Sunday, May 29, 2022
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.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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.
Sunday, May 22, 2022
AAA Pedestrian Safety PSA
Friday, May 20, 2022
Collision Repair: Understanding the Different Part Types Commonly Used
After you have been in an accident, the most important thing is
making sure you're safe. After that, the second most important thing is
getting your vehicle back in working order. The outcome of your
collision repair service depends greatly on the type of parts your
mechanic chooses to use. Whether they use genuine, original equipment
manufacturer, or aftermarket parts will determine how well your vehicle
will run and how long the rehabilitation will last.
Genuine
Some collision repair services try to use genuine parts in all their restoration work. These pieces are what originally came in the vehicle. Typically, they come in a box with the carmaker's logo, so you know it is a genuine part.
When it comes to cost, genuine parts are among the most expensive types you can buy for your vehicle. For this reason, it is best to only use these items if they are still under warranty and you don't have to pay any out of pocket expense.
Despite popular belief, choosing to go with something other than manufacturer parts will not void any remaining warranty. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission's "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act," it is illegal for any manufacturer to void the warranty solely based on the type of part you choose to use. The act also allows you to have the work completed anywhere, even at home, without voiding the warranty.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
During your collision repair, you may choose to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts installed. While not a genuine piece, it is the exact same as what came in your vehicle because it was created by the same company who built the part for the car company. The difference is it doesn't have the car company's logo on the box.
Like genuine, OEM can be more expensive than aftermarket. However, it will cost less than genuine. It is a good way to save a little money and get the same part that was originally in your vehicle.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket pieces are quite common. They look and work in the same manner as the originals. The big difference is a company other than the manufacturer builds it. The structure is designed to fit and perform just as well as the original.
In some cases, aftermarket designs outperform their more expensive counterparts. This is because these companies analyze why the products fail in the first place. Once they know what the underlying problem is, they can make theirs without these flaws. In some cases, it may be as simple as the material was not made to last, and the aftermarket builder chooses something a bit more robust.
In the event that the part is not under warranty or your insurance company is not as concerned about what replacement type is used, you may want to settle for an aftermarket product.
Collision repair uses many different types of products in order to rehabilitate your vehicle. In addition to genuine, OEM, and aftermarket, the mechanic may suggest a rebuilt or reconditioned piece. While these may help keep your costs down, they do have wear and tear, so use them with caution.
Genuine
Some collision repair services try to use genuine parts in all their restoration work. These pieces are what originally came in the vehicle. Typically, they come in a box with the carmaker's logo, so you know it is a genuine part.
When it comes to cost, genuine parts are among the most expensive types you can buy for your vehicle. For this reason, it is best to only use these items if they are still under warranty and you don't have to pay any out of pocket expense.
Despite popular belief, choosing to go with something other than manufacturer parts will not void any remaining warranty. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission's "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act," it is illegal for any manufacturer to void the warranty solely based on the type of part you choose to use. The act also allows you to have the work completed anywhere, even at home, without voiding the warranty.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
During your collision repair, you may choose to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts installed. While not a genuine piece, it is the exact same as what came in your vehicle because it was created by the same company who built the part for the car company. The difference is it doesn't have the car company's logo on the box.
Like genuine, OEM can be more expensive than aftermarket. However, it will cost less than genuine. It is a good way to save a little money and get the same part that was originally in your vehicle.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket pieces are quite common. They look and work in the same manner as the originals. The big difference is a company other than the manufacturer builds it. The structure is designed to fit and perform just as well as the original.
In some cases, aftermarket designs outperform their more expensive counterparts. This is because these companies analyze why the products fail in the first place. Once they know what the underlying problem is, they can make theirs without these flaws. In some cases, it may be as simple as the material was not made to last, and the aftermarket builder chooses something a bit more robust.
In the event that the part is not under warranty or your insurance company is not as concerned about what replacement type is used, you may want to settle for an aftermarket product.
