Benefits of All Wheel Drive Vehicles

If you are like me, the worst nightmare a driver can have while driving on wet surface is losing grip in slippery conditions. This can make you consider buying an all-wheel drive vehicle. The manufacturers have noticed this and nowadays provide an all-wheel drive option to most of their models.

Karl Brauer, CEO of TotalCarScore.com said "There's more AWD options available today because of the added stability in poor weather as well as dry weather." This would make you ask yourself what other reasons would make drivers go for all-wheel drive vehicles. Below are top reasons:

Part-Time 4WD

This is the basic AWD system available. The driver changes the car from 2WD to 4WD when he requires by shifting a lever or pressing a button.

1. Activating the AWD sends power to front wheels and the rear wheels as well.
2. It can be adjusted by the driver in order to have the required torque while in 4WD.
3. The AWD should not be used on dry or hard surfaces because it has no center differential. This makes the front and rear axles rotate at same speeds even when in bends. This is can spoil your car.
4. This system is less complicated compared to others.
5. It is also less costly to manufacture compared to other systems.
6. The low manufacturing costs lead to low prices in the market. This is good news for shoppers. This can explain why they tend to have lower entry levels in the market.
7. This type of car is more durable when subjected to heavy stress.
8. Its components do not tear and wear frequently since they are only used when the driver requires.
9. The two-wheel drive system is normally slightly quieter than when in four-wheel drive mode. This is a relief especially if the car does not have enough sound insulation.
10. The part-time system is a good friend to your pocket when it comes to fuel consumption, compared to permanent four-wheel drive in which power goes to all the wheels at all times.

Permanent 4WD (full-time 4WD)

Vehicles with full-time four-wheel drive have not two-wheel drive system. Power goes to all the four wheels with or without anyone's consent. Here are its advantages.

11. The driver does not need to worry about shifting levers while driving. This allows him/her to mainly concentrate on the road throughout the journey.
12. There is no lag time for four-wheel activation since the vehicle is already in a four-wheel mode.
13. This system has a center differential. This enables such vehicles to travel on hard surfaces and dry pavements without damaging its components or bind wheels in turns.
14. In some permanent 4WD vehicles, the more traction can be achieved by locking the center differential. This turns to be ideal when driving on rugged off-road.
15. Automatic four-wheel-drive vehicles monitor and sense their own traction requirements as they move. This helps them automatically adjust the power required by the wheels.

Service Plus Automotive is a family owned business since 1991. We are focused on providing the best possible customer service experience when servicing or repairing a customers vehicle. We strongly believe in customer education and regularly show the customer what needs repairing. We are very involved in various community activities and believe in giving back to the community who has supported us for almost 20 years. For more information, go to http://serviceplusautony.com/

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Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?

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Research shows that the hormone testosterone does impact sex drive — as well as remedy other sexual problems — in certain women with sexual dysfunction. But the long-term safety of testosterone therapy for women is unknown. For this reason, some doctors are hesitant to recommend it. Testosterone therapy usually is prescribed only for women who have sufficient estrogen levels.

Testosterone therapy might be appropriate if:

You have reduced sex drive, depression and fatigue after surgically induced menopause, and estrogen therapy hasn't relieved your symptomsYou are postmenopausal, taking estrogen therapy and have a decreased sex drive with no other identifiable causes

Long-term safety data on testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women who have a history of breast or uterine cancer or those who have cardiovascular or liver disease is lacking and being studied.

Testosterone therapy comes in many forms, such as creams, gels, patches or pills. The method of administration and dose relate to safety risks, so it's important to discuss pros and cons with your doctor.

Testosterone preparations are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in women. So if testosterone is prescribed, it's for off-label use.

Although testosterone contributes to healthy sexual function in women, many other factors also play a role in postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. These factors include decreased estrogen levels, vaginal dryness, medication side effects, chronic health conditions, loss of a spouse or partner, lack of emotional intimacy, conflict, stress, or mood concerns.

Next question References Davis SR, et al. Current perspectives on testosterone therapy in women. Menopausal Medicine. 2012;20:S1.Davis SR, et al. Efficacy and safety of testosterone in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenpausal women. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2012;9:1134.Shifren JL. Sexual dysfunction in women: Management. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 18, 2013.Hobbs K, et al. Clinical inquiries: Which treatments help women with reduced libido? The Journal of Family Practice. 2013;62:102.Yasui T, et al. Androgen in postmenopausal women. The Journal of Medical Investigation. 2012;59:12.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Obstetrics. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 119: Female Sexual Dysfunction. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;117:996.Glaser R, et al. Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions. Maturitas. 2013;74:230.Woodis CB, et al. Testosterone supplementation for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Pharmacotherapy. 2012;32:38.Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2013.Thielen JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 6, 2013.

