Safe and Sound – Exciting New Vehicle Safety Features Coming in 2015

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/22 in Auto Design with Comments Off on Safe and Sound – Exciting New Vehicle Safety Features Coming in 2015

Exciting new technology abounds in the world of automotive safety, and if you’re buying a new car in 2015, it could save your life. ‘Passive’ safety technology – engineering that mitigates potential injury in an accident – is always essential, but new, ‘active’ systems are now working to prevent collisions from even occurring. Here’s a look at four of the best car safety features coming up in 2015.

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane departure warnings aren’t new in 2015, but they’re quickly improving and fast becoming an industry standard in safety technology. In these systems, a camera (or multiple cameras) keep virtual eyes on the lines of the lanes on the road. If the onboard computer perceives a potentially dangerous drift, the driver receives a warning. The warning begins in the form of an audible noise, a simulated ‘rumble’ in the steering wheel, or both. In the latest versions, that warning is followed by an automated correction – the car keeps itself in the lane. As described in this article by Motor Review, these systems vary in their techniques, and only a few get real style points, but we can all think of a time when we wish the car next to us had one.

Forward Collision Mitigation

Just like lane keeping assist, forward collision mitigation systems track the situation outside of the car and can progress to taking matters into their own ‘hands.’ They, too, use front-mounted cameras or similar radar systems to detect the presence of cars ahead, keeping a close virtual eye on their distance.
When the systems deem that the distance between you and the car ahead is closing too quickly, they’ll move through increasingly urgent warnings. In the latest systems, they’ll (subtly) begin the breaking process for you, and if you don’t react in time, apply break pressure to stop the car (or at least to reduce the force of the impact).

Adaptive Cruise Control

Cruise control used to be a slightly awkward combination of automatic throttling and coasting, but that’s simply no longer the case. Working with both of the technologies described above, adaptive cruise control does exactly what its name implies, making it safer than ever to take your foot off the pedal.
Adaptive cruise control technology works much like forward collision mitigation. As described in this ExtremeTech article, the car uses a radar system to monitor and control its position in traffic, smoothly adjusting its speed based on the driver’s preferred maximum speed and safe driving distance. This means, finally, an end to fiddling with the cruise control wand whilst trying to maintain the precise speed of the car ahead.

Blind-Spot Detection & Monitoring

It’s all too easy to find yourself stuck in the blind spot of the car next to you, and just as easy to miss the car stuck in yours. Blind spot monitoring now comes in a couple of flavors, with the most common systems using a simple sensor system to flash a warning light when a car is present in your blind spot.
The newest models, though, now come equipped with advanced systems like Honda’s Side Minder blind spot ‘eraser’ that provide the driver with live video of the blind spot when the turn signal is activated. As systems like these find their way into more new vehicles, they’ll undoubtedly go on to turn everyday "close calls" into easily avoided non-events.

As with most new automotive technology, many of the systems described here have been available in high-end models well before the 2015 model year. This year, though, anyone buying a new car will likely enjoy any or all of these systems in at least their most basic forms. As time goes on and security standards advance with the technology they represent, this trend will only continue to save lives.

The information for this article was provided by the legal professionals of Howard Yegendorf & Associates, who are motor vehicle accident lawyers in Ottawa.

Bad Driving Record Bumping Up Your Insurance Prices? How to Repair the Damage

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/19 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on Bad Driving Record Bumping Up Your Insurance Prices? How to Repair the Damage

Whether it is one too many speeding tickets, or a few unfortunate fender-benders, we all have things on our driving record that we regret. The biggest cause for remorse usually comes when our insurance prices are raised due to a poor driving record. Many drivers become frustrated when their driving record starts to take a dive, feeling like there is no way to repair the damage. The truth is, there are a few things that can be done to help improve your driving record and bring those insurance rates back down.

Take a Class

When you have a bad driving record, remember that your insurance is going up based on the risk that the insurance company considers you to be. That is why taking a good traffic class on defensive driving can reduce your payments; as you get more experience, you will simply be safer behind the wheel, making the risk of insuring you substantially less. Many defensive driving courses or traffic school classes are available online, so you can complete it at your convenience. Other courses will require you to attend a class at a nearby location in order to get credit.

