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.

The Importance of a Properly Installed Windshield

Did you know up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength is derived from your windscreen? Or that the windscreen supports the airbag or airbag cover when activated in an accident?

The vital role a windscreen plays in the safety of your vehicle cannot be overstated. Every time we turn the ignition we place our trust in our vehicle. Our safety and that of our passengers, other motorists and pedestrians is reliant on our vehicle’s components meeting all necessary safety standards.

Windscreens form a key part of your vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS).

SRS has been developed to keep the driver and passengers inside the vehicle during an accident. Provisions for seat belts and air bags are found in the SRS, and each component within the SRS must be functioning for the vehicle to be deemed safe.

Occupant ejection and head injuries account for a large proportion of fatalities in road accidents. Maintaining the integrity of the windscreen is integral to the prevention of such occurrences as the windscreen helps keep passengers inside the car while supporting the roof and the airbags when activated.

For optimal safety, always repair a windscreen as soon as the damage occurs. Repair can save the windscreen and in doing so maintain its original factory seal, which will help reduce the risk of air and water leakage.

Hiring a trained specialist to fix your windscreen is paramount, which is why it pays to use an AGA member who understands the standards, has access to the latest technical advice and abides by a code of practice. Click here for a list of auto glass technicians because

when it comes to safety, there should be no compromise.

A word on wiper blades…

Who has waited for the next rainy day before remembering their wiper blades need changing? Even though maintaining vision in inclement weather is critical, for some reason wipers aren’t seen as a priority. The AGA recommends wipers are changed regularly, at least twice a year.

Source: https://www.autoglass.org.au/Safety

Ask An Expert - Towing and Hauling Tips with Mark Hellwig

Hellwig Suspension Products CEO, Mark Hellwig has been in the load and sway control business his whole life. Over the years he has learned a few things about towing and hauling.

Mark shares a few tips and pieces of advice for proper and safe towing and hauling in this video.

What If You Forget To Change Your Oil?

What if you forget to change your oil on time? Can you damage your car's engine by not changing the oil late? Do you really need to change your oil every 3,000 miles? Obviously, you should change your oil regularly, but exactly how much damage you will cause by changing the oil late? This video looks to answer this question. We'll discuss what happens to oil viscosity as it ages, and what happens to oil additives in over time.

Windshield Repair vs Replace: ABC News Report With Barbara Walters

Perhaps you didn't realize how important it is to have the manufacturer's windshield in your vehicle. It is better to have your windshield repaired instead of replaced. Learn more at http://www.stepforwardenterprises.com...

Driving Tips for Wet Roads

Wet pavement contributes to over 1 million crashes each year! Here are AAA's tips if you're caught driving in the rain. www.aaa.com/safety

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

Safety Tips for Teen Drivers | Consumer Reports

Having a teen driver doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience. CR experts offer tips on how to keep young drivers—and other motorists—safe on the roads.

How V8 Engines Work - A Simple Explanation

V8 engines operates under the same basic principles as any other gasoline four-stroke engine. First the piston pulls in air and fuel as it moves downward, then it compresses that air and fuel as the piston moves upward. A spark plug fires, igniting the air/fuel mixture and forcing the piston downward. Finally the piston pushes out the exhaust gases on its way back up, before for the cycle repeats itself.

In a V8 engine, this cycle is happening in 8 different cylinders, at different times. Instead of multiple cylinders firing at the same time, you want them to be spread out so that power delivery is smooth. For this Chevy V8, the firing or is 1, 8, 7, 2, 6, 5, 4, 3. With 8 cylinders, there is a cylinder firing for every 90 degrees of the crankshaft rotating, which means at any point in time, there are two cylinders on the power stroke.

With regards to the valvetrain, the intake air comes from the top of the engine, and into the sides of the cylinder head. The exhaust flows to the sides of the engine, exiting the exhaust valves from the cylinder head. In this LS3 model, there is a single intake valve and a single exhaust valve, though it’s also common to see engines with two intake valves and two exhaust valves. The larger valve is the intake valve, and the smaller valve is the exhaust valve.

The pushrod valvetrain gets its name from the metal pushrods which activate the rocker arms which open up the valves. The camshaft, located in the center of the V, has lobes on it which push the push rods up, opening the appropriate valves. For a full explanation of V8 engines, check out the video!

Smarter Driver: Tips for Avoiding a Rear-End Crash

You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle the following distance.