November 5, 2009
Earlier today, Ford announced its introduction of the auto industry's first-ever inflatable seat belts for production vehicles. The belts will be used to protect rear-seat occupants, and represent a combination of airbag and seat-belt technology.
In the olden days, headlights were made of glass and were round (okay, sometimes rectangular). Most modern headlights have plastic lenses/covers that in time get hazy and even yellowed as they age. Thousands of miles of getting bombarded with dirt, sand and grit are to blame for clouding up these headlights. And until recently, you had no option but to replace them with expensive new units. Depending on how far gone they are, you can probably save them with a headlight restoration kit, provided you don't mind mimicking Daniel-san in the Karate Kid.
October 27, 2009
Nissan is recalling more than 160,000 of its 2008 and 2009 Rogue CUVs because a screw may come loose in the steering gear housing. A loose screw will result in compromised steering response, but the driver will still have steering control. If the screw falls out entirely and the driver steers hard, the pinion shaft may come out of the steering gear and the driver would lose all steering control.
This recall is expected to begin in November. Nissan dealers will tighten the screw if it is loose and install a cover plate to prevent future loosening, free of charge. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261, the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to Safercar.gov. The NHTSA recall I.D. number is 09V411000.
October 23, 2009
A few weeks ago on my morning commute, I passed a yellow school bus in front of the local high school that faces a very busy street. As I accelerated away from it, I realized the bus was still unloading kids. Oops. Guess I missed the "stop arm."
That type of thing happens thousands of times a day. Some of us are in such a rush to get where we're going, distracted by traffic (or whatever else), that it doesn't register in our brains that the school bus has lowered its stop arm or is flashing its yellow lights.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids reach 80 pounds and 4'9" tall (typically 8 - 12 years old) before leaving their booster seats behind. This is stricter than any of the state laws, which vary wildly: While 47 states have booster seat laws, only 25 states and the District of Columbia require booster seats for children up to at least age 8. Ohio's new booster seat law just went into effect October 7th. Florida, Arizona, and South Dakota have no booster seat law at all.
Most kids don't want to wait until they're 4'9", and parents often give in to their demands. (See Booster Seats: Fight the Good Fight.) But this is a tragic lack of judgment. According to a new study released this week from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), children ages 4 to 8 in belt-positioning booster seats are 45 percent less likely to be injured in a crash compared with children using a seat belt alone. The study confirmed that the "older" 6 - 8 -year-olds benefit just like the 4 - 5-year-olds from earlier studies.
For more on child passenger safety, see CHOP's site, the Car Safety Guide, and the Women and Family Car Guide.
October 13, 2009
Ford and Mazda are issuing a voluntary recall of an additional 4.5 million vehicles for a faulty cruise control deactivation switch, the latest of eight recalls for the same problem. The switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat and then burn, even if the cruise control isn't activated or the vehicle is turned off or unattended.
Although Ford is unaware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities related to the problem, it is urging all owners of recalled vehicles to immediately make a service appointment with a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer and not to park vehicles in garages or near homes until repairs are made.
October 6, 2009
Making its floor mat bulletin official, Toyota yesterday recalled 3.8 million vehicles -- the largest Toyota recall ever and the country's sixth-largest. A loose floor mat is being blamed for the August death of California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor, his wife and two children, prompting the recall of the following vehicles:
2007 - 2010 Camry
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra
October 5, 2009
The Infiniti FX35 isn't for everybody. Compared to more cookie-cutter crossovers, the FX35 -- with its rakish rear pillar and unorthodox exterior styling -- exudes the attitude that it can take you on a ride that other crossovers can't. Why else would Edmunds' staff of normally circumspect scribes have fallen for the FX35's higher-end sibling, the FX50, as evidenced by the many Long-Term Road Test blog posts.
While the FX35 we tech tested doesn't have the full complement of cool tech that our LT FX50 is laden with, it has plenty of bells and whistles to go along with its exterior bling and performance prowess. But all these extras don't come cheap and are packaged so that you can't cherry-pick what you want. Our test vehicle topped out at $46,955 after starting out at $40,950, with the extra $5k consisting of two pricey but extensive options packages.
September 29, 2009
Add to the growing list of car-specific iPhone apps DangerZones, which pinpoints the locations of over 200,000 traffic fatalities across the U.S. The developer of the app claims that it culls five years worth of motor vehicle fatality data to tip drivers off to trouble spots along their routes and commutes and also displays stats and graphics to communicate specific road risks, federal and state laws, the most dangerous days to drive and more.
The app uses Google Map technology and GPS to keep track of your current location and will display up to 1,000 DangerZones. Vehicle fatality data is also automatically updated as it becomes available.
And while it doesn't play the lame song of the same name from the movie Top Gun, DangerZones gives drivers lots to think about while on a certain stretch of road.
September 28, 2009
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and 2010 Nissan Versa the title of Top Safety Pick. This is accomplished by achieving the highest possible rating of "Good" in the institute's frontal-offset, side and rear crash tests, plus the vehicle must be equipped with stability control. The latter is standard on the LaCrosse and optional on the Versa.
September 18, 2009
If you search under the word "smell" our Forums, you'll find car buyers writing in to ask about smells in their car that don't seem quite right. These questions pop up consistently and sometimes lead to discussions of potentially unsafe chemicals in vehicles, as it has with the discussion of a sulfur smell coming from the Toyota 4Runner.
But it's not just that new car smell that could be harmful. A car has thousands of chemicals in its very composition, plus hundreds or thousands more required for its operation (like air conditioning, for example). There's a rising tide of concerned car buyers and health advocates who feel that those chemicals could be toxic to both drivers and passengers -- particularly children, who are more vulnerable.
HealthyStuff.org, which tests a wide variety of consumer products for toxic chemicals, has issued new report that includes results on more than 700 new and used cars, as well as kids' car seats. The Ten Best and Ten Worst are above. Among the findings:
September 16, 2009
On August 28, a California Highway Patrol officer and three family members were killed when their 2008 Lexus ES 350 careered off the road at 120 mph in Santee, California. According to a backseat passenger's 911 call, the throttle was stuck open and the brakes were unresponsive.
