Most Safe Cars in 2011

Many factors weigh in to determine Forbes’ list of Safest Cars for 2011. First, all cars had to be chosen as a 2011 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Second, in order to create a list exclusively made up of cars, all trucks, vans, SUVs, and crossovers were removed. Then, any models that did not receive a perfect score of “good” on every IIHS crash test were removed.

The four crash tests include; front-, side-, and rear-crash tests as well as a rollover test. The front test includes a 40-mph frontal offset crash that measures how well the car’s restraint system controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash. The side tests are based on crashes where the side of the vehicle is hit by an object moving at 31 mph. The rear-crash test measures the dummy’s neck pressure when they are hit from behind by an object moving at 20 mph. The rollover test, tests the strength of the roof when a metal plate is pushed against the roof at a rate of 0.2 inches per second. To get a “good” rating on the rollover test, the roof must withstand a force four times greater than the vehicles weight before reaching five inches of crush.

After all the tests had been completed and the numbers were calculated, Forbes’ named these vehicles as the safest cars in 2011:

• BMW 5-Series
• Buick LaCrosse
• Cadillac CTS Sedan
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Lincoln MKS
• Mercedes C-Class
• Mercedes E-Class Sedan
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback

When You Can Wait to Repair Your Car

There is never a good time to have your vehicle be in need of a repair, but sometimes the issues seem to come at the worst possible moment. Whether you cannot afford the repair or simply do not have the time to deal with it, they are a burden. And while there are many repairs that need to be taken care of immediately, regardless of how it fits into your schedule, there are some that can be put off until a more convenient time. Here are five repairs that can wait.

1. Oil leaks. Oil leaks will eventually need to be repaired, but there are some things you can do yourself to put off that hassle. Many leaks can be temporarily fixed by tightening up the mounting bolts on a gasket. Be sure not to over-tighten though, as this can cause a larger problem. If tightening the bolts does not work, you can still delay the repair by keeping an eye on the oil level and filling up as necessary, for a period of time.

2. Body repairs. Of course, if the damage to the car causes a safety issue, then you definitely need to get it fixed immediately. However, most body damage can wait for a more convenient time.

3. Engine knocks. Like body repairs, some engine knocks do need to be fixed immediately, so before letting this go, get a proper diagnosis as to how serious the damage is. However, some engine knocks can go for a long time before needing to be fixed. Just make sure to get the engine fixed before it goes completely, which will set you back even more.

4. Damaged seats. Damaged seats are more of a cosmetic problem, and therefore, do not put your car in any danger when they go without maintenance. Replacing seats can also be expensive, so try some alternatives before paying for new ones. Seat covers will hide the damage, and are now made to be tightly form fitting. Another option would be to have the torn seat re-upholstered.

5. Paint jobs. Again, this is really more of a cosmetic issue. And, like new seats, a new paint job can be costly, so before you shell out thousands of dollars for one, try waxing your vehicle to restore the luster.

Stricter Laws for Newly Licensed Drivers

Teenage drivers have the highest accident rates of any other age group on the road. The combination of their inexperience, immaturity, and high risk-taking leads to thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths each year. In an effort to combat this problem, some states are creating stricter driving laws for these young, newly licensed drivers.

Michigan, one of the latest states to toughen-up their driving laws for teens, will enact new constraints this March. Their restrictions will follow in the footsteps of several other states, such as Illinois, Connecticut, and New York, by imposing an earlier curfew and limiting the number of teen passengers they are allowed to have. New teen drivers will only be allowed to have one non-family related passenger under the age of 20 in the vehicle with them, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult who is 21 or older, and has been approved by the teen’s parents. Young drivers will also be banned from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. However, there are exceptions to these rules when the driver is traveling for work or school purposes.

The purpose of laws such as these is to remove the factors that often lead to accidents. The more teens that are present in a young driver’s car, the more likely that driver is to participate in risky driving behaviors, such as not wearing a seatbelt, playing loud music, speeding, and getting distracted. The curfew will be in place to get inexperienced drivers off the road during the most dangerous hours. During this time, it is dark, visibility is bad, and other high-risk drivers, such as those who are tired or drunk, are most likely to be present.

Although Michigan joins a small number of states enacting these restrictions, changes may soon be coming for teen drivers in other states if these laws are effective. And so far, it looks as though they are. According to Connecticut, after imposing tougher restrictions on new drivers the number of teens involved in fatal crashes was reduced by 62%, while in Illinois, the number of teen-driving deaths dropped from 146 to 71.

Driving Habits to Avoid

There are not many things in life more irritating than bad driving habits. We have all been on the road with irresponsible drivers, and some of us may be guilty of poor driving habits ourselves. However, driving recklessly or not paying attention often creates more negative effects than we realize. Not only can it lead to accidents and road rage, it can also be bad for the environment and causes extra wear and tear on your vehicle.

Here are five common driving behaviors that are not only annoying, but also dangerous and destructive.

1. Tailgating. Tailgating is by far one of the most annoying things one driver can do to another. There is a high risk of an accident if the other driver suddenly stops, and constantly switching from your gas to brakes guzzles gasoline. In fact, tailgating can reduce a vehicle’s gas mileage by up to 33%.

2. Using a cell phone. Over 5,000 people die every year in accidents involving a distracted driver. Waiting to call someone back or answer a text message will not only make the other vehicles around you happy, it could save your and their lives.

3. Being in the wrong lane. If you find yourself in the turn lane when you should be going straight, or vice versa, follow the lane and turn around later. Doing so will allow the people behind you, who are in the right lane, to get through the light, and is less dangerous and probably just as easy.

