the vision starts becoming obscured and eventually blurs.  The blurring of the vision causes a great difficulty in seeing the front side. It is annoying to drive when your window is foggy. Water condensation on car windows causes fogging that occurs not only outside of the window but on the inside as well. As a driver, it is not only important to check your tires and the weather but it is also important to prevent your windshield from fogging up.

During winters, when fogging becomes a persistent, nagging problem, it is important to take the right measure in your stride.  The moment you see fogging developing on the windshields, get an ammonia-based window cleaner and rub the inside of the windshield.   The cleaner will not only eliminate the existing fogging but will keep any furthermore build-ups emanating from the windshields at bay for the time being.  You can also rub the solution on the windshield with orderly horizontal or vertical strokes. Make sure you keep reapplying for a clean windshield till the season lasts.

Apart from that, you can also use your vehicle’s defogger/defroster heat setting regularly to prevent any kind of a fog build-up.  The other way to prevent fogging is to warm up your car by turning on the heater and the defroster.

Before you initiate the process of eliminating the fogging, it is important to check your air conditioner or heater whether either of them is on the fresh air setting instead of the recirculate setting. The recirculation setting will reuse the humid or moist air already in the car in building up the fogging.

Tips that you can use

Since moisture     contributes the windshield fogging up, it is nice to shake or use a rag to     dry your shoes off before entering your car to prevent any excess moisture     from getting into your vehicle.

Instead of using     ammonia-based window cleaner, you can use a good quality shaving cream. Put     a gentle spray of a shaving cream on a dry rag and once done, put a light     coating of the same on the windshield. You can then rub the shaving cream     horizontally or vertically across the windshield. Once done, take a second     dry rag and gently rub the windshield, in the same direction as before,     after having the shaving cream settled on the windshield for a few     minutes.

Warning

One should understand     that driving with a foggy window is likely to cause a car crash and     injuries beyond redemption.  Driving     with a foggy window is like riding a tiger that is afraid to dismount.

List of items that I would be needing

Ammonia-based window cleaner

Rags

Defogger/defroster

Shaving cream

[erikegan]

Road trip planner for Northern lights

Northern lights, the name itself brings thrill to your mind. This term fascinates young and old alike. Everyone wishes to witness this phenomenon at least once in lifetime. So, here is our route planner for your convenience. It is a seven days route plan that will lead you through various facets of Norway and will introduce you to its culture and heritage along with teaching you a lesson or two from geography.

 The road trip begins at Gryllefjord and ends at Havoysund. Reaching Gryllefjord is convenient via a ferry at Andenes. Necessary road info that is readily available online should be browsed through first and then track the tolls for managing budget. Carry sufficient supplements such as snacks and warmers to tackle any difficult route. The journey begins at Senja national tourist route, one of the most picturesque routes n Norway. This route is mostly recognized for steep cliffs and rocky cropping. This region is also great for cycling enthusiasts, so don’t wonder if you see strapped cyclists making their way beside you. From here you turn southward to Botnahmn. Down through Rv861, you will be accompanied with gorgeously sandy shoreline along your way and will lead you to harbor at Gibostad. In the month of August, this village holds a market festival known as Gibostadmartna, where local arts, crafts and cuisine are available for sharing and purchase - something that visitors looking for authentic cultural pieces will surely love. Local bakeries offer authentic delicacies that will help you to stock up for the road.

 Moving ahead with a gradual curve towards north through Olderdalen! This is a 125 mile stretch with narrows and valleys that dwell in the cracks of mountains with glaciers and vegetation. On your way up, you could stop over at Oteren. This place has handful accommodations but it you could find some lip smacking Asian cuisine there. Although you will have a drive to take each day, there are many scenic spots on this unique route that you cannot see anywhere else; wildlife and landscapes that open up onto sand and grasses edging into the arctic seas. Your road will now lead you northwards from OKSFJORDHAMN- talvik- alta- olderfjord finally taking you to Havoysund. A stop at Olderfjord provides you with lodging and it also allows you to stock up necessities such as snacks, information centre etc. for your road trip to Havoysund.

