The year that is about to end was marked by the covid-19 pandemic, which introduced abrupt changes in different aspects of daily life, including the way we transport ourselves.
The private car, despite its detractors, will be the protagonist in 2021, as it provides greater security to avoid contagion. And it will be even more protagonist in a city like Bogotá because, although it already had serious traffic problems, the traffic jams will intensify due to the start of different works and the reduction of space in the avenues to make way for bike paths. Therefore, if you are in the group of readers that consider buying a new car or changing the current one, here are some recommendations – more with common sense – to face the challenge of driving in the capital.
In terms of safety, do not settle for what all vehicles must carry from the factory, that is, two airbags, for driver and passenger, seat belts, head restraints on all seats and ABS braking system. The more airbags in the cabin and the more driving aids, the better. Also demand anchors for children’s chairs.
(Read also: This is how you will find the Ruta del Sol if you travel to the Coast)
Do not be afraid of the three-cylinder and turbo engines, it is what is imposed not only to avoid higher emissions, but to save fuel.
The power that a 4 or more cylinder engine would give it is compensated by the turbo. And prefer direct injection, it allows higher compression ratios using regular gasoline and there is more power.
Automatic transmission
This element should be considered a priority because will be crucial for the most comfortable driving in the middle of traffic jams, which, as already seen, were increased by the new lanes for bicycles and by the work fronts. The mayor of Bogotá, Claudia López, announced that 2021 will be key for the economic reactivation of the city. For this reason, it will put the accelerator on the public works that were planned and the new ones that were included in the Development Plan and will begin to be executed. There are about 390 public works projects with an investment of 31 billion pesos, which will generate around 400,000 jobs.
Modern cash machines are very reliable, require minimal maintenance, it is even better not to touch them or change the oil. They are ‘smart’ as they accommodate or adapt to the user’s driving mode, and have the advantage that they can also be used in manual mode if you still resist leaving the mechanical transmission in the past.
They also offer many relationships, with which the engine is better used and there is less consumption.
Of course, handle it manually in the mountains. Look for a minimum of five changes upwards, less is obsolete, old generation.
(We recommend: This is the agreement reached for the Climate Emergency)
Height from floor
This item is essential in Bogotá, which does not stand out precisely for the good condition of its streets. In addition to the number of ‘natural’ obstacles such as holes and uncovered sewers, recent administrations in the capital have been lavish in extending contracts to install speed bumps and ‘lying police’ on the roads, many of whom do not have a correct design as well as the steps of the bicycle routes.
Getting around them is not easy for short cars, and they cause serious damage to tires, suspensions, shocks, undercuts, and crankcase ruptures. Similarly, the streets of Bogota are enemy number one for low-profile tires, something that can be remedied with the use of Runflat, but their high cost plays against them. These have the advantage that if you are a victim of ‘tire puncher’ gangs, who spread tiptoes in the streets to rob drivers, the tire does not go flat and you can continue your journey to a safe place for repair.
–
The quarantine in the capital left the vast majority of cars ‘put away’ for at least three months.
–
Juan Diego Cano. TIME
–
–
–Security films
Although the authorities speak of the decrease in crimes such as theft, the reality that drivers experience every day is only one: gangs of ‘glass breakers’ who intimidate defenseless drivers with all kinds of weapons. Any traffic jam is the perfect ‘office’ for these criminals. At this point there are several recommendations: the first, not to carry visible elements in the cabin that attract thieves. A good security film acts as a deterrent because it does not allow you to see inside. There are others on the market, more expensive, with a minimum level of shielding.
Note that The use of tinted windows has limits, according to Resolution 003777 of 2003 and 01373 of 2009. In the case of cars, the levels are: windshield, 70% brightness and 30% opacity; front side windows, 70% brightness and 30% opacity; rear side glass: 55% brightness and 45% opacity and rear glass: 55% brightness and 45% opacity.
If you exceed these limits, they can impose a subpoena, but the traffic officer or police can only do so if they have a polarimeter, opacimeter or photometer (tinted glass meter or opacity meter), which measures the amount of light that allows to pass through tinted glass.
(You may be interested in: Raise the fuel surcharge and other proposals from Hacienda Bogotá)
To save fuel
At this point there are several options to consider. As we mentioned above, fuel consumption is critical due to traffic conditions in Bogotá. One of them is to opt for a vehicle that incorporates the stop / start system that shuts off the engine when the car stops, and just by lifting your foot from the brake pedal, you start driving again. It’s a proven and efficient system, so don’t be swayed by those who tell you that it drains your battery or damages your starter.
Other options are in electric and hybrid vehicles. The former work with rechargeable batteries. They also have the option of recharging with the energy generated by braking. If you choose one of these, you should consider the autonomy, the recharging time and the recharging points, (electrolineras) that are not many in the capital. Hybrids are a good option, they combine an internal combustion engine with an electric one, they pollute less in traffic where they run on electricity and thus ‘stretch’ the tank, that is, they do more kilometers per gallon.
VEHICLE DRAFTING
TIME
– .