The Lexus was a loaner, and a post-crash inspection determined that it may have been equipped with floor mats that were a couple inches too long, meaning they could have slid forward and interefered with pedal operation. In response, Toyota/Lexus has ordered its dealers to inspect the floor mats in all of its vehicles.
We'll likely never know exactly what happened in that Lexus, but the incident serves as a sobering reminder that floor mats can be hazardous if not installed properly. Moreover, many drivers of older cars use aftermarket floormats that are not secured by clips -- these are inherently prone to sliding around. So be mindful of your floor mats and whether they have the potential to interfere with your footwork. With everything else you have to worry about on the road, the last thing you need is a floor mat getting in the way.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
September 8, 2009
My first car -- a used 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco -- used to stall in the middle of intersections in the dead of winter, even if I had warmed it up quite a while. This was a pretty frightening experience for a 16-year-old. Then came fuel injection in the '80s and, later, more advanced electronic control units (ECUs), and things improved greatly.
Now, though, Volvo is recalling almost 12,000 cars for an electrical system software problem that could cause the car to stall suddenly after driving a short distance at idle -- potentially resulting in a crash. Model year and vehicles affected by the recall are 2008-2010 Volvo S80, 2009-2010 Volvo XC70, and 2010 XC60.
August 28, 2009
The Insurance Instutute for Highway Safety just announced that the Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger have all earned its prestigious "Top Safety Pick" award. This is a rather difficult honor to achieve, as a vehicle must have stability control as a standard feature and earn the agency's top rating of "Good" in its frontal offset, side impact and rear crash tests.
August 27, 2009
When it comes time to replacing tires on a car that was bought new, many consumers automatically go with original fitment. "That's what the manufacturer used, so it must be the best tire for this car" or so goes the wisdom. But due to factors such as the carmaker wanting to keep production costs down and tire science advancements giving rise to better performing tires, this is not necessarily the best way to go when its time for new sneakers for your ride.
With those ever-increasing advances in tire technology one of the best ways to improve your cars road holding ability, handling and hence safety might be to consider a different set of tires.
This was clearly illustrated during a Dunlop event I attended where the company introduced a a handful of new tire models. Not to spoil the story, but I can say with certainty that the right tire choice can make a noticeable, "seat of the pants" difference, whether you're talking about a hard-working family car or a high-performance sports car.
August 26, 2009
Not content to wait for the Federal government to begin phasing in stricter roof-crush requirements in 2012, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) already conducted its version of the test for micro and minicars.
The results? The tiny Smart ForTwo has the strongest roof, the Chevy Aveo, the weakest. Full results are at right. (G = Good, A = Acceptable, M = Marginal.) None of the cars tested ranked "Poor."
Stronger roofs are expected to cut down on the deaths and injuries suffered in vehicle rollovers. Although rollovers aren't the most common form of crash, they are the most lethal, killing some 10,000 people each year.
So the IIHS is getting tough. Starting with the 2010 model year, a vehicle must earn a "Good" rating in the roof crush test in order to qualify to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick -- an important award that automakers use to tout their safety chops. The new requirement will drive some automakers to improve their roof strength ahead of the federal requirement, which won't be fully phased in until 2016.
For details on the minicars test results, click here. To learn how roof crush tests are conducted, click here.
August 25, 2009
Certain attributes -- like a roomy back seat for larger dogs and their crates, or tri-zone heating to help ensure that things stay cool in the back -- can go a long way toward making your vehicle a safer and more comfortable place for your pet. Bark Buckle Up tracks in-depth statistics regarding pet safety, and works with police and fire departments as well as the general public to promote safe pet travel.
As part of its Pet Safety program, the organization has collaborated with Edmunds.com to determine the 10 vehicles whose features make them best suited for transporting you and your animal companion in safety.
August 21, 2009
As our sister site InsideLine has reported, VW and its uptown cousin Audi have issued a voluntary joint recall for some vehicles equipped with the DSG automated-clutch manual transmission ("S-Tronic" in Audi-speak). Both carmakers have stated that a faulty temperature sensor could light up a warning light in the instrument panel, and in rare cases, the transmission could shift into neutral. About 13,500 VWs and 2,500 Audis have been affected.
Though a recall notice has yet to be posted by NHTSA (safercar.gov), both carmakers have said that they will contact owners of the affected vehicles in the coming weeks to have their vehicles inspected and repaired. Owners of these models may also call Volkswagen at (800) 444-8982 or Audi at (800) 253-2834 if they have any questions.
Affected Vehicles:
VW: 2009-2010 Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI and Eos.
Audi: 2009 A3, TT and TT Roadster
August 13, 2009
The 2010 Honda Insight after its IIHS front crash test. The car is totaled, but the "driver" is OK.
Today the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that three small cars, the 2010 Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and Kia Soul, have earned their "Top Safety Pick" award after extensive crash tests. Including the three new winners, only 10 small cars earn the Institute's highest rating. In order to qualify, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of "good" in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.
Cool crash test video after the jump.
August 11, 2009
Telematics has been dominated by OnStar since the service first launched over a decade ago. And while other automakers, including BMW and Mercedes, offer their own telematics systems, OnStar has become the Kleenex or Xerox of the field and synonymous with telematics service.
Even if most car buyers have no idea what the term "telematics" means, when they think of features such as automatic crash notification, remote door unlocking and other off-board safety and convenience services, they think of OnStar, thanks to the GM-owned company's massive marketing efforts.
But OnStar is facing increasing competition. Ford launched its 911 Assist service in December 2008 by including it on all new Sync-equipped vehicles, and owners of most '08 and '09 Sync-equipped vehicles can get the service by having a dealer upgrade the system's software for a nominal fee.
Meanwhile, Lexus -- a former customer of OnStar with its Lexus Link telematics service, which will continue in "legacy" mode on models still in service -- recently launched its Enform with Safety Connect system on the new 2010 HS 250h hybrid and, like Ford, plans to eventually include it in all of its cars.
While it isn't feasible for us to test the crash-notification aspects of telematics systems -- at least not with the press cars we drive -- we checked out the latest convenience services offered for Ford's Sync system and Lexus Enform that best compete with OnStar. And we found that while Ford takes a radically different approach, Lexus plays it safe but throws in a few unique features.
