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Ford Focus performance parts
Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.
Mobile phone use in motor vehicles has increased at a remarkable rate over the past 15 years. Yet it is undeniable that utilizing a cell phone while driving can affect driver performance as it relates to the overall safe operation of a vehicle. There are a number of things to consider in deciding whether the trade off in convenience is worth the potential risks associated with the distraction created by a cell phone. Given the fact that the individual driver (and/or business owner) ultimately pays for the resulting consequences associated with an auto or truck accident (financial, emotional and physical lose); it is prudent to seek out relevant and reliable information in making a decision. In doing so, consider the source, as well as the possible motivation behind the information provider.
Source: US Legislation
In the United States, there are currently no federal laws prohibiting driving while using a cell phone. In an earnest attempt to find a solution, some states (New Jersey, New York, the District of Columbia, Connecticut and pending in California) have passed laws barring hand-held cell phone use while driving. Typical fines range from $50 to $100 for drivers caught using a hand-held device. While these lawmakers have the public’s best interest at heart by levying fines, not all entities weighing in on this subject are likely to have the same incentive.
Source: Manufacturer Research
As the result of an independent study (found on their web site in the form of a press release), Plantronics, a manufacturer of headsets states, ‘71% of drivers steer more accurately when using a headset with a mobile phone’. They point out that the study was to discover if a person using a mobile phone improves driving if he or she uses a headset. Stephen Wilcox, Ph.D., Principal of Design Science (independent research firm) states, ‘Driving with both hands on the wheel is the safest option for motorists who use mobile phones, and headsets are tools to enable that improvement.’ Considering the source, is this statement characteristic of scientific research? Is it objective and free of marketing bias? Could it confuse individuals into thinking that cell phones are safe as long as you are hands-free? Additionally, found toward the end of the press release, is a comment by a senior director of product marketing. Beth Johnson states, ‘It’s important to keep in mind that our study is not intended to address the issue of whether or not it is safe to talk on a mobile phone while driving, but rather what type of technology is safest for drivers to use while talking on their mobile phones’. They also state their intent is to ‘educate drivers on options for using mobile phones comfortably and responsibly while driving’. Given that the goal is safety education, is this research responsibly comprehensive to consider it a relevant and reliable source?
Surely, as you go about your own assessment the idea of freeing up both hands to control the steering wheel is a logical consideration. If a driver focuses exclusively on driving the vehicle, then two hands on the wheel is better than one. Unfortunately, this seemingly sensible approach can lead to a false sense of driver security (possibly increasing crash risk) as noted in various reports (www.vcu.edu/cppweb/tstc/reports/reports.html) by the Crash Investigation Team at Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Public Safety. Their findings illustrated that the cognitive resources required to carry on a phone conversation are equivalent to those necessary to drive. This is an important concern given VCU’s history of transportation safety research, as well as other studies concluding this behavior (carrying on a phone conversation while driving), reduces both driver reaction time and driver attentiveness, especially as they relate to braking.
Unlike a computer, humans have a limited capacity to process simultaneous information. If the software on your computer seems to slow down, you might consider increasing the memory or processor speed to compensate for delays resulting from an overload in computing capacity. We as humans have a similar limitation when it comes to processing too much information, but unlike computers, our resources are somewhat fixed. Given the inherent delays in our own thought response time when faced with increased load factors, is it practical or safe to hold a cell phone conversation while driving a motor vehicle?
Source: Government Transportation Safety Research
The US government employs many of the top transportation safety experts and funds a major portion of the world’s accident prevention research. Given the effects traffic accidents and related congestion have on US productivity, accident reduction is a top priority. Considering that distracted driving accounted for at least 6.4 percent of crash fatalities in 2004 (U.S. Department of Transportation), many researchers are looking closely at the distinguishing distraction caused by cell phone use in vehicles. Furthermore, of the many potential distractions in a vehicle, cell phones are considered equally or more dangerous than the other known distractions such as eating, reading a map or grooming while operating a motor vehicle. In light of the ongoing research for, and by, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov/) we should at least consider their policy on using cell phones while driving that states ‘The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.’
Source: Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
According to the CTIA, there are currently more than 218 million subscribed cell phone users as of August 2006 (compared to some 4.3 million in 1990). Based on the extraordinary growth of cellular phone industry and the CTIA’s advisory role, it may be of value to think about their point of view on this topic. In doing so, you might consider a document found on the CTIA’s web site, entitled ‘SafeDrivingTalkingPoints2′ (created June 6, 2006) that states ‘But for some reason, legislative efforts to prevent driver distractions have been narrowly focused on wireless phone use. According to government statistics and respected research studies, this approach is well off point.’ Consider that, there are more than 220 million vehicles on the road and a similar number of cell phones subscribers. Based on the amount of time customers might potentially spend using their cell phones in vehicles, we would hope to find the CTIA an objective source. Given the magnitude of the revenue at stake, is a greater degree of scrutiny in order here? Would the CTIA hold a different position if they were liable, in part, for distracted vehicle accidents?
