Neglecting your car will result in unreliability, poor performance and at the very worst, may even lead to an accident – and this is something that we all like to avoid. Here are 3 basic car maintenance tips to get you started.

Tyre Pressure

Many drivers overlook routinely checking the pressure of their tyres. This should be carried out on a monthly basis at the very least.  It’s important to know that if your tyres do not have enough air, then this will result in poor car performance.

Other things you could do to improve the tyre condition is clean off brake dust regularly. Brake dust will affect tyre performance so you should be sure to clean it off with a damp sponge and cold water when a build up of brake dust occurs.

Fluid levels

Some motorists believe that fluid levels on a car should be checked once a week, especially for older car models. If fluid levels are down then you may notice that your vehicle may perform less well than it should. It’s not just fluid levels that you should keep an eye on either. Other car components such as the brake, clutch and coolant fluids to name a few should all be inspected on a regular basis.

Before you check any of these things ensure the engine is cool. Be careful not to take the radiator cap off to check coolant levels. If the coolant system is still hot then it is still under pressure and the pressure release will burn you.

Know how to perform a ‘tune-up’

You don’t need to be a mechanic or even someone who is keen on cars to perform a basic ‘tune-up’. A tune-up will typically include replacing common parts like the air and fuel filter, plug wires and spark plugs. Under things worth checking when ‘under the hood’ include hoses and belts.

The rubber belts will become damaged over time so it’s best to get these checked every 25,000 miles, preferably replacing it every 50,000 miles.




If you are going to be doing any work that involves the electrical system be sure to disconnect the battery first.

Performing these tasks are often overlooked, but absolutely necessary if you like to have your car performing at its best.  Doing this will also save you money in the long run. If you don’t regularly care for your car with these checks then you will be consuming and wasting more petrol than you should be.

Other basic maintenance you might want to consider include bodywork or paint touch ups and lights. If you don’t feel confident handling lights then you can always ask a qualified mechanic to look at this for you.

Thanks to mercurycars.co.uk for supplying this guest post.

Make the Proper Adjustments Beforehand

Before heading onto the road, you should adjust your seat and mirrors so that you’ll be able to see well and drive comfortably. Climate control, radio and navigation features should also be programmed to your liking beforehand so that you’ll have less distractions when you drive. If you need to make any other adjustments while you’re on the road, wait until you stop at a red light or pull off to the side of the road before doing so.

Use Headlights at the Appropriate Times

You’ll naturally want to turn on your headlights when driving at night, but you should also use your headlights when it’s raining or snowing to make yourself more visible to other motorists. High beams are appropriate to turn on when you’re on a dark road with no street lights and no other drivers are present. Using your low beams will make it easier to see through thick fog and is actually safer than turning on your high beams.

Drive Defensively

You’ll increase your chances of avoiding car accidents when you drive defensively around other motorists. Keep a safe following distance of at least two seconds from the other vehicle that’s ahead of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely. Professionals, like those at Bennett & Sharp PLLC, know that if you’re being tailgated, try to pull into a slower lane or off to the side of the road to let the other vehicle pass. Be careful not to engage with aggressive drivers who may try to provoke you.

Watch out for Animals

An animal might make its way onto the road suddenly and pose a major safety hazard to you. If a cat, dog or wildlife creature crosses your path, you might be inclined to slam on your brakes, which could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or be involved in a rear-end collision. Your vehicle might also sustain extensive damage if you end up hitting the animal. Slow down without slamming on your brakes and sound your horn if you see an animal on the road. October through December is deer mating season, and these wildlife creatures are known to wander onto roads at dawn and dusk. If you see a deer crossing sign, be on the lookout for these animals.




You’ll have better odds of making it to your destination safely when you exercise caution behind the wheel. Following the right safety advice can keep you and your vehicle in one piece.

The Engine Warning Light Comes On

This one is pretty much a no-brainer. There is no guesswork here, when the engine warning light comes on, you need to get to the mechanic right away. There is a chance it could be something simple and small to fix, but on the other hand, it could signal a much more serious problem.