August 7, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: 2010 Ford Taurus named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS
The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus was selected as one of the IIHS' Top Safety Picks. In addition to its ability to keep occupants safe in a variety of collisions, the Taurus gets high marks for its numerous high-tech safety features like cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and Ford's programmable MyKey system.
Green Car Advisor: Obama Administration Grants $100 Million for EV Charging Infrastructure Program
The Obama administration awarded a nearly $100 million grant to little-known Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (eTec) in Phoenix, AZ. eTec has been charged with the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV). This pilot program aims to install about 2,500 charging stations each in Tennessee and Oregon, the cities of San Diego and Seattle, and the Phoenix/Tucson area -- the same markets which will receive their share of 5,000 Leaf EVs.
IL News: Ford Mustang and Porsche Panamera Customization Sites Go Live
Curious to see what the Mustang of your dreams would look like, or what the worst color combinations are for a Porsche Panamera? Now you can. The new customization sites allow users to see what affect their options and trim levels have on the exterior and interior appearance -- from the sublime to the ridiculous.
August 6, 2009
Ouch, that still hurts! The 2009 Honda Accord sustains $1,507 in rear corner damage -- better than the 2007 Accord.
In new, low-speed crash test results, none of the six midsize sedans tested by the IIHS scored "Good." The 2009 Mazda 6 was judged "Acceptable," the 2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2009 Honda Accord were "Marginal." The 2009 Nissan Maxima, 2010 Ford Fusion, and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu? All rated "Poor."
The 3 and 6 mph tests were designed to see how the cars' bumpers protect fenders, headlights, trunks, grilles and other parts from costly damage. The lowest estimated repair cost from the test was $742 on the front of the Mazda 6; the highest was $3,494 on the rear of the Chevy Malibu. Repair costs are influenced by both the price of replacement parts and the complexity of repairs.
"Consumers buy midsize cars for practical reasons. There's nothing practical about a $1,000-plus repair bill after a minor bump in commuter traffic," says Joe Nolan, Institute senior vice president.
August 4, 2009
Used to be that if you wanted the best possible sound system for your new car -- and the most for your money -- you took it to a car audio store, yanked out the crappy stock stereo and replaced it with higher quality aftermarket components. Even after automakers began offering premium branded stereo systems, the aftermarket still provided better performance and dollar-for-dollar value.
But times, vehicles, and listening habits have changed and a perfect storm of factors have made aftermarket car stereo start to go the way of the CRT computer monitor. Stock systems are highly integrated into the car's electronic architecture, making them difficult to extract. Preference on the part of consumers has shifted more to quantity over quality thanks to the iPod. And we've found that for the same amount of money you can now get a good -- if not better -- audio system from an automaker compared to what the aftermarket offers.
iPod integration and Bluetooth add-ons have sustained car stereo dealers in recent years, but adding safety technology to cars could be the next boom for the aftermarket. And a boon to consumers.
Products like Mobileye's new C2-170 Advanced Warning System (pictured above) offer safety features found mainly on higher-end cars, and at least one well-known car audio company is poised to move into the territory.
July 27, 2009
A lot of email crosses my desk every day. There's all the usual blah-blah, but some of it catches my eye. Last week, I decided to accept the one-minute survey request by KidsandCars.org, an organization whose mission is "to assure no child dies or is injured in a non-traffic motorvehicle related event." (That translates to is trying to prevent kids from being backed over, trapped in a hot car or trunk, or strangled by a power window, among other horrible things.)
The survey was about power windows, and since I have kids and a dog, and since the organization is trying to collect data, I went for it. Ironically, the one person I had hurt with our car's power window was my husband, who had his arm hanging in the open passenger-side window when I spaced out and closed it on him from the driver's side. Oops. (Sorry, honey.)
According to NHTSA, 2,000 people go to the E.R. every year with power window-related injuries, and there are many more whose injuries never get reported. Since 1990, dozens of kids have been killed by power windows, most of them age 3 and younger. This happens in many cases because young children can accidentally -- and too easily -- activate the rocker switches with their knee or other body part.
July 21, 2009
Smeared greasepaint reveals how curtain airbags can protect a driver's head from hitting hard surfaces.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) usually tests 4-door family cars, but recently responded to public demand by conducting front, side, and rear tests of 2009 coupes, including the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Scion tC, all small models, plus the midsize Volvo C30. The 2009 Ford Focus and 2009 Volvo C30 took top honors.
In the side-impact test, which simulates being struck by a pickup or SUV, all five cars were judged "Good" or "Acceptable. Notably, while the other four coupes were rated "Good" in the frontal offset sets, the Scion tC was rated only acceptable.
July 17, 2009
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), eating is one of the most distracting activities you can do while driving. We contend that it's not as risky as building a model airplane while driving, but we can certainly see their point.
July 14, 2009
Handing the car keys to an inexperienced teen driver is one of the most stressful moments of child-rearing for any parent or guardian. Watching a teenager drive out of sight for the first time is a rite of passage akin to the ancient practice of sending a kid out into the wilderness to face a whole new world of dangers.
But thanks to technology, parents and caregivers can now ride shotgun with teen drivers. And as we reported in a recent feature article, there's a way to track a teen's behind-the-wheel behavior for almost every budget. Or level of parental paranoia.
July 9, 2009
After witnessing a dapper, middle-aged man fueling up his Mercedes CLK convertible, completely oblivious to the fact that two of his tires were visibly low on air, it put me back on my tire maintenance soapbox. I gave him the heads-up and on my way in to work vowed to put up a blog to remind y'all to keep tabs on your tire pressure. Edmunds feels so strongly about this that we recently (on Earth Day) checked the tire pressure on nearly 500 cars and found that over half were under-inflated.
July 7, 2009
On a 1,000-mile drive from Oregon to LA I took over the July 4th weekend, the highway alert signs flashed the same message the entire way: "Report Drunk Drivers, Call 911." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hopes to someday make a preemptive strike by developing alcohol-interlock technology that's smarter and unavoidable for even sober drivers.
