Worth the Watt: A Brief History of the Electric Car, 1830 to Present

Electric cars have been around a lot longer than today’s Tesla Motors or even the General Motors EV1 of 20 years ago. In fact, electric cars appeared long before the internal-combustion sort, and dreamers have never stopped trying to make them work both on the road and as a business proposition. A lack of historical perspective sometimes leads to misunderstandings of how things came to be as they are now, so let’s take the long view of the road that got us here. 

Start in the 1830s, with Scotland’s Robert Anderson, whose motorized carriage was built sometime between 1832 and ’39. Batteries (galvanic cells) were not yet rechargeable, so it was more parlor trick (“Look! No horse nor ox, yet it moves!”) than a transportation device. Another Scot, Robert Davidson of Aberdeen, built a prototype electric locomotive in 1837. A bigger, better version, demonstrated in 1841, could go 1.5 miles at 4 mph towing six tons. Then it needed new batteries. This impressive performance so alarmed railway workers (who saw it as a threat to their jobs tending steam engines) that they destroyed Davidson’s devil machine, which he’d named "Galvani." 

Batteries that could be recharged came along in 1859, making the electric-car idea more viable. By 1890, a Scottish-born chemist living in Des Moines, Iowa, William Morrison, applied for a patent on the electric carriage he’d built perhaps as early as 1887. It appeared in a city parade in 1888, according to the Des Moines Register. With front-wheel drive, 4 horsepower, and a reported top speed of 20 mph, it had 24 battery cells that needed recharging every 50 miles. Morrison’s self-propelled carriage was a sensation at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which was also known as the famed “World’s Columbian Exhibition.” Morrison himself was more interested in the batteries than in mobility, but he’d sparked the imagination of other inventors.

By Kevin A.

Worth the Watt: A Brief History of the Electric Car, 1830 to Present

Electric cars have been around a lot longer than today’s Tesla Motors or even the General Motors EV1 of 20 years ago. In fact, electric cars appeared long before the internal-combustion sort, and dreamers have never stopped trying to make them work both on the road and as a business proposition. A lack of historical perspective sometimes leads to misunderstandings of how things came to be as they are now, so let’s take the long view of the road that got us here. 

Start in the 1830s, with Scotland’s Robert Anderson, whose motorized carriage was built sometime between 1832 and ’39. Batteries (galvanic cells) were not yet rechargeable, so it was more parlor trick (“Look! No horse nor ox, yet it moves!”) than a transportation device. Another Scot, Robert Davidson of Aberdeen, built a prototype electric locomotive in 1837. A bigger, better version, demonstrated in 1841, could go 1.5 miles at 4 mph towing six tons. Then it needed new batteries. This impressive performance so alarmed railway workers (who saw it as a threat to their jobs tending steam engines) that they destroyed Davidson’s devil machine, which he’d named "Galvani." 

Batteries that could be recharged came along in 1859, making the electric-car idea more viable. By 1890, a Scottish-born chemist living in Des Moines, Iowa, William Morrison, applied for a patent on the electric carriage he’d built perhaps as early as 1887. It appeared in a city parade in 1888, according to the Des Moines Register. With front-wheel drive, 4 horsepower, and a reported top speed of 20 mph, it had 24 battery cells that needed recharging every 50 miles. Morrison’s self-propelled carriage was a sensation at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which was also known as the famed “World’s Columbian Exhibition.” Morrison himself was more interested in the batteries than in mobility, but he’d sparked the imagination of other inventors.

By Kevin A.

NAJA Car of the Year

THE Kia Rio automobile in a keenly contested competition, has beat other brands to earn the prestigious 2015 Car of the Year (COTY) Award. It got the highest number of votes across the country to top the competition.

The event, which was the annual Nigerian Automobile Journalists Association (NAJA) awards, saw the Kia Rio conquering some high-performance challengers to take the victory. The brand was adjudged to have ticked all the boxes in terms of value for money, safety, innovation, technology and dynamics.

The third generation Kia Rio’s fantastic engines, great handling, and lighter platform were adjudged the best amongst other competing brands.

In October this year, NAJA started conducting annual assessment of all selected cars that are eligible to be included in the car of the year category. All the cars went through rigorous testing, which also included driving on various Nigerian roads.

At the ceremony, which held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, NAJA’s judges revealed that the Kia Rio won because of its sophistication and fuel efficiency. Other factors considered were its handling and drivers’ involvement.