Pulling, Vibration, and Noises When Braking

Unfortunately, the brakes on vehicles don’t last forever and because these are an important safety feature in the car, it’s not something you want to mess around with. If you notice pulling, vibration, or sounds as you brake then it’s time to get them inspected. It could be that you need to replace the pads, discs, or it may even be a problem with the suspension.




Leaking Fluids

It’s always important to be mindful of any leaks your car may develop. There are a number of fluids that can end up leaking such as your brake fluid, engine oil, transmission oil, or your coolant. Each of these is important to the operation of your vehicle so, if you’re leaking any of them then you should really take your car into the shop or to the nearest car service areas.

There is one exception to the rule when it comes to leaking and that’s during the times when you use your air conditioning. Typically, there will be fresh water that drips once you park the vehicle. It will be on the passenger side near the front of the car. This is nothing to worry about.

Strange Sounds from the Engine

Just as you should be watching out for leaking fluids, you should also listen to your car. Pay close attention for any strange sounds that are new. If there is a problem with the engine you may hear a racing sound, shaking, or chugging. Meanwhile, if you hear a dragging sound it could have to do with the wheels.

Your Car is Smoking

When there is smoke coming from under the car’s hood, it’s a clear sign that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP. This is never normal and shouldn’t be ignored. In most cases, this points to a problem with the car over-heating. If you continue to drive it, you’re probably going to cause some rather massive damage to the engine.

It’s best to pull over as soon as it’s safe, turn the car off, and allow the engine to cool down. It may be necessary to call for a tow so that you don’t have to drive the vehicle.

Smoke can also come from your exhaust and have a burning smell to it. This typically points to an oil leak. Now, keep in mind that we are talking about excessive black smoke, not the small white colored smoke that you see when you start up your car in the cold winter months. That white smoke is normal and is just the water vapor from the vehicle’s exhaust system. Should you have excessive black smoke though, you want to use that same rule of pulling over and calling for help.

Trouble Steering Your Car

Another issue that can pop up has to do with the steering of your vehicle. If you find it is pulling to one side, is difficult to steer or keep straight, and seems to lose power steering, then head to your local mechanic right away. There are many reasons why this could be happening and it’s important to have a mechanic properly diagnose the issue.

Other Signs

In addition to these previously mentioned major signs of car problems, there are many other indicators that you should be mindful of in regards to your car needing to be checked out. Some of these smaller signs could be that your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, your electric windows don’t go up or down, your radio isn’t working, or service lights don’t go off on your dashboard even after the issue has been addressed.




Don’t Wait or Take Chances

When it comes to issues with your car, it’s always best to get it looked at immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage could be done to your car. Additionally, this increased damage will almost certainly mean an increase in your service bill.

Phil Andrews

Phil has been a partner in several local Arizona auto glass businesses for more than 10 years, handling business strategy, online and offline marketing, and partnerships. Before working with Pinnacle Auto Glass, he worked for a handful of small software and marketing companies in the greater Phoenix metro area. He enjoys keeping up with the rapid changes in the online local business world and checking out the interesting sights around Arizona. He’s thought about retirement and even tried to retire once or twice so far, but he got bored right away and dove right back into the local auto glass world!

A company with a plan to meet consumer’s expectations without going beyond budget is an ideal enterprise. The deeper question is how its immediate supply chain can coordinate to meet those expectations, and offer better products, faster and cheaper.

Where technology is headed

Technology is playing a key role to alleviate burdens (on the automotive industry) caused by rising commodity/fuel prices and government regulations. But the automotive ecosystem is full of complex workflows, and being ‘future ready’ means being able to manufacture the machines and UX features of tomorrow. Safety protocols in a new automotive ecosystem will cover not just supply chains, but the electric grid, a new generation of charging stations, highways with special features, automated parking lots, intelligent traffic signals and more.




Purpose-specific vehicles

Changing habits of consumers will probably lead to purpose-specific vehicles. Smart cars may rule the world, but as the transition will take time, there may be many mini trends emerging. One of them is likely to be affordable cars, which people will choose for economizing travel and the investment expenses. Vehicles for such purposes may cover shopping, vacationing, getting to work, etc.