A recent news story reports that NHTSA and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers will shell out $10 million over the next five years "to develop high-tech 'passive' alcohol-detection devices that would keep a car from starting if a driver is drunk."
And the new technology would make Breathalyzer-type products seem old fashioned by comparison.
July 1, 2009
Run-flat tires are a mixed blessing, for all the reasons listed here
. Some owners of Michelin's PAX run-flats that came with the "Technology Package" on Honda Odyssey Touring and Acura RL models certainly didn't like them. They filed a class-action lawsuit, contending that Michelin and Honda failed to disclose that the run-flat tire systems lasted half as long as radial tires and that the tires are expensive to repair and replace.
Yesterday a U.S. District Court judge in Maryland agreed, and the two companies will now have to pay plaintiffs between $2,000 and $5,000 as compensation for replaced tires. Additionally, the companies will give plaintiffs a $110 rebate on purchases of new tire or tire repair kits, or a $300 rebate on the purchase of a new Odyssey or RL. Michelin also chipped in a 3-year/36,000 mile extended warranty on the tires.
The total cash payout to the plaintiffs will be $83,000. The total that the companies will have to pay to the attorneys for the plaintiffs? $3 million.
June 30, 2009
Side-impact crashes are the most deadly type of car accident for children because of the danger of head trauma, according to a study
by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
That's why Dorel Juvenile Group, the company behind such well-known brands as Safety 1st and Cosco, along with Kettering University developed what it calls Air Protect technology specifically to cushion the blow for babies and toddlers, and it's included on a new car seat introduced yesterday.
June 23, 2009
Toyota is recalling 1,348 model year (MY) 2009 and 2010 passenger cars built from June 2, 2008 to May 4, 2009. This recall includes MY 2009 Scion tC and xB as well as Toyota Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, Yaris and MY 2009-2010 Tundra. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels that could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
June 22, 2009
2009 Volvo XC70
Volvo has issued a recall for 17,614 S80, V70 and XC70 vehicles produced in model years 2008 and 2009, due to a potential cooling fan problem. The cooling fans in these vehicles may stop working; this malfunction is the result of a software programming error. Possible consequences include compromised air conditioning performance, a rapid increase in engine coolant temperature and engine failure.
The fan control modules will be replaced by dealers free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin in July 2009. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. They may also visit safercar.gov for more details, referencing NHSTA Campaign Number 09V218000.
June 12, 2009
We know, this is a three- not four-wheeled vehicle. But if this blog reaches just one owner of a Can-Am, then it's more than worth the small amount of time it took to post it.
Bombardier (the company that makes the Can-Am) is recalling nearly 10,000 of these sport bikes...we mean trikes...for a possible steering defect. The problem involves the greater-than-expected effort required to move the handlebars just off-center (such as when making a minor input to keep it tracking straight down the freeway). This could cause the rider to over compensate and turn the handlebars more than desired, resulting in the vehicle swerving off the intended course. An unintended lane change just isn't cool.
Vehicle: 2008-2009 Can-Am Spyder
NHTSA Campain Number: 09V162000
Go to safercar.gov for more details
June 10, 2009
Over 36,000 Kia Optimas residing in states (such as Massachusetts and Michigan) where the roads are salted during the winter are being recalled for a potential problem with the front subframe. Seems that the road salt can cause internal corrosion of the Kia's front subframe where it meets the suspension's lower control arm. At minimum, this could result in wheel misalignment that can cause accelerated tire wear and problems with steering. The worst-case scenario would be a separation of the control arm from the subframe, which could result in a crash.
Vehicle: 2001-2004 Kia Optima
NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V183000
Go to safercar.gov for more details
June 3, 2009
With stability control mandatory for all cars by model year 2012, manufacturers are also required by the government to ramp up the stability-control content of their fleets in the intervening years. The rule for 2009 is that 55% of the cars produced by each automaker must have standard stability control. But not just any stability-control system will do -- each model's system must pass a federal test by negotiating an emergency avoidance maneuver within certain parameters.
As Mazda's volume-selling four-door, the 2009 MAZDA3 was supposed to count toward that 55% figure, but the 3's stability control didn't pass the test. That's why 7,100 2009 MAZDA3 units are being recalled for an ECU reflash. It's not a big deal -- your Mazda dealer will simply upload the revised stability-control software to your 3, and you're done.
The recall is designated number 5509E. Owners can call Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 to see if their cars are eligible for the reflash.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
May 29, 2009
The Lotus Elise/Exige and Tesla Roadster (which share some platform components) have been hit by recalls for potentially under-torqued ("not tightened-up all the way", for you non-gearheads) rear hub flange bolts. Should they loosen up enough, that could cause "a degradation in vehicle handling and a rubbing noise from the rear of the vehicle." If not addressed promptly, "the driver could lose control and a crash could result."
May 27, 2009
Hyundai has announced a recall of 91,202 Sonatas from model years 2002 and 2003 because the chrome door-handle trim may peel off with time and cause hand lacerations. According to Hyundai, the top edge of the trim is thinner than the side portions, so it's more likely to wear away -- and if it does, sharp edges can develop, posing a hazard to hands.
Dealers will repair the handle free of charge on affected cars beginning in June. The recall is designated number 093, and owners can contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 for more information.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
May 26, 2009
Older car buyers are a diverse bunch. Still, there are certain themes that reveal themselves when analyzing their needs. These themes tend to be dictated by the physical challenges that many face in their golden years.
The choices listed in our top 10 vehicles for seniors stand out for the skill with which they address these themes.
Our mix of vehicles covers all the bases. There's a minivan for seniors who need extra passenger capacity, and there are compact cars for those who appreciate the parking convenience that smaller vehicles provide. Our list also includes technology-laden luxury cars, a couple of spacious full-size sedans and an innovative SUV.
GM announced it is recalling 35,038 Pontiac G8s for model year 2008 - 2009. The issues include a faulty brake pedal position switch that may keep the brake lights illuminated and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) programming error. The brake light issue may result a failure to warn following drivers that the vehicle is braking, resulting in a collision. The TPMS issue may result in underinflated tires, which may lead to tire failure.
Dealers will reprogram the brake pedal position switch and TPMS free of charge starting June 5, 2009. Owners may contact GM Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference GM recall no. 08411.
