TWO cheers for Hitwheels!

How time flies. This month marks my second year in auto blogging! To remember this day I am publishing the first official Hitwheels wallpapers featuring the Bimmerfest 2011 with its theme "My Bimmer, the ultimate driving machine!"

That will be me and a yellow BMW Z3 roadster behind. Credits to my friend Paul Gotiong for clicking the camera for me. Introduced way back in 1996, the Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by the German auto maker, as well as the first BMW model assembled in the US. The Z3's engines and road manners came only second to its styling. Almost nobody seemed to care about it that it seems the Z3 would sell even without an engine!Lol 

Those sexy legs belong to my friend and fellow photographer, Darlene Mijares, flanking on a vintage two-door BMW 2002! This baby should be around 40 years old now. For some time before this coupe has been the choice for many enthusiastic drivers and competed with great success in touring races in different countries.

Look at those athletic legs!Lolz those are Paul Gotiong's, one of Cebu's known photographers. Behind him is the 3.0i Bmw Z4 Roadster. FYI the Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car powered by 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower turbo technology.

For high resolution photos just click on this link http://nikecagulada.deviantart.com/.  

What is a Check Engine Light?

"The vehicle will run fine, but it will inject more fuel and you'll buy it more often," 

Many of us, drivers, doesn't know what this light means when it starts to actually light in our dashboards. When the light comes on, it may mean you simply didn't tighten your gas cap enough after filling up - or it could mean there's a major trouble brewing in your catalytic converter.

Here is a compiled list of to do's when the "light" is encountered from CarMD.com, a seller of do-it-yourself tools to help you diagnose problems with your car. The light may not look so serious but it is important to find out why the light is ON because "small problems can lead to big price tags" if necessary repairs aren't completed or there really is a problem with your car already that needs prompt attention. 

Here's the list:

1.  Replace the oxygen sensor. The sensor is a device that measures oxygen in the car's exhaust and helps regulate how much fuel the engine needs to operate. If it's faulty, it will make the car use more fuel than needed - and end up raising your fuel costs as much as 40 percent. Replacing the sensor usually costs less than Php 10,000.

• 2.Inspect for a loose or cracked gas cap. If you don't tighten the gas cap enough, or if it's broken, gas can evaporate into the air, wasting fuel. A new gas cap typically costs less than Php 500.

• 3. Replace the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter reduces toxic emissions and can be an expensive repair that could reach to as much as Php80,000. Typically, this part won't fail unless you repeatedly ignore problems with faulty oxygen sensors or spark plugs. So its ranking suggests a lot of routine repairs aren't getting done.

• 4. Replace the mass air flow sensor. This device measures air coming into the engine. Problems here can be prevented by changing the air filter when you have your oil changed - for a cost of about Php1000. If you don't, and dust builds up on the sensor, you could be in for a Php20,000 repair.

• 5. Replace the spark plugs. Changing spark plugs typically costs cheaper if you do it yourself. Again, if not replaced, damaged spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire and lead to expensive catalytic converter problems.

Generally, if the "check engine" light comes on you can safely drive the car until you are able to stop and check the gas cap or take it in for servicing in the nearest auto shop available. If the light is flashing, however, the problem is probably serious and you may do mechanical damage to your car by continuing to drive. Guys driving is a skill, so let's not be stupid. When any of the warning lights are on, and you don't know what it is, consult someone else who does. Drive safe!

NY hails upcoming Taxi!

"A new king will be running the streets of New York!" -hitwheels

Nissan has pulled off a huge coup by winning a contract that will see its one of its commerical vehicles become New York's next yellow taxi. The reason for the change is to find a successor to the discontinued Ford Crown Victoria and the mixed collection of hybrid cars and sport utility vehicles that are temporarily filling in.

Previously the famous cabs were Ford Crown Victorias but Nissan beat the blue oval Ford and Turkish maker Karsan Otomotiv with a purpose-built version of its NV200 Vanette. The 10-year contract is worth around £600m and will start in 2013. The winning design from a Japanese auto maker would ultimately replace the 16 different car models currently used by the city's 13,237 licensed taxicabs! The old cabs will be ultimately phased out by 2018.

Interior Cabin of the NV200

While the Nissan MPV's (multi-purpose vans) looks are hardly evocative of a traditional New York 'yellow cab', the taxi is designed specifically for its role, featuring a glass roof to offer views of skyscrapers, charging points for phones, ample, flexible seating, sliding doors for easy access and satnav. The new king wasn't 'off the rack', but rather custom-tailored to create the best fit for the drivers, owners and passengers of NY city. Of the three finalists, the NV200 was the cheapest at £18,000 (Php 1,272,316) per vehicle and with fuel economy of around 25mpg, much less thirsty than the 12mpg (5.1 km/L) Crown Victoria. By 2017, Nissan will offer electric versions too.

