Ask Patty - Automotive Advice for Women

GPS For A Directionally Challenged Woman Driver

I navigate by landmark, so directions can be very challenging. Landmarks work well when you are already familiar with a place. The bank is right next to the big old city hall that is painted yellow and I can see its big dome from afar. The entrance is right down the road that passes the front of city hall, flanked by two tall, distinctive-looking redwood trees. As I cruise around neighborhoods I know, familiar buildings, houses, and intersection corners pop up regularly. I know what to expect next. And I feel comfortable knowing exactly how to get to where I want to go.

Alas, this approach is unusable when you don't know or can't see the landmark - for example, in navigating a new town, or finding a place in the dark. Another situation that I found particularly tough is when well-laid driving directions have to be tossed out the window because of wrong turns that land me in completely unfamiliar neighborhood. I really hate these situations, because they make me a very nervous driver. Trying to cut across several lanes on short order is an exercise that incurs a risk level that I'd rather not engage too much in. Trying to find your way at night in unlit neighborhoods where you can't read signs of roads you already don't know the name of is a little annoying not to mention dangerous if you are in a not-so-desirable neighborhood.

I had been eyeing GPS systems for a long time. I always knew it would help me a lot by providing a sense of security when I get lost. No more driving round and round till I find something familiar enough to be what I recently passed to find my way back to the well-laid written directions. However, I have always thought the price too high and the user-interface too difficult to use. Recently my girlfriend, who visited from abroad and never drove in the U.S. rented a car from Avis equipped with the "NeverLost" GPS system. It did fine listing the directions and even had a 3D-map. It definitely helped her navigate successfully in a totally unfamiliar city, not to mention road system. However, I found it did not update quickly enough when she took a wrong turn and we had to slow down to allow the device time to recalculate a new route. Not a great way to drive when there is a line of traffic right behind you! I also found that the interface took a while to figure out and the simple map look quite a bit different from a real road. Being directionally challenged, my criteria for investing in a GPS system quickly became:

(a) it has to make driving easier, not harder. Having to wait for the system to respond was unacceptable because it would stress me out even more when I get lost.
(b) it has to have maps that look like the real world I am driving in. When I navigate an unfamiliar terrain, I need to focus on the road, not the GPS.
(c) its user-interface must be easy to figure out and pleasant to look at. Something as user-friendly and readable as the iPhone would be good.

So I passed. No GPS for me. I continued to assiduously type in my start/end points into Google Maps, and write down the directions at the back of envelopes from my recycle bin. Of course sometimes I forget to bring the paper, just as I frequently forget my shopping list when going shopping. Duh! But on the occasions it made it to my dashboard, I would try to memorize it, but more often than not, I would hold up the piece of paper - while driving - trying to read what's next. (Nervous laugh.) That makes me crazy - navigating with one plus hand(s), and one plus eye(s) - I don't recommend this. But I survived on it for a year, sometimes supplemented with a phone call to friends to look up Google Maps on their internet at home. (Sheepish grin) So now you see the "direction demons" I fight when driving. I wish I can tell north, south, east, west in seconds not minutes, but it is one of those limitations I have come to accept and live with. Even in Manhattan where the streets are laid out in grids, and increases either numerically or alphabetically, I used to get out of the subway station and make a complete 360 around the block to find the right direction to go to. Okay, maybe I need to wear those glasses my optometrist recommend, but directions still make me nervous!

When the iPhone came out, my driving life took a turn for the better. Google Maps actually lived on it. Hah - now I have a portable mapping system - not a GPS, mind you, but simply free maps that are downloaded instantaneously over the cellular network right into my hands. Now I can stop the car somewhere whenever I am lost, then pan around the map and find where I have ended up in. Then I can manually figure out how to drive to get to the end point. It was a lot safer, but it was still time-consuming and required way too much ad-hoc planning while driving. I frequently wish my iPhone would talk to me to read out those pesky turn-by-turn directions. Recently, Google Maps on iPhone was upgraded to be able to triangulate your location. It wasn't completely accurate - especially in dense cities where many tall buildings would reflect the signals - but it was a step-up.

