The Safest Cars on the Road

When you go car shopping you are probably dazzled by the sports cars or even the
big burly SUVs as well as the shiny colors and whether or not the vehicle is fully
loaded. Frequently, you will hear people talking about what car they want to buy and
will hear them mention things like leather seats, a great sound system, DVD players
and mini TV screens, great rims and other similar features. However, unfortunately,
you do not frequently hear people talking about the safety rating of the vehicle and
how well it performed in crash tests or if it has recently been recalled. For some
reason Americans are more consumed with how comfortable and cool their car is
and makes them rather than how safe it can keep them. However, even if consumers
are not overly interested in safe cars insurance companies are.
Insurance companies focus on keeping people safe, reducing accidents, and
ultimately the amount of money they have to pay out for coverage. So, safe cars are
the pick of the litter so to speak for insurance companies. They are so favored, in
fact, that insurance companies frequently offer discounts to individuals who buy
safe cars resulting in hundreds of dollars in savings each year on premiums. Safe
does not mean the car is unattractive or without all the extras you want, so get it
out of your head that safe does not equal cool.
And while the trend may not change and people will continue to look for cool cars,
they should keep in mind that there are indeed cool cars that are also safe cars.
Each year a rating list of the top 25 safest cars is produced and if you are in the car
buying market you should definitely take a peak and see if the car you are
interested in buying is on that list. If not, check out the other safe cars that did
make the list and see if you can find something that is equally cool and considerably
safer. The following cars made it on the safe car list and also have some amazing
features that will please even the pickiest car connoisseur.
Upscale Cars
If you are interested in and can afford an upscale car and are also concerned about
safety, then you should consider the Audi A4 or perhaps the BMW 330i. The Lexus
ES300 also ranked high in the crash tests and overall safety in the upscale sedan
category.
Small Cars
Small cars that rank high on the top 25 safety car list include the Volkswagen golf
and Honda Civic which received the top honors. Another safe car in this category
includes the Volkswagen Jetta.
Midsize Cars
Volkswagen also took the top prize in the midsize category with the Volkswagen
Passat GLX 6.0. The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy also ranked high in the mid
size family sedan category.
Pickups
Everyone thinks pickup trucks are safe, however some are safer than others and
generally pick up trucks are not as safe as cars. In the top 25 safest cars the Toyota
Tundra SR5 4.7, Ford F150 XLT 5.4, and the Dodge Ram SLT 4.7 ranked higher and
safer than the rest.
Minivans and SUVs
The minivan and SUV category have an interesting array of really safe vehicles and
then some that are hazards to drivers and passengers. Minivans that responded well
in the tests include the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey EX, and the Mazda MPV. The
safest SUVs include the Lexus RX300, Toyota Highlander, and the Saturn VUE as well
as others.
Of course, you could choose to buy a safe vehicle and still be injured in an accident.
This is because there is no perfect car that is constructed in a way that it can protect
you 100%. However, there are plenty of cars that are significantly safer than others
and as a result consumers should pay attention to these cars. Fortunately, some of
the safer models are actually very stylish and come with the latest gadgets and
features so many people are looking for in a new car. So, no matter if you want the
coolest car on the market you can still find one that is rated high in the safety
category. Honda, Lexus, BMW, Saturn, Volkswagen, and others all ranked high in
their respective categories and are all very popular car models. Also, cars today are
significantly safer than they were even 15 years ago and tires are safer as well.
If you buy a used vehicle that is 10-15 years old you can rest assured it will not
have the same safety qualities as new cars made today. The reason for this is safety
standards were different as well as the technology used to build the cars. As a
result, older cars simply are not as safe. The best option for your safety and that of
your family and other passengers is to buy a car that is ranked high on the safety
list and rest assured that if you are in an accident your car will protect you as much
as possible because it was designed with safety in mind. By making safety one of
the qualities you look for in a vehicle, even above price or design, you are choosing
to protect yourself and your family, which is the best decision you can possibly
make. Remember to take a look at the top 25 list before you start car shopping. Not
only are the top 25 cars in all categories listed, but some of the worst cars are listed
as well so you will know what to avoid. Happy car shopping!

