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.