“Kia will continue to build cars that brighten people’s lives and exceed their expectations. The Kia Rio has just upped the ante once again. We aim to become a “one-and-only” brand for our customers; a brand they will choose again and again,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria, Sandeep Malhotra.

Intelligently designed and expertly engineered, every single detail of both the Kia Rio’s exterior and interior seems meticulously thought-out.

The Kia Rio, also dubbed as the People’s Car, is a top-of-the-segment sub-compact car featuring the engineering prowess, future-proofed safety technologies and classic design elements that ensure that they will remain remarkable for years to come.

The Rio is a solid pick for a small sedan or hatchback. It’s not quite as refined as some class-leading rivals, but it might still win you over with its inviting cabin, strong engine performance and excellent value.

It is stylish inside and out; ample standard and optional features; high-quality interior materials on EX and SX; long warranty; strong acceleration; feels bigger than it is.

“Grown-up” really would be the optimum expression to describe the Rio. Its exterior is notably European in appearance, with the sedan in particular, avoiding the awkward proportions of its competitors. And although the base LX trim is rather bare-bones, the EX and SX step things up considerably with higher-quality interior materials and near-luxury levels of equipment that are sure to make one forget that he’s in such a small car.

It comes with standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Overall, the Rio stays very composed when driven either gently or at whatever the engine can deliver. It handles remarkably well for a small, inexpensive hatchback with a basic strut and torsion-beam suspension and a short wheelbase, although one would appreciate some more feedback from the steering.

The interior is a little tighter on space than other subcompacts, but pleasing trims and materials and reasonably good cabin refinement keep it more cheerful than the other choices.

12 Common car maintenance mistakes

IGNORING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

It can be easy to ignore the Check Engine light. The light comes on and your car seems to be operating as it normally would and you might figure, “Well, everything seems fine, I’ll take care of it soon.” But other things come up, it gets put off, and one day your car could breakdown. As difficult as it might be to find the time to have your vehicle seen by a mechanic when that dashboard light first comes on, it really is best to have it seen as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the higher the costs could be for repairs. In other words, a little time spent having it fixed right away could save you a lot of money in the long run.

NOT CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

It is a common mistake to forget to check the air pressure in ones tires because, from the looks of it, the tires are properly inflated. Looks can be deceiving. Even when tires appear to be properly inflated, they could be low on air. While the tires may not blow out, low tire pressure could lead to poor fuel economy so your wallet could still be affected. It is also easy for tires to lose air pressure – as easy as running over a pothole. The weather outside has a big effect on your tire pressure. Tires lose 1 to 2 lbs. of air pressure for every 10°F the temperature drops outside. Therefore, it is best to check your tire pressure regularly because you never know when it might be low. After all, the last thing you want is a flat tire and/or poor gas mileage.

IGNORING YOUR TPMS LIGHT

If your Tire Pressure Monitoring System light activates, check your tire pressure. Your TPMS light serves as a warning system informing you when one or more of your tires is deflated beyond what is considered safe by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If this light comes on while you are driving, pull over somewhere safe, preferably your closest open gas station, and verify whether your tire is losing air. If applicable, add air. Occasionally your TPMS sensor may require replacement. If your TPMS is indicating a loss of air pressure, but when you check your tire, all is well, consider TMPS sensor replacement. In addition to the aforementioned benefits of checking your tire pressure, balanced tires promote even tire wear, resulting in a longer tire life and better fuel economy.

SKIPPING OIL CHANGES

Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle’s manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles – the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today’s cars. This is great news because it means less time and money spent taking your vehicle for an oil change. However, this does not mean that oil changes can be skipped. Your vehicle’s engine needs motor oil to operate properly and without it, the engine seizes up and dies. In order for motor oil to keep your engine running, it can’t be too old. Case in point: if motor oil is left in an engine for too long, the oil begins to break down, which can lead to nasty deposits of sludge in your engine. Instead of lubricating and cooling the engine parts, the oil sludge can damage the parts, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. Getting regular oil changes will help to ensure a long engine life.

NEGLECTING FLUID CHECKS

It’s a common misconception that motor oil is the only fluid in the car that needs to be checked="checked" and changed. It’s true that motor oil is one of the more critical fluids in your vehicle but there are many other fluids in the car that should be checked="checked", exchanged, and/or topped off. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid should all be checked="checked" and serviced as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Doing this helps to avoid leaks and keep your vehicle operating properly.

