The Future of Driving: Self-Driving Cars
We’re entering a golden age of automobile technology. Never before have we seen so many advances in tech in such a short period of time. Even five to 10 years ago, self-driving cars were a thing of science fiction, and now some manufacturers are making it a reality. Self-driving cars are changing the future of how we drive.
Driver Assist vs. Autonomous Driving
When discussing the capabilities and technology behind self-driving cars, you have to understand the difference between autonomous driving and driver assist. Both are incredible advances in automotive technology, but there is a significant and distinct difference. Driver assist features are there to intervene or aid the driver during specific maneuvers. This includes things like blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. In these cases, the vehicle is making decisions based on the current road conditions and traffic. However, the driver still keeps their hands on the wheel and maintain control of the vehicle. Autonomous driving lets the driver let go of the wheel and let the car drive.
The reason driver assist belongs in the conversation is the role it has played in self-driving capabilities. The tech behind driver assist features paved the way and laid the foundation for autonomous driving. Self-driving cars use the technology already developed and build upon it to allow the car to make safe driving decisions without human input.
5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs New Tires
Tires are one of the most critical parts of the car when it comes to safety. Old tires with worn tread will not provide the traction you need in any condition, and they are also at risk for a blowout. There are many things that could go wrong if you don’t have good tires on your car, so it is important to know the warning signs that your tires need replacing. Make sure you can spot the signs that your vehicle needs new tires.
Bald Tires
Just looking at your tires is one of the easiest ways to tell if you need new ones. If the tread is completely worn down and the tires look bald, they are at risk of failure. This is a dangerous situation not only when the roads are wet or icy but even on smooth, dry pavement. If your tires have bald spots, make sure to bring your vehicle to your service center as soon as possible to get new tires.
Go Anywhere in Style With the 2018 Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a small but capable SUV with some of the best off-road capabilities in its class. But the Renegade can do more than handle rough terrain; it also offers an excellent on-road experience. The 2018 model received some minor changes, including upgrades to the optional 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, and Jeep also made the 5-inch touchscreen standard along with a rearview camera. Here are some of the reasons you can go anywhere in style with the 2018 Jeep Renegade.
Variety of Trim Levels
Jeep offers the Renegade in four trim levels. The base Sport trim comes with 16-inch steel wheels and the option for the Sport Appearance Package with alloy wheels and roof rails. The Latitude comes standard with all the optional features of the Sport and adds fog lights, body-colored door handles, and side mirrors. Step up to the Limited trim for dual exhaust tips, silver roof rails, and vinyl door trim.
For those who want to head off-road, the Trailhawk has everything you’ll need. Its features include 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates, and a raised suspension along with a full-size spare tire.
Relax and Rejuvenate at These Albany Spas
We can all use a little relaxation now and again. Thankfully, the Albany area has plenty of options to choose from to help you in your relaxation pursuits. Here are some of our favorite spas and treatments in the Capital Region.
Spa Mirbeau
The list of amenities at Spa Mirbeau is quite long, and the facilities are equally extensive despite being located inside the Crossgates Mall. A day pass will give you access to all of the amenities for $45 during the week or $65 on weekends. This includes a number of yoga and fitness classes, steam rooms, saunas, a meditation pool, a hot spa pool, and more. While you’re there, you can also indulge in one of their luxurious treatments, such as a Mirbeau Ritual body exfoliation or a Crushed Cabernet Scrub. Spa Mirbeau has seasonal offerings as well, such as their Mighty Tighty Summer Body Wrap, which includes coconut cream milk, a rich banana mask, and an aloe strawberry cream lotion. They also offer more standard services such as massages, manicures, and facials.
Since 2005, the Chrysler 300 has been the undisputed king of the American sports sedan world. Stunning looks combined with raw power and interior features provided the groundwork for this modern classic, and 14 years later it’s still one of the best options in its class. If you’re looking for a classy and sleek sedan, the 2018 Chrysler 300 checks all the boxes.