Source: Leading Universities & Independent Researchers
While there are a number of valuable studies on this subject, the following are extensive research projects provided by highly accredited organizations:
1) Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracked 100 cars and their drivers for a year; they discovered that talking on cell phones caused more crashes, near-crashes and other incidents than other distractions (100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, April 2006).
2) University of Utah researchers determined that motorists on the blood-alcohol threshold of being legally drunk were able to drive better than sober cell phone using drivers. A key researcher and author in this field, Psychology Professor David Strayer notes, ‘Just like you put yourself and other people at risk when you drive drunk, you put yourself and others at risk when you use a cell phone and drive. The level of impairment is very similar.’ Also, consider they found motorists to be more accident-prone and slower to react when talking on cellular telephones. It did not matter if it was hands-free either because of ‘inattention blindness’, a syndrome that makes a driver less able to process visual information.
3) The George Institute for International Health (University of Sydney, Australia), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (Arlington, Virginia) and Injury Research Centre, University of Western Australia (Crawley Australia) jointly presented research entitled ‘Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study’. The research consisted of 456 drivers aged 17 years who owned or used mobile phones and had been involved in road crashes requiring hospital attendance between April 2002 and July 2004. They concluded that a driver who uses a mobile phone (up to 10 minutes prior to a crash) has a four times higher likelihood of crashing and an increased likelihood of a crash resulting in injury. Using a hands-free phone is not any safer.
Eliminate the Risk & Keep the Benefits
If you are the head of a household, a guardian or the parent of a less experienced driver, your decision to allow any in-vehicle cell phone use carries a major emotional and financial risk. If you are a fleet manager or you employ individuals that conduct work-related conversations while driving, the risk of liability for distracted accidents could fall on you. Strongly consider the legal ramifications for the careless operation of an employee-owned or company-supplied vehicle before deciding to ignore the inherent danger created by a major cognitive distraction such as a cell phone.
Obviously, there are no easy or certain solutions without sacrifice of convenience. Remember that the benefit of having a cell phone (emergency use and times when you are not operating a vehicle) is not lost just because it remains off while driving. If you consider the facts presented by relevant and reliable sources, it really is not a matter of a trade off after all, but an opportunity to prevent an accident or possibly a fatality. In the mean time, until it is proven otherwise, think about instigating a life saving strategy NOW for the safe use of cell phones - limit yourself, loved ones and employees to use (personal and business) only when the vehicle is in park!
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Gary S. Rothstein is the President of Mobile Awareness, a company which designs and markets vehicle safety products. He has 25 years experience in the engineering field of high technology electronic systems and can be reached at www.MobileAwareness.com, 34305 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139, 866-653-5036, gsr@MobileAwareness.com Copyright? September 2006
January 23, 2008
The Saturn Aura is a new entrant in the automotive world. It is manufactured by the great General Motors and it would be available in the market just starting this 2007. It took the spot that used to belong to the Saturn L Series.
This new 2007 vehicle has been built as an entrant to the midsize class of vehicles and it comes as a sedan that holds four doors and the best Saturn auto parts. It has been built using the FF Epsilon platform. Engine choices for this vehicle include a 2.4 liter BAS hybrid engine, a 3.5 liter LZ4 V6 engine, and a 3.6 liter LY7 V6 engine. Considered as competition, the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, and Toyota Camry better be on the lookout for this new vehicle.
Though this vehicle is marketed under the Saturn brand which has already gained a name for vehicles that do not make much of a difference, the Saturn Aura actually has a charm of its own. Despite it being the newest in the Saturn range, the Saturn Aura is considered to be the best product and vehicle that the brand has to offer in the market.
If you do take a closer look at the Saturn Aura, you would see that it might just be targeted towards the European market. You see, it has a good amount of space and room for both the front and the rear. It also is the proud owner of a hydraulic power steering which is quite quick when used. The hydraulic power that the Saturn Aura has is also just right weight which is a good sign in a vehicle like this one.