Automobiles with high-tech control and intelligence features

Most industry players believe that the demand for more sophisticated safety sensors and alignment has already set the stage for sharper vehicle intelligence. Much like now, cars will drive on data; the only difference being there will be exponentially more of it. Given that such disruption is on the horizon, commercial applications will have to go beyond technology and engineering capabilities. It will require OEMs to forge new processes within the supply chain, new relationships with research bodies and new collaborations with government regulators.

The age of IoT will introduce cars that take on the responsibilities of the driver. Not only will cars treat all its occupants as passengers, but it will be able to create solutions for its mechanical problems and update OEMs on the services required from any location.

Fully autonomous vehicles are unlikely to be commercially available before 2020. Meanwhile, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will play a crucial role in preparing regulators, consumers, and corporations for the medium-term reality of cars taking over control from drivers. – A McKinsey report




Emission and clean energy

Fuel will be replaced by electricity as battery makes its way into the industry. Yes, it will require a revolution at the grid level, but companies are not treating concept cars as just another fancy. Unlike a few years back, the ideas promoted by companies like Tesla are becoming increasingly relevant and industry leaders are finding it hard to look away.

In 2030, the share of electrified vehicles could range from 10 percent to 50 percent of new-vehicle sales. Adoption rates will be highest in developed dense cities with strict emission regulations and consumer incentives (tax breaks, special parking and driving privileges, discounted electricity pricing, et cetera). Sales penetration will be slower in small towns and rural areas, with lower levels of charging infrastructure and higher dependency on driving range. – A McKinsey report

No matter how advanced cars get, their basic hardware need to be quality certified, especially because once they are integrated with software, their performance should not fail due to mechanical or chemical reasons. Robotics is relatively new in products, and addressing technical issues may require a new service mechanism. Contracts between automotive engineering services companies in India  and their parts manufacturers may need to be revised also, based on the looming situation.

Light Brown or Black

If you notice a puddle of brown or black liquid, chances are that this is engine oil. You might not notice a leak right away if it is a small, slow drip. This leak happens in the front of the car, underneath the engine and is often caused by corroded engine gaskets, oil pan leaks, faulty connections, or oil seals. If you do not repair an engine oil leak, your engine could eventually break down, and, as many of us are all too aware, engine repairs are costly.

Thin and Reddish or Thick and Brown

A thin red or thick brown drip could be indicative of a transmission fluid leak. You can generally find this leak in the front middle of the car. A transmission fluid leak can be caused by a gap in the transmission, a pan leak, broken or loosened seals, or loose debris in the road hitting your car. While you can drive for a short while with a slow transmission fluid leak, you will need to get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent your transmission from being destroyed. If your transmission gets damaged, you might be looking at spending several thousand dollars on the repairs or having to buy another vehicle.

Light Brown or Reddish and Thin

Power steering fluid generally leaks from the front of your car and will be a thin light brown or reddish tint. In addition to a leak, you might notice that your steering wheel is stiff to turn. A leak can be caused by the power steering hoses, pump, cooler, or rack. If you fail to repair this leak in time, you could be looking at a time- and money-consuming trip to the mechanic.

Clear to Brown and Slick

Brake fluid leaks generally come out as a slick clear to brownish hue and fall either under the brake pedals or below the wheels. Brake fluid leaks should be taken seriously and repaired immediately since they lead to brake failure. If you think your brake fluid is leaking, call a tow truck and have them haul it to your mechanic’s shop. Do not attempt to drive it there yourself, as your brakes could fail along the way.

Pink, Green, or Yellow and Slimy

Antifreeze and coolant generally come out in a pink, yellow, or green hue and are slimy to the touch. Coolant leaks are generally easy to locate since drips tend to be visible from the part they’re leaking from when you check under the hood. These types of leaks are incredibly common, and you can sometimes tell when they’re happening since your car will indicate that it is overheating.