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Several Trim Options
Depending on your budget, tastes, and needs, you can choose from five trim levels for the 2018 Chrysler 300. These models include the Touring, Touring L, 300S, Limited, and 300C. Even at the entry level, the 300 doesn’t skimp on luxury, yet it adds even more opulent features at each tier. Whether you want the 300 on a budget or the fully loaded variant, you’re sure to find the ideal model.
Practice Your Game at These Albany Golf Courses
We know that golfers can find places to golf anywhere they go, and Albany has some true gems. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or have lived here your whole life, you’ll want to check out these courses.
Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course
The backdrop at this course is absolutely beautiful, and the course provides an enjoyable day of golf for people of all skill levels. This par 71 course has a 70.5 USGA rating, a 128 slope rating, and a total of 6,332 yards from the blue tees. For 2018, the rates for a non-resident adult are only $31, and you can rent a golf cart or pull cart. Capital Hills also offers the largest driving range in the area, chipping and putting areas, a Pro Shop, and a full-service restaurant to satisfy your hunger after a round.
For over 20 years, the Dodge Durango has been the class of the full-size SUV market. In 2018, it keeps its run intact, offering top-notch off-road prowess, family-friendly capabilities, raw power, and versatility. These attributes have made the Durango a household name. With seven trim levels to choose from, the Durango has a model that’s perfect for every type of lifestyle.
SXT
The 2018 Dodge Durango starts off with the SXT, but this entry-level model is anything but ordinary. This year, third-row seating is finally available on the SXT, allowing the trim to accommodate up to seven passengers, while also offering up to 84.5 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. Under the hood, the SXT employs a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that pumps out 295 horsepower and surprising efficiency with 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
For over a decade, the Chrysler 300 has represented the ultimate in full-size luxury sedans. The 2018 revision of the vehicle is no exception, and it is available in five different trims. We’ve broken down some of the most surprising luxury features of the 300S trim here.
Interior Comfort
Step into the world of opulence and decadence that is the 2018 Chrysler 300’s cabin. The sedan features plenty of legroom, power-operated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior of the car is finished with a soft rubberized plastic sporting a leather-grain pattern, lending an air of authenticity and class to the vehicle. An optional sunroof will make your daily commute that much more comfortable.
While these features might not be hidden, some of the perks that are specific to the 300S include leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a nickel-finished analog clock.
5 Best Wine & Spirits of the Capital Region
If you’re a connoisseur of fine wines and spirits, you’ll find a lot to love about the Albany, New York, region. To help you get started, we’ve put together this short list of the area’s best wineries and distilleries — as well as the can’t-miss specialties of each.
Saratoga Winery and Tasting Room
Visit Saratoga Springs to begin your wine-tasting odyssey. This charming winery is sure to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of options, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
But don’t miss out on what makes the Saratoga Winery special. Try a sample of the signature Melomel wine, which is made with 12 percent honey. Examples of the Melomel wine on offer here include Hillbilly Mountain Mash (a sweet red), Bloodroot (a red with black cherry and currant flavors), and Blackberry Melomel (made with locally sourced fruits).
4 Best Industry Rated 2018 Jeep Models
Jeep has a reputation for producing the best off-road vehicles on the market. Their SUVs tend to retain their value and offer highly rated performance for years. Here are just a few of the top-rated picks from the 2018 lineup.
2018 Jeep Wrangler
As Jeep’s premier off-road SUV, the Wrangler has a pedigree that is virtually unmatched in the automotive industry. That’s why it’s so impressive that Jeep had the nerve to redesign the Wrangler for 2018. Fortunately, the gamble has paid off; the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is an improvement in just about every way.
For example, the new model features a completely redesigned interior, an optional turbocharged engine, and the latest Uconnect infotainment software. The new Jeep also uses bigger tires, stronger axle tubes, and larger brakes to up the ante when it comes to performance. In this way, the Wrangler both innovates and respects its storied history.