But I was getting tired of all these charades. It took a lot of coordination. It made driving less pleasurable. It wasn't completely safe. It added some amount of stress too. Even my friends were getting sick of me calling. I was ready for a Nigel to talk to me in the car. (Nigel was the British sounding name my directionally challenged male friend gave to his British-accented GPS unit. He was stolen and we are still very sad for losing a named friend.)

So it was with tremendous relief and jubilation that I received a GPS unit for my birthday. My friend worked at one of those high-tech firms where people buy and toss electronic toys in quick succession, and he got a brand-new Garmin Nuvi 660 at half-price. I was elated. It was the line I had been eyeing for a while, because of its superior graphics and easy-to-use interface. When I first tested it, I felt that it would definitely reduce my stress level with directions. I had eyed a lower model, because I didn't really need the extra fancy add-ons such as the MP3 player, audio book player (through Audible Books), Bluetooth wireless for hands-free calling (it doesn't support my iPhone), language translator, and FM-transmitter. But I loved the slimness of it, and most of all, I love the bright screen that displayed bright, colorful 3D maps with geographical feature.

Afterusing it for a couple days, I have found that driving is a whole new experience. For one, the system knows when the car is moving, and will not allow you to punch in directions unless you override the "Safe Mode". Secondly, I just drive on roads that I know are faster even if the GPS thinks otherwise and it adjusts within a split second to accommodate my decision. Thirdly, IT TALKS TO ME. Yes, it talks to me and that's my favorite feature. Sometimes Vincent V. interrupts my conversation with fellow passengers and I suppose it could get annoying in the future, but I will just turn him off. Fourthly, I can now "see" that I am passing the San Andreas Lake when driving on 280, even though I can't really see it. The 3D map shows parks and other geographical feature and it makes me more aware of the unseen landmark all around me. (It wasn't a great feeling though to learn that the San Andreas fault lie next to my favorite highway which runs not too far from my home....) In addition, driving more smoothly also saves gas, and being an environmentalist, it makes me feel better.

So, at this point, I think my personal struggle with driving direction is probably over. Heck, I can take this gadget with me on vacation and hiking. I may have to buy additional maps internationally and for topographical information, but that's easy. I am looking forward to exploring the world with a little less trepidation, and a lot more random "wrong turns". Life is good with Vincent V. my little GPS navigator. I just hope he doesn't get stolen - the special NPR segment on the string of GPS thefts around the country is making me nervous. I guess I will just have to unplug him every time I step out the car and put him in my purse.

Marn-Yee Lee
Contributing Editor
AskPatty.com

Marn-Yee Lee is pursuing an MBA in Sustainability at the Presidio School of Management in San Francisco. After spending a decade in I.T. and on Wall Street, she is now pursuing her passion for the environment. She sees business as a partner for creating innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. In her spare time, she writes a blog to inspire others to consider the impact of their daily lives on the environment at busythinking.blogspot.com.

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Show Dad Your Love This Father's Day With These Ultimate Gifts For The Ultimate Car Guy

Father's Day is just around the corner, so we've been collecting an assortment of gadgets and gizmos meant specifically for that Car Guy you love so much: Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Son, or special friend, we know you'll find something here that's perfect for him.

Just in time for Father's Day, LeaseTrader.com  has shared this year's list of top car gadgets according to its team of Customer Advisor Experts. LeaseTrader.com, the company that helps people trade their car lease to someone else, shares this gadget list from its team of customer experts who work closely with drivers on what they find appealing in car features.

"Here at LeaseTrader.com there are a number of car gadgets we're excited about this year, including the mobile microwave for your car, and the anti-sleep driving alarm," said John Levine, customer advisor expert at LeaseTrader.com. "This year's list is comprised of gifts that keep fathers safe and provide the ultimate wow factor for any dad on the go."

