It’s hard to believe that the 2012 Honda Civic is almost here, especially if you take a look at the 2011 model’s sales over the past few months. Despite the fact that the new model will soon be launched, the 2011 Civic continues to be a top 10 seller in the United States, and saw a record sales month in December. So what is it about Honda vehicles that make consumers unable to wait just a few months for the new models to arrive?
Honda has long been a favorite of US drivers, mainly due to the proven quality and reliability of their vehicles. Honda stays on top of styling trends, offering attractive vehicles that are not only a good fit, but are also comfortable. In addition, Honda engines are solidly made and fuel efficient, with the 2011 Civic receiving an EPA rating of 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, which is especially important as we see gas prices continuously rising.
While it remains to be seen how the 2012 Civic will stack up next to its predecessor, one of the major changes consumers have to look forward to is the introduction of new models of the Civic. The 2012 will be available in the traditional sedan and coupe, as well as a sportier “Si,” hybrid, and natural-gas variants. The new Civic will also be the first Honda hybrid to feature a lithium ion battery cell.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sienna Proves Toyota’s Dedication to Safety
It’s not easy to be named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a point which was made evident in the minivan category when only one vehicle was awarded the title. The Toyota Sienna blew the other revamped minivans away, and was the only one to receive the highest marks possible in front, side, rear, and rollover crash evaluations, and offer electronic stability control.
Other safety features of the redesigned Sienna that helped wow the IIHS include Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake-force distribution, and brake assist, as well as seven airbags throughout the car. All of these features come standard on the vehicle.
In total, eight Toyota vehicles were named Top Safety Picks. The other vehicles that were recognized for their commitment to passenger safety are: the Toyota Corolla, Venza, Highlander, and Avalon, the Lexus RX, and the Scion tC and xB.
Other safety features of the redesigned Sienna that helped wow the IIHS include Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake-force distribution, and brake assist, as well as seven airbags throughout the car. All of these features come standard on the vehicle.
In total, eight Toyota vehicles were named Top Safety Picks. The other vehicles that were recognized for their commitment to passenger safety are: the Toyota Corolla, Venza, Highlander, and Avalon, the Lexus RX, and the Scion tC and xB.
Friday, March 4, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, February 25, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Fuel Efficiency Tops Car Buyers’ List of Concerns
Gone are the days when the number one priority for car buyers was style and dependability. These days, everyone’s main concern is fuel efficiency, and with the increasing cost of gas this comes as no surprise. This top concern for car buyers around the world is likely to increase demand for hybrid and electric cars. It should also push auto manufacturers to design more fuel efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and vans.
However, according to many top executives in the auto industry, the ability for consumers to afford electric and hybrid vehicles is low. Many consumers will not be able to do so without some sort of government subsidy. Despite this trend, the executives still say that their investment in this type of technology is very important. It will become necessary some day to have vehicles that are extremely fuel friendly.
Working together to develop new fuel technologies is the best way for these auto manufacturers to increase their share of hybrid and electric vehicles. Of all major auto companies, 68% have joined alliances and taken on joint ventures to research and develop new technology that will increase the fuel economy of vehicles.
Around the world, an increase in fuel efficiency is a concern that is not being ignored. Automakers are taking on this challenge in many different ways, but they are all looking to find better technology that will make all cars more fuel-friendly, including conventional vehicles. The U.S. government has also taken action by passing a law that states that by 2016, all fleets in the United States must get an EPA estimated 37.8 miles per gallon.
However, according to many top executives in the auto industry, the ability for consumers to afford electric and hybrid vehicles is low. Many consumers will not be able to do so without some sort of government subsidy. Despite this trend, the executives still say that their investment in this type of technology is very important. It will become necessary some day to have vehicles that are extremely fuel friendly.
Working together to develop new fuel technologies is the best way for these auto manufacturers to increase their share of hybrid and electric vehicles. Of all major auto companies, 68% have joined alliances and taken on joint ventures to research and develop new technology that will increase the fuel economy of vehicles.
Around the world, an increase in fuel efficiency is a concern that is not being ignored. Automakers are taking on this challenge in many different ways, but they are all looking to find better technology that will make all cars more fuel-friendly, including conventional vehicles. The U.S. government has also taken action by passing a law that states that by 2016, all fleets in the United States must get an EPA estimated 37.8 miles per gallon.
Friday, February 18, 2011
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.
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.
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