Prepping your vehicle is also very important aspect here. Carrying all legal documents such as insurance, driver’s license in case you are driving self is mandatory. Along with this other mandatory things are providing better grip on icy roads to your vehicle by fixing studded tires. It is always good to find out beforehand whether you could fix your car or SUV with suv studded tires as many European countries do not allow them owing to damage caused to asphalt.

[erikegan]

Studded tires to become problem-free and save lives now and in future

Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do, doesn't mean it's useless – Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of our time, said this about 100 years ago.  It squarely applies to use of studs on winter tires. Though initially winter tire was invented with studs, over time they became studded tires and non-studded tires. It is due to various disadvantages of using studded tires. But nowadays many alterations have been done to studded tires with the help of technology development to make them idle winter tires and SUV winter tires for SUVs.

No more disadvantages of studded tires:

On failing, Edison said he did not fail, but learned 10,000 ways that won't work. It is what happened in the few years to studded tires. Due to its disadvantages, it was banned from one country to another continuously. Also, many countries allowed driving with studded tires only on certain restrictions. Due to its defects and ban in many countries, the life saving studded tires usage was reduced.  All this has made many inventions in studded tires to make them appropriate for use in winter.

Unbearable noise while driving:

It is one of the main problems of using studded tires. The studs in the tires while driving are sure to make a noise.  But now with many tire companies in Europe have designed a type of cushion to quell the ruckus. They install a soft layer of rubber in-between the tire surface and the stud base to act as a spring.  It insulates the metal stud, reducing the noise of the studded tires. There is also one more development under test for the studs to retract down the tire when not in use. It stops the movement of the stud, with only the hard metal pin in the middle of the stud moving.  It will be one more step forward for studded tire driving to be noise-free as that of winter tires.

Studs destroy roads, consume more fuel, and not eco-friendly:

All these complaints will be long gone, now with the new cushion in between the tire and the stud which dampens the road contact. Also, the air space in the middle of the stud's lower flange reduced the impact. And one more development is the distribution of the studs impact force across a wider area by beveled metal tips. It is similar to the snowshoes that allow walking across deep snow without sinking in it.  

The above changes in stud technology will make many countries and states to review their ban. It will then make the stud tires legal around the world in due course of time.  The whole concept is not the choice of using studded tires or not but using them right. And all the evolution in the studded tire technology are sure going to make them available to drive in heavy snowy roads to save precious lives on heavy snowy roads today, tomorrow and always.

[erikegan]

Do you have it in you to be a road trip traveller?

Every task a person performs or intends to performs, one important thing that needs to be checked before taking the plunge is the Aptitude. Every person is born with particular psyche or talent. Not every person posses every kind of talents. So it becomes mandatory to find out whether a person is suitable for a particular task. Skill is an acquired knowledge but aptitude is what someone is born with. You might have read many articles that impart knowledge and experiences about taking road trips. They make it appear so tempting and easy that many lure into attempting it. But not all of them get successful, some have face burnt of it as well. Why do you think it happens? They are same roads, same vehicles, same driving techniques, same winter tires or studded tires that take you everywhere; yet the failure? This makes people wonder and ask themselves this question; Why?

Let us see, why?

Every activity carried out by humans is mainly carried out in mind first and then executed skilfully by the limbs. So it is very important to understand the science of mind and that is psychology. Connecting it with travelling there is a complete dedicated stream to this called traffic psychology. This science studies the behavioural patterns of drivers and tries to find reasoning for the same. Basically human behaviour is affected by many external aspects such as surrounding culture and society, family values, road conditions, vehicle condition etc. and internal conditions such as stress level, fatigue etc. A driver might be skilful, but if he/ she is able to deal with both these (internal and external) problems effectively without letting them affect the driving, then such driver is considered to be a good and safe driver. After all safety of co-passengers lay in the hands of drivers.