Why am I not surprised so many of these are related to food?

Mini Introduces "Perpetual Motion" Magnetic Propulsion System

MINI USA looks set to take a world lead in fuel efficiency with the announcement today (April 1) of a revolutionary magnetic propulsion system that promises to extend the range of its MINI E to several hundred, possibly even thousands of miles, on a single overnight charge of electricity.

Drawing on the same Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT) which was announced by BMW in the UK today, MINI USA has developed its own unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile.

MINI's PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI E's moving and fixed parts of each of its four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets' natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving.

How to Read a Tire's Sidewall

Take a close look at the sidewalls of the tires you’re using right now on your vehicle. You’ll see several letters and numbers, which might appear random. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Regardless of manufacturer or brand, every tire sold today is required to be stamped with certain vital information.

Everything you need to know about a tire is stamped right into the rubber. So, knowing how to ‘read’ a tire’s sidewall is a great skill that comes in handy when it’s time to shop for tires.

So, here’s how to do it!

How Much Car Tech is Too Much?

Last week we talked about ways women like to be pampered in the car.  This week I wonder how much is too much?

I was in an Acura RDX crossover SUV recently that greeted me when I put the key in the ignition with a glorious "Welcome" message in the speedometer bezel. When I took the key out, the display flashed "Goodbye" before going dark.

It was pretty entertaining, at first. I sat in the car and flicked the key on and off several times so I could watch the message appear and disappear. (And so I could snap a few photos of the process with my camera phone.) It made me feel like the car was my friend.

Documentary Channel to Feature the History And Technology of Mobil 1

 An all-new film "Speed Dreams" will be airing tonight on the Documentary Channel:  The film follows stars from the various worlds of auto racing on their quest for victory, and examines the factors both on and off the track that have contributed to their success. You'll learn how their inner drive, the support of their loved ones, and their personal experiences have combined to make them the racers they are today.

While synthetic motor oils have an impact on the performance of everything from race cars to minivans, many drivers may not be aware of the critical role such oils play in their engines. This documentary featuring Mobil 1, the world's leading synthetic motor oil, intends to change all that. The documentary is also supported by a sweepstakes offering drivers a Grand Prize trip to Porsche Driving School.

Titled "Speed Dreams,"  the 24-minute program premieres Monday, March 16 at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT on The Documentary Channel. In addition to visiting revered locations such as the Corvette Hall of Fame and delving into the history of synthetic motor oils, the program highlights several successful drivers as they discuss the factors that have helped propel them to the top of their circuits. If you miss it on Monday night, you can catch a replay of "Speed Dreams" on The Documentary Channel Tuesday, March 17 at 1:00 am; Saturday, March 21 at 6:00 pm; and Tuesday, March 24 at 1:30 am.

Best Ways to be Pampered in your Car

Some of the BlogHer women were discussing recently whether we tend to be the ones who get spoiled, or whether we are the ones who do the actual spoiling. So the question was asked "Is it better to be spoiled than to spoil others?"

It got me to thinking about ways to be spoiled while in the car. At AskPatty, we often have opportunities to evaluate vehicles with a large assortment of special features and options, and have come across many automotive luxuries that make the time in these cars nearly equivalent to time spent in a spa. We spend enough time in them schlepping kids, groceries, etc., that we deserve to have some comfort, darnit!

I informally polled my friends at Twitter and Facebook, and found that most of the women who responded had a few favorite ways that they liked to be pampered in the car, and I thought it would be nice to include their suggestions, as well as a few other really special ultra-luxe ways that women can be spoiled in their cars.

Heated Seats
Hands-down, this was the most popular response! Heated seats are an option on just about any new car sold these days. Some upscale vehicles (like the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Audi A8, and Acura RL) even have a cooling feature, so your backside can be the perfect temperature for you, regardless of whether you are driving in the blazing heat of the Arizona desert, or the wintry cold of Connecticut. SOME cars even extend this feature to passengers in the back seat!!