May 22, 2009
Proving that recalls aren't just a home team occurrence, recalls were recently issued for VW and Nissan products.
Nearly 26,000 2006 to 2009 Jettas (equipped with the 2.0T engine) were tagged for potentially faulty driveshaft screws, which could loosen up and cause the driveshaft to detach from the gearbox.
Over at the Nissan camp, it's a bit more involved -- nearly 363,000 2003 to 2007 Muranos are being summoned for potential separation of the intake ducting, which could cause the engine to stall out. The cause is described as "separation due to the premature aging of the material...which causes excessive shrinking." The latter effect is enough to give George Costanza nightmares.
Check safercar.gov for more details.
May 12, 2009
Chrysler is recalling 37,407 MY 2009 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (MTC) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative. This can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference Chrysler recall number J12.
Short of locking them in the basement, the best way to keep young drivers alive and well is to start with a well-maintained, properly equipped vehicle. Our list of automotive safety tips for parents of teens includes pointers that can help you achieve this aim. Also included is advice designed to help parents protect themselves and guide their teens to make smarter decisions.
Ford announced a recall of 8,735 F-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards. The official release states, "the brake stop lamp switch may be improperly adjusted. This may result in a delay in brake stop lamp illumination when the brake pedal is depressed. In situations of very mild brake application, the brake stop lamps may not illuminate."
The switch in question will be replaced free of charge at Ford dealers starting on may 13, 2009. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or online at www.ownerconnection.com -- reference Ford recall no. 09c07. Owners may also contact the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
May 8, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogsphere.
Edmunds Inside Line: GM Recalls V8-Powered 2010 Camaro SS
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro just debuted, and already there's a recall. A potential short in the engine compartment could cause the vehicle to stall without the ability to restart, and it could even result in an engine compartment fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects 1,243 SS-model Camaros. Chevrolet will start calling owners on May 6, and it anticipates mailing letters on May 18. Curious Camaro drivers can call Chevy at (800) 630-2438.
Edmunds Inside Line: Volvo Recalls 2007-08 S80 and 2008 XC70 and V70
Not to be outdone, Volvo has issued recalls of its own, and they're more sweeping, affecting two model years of the S80 luxury sedan ('07 and '08) as well as the '08 XC70 and V70 wagons. The issue is a software problem may cause the windshield wipers to malfunction, according to NHTSA. Volvo dealers will inspect the central electronic module and upgrade the software for free. The recall is expected to begin in May. Owners can contact Volvo at (800) 458-1552.
Edmunds.com: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Test Drive
The new Silverado Hybrid is the first truck to employ the same "dual-mode" kind of hybrid technology popularized by the Toyota Prius. Unfortunately, the Silverado's hybrid powertrain is a little too complex for its own good in normal operation. Our comprehensive Silverado Hybrid Test Drive has all the details.
Edmunds AutoObserver: Moment Of Truth For "Cash For Clunkers" Program
As the federal government's Cash for Clunkers bill makes its way through Congress, AutoObserver reports that any delay in passage may hurt short-term demand as buyers wait for the bill to pass before trading in their old gas-guzzlers. "Congress needs to pull the trigger," according to Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. "The more the publicity on cash for clunkers, the more likely sales will drop off as people wait." Read Michelle Krebs' full article here.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
April 28, 2009
On Earth Day last week we offered to check and fill tire pressure for free at a local Shell Station. We recorded the air pressure levels people were riding around on and, well, it's pretty amazing. And a little scary.
I thought everyone was going to be super low. Instead, they were super all-over-the-place.
We checked 83 cars at the Shell Station and recorded the levels people were driving on. (Meanwhile, at other locations around Santa Monica, another 400 cars were checked -- but no data was collected.)
Here's what we learned.
Infiniti already offers an alphabet soup of innovative accident-prevention technologies: Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Distance Control Assist (DCA). The luxury car company recently gave Edmunds the opportunity to try out the next two layers of its "Safety Shield" concept -- Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) -- at the Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Better known as NTCNA, of course.
Infiniti unveiled the two new technologies on its Essence concept at this year's Geneva Auto Show, but we got a chance to experience them firsthand in what the company calls its All-Around Collision-Free Prototype, a specially equipped FX50. While not yet scheduled to appear on production vehicles, SCP and BCP will eventually fill in a couple of gaps in Infiniti's Safety Shield and further help drivers avoid hitting other vehicles --- and pedestrians.
April 21, 2009
Automakers, suppliers, industry analysts and government officials from around the world converged on Detroit's Cobo Hall last week for the First International Summit on the State of the Connected Vehicle. The "ubiquitous connectivity" for cars envisioned by those in attendance is ambitious, complex, expensive and a bit creepy. But it's coming and will change the way we drive.
April 20, 2009
Ever seen a big guy picking on a small guy? Part of you is saying, "Hey, that's not fair!"
That's the feeling I had when I read the report this week from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) saying that small cars are unsafe. I know it was much more specific than just unsafe but that's the impression most people will be left with.
Small cars are unsafe. Let's face it. Cars are unsafe. When it comes right down to it, life is unsafe because no one makes it out alive. I had to do several interviews about this report and my resentment about it grew each time. Finally, I reached this conclusion.
April 19, 2009
Today's Idle Chat Topic: Things Drivers Have Forgotten Since Driver Education
Mr. Romans: Turn Signals. This technique seems to have been dismissed by 80 percent of the population. The car in front of me is slowing down; is he going to make a turn, or did he just accidentally tip his 60-ounce mega soda onto his lap? Without a signal, I can't tell. Also, left-lane camping. You'd think that these oblivious dawdlers would get a clue after the hundredth car passes them on the right. I also get annoyed at teens who recklessly race around in parking lots, drivers who don't pull to the right for ambulances and people who don't drive appropriately when it rains. Oh, and while I'm ranting, I'd also like to complain about the fast food industry's current fetish with tiny hamburgers. Seriously, we went through this back in the 1980s already. Please stop. There. I feel much better now.
