When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports

The lifespan of a tire can range anywhere from 25,000 miles to 100,000 miles. The experts at CR show you how to check your tires so you’ll know exactly when to replace them.

How Do Traffic Lights Work?

Traffic lights are an essential part of our road infrastructure, but have you ever wondered how they work? 

 

Traffic signals are those three lights that tell you when to stop, when to go, and when to proceed with caution. If these traffic lights weren't used, our intersections would be chaotic! 

How to Avoid a Deer Strike | Consumer Reports

More than a million deer are hit by drivers every year. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you can do to prevent an accident.

AAA StartSmart - Distracted Driving

Follow a group of six high school students and their parents as they attend the AAA StartSmart Academy where they learn how to develop safe driving habits from an over-the-top instructor named Crash — short for "Creating Responsible Automobile Safety Habits".

How Can Brakes Cost $10,000? The Brilliance Of Carbon Ceramics

High performance, track-capable vehicles are often found paired with carbon ceramic rotors. While the rotors tend to be more expensive, they offer many advantages over traditional cast iron rotors. I teamed up with Brembo to learn all about carbon ceramic brake rotors, and how their performance differs from cast iron. We’ll discuss brake fade, weight, rotational inertia, grip, ride quality, dimensional stability, wear rates, brake dust, corrosion (rust), and appearance. There are many differences between the two styles of brake rotors; we’ll also discuss three factors that lead to a significant difference in price.

Why Do the British Drive on the Left?

One of the most disorienting things about being in England is watching people drive on the left since the majority of the rest of the world drives on the right. What is the reason behind this difference and when was driving on the left established?

Stuck Accelerator!

Driving Emergency - Stuck Accelerator

Deer Safety Tips

Deer safety driving tips

Testing Winter Tires for Ice Braking

An axel jump? Great for figure skaters; not so much for cars. We test winter tires on an ice skating rink to make sure the ones you buy brake when you need them to.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Distracted Driving

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

Importance Of The Move Over Law

Did you know that each year road workers, motorists and emergency responders are struck and killed by other vehicles? Learn more from AAA about the Move Over Laws and save the lives of many roadside heroes!

How to Choose a Collision Shop: TV Car Expert Lauren Fix

Sometimes our cars need repairs, not just rust or collision, but they also need to be repainted. The key is to find the right collision shop so you can save money and frustration. Car Coach Lauren Fix has some tips.

AAA Pedestrian Safety PSA

Do you know the rules of the road? Drivers and pedestrians need to work together to make roadways safer for pedestrians. Walk safely with tips from AAA.

What To Do After a Car Accident | Former NYPD Officer's Safety Tips

What to do after a car accident — according to a former NYPD officer.

Car Theft Prevention Tips

Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

The Challenge of Distracted Driving

In this video, Dr. Bill Van Tassel, manager of AAA Driver Training, explains how distractions impact drivers' safety on our roadways and why distracted driving is contributing to so many crashes. The video details many kinds of objects and activities that can draw a driver's attention away from the road. The video also provides a walkthrough of the negative impact of any kind of distraction on the driving task.

How The Glass Inside Your Car Is Engineered - Not So Simple!

As new display technology continues to develop and the auto industry pushes our car interiors to mirror our smartphones, what do these new screens and displays actually mean for the car? What are the drawbacks?

I paid a visit to Corning’s Sullivan Park campus in New York to learn from some of their top automotive glass scientists and perform a few tests myself to see how different factors like durability, readability and glare come into play in the design and creation of these displays, and how future-thinking companies like Corning are engineering with these in mind. We’ll talk about how the glass is made, how it stands up to the tests I’ll perform and why the glass composition is more important than you’d think.

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips

Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.

What To Do After A Car Accident

Do you need information about what to do after a recent car accident? You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The aftermath of a car accident can be an incredibly confusing and overwhelming time and something you should not have to or try to deal with on your own. Even the best drivers get into car accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you with both your physical and financial recovery down the line. This personal injury video goes over some great tips on what you should do following a car accident, including:

• Stop your car and move to a safe place.

• Call the police and an ambulance, if necessary, after checking to make sure people are safe.

• Identify the other driver and exchange insurance information.

