Radar Detectors: What Features Do You Need?
When you’ve decided to invest in a new radar detector, either for the daily commute or just day-to-day errands, buying a radar detector can seem a bit daunting. There’s a whole host of scientific breakthrough specs and technical industry jargon to weed through. Do you need a laser detector or a radar detector? What sort of bandwidth should you look for? Visual or audio alerts? Vg2 shielding mechanisms? Mounted or concealed? More than likely, you are just the average consumer, looking for an effective and reliable radar detecting unit to alert yourself to your own speed, as well as who and where you are being monitored for it. After having done a lot of research on the subject for my own interests, I have broken down all the tech specs and necessary features here, to save you the trouble of both unearthing unnecessary consumer headache, as well as buying the wrong radar detector for your individual travels.
· First off, there are basically three types of radar detectors as far as form is concerned: corded, cordless, and remote mount; each with its own set of pros vs. cons depending on your needs and lifestyle. The corded typically mounts to your windshield, and because of its location offers an aerial less-obstructed detection. Cordless is just that, and offers portable convenience. Lastly, the remote mount variety of radar detectors are mounted permanently to your vehicle, hidden from sight.
· What is the difference in laser vs. radar detection? Though radar detection has long been the chosen method of both drivers and traffic patrol, laser radar detection technology has been adopted by the latter. Police patrol will use laser radar for more accurate detection of closer-range vehicles, and standard radar detection for longer distance detection. Though it is more expensive to find a detection unit with both, it lessens your chance of being ill-prepared on the road. Moreover, you should only buy a laser radar model with 360 degree laser detection (Whistler Radar Detectors are a good example); otherwise you will only have the unit detecting in one direction, not from every angle of the vehicle, as is needed.
· City modes? They are basically, the blanket term for precise radar and laser detection in heavy radar frequency zones. The city mode will turn down the range of detection on your unit and perceive less interference or false alerts from external electrical mechanisms as well as other radar detectors in your immediate area. There’s much more of this technical buzz in the city…hence the term. So, if you live or drive in more metropolitan areas vs. rural ones, this would be a good choice for you.
· VG2, Spectre, and Invisible shielding technology. The VG2 alert is the basic technology that allows you to know when the police in your vehicle’s vicinity are using radar detector detectors or VG2 systems, to discern whether you are using a radar detector or not. ( Rocky Mountain Radar Detectors have great VG2 systems). Police officials adopted the Spectre system for detecting radar detectors on a broader and more precise playing field, and so the Spectre alert on your new radar detector will let you know when it is in fact being used. This allows you time to shut off your own radar detector, when alerted. The Invisible technology you may want to look for in a higher-end radar detector will be virtually undetectable to the above mentioned police-controlled devices, so you will never have to worry about shutting it down. All of these mechanisms are fairly new and will add expense to your radar detector, but again, it depends on how effective and reliable you need the radar detector to be.
· Bandwidths. Really, the only bandwidth you should have in your radar detector is the X bandwidth. Most frequencies operate on the X, and to incorporate any of the others (K, Ka, Ku), will just be asking for interference from unrelated mechanisms and external electrical stimuli. The result: less focus on what radar detection you should be picking up, such as police radar.
These are the basic necessary components in any reliable and accurate radar detector. You will find many more features available in these systems, but they are cosmetic in relation to the significant ones listed here. Start with these terms/tips for form and function, and then move on to whether you’d like luxury components such as voice alerts and enhanced LED displays.
Honda Fit, 2007: The Weekly Driver
The Weekly Driver: 2007 Honda Fit
By JAMES RAIA
TheWeeklyDriver.com
Just when it seemed like Honda couldn't possibly discover another market segment for its vehicles, it introduced the 2007 Fit. A four-door subcompact, the Fit combines a wondrously efficient use of space with snappy versatility and economy.
The Fit joins the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000 as the 10th vehicle in the Honda line that debuted in the United States in 1973.
The Fit, known as the Jazz, has been sold in Asia since 2001 and in Europe since 2002 as a way to combat the parking dilemma prevalent in most international metropolitan cities. To further help curtail the problem, the two-seat Smart, the microcar DaimlerChrysler offering, has found increasing success overseas.
While not as small, The Fit, like the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, have all arrived a year in advance of the Smart's expected 2008 U.S. arrival. And with the Fit, at least in my weekly test of the Sport model, there's no sense of driving a novelty.