TIPS on Filling Fuel

Now that gasoline has been fueling higher in the market again, motorists should be wise to know the simple do's in getting the right amount of gas or diesel into their cars or bikes. The following are proven tips my dad has shared to us. By the way my dad is a Senior Planner for Oil Exploration and Drilling to one of the biggest oil company in the world, Chevron. He is now in Africa and someday i hope to be working in the oil industry as well. Nonetheless, enough of my plans and you should be knowing now the useful tips to get the right amount of fuel you paid for:

• Only buy or fill up your car or bike during early morning, when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks underground. The colder the ground, the more dense the fuel. When it gets warmer, petrol expands. So, buying in the afternoon or in the evening, your litre is not exactly a litre. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature play an important role. 1 degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business already. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

• Another important tip is to fill up when your tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank the less is the air occupying its empty space. You should know that petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine.

• Another reminder, if there is a fuel truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy, DO NOT fill up--most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom that might cause some problems to your engine.

I hope the following would help you save more on these days of crisis. And please do share these tips with others. It is important for as many people to know about this, especially in the wake of rising petrol prices.

The 3rd Annual Best Cebu Blogs 2010

To tell you honestly blogging is not my thing, I mean i find it weird talking to the monitor while your fingers typing on the keys. Until i got inspired by my best friend who told me it's fun and would help me express my thoughts in so many ways I could imagine! Well HE is RIGHT! Now I have become a blogger! And I'm proud to call myself one! So I did!

I can still remember when I started blogging last year and how excited I was trying to figure out my blog name that will flag my thoughts and experiences online. Not to mention nights of single brainstorming the subject of my blog!Lol. Then I figured out blogging should be made from the heart and transmitted to words through your mind to be understood, not just because you need to blog it or obliged to do so. So i landed making auto reviews and events or any related to such. I mean I love cars just like my passion for photography. I have been to a serious life-threatening car accident, and have driven a lot of different cars already. And to top it up when i was a child i sure have a lot of toy cars! So that should do it and that's how HITWHEELS started rolling and the rest is what it is now. Nonetheless, in every crop there is always a cream. With blogging being followed by readers and recognized is the best cream I could imagine! More if you get considered for the Best Cebu Blogs Award. That's like cream on top of cream if you know what i mean!

"As much as i want to tell everyone about stuff, blogging is the best way to do it!" - nike

To tell you background about this award giving body, the Best Cebu Blogs founded by Mark Monta that is now in its third year aims to recognize the existence and relevance of blogging in Cebu’s local online scene. It also aspires to augment Cebu bloggers’ influence in the general cyber community worldwide. The Best Cebu Blogs 2010 focuses on pooling the top 10 blogs with excellent and relevant content that promotes everything about Cebu to the world. The judges will be represented by blogging community heads from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Below are the list of the top 20 nominees up for the cream!

Aika Baylon of galleca.blogspot.com

Andrew “Doyzkie” Buenaviaje of pigginoutsessions.blogspot.com (iLearners Inc.)
Bert Padilla of cebutechblogger.com
Daryl "Drake Danaviir" Cataluña of drakieness.blogspot.com (iLearners Inc.)
Edcel Ceniza/Sheena Darunday of thewanderingcouple.blogspot.com
Jason Karl S. Buhia of hungitcebu.com
Jaysee John Rosal Pingkian of jayseeblabs.blogspot.com
Jomar Lanorias Lipon of jomarlipon.blogspot.com
Karlota Murillo of karlotablogs.info
Kevin Ray Chua of kevinraychua.com
Leylan Romarate of mycebuphotoblog.wordpress.com
Mark Anthony Razonable of mrtambay.blogspot.com
Mary Angeli Bas of adventurouslei.com (iLearners Inc.)
Max Limpag of CebuRunning.com
Nike Enriquez Cagulada of hitwheels.blogspot.com (iLearners Inc.)
Paolo Berdin of whatpaoloeats.wordpress.com
Philip Andrew Mayol of cebufinest.com
Reynarose G. Trasmil of faithly.com
Ricky ‘Rabsin’ de la Cruz of finlust.blogspot.com
Shanette G. Mancao of diy-eats.blogspot.com

For 2008 & 2009 Best Cebu Blogs Winners. Please click here.