Put in a Theft Deterrent Device

Though the insurance company is worried about your driving tendencies, they are also concerned with the safety of your car. One way to improve your insurance rates is to make it harder for people to steal your car. Put in a car alarm, invest in some kind of GPS tracking, or simply park your car in a garage at night. Mentioning these changes to your insurance provider can help lower your rates almost immediately. Once you can prove that you have taken measures to keep your car safe, the insurance company will consider it less of a liability.

Improve Your Credit

If you are working on improving your credit, or if your credit has substantially improved since your rates raised, bring it up to your insurance company. Though the laws vary from state to state, many insurance companies will use credit scores as a way to determine whether or not you should have a lower rate of insurance. Even a few points can make a difference, so consider whether your score could change your rates.

Negotiate

Be willing to go over your policy with a fine-toothed comb and to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for. There are some riders and protections that you might not need in your circumstances. By simply by talking to the insurance company, you may find that an adjustment of your policy can help to lower your rates. Going over the policy on your own, and asking questions to an agent will ensure that you aren’t paying for anything that you don’t need. Another thing to inquire about is whether types of payment or a certain payment schedule can reduce the amount that you pay overall. For example, if you state that you will pay your insurance in one lump sum, you may get a lower rate.

When you want to reduce your insurance prices, take a moment to do your research and get creative. It will take a little effort on your part, but you can easily lower rates by making adjustments or improvements, and working with an agent. Your insurance rates do not need to be as steep as they are, and just a little work can help you reduce them significantly.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Thomson Schindle Green Insurance & Financial Services, who provide custom built car insurance in Medicine Hat.

Five Truck Repairs You Need Before the Weather Gets Cold

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/17 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Five Truck Repairs You Need Before the Weather Gets Cold

Winter is the worst season for driving. The roads get snowy, icy, and wet. They become very slick and your chances of getting in an accident if you’re not careful will increase. Few drivers want to think of the coming cold weather and what it means for a truck, but it’s important to prepare for the worst and if nothing else to be prepared. Here are five repairs you should do before the weather gets cold.

The Anti-freeze

Change the anti-freeze. The anti-freeze strength in your cooling system is important. In the summer, it keeps your truck’s engine from overheating, and in the winter, it protects your engine from cold temperatures while the truck is idle. Check the strength of your anti-freeze before the temperatures plunge. Do not hesitate to flush and replace the antifreeze if routine maintenance calls for it.

The Battery

A truck battery repair is fairly straight-forward, so don’t hesitate if your battery is weak. You’ll realize how important the battery is on the first cold morning that your truck refuses to start. Batteries have a definite expiration date. While a battery living on borrowed time may not have been a problem during the hot months of summer, it quickly dies during the cold months of winter. Truck batteries have a four-year life usually. Have a garage mechanic check the battery before the cold air arrives.

The Tires

If you’ve worn the tires bald during the summer months, be sure to replace them before winter arrives. Do a visual check on the tires for wear and tear. According to Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd., worn tires will not grip the road, and the truck could end up in the ditch on the first morning of a snow accumulation. Put a quarter in the treads and check to make sure Washington’s head touches the top of your tread. If Washington’s head is separated from the tread, it’s getting low.

Body Dents

Body dings and dents will quickly rust with the exposure to road salts. Get your trucks dings and dents repaired to protect the metal body parts against corrosive elements of winter driving. If you don’t do this keep in mind that you are not just allowing the body of your truck to rust, but to become corroded as well. You will also start to lose the color in your body paint and will likely have get it redone at a later point in time.

Windshield Cracks

You may not want to drive around all winter with a long crack across your windshield. You may wonder if it can support all that snow that piles up on the windshield during the winter. In most states, this is an equipment violation, so it’s a good idea to get it taken care of.

Unfortunately, not all repairs are this easy to predict. When a warning lights flash on, or if a gauge indicates a problem with one or more of the truck’s systems, get it into a repair shop for diagnosis and repair before the cold weather arrives. It’s best to get a warning light’s severity confirmed by a mechanic before going on the road.

Motorcycle Tips for a First Time Rider

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/12/15 in Motorcycles with Comments Off on Motorcycle Tips for a First Time Rider

Anyone who rides a motorcycle will tell you, this is one of the most freeing ways of getting around. Whether you’re just getting one for recreation, or everyday use, motorcycles provide a sense of adventure you just can’t get trapped in a car. However, riding can be a bit intimidating for first timers. Thankfully, there are some tips which will make this whole experience much easier for your first time on the back of the bike.