• Get the names and information of any witnesses.

• Take photos and notes regarding all the circumstances of the accident—evidence is always best fresh.

Rush Hour • Space Age

Litton Industries Film Report #4

From The Prelinger Archives

Tips For Safe Winter Driving

Severe winter weather can be both frightening and dangerous when driving. Here are AAA's tips to prepare your vehicle and keep you cautious while driving in adverse weather.

Small SUVs struggle in new side test - IIHS News

Small SUVs struggle in new, tougher side test 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is introducing a new, tougher side crash test to address higher-speed crashes that continue to cause fatalities. In the first tests of 2020-21 vehicles, only one out of 20 small SUVs, the 2021 Mazda CX-5, earns a good rating.

Driving Emergency - Run-Off-Road

Driving emergency tips from AAA

4 Technologies That Could Prevent Your Next Car Crash

Every year about 37,000 people die in vehicle crashes on America’s roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants that number to be zero. You know what? I want that number to be zero as well. 

In this video we’ll discuss four driver assistance technologies that can help make cars safer! We’ll cover rear automatic braking, blind spot intervention, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Important to note, the goal here isn’t to take the driver completely out of the equation, but to provide assistance in ways that continue to reduce the number of fatal crashes and injuries.

How Modern Road Barriers Keep Our Roads Safe

Driving down the massive modern highways of today would be far more dangerous if there weren’t barriers on the side of the roadway. 🚙

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News

Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.

Mature Driver Skills Test

Mature Driver Skills Test

Corby's Collision's History and Sense of Community

"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about Corby's history and sense of community. See more at http://corbysvacaville.com

Never Use This Gas In Your Car!

It's very important to put the correct fuel in your car, whether that's 87 regular gas, or 91 premium gas. Using the wrong fuel, at an octane rating too low for your vehicle, can result in severe engine damage caused by knock. Lower octane rating fuels are more susceptible to knock. In some high elevation states, 85 octane fuel is sold, which should not be used by modern cars.

Why would we sell a fuel in the United States that could destroy your engine? Well it worked just fine with old, carbureted cars. But modern cars with electronic fuel injection and electronic ignition timing don't like it. Why not? Watch the video to see why this fuel is still sold today, how elevation impacts octane rating, and why modern cars can't use it. It can even void your warranty! Wild.

How Aerodynamics Help Make a Car Go Faster

If you are a fan of car racing games, you are probably aware that car design and aerodynamics play an important role in a car’s speed. That is because car design makes up the aerodynamics of a car and speed is not the only factor affected by aerodynamics.

Also, aerodynamics is not only important for a fast car but also for a standard passenger car; in fact, you might be surprised to learn that some of these passenger cars have a better design in terms of aerodynamics than a sports car. Before going into more detail about the topic, let’s start with answering the basic questions: “What is aerodynamics, and what affects the aerodynamics of a car?”

You probably do not notice while you are walking down the street or driving at low speeds in your car, but the surrounding air displays resistance to you or your car. Actually, any solid object moving through the air is met with this resistance, and the study of the interactions between the air and these solid bodies is called aerodynamics. A car with good aerodynamics cuts through the wall of air in a more efficient way. Two separate forces make up the aerodynamics, and there are special techniques and materials used to test the aerodynamics of a car.

If you would like to learn more about these techniques and how automotive aerodynamics is measured, this video is here to answer your questions. Apart from learning technical information about vehicle aerodynamics, you will also learn interesting details such as why designers chose certain shapes like “raindrop” as well.

Cognitive Distraction

Think you know all about distracted driving? Think again! New research reveals that voice-activated in-car technologies dangerously undermine driver attention.

How to Install Car Seats — Cars.com

In this video, we'll walk you through how to install a rear-facing infant seat, a convertible car seat and a booster seat in a car. Every car seat is different, so be sure to read the owner’s manual and your car’s owner’s manual when installing a seat.

Importance of Child Restraints

This IIHS crash test demonstrates what happens to unrestrained children in a frontal crash. About a third of children under 13 who were killed in crashes in 2019 weren't restrained. That's more than 200 kids.