STILL DRIVING WHEN THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING

Even automotive experts have admitted to being guilty of this. They also say that this is not the wisest thing to do. An engine, by nature, gets extremely hot when it runs, requiring a cooling system to avoid overheating. When that system fails (and it can happen to anyone), the vehicle needs to be stopped immediately. In this situation, the best idea is to turn the car off and call for a tow.

NOT USING FILTERS AS RECOMMENDED

Filters need to be as clean as possible in order to work optimally. Clean filters keep dirt particles and other contaminants from entering your vehicle’s fuel, engine or air conditioning systems. Dirty air filters can lead to a host of issues ranging from causing poor gas mileage to making your engine seize or wearing out system components. Have your filters changed as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, and you’ll be glad you did.

NOT INSPECTING THE BRAKES

It’s easy to ignore that squealing noise that comes from worn-down brakes. It is easy to convince yourself that the noise is coming from another car or that there is time to spare before you check. The truth is that the brakes are one of the most important components of your car. If they are worn down or not working properly, your vehicle becomes unsafe for you and your passengers. So if you hear a squealing or grinding noise when you brake, have your brake system evaluated as soon as possible.

NOT ROTATING TIRES/NEGLECTING TO GET A WHEEL ALIGNMENT

This can be a simple thing to overlook because you can drive for quite a while without getting an alignment or rotating your tires. Although it might seem like everything is fine, having misaligned wheels can result in real issues. There is only one way to be positive that your tires are properly aligned and that is to have your vehicle's alignment checked="checked". If a wheel alignment is recommended, it is in your best interest to have it performed. As for tire rotation, most manufacturers recommend that tires be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles but check your owner’s manual to make sure.

SERVICING YOUR OWN VEHICLE WITHOUT THE PROPER KNOW-HOW

The cool thing about cars these days is that they’re very computerized. There is a computer that monitors various sensors inside the car and uses those sensors to regulate things like idle speed, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, to name a few. If something goes wrong, the computer can sense it and will activate your vehicle’s Check Engine light to alert you to the fact that there is an issue. Since your vehicle is computerized (i.e. complicated), it can be tremendously difficult to fix something yourself if you don’t have the proper tools, knowledge, and diagnostic equipment. As much as it might cost to have a professional technician take a look at your car, you can rest assured that your vehicle will get serviced and/or repaired correctly.

NOT CHANGING YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Windshield wipers degrade over time. They chatter, they tear and, as a result, leave a streaky wipe behind. The trick is changing your wipers as soon as they don’t clear the windshield well. As they age, wiper blades will leave behind streaks, indicating that it is time to change them. Rain, snow, and other precipitation can severely cut down on your ability to see the road and other vehicles clearly so changing your wipers when they wear out is very important. Take the wiper blade challengeto determine whether it’s time to replace your windshield wipers.

USING HOME GLASS CLEANER TO CLEAN YOUR REAR WINDSHIELD

This is a big no-no. Most home glass cleaners use ammonia as a chief cleaning agent. Over time, ammonia will break down the heating elements in your rear windshield. The thin red lines you see are actually small wires designed to bring heat to your windshield to assist with defrosting. It is much safer to use window cleaner designed for automotive glass.

It’s true – car maintenance can sometimes get in the way of life. However, making sure that your vehicle is properly maintained when it needs to be will help to ensure that you don’t spend precious time stuck on the side of the road when you could be spending it on things you cherish. Being aware of these 12 common car maintenance mistakes will help you in the long run.

ENGINE OVERHEATING CAUSES:NORMAL TEMPERATURE RANGES AND COOLANT

Your vehicle’s cooling system is designed to keep your engine running within normal temperature ranges (typically 195 to 220? F depending on make and model). Coolant will boil at 225? F, but pressure created by the radiator cap and coolant blend ratios also help to increase the temperature that can be withstood.

COOLANT SYSTEM CAUSES

The most common cause of overheating is also the most simple, coolant. If your coolant level is too low, your vehicle’s cooling system cannot work properly. Coolant levels can drop through normal use, but if you notice significant drops in the fluid level check for coolant leaks or the possibility of a clogged radiator.  Also make sure to use the coolant ratio recommended for your vehicle. Consult your owners manual for the correct levels.

