Auto insurance catch: Why they may deny your repair estimate

If you are in a car accident, your insurer is supposed to make sure the car is repaired, assuming you carry collision coverage. The law in most states says you can go to any repair shop you choose.

What Happens if Your Car is Totaled?

What does it mean to have a totaled car after an accident? Here we discuss the meaning, the effects, and the steps you should take if you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation. #KBB

Kelley Blue Book

Most Pickups Need Better Passenger-Side Protection

Most pickups need better passenger-side protection

ARLINGTON, Va. — The majority of pickups recently put through the passenger-side small overlap front test struggled to maintain their structure, but two trucks — the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan — earn a good rating.

The F-150 and the Titan join the Ram 1500, whose good rating in the test was released late last year.

The Honda Ridgeline, which earns an acceptable rating in the passenger-side test, is the only pickup so far to qualify for the 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award, thanks to available good-rated headlights, which the other models all lack, and available superior-rated front crash prevention. The Ridgeline qualifies for the award only when equipped with those features.

The Toyota Tacoma also earns an acceptable rating in the passenger-side test, but it falls short of an award because of headlights.

In total, IIHS has rated 11 crew cab pickups in the passenger-side test — four small and seven large. The Toyota Tundra, a large pickup, earns the only poor rating, while five of the trucks rate marginal.

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential

The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 

as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee

• a smooth ride,
• prolong the life of a car,
• and increase its safety

The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.

The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?

• It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
• It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
• Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
• Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing

There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:

6 month or interim car service

This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.

12 month or comprehensive car service

This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.

Winter Inspection

Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.

Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.

Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.

Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715

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".

The Dangers of Over-Inflated and Under-Inflated Tires

There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last for as long as possible, but your safety can also be at risk if your car is not performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory scheduled car maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.

Tires should be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, it is time to have them replaced. In between tire replacement, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure monitoring.

If you fail to take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence your overall tire performance and safety. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires for proper inflation; you don't want them to be over or under-inflated.

The Dangers of Under-Inflated Tires

Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires, and put them at a higher risk of blowing out on the road.

Under-inflated tires will cause reduced fuel efficiency, which affects a driver's budget and vehicle reliability.

Under-inflated tires will impede vehicular mobility, which can be dangerous in the defensive driving scenario and inclement weather, and while navigating small spaces.

The Dangers of Over-Inflated Tires

Over-inflated tires can cause an increase air temperature within them, which can lead to sudden blowouts while driving. They can also lead to an imbalance of contact on the road among all four tires, which can hinder vehicular mobility and handling.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

A tire that is 25% above the recommended air pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

There are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year.

Nearly 75% of roadside flats are a result of improper tire pressure.

Flat Tire?

If you get a flat as a result of over or under-inflation, you can try to repair it yourself if you have a spare tire or an emergency roadside kit. If you are not capable of repairing or changing your flat, you can contact a local towing company for 24-hour roadside assistance service.

They can respond to your location within a short amount of time, repair your tire, or tow you to the location of your choice. Whether it is 3 o'clock in the morning or 5:30 rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.

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.

Incredible Repair Techniques! Witness Nissan Car's Right-Side Collision Transformation!

This video captures the entire journey of a car from damage to restoration. You'll see the aftermath of a collision, how repair technicians diagnose damage, and use various tools and techniques to restore the car. We'll cover all the steps involved in the car repair process, including disassembly, grinding, painting, and reassembly. You'll see the car transform from a damaged vehicle to a fully restored one, and gain insight into the skill and experience of the repair technicians. Whether you're interested in car repair or just curious about the details of the process, this video provides a unique experience!

Mechanic Han

Report: Larger Vehicles Safer In Crashes

Every day, about 100 people are killed in an auto accident. A new report finds the size of your car can play a major role, Danielle Nottingham reports

WCCO - CBS Minnesota

Safety consequences of vehicle size and weight

New crash tests demonstrate the influence of vehicle size and weight on safety in crashes; results are relevant to fuel economy policies ARLINGTON, VA — Three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, show how extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in collisions. These Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can't protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models.

IIHS

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 - SAFE STEPS Road Safety is a pan-Asian public service initiatives aimed to raise awareness and provide clear and simple life-saving educational messages on road safety. Acclaimed actress and producer, Michelle Yeoh is the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Ambassador. This programme is created and developed by Prudence Foundation, in partnership with National Geographic Channel and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). All SAFE STEPS Road Safety tips have been approved by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For more information please visit: www.safesteps.com

SAFE STEPS