The Real Dangers of Running Out of Gas

Letting your gas tank run close to empty can put you in a dangerous situation and cause long term damage! Watch this video to learn why you should never risk running low on gas.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Speed Limits

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - 

Obey speed limits - - Slow down at high risk areas - - Keep a safe distance -

How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of U.S. drivers don’t trust auto repair shops. And one-third say they don’t have a mechanic they feel confident taking their car to. No matter how you feel about mechanics, odds are you’re going to need one — and likely at inopportune moments. Matt Schmitz of Cars.com provides tips to finding a repair shop you can trust.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

- Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats -

How to Make an Emergency Car Safety Kit

In case your car breaks down, find yourself prepared with these items you can keep in your trunk.

IIHS Lego Side Crash Test Recreation

The IIHS Lego Master has done it again! 

This time IIHS Senior Research Engineer Becky Mueller has recreated a side crash test. Many of the same testing procedures are shown, but, unlike her small overlap test video, this one shows the Institute's moving-deformable barrier hitting the stationary Lego car in our crash hall.

How Road Markings Keep Drivers Safe

You are in the passenger seat and feeling the wind on your face. Your favorite channel is playing on the radio, random memories fill your mind, and you lose track of time while watching the road lines intertwine with one another on the highway. Even just for this calming experience, we can be grateful for road lines, but as you can guess, their real purpose is far from providing aesthetics.

We come across road lines almost anywhere in the world. They are quite handy and essential for drivers to read the roads. Not only do road surface markings look pretty, but they also convey official information and guide commuters in overtaking a vehicle, making a turn, and staying in the lane. Considering these lines’ functions, you may be surprised to hear that some countries have started removing road markings on certain roads, and their purpose in doing so is not because they like catastrophes. Rather, findings have shown that this is a much safer way for specific cases.

It may sound surprising but a study conducted by Transport for London has shown that the absence of road lines in certain areas is quite effective and preferable for safer, more regulated traffic. However, these special conditions do not apply everywhere, and removing road lines on every road can create chaos.

If you are wondering about these special conditions and the reasons why the absence of road markings results in safer traffic, this video by Interesting Engineering will satisfy your curiosity.

Driving Emergency - Tire Blowout

Driving Emergency - Tire Blowout

Have You Ever Wondered What is a Clear Coat? – Ask Meguiar’s

So, what is a clear coat? The top clear coat portion of a base coat/clear coat paint system is a transparent layer of paint that is designed, not only to create gloss for the base coat, but also add a layer of protection to that base coat.

While clear coats certainly add vibrance and protection, they’re also very sensitive to abrasion and can magnify the appearance of swirls and scratches. So, it’s very important that you always use products that are designed for clear coat technology along with clean and fresh accessories like car wash mitts and microfibers to minimize any chance of creating swirls.

How to Manage Passengers While Driving

These tips help keep the entire car safe by assigning seats and roles for each passenger during a drive.

How To Power Shift Correctly - Go Faster Without Destroying Transmissions

Powershifting, no-lift shifting, or flat foot shifting is a method of changing gears in a manual transmission where you do not take your foot off the gas pedal. 

Unfortunately, this shifting method is very tough on clutches, so there's a right way and a wrong way of doing it. Cadillac, with the CT4-V Blackwing, has developed a methodology to powershifting that maintains boost pressure of the twin-turbo V6 engine, while reducing the engine load during the shift. 

This clever trick involves altering ignition timing, wastegate control, and the bypass valve control. In the end, the desired result is great - a seamless manual transmission shift, all without lifting your foot off the throttle.

What to Look For in Auto Body Repair Shops

For most drivers, getting their vehicle repaired can often be a stressful time. When many people think of auto repair shops, they often think of scoundrels who will try to milk them for as much money as they can. Fortunately, good and honest auto body repair shops are easy to find. You just have to know what to look for and what questions to ask when researching auto shops.

The following are a number of tips on what to look for in an auto body repair shop:

1. One place to search for information about an auto repair shop is to check online. The internet is a great source of finding the history of an auto repair shop. You can go to such sites as the Better Business Bureau, a consumer report site, and Angie's list, to see if there is a history of complaints. As well, you can also find reviews of auto repair shops written by customers.