The base model of the Saturn Aura is the XE and this one comes with a 3.5 liter SOHC engine. The engine has the capacity to produce some 224 units of horsepower plus 220 pound feet of torque. Up next is the Saturn Aura XR which has a more sophisticated engine ? the DOHC 3.6 liter V6 engine. This one has the capacity to create 252 units of horsepower and 251 pound feet of torque.
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Saturn auto parts
Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.
January 20, 2008
We all know what Mazda is. But as per what a hydrogen vehicle is, that is something not quite familiar for most people. You see, a hydrogen vehicle is actually considered as an alternative fuel vehicle, or an AFV, for instead of using the usual type of fuel or gas to give it power, the hydrogen vehicle can run using hydrogen as the primary source of its power.
So now the question is what is the connected between the Mazda brand and hydrogen vehicles? The answer is quite simple. You see, Mazda has been doing research on hydrogen vehicles. After all, the company has sure been showing very keen interest in this type of vehicle. Perhaps Mazda is still trying to find the answer to some problems that hydrogen powered vehicles pose. One of these is that hydrogen for cars can be quite costly and the vehicle does not perform well. However, with the type of technologies that the industry is capable of doing, perhaps the future is starting to get brighter for Mazda and its interest in hydrogen powered vehicles.
Of course, despite the blatant interest Mazda has with this kind of vehicles, the company still has the time and the capacity to continuously produce new vehicles in their vehicle range. Also, it still continues on creating products for the market like Mazda Tribute auto parts among many others. The company also is still continuously designing, testing, and producing new vehicles for the market.
The hydrogen powered vehicle interest that Mazda has displayed has been noted some fifteen years back. In fact, it has already created various prototype vehicles that they claim to hold the capacity to run on hydrogen. If you would remember the Mazda HR-X Prototype vehicle, this is one concept car that the Mazda has shown off to the motoring public. And it was during the Tokyo Motor Show done back in the year 1991 that the company introduced this hydrogen vehicle prototype. What this one held was a rotary engine that could run on hydrogen.
Years have passed and the interest on hydrogen vehicles has not yet waned for Mazda. And many enthusiasts are on guard and trying to see what developments the company has in store for the future.
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Mazda Tribute auto parts
Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.
January 18, 2008
Who could not forget the much hyped and much advertised pirate treasure hunt by Volvo Cars? In fact, many people have been enticed by the whole idea of battling it out as pirates through various forms of media and finding a buried Volvo XC90 V8 vehicle in the end of the race.
The whole ordeal started out through the Internet and through various games, challenges, and trivia, the would be pirates had to make sure that they could go through each step of the way and solve every challenge that they faced. This competition has been regarded as highly successful because of the huge amount of interested participants who went in and joined in The Hunt. Aside from this, the Volvo Hunt also is the very first of its kind for it is a multi-media hunt.
The whole challenge took two months of solving challenges on the Internet. However, only seven were able to make it to the final list. There were three contenders who hailed from the US while the remaining finalists came from UK, Japan, Spain, and Austria. These finalists did not know where the final challenge and the final leg was going to take place. The only time that they knew about it was when they were already flown to the secret location. The paradise of Bahamas. And it would take the finalists two days to find the treasure. Clues were still around the place as well as challenges. And those who made to the last leg had to go over each obstacle so as to be able to advance to the next one.
It was David Hutz, the finalist from USA who found the buried Volvo XC90 V8 which was unique for it was pirate-themed. The six other finalists did not go home empty handed, though. They also received a prize from Volvo and it was not just some parts for 1986 Volvo XC90. In fact, each one of them took home a Volvo, which was a surprise for them.
One of the finalists, Karl Lloyd who hails from the UK, exclaims, ?When I received the call from Volvo saying I had won a trip to a mystery location, I was certainly surprised, but when we arrived in the Bahamas, I was speechless. Then, when I thought I?d dropped out of the running, I was very disappointed ? but when we found out that all the runners up would receive a new Volvo XC90, I was absolutely flabbergasted! Thanks to everyone at Volvo for making the whole experience both wonderful and unforgettable.?
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parts for 1986 Volvo XC90
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.
January 17, 2008
Your car is bursting at the seams with children, sports equipment, groceries and pets. You think it may be time to trade up to a larger car. But is an SUV the right choice to make for your family?
First and foremost, as anyone who watches the evening news knows, the price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are notorious for poor gas mileage. Or are they? Depending on what make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. For example, the 2004 Honda Element gets 22 miles to the gallon in the city, just 2 miles per gallon less than the 2004 Honda Accord. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 miles per gallon less than the Accord, a larger, but not huge, difference Also, more and more auto manufacturers are designing hybrid gas-electric SUVs that provide better gas mileage along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs.