Brown and Watery

Gasoline generally comes out as you would expect—brown and watery. And you will smell it. It can drip from the front or rear of the car, and you might even smell gas while driving. If the leak is in the car’s gas tank, you will see dripping from the rear. If it’s happening in the front, you might have a fuel pump issue. This isn’t an emergency repair, but if you let it go long enough, you might have to shell out a hefty chunk of change to replace your fuel pump.

Blue and Watery

Windshield wiper fluid leaks are generally non-threatening, but if you have one, you will notice a blue watery substance. These leaks can be caused by fluid reservoir corrosion or problems with the tubing. You can easily check the fluid reservoir for yourself to ensure your fluid is at an appropriate level.




When you notice a leak, don’t be reactive; get proactive. Knowing which fluid leaks need immediate repairs and which can wait a little while can save you a lot of time and money spent at the mechanic’s shop. It’s a good rule-of-thumb to regularly check coolant, oil, and wiper fluid and to check under the hood and rear of the car for slow drips that might not be hitting the ground.

Are you planning to buy a compact sedan in India? With so many options around, you must be confused between the top players of the segment. Here, we bring you a side-by-side comparison between the all-new Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017, Tata Zest, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent 2017. This comparison review will help you choose the best compact sedan for you.

Compact Sedan War: Maruti DZire 2017 vs. TATA Zest vs. Honda Amaze vs. Hyundai Xcent 2017

Exterior Design & Aesthetics

Maruti DZire 2017

The Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017 is probably the best looking sedan till date in the segment. The new-generation DZire has a brilliantly designed hexagonal grille on the front with a big Suzuki in the middle. The newly designed headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, fog lamps, front and rear bumpers and the new LED tail lamps refines the exteriors and adds an extra star on the overlook aesthetics.




Tata Zest

On the first look, the Tata Zest impresses right away! It doesn’t carry the old and monotonous design that old Tata cars are built upon. The all-new designed headlamps, front-grille, front & rear bumpers, fog lights and tail-lamps have no resemblance to Indica or Indigo, which gets thumbs up from us.

Honda Amaze

The 2016 face-lifted Honda Amaze sports a refreshed front chrome grille with clean placement of fog lamps. However, it misses LED daytime running lamps, which is currently trending across all car segments. On its rear, the Honda Amaze has bright tail-lamps extending till boot lid. The Honda Amaze design and exteriors misses out refreshment which other three cars offer.

Hyundai Xcent 2017

After Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017, the sedan which won our hearts in terms of exterior design and aesthetics is the all-new Hyundai Xcent 2017 with a bold and muscular look. It gets a completely newly designed front-grille which is wider and taller than the old Xcent. Being a complete facelift avatar, the new Hyundai Xcent 2017 sports everything new on its front and rear. The new headlamps, LED DRLs, fog lamps, larger tail-lamps, new front & rear bumpers are very stylish and attractive.

Interiors, Cabin & infotainment System

Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017

Just like the exteriors, the interiors at the Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017 are amazing too. The dual-tone dashboard has wooden trim that is not offered by anyone else in the segment. The rectangular AC vents with chrome highlights looks good.  The sporty steering wheel and door panels feature matte finished wood inserts which is a brilliant move by the designers. The top-end variant gets an advanced touch screen infotainment system, like the one on Baleno, Ciaz, Vitara Brezza and Ignis. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Tata Zest

The cabin space and interior design at Tata Zest is really impressive. It is an all-new and refreshing design from Tata, which was never seen earlier in any Tata car. The design and quality of materials used for dashboard, side padding, door handles and electronic control switches is just great. It is a spacious cabin with an all-new touch screen infotainment system with voice command support.

Honda Amaze

 




The refreshed Honda Amaze has a newly design dual-tone dashboard, which is much better looking than the previous one. The quality of the materials used in electrical switches, buttons and door handles is decent. The cabin space is roomy too. Honda Amaze also features a touch screen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity support, but only in the top-end variant. The infotainment system on lower variants isn’t a touch screen one. Also, it doesn’t support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is disappointing.