2. Before you have a problem with your vehicle, visit a number of auto repair shops to assess the shop. Look for cleanliness, proper lighting that allows mechanics to see small dents and such, and if the mechanics have licenses and certifications. Do you see any special awards? Does the equipment look current and well maintained? As well, you can talk to the employees to assess their professionalism.

3. When you are at an auto shop, look at the vehicles that they have worked on. Are there good paint jobs? Are all the panels aligned correctly? You should talk to the mechanics to find out what they do if you are unhappy with the repair work. Will the mechanic repair a problem they did not fix the first time at no charge? Or, will there be extra fees? How long is the warranty? How long will it take for the repairs to be completed? Ask about their fees and if they get quality parts.

After you have your car returned from repair, make sure you examine it right away to make sure repair was done and look for anything unusual or does not seem right. If you do find something wrong, take it back to the auto repair shop right away. Take the car for a test drive to listen for any unusual sounds or something not working properly. As well, before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle, make sure they know how much you are willing to pay and if they find something else that is wrong, they should call you to tell you and how much it will cost to fix.

There are many honest and professional auto shops out there. The key to finding the best auto repair shop that meets your needs is to do your research, ask the right questions, and always get a price quote before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle. Choosing a good auto body repair shop will save you a lot of headaches and money, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adriana_Noton/446836

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3321409

How Sweden Nailed Road Safety

Between 1950 and 1970 the number of deaths on Sweden's roads more than doubled. Today though, it has one of the world’s lowest rates of traffic fatalities. This is the story of how the Swedish Government started the change on 'H-Day': September 3rd 1967. 

Video by Tom Gibson

How to Use Side Mirrors When Changing Lanes

How to use side mirrors when changing lanes

CarFit: Line of Sight Above Steering Wheel

Did you know that a minimum distance of 3 inches above the top of the steering wheel is required for a good straight line of vision for safety?

Stuck Accelerator!

Driving Emergency - Stuck Accelerator

How to Deal with Roadside Emergencies

Some tips on how to deal with roadside emergencies.

Engine Fluids: General Tips

Engine Fluids: General Tips

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Distracted Driving

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

Why Do the British Drive on the Left?

One of the most disorienting things about being in England is watching people drive on the left since the majority of the rest of the world drives on the right. What is the reason behind this difference and when was driving on the left established?

Small Speed Increases Lead to Far Worse Crashes

A series of crash tests by IIHS and partners shows that impact speeds of 50 mph or 56 mph generate much more kinetic energy and are far more likely to lead to injury or death than 40 mph impacts.

What's Trending In Automotive Paint Colors? | Fast N' Loud

Gas Monkey's Mike Coy runs through his favorite colors to paint and what tones transcend fleeting trends.

How Do Traffic Lights Work?

Traffic lights are an essential part of our road infrastructure, but have you ever wondered how they work? 

 

Traffic signals are those three lights that tell you when to stop, when to go, and when to proceed with caution. If these traffic lights weren't used, our intersections would be chaotic! 

Is It Okay To Skip Gears In A Manual Transmission?

Is it okay to skip gears with a manual transmission? Ultimately, manual transmissions are designed with flexibility in mind. Inherently they allow for choosing any gear at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Of course, and gear you select, you need to make sure that the engine RPM will not exceed redline, and it's also wise to rev-match (or double clutch, if needed), as to not damage your synchronizers or clutch. An unmatched upshift will result in a rough shift. An unmatched downshift can easily result in additional synchronizer wear, as well as clutch wear, and can also upset the balance of the car. That said, skipping gears, when matching engine RPM appropriately, does not cause any harm to the drivetrain, and is completely fine to do.

Take Control: Choose the Right Body Shop

After a collision, choose your own body shop. Your car was damaged. You have the right to choose the repair shop you want, which may or may not be on the insurance company's "referral" list. This video will help you ask the three most important questions to ask a body shop before dropping your vehicle off for repairs.

When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports

The lifespan of a tire can range anywhere from 25,000 miles to 100,000 miles. The experts at CR show you how to check your tires so you’ll know exactly when to replace them.