Ms. MacKinnon: Brent, dear, you're foaming at the mouth a little. Here's a tissue. But since you brought it up, how's this duet of right-hand turn peeves: Drivers behind me who honk, splutter and flail with impatience while I'm waiting at a red light to make a legal right-hand turn at an intersection with either a no-right-on-red sign (so I'm waiting until it's green) or a right-hand-turn arrow that's currently red (also waiting until it's green). Sorry, no can go, Mr. Furious. Try some isometric butt clenches to ease the tension while you wait. Or even better: I'm waiting for the elderly lady pushing her meager hand cart of groceries home to finish exiting the crosswalk so I can turn right. Yet the fool behind me still lays on the horn like I've just made him miss his court-mandated anger management class. Whatever happened to conscientious driving?
Idle Chat is hosted by Bryn MacKinnon and Brent Romans, two editors at Edmunds.com. Each Sunday in the Idle Chat Lounge (read: a couple plastic chairs in the Santa Monica DMV office), they pontificate on a topic that's kinda about cars.
April 14, 2009
Chrysler has recalled 4,336 of its 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Wrangler models because of a potential airbag wiring problem. The steering wheel airbag wiring may be reversed -- and if it is, your airbag won't deploy. If your car is affected, your Chrysler dealer will inspect the airbag free of charge and redo the wiring if necessary.
(In the newly released IIHS report, small cars were crashed into mid-sized cars from the same manufacturer. The report paints a bleak picture of the safety afforded by small, fuel efficient cars.)
Last year's spike in fuel prices prompted a huge shift among American consumers toward the purchase of small fuel-efficient vehicles. But a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has indicated that micro and minicars (they tested the Smart Fortwo, Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris) won't protect people in crashes as well as larger, heavier vehicles.
The report seems to paint a pretty bleak picture for small cars, though some might suggest the IIHS is simply overstating the obvious. The report even preemptively counters what proponents of small cars would say when faced with this evidence. But are things really as bad as the IIHS says it is?
In a recent feature story, we detailed the latest advances in safety tech -- when they would be available and on which vehicles. But you don't always have to buy a new car to get the cutting-edge safety features found on the latest models, since some of the same suppliers also offer similar technology through the mobile-electronics aftermarket.
Southern California's iconic car audio chain Al & Ed's, for example, announced yesterday that it will offer Mobileye's AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 accident-avoidance systems. Mobileye supplies similar systems to automakers such as BMW, General Motors and Volvo, and the company's technology is behind Volvo's City Safety system in the new XC60.
Like City Safety, the Mobileye AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 are camera-based systems that detect and measure the distance between its host vehicle and vehicles in front as well as lane markers. If the system calculates that you're too close to either, it will issue a warning.
The AWS-4000 (which Al & Ed's sells for $1,299 and is pictured above) comes with a camera and integrated processor, a pair of speakers that provide audible/directional warnings and a display-control unit for visual/directional warnings. The AWS-2000 ($999) includes the camera/processor and a single speaker with a volume control.
As with the night-vision system from FLIR, a company that also supplies technology to both automakers and the aftermarket, the Mobileye systems aren't cheap. But they may be less expensive than an auto accident.
April 9, 2009
If you've recently bought a used car, or even if you've owned yours for some time, occasionally checking for TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) and Recalls is well-advised. TSBs are typically non-safety-related defects whereas Recalls are safety related. You can get the low-down on both with this article.
Either way, you'll want to know whether or not your car has any potentially upleasant surprises in store for you. To get the skinny on your car, go here and you'll see links for "Safety Recalls" and "Service Bulletins" on the left hand side.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
April 8, 2009
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) announced a significant decline in traffic fatalities for 2008. Its data is based on a statistical projection which indicated a 9.1 percent decline in traffic deaths from 2007. The official fatality count will be released in August 2009. If the results of this projection hold up, 2008 will have had the lowest deaths on record since 1961.
A major factor in the reduction of these fatal accidents has been the increase in seatbelt use. A related NHTSA survey found that 16 U.S. states and territories had seat belt usage rates of 90 percent or higher. Regions that had stronger seat belt enforcement laws had higher compliance rates than those with weaker laws.
Another reason is that Americans are simply driving less. The U.S. Department of Transportation noted a 3.1 percent drop in miles traveled during the month of January 2009 as compared to the prior year.
More details from Inside Line here.
April 7, 2009
We live in an age in which car gadgets allow us to do more than ever behind the wheel: make hands-free phone calls, receive and send text messages, search for the best gas prices and restaurants, listen to our entire music library and more. But of all the cool car technology available, the most significant advances are the ones that could save your life. Or at least a trip to the hospital or the body shop.
In a recent Edmunds feature, we highlight the latest safety technology from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo that you'll see in showrooms soon. From cameras and sensors that help a driver see what's around a vehicle to Volvo's City Safety (shown above) that provides automatic braking in stop-and-go traffic, these innovative features represent the cutting-edge of available auto safety technology.
And could someday become as common as seatbelts and airbags.
April 2, 2009
(In modern engines, oil dipsticks, are usually color coded such as this yellow one just below the Hemi logo.)
No fooling; April is National Car Care Month and we have three simple things you can do today and over the weekend to show your car you care. As you hopefully already know, these are things you should be doing on a regular basis:
1) Check the oil. This is the lifeblood of the engine so we advise doing this at every other gas fill-up.
2) Check your tire pressures. Too-low tire pressure leads to accelerated tire wear, increased fuel consumption and, most importantly, compromised handling and safety.
3) Detail the car. C'mon, you know that you'll feel better too driving a squeaky-clean car with no bird crap on the hood and no crumbs on the seats.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
Volkswagen issued a recall today for the 2008 R32
and the 2009 CC
. Up to 5,000 vehicles of each model are estimated to have been affected. The R32 is being recalled
due to a faulty fuel tank ventilation valve. In some instances, this fuel leak can seep into other systems, and can potentially lead to a vehicle fire. The Volkswagen CC is being recalled
due to a faulty front seat belt buckle assembly. According to Volkswagen, some of the wires in the buckle assembly were not properly routed, and if damaged, can potentially deactivate the passenger's front airbag.
Dealers will fix the problems free of charge. Owners looking for more information can contact Volkswagen at (800) 822-8987 or call the National Highway Traffic Administration's safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.