Long road trip involve longer driving durations, higher focus and concentration on road, good understanding of the signs and immediate implementation of the same. A good driver also has to have good alertness and presence of mind. Immediate action and balanced thought process is what called for in case of any mishap. Person with calm mind and clear thoughts can very well handle such situations.

A good driver should also be in tune with the vehicle. Many good drivers believe that their machine communicates with them. So, listening to the sounds of machine is another skill a good driver should have. Many mechanical errors can be detected only by listening carefully to the sounds of engine. A good driver has this ability to understand the language of the vehicle engine.

Skills can be acquired but an aptitude is what someone born with. So it is always much creditable to be a gifted driver who is born with the aptitude.

[erikegan]

Europe gearing up for severe winter

Europe is gearing up for winter with many indications showing one of the worst winters is in the offing. The climatic change has brought the hottest July month ever recorded and soaring temperatures across Europe. Markusvinsa, a small village in Sweden recorded 34.8 degree Celsius on 26th July, the hottest ever recorded in the country above the Arctic Circle. Beast from the east of 2018 with temperatures below -14 degree Celsius is set to hit the UK. In northern Italy snow has whitened the Alps in the first week of September. All this and more makes Europe get ready for one of the worst winters.

 Britain braces for the beast from the east

 With the icy memories of last year's 17 deaths due to the beast from the east, Britain is brazing up for its possible recurrence. As per the experts of the UCL or the University College of London, the freezing conditions could last for weeks, and this winter's arctic spell is predicted to be even colder. Hence the Brits are advised by experts to prepare themselves for the bitterly cold weather. They caution that now is the time to make changes around the home, cars and other belongings to be safe during the invincible cold weather ahead.  If there is any repair which is bound to happen, now is the time to rectify them, then doing it in the cold.

 Tips to be prepared now for the upcoming winter

 · Clean up your radiators to be ready for the winter

 · Test your boilers for any repair and proper functioning

 · Seal all the joints around the doors and windows in your home

 · Use draught exclude to block the cold

 · Remove furniture that blocks the radiator's heat

 · Replace the old thin carpets with thick ones and rugs to reduce the loss of heat

 · To stop breaking pipes and water turning to ice wrap the pipes with insulation

 · Check for your eligibility for 140 Euros of your energy bills through the warm Home Discount Scheme

 Record low Arctic sea ice

 Trouble is not only with the UK but across Europe. The Arctic sea ice is at a near-record low. The top of the world Greenland is crying for help with raging wildfires which rapidly melts its ice. More than 12 degree Celsius soaring of temperature across the island baked its large ice sheets. In the hottest month of July, during a five-day heat wave melted more than 55 billion tonnes of ice and emitted 50 million tones of carbon dioxide in June alone.

Greece needs action to save lives before winter

 The increase in the arrival of asylum seekers in Greece has brought in life-threatening issues. Camps designed to provide accommodation for only 3500 people are now cramped with 10,000 and still counting with more arrivals.  Facing the severe winter even without sleeping bags is going to cost lives in Greece.

 The severe winter is sure to hit Europe, and it is time to get your cars also ready for it. Before the start of severe snow, it is better to clean up the cars, check all the fixations and also fix your cars with winter tires and your SUVs with SUV winter tires.  

[erikegan]

Is it legal to have someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance?

As a car owner, it is obligatory to have insurance. Most of the European countries ask to maintain the minimum amount of coverage (liability coverage) before you will be legally permitted to register a vehicle and operate it.

So with that being said, would someone else (for e.g. a friend, a relative) be lawfully permissible to drive your car on your insurance? There will be a day where you might be under the weather or the scars or injuries may have got off the best of you and may be in need of an accomplice to help you drive your car. You need to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the rules regarding who can drive your vehicle if they are not insured under your policy.