How To Avoid Pothole Damage

Driving through a seemingly innocent hole in the road could result in costly car damage. Before you end up at the auto shop in need of suspension repair or wheel replacement, know the five best ways to avoid pothole damage

1. Check Tires

Frequently inspect your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear. If you hit a pothole with worn or underinflated tires, there is a greater risk of wheel or suspension damage. Inflate tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels. Find this information on the door jamb sticker and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the pressure levels molded on the tire sidewall. To check the tire tread depth, insert a quarter upside down into several tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires. How to properly check tire tread

2. Inspect Suspension

Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn parts. Have a certified auto service technician inspect the suspension if you suspect a problem.

3. Look Ahead

Stay alert and check the road ahead to avoid potholes. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. Before swerving around a pothole, check your surroundings so you do not collide with another vehicle or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

4. Slow Down

If you cannot avoid a pothole, reduce your speed safely. Check the rearview mirror before braking abruptly. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of tire, wheel and suspension component damage. Releasing the brakes just before hitting a pothole allows the wheel and tire to roll through the depression and helps minimize potential damage.

5. Beware of Puddles

Drive cautiously through puddles as they may be deep potholes filled with water.

What to Do If You Hit a Pothole and Suspect Damage

Get a Vehicle Inspection. Hard pothole impact can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect steering, or dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension parts. Have a qualified mechanic check the wheel alignment if the vehicle pulls to the left or right. Have the suspension inspected if you notice any new or unusual noises or vibrations.

Article Source: https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-to-avoid-pothole-damage

Old Car vs Modern Car during Crash Test / Evolution of Car Safety

The first models and designs for automobiles were created in the 15th century by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and the state of the global auto industry has evolved significantly since. First steam, to electric, gasoline, and today’s hybrids, the evolution of safety features in cars plays an essential role in reducing the once overwhelming number of injuries and damages resulting from auto accidents. Auto manufacturers have come a long way over the history of auto safety, paving the way for improved global safety standards.

Unfortunately, as a vehicle ages, a number of factors come into play that reduce the automobiles safety, aside from mechanical wear and tear. According to statistics, a driver is 10 times as likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision while operating a 30-year-old vehicle versus a late model. The auto industry is continually working to improve the safety of current mechanisms, as well as developing and testing new ideas for safer vehicles. Developments in driving technology and new types of airbags have been prevalent just this year.

While the ultimate safe vehicle may be a long way off, American auto manufacturers have made significant strides in improving the overall security and protection a vehicles structure provides. Over the past 3 decades, fatal accidents in the U.S. have decreased by more than 1/5, a substantial decrease demonstrating immense progress in terms of the safety features in cars.

The need to revolutionize auto safety was not fully realized until the 1950s, when the first usable airbags were developed, among other safety mechanisms. Then, in 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was created. The organization still uses the same name today, and continues its role in promoting and effectively executing driving safety regulations throughout the U.S. Whether creating new policies or revising existing regulations (at the state and federal level), the NHTSA and the United States have been true catalysts in the history of car safety.

CHP Tips - The Move Over, Slow Down Law

Are you familiar with the "Move Over, Slow Down" law? We're here to help explain what this means to help make our roads a little safer.

Personal Injury: 8 Expert Driver Safety Tips to Prevent Car Accidents

I

n this video, lawyer Gary Martin Hays gives you 8 driver safety tips to prevent a car accident. Gary Martin Hays provides car accident statistics proving driver safety is critical.

Happy Father's Day!

 

Happy Father's Day from Corby's Collision

CarFit: Positioning to Break Pedal

CarFit: Positioning to Break Pedal

CHP Summer Road Trip Tips

                             Helpful tips to assist with your summer travels!

8 Technologies That Stop Nearly Any Vehicle

To ensure road and pedestrian safety, our roads need barrier systems that stop overspeeding cars. However, do you know how efficient these vehicle safety barriers are in slowing down fast-moving vehicles?

In this video, we bring you eight ultra-efficient barrier systems you have to see to believe. Watch as speeding vehicles are stopped dead in their tracks by these systems.

First, there are the wedge barriers that are hydraulically powered to move up and down. Then, there is the Grappler Police Bumper that disables the rear wheels of the car, bringing it to an abrupt but safe halt. You can see why this system is so popular with the police.