Oil Change - 5 Tips That Let You Know You Need New Lubricant

Whether you just bought your vehicle or it's over a decade old, you need to make sure you get an oil change on a consistent basis. Explore a few common signs that it's time to switch out the old lube for something newer.
Change in Color
Initially, when getting an oil change, the lubricant is a nice, clean honey color. However, as each day goes by and your car continually uses the same lube, it can get really dirty and turn dark, sometimes black. If you have the lubricant checked and notice it is really filthy, your vehicle has probably been in desperate need of new lubricant. To help be on the safe side and to protect your engine, you should bring your car into a shop so the experts there can replace the lubricant with a fresh batch.
Unfamiliar Sounds
When operating your vehicle, you often know what's normal and what isn't. So if all of a sudden, you begin to notice that your car is not sounding the way it should, you should bring it in to a pro. That's because there are various reasons why your car is making noise. One possible issue could be the fact that you need an oil change. If you have dirty lubricant, the parts of your engine won't function properly. You could have a leak that is getting into the entire system, which can cause malfunctions or strange noises. So don't take chances - if you hear something that seems out of order when it comes to your car, get it checked out and make sure filthy lubricant isn't the issue.
Sensors
Many vehicles have sensors or warning lights that tell you when something is wrong. The check engine light is a common one that lights up. Oftentimes, people think this light means your engine is trouble. While this can be true, there is a number of other issues that could be causing it to illuminate. For instance, if you're leaking brake fluid, this can cause the light to come on. Dirty lubricant is also the reason why some vehicles' check engine sensor can come on. In addition, you may also have a car that alerts you when you need an oil change or if it is low.
Time
Another common way to know when it's time to switch out the lubricant in your car is the amount of time that's passed. If it's been six months and you haven't had an oil change, now would be a good time to drop your car off. Although all cars are different, you need new lubricant on a regular basis. In the past, every 3000 miles was a common gauge. Yet, with so many variations in vehicles, this just isn't applicable to all cars. The best bet is to read your owner's manual or chat with the car dealer for a ball park figure regarding an oil change.
Low Oil Level
For some people, simply having lubricant in their car seems to be enough. However, there may not be enough in there. If that's the case, you most likely will have a sensor light that comes on. Also, if your car seems to be overworked or you're burning a lot more gas, this could also be due to the fact that you don't have enough lubricant.

A Crash Course on Your Vehicle's Anti-Lock Brakes

A large number of traffic accidents occur because drivers are unable to stop their vehicles before colliding into the cars in front of them. Sometimes, this is due to lack of attention. Other times, it's due to a motorist following the person in front of them too closely. In some cases, the collision is due to a driver's wheels locking up when he or she slams their foot on the brake pedal.
When your wheels become locked, they skid across the surface of the road. As a result, you have little to no traction or control of your vehicle. This is the reason anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were developed.
In this article, I'll provide a bird's eye view of the entire system and explain how the various components work together to prevent your tires from locking up. I'll also offer a few tips for driving with ABS before clarifying whether the pesky warning light truly signals a problem.
A Bird's Eye View Of Your ABS
Your car's anti-lock brakes are comprised of four main parts: speed sensors, computer control module, pump, and valves. Each wheel on your vehicle has a sensor that monitors its speed. The computer control module monitors each of these sensors. When it senses that one of your tires is about to become locked, it closes the solenoid valve that provides braking fluid to the tire. In doing so, it allows the tire's rotation to adjust to the driving environment in a way that prevents it from locking up. Once the problem has been averted, the control module reopens the associated solenoid valve to provide braking fluid.
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS, you might be surprised to discover the pedal offers more resistance than cars with conventional braking systems. Don't be concerned; it's normal. Also, you'll notice that when the anti-lock feature engages in order to prevent locking, there's a mild pulsing sensation that you'll feel through the pedal. Again, it's normal.
One of the most common misunderstandings that motorists have about ABS is that they need to pump their brakes in order to slow down without locking their wheels. Pumping the pedal is entirely unnecessary; the speed sensors, control module, hydraulic pump, and valves work together to prevent your wheels from locking.
Does The Warning Light Indicate A Problem?
Like traditional braking systems, you'll need to periodically replace the shoes and pads. They wear down over time; the more you drive, the faster they wear out. Having said that, you'll occasionally see a warning light appear on your instrument panel that suggests there may be a problem with your anti-lock brakes. To be sure, if you see the light appear, have a mechanic inspect the system as soon as possible. But, also realize that moisture can trigger the warning light. In either case, don't ignore it. Your safety may depend on having a lurking problem fixed.