Auto Insurance covers “Occasional/Infrequent” Drivers

Auto insurance policy will cover two categories of people:

1. Individuals who are listed on your car insurance

2. Individuals who seldomly operate your vehicle

Any family member, residing in your house, can drive your car.  They are covered by your insurance since they are most of the times listed on your policy. Anyone who borrows your car occasionally – friend, relative or a babysitter – is also likely to get covered in your policy.

Permission is very crucial

Unless you grant permission to another driver to operate your vehicle, that driver will not be covered by your policy. The granted permission can be of any form: written, verbal or implied. The accentuated stipulation is that the driver should not be residing at your home. On the other hand, if a driver drives without your permission, he is unlikely to get covered by your policy.

For instance, if an out-of-town family member has your permission to drive your car with new resilient winter tires, he/she gets covered by the insurance but the one who does not have the permission, will not get covered.

So how will your insurance covers these ‘infrequent/occasional’ Drivers?

Your auto insurance policy will cover these drivers the way you are covered. For instance, any driver driving your car with studded tires meets with an accident, gets covered by your policy provided he has the permission from you. Not having permission will be an obvious stumbling block.

If any driver who has your permission for borrowing your car, gets involved in an accident causes damages that exceed the limits of your policy, that driver’s auto insurance may go into effect as a secondary policy and cover the excess damages.

Would these carry any kind of penalties/ramifications?

The answer is yes!  There are penalties/punitive measures for allowing someone who is not covered by your policy to drive your car. For instance, while you may have an impeccable driving record with no accidents or violations, if you lend your car to someone else who is not covered by your policy and that either person runs into a tragic accident or picks up a ticket for speeding or any other driving offence, it is destined to get reflected on your policy. If you lent your car to any friend or relative and if there is an unfortunate involvement of the person in an accident, you will be responsible for paying the deductible on your insurance. To add to the woes, the rates on your policy may increase because of your friend’s accident. Also, if the damages occurred exceed the limits of your auto insurance policy, you are likely to be held liable and might have to pay for the damages and/or medical costs that exceed your policy limits.  But, if such an event occurs, it is advisable to check with your friend’s insurance provider because his auto insurance may kick-in as a secondary policy and cover the damages and/or injuries while he was behind the wheels of your car if those damages and/or injuries transcend the limits of your policy that occurred in an accident thus saving you for burning a hole in your pocket.

[erikegan]

Winter sport holiday in Norway

Speaking about Norway, one immediately goes back to school geography and remembers Aurora Borealis or northern lights. The incredible phenomenon due to a process caused by charged particles in atmosphere and sunlight. Some would immediately think about a stable economy in Europe. Some will vouch for its crude oil and petroleum reserves that yield this stability, but hold on. That is not all Norway should be classified into. It is one of the most happening winter sport arena in the world. Sorts of winter sports are conducted in this small yet beautiful country. Many sport enthusiast travel across globe either to participate or to witness them. Apart from this Norway is also known for Fjords, its mountains, sublime sea and beaches and finally midnight sun. Cities are all modern and have cosmopolitan culture. The architecture here is mainly Scandinavian.

Travelling to Norway is not really difficult owing to great connectivity and availability of various modes of transport. Most preferred of them is by air and water. Many people travel by road. But it is very rare as this country faces severe winter and most of the times during winter roads are covered by snow making driving very tough and dangerous. No matter how good quality winter tires are fixed, the roads are challenge for seasoned drivers from abroad. Also sometimes non-studded tires do not prove to be so effective on such snowy roads, hence many prefer to leave transport for someone else to take care of and enjoy the holidays.

Before planning winter trip to Norway, one should keep certain weather related things in mind. November is a cold and dark month, but cloud culmination begins which is conducive for northern lights phenomenon. December is snowy month with frozen lakes and Christmas festivities. January and February are pretty dark and cold. One needs to wrap up cosily for warmth. But these are ideal months for those who are in search of northern lights or striving for some winter sport.