Collision repair uses many different types of products in order to rehabilitate your vehicle. In addition to genuine, OEM, and aftermarket, the mechanic may suggest a rebuilt or reconditioned piece. While these may help keep your costs down, they do have wear and tear, so use them with caution.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Stop. Trains Can't.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have launched a national railroad crossing safety ad campaign to increase public awareness around railroad tracks and reduce crossing deaths and injuries. Although accidents at railroad crossings are an old problem, the problem is easily avoidable. This ad is the latest in a three-year, focused effort to reverse the uptick in railroad crossing fatalities. Its message is simple: Stop. Trains can’t.
For more information, please visit: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/rail-grade-crossing/stop-trains-cant.
Friday, May 13, 2022
Looking For the Best Auto Body Repair Shop
If your car is damaged, what you need is a good auto body repair
shop to help you restore it to its original glory - without unnecessary
expenditure. Good auto body repair shops will repair the car; paint the
dents and other damaged portions of the car with properly matching
paint. They will also repair the vehicle frame as well as the electrical
and electronic system of the car.
Opting for auto body repair instead of a replacement of the damaged portion of the car, will not only help you save money, but will also help the environment in a positive manner. This is why; you should choose the best repair specialist in your area.
How will you choose the repair specialist?
Remember that the best way to come across an auto body repair shop that you like is by shopping around. You should check all the aspects of a number of repair shops in your area and then compare them and see which shop scores the most. Needless to say, the Internet is one of the best places to get started in your search.
Ask your friends, family and colleagues at work. Reference is a great way of determining which auto body repair you should choose. Even your two truck company or insurance agents are a good source for the reference. However, when someone tells you that they like a particular shop, make sure that you ask them why they like it.
You need to ask them various questions about the repair shop that they are referring, before you can choose the shop. If your friend says that she likes it because they gave her a waver in her Insurance Deductible, it will be a much weaker reason to choose the shop than if she says that she really loved the work of the shop and her car works great after the repair job.
You should also check out the car of the person who is referring you the particular auto repair shop. This will help you to get an idea about the kind of work that they do.
You should also check the background of the auto body repair shop and see how long they have been in this business. The age of the company will help you to understand its quality - after all, a company can stay in business only if they are doing good work. Check if the shop is locally owned and if it has any connection with the local community.
Sometimes your insurance company may have an agreement with some of the local auto body repair shops. This Direct Repair Program will help you make a good decision about the shop. However, make sure that you check the credentials and the work of the shop, before you entrust them with your car.
Sometimes, you can recognize quality service just by interacting with the company. Call the local auto body repair shop and see how they behave - were they welcoming and friendly? Do they have a clean and attractive office? The very "feel" of the local auto body repair shop may help you to make your decision.
Opting for auto body repair instead of a replacement of the damaged portion of the car, will not only help you save money, but will also help the environment in a positive manner. This is why; you should choose the best repair specialist in your area.
How will you choose the repair specialist?
Remember that the best way to come across an auto body repair shop that you like is by shopping around. You should check all the aspects of a number of repair shops in your area and then compare them and see which shop scores the most. Needless to say, the Internet is one of the best places to get started in your search.
Ask your friends, family and colleagues at work. Reference is a great way of determining which auto body repair you should choose. Even your two truck company or insurance agents are a good source for the reference. However, when someone tells you that they like a particular shop, make sure that you ask them why they like it.
You need to ask them various questions about the repair shop that they are referring, before you can choose the shop. If your friend says that she likes it because they gave her a waver in her Insurance Deductible, it will be a much weaker reason to choose the shop than if she says that she really loved the work of the shop and her car works great after the repair job.
You should also check out the car of the person who is referring you the particular auto repair shop. This will help you to get an idea about the kind of work that they do.
You should also check the background of the auto body repair shop and see how long they have been in this business. The age of the company will help you to understand its quality - after all, a company can stay in business only if they are doing good work. Check if the shop is locally owned and if it has any connection with the local community.
Sometimes your insurance company may have an agreement with some of the local auto body repair shops. This Direct Repair Program will help you make a good decision about the shop. However, make sure that you check the credentials and the work of the shop, before you entrust them with your car.
Sometimes, you can recognize quality service just by interacting with the company. Call the local auto body repair shop and see how they behave - were they welcoming and friendly? Do they have a clean and attractive office? The very "feel" of the local auto body repair shop may help you to make your decision.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Danielle_Sage/442675
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust
Saturday, May 7, 2022
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.