View the original article here

Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Research shows that the hormone testosterone does impact sex drive — as well as remedy other sexual problems — in certain women with sexual dysfunction. But the long-term safety of testosterone therapy for women is unknown. For this reason, some doctors are hesitant to recommend it. Testosterone therapy usually is prescribed only for women who have sufficient estrogen levels.

Testosterone therapy might be appropriate if:

You have reduced sex drive, depression and fatigue after surgically induced menopause, and estrogen therapy hasn't relieved your symptomsYou are postmenopausal, taking estrogen therapy and have a decreased sex drive with no other identifiable causes

Long-term safety data on testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women who have a history of breast or uterine cancer or those who have cardiovascular or liver disease is lacking and being studied.

Testosterone therapy comes in many forms, such as creams, gels, patches or pills. The method of administration and dose relate to safety risks, so it's important to discuss pros and cons with your doctor.

Testosterone preparations are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in women. So if testosterone is prescribed, it's for off-label use.

Although testosterone contributes to healthy sexual function in women, many other factors also play a role in postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. These factors include decreased estrogen levels, vaginal dryness, medication side effects, chronic health conditions, loss of a spouse or partner, lack of emotional intimacy, conflict, stress, or mood concerns.

Next question References Davis SR, et al. Current perspectives on testosterone therapy in women. Menopausal Medicine. 2012;20:S1.Davis SR, et al. Efficacy and safety of testosterone in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenpausal women. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2012;9:1134.Shifren JL. Sexual dysfunction in women: Management. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 18, 2013.Hobbs K, et al. Clinical inquiries: Which treatments help women with reduced libido? The Journal of Family Practice. 2013;62:102.Yasui T, et al. Androgen in postmenopausal women. The Journal of Medical Investigation. 2012;59:12.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Obstetrics. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 119: Female Sexual Dysfunction. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;117:996.Glaser R, et al. Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions. Maturitas. 2013;74:230.Woodis CB, et al. Testosterone supplementation for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Pharmacotherapy. 2012;32:38.Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2013.Thielen JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 6, 2013.

View the original article here

2014 Kia Forte: First drive review

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It's tough to stand out in the crowded compact sedan market, but Kia is making a name for itself with quality cars at reasonable prices. The all-new Forte has unusually good streamlining to aid fuel economy.

In 2011 Kia hit one out of the park with the redesign of its Optima full-size sedan. The Optima was a surprisingly large leap in sophistication, but Kia maintains that it was the launch of the 2009 Forte that actually signaled the brand's emergence as a main player; however, its significance was unfortunately lost in the depths of the Great Recession. Now Kia is already releasing another all-new Forte, and this time the message will be tough to miss, even in the crowded compact sedan market.

Model lineup
Kia has consolidated their Forte sedan trims to two levels, the entry-level LX and the more upscale EX. The LX is available only with the more basic 1.8-liter engine, while the EX is solely powered by a direct-injected 2.0-liter unit.

The EX trim's exterior receives fog lights and chrome door handles, and has the option of HID headlights, LED taillights, puddle lights and larger aluminum wheels.

The LX interior is well appointed for such an inexpensive compact. Sirius XM satellite radio is standard, as is Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for good pass-through cargo loading.

The EX trim adds a few niceties, including a rear-seat center armrest and a standard rear camera, but it's main claim to fame is the ability to option up with distinctly non-entry-level items such as a 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel. Choosing the Premium package is the quick way to getting a full suite of these near-luxury features.

The Forte's forward-looking design includes an upgraded infotainment system that utilizes the driver's smartphone to enable Google-based navigation, voice-activated music management and hands-free phone service, among many other capabilities. Because the system is run by the customer's existing smartphone and access plan, Kia's UVO is fee-free and easily updateable.

Forte LX rolls on standard 15-inch steel or optional 16-inch aluminum wheels; the EX offers a 17-inch optional aluminum upgrade.

Watch Video:  2014 Kia Forte first drive

Under the hood
Good, basic motivation is the EX's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder calling card. The engine, a conventional double-overhead-cam design, uses industry-standard multipoint fuel injection to make 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 131 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. It is paired to a 6-speed manual or optional automatic transmission with the same number of gears.

Moving up to the EX's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine shows Kia is not afraid to bring the latest technologies to the price-slashing compact car sales competition. A gasoline direct-injection engine, the 2.0 hustles up 173 horsepower at 6500 rpm with 154 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. It is paired with the 6-speed automatic.

All Fortes are front-wheel drive; there is no all-wheel-drive option.

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