Coming back to the winter sports, human mind has created various exciting sports to beat the winter blues here in Norway. Some thrilling sports are cross country skiing (the most popular sport among all others), Alpine/ downhill skiing, ski jumping, biathlon, snowboarding, curling, ice hockey,  snow mobiling (scooter-like vehicles that slide on snowy surface) etc. these sport activities are humans. But there are some very popular sports activity especially designed keeping in mind the four legged human friends. These sports are also very interesting and popular. They are dog sledging and reindeer raids where these animals pull carts for their trainer or owner.

[erikegan]

500 Euros investment on winter tires buys you and your family peace of mind

When the temperature in your place drops below 7 degrees Celsius, it is not the time to think about winter tires. Your cars should have been already fixed with winter tires by then.  An investment of fewer than 500 Euros could benefit you in many ways in the long run on winter roads. Also, it is mandatory in many parts of Europe to fix the winter tires during winter. Many insurance companies have initiated many ways to bring out the importance of winter tires, and you can get your insurance only with winter tires in winter.

SUV Winter tires:

SUVs with their large body size and weight need SUV winter tires more than ordinary cars.  To enhance SUV driving with more traction and better handling & braking facilities,  in some parts of Europe SUVs come out of the factories during winter with SUV winter tires. Many people in Europe believe in managing a few months of winter without spending less than 500 Euros on SUV winter tires. But it could be not only a dangerous decision but also a costly one. 

500 Euro investments on winter tires buy you & your family peace of mind:

Many people across Europe find it unnecessary to invest less than 500 Euros on winter tires. It is because of their lack of knowledge of what all you can benefit with this 500 Euro investment on winter tires, some of them given below:

· It gives you and your family peace of mind while driving in harsh and dangerous winter weather

· You get the best traction on winter roads than any other tires

· The winter tires made out of flexible advanced rubber provides the much-needed traction on winter roads for maximum safe driving while maintaining tread stability and hysteresis

· They shorten the stopping distances than any other tire during winter

· Winter tires come with a narrower width than other tires to increase the pressure they exert on the icy roads by reducing hydroplaning

· With their grooves and sipes, they move the water to the sides to allow the winter tire to be well in contact with the road surface

· With more channels than other tires, winter tires have more edges that enhance grip in snowy streets. These more full channels also clear out the snow fast for safe driving

· Many parts of Europe and several insurance companies have made use of winter tires mandatory during winter

· There is also a discount on the premium for insurance covers for cars fixed with winter tires

· Winter tires prolong the duration of the all-season or summer tire by using them during the winter months

Hence, the above benefits of winter tires can clear the smoke surrounding the buying of winter tires and get you and your family peace of mind with safe driving through winter.

[erikegan]

Road trip planning tips for Italy!

Driving in Italy is a pleasurable experience. Like any other country, this country too has its own rules and regulations to follow. But when one is prepared and has done the homework, then taking a road trip here is not less than bliss! Physical preparation of your vehicle will involve fixing all season tires. All it takes a bit of pre-planning and management. Following tips will surely lend you helping hand in these aspects.

Lanes and by-lanes in Italy are very narrow and a big car wouldn’t make it through. So it is in the best interest to rent a small car, as you will get to cruise through the road, no matter how narrow the roads may be. Hiring a huge car will need you to park it somewhere far and then walk the rest of the distance to your actual destination. This may not really be the road trip you would dream. A smaller car would serve the purpose of taking you to your destination, no matter what type of road it is. Ensure this small car or big SUV is fitted with SUV all season tires for safety.

Travel light! Don’t over pack your luggage and eventually your car. Just carry sufficient numbers of garments and other stuff. Too much of luggage will add load to your vehicle engine, in case you are hiring a smaller car. Travelling light is always wise.

Keep change ready as you will be expected to pay for every toll you cross. You do not want to spend time in tendering big denominations and then wait for change. Otherwise, there are websites, which help you buy a cumulative ticket for the entire stretch you are travelling. Visit any one of such trusted websites, calculate the total fee you would pay and then buy a ticket accordingly. This ticket will be valid throughout your journey. At the end of it, you just need to insert it at the toll booth and you would be informed about any remaining balance.