Thursday, May 5, 2022
What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?
What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.
Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.
The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.
These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.
Monday, May 2, 2022
Why Car Repair Should Be Left To The Professionals
In today's society, DIY projects have become a necessity for
many. This is also often applied to car repair. Some people think that
because they have knowledge of cars and their working components, many
of what they consider easy projects can be done in their home garage.
However, a lot of these projects aren't nearly as easy as they may seem.
Clutch
Fixing a clutch. Simple enough, right? It seems to be. However, most people don't realize that fixing a clutch is more complicated and can be a delicate procedure. The biggest hurdle one would find is that many times it involves dropping the engine. This is not something that most can do in their garage.
Recharging the A/C
Every automotive store carries A/C recharging kits. If they do that, then it must be something a novice could do, right? Wrong. Not even counting the added complications of Freon, there is so much more to it. Working with the A/C system involves very high, specific pressure, specialized tubing, and odd components - most of these allusively buried in the dashboard or tied into an incomprehensible computer - not to mention many other things related to the first law of thermodynamics. If that word is not recognizable, you more than likely have no business even being in there.
Working around or on the airbag
Though thankfully this particular area rarely needs to be worked on or around, it is still a good idea to know what the possible outcomes could be. The most important thing to think about if working on or around this area - including any close by panels - is that there is a significantly sized explosive charge tucked away in there. Does 'explosive charge' sound a lot like a bomb? It should, because that is essentially what it is. Definitely make sure that someone with training in that particular area works on that part of your car. A hand being blown off isn't worth the extra money saved by doing it ones-self. It is guaranteed that the hospital bill for that would be significantly more expensive than just having a professional do it for you.
Rebuilding a differential
Anytime someone is messing around with gears it can lead to disaster. It takes a delicate, sensitive touch. Differentials are even trickier. If the gears are even slightly off, your car will sound like it has been taken over by a disgruntled poltergeist. Not to mention that in a very short time, the teeth will completely wear out and disintegrate. The contact patch between the gears has to be so carefully aligned that it is mathematically perfect.
Even the seemingly simplest of jobs are so involved that many times doing your own car repair can cost more than taking it to the shop. A car repair technician can do the job right the first time and save lots of time and energy.
Clutch
Fixing a clutch. Simple enough, right? It seems to be. However, most people don't realize that fixing a clutch is more complicated and can be a delicate procedure. The biggest hurdle one would find is that many times it involves dropping the engine. This is not something that most can do in their garage.
Recharging the A/C
Every automotive store carries A/C recharging kits. If they do that, then it must be something a novice could do, right? Wrong. Not even counting the added complications of Freon, there is so much more to it. Working with the A/C system involves very high, specific pressure, specialized tubing, and odd components - most of these allusively buried in the dashboard or tied into an incomprehensible computer - not to mention many other things related to the first law of thermodynamics. If that word is not recognizable, you more than likely have no business even being in there.
Working around or on the airbag
Though thankfully this particular area rarely needs to be worked on or around, it is still a good idea to know what the possible outcomes could be. The most important thing to think about if working on or around this area - including any close by panels - is that there is a significantly sized explosive charge tucked away in there. Does 'explosive charge' sound a lot like a bomb? It should, because that is essentially what it is. Definitely make sure that someone with training in that particular area works on that part of your car. A hand being blown off isn't worth the extra money saved by doing it ones-self. It is guaranteed that the hospital bill for that would be significantly more expensive than just having a professional do it for you.
Rebuilding a differential
Anytime someone is messing around with gears it can lead to disaster. It takes a delicate, sensitive touch. Differentials are even trickier. If the gears are even slightly off, your car will sound like it has been taken over by a disgruntled poltergeist. Not to mention that in a very short time, the teeth will completely wear out and disintegrate. The contact patch between the gears has to be so carefully aligned that it is mathematically perfect.
Even the seemingly simplest of jobs are so involved that many times doing your own car repair can cost more than taking it to the shop. A car repair technician can do the job right the first time and save lots of time and energy.
For more information on car repair, Hershey, PA residents can go to http://www.certifiedpreownedofhershey.com/Body-Shop.
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