The blogs not the ones behind it will undergo a strict screening process by the judges according to Content (Relevance to Cebu, Grammar & Sentence Construction) and Design & Layout (Appeal and User-Friendliness). Judges will be visiting their sites/blogs and evaluate them according to the specified criteria of judging . Their final decision will give way to this year’s Top 10 Best Cebu Blogs winners.

The hitch is the Top 10 Best Cebu Blogs will be announced only on the very first offline awarding event on December 12, 2010, 4 PM to 8PM at Sugbutel’s Penthouse as the Top 20 Nominees will assemble and meet up on this very first offline awarding event in the history of Best Cebu Blogs. See you guys by then!

We would like to thank our avid and generous sponsors who have made The 3rd Annual Best Cebu Blogs Awards possible because of their unending support and contributions:

Co-Presenter: Sugbutel

Gold Sponsors

Virginia Foods, Orange Brutus, Maribago Bluewater, Amuma Spa, Yehey! , Stir.ph

Silver Sponsor: Timex Philippines Inc.

Donor Sponsors: BigSeed Media Solutions, Pinoyworld.org

Business Partner: Mandaue Chamber of Commerce

Official Online Media Partners: Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., Yehey!, Stir.ph

Official Photographer: Alvin Asayas Photography

Official Radio Media Partner: Y101 FM CEBU- Always First

BMW World Singapore

"Discover the icons that have changed the automobile history. Glimpse the future with today's concept cars. Welcome the arrival of the most ground breaking technologies. Preview the latest lifestyle collection." - BMW

My trip to Singapore was made more worth it with the timing of the BMW World Singapore Expo at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The halls of the convention center was transformed into a world of BMW prestige through the years. Starting from their classics like the 8 series to this year's concept car the BMW Gina "Light Visionary". One may find himself dreaming. I did. Nevertheless, below are the machines I admired most at the show.

Outside the expo lobby you are already welcomed by several BMWs like this one. the 120i convertible is bringing summer to the streets. On day time the sun reflects across the hood's contour while at night, city lights rebound off its signature muscular profile. When the soft top is open, the focus shifts to the wide and elegant rear. When closed, the impact is compact and powerful.

Every BMW is a classic car in the making and I say classic is sexy and so is the 507! This is a beautiful car. It is well-proportioned, refined and visually harmonious. It is a shape of classic grace and timeless elegance manufactured between 1956-1959. The sassy roadster featured a V8 engine that can deliver an output power of 150hp and can reach the speed of 60mph in 10 seconds.

I'm a big fan of crossovers and SUVs! though not the head turner, the event was also the Asia premiere of the all new X3. Now this is a choice for a sharp-driving car that wears the right badge for school-run kudos. Some ability off-road should you need it that runs in excellent diesel engine. It has a 6-speed automatic, a strong 3.0 L, six-cylinder engine, and a nicer and more roomy interior than in past models. Looking at it already feels big, how much more when you hold the wheels!

Are you a free spirit? well i am, at least that's what I tell myself!lol Now open yourself to the joys of the Z4 roadster! The successor to the original Z3 is one of the more intriguing sports car available today. It features traditional characteristics such as a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. While the first Z4 featured a traditional soft top, the current Z4 model has a sleek retractable hardtop that makes this fun-loving roadster a more viable all-year car choice. The result is a grand touring coupe and roadster, and one of the most rounded sports cars money can buy.

A motorbike is not much of my choice for a daily transportation but i would say YES driving one of these on the road for try outs. The German marque well known for its automobiles actually has its roots in motorcycles. BMW's first motorcycle, the R32, debuted in 1923 and since then the company has been known for premium motorcycles that can go long distances with its recent offerings geared towards younger and faster riders.

The highlight of the show is the Gina, a fabric-skinned shape-shifting sports car concept built by the prestige BMW auto designers. The visionary model's outer skin, which is made entirely out of textile fabric that's pulled taut around a frame of metal and carbon fiber wires. The skeleton of the car is controlled by electro-hydraulic devices and can actually move and change shape beneath the fabric skin. For instance, the headlights of the concept can be exposed or hidden by the skin just like blinking eyes! and the hood opens from the center as the fabric parts to expose the engine. This futuristic design shows how BMW thinks outside of the box when it comes to the materials that make up a car and also how the car relates to the driver.

Hovering the show with my buddies Doyzkie, Reymond, and lovely couple Jill and Pio.

VW New Beetle

"timeless..."

The cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze that struck a chord with consumers who had grown tired of standard conservative designs and had fond memories of the legendary "Bugs" from their youth. The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen New Beetle is available in two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. But since we're in a tropical country with lots of humid heat and polluted crowded street the prior is more relevant!