Barbie Turns 50 -- Does that Make her Car a Classic?

Growing up with three sisters, the Barbie doll  fascination just really escaped me. I wanted a Ken doll, he just seemed a bit more realistic as a role model for me. My sisters worried about nail polish and when they could wear nylons, I wanted a tree house in the back yard. I am 100% all girl and love the guys but my interests were much more athletic naturally. Check out this limited production Barbie-themed hot pink bug  reviewed by Car and Driver recently, is this what women want?  Do we think Barbie pink when it comes to our car-buying decisions?

Growing up I wanted a bike, roller skates, to go back packing and loved to camp. I loved being outside, while my sisters stayed inside and played records, painted their nails, wore rollers in their hair and played house with Barbie, yuck!  Okay, I admit I was a bit of a tom-boy.....I loved to hang out with my Dad in the garage while he tinkered on our family car or played hide and seek in the backyard.

As it turned out two of my sisters are nurses and one is in real estate, traditional careers for women. I took the natural path to competing in male dominated industries beginning with the world of technology and then eventually got in through the back door to the automotive industry. I love all things car and automotive related....and have been very successful competing in these male-dominant and high-paying fields.

AskPatty's Female Friendly Valentine's Day Carnival

Valentine's day is just around the corner, so we thought we'd share a fun assortment of automotive-focused products sure to make your valentine's day fun and special. We've selected items that are perfect for him and her, so if you find something you want, just leave this page open for your special someone to find, or if you need to be more direct, go ahead and email the links to him directly. We know those guys sometimes need a little help picking out just the right gift! Have you got female friendly news or interesting automotive tidbits to share? Email Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com or use the form to include your own blog bits in our next female friendly carnival!

Looking for Love?
LeaseTrader polled more than 500 women across the country and found that 18 percent of women are now choosing to drive on the first date - up from 12 percent a year ago. Maybe it's because women are increasingly taking a more active role in what they like to drive, or maybe it's because they're just in love with their vehicle (and not so sure yet about that date). Whatever the reason, LeaseTrader has evidence that times are a changin' and it's time for men to ride shotgun on the first date.

"Valentine's Day is one of the most prominent and exciting times of the year to enjoy a date with someone close to you," said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. "As more women show greater interest in the vehicle they drive, it's only natural they will also want to show off their wheels and impress a special someone on a first date."

LeaseTrader.com compiled the top five cars women customers are most interested in today.  Range Rover was the most popular at (31%) with Lexus (27%) and BMW (26%) close behind.  Mercedes (12%) and Volvo (4%) rounded out the list. For more information visit www.leasetrader.com, or call 800-770-0207.

LeaseTrader.com also shared some more of their research from their recent online polls and found several car-themed gifts and gadgets that are sure to get your loved one's engine all revved up this Valentine's Day. Whether it's a really cute digital keychain to flash pics of your crush, a pink-themed kit to ensure her safety, or a multi-function keyring, LeaseTrader's online polls helped us provide the scoop on three fun gifts for your lover's car.

Let a CarMD be your treat for Valentine's Day

What would be the best kind of Valentine? One that doesn't say mean things to you but will tell you kindly if something is wrong. One that shares information and communicates. How about if that Valentine was cute and handy in the garage as well? Well, we think the CarMD is all of the above, which makes it our favorite Valentine! The CarMD tool is designed to check the health of all 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, SUVs, and minivans sold in the United States.

It will tell you the likely reason your check engine light is on and will even let you know if you are likely to pass the smog test! The folks at CarMD headquarters were nice enough to give us one of their tools to try on our vehicles. And of course we were eager to give it a spin!

So how does it work? Well you basically plug it into your car and then plug it into your computer and it tells you if there are any issues. We tested it on our Dodge Magnum, Saturn L1, and Acura RSX. After finding our OBD II port (that's where it plugs into your car - don't worry there are instructions), we loaded the accompanying software onto our PC, and plugged in the unit using the provided USB cable.