Another major consideration when choosing between a car and an SUV is safety. Most people assume that, because of their larger size, that SUVs are safer than cars. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 proved that large SUVs were only slightly safer than mid-sized cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars. SUVs also can roll over when taking turns at high speed, something that cars are far less likely to do. Drivers who are switching to SUVs after many years of driving cars may need some practice to learn to drive their SUV safely.
Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. To a certain extent this is true, but it depends heavily on what make and model of SUV you choose. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, though almost all have the power to haul a trailer. As far as comfort, many drivers prefer being higher up from the road, but older drivers and those with disabilities may have a hard time getting into the raised seats. Additionally, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended back seat center position may be difficult for shorter moms and dads.
Finally, if you do a lot of city driving and, more importantly, parking, SUVs are less maneuverable and harder to parallel park than traditional cars. Even in the suburbs where most people park in lots, the spaces may not be wide enough for certain SUVs.
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Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Automotive, Real Estate, and Business
January 12, 2008
Seven Gas Saving Tips: beating the gas pump blues
How to find cheap gas and get better gas mileage This summer, travelers can expect more pain at the pump. Gas prices are up - and many travelers are taking note. Long, aimless summer road trips are no longer the cheap way to get away from it all like they were back in the day. But don’t let the $3+ prices get in the way of your summer fun. There are plenty of ways to save money on gas and finding ways to squeeze the most out of your travel budget is really up to you. Luckily, we’re here to help as best we can with a slew of information related to how to find cheap gas, getting better gas mileage and other gas saving tips.
Driving and gas saving tips to get better gas mileage, find cheap gas prices and save money:
1. First and most importantly, consult Gas Buddy to find cheap gas in your area. Gas Buddy is a site dedicated to compiling current gas prices at stations around the country. You can look up any city to find the cheapest stations. Obviously, saving 25 cents a gallon is not like winning the lottery, but it could translate into a cover charge at a club, lunch on the road, a travel guidebook, museum admission or a few bottles of sun block. Hey - a penny saved is a penny earned right?
2. Drive the speed limit, no matter how dorky you feel. The faster you drive the more gas your car uses. Plus, the slower you drive, the more roadside scenery you can enjoy!
3. Drive smoothly. Jerky starts, tailgating, sudden stops and erratic lane changing eat up fuel quickly. They also increase the likelihood of unwanted beverage spillage and road rage
4. Get regular maintenance on your car. Keeping the engine tuned and changing the oil and air filters regularly will help your car run efficiently and save you money in the long run. A happy car equals happy traveling and better gas mileage.
5. Reduce ‘drag’ during long drives. Open windows, bulky car-top containers, open sunroofs and excess junk in the trunk mean your car has to work harder to run, especially when you’re driving on the highway.
6. Only use air conditioning when you really need it. Dress in shorts and a tank top to keep cool, drink cold water and you can handle sweating a little bit.
7. Don’t fork over the extra cash for higher grade gasoline if your car doesn’t require it. Check your owner’s manual to find out what’s best for your car
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Jillian Scheeler makes it easy to provide ways hows to use gas properly and save it accordingly. To recieve free part minicourse visit the Save Gas Tips Website.
January 11, 2008
Leasing a car is not only an attractive financial offer to the majority of auto-consumers, but also a lifestyle and favorite choice.
Leasing a car has four main benefits.
1. Keeping up with the latest trends. Lots of people want to drive the latest models every two to three years.
2. Leasing offers buying flexibility. It allows you to postpone the buying decision while using the car. At the end of your lease, you can buy the car or simply walk away.
3. Leasing reduces your preliminary cash expense because you do not have to pay the large down payment required for car ownership.
4. Just about every aspect of leasing is negotiable. If you know all the fees involved, you can lower your monthly payments.
When leasing a car, it is easier to choose the same company for your auto insurance. However, you may end up paying too much for your coverage and it is better to look elsewhere for lower rates.
When you lease, the car that you will drive belongs to the leasing company. They want to be sure that their investment is covered in the event the car gets damaged, totaled or stolen.
They usually want to get covered for the difference between what your auto-insurer pays and your unpaid leasing obligations at the time of the accident or damage. This is called GAP, short for Guaranteed Auto Protection, and is typically included in the leasing contract.
If your leasing company is a finance division of an automaker, then your GAP insurance will be offered by the same lease company.
You are under no obligation to accept GAP insurance included as part of your lease agreement. Why pay an insurance premium if you can find the same coverage for a lower price?
Spend some time shopping by comparing quotes from different insurance companies. Demand discounts that you already qualify for and modify your coverage in view of that.