4. Hitting the brakes on the highway. Unless the traffic in front of you is quickly stopping or at a standstill, lay off the brake. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you so you can react to their changing speed without using the brakes. It will make other drivers happy, and help your gas mileage too.

5. Cutting other drivers off. Cutting across lanes of traffic is extremely dangerous, as it can easily lead to an accident and frustrates other drivers. Plan ahead so you know when you need to turn or get off the highway, and always use your blinker.

Myth or Fact: Your Car Needs to be Warmed Up on Cold Days?

It is a common belief that you need to warm up your car when it is really cold outside to avoid some sort of damage. No one is sure what sort of damage can be expected, but everyone seems to think that if you don’t warm up your car for a few minutes before you drive it, you will have problems. Besides, warming up your car before you have to drive means it will be warm on the inside too, so you won’t have to sit in the cold. However, this myth is exactly that: a myth. Failing to warm up your car before you get in it and drive away will not cause any harm to your car.

According to mechanics you do not need to idle your car “because of the efficiency of modern fuel injection.” The only reason to let a car idle is to get the oil circulating; but after 30 seconds that is done. Staring your car to warm it up before you get in does not work either; it will actually warm up more quickly if you are driving it. Below are three reasons you should not idle your car.

1. It costs money. Over a year of five minutes of daily idling estimates show that the operator of a V8 will waste 20 gallons of gas which will cost at least $60. Also, idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more money than restarting the car would.
2. It hurts your car. Idling your car for too long will actually hurt your car. An idling engine is forced to operate inefficiently degrading both its performance and mileage.
3. It is harmful to you and the environment. Five minutes of idling everyday for a year produces more than 440 pounds of carbon dioxide into the environment. Idling in your garage even with the door open can still be harmful to the driver and those in the house. An idling engine emits carbon monoxide and other noxious gases which can increase rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies.

Monitoring System Hopes to Make DUIs a Thing of the Past

2011 may seem to be all about electric cars, but another trend is slowly taking over. Vehicle safety has emerged as a hot topic recently, and whether we are discussing safety features that are currently available on new models or ones in the very beginning stages, it is clear where automakers are heading. The latest safety technology to be introduced is a system that will prevent people who are intoxicated from operating a vehicle.

This new technology would differ from the current alcohol ignition interlock systems, in that it works through in-car sensors, located in places such as the steering wheel and door locks. The sensors will analyze a driver’s breath and skin to determine their level of intoxication, and if a level above the legal limit is determined, the car will not start. Alcohol ignition interlock systems, which are most often used as part of a DUI conviction, require a driver to blow into a Breathalyzer before the car will start.

Despite the government’s tentative thumbs up of the monitoring system, it could take up to 10 years for the technology to be commercially available. Some people fear that if the device were to malfunction, it may prevent sober drivers from starting their vehicle and getting where they need to go. Therefore, according to David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Administration, the system will not be used until it is determined to be “seamless, unobtrusive, and unfailingly accurate.” Even when the technology is cleared for commercial sale, it will most likely be an optional feature, and automakers will choose whether or not to include it on their vehicles.

Handling a Flat Tire

If you have ever had the unpleasant and inconvenient experience of a flat tire you know how much panic can set in in just a short period of time. Driving with a flat tire can be a very terrifying experience, but when it happens you have to stay calm and remain in control. Your safety is the most important factor when driving with a flat tire, not your schedule or any other concerns you may have. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you get a flat tire while driving.

1. At the first thump feeling, take control, keep a firm and steady grip on the steering wheel, and maintain a straight course. Concentrate on keeping or regaining control of your vehicle.
2. Don’t slam on the brakes. At the first sign of trouble, calmly ease off the accelerator to slow the vehicle and get over to the right side of the road.
3. Do not stop in the road. Put your hazards on and, if possible, pull into a parking lot. Otherwise, continue to slow down and carefully pull as far over as possible on the shoulder.
4. Once you have pulled over, put the car into park, set the parking brake, and then call for roadside assistance. While waiting do not stand beside or next to your vehicle.
5. If you are attempting to change the tire yourself, angle the car away from the road and traffic to ensure your safety.
6. To flag down a police officer or tow truck operator, raise your car’s hood and tie something white to your antenna or hang it out a window so they will know you need help.

Why There Won’t Be As Many 5-Star Vehicles This Year

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been performing their New Car Assessment Program, perhaps better known as the Five-Star Safety Rating System, since 1978. This year, however, they have decided to shake things up and have drastically revised the system. Due to the major changes, the 2011 models cannot be compared to previous years, and the ratings are not likely to be shown on new vehicles for at least a few more weeks, if not longer.

One major change to the test is the addition of a small female dummy. In years past, a medium-sized male dummy was used in all tests to represent all drivers. However, the NHTSA realized that this did not properly represent the American population. The new dummy is being used to represent smaller women and children, and injuries sustained to the smaller dummy will be compared to those of the larger. Other new features of the test include a side pole test, used to represent a vehicle’s collision with narrow stationary objects, such as trees or telephone poles, and the disclosure of whether or not vehicles come with crash-avoidance technology.

The NHTSA made the decision to update the test because they feel that after several years of being tested in the same way, automakers have figured out the protocol, and know exactly what they need to do to earn a top rating. Last year, almost every vehicle tested earned 4- or 5-star ratings, so the NHTSA decided it was time to raise the standards. This year, new models will also be awarded an overall score for the first time, based on their scores on each category. Each category will weigh in differently, and the new overall scores will make it easier for consumers to compare vehicles.