March 25, 2009
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), a testing agency independent of the government's NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has recently introduced roof crush tests to its testing regimen. As with their frontal-offset testing (the most common type of front-end collision), it seems that the IIHS has again topped the government in terms of offering more meaningful crash tests with tougher standards.
March 24, 2009
It's not a great day for Chrysler. But then again, when is, lately?
Today Chrysler issued a recall for more than 72,000 Dodge Ram pickups from 2008-2009 for faulty windshield wiper motor assemblies. A faulty assembly could lessen the wiper's capability (or kill it altogether), which could reduce visibility and result in a crash.
Chrysler is also recalling almost 17,000 model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles that come without the optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet, because the unused electrical connector could corrode and short circuit. If the short circuit doesn't blow the fuse, the connector could potentially overhead and catch fire.
Dealers will fix the problems free of charge. Owners can also contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
March 17, 2009
Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling almost 40,000 of its 2008-2009 Outlanders and Lancers due to faulty materials in the brake booster check valve. The valve could stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the engine is restarted and the car is driven slowly, the initial brake assist may not be sufficient. The danger? The distance it takes for your car to stop would be longer than expected, which could result in a crash.
Mitsu dealers will replace the valve free. Owners can call Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov. For reference, the recall number is SR-09-002.
March 6, 2009
Ford claims it's "learning to think like an electronics company" by keeping up with the fast pace of consumer electronics -- and meeting or exceeding car buyers' tech expectations. The announcement today that the 2010 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid will feature five new safety and convenience technologies shows that this is more than just lip service.
March 2, 2009
The Hyundai Genesis has been receiving positive accolades from both the media and consumers alike. Adding more feathers into its cap, the Hyundai Genesis has earned perfect scores in both National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing. Watch video of the Genesis getting abused after the jump.
February 27, 2009
According to papers filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Mazda is recalling 30,600 of its CX-9 SUVs. Models affected are 2007-2009 CX-9s with power seats and memory function. The seat harness under the cushion may short circuit, which could cause the seat to move uncontrollably, creating a serious driving hazard. (Think of your seat reclining all the way back while you're on the highway.)
Mazda dealers will fix the seat free of charge. The recall letters are expected to go out to owners on or before March 9, 2009. Owners can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
February 18, 2009
Hi, meet Bryn MacKinnon and Brent Romans, two editors at Edmunds.com. Each Wednesday in the Idle Chat Lounge (read: a dusty couch in the breakroom), they pontificate on a topic that's kinda about cars.
Today's Idle Chat Topic: Our cantankerous editors are at odds about whether seat belts or LATCH connectors are better for securing child safety seats.
Mr. Romans: I've been using a child safety seat for a year-and-half now. Not for me, obviously, but for my 1.5-year-old daughter. And I must say I greatly prefer securing the seat in my car with LATCH connections. I don't know why people bother with the seatbelt method. If LATCH is done right, it's quick and easy. With the seatbelt method, you have to unreel the belt, thread the buckle through the back of the seat and click it in, all while trying to keep everything snug and not letting go. Getting my kid into the car is hassle enough; I don't need more of it.
Ms. MacKinnon: Brent, though you may think using LATCH is the way to go, I respectfully disagree. I've found installing with seat belts to also be quick and easy -- and I switch our car seat in and out of different test cars almost every day as a part of my job. And regardless of how much easier you think LATCH connections make the hooking-in process, LATCH doesn't eliminate the need to put your weight on the seat and pull with all your might to tighten the seat down - my most hated part of the whole thing. Another tick in the seat belt method's favor: Rear seat belts are in every car built since 1968, making installation via seat belt an equal-opportunity, all-inclusive way to travel with the kiddie. Seat Belt Nation. Love it or leave it, babydaddy.
Which install method do you prefer?
(Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be a serious discussion about safety. If you want authoritative advice, read your child safety seat's owner's manual as well as our safety seat story. Also, Bryn and Brent advise to play nice, chew your food slowly and not to run with scissors.)
February 16, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its latest list of vehicle recalls. The 2009 Mazda6, Ford Ranger, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2005-2007 Ferrari F430 are all on the list.
February 11, 2009
That big impenetrable feeling you get when driving a full-size pickup can be a false impression. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its results for a trio of full-size half-ton pickups: the Dodge Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (and GMC Sierra 1500). All essentially flunked the side-crash tests.
January 21, 2009
Lately I've nticed that I've been taking advantage of the height-adjustable seat belts in a lot of our test cars. They really help me get my seatbelt placement
and comfort just right. My fellow editors (and their passengers) run the gamut in terms of height, and I happen to have a long torso, too, so maybe it's not surprising that I have to adjust the height of the shoulder strap in a test car now and then after someone else has been driving it. But my ability to do so makes me really appreciate that height-adjustable seat belts are becoming more and more common in new cars.
For drivers who are at the extremes of the growth chart -- especially shorter drivers -- height-adjustable seat belts are a key safety feature, given that an ill-placed shoulder strap can be very dangerous in a collision. And couples of drastically different heights will appreciate the ability to fine-tune this aspect of their seating position. On your next test drive, I highly recommend taking a second to see if the car you're considering has this useful feature.
January 14, 2009
Britax, the child safety seat company, recently issued a recall for its Frontier five-point harness-equipped booster seat
(pictured at right). The fix is a quick and simple matter of putting a couple of Britax-supplied rubber caps on a metal yoke that keeps the straps attached in the back of the seat. The Recaro Como car seat
we're testing had a similar issue early last year. But Britax Frontier owners who haven't registered their car seat with the company wouldn't know there's a problem that needs fixing.
If you're a parent or caretaker and you haven't already done so, I urge you to take the time today to register for car seat recall notices. It won't take long. You can do so at your car seat manufacturer's website.
Or you can register with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get every car seat recall notice that they issue (about eight per year) via e-mail. At NHTSA's site, you can also elect to receive the other recall notices they have, including tires, cars (you have a choice of all cars or up to five specific cars), motorcycles and school buses.
Chances are you did a lot of research before you chose a car seat for your precious bundle. Don't let all that research be for naught.
For more child safety seat know-how, check out our feature story on car seats.