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Tips - How to Avoid Odometer Fraud

A three year old vehicle that's only done 50,000 kilometres? It could be a great deal or it could be a scam. Unfortunately, odometer fraud does happen and dodgy dealers or dishonest private sellers can try to dupe unsuspecting buyers into believing a vehicle has travelled less than it has.
Here are a few ways to guard against odometer fraud:

1. Ask the seller: ask about the kilometres the vehicle has done and how many it had when the seller first acquired the car - ask to see records from the logbook. You can often determine if something suspicious has occurred, for example if the seller gives inconsistent answers.
2. Look for warning lights - is the check engine or check oil light on? These lights come on after the vehicle has done a certain number of kilometres and indicate that the vehicle needs servicing.
3. Check the tyres: examine the tyre treads to see how worn they are. Newer car tyres can last up to 120,000 kilometres before they need to be replaced so if the seller is quoting low kilometres, make sure the tyres live up to those numbers.
4. Get a professional opinion - have a mechanic take a look at the engine and other parts. While not an exact science, a mechanic can look at engine wear to determine mileage. Problems with the suspension or steering will also indicate that the vehicle has done its rounds.
5. Obtain a car history check - a vehicle history report will give you a rundown on any reported accidents the vehicle has been in and will give you an indication of all known odometer readings. You'll also receive a REVs check with your report to verify that the car has a clear title and does not carry any outstanding debt.

In 2009, the Office of Fair Trading received 17 complaints from consumers that claimed their odometers had been tampered with. The office had prosecuted a number of private sellers for misleading buyers about the kilometres on the vehicle. "Consumers who are unaware of a vehicle's background put themselves at risk of expensive repair costs in the future or much worse," the Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Dangerous Car Trouble Warning Signs

Keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition through regular visits to an auto mechanic is the best thing you can do to keep your car safe and to maintain the value of your car. Many of us are happy to leave the safety of our vehicle in the hands of a professional but sometimes we need to add to our skill base and learn to read the signs that our vehicle gives us from time to time so we can avoid expensive repairs.
Sometimes it is simply not enough to only know how to fill her up and start the car! It doesn't take much to put in a bit of effort and learn more about your vehicle so that you can look after it even more and avoid having to visit the service station more often than you have to.
Here are some warning signs that your vehicle may give you which mean that you should plan a visit to the service station sooner rather than later.

• Carbon monoxide emissions are generally hard to detect because this gas is odourless. If you find yourself becoming drowsy or nauseous or even have a ringing in your ears, this could be a sign that there is a carbon monoxide leakage within your vehicle and you should stop immediately.
• When you apply your brakes and your vehicle veers to the left or to the right, it means that your brakes need to be adjusted as soon as possible.
• If the oil warning light comes on intermittently or continuously whilst driving, this is a dangerous sign that your vehicle is low on oil and needs to be topped up or serviced urgently.
• If your brake pedal feels spongy when you apply the brakes or the brake pedal travels almost entirely to the floor, your brakes need to be attended to urgently.
• When you hear squealing noise as you apply the brakes this may mean there is water on the brake pads or the brake pads are dangerously low. In either case you should have a brake expert attend to this as soon as possible.
• If you hear a clunking or clattering noise coming from your engine you should stop driving immediately as this could be a sign that you have blown the head gasket. Stop and have your car towed to a service station as soon as possible.
• Sometimes you might find your car difficult to start and there may even be a clicking sound as you turn the key. This could mean that your alternator is faulty or that your battery is low on power. Either way you should visit the service station as soon as possible or call your motor vehicle association for roadside assistance.

Although these tips are not meant to be exhaustive in any way, they can give you a heads up that your vehicle needs specialist attention. This may mean a quick visit to your mechanic to put things right.

The Basics of a Car's Electronic Stability Control

Driver safety is critical, but unfortunately, some aspects will be outside your control when you're on the road. For example, poor weather conditions combined with slippery roads can easily lead to a traffic collision. Fortunately, automakers are designing vehicles with more flexible safety features. Electronic stability control (or ESC) was developed nearly 20 years ago and made its automotive debut in 1992. Following years of research, electronic stability control was created to help drivers compensate during a loss of steering control by braking accordingly.
Overview Of ESC Technology
During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer. By analyzing this information (i.e. yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc.), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate. For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied. What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control.
In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed. With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage.
When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds. Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle's handling limits. In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated. For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly.
How Effective Is It?
ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions. By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32% drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32% drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43%. Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35%.
It's important to note that the technology is not perfect. It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you're driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires.
ESC versus TSC
Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC. First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output - or both. While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions. In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC.
Ideally, you'll never need to rely upon your vehicle's stability control system. However, like most of your car's safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life.

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Crash! 5 Tips To Help You Avoid The Deadliest Traffic Collisions!