Undeniably cute but the coupe can never hide its cramped passenger and cargo room. Front seats are actually roomy, but the same can hardly be said of the back seats. The interior is savvy with heatable front seats for cool nights and freezing mornings. It is also equipped with six speakers plus it comes with ipod jack and in-dash mp3 cd player. Now that's a bang for a cramped space! What's unique is the deformable steering column that is designed to actually collapse upon impact to prevent injuries from the driver. Think pirate's spyglass! Standard safety and security features also include antilock brakes, electronic stability control, active front head restraints, standard airbags, and the "immobilizer system" that will only allow the vehicle to start when the appropriate digital coding is inserted into the ignition otherwise the beetle will never wake up!LOL.

The bug's power comes from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower. Transmission choices are a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. Fuel economy for an automatic transmission since I'm using one is not so friendly running at 6km/L for city driving and 8km/L for rural driving. The engine revs smoothly and pulls well especially when speeding up in long roads, though it's hardly sporty enough for me. Nonetheless, suspension tuning is on the soft side while driving balance is really good.

Exterior for my opinion is undeniably timeless! Its iconic round shape doesn't just give it a spacious feeling but actually add strength and rigidity for safety. And just like a concert hall, it makes fantastic sounds!

Would like to thank my models Alandia, Milezy, and Betsy Beetle! you gurls are so cute and amazing!

Shell V-Power Diesel

As a motorist whatever i drive I always want to get the best performance out of my vehicle. This is why Shell, the premiere fuel depot here in the Philippines, has developed a fuel that will let me just do that. The new improved and advanced formula that is designed to power whatever diesel engine vehicle you drive is the Shell V-Power Diesel.

In the past years most of us know that together with Audi Sport, Shell made motorsports history when the first diesel race car won the 24 hours Le Mans race for 3 consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. On these Occasions, Shell V-Power Diesel's advanced technology helped boost the car's performance which powers them to victory! The new diesel fuel's unique formulation is designed to help remove and prevent deposits that over time can build up in diesel fuel injection systems that will cause combustion performance and power output reduction. Continued use of this fuel will prevent build up of such deposits and will help your car's engine performance to its full potential. It is designed to deliver more power by keeping the complex fuel injection system in top condition that not only ensure better performance but also improved driving experience. This is because the V-Power diesel is formulated with powerful cleaning agents that actively clean fuel injectors from deposits which may have been left Behind by other fuels. Nonetheless, Pilipinas Shell sees the entry of V-Power Diesel as a very timely move, what with the rising popularity of diesel-powered vehicles in the country, especially the new generation CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) engines.

Shell with its new fuel line hits Cebu with a bang at Penthouse Club. Car enthusiasts and big names in the motoring industry showed off with their bling parked around the bar.

Bloggers with Maui Taylor as celebrity guest for the V-Power Diesel kick-off party.

The lovely Ms. Cybill Gayatin with friends.

On the other hand, Shell's biggest rival Petron has also its time coming fast for their new diesel fuel called TURBO DIESEL. But whatever holds innovative for this fuel line will be known to motorists upon its arrival in the country.

Mini Clubman "Kiss my butt!"

The Mini has always been an instant recognisable appearance that in most occasion would literally turn heads. The brand continues to grow with the introduction of the new Clubman model that carries the same uniqueness in the shape and design of the Mini bloodline. The powerful external contours underline the striking and aerodynamic profile of a Clubman. Uniqueness is a factor thus among the Minis too. Subtly integrated into the right-hand side (passenger door) is the "distinctive door" to a Clubman called "clubdoor" that ensures stress free access to the rear seats that also gives sleek exterior profile when closed. A bigger mini may sound like outbound the tradition, but the new Clubman succeeds in offering slightly more good space and cargo room while it still remains compact and true to its concept. The new member of the Mini family is a four-seat, two door hatchback. Added to its uniqueness is the two-door cabinet swing butt to fill in all your luggages and extras.

Driving highlights the sporty kick of this critter; crisp transmission and swift acceleration makes it a sportstar! Powered by the twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6L engine and has benefited from a number of performance-enhancing revisions, including changes to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system, catalyst and turbo charger. Now pumping out 155kW and 260N.m of torque, the John Cooper works accelerates to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 238km/h. Is it not too fast to kiss the butt? The clubman brings with it a fuel consumption of 8L/100km.

Overall, the MINI Cooper Clubman's increased in size and interior space does not affect the car's signature look and feel. This is a car that delicately balances fun and practicality - with the emphasis on FUN!

For more details log on to www.mini.com.ph