Posted on 01 February 2017
With the cost of a new vehicle on the rise, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers that maintaining their current vehicle makes more economic sense than purchasing a new one. The average price of a new passenger vehicle is nearly $34,000, according to Kelley Blue Book, while IHS Markit reports that average vehicle age has ... read more
Posted on 18 January 2017
We hear a lot about the dangers of distracted driving, but having a phone conversation while driving on a rural freeway is clearly less of a problem than dialing a colleague while turning left onto a busy six-lane avenue. What if your car could limit distractions when road conditions were genuinely demanding? This is the idea behind workload management, an area of intense research among most automakers. It starts with determining when the driver’s workload is piling up. One way is to measure the driver’s heart rate and respiration using sensors on the steering wheel and seatbelt ... read more
Posted on 11 January 2017
A car airbag has a strange life. It spends most of its time in hiding until our lives depend on it. Then it springs into action for a few seconds, fulfills its destiny and passes away. That's not always the story for the noble airbag, and that's a good thing for car owners. In most cars and trucks, airbags never see the light of day. But do these important safety components stand the test of time? Eventually, most things break down on a car. Are airbags any different? The answer is yes — and no. In ear ... read more
Posted on 21 December 2016
With the cost of a new vehicle on the rise, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers that caring for your current vehicle is an easy new year’s resolution to keep, making more economic sense than purchasing a new one. “During the holiday season, many people bust the budget and then resolve to save money in the coming year,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many resolutions quickly go by the wayside, but it’s an easy decision to keep your current vehicle and maintain it at recommended intervals. Auto care makes financial sense, protec ... read more
Posted on 14 December 2016
Many motorists take the time to brush up on the best driving practices before inclement weather arrives. Although snow may already have fallen in your neck of the words, that doesn't mean there aren't some steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is staying safe in all types of weather. For example, the freezing conditions present during the cold-weather months may lead to damage to a windshield, but drivers can benefit from vehicle maintenance when caring for an automobile. Cold weather and quick temperature changes can result in cracks in a windshield. That makes it extremely ... read more