Driving means changing constantly location. This means a constant demand for information on the current location and specifically for data on the surrounding traffic, routes and much more. This information can be grouped together in several categories. A very important category is driver assistance and car safety. This includes many different things mostly based on sensor data from other cars. One could think of brake warning sent from preceding car, tailgate

and collision warning, information about road condition and maintenance,detailed regional weather forecast, premonition of traffic jams, caution to an accident behind the next bend, detailed information about an accident for the rescue team and many other things. One could also think of local updates of the cars navigation systems or an assistant that helps to follow a friend’s car.

Another category is infotainment for passengers. For example internet access, chatting and interactive games between cars close to each other. The kids will love it.Next category is local information as next free parking space (perhaps with a reservation system), detailed information about fuel prices and services offered by the next service station or just tourist information about sights. A possible other category is car maintenance. For example online help from your car mechanic when your car breaks down or just simply service information.So far no inter-vehicle communication system for data exchange between vehicles and between roadside and vehicles has been put into operation. As an engineer of computer science , I am very eager to develop such systems which will a pioneer within itself and would be a great help to mankind , if not at least to save life at highways .

 

 

Happy driving !!

 

Abhinab

 

 

posted from Bloggeroid

RUN-FLAT TYRES

As the name give the clue that this type of tyres allow you to continue driving after a punture, although the sidewalls are stiff, so the ride can suffer yet it is very useful specially in the case of emergency. Changing a deflated tyres usually takes some time and no one likes to do that in case you are in emergency or hurry so in that case RUN-FLAT tyres proves out to be quite helpful. 

RUN-FLAT TYRES (INNER LINING)

                                                                               

Definition : 

A run-flat tyre is a pneumatic vehicle tire that is designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds (up to 55 mph (90 km/h)), and for limited distances of up to 100 mi (160 km), or even 200 mi (320 km) depending on the type of tire.

Performance characteristics :

Depending on the design, some run-flat tires perform better than regular tires, and some slightly worse. Some run-flat tires have a 20% higher rolling resistance, in part due to their added structural material and mass. On the other hand, internal bracing in some run-flat tires reduces deformation, with the opposite effects of reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency.

Further advantages are derived from not needing to carry a spare wheel: The space can be used for other purposes. Also, the absence of a spare wheel contributes to lower vehicle weight which will in turn reduce fuel consumption, reduce harmful exhaust emissions, improve performance, handling and braking characteristics. However, these may be negated by the increased weight of the tires if they are self-supporting.

Due to reinforcement in tire side walls, run-flat tires usually give firmer rides compared to conventional tires.

The first producer of run-flat tyres is Michelin. It was also produced by Dunlop in 1972. Most recently bridgestone run-flat tyres are provided in BMW cars.The automaker promoted these as a safety feature and as an alternative to carrying a spare tire.

OFF-ROAD GUIDE !!

 

source : jeep.com

                                                           

 OVERVIEW

With a few guidelines and some good old-fashioned common sense, almost anyone can drive off-road in a Jeep 4x4. Simply click on an item in the table of contents for a few of the basics. And be sure to get those thumbs up! 

Be Prepared

Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are topped off, including fuel. Also be sure that all four tires are in good condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone, especially into unfamiliar territory. 

Be On The Lookout

 Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a situation that will demand the additional traction. It's difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You'll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you're approaching on the trail. If you're just watching the left tire, there's a good chance you'll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what's coming (that's what Wrangler's folding windshield is for). Also, many trail masters recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering wheel spokes in rough terrain. For example, if your tire suddenly falls off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and catch your thumb with a spoke — ouch! Generally, vehicles with power steering, like all Jeep vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation. 

Snow And Mud

Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface, it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system. If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I^®, there is no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD-LOW if necessary (Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac SRT do not offer a low range). Don't shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum. 

Wrangler Rubicon

                                                                

It's one of my dream car, no it's not a car its a serious mud plugging dirt machine. So don't wait.... just take the high ground.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was engineered to level any playing field.

Rubicon digs harder, reaches farther and is more fun than any off-road 4x4 vehicle has a right to be.

Rubicon has:

• Best-in-Class approach and departure angles
• Best-in-Class ground clearance
• Solid front and rear axles
• Locking differentials
• Huge meaty tires
• Full-length rock rails
• Steel plate underbody armor

Rock Rails

Heavy-duty sill guards (a.k.a. rock rails) are bolted directly to the frame for added body strength and to resist twisting when sliding over rocks and boulders. The rock rails are fully functional and provide rocker panel and lower bodyside protection. You can significantly decrease your chance of body damage with this functional hardware.

Dana® 44 Front & Rear Axles
Dana® 44 heavy-duty axles are the price of admission to hard-core trails. The next-generation axle's above-center mounting (of the driveshaft) aids ground clearance, adds strength and reduces driveshaft joint angles for smooth and quiet operation. The housing is stiffer and stronger, and the pinion bearings are larger to handle high torque requirements.

                                                         
BFGoodrich Mud Tires
Rubicon comes equipped with standard 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires which have a custom tread pattern that is exclusive to the Jeep brand. The meaty tires have more tread blocks with biting edges for foul weather (including ice and snow).



Source : jeep.com