Sharpen Your Skills

In order to really get a grasp for riding, it is best to sign up for some type of motorcycle riding course. There are all different kinds offered all over the nation to help you become a pro behind the handlebars. A course will teach you all the basics of riding a motorcycle, as well as any advanced techniques you may need to know. While some classes may cost upwards of $350, there are some that are free.

According to Bronson Jones & Co car accident lawyers in Vancouver, if you take one of these courses, you may even be eligible for some kind of insurance discount so it is definitely worth a look into. After all, the last thing you want is to be dealing with a car accident lawyer for something that could have been prevented.

Always Stay Protected

It is crucial you wear a helmet at all times when out riding. If you don’t, you are putting yourself at high risk for a potentially fatal accident. In fact, in many states it is illegal to operate one without a helmet, which means if you don’t wear one, you could be facing many tickets and penalties. It’s always better to be safe than sorry so make sure you’re fully protected.

Dress Appropriately

When you’re riding your motorcycle, you want to be wearing the right attire. Wear heavier clothing, and sturdy shoes whenever you go out as well. That of course includes a leather jacket, gloves, full pants, and footwear that goes over the ankles. These items are crucial because you want to wear clothes that will protect you from all that will be thrown your way like the wind, bugs and debris. There are even some clothes that are specifically designed for motorcycle riders.

Learning to ride a motorcycle can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re told the right steps. With these tips in mind, you’ll be fully prepared to take on whatever comes your way when out on the road.

Roadside Fixes to Get You Back on Your Way

by Anica Oaks on 2014/12/12 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Roadside Fixes to Get You Back on Your Way

It’s inevitable. Cars break down. And when they do, it’s usually at the worst possible moment. While many breakdowns will require a tow truck and can only be repaired at a qualified shop, some can be remedied with a small repair on the roadside if you are equipped to do so.

Flat-Fixin

First, familiarize yourself with your vehicle before it breaks down. Know where the spare is, how to get the jack and tire iron out and how to use them. If you have wheel locks, know where the wheel lock key is. Changing a flat tire is one of the most fundamental repairs that one can do to get back rolling. Even if your vehicle has large oversized tires, replacing a flat tire with a spare can be done safely if precautions are taken. Make sure your vehicle is parked on flat level ground before getting the jack under it. When jacking the vehicle up, don’t lift it higher than you need to. You will have to lift it high enough to get the flat tire out, and the full spare under it. Going higher than that could make the vehicle shift and unstable. Make sure to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern in order to get a consistent tightness on the wheel assembly.

Breaking Murphy’s Law

Some basic hand tools in a repair kit kept in the trunk of your vehicle may get you back on the road quickly so you can get your vehicle serviced on your schedule, not at the mercy of Murphy’s Law. Even quick roadside repairs are inevitably dirty, so it’s a good idea to have some gloves or other protective coverings on hand in the event your vehicle would break down.

Toolin’ Around

In your hand tools, a Leatherman or multi-tool is a great tool to have. Most of them have needle hose pliers, at least one knife blade, screwdrivers and other useful tools to get you back on the road. Some breakdowns are caused by something as simple as a loose connection, clamp or fitting. By identifying the problem and using some hand tools to tighten the offending part, you could remedy the problem yourself with the spin of one tool.

Call a Tow Truck

Sometimes it’s best to recognize when you are in over your head and call a tow company. Some services will bring you fuel or do minor fixes, and others will come to your location nearly regardless of conditions outside. For getting your 4×4 out of that gutter, consider a company like Mike’s Auto and Towing that specializes in difficult recoveries.

Release Your Inner MacGyver

For those old enough to remember MacGyver, he had a fix for everything—and most of it involved duct tape. There’s a good reason for that. It’s durable, flexible, and under the right conditions, can make a near water-tight seal. A blown radiator hose once cleaned up a bit and allowed to cool can be fixed temporarily with a couple rounds of duct tape just to get you to a shop for a permanent repair. If the hose is broken close to the clamp, it may be possible to remove the clamp, cut off the damaged portion and put the hose back on with the clamp moved further up the hose. This only works if there hose has enough length. Again, this is a temporary fix.

 

Sometimes, the repair is just too much to do on the side of the road. Times like these, sometimes the best tool to have in your toolbox is a cell phone and the number to a reputable towing service.

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