FAN, PUMP, HOSE AND THERMOSTAT FAILURES

A faulty radiator or radiator fan can cause engine overheating if proper cooling is not occurring. Additionally, when a water pump, one of the most important parts of the cooling system, malfunctions it can lead to leaks or bearing problems that can cause overheating. Hose damage and hose collapses can also play a part in inadequate cooling, as well was a stuck or faulty thermometer.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING

The damaged caused by an overheated engine can be serious. Overheating can cause damage to pistons, cylinders, bearings and valves, as well as a number of other vital engine components. As a result, warning signs of overheating should never be ignored; shut down your vehicle at the first indication that your engine may be operating above normal temperatures!

ENGINE OVERHEATING PREVENTION

Avoid overheating by keeping an eye on your vehicle’s temperature gauge and coolant levels and regularly inspecting belts and hoses. Since a working radiator cap provides the pressure needed to allow for higher coolant temperatures, make sure your cap is working properly and replace it if needed. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot!Professional coolant and radiator flushes are also available to help maintain a well functioning cooling system.

Car maintenance apps

Keeping tabs on the work you have done to your car can be a pain. I like to mark my calendar if I remember to or I set the mileage just to know when my next maintenance is due

If you're looking for a more portable option though, one that lets you see what you've had done recently so no one tries to upsell you on work you don't need, here are a few apps to try:

Road Trip (iOS) is probably one of the most robust mileage and maintenance tracking apps for iOS available. Tracking fill-ups and mileage is super-fast, as is adding maintenance history, expenses, and reminders for future work. The app has a tire log to track summer and winter wear on your tires, and supports other vehicles like boats and motorcycles. You can track as many vehicles as you like, too. The lite versiongives you a taste, but the full version will set you back $5 for the iPhone or the iPad (it's not a universal app, so you'll have to buy it twice for both platforms.)

Car Maintenance Reminder (Android) is a free app that will keep track of your fuel efficiency, cost, and mileage, but also gives you a place to track all of the maintenance and repairs you have done to your vehicle. You can add notes, costs, and of course, get notifications and reminders when you should get some work done. The free version tracks one vehicle. If you have more than one, the $3 pro version is for you.

AutoCare (iOS/Android): AutoCare has been around for a while, and does a pretty good job of tracking your vehicle's maintenance history, mileage, repair history, service expensives, and more. You can even use it to remind you when it's time to get something specific done so you won't forget. Plus, it supports multiple vehicles. It'll set you back $4 for iOS users, and $2 for Android users.

Car Minder Plus (iOS) is another good, simple app for tracking your mileage and your vehicle maintenance. You get presets for things like oil filters, air filters, belt inspections, and oil changes, and you can enter in your own maintenance work and expenses to the log to keep track of what you've had done. From there, enter in your service intervals, and the app uses simple red/yellow/green indicators to tell you when it's time to get that work done. The app will cost you $3.

aCar (Android) is free, and one of the most popular Android apps for tracking vehicle maintenance and mileage. Tracking fill-ups and mileage is quick, entering in your maintenance history and expenses is easy, and you can even enter specific notes or information about parts you prefer or that your vehicle requires. The app notifies you based on time and/or mileage when you should have work done, and supports custom notifications. aCar Pro adds in multiple languages, home screen widgets for quick access to data and logging, and connections to other popular car apps and websites, all for $6.

Whichever app suits you, it will assist you in tracking your car maintenance and tune up. We are in the mobile technology age.

Rainy Season Driving

The Rainy Season is here again.

Say hello to the cool weather, torrential rains, giant potholes, muddy roads, flash flooding and off course… the resulting mega Traffic!

Luckily, unlike last year; this year the Rainy Season started a bit later than expected. Let’s just pray that the Season doesn’t try to make up for its short duration by increasing its
intensity.

If the downpour experienced on Wednesday June 10th is a preview of things to come then we had better brace ourselves!

● Is Your Car Ready?

Is your Car Ready for the Rainy Season? Do you have Wheel Liners and Splash Guards
covering your front wheels? They can help prevent dirt, water and sand from getting
under the hood, into your headlights, air filters and fenders etc.

How about your Umbrella, is it in the car? You never know when you’ll have no choice but to dash out
into the rain.

● Check Your Tyres

Rainy season isn’t the best time to be using worn out tyres. Even brand new tyres will
have a difficult time maintaining grip.

If your tires are wearing out (check the tread depth), then now is a good time to get them replaced. Don’t forget to also keep them properly inflated!

● Windshield Wipers
This is a good time to invest in good Windshield wipers. When the rain is pouring down
heavily, good Wipers will clear the windshield in a single stroke and won’t make any
funny, irritating noises.