Search the navigation for close by parking slots. To find a parking slot nearby is very essential; else you would end up walking everywhere. So search the city maps, GPS navigation system for parking areas. Looking for a place to park on streets is nerve wracking and involves lot of risk.

Drunken driving is crime! Italy is blessed with one of the greatest vineyards in the whole world and you would definitely visit one on your trip. These vineyards have free wine testing. After consuming alcohol, refrain from driving. Stay back. Adjust your schedule in such a way that you would reach these vineyards during late afternoon or evening; take a nice stroll and enjoy wine testing during night. This will also allow you to enjoy it and next day head next.  

Follow these rules and you will never face any emotional breakdown during Italian road trip!

[erikegan]

Book a class trip to Barcelona for your students

Being a teacher is challenging, because you have to keep your students focused all the time, and tries to make them understand the subject you are teaching. If you are teaching Spanish literature or a subject related to Spain, then you should take into consideration organizing a class trip to Barcelona for your students. Being there will allow them to understand better the culture of this wonderful Mediterranean country. Field trips offer students educational experiences from which they learn many things, and sometimes it can raise them the interest to a certain subject, so if you had students that were not interested in studying Spanish literature they might want to start reading Don Quixote at the very moment of their return. When you take them in a class trip to Barcelona, you can focus on seeing the nature centers, government agencies, or science museums.

You might already know that students love trips, and one in Spain will make them get more interested in learning new things about it. Klassresor, how it they are called in Sweden offer students real-world experiences. These experiences will enhance and illustrate them the information taught by your courses. Being in a trip does not mean that they cannot learn, actually field trips allow them to learn outside the classroom. They can understand better some aspects of a certain subject, or they can add some extra information at one learnt already. Barcelona is a city that provides many different educational facilities, so they can learn more in an interactive manner. For example, some museums allow students to touch some items, and do not forget that they have the opportunity to browse a truly Spanish library, so they might fall in love with one of the books found there. Nature centers allow them to understand the natural life from a Mediterranean country, so they might will be able to see why some specific characters behaved in a certain way.

You have the possibility to keep them training or as it is called in Sweden träningsläger. A training is a break in their routine, is not the same with a classroom course, so they will enjoy finding some specific aspects of the Spanish culture, while having the opportunity to test it. In addition, you might know that different children have different ways of learning, so you will be amazed to see how the student you did not manage to make understand why Don Quixote behaved in that way now is able to interpret his acts. An important advantage for children when going in a field trip is that they have the opportunity to bond. These trips bring students together and while this one you can design some team-building activities. Yes, planning such a trip might take an incredible amount of time, but only thinking of the amazing things your students will be able to learn, makes it worth.

[erikegan]

Taking European road trip? Follow these tips for convenience

European roads are a thrilling and mesmerizing at the same time. You get to enjoy adrenaline rush and scenic beauty casts its spell on you. It is a wonderful idea to take a road trip anytime in Europe.

Ensure you wheels are fixed as per season. During winter season it is best to have your winter tires on. The car or SUV winter tires will surely provide extra grip on slippery surfaces of asphalt due to ice and slush. Also follow these tips for better planning and hassle free execution of the trip.

Speed limit is what European drivers cautiously observe. The speed cameras are installed at many places and keep an eye on the speed. It is always good not to exceed the prescribed speed limit. If you wish to reach at a place early, then you must leave early. Hastening on road is a bad idea! Some foreign drivers have documented that they have experienced craziness of local drivers. They may follow you up very closely and pressurize you. It is good idea to pull over, stop and let them pass you by. Do not let them dampen your spirit or take the enjoyment away.

Translation application that also works offline comes very handy. Every European country speaks their own language and you cannot master them all. Also you may not come across many people who speak English. So download an app that will help you translate and understand the sign boards or local language. The network may stop working every time you cross the border, hence get the app offline.