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Go to these web pages to learn more about Leasing versus Buying a Car as well as How to Get Out of a Car Lease.
January 7, 2008
Perhaps your car is just getting dirty from wear and tear. Perhaps you take your car in for an oil change, and your dealer asks if you want to get your car detailed. Is it worth your money to get professionally done?
The secret to car detailing is in the name: it?s all about the details. When professionals detail your car, they know all the professional secrets that you might not.
Professional car detailers have all of the equipment ready. They have the detergents and the vacuums. If you don?t mind getting together the materials that you will need to detail your car, then consider detailing it at home. You will have to pay more initially to get all the materials, but you certainly won?t use up each of your cleansers every time. After the initial outlay, it becomes much cheaper to detail your car at home.
If you want to detail at home, find out what extras the professionals do to give your car the added boost. Often, they do large tasks such as taking out the seats in cars with removable seats to get all of the added grit. If you feel uncomfortable or unable to do such tasks, consider getting a professional to detail your car. You might even not feel up to the basic tasks of cleaning if you are physically limited. This is where professional help is the best solution.
If you choose to detail your car at home, there are a few basics to consider. For a thorough detail, you will want to wash your car, polish or wax your car, clean the interior, and get those windows clean. Car enthusiasts will also clean the parts of the engine that you can see. Remember not to skip your tires or your trunk!
Here are some hints for do-it-yourself car detailers. Use a wet-vacuum. A water-powered vacuum will be able to get the stains out of your upholstery better. If you have a leather car interior, consult an expert (or even call your dealer) before vacuuming. You might be best to simply wipe your car down if you have a leather car interior. When you use a wet-vacuum, always use slightly warmed water to clean your car. This brings out the best possible results.
Another tip to keep in mind if you are detailing your car is to never spray cleaning agents directly on to any surface of your car. Spray it onto a soft cloth or chamois to apply. Don?t use anything hard or scratchy on or in your car. You don?t want to chip the paint, polish, or finish. Use carpet cleaners for upholstered seats. Take out floor mats and clean them separately.
At a dealership or professional detailer, always ask what is included in the price of the detailing. Sometimes car detailing includes fixing marks to the paint or finish of a car. Other times it is only interior detailing. If you want added extras, sometimes you can get them just by asking. Only for large jobs will you need to pay more money.
Some services that you might enquire about at a professional dealer, or that you might consider performing yourself are things that you might not think of every day. Coating your antenna with graphite helps if your antenna is retractable. Use a q-tip to clean the inside of your vents. Use leather cleaners for leather surfaces (but remember that not all surfaces in a leather interior are actually leather; some are just faux leather).
You might realize that you don?t need to have car that is spotless. If this is the case, then cleaning your car at home is an obvious choice. Every once in a while, however, it is nice to do a thorough detailing job. You can?t always drive away in a new car, but you can sometimes drive away in a car that feels like new.
In the end, choosing to get your car detailed is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer. If you have enough money, and you don?t have the time, then having a professional detailer is the obvious solution. If you don?t have the money, consider detailing at home.
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Andrew Dillan is an editor at http://www.theguideto-carloans.com/budgeting_for_a_car/ The Guide to Car Loans. For all the information you need on cars and money, visit The Guide to Car Loans. Find out how to own your dream car today!
January 4, 2008
Driving in the rain can be very dangerous. Any insurance company or police officer could tell you that accidents increase during rainy periods. This article will give you some tips on driving your car or truck in the rain.
The first thing you need to do is slow down. You cannot go the same speed on a wet road as you can on a dry one. Speed also increases your chance of hydroplaning. Since you are moving faster your tires are not able to displace enough water and your car will begin riding on the surface of the water. This can cause you to lose control. So slow down.
The next thing you can do is keep your tires in good condition. Make sure they are completely inflated and that the tread is in good shape. A tire with improper inflation or poor tread will not be able to grip a wet road and properly displace water.
It is also important to concentrate when driving in wet weather. Do not let yourself become distracted by cell phones, changing radio stations or eating and drinking. Concentrate on driving and driving only.
Lastly, leave yourself extra distance between vehicles. By giving yourself a larger buffer zone you give yourself time to react if the vehicle in front of you loses control. Also always have an escape route. Think to yourself what would you do if the vehicle in front of ytou stops suddenly. Can you change lanes without hitting someone? Always know where you will go if you need to make an emergency maneuver.
Driving in the rain does not have to be a dangerous activity. Simply take your time and pay attention to what you are doing and you will arrive at your destination safely.
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