2022 Nissan Kicks: You'll Get a Kick Out of This Little Ride

 

Small crossovers have been a large force in the auto sales market in the past few years. Today's test drive model, the 2022 Nissan Kicks, provides a good example of why these vehicles have become so popular. 

This subcompact crossover offers seating for five, although space is a little scarce, so three or four passengers will fit more comfortably. It offers a maximum cargo space of 32.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

The Kicks comes in three trim levels: S, SV and SR.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy for the Kicks is rated at 31 mpg city, 36 highway, according to EPA.

The Kicks offers zippy, fun driving dynamics, with easy handling and firm, reliable braking. And even with its limited space, it's a perfect weekend getaway vehicle for a couple of friends, with ample room to throw in a pair of suitcases and maybe a cooler or other recreational gear. 

And with gas prices being high these days, its' good fuel economy numbers will be appreciated when you visit the pump. 

The Kicks starts at around $21,000 and ranges to around $23,000. 

The Kicks is a zippy little crossover that offers plenty of fun at an affordable price.  

Columbia, S.C.: Capital of the Palmetto State

 

AAE recently visited Columbia, S.C. The capital city of South Carolina, Columbia has a population of around 134,000, and is home to the University of South Carolina. Pictured above is the capitol building. The area around the complex has statues of historic figures including Strom Thurmond, a staunch segregationist who served South Carolina in the U.S. Senate, a monument to the Daughters of the Confederacy and other structures honoring historical figures. 

The state capitol building was the scene of a protest that decried the overturning of a woman's right to reproductive freedom. Many protesters were present on the sidewalk outside the building and many motorists driving by honked their horns in support. 

Tips to Help Get You and Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Road Trips

 

With summer travel season getting into full swing, it's time to think about making sure your vehicle is prepared for road trips. Here are a few tips to help prepare you and your vehicle for the open roads this summer.

- Get an oil change and check fluids

Opinions vary on when and how often to change your engine oil. Some car owners subscribe to the somewhat dated "every three months or 3,000 miles" rule of thumb, while others adhere to oil-change intervals ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Rules of thumb aside, we suggest at least changing your oil (full synthetic or synthetic blend is ideal) and oil filter before heading out on your summer road trip. Fresh oil will keep your engine parts lubricated and moving smoothly, while the new filter will remove any impurities and metal fragments that might otherwise find their way into the motor.

Being stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine might look like an adventure in the movies, but it's no picnic in the middle of a heat wave. Check your coolant level frequently throughout the summer. If the amount of fluid consistently decreases, you may have a leak in your radiator or other issues that need to be addressed.

Seasonal weather changes can also cause other essential fluid levels to fluctuate. Make a habit of periodically checking levels for your power steering, brakes and transmission. These systems and components rely on specific fluids to function properly, so levels should always be maintained in the designated working range.

- Monitor your tire pressure 

As we mentioned earlier, the air pressure in your tires increases when the temperature rises. That's why it's a good idea to routinely check tire pressure throughout the hotter months.

External temperatures and the heat transferred from the road to your tires can generate swings of several pounds in air pressure. It may seem inconsequential, but that extra pressure can impact how your vehicle rides and the longevity of your tires.

- Get your vehicle aligned 

Alignment can be thrown off over time with general wear and tear or it can be caused by running into potholes, hitting curbs, or riding on rough surfaces for extended periods.

If you're planning a long summer trip, you should inspect your vehicle's alignment. Proper alignment improves the handling and overall ride of your automobile, extends tire life and reduces damage to your suspension and other critical components. It can even enhance fuel efficiency.

- Inspect your brakes 

It's fun to let the good times roll, but eventually, they must come to a nice, smooth stop. Your brakes ensure that they do just that — when and where you intend — making the pedal located to the left of the accelerator the most important safety feature on your vehicle. If your brake pedal is tough to push or you can hear a screech when you brake, there could be cause for concern.

Summer's added impact of stop-and-go traffic, long road trips and increased heat takes an even greater toll on your braking system.

Even if your brakes aren't making noises or requiring you to press harder to come to a stop, you should have them checked annually to ensure they're in good condition, especially if you think you might trade in or sell your vehicle before the odometer maxes out.

5 Tips for Saving Money, Helping Air Quality

 

With gasoline prices continuing to rise and the summer travel season upon us, motorists might benefit from learning about the many ways to help improve air quality in Georgia while also saving money.

Proper vehicle maintenance and adjusting some driving habits can significantly affect overall air quality in Georgia. Using these tips in your daily routine can also boost your vehicle’s performance and save money.

These five tips can help improve air quality and save motorists money:

-  The 30 Second Rule. Americans waste nearly four million gallons of gas each year by unnecessarily idling their vehicles. Idling can allow harmful deposits to form inside of an engine, contaminating oil and damaging components. The rule of thumb is to turn your engine off if you will be idling for more than 30 seconds.

  - It's Cool to Pool. According to The Rideshare Company, the average vehicle releases 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. If you team up with some of your colleagues and carpool to work or other activities, you can cut down on harmful carbon dioxide emissions. If you have a short commute, pledge to walk or ride your bike to work once or twice a week.

   - Refuel in the Cool. Hot temperatures and gasoline fumes combine to create harmful ground-level ozone. Refueling your vehicle in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and gasoline evaporates less rapidly, is recommended. Also, don’t forget to tighten your gas cap. Each year, 147 million gallons of gasoline vaporize due to loose, damaged or missing gas caps.

    -  Get Pumped About Cleaner Air. Underinflated tires produce more drag, requiring your vehicle’s engine to work harder. This produces harmful emissions and wastes money by decreasing fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires save money, extend the life of your tires and improve gas mileage up to 3.3% annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

- There's an App For That. There are scores of smartphone apps to improve fuel economy and find the most efficient travel routes. Today, there are even apps that help motorists avoid left turns, which can be a major source of idling. Georgia-based UPS conducted groundbreaking research, concluding that eliminating left turns conserves fuel, lowers emissions and increases safety. Since 2004, UPS saved 10 million gallons of gas and reduced CO2 emissions by 100,000 metric tons – the equivalent to taking 5,300 passenger cars off the road for an entire year – simply by instructing its drivers to avoid left turns. 

InfInformation from the Georgia Clean Air Force was used in this report.