It is true, most drivers believe they are really very good drivers. But what is the criterion that defines what a good driver is?
Some feel strongly that the answer is "a good driver follows all of the rules of the road". Some insist that their ability to weave in and out of traffic at high speed places them in the "above average" club. Others suggest that attention to traffic; risk perception and the application of strategies to reduce their risk of crashing make them better than the average Joe on the road.
It appears that the latter have it right. Most crashes can be avoided by any of the drivers involved, regardless of who was at legal fault. And although I do not have space here to explain every crash risk reducing strategy, there are a few simple things that I will share here today that any driver can do. And these tips will dramatically reduce your chances of dying in a car crash.
Tip #1) When starting up at an intersection on a new green light, pause, and while you take your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, check left, then centre, then right to make sure that any potential cross traffic has stopped.
This is a very important habit. Many drivers see the light change to green and, like they were told all their lives, "green means go." Without a second thought, they press the accelerator only to position their vehicle directly in the path of the driver who ran the red light. As pedestrians, we know better than to step onto the road just because the light changed. As drivers our perception seems to change with the metal cage that surrounds us. Lights are only indicators that tell us which direction of traffic has the legal right to proceed. But can lights stop cars? No. Only drivers can do that. A very large portion of traffic deaths each year could be prevented if this simple habit were adopted by drivers.
Tip #2) Avoid driving in other drivers blind spots.
Not all drivers check their blind spots before making a lane change. It is a smart driving practice to avoid driving in any other vehicles blind spot. How can you tell if you are in a blind spot? Glance into the side view mirror of the car in question. If you can see the driver, the driver can see you. If you can not see the driver, it is likely that the driver can not see you either and that you are in their blind spot. Simply adjust your speed to get out of that position.
Tip #3) Look further ahead as you drive.
The faster you are going, the more distance your vehicle will travel while you perceive a problem ahead, and you continue traveling while you get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. If you are not looking far enough ahead at higher speeds, by the time you see a problem, you could have already hit it. Looking further ahead also gives a driver early warning to construction ahead, busses in the lane or traffic problems. By looking ahead, these can be seen early enough to make lane or route adjustments long before these things become a problem for you. How far ahead should you look? At lower speeds and typical city speeds, a block to a block and a half ahead is a good idea. At faster speeds and freeway speeds, a good kilometer is best. When visibility is restricted, slow down to compensate for the lowered response distance you will have.
Tip #4) Maintain a safe following distance.
We have all heard this one before but few seem to understand why it is important.
The average driver has a perception time of 3/4 of a second. That means that it takes you and me 3/4 of a second to realize there is a problem. The average driver also has a 3/4 of a second reaction time. That means that the average driver takes about 3/4 of a second to get their foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and all of that happens before their car begins to decelerate. How far a car travels in that 1.5 seconds (the time you are perceiving the problem and then getting your foot from the gas to the brake) depends on the speed that the car is traveling. If your car is moving at 30/kmH, your will travel 6m in 3/4 of a second while your brain realizes that a child is running from behind the car, 6m while you get your foot from the gas to the brake and now, you requires an average of 6m to stop the car. Although the car stopped in 6m, we traveled 18m from the time we started to perceive the problem to finish point where the car stopped. When a car is going 100/kmH the perception and reaction times stay the same, but the distances we travel as we go through perception, reaction and stopping changes. You will travel 21m in the 3/4 second you are perceiving, 21m in the 3/4 second you are reacting and then you will require an average of 88m to bring your vehicle to a stop.
When you are traveling behind another vehicle, moving at the same speed, what is your first clue that the vehicle ahead of you is stopping? If you said "their brake lights come on" you are right. (Unless their brake lights do not work, and then it will be the rapid rate at which the space between you is closing that will alert you.) Once the brake lights of the car ahead of you are on, you know that the foot of the driver ahead of you is already on the brake pedal. They are already stopping. You however, have just begun. You have to perceive, and react and stop before you hit the vehicle ahead of you. It is for this reason that drivers are encouraged to follow the 2 second rule. Two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you will ensure that you always have enough time to stop before you hit the person in front. At freeway speeds, it is wise to make that a 3 second rule and in adverse conditions you want to increase it accordingly for the road surface.
Tip#5) Check your mirror every 5-10 seconds and anytime you think you may need to brake. Why? By checking that frequently, you will maintain a mental picture of all the traffic around you. You will know where your best escape routes are if others begin to crash. You will see emergency vehicles early enough to get out of their way before they are on your tail. You will be alert to drivers who are weaving in and out of traffic at high speed so you will not make the mistake of making a lane change into them as they pass you. Most importantly, you will be sure that it is safe to brake before you touch the brake pedal, reducing your risk of being hit from behind.
Almost every driver has areas where he or she could lower their risk of crashing. By taking the initiative to implement new strategies into your driving habits, you will make your travels safer for you and those you travel with.

L. Goodwin is a former senior instructor for Young Drivers of Canada and Collision Free!(tm). She currently oversees the design of defensive driving rallies and adventure rallies for Rabid Entertainment Inc. Her rallies are used as team building exercises for corporate groups in and around the Calgary area. [http://rabid-entertainment.com]