Carrying enough foreign exchange is also very important. Contact your bank to find out if they provide services in the countries you are visiting; may be through their extended offices or any other affiliations. Instead of carrying loads of cash, a card such as Visa or Mastercard will work good for you.

Portable chargers that are fully charged are a must on road. They will charge your phone on the go and will let you be connected with your loved ones.

Europe is full of surprises. When you come across something cool; just pull over, stop and enjoy the view. Don’t be in hurry to reach the destination, enjoy the journey and road. Follow flexible schedule and do not hurry. Being overly ambitious will definitely kill the mood and spirit of your journey. Enjoying the nature with gathering more cultural experience is the spirit of road trip one needs to adhere to. So follow these simple tips for more convenient road trip in Europe. Making good memories is guaranteed if you go with the flow and enjoy the life on a road trip.

[erikegan]

Tips to Plan an Unforgettable Honeymoon

Oh, the plan for the honeymoon is definitely on! You certainly should be having butterflies in your stomach, don’t you? But it is an event that needs rigorous, genuine and beforehand planning; after all you are out to please the most numero uno individual, your beloved! The most sought-after event after wedding is the honeymoon and that is something that needs a very clear and careful preparation. You may, very well be planning to hire some travel agents but a lot of times, the travel schemes at their disposal are as clear as a mud and you may end up being an oaf.

Off course, a predicament of falling trap to these nonsensical schemes is likely to be an apology for a failed honeymoon program. Especially in an era where internet has taken over dominantly, one can easily access information about the right set of things and that is how you can avoid ambivalences of all sorts. So instead, make a careful discretion about various ways to make your honeymoon the most unforgettable event of your life. Avoid stressing much on arranging for honeymoon.  Make sure that you do not end up making it a nerve-wrecking event.

Always remember the aim of honeymoon

The purpose of a honeymoon is to let the newly-weds relax and bond with each other. You should not forget that your honeymoon drive is aimed to rally the intimacy with your partner. And so there is no real need to overstress.  Simply understand the expectations of your partner and finalize the trip. Accentuate on your partner’s expectations and try to fulfill his/her ambitions. Give importance to the things that you commonly like and plan out things that befits your budget and your combined expectations.

Plan for your budget

It is very incumbent upon you to understand the 360 degree aim of your honeymoon. If you make a beeline for schemes/offers that eventually drains out your hard-earned money, you may end up hating yourself.  And to add fuel to the fire, if your partner goes unsatisfied, you are likely to fall a victim to people’s bitter contempt. Make sure that you have the right estimates about the money in your account and the money that you would like to spend. Avoid scrimping, taking loans or excessive use of credit cards. Make your partner understand about any constraints if necessary.  It is always beneficial to be realistic and pragmatic rather than getting carried away with sentiments that can be a spoiler at a later stage.

No harm in asking for help from your closed ones

When it comes to planning for a honeymoon, do not rustle anything up.  Sometimes, it is wise to innocuously your closer friends or relatives for help. There is no harm in getting your honeymoon sponsored, partially or wholly.  If you have some very good friends, you can ask them to plan some surprising arrangements like arranging a car with all weather tires to drive to different places of your likings in any weather that can leave your partner in total awe.

Enjoy every single moment

Honeymoon is one special occasion that comes only once after marriage. You will have birthdays, anniversaries etc. coming every year that you will celebrate with full gist and enthusiasm but unlike these, your honeymoon is only going to come once.  Make proper bookings, luggage packing and all the necessary arrangements to make sure you’re your honeymoon plans do not end up in a hole.  Look out for the hotels where the hoteliers silently surprise honeymoon couples by gifting them things like free upgrades, a complimentary cake or champagne, discount on dinner or lunches, free self-drive car with all season tires for an uninterrupted drive, coupon for the evening, and a rose-petal bath.

Make your first post-wedding honeymoon a special one, do not necessarily try to fit yourself in brackets. Write-off the popular destinations if they deviate from your set expectations. Plan a place where moments become special and memories last forever.