The modular vehicle barrier can stop vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tons. Furthermore, it can be assembled to any length and is easy to deploy. The RF Safe-Stop system is a non-contact jamming system that can stop any moving vehicle on land, air, or sea. It operates by transmitting an electromagnetic pulsed beam that temporarily disables the vehicle's engine.

The ArrestNet stops a speeding vehicle by wrapping around its tires. The net is remote-controlled and can be deployed in just three seconds. The DragNet Vehicle Arresting Barrier is 85 feet long (26 meters) and can automatically deploy or retract to handle cars and trailers of all sizes.

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips

Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.

How to Choose a Collision Shop: TV Car Expert Lauren Fix

Sometimes our cars need repairs, not just rust or collision, but they also need to be repainted. The key is to find the right collision shop so you can save money and frustration. Car Coach Lauren Fix has some tips.

CarFit: Neck Mobility for Visual Blind Spot Check

CarFit: Neck Mobility for Visual Blind Spot Check

4 Technologies That Could Prevent Your Next Car Crash

Every year about 37,000 people die in vehicle crashes on America’s roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants that number to be zero. You know what? I want that number to be zero as well. 

In this video we’ll discuss four driver assistance technologies that can help make cars safer! We’ll cover rear automatic braking, blind spot intervention, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Important to note, the goal here isn’t to take the driver completely out of the equation, but to provide assistance in ways that continue to reduce the number of fatal crashes and injuries.

Driving Emergency - Run-Off-Road

Driving emergency tips from AAA

What is CPO? — Cars.com

A CPO used car is a Certified Pre-Owned car and they’re very different from the average used car. A car can be certified either by a dealer using an automaker’s specifications, or dealers can certify cars on their own. There are a number of advantages that come along with that certification. Learn more in the video above!

Rush Hour • Space Age

Litton Industries Film Report #4

From The Prelinger Archives

What Is Horsepower - America vs Metric

Horsepower is a unit of power created by James Watt in the 1700's. Who knew all these years later we'd still be using a unit he developed to compare steam engines to horsepower. We'll go through Watt's back of the napkin math, discuss in simple terms what horsepower means, and look at metric horsepower as well: PS, CV, and the many other abbreviations. Whether metric or imperial, horsepower as a unit makes no sense at all. We'll wrap up the video learning what unit we should actually be using.

What To Do After a Car Accident | Former NYPD Officer's Safety Tips

What to do after a car accident — according to a former NYPD officer.

How Sweden Nailed Road Safety

Between 1950 and 1970 the number of deaths on Sweden's roads more than doubled. Today though, it has one of the world’s lowest rates of traffic fatalities. This is the story of how the Swedish Government started the change on 'H-Day': September 3rd 1967. 

Video by Tom Gibson

Car Color Test: Are Black Cars Really Hotter In The Sun?

For many drivers, choosing a car color is a matter of taste, but for some car shoppers, it can be all about climate. After all, it's generally accepted that black cars are hotter in the sun and white cars keep cooler in the summer, but is it really true? Our latest video puts that theory to the test.

Collision Center Repair – The Choice is Yours

You have the right to choose where you have your vehicle repaired after you file a car insurance claim.

Car Theft Prevention Tips

Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

How to Use Side Mirrors When Changing Lanes

How to use side mirrors when changing lanes

The Real Dangers of Running Out of Gas

Letting your gas tank run close to empty can put you in a dangerous situation and cause long term damage! Watch this video to learn why you should never risk running low on gas.

What To Do After A Car Accident

Do you need information about what to do after a recent car accident? You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The aftermath of a car accident can be an incredibly confusing and overwhelming time and something you should not have to or try to deal with on your own. Even the best drivers get into car accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you with both your physical and financial recovery down the line. This personal injury video goes over some great tips on what you should do following a car accident, including:

• Stop your car and move to a safe place.

• Call the police and an ambulance, if necessary, after checking to make sure people are safe.

• Identify the other driver and exchange insurance information.

• Get the names and information of any witnesses.

• Take photos and notes regarding all the circumstances of the accident—evidence is always best fresh.