Consider: While the Fit is nearly 20 inches shorter than the Civic, it has nearly the same interior space as the Accord. Of course, there are differences between the Fit and other Honda sedans. But as Honda's smallest vehicle, the Fit has a long list of standard features and unique offerings. It's particularly impressive considering that with every available option included the Fit costs less than $16,000.
In addition to the Sport model, the Fit is offered in a base model. Both styles include 1.5-liter, 16-valve, 109-horsepower, 4-cylinder engines. The base editions include 14-inch wheels, electric-assist power steering, two-speed front wipers and a rear wiper, air conditioning, power windows and locks and an AM/FM radio with CD player.
The Sport model features 15-inch alloy wheels with wider tires, additional body styling, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded MP3-compatible audio system with an auxiliary jack.
The Fit's interior is efficiency defined. The five-speed manual shifter is nicely positioned and controls and dials are handsome, if simple, logically configured and offer nice ease-of-use characteristics. The Fit has two front seat cupholders and individual door-panel rear seat cupholders. The 60-40 split rear seat features multiple configurations, including one position which configures either side or both bottom seat sections flush against the seat back seats. The result: a cavernous cargo area. Honda calls the feature a "Magic Seat." The Fit also has a spacious trunk with a wide, level and easy access entry.
As a subcompact, there are a few shortcomings. The front-passenger visor does not have a mirror and there's a conspicuous absence of front-seat console storage compartment. The carpet, side-paneling and console material isn't as nice as the Accord or Civic, but it's far from cheap.
But the best part of the Fit is its surprisingly nice drive. With its 109-horsepower engine, the car isn't about to establish any speed records. Yet, since it's lightweight and efficiently constructed, the Fit moves around pretty nicely, with 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Cornering and maneuvering is confident and at all speeds, the vehicle is far from noisy.
There's just not much to criticize about the Fit. Honda has a longstanding, stellar reputation throughout its line. And as the newcomer, the Fit fits in admirably with its brethren.
The Weekly Driver: 2007 Honda Fit
Safety Features � Dual front, front side and side-curtain airbags.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) � 33 mpg (city), 38 mpg (highway).
Warranty � Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
Base Price � $15,170.00
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Read more of James Raia's syndicated car review column or subscribe to his free electronic automotive newsletter on the web site, theweeklydriver.com
Don't Let Them Steal Your Car
Having a car stolen can be a major emotional trauma as well as a significant financial headache. It is also a whole lot of inconvenience as you then need to make alternative transport arrangements, reschedule appointments or arrange for someone to pick up the kids from school. Even if the Insurance Company picks up the tab, you still have the upset to your daily routine to put up with.
Although there is no single foolproof method of stopping the car thieves, there are a few simple precautions that you can take which will dramatically reduce your chance of becoming a car theft victim.
First off, make sure that your car is locked securely. Yes, I know that I'm stating the obvious here, but it never ceases to amaze me to hear just how many people leave their car engine running as they defrost the windscreen in winter, or pay for their gas. A number of cars have been stolen as the driver gets out of the vehicle to open gates or barriers.
Park your car in a well lit supervised area, especially at night. CCTV is a great deterrent to most car thieves so if possible, park your car where it can be seen by the camera. While we're on the subject of CCTV, with prices continuing to drop, it is worth investing in a simple CCTV system for your own home. Anything that persuades would-be thieves to look elsewhere has to be worth the small investment.
Make it harder for thieves to steal your car. A lot of cars are fitted with immobilizers by the auto manufacturers these days and thieves are starting to get wise to the models which are simply too much trouble to steal. And if your car doesn't have an immobilizer, fit one!
Don't keep your valuables on show. When you leave your car, hide or remove all items of value, including any detachable radio fronts, video screens or sat-nav systems. Also, remember to remove the brackets or window suckers that the sat-nav fixes too as thieves now break into the car on the off chance that you stowed the unit in the glove box.
Keep your car keys safe. Don't leave them where they can be seen, such as on your restaurant table, at the top of an opened purse or hung up of a key rack at home. In the UK, where letterboxes are cut into the front door of the home, a growing number of thieves are taking along a telescopic fishing rod and literally fishing for the car keys through the letterbox!
For extra peace of mind, install a tracker system to your vehicle. Then if it is stolen, the police can locate it and hopefully catch the thieves.
These are just a few simple, commonsense precautions that you should turn into habits to help to keep your car safe from thieves.
Mark Heywood enjoys all things automotive and edits Kit Cars and Replicas, where you can find out more about building your own car from scratch.