Hyundai Xcent 2017

Hyundai has never disappointed us in terms of interiors and dashboard design. The all-new Xcent 2017 carries this legacy ahead. While comparing with other three sedans, the interior design in Hyundai Xcent 2017 looks the best to us. However, the DZire 2017 is also close enough. The infotainment system on the all-new Hyundai Xcent 2017 won’t disappoint you. it is better than that of Tata Zest and Honda Amaze. The 7-inch touch screen infotainment system also works as a reverse camera screen. Other than Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity, this infotainment system also




Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017

The all-new Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017 is much safer than the outgoing model. The safety features in this new sedan include front dual airbags (standard), antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) (standard), seat belts with pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat restraints (standard), fog lamps and more.

Tata Zest

Tata Zest too doesn’t compromises with safety features. It sports ABS with cornering brake control (CBC), engine immobilizer, ELR seatbelts, impact beams and a standard feature. However, air-bags are offered only on the top-end variant.

Honda Amaze 

For your safety concerns, all variants of Honda Amaze get front dual SRS airbags as a standard safety feature. Others safety features include engine immobilizer, high mount stop lamp, driver seatbelt reminder, fog lamps and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic force-brake distribution (EBS).

Hyundai Xcent 2017

The Hyundai Xcent 2017 also gets front dual airbags as a standard safety feature across ala variants. What disappoints us here is the absence of anti-braking system (ABS) in middle and lower variants. The outgoing Xcent had ABS as a standard safety feature across all variants. Hyundai should have maintained the same in the all-new Xcent 2017 as well.




Engine & Fuel Consumption

Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017

The new-gen Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017 will be powered by the same tried and tested petrol and diesel engines which we have driven in the outgoing DZire. The 1.2-litre K-Series Petrol engine promises a fuel economy of 21kmpl with 83.14bhp of power at 6000rpm and 115NM of torque. The 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine claims 28kmpl of fuel economy and 74bhp of power and 190Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

Tata Zest

Tata Zest comes with two engine options; 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-charged engine and 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine. The petrol engine promises a fuel mileage of 17.57kmpl and churns 90bhp power and 140NM of Torque. The Quadrajet diesel engine promises a fuel mileage of 21.58kmpl and churns a good 74bhp and 190NM of Torque.

Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze has been loved for its amazing engine performance and refined driving. The buyer of Honda Amaze can choose between 1.2-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC Petrol engine and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-DTEC turbocharged diesel engine. The petrol variant of Amaze claims a fuel economy of 17.8kmpl and it produces 87PS of power and 109NM of Torque. The diesel variant of Honda Amaze claims an amazing fuel economy of 25.8kmpl and it churns 100PS of power and 200NM of Torque.

Hyundai Xcent 2017

The all-new Hyundai Xcent 2017 is also available in two engine variants. The petrol variant of Xcent 2017 is powered by the same petrol engine (19.1kmpl fuel economy) that is present on the outgoing model. However, the diesel variant of new Xcent 2017 gets a more powerful 1.2-litre 3-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that promises to deliver a fuel mileage of 25.4 kmpl and it churns 75hp of power and 190NM torque. The same diesel engine is also seen in the face-lifted Grand i10.




Price in India

Maruti Suzuki DZire 2017

• Petrol Engine – Rs. 5.50 lacs* (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)
• Diesel Engine – Rs. 6.30 lacs* (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)

( * expected figures. Not official)

Tata Zest

• Petrol Engine – Rs. 5.24 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)
• Diesel Engine – Rs. 6.27 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)

Honda Amaze

• Petrol Engine – Rs.5.53 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)
• Diesel Engine – Rs.6.66 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)

Hyundai Xcent 2017

• Petrol Engine – Rs.5.38 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)
• Diesel Engine – Rs.6.28 lacs (Base Variant, Ex-Showroom, New Delhi)

Which compact sedan according to you is the best in its segment? What you like about it? Share us your thoughts and feedback in the comment section given below. Happy and Safe Driving!

Here are 10 car shopping tips that would help you to make a decision.

1) Knowing what car you want before you start making the rounds of dealerships can save both time and money. As it is human nature to get distracted in the showroom by flashy cars that costs more, it is better to decide what car you want first. Draw up a list of all models and shortlist from there.