How Aerodynamics Help Make a Car Go Faster

If you are a fan of car racing games, you are probably aware that car design and aerodynamics play an important role in a car’s speed. That is because car design makes up the aerodynamics of a car and speed is not the only factor affected by aerodynamics.

Also, aerodynamics is not only important for a fast car but also for a standard passenger car; in fact, you might be surprised to learn that some of these passenger cars have a better design in terms of aerodynamics than a sports car. Before going into more detail about the topic, let’s start with answering the basic questions: “What is aerodynamics, and what affects the aerodynamics of a car?”

You probably do not notice while you are walking down the street or driving at low speeds in your car, but the surrounding air displays resistance to you or your car. Actually, any solid object moving through the air is met with this resistance, and the study of the interactions between the air and these solid bodies is called aerodynamics. A car with good aerodynamics cuts through the wall of air in a more efficient way. Two separate forces make up the aerodynamics, and there are special techniques and materials used to test the aerodynamics of a car.

If you would like to learn more about these techniques and how automotive aerodynamics is measured, this video is here to answer your questions. Apart from learning technical information about vehicle aerodynamics, you will also learn interesting details such as why designers chose certain shapes like “raindrop” as well.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Speed Limits

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - 

Obey speed limits - - Slow down at high risk areas - - Keep a safe distance -

Spring Car Care Tips!

We know you are ready for consistently warm weather, but is your car? Lauren Fix has great tips on how to get your car ready for spring.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

- Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats -

How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of U.S. drivers don’t trust auto repair shops. And one-third say they don’t have a mechanic they feel confident taking their car to. No matter how you feel about mechanics, odds are you’re going to need one — and likely at inopportune moments. Matt Schmitz of Cars.com provides tips to finding a repair shop you can trust.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Distracted Driving

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

BRAKES: How They Work | Science Garage

Brakes are the unsung heroes of performance. Everybody loves going fast, but slowing down is important too. There’s disk brakes, vented brakes, brembo brakes and drilled brakes-- let’s “brake” it all down! Bart talks about the principles that make your brakes work. From drums and discs, to friction and heat, we get to the nitty gritty of how Brakes systems keep you safe.

CarFit: Seat Belt Use

In the event of a crash, seat belts are the single most effective device for preventing death and injury. They save lives!

Why Do the British Drive on the Left?

One of the most disorienting things about being in England is watching people drive on the left since the majority of the rest of the world drives on the right. What is the reason behind this difference and when was driving on the left established?

Driving Emergency - Tire Blowout

Driving Emergency - Tire Blowout

Cars.com Best Pickup Truck of 2021

Introducing the Cars.com Best Pickup Truck of 2021

Manual vs Automatic: Which is Better?

Which transmission system do you prefer? Automatic or manual? Although there are lots of different pros and cons to both automatic and manual transmission systems, each driver has their own favorites that they like to use. Learn more about these systems through this detailed comparison of automatic and manual transmissions. 

The question of the century: Which transmission system is better, automatic or manual?

Questions to Ask at an Auto Repair Shop

Questions to Ask at an Auto Repair Shop

How Do Traffic Lights Work?

Traffic lights are an essential part of our road infrastructure, but have you ever wondered how they work? 

 

Traffic signals are those three lights that tell you when to stop, when to go, and when to proceed with caution. If these traffic lights weren't used, our intersections would be chaotic! 

Cars.com 2021 Family Car of the Year

Introducing the Cars.com 2021 Family Car of the Year.

How Road Markings Keep Drivers Safe

You are in the passenger seat and feeling the wind on your face. Your favorite channel is playing on the radio, random memories fill your mind, and you lose track of time while watching the road lines intertwine with one another on the highway. Even just for this calming experience, we can be grateful for road lines, but as you can guess, their real purpose is far from providing aesthetics.

We come across road lines almost anywhere in the world. They are quite handy and essential for drivers to read the roads. Not only do road surface markings look pretty, but they also convey official information and guide commuters in overtaking a vehicle, making a turn, and staying in the lane. Considering these lines’ functions, you may be surprised to hear that some countries have started removing road markings on certain roads, and their purpose in doing so is not because they like catastrophes. Rather, findings have shown that this is a much safer way for specific cases.