If you can’t afford to invest in a premium pair right now then the generic budget brands sold on the road by street hawkers will suffice.

● Check your Brakes
Get your mechanic to inspect your Braking System (Pads and Discs) to ensure they’re in
good working condition. The last thing you want is unresponsive breaks or worn out pads
in the middle of heavy rain.

A poor braking system could greatly increase your stoppage time or add a measure of uncertainty which could result in you ramming into the car in front of you or a tree at the side of the road.

● Visibility Zero
Never drive when your vision is impaired by heavy rain. If you can’t see what’s in
front of you too clearly then try to park and wait out the heavy part of the rain.

Know where the Defog button is in your car. It will help improve visibility.

● Light up the Way
It’s good practise to drive with full beam to improve your visibility whether in heavy
rain or even light rain. It will help you see the road and help other drivers see you.
It’s also a good idea to turn on your Hazard lights to help other drivers, especially
those behind you to see you better! Regularly check that your headlights, rear lights,
brake lights & turn indicators are working properly.

● Keep Your Distance!
Always keep your distance from the car ahead of you. It takes 3 times longer to brake
on wet roads than it does on dry roads. Give trucks and buses extra distance.

Never break suddenly, in case the car behind you isn’t keeping their distance or isn’t
concentrating. In light fog, light rain or nighttime, double the distance between your car and other cars to a minimum of 4 seconds.

● Slow Down!
Your stopping distance is greatly affected by the road conditions. During heavy rain,
when there’s a lot of water on the road, there is less traction between your Car’s
tyres and the road.

Rain also mixes with grime and oil on the road which can result in
skidding. Also try to avoid using your brakes whenever possible. Instead, slow down by
taking your foot off the accelerator.

If you notice yourself using the breaks often then it’s usually an indication that you’re moving too fast.

● Maximum Speed
Rainy season isn’t the time to be doing 120kmph. Limit your speed to a maximum of
60kmph, or even less as the case may be.

The slower you move, the more time you’ll have to react to a hazard, the more likely you’ll be able to break in time, and the less likely you’ll suffer from any serious injuries if you get into an accident.

● Aquaplaning
This happens when you’re driving and water forms a layer between your Car tyres and the
Road. This can lead to a loss of traction which makes your Car unresponsive to control.
Aquaplaning can result in Skidding/Drifting out of your lane or even off the road.
Avoid entering large puddles of water, instead slow down and drive around them.

● Don’t Lose Control!
If you find yourself Skidding on the Road then by all means resist the urge to
slam/pump the brakes! If you do this, what happens is your tyres will lose traction
which will make your car unresponsive to control.

Instead, apply steady pressure to your brakes to maintain traction and steer in direction of the skid and you’ll stay in control.

● Trailing
Now that you know what Aquaplaning is, one way to avoid it and ensure that your tyres
have adequate traction is to drive in the tyre trails of the Car infront
of you.

We didn’t say drive bumpertobumper! Notice the water trail left behind by the wheels of
the car in-front of you? Well these trails have less water due to displacement by the
tyres. So by driving in these tracks you’re guaranteed maximum traction.

● You Sabi the Road?

The Rainy Season is probably not the best time to be exploring new routes in a bid to beat the traffic. Instead, stick with routes you’re familiar with, you will have a good idea where all the trouble spots like potholes are and avoid them even if they are
completely submerged underwater and you can’t see them. If you must navigate go as slow as possible.

● If you must go Swimming…

Sometimes there’s no avoiding those deep puddles of water. If you have no other choice
but to cross then make sure you switch off your AC (ensures water isn’t sucked in) and
you move through at a moderate speed so that your momentum can help your tyres overcome any slippery surfaces.

● Stuck in the Mud
Make sure you carry a Tow strap in your trunk at all times in case you get stuck in mud
and need to be towed out. If you suddenly find yourself stuck in mud don’t spin your
tires at high speeds.

It generates a lot of heat which could damage your car components
and prove expensive in the long run. Instead stop, put your car in reverse and try to slowly back out.

Flooring or Pumping the throttle in slippery mud won’t give your tyres
adequate time to grip the ground, and will instead end up digging you further down into
the dirt.

● Watch Out for Pedestrians
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a Car, especially during the Rainy Season.
Please don’t compound their shortcomings by giving them a Second Bath for the day.

Be mindful of Puddles, and if you see Pedestrians nearby slow down or navigate around the Puddles to avoid splashing muddy water on them.

Enjoy your drive.