2) To buy the right vehicle at the best price, it is important to do your homework before starting to make rounds at the shop. Decide how much you can afford and how much you are willing to pay before you shop for a vehicle. The best way is to refer to car magazines or read expert reviews and user feedback and form an idea about which model works best for you like play euromillions.

3) It’s always a good idea to visit as many dealers in your area and compare many makes and models side-by-side. There are multiple dealers for all manufacturers and pick the one that you like most.

4) Compare financing rates from local lenders to find the best deals on new-car loans. Weigh all the finance options and go for the one that suits you. There are multiple banks that are ready to finance. Check the fine print closely before finalizing.




5) Research your present vehicle’s fair-market trade-in value. It is better to shop at competing dealers to make a compare of prices on the same vehicle.

6) Test-drive the exact car you have decided upon. List out all the doubts and clarifications and cross check with both the dealer representative and opinions across portals and with those you know who own the model.

7) Be a strong negotiator with the dealer salesman. You may get a good discount.




8) Do not rush when you make that final deal. Make sure that you understand every charge that you have been charged off.

9) Before you sign the final sale contract, read the entire contract. Be certain you understand exactly what you are buying.




10) While taking delivery, do a thorough match off of what is being offered against what was promised and check off from a check list of all parts and features being in perfect working condition.

Author Bio: https://autoportal.com

Driving is dangerous, no matter what the weather is like. Here are a few tips to keep you safe on the roads this year:

Check your car before you leave

It sounds simple but it is surprising how many people don’t check their car over from one week to the next.

Check your tyres regularly, ideally you should fit winter tyres from November through to March, they really do make a big difference to your road holding. For the rest of the year normal tyres are sufficient, but you should always be aware of the state your tyres are in.

These are the questions that you should be asking yourself:

• Are my tyres are correctly inflated to the correct pressures?
• Do my tyres have good tread?If this image looks like your tyres you could be big danger with the roads or the police!

If there’s been frost, snow or rain ensure all your windows, especially your windscreen, are completely clear before you start. Nobody enjoys shivering next to their car when they are trying to scrape ice off their windows, but it has to be done. Reducing your vision even slightly increases the likelihood of an accident.

Many of us are guilty of pouring boiling water over our frozen windscreens, you see many people hovering their kettle over their cars. This is something that you shouldn’t do, it can crack the glass or damage the rubber on your windscreen wipers.

Lastly ensure you have plenty of windscreen washer fluid. The roads are dirty at this time of year, salt and grit makes a mess and it’s important that your lights and windscreen are clear at all times.

Limited vision is probably the best way to get into an accident, make sure that your windows are steam free!

Keep a survival kit in your car

This might sound a little extreme but it really isn’t. A survival kit can literally be a life-saver if your car gets stuck somewhere. Make sure you have all of these essentials to help get you by:

• Ice scraper
• De-icer
• A working torch
• A spade
• A warm blanket
• A fully charged mobile phone
• Extra clothing
• Some food and water.

Don’t Speed

Don’t speed. We know it’s tempting, particularly on a quiet road but at this time of year you never know where there might be ice on the road. If you catch a piece of ice while speeding the outcome could be disastrous not only for you but others too so make sure you are sensible.

Keep a safe distance from the car in front

Again this is common sense but you’d be surprised how few people follow it. By adding an extra few car lengths between you and the car in front you greatly improve your chances of stopping should the car in front brake suddenly or skid on ice.

Check all your lights

It’s not just yourself you have to be aware of in winter, other drivers need to see you too. Visibility is often poor, even in daylight so it’s vital you can be seen. Consider driving with your lights on all the time in bad weather.Often people don’t know they’ve a light out until they go to a garage or are told by the police! It takes minimal amount of time and effort to check, so make sure you do it.  For more information on checking your car lights click here.

Author Bio: Rae is a marketing specialist for Motor Marque and she is a big fan of handbags, wheels and heels. Follow her on Twitter @MotorMarqueRae