It may sound surprising but a study conducted by Transport for London has shown that the absence of road lines in certain areas is quite effective and preferable for safer, more regulated traffic. However, these special conditions do not apply everywhere, and removing road lines on every road can create chaos.

If you are wondering about these special conditions and the reasons why the absence of road markings results in safer traffic, this video by Interesting Engineering will satisfy your curiosity.

Did You Know? Four Facts About BMW's History

In the first episode of Did You Know? from Cars.com, we check out a few fun facts about BMW's company history.

How Modern Road Barriers Keep Our Roads Safe

Driving down the massive modern highways of today would be far more dangerous if there weren’t barriers on the side of the roadway. 🚙

Small Speed Increases Lead to Far Worse Crashes

A series of crash tests by IIHS and partners shows that impact speeds of 50 mph or 56 mph generate much more kinetic energy and are far more likely to lead to injury or death than 40 mph impacts.

Cars.com 2021 Luxury Car of the Year

Introducing the Cars.com Luxury Car of the Year.

New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News

Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.

Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

What is ABS? - CarSpeak by Cars.com

What is ABS stand for? What does ABS mean? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed.
ABS stands for Anti-lock braking system.

If Combustion Engines Have A Future, What Is It?

Spark-ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) engines have been around for a long time, and they each have their unique problems and challenges. If we want more efficient engines, with cleaner emissions, we're going to need improved technologies and methods. 

Low temperature combustion promises greater efficiency with better emissions. Recent examples include homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI), premixed charged compression ignition (PCCI), and reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI). How do these combustion techniques work, and how do they improve efficiency and emissions? Check out the video for all the details!

CarFit: Are You the Only Driver?

CarFit: Are you the only driver?

How To Avoid Pothole Damage

Driving through a seemingly innocent hole in the road could result in costly car damage. Before you end up at the auto shop in need of suspension repair or wheel replacement, know the five best ways to avoid pothole damage

1. Check Tires

Frequently inspect your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear. If you hit a pothole with worn or underinflated tires, there is a greater risk of wheel or suspension damage. Inflate tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels. Find this information on the door jamb sticker and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the pressure levels molded on the tire sidewall. To check the tire tread depth, insert a quarter upside down into several tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires. How to properly check tire tread

2. Inspect Suspension

Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn parts. Have a certified auto service technician inspect the suspension if you suspect a problem.

3. Look Ahead

Stay alert and check the road ahead to avoid potholes. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. Before swerving around a pothole, check your surroundings so you do not collide with another vehicle or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

4. Slow Down

If you cannot avoid a pothole, reduce your speed safely. Check the rearview mirror before braking abruptly. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of tire, wheel and suspension component damage. Releasing the brakes just before hitting a pothole allows the wheel and tire to roll through the depression and helps minimize potential damage.

5. Beware of Puddles

Drive cautiously through puddles as they may be deep potholes filled with water.

What to Do If You Hit a Pothole and Suspect Damage

Get a Vehicle Inspection. Hard pothole impact can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect steering, or dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension parts. Have a qualified mechanic check the wheel alignment if the vehicle pulls to the left or right. Have the suspension inspected if you notice any new or unusual noises or vibrations.

Article Source: https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-to-avoid-pothole-damage

Have You Ever Wondered What is a Clear Coat? – Ask Meguiar’s

So, what is a clear coat? The top clear coat portion of a base coat/clear coat paint system is a transparent layer of paint that is designed, not only to create gloss for the base coat, but also add a layer of protection to that base coat.

While clear coats certainly add vibrance and protection, they’re also very sensitive to abrasion and can magnify the appearance of swirls and scratches. So, it’s very important that you always use products that are designed for clear coat technology along with clean and fresh accessories like car wash mitts and microfibers to minimize any chance of creating swirls.

Understanding IIHS Headlight Ratings

About half of all fatal crashes in the U.S. occur in the dark. To address the problem, IIHS began rating headlights in 2016. For model year 2020, about 1 out of 5 headlight systems tested earned a good rating.

How Cars Communicate With One Another | Consumer Reports

Technology is allowing more and more vehicles to communicate with each other on the roadways. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what V2X is and how it works.

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips

Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.