[erikegan]

Learn to choose right kind of wheel for your vehicle

Choosing the right size and type of wheel is one of the most important aspects of bringing out the best from your vehicle. Mismatched wheels can put extra load onto the engine and this can lead to making the vehicle less fuel efficient. Company fitted wheels are the most suited ones, but when you need to change the sets for another season, you need to know the basics of it, such what size, what type etc. All this information is stated onto the wheels. You don’t need to go any farther. We will tell you how to identify and know the right size wheel.

Basically, your wheel coverings carry the most vital information about themselves. You only need to know the meanings of these abbreviations or code numbers. This article will help you decipher it. This important information is given in the form of UTQG. This means Uniform Tire Quality Grading is abbreviated as UTQG. The terminology encompasses standard set of rules for a passenger vehicle wheel. It includes the tread wear, temperature resistance and traction. It was created and introduced by the national highway traffic safety administration of department of transportation USA in 1978. This was invented based on the confusion that emerged before changing the wheel sets and prepping the vehicle before winters arrived. The owners or drivers needed to know the size and type of suitable wheels for their cars. Since changing the wheel to winter or studded tires as requirement was made mandatory, people needed to know the type and size they should opt.

Let us see this code at length. This rating focuses on three factors to give you an idea of a tire’s resistance.  Tread wear grade: The ratings generally fall between 60 and 700 (the higher the rating, the more resistant it is). Traction grade: This varies from AA mentioned for the highest level of traction moving to A, B, and C grades for lower level of traction (best traction lets vehicles stop without swerving on wet surfaces). Temperature grade: This ranges from A to C. A stands for superior descending to C for average! Temperature ratings show the ability to disperse heat build-up. Heat is what causes the rubber compound used to deteriorate over time. Therefore, high temperature rating will disperse heat better than one with a low temperature rating.

Next time you want to change the car or SUV studded tires or winter variants, make sure you identify the correct match for your vehicle with the help of this article and enjoy your winter with your fuel efficient and high performing as well as safe vehicle.

[erikegan]

Flat spots : caution and cure

It’s been long that you were out on vacation and have left the vehicle unattended or you were on your business trip leaving your car in your garage or outside in parking lot. There are various factors that affect the car: from inside and from outside. The weather plays its role and so does the surface that is in contact with the wheels.

When you leave your car unattended for more than a week, there are many factors that affect your car adversely. Many components of your car may get damaged due to stationary position but it affects the wheel the most. If you leave it stationary for longer, the wheels that come in contact with the road surface tend to develop flat spots. What are they: Flat spot or wheel flat is a fault that occurs when the vehicle is parked stationary for too long, generally longer than a week. It also causes a deformation at the bottom of the wheel which might become semi- permanent. When you drive a car with flat spot, it gives a feeling similar to that of the unbalanced wheels. You might feel like dragging your car on road. But it is not due to the mis-alignment of the wheels but it is due to the flat spot occurred. To recover your wheels from flat spot, drive it regularly. This will help the wheels to become warmer and more flexible. This process will eventually recover your SUV summer tires from the flat spot. In many cases but they become permanent. This happens if vehicles are parked for longer period usually several months.

 To avoid flat spots you should:

Not apply hand-brake when car is stationary for longer than a week.

Mount for jacks under each wheel of your car. This will help the car to not remain in contact with colder surface underneath and not develop flat spots. You could use wooden block for this purpose.

Check type of your car wheel. If it is marked with H (meaning higher speed rating) it is likely that your wheel will not get damaged. But light quality sports wheels have higher chances of getting affected. Low profile summer tires with thin side-walls are more prone to get flat spot.

 It is not advisable always to drive the car when it has developed flat spots. Sometimes, depending on the intensity of it, it is recommended that the wheels should be warmed up to make them more flexible, so one should drive. But it is not always suggested. Best is to avoid getting flat spots and tae precautionary measures.