January 10, 2009
Marley cuts a brutal swath of destruction.
The hit movie Marley and Me tells the story of a family and its lovable but psychotic very wayward dog. If you have a similar dog in your life -- or any dog, for that matter -- you know that traveling with your pet can sometimes prove to be a real test of your relationship. Get man's best friend in a car and he can quickly morph into an upholstery-chewing, driver-distracting four-legged foe like no other.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to make automotive adventures with your favorite canine a whole lot easier. Getting up to speed on these tips can help you keep your car's cabin free of unsavory accessories like dog puke -- did you know that there are steps you can take to prevent your dog from getting carsick? Other tips could wind up literally saving your pet's life.
Get the full story by checking out our Top 10 Tips for Traveling With Dogs. Both Fido and your car's beige Novillo leather upholstery will be grateful.
Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
December 31, 2008
Two days ago, a friend of mine was complaining that she just paid $3,500 to a Nissan dealer to replace a "cracked engine block." Or perhaps it was "some seals that broke," she said, clearly unfamiliar with anything automotive. But the car, only four years old, had just 17,000 miles on it.
That didn't seem possible. How could a car fall apart that quickly? Did she have a lemon on her hands? She went through the ins and outs of her nightmarish experience with a local mechanic and the dealer's service department: How they insisted that she must have overheated her car even though she swore that she hadn't, how the warning lights never came on, and how the dealer fixes didn't "take" and she ended up at the inconveniently located dealer repeatedly.
December 29, 2008
Ford recently announced that they would offer a backup camera on 75% of their vehicles by the end of 2009. I am a big fan of rear view cameras, and I consider them a must-have safety feature.
Until recently, most consumers could only get them as part of a pricey navigation system, with the camera using the screen of the navigation system to display the rear camera's image. That is now changing as we are seeing more vehicles with integrated information screens in the dash and the expanded availability of screens built into the rear view mirror, like what Ford is offering. These types of installations, which don't require expensive optional navigations systems, reduce the cost of this invaluable safety feature down to as little as a few hundred dollars.
Consumer Reports did a very revealing study showing that even a typical car (never mind an SUV or pickup truck) has a sizeable rear blind spot, which only a camera can eliminate. I am glad to see the more car buyers will be able to benefit from this safety feature.
Read the full Ford press release after the jump.
December 24, 2008
The latest addition to our growing stable of investigative stories is Confessions of a Car Thief. It's a peek into the world of an auto thief -- his motivations, education and techniques -- that can help empower you as a car owner, give you some tips on what to do, and what not to do to decrease your chance of having your vehicle stolen.
For this 4-part series, Senior Features Editor Joanne Helperin tracked down a reformed car thief who was willing to reveal the tricks of his trade, what happens to a car once it's stolen and what you can do to protect your car from thieves.
Shopping for a car this holiday season? Check out the other articles in our series: Confessions of an Auto Finance Manager and the story that started it all: Confessions of a Car Salesman.
November 12, 2008
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently launched an automated system that sends instant, free alerts to consumers about safety recalls via RSS or email.
The NHTSA estimates there are about 600 vehicle recalls each year. And while many consumers know it's important to get recalled vehicles repaired as quickly as possible, one in four motorists still ignores recall announcements. Transportation officials hope that making it easier to get information about the latest recalls will prompt more people to act.
RSS feeds are available via XML, MyYahoo! or Google; email alerts are customizable by topic and/or by a specific make and model. To sign up, go to www.safercar.gov and look for the "Defects & Recalls" section on the right-hand side.
November 5, 2008
So the battle on road to the White House is over... finally. But the country's roads play host to another contest that reaches its peak in November: that of man vs. deer. And the deer are winning.
New data from State Farm Insurance says that "animal strike" claims have increased almost 16% in the last five years. In fact, some 1.2 million such claims were filed just in the last half of 2007 and the first half of 2008. It turns out that such collisions spike radically November each year (during the breeding season), according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. Deer aren't the only animals involved, but they are the most common.
The most affected states? Texas, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Rural roads or roads with speed limits over 55 are the most likely to see an animal/vehicle crash, particularly when it's dusk or night. And while most collisions don't result in deaths, fatalities have been increasing as well. (Of course, not wearing a seat belt contributed to many of those deaths.)
So as Caribou Barbie retreats to the wilds of Alaska to lick her wounds, be careful that a more life-threatening battle doesn't ensue between Bambi and you.
November 4, 2008
Too many drivers don't give much thought to winter driving or worse, think they don't have to. Especially those with all-wheel-drive vehicles such as SUVs. The common "wisdom" among these fools seems to be "I've got all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and stability control -- I'm immune to the laws of physics." I'm guessing that is why I would often see -- when I lived back in snowy New England -- SUVs and pickup trucks spun out on the side of the road, a befuddled expression on the driver's face.
October 8, 2008
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that some of the booster seats designed to protect children in a car crash don't perform effectively -- and could actually injure their occupants.
In fact, 13 of the 41 booster seats tested did so poorly on the test that the IIHS says it can't recommend them, including models from Cosco, Safety 1st, Evenflo and Graco. Click here for the details on "Best Bets," "Good Bets" and "Not Recommended" models.
Volvo is now happily touting the fact that its own height-adjustable integrated booster cushion (a world first) made the "Best Bets" list. It comes standard on the XC70 and V70 models. You go, Volvo.
September 29, 2008
The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) recently added 11 more vehicles to its "Top Safety Pick" list for 2008. The 11 vehicles are: small cars '09 Honda Civic*, '09 Mitsubishi Lancer*, '09 Scion xB, '09 VW Rabbit, midsized '09 VW Jetta and Passat, large luxury '09 Lincoln MKS, midsized SUV '09 Ford Flex and '09 Honda Pilot, small pickup '09 Toyota Tacoma and midsized convertible '09 VW Eos. These 11 vehicles are added to the existing list of 51 vehicles that have earned this distinction.September 17, 2008
With impending changes in the way crash tests are being conducted in the U.S. and Europe, one factor that still seems debated by safety experts is the most effective speed at which to conduct those tests.
A recent article by analyst P. Aswinkumar at Frost & Sullivan says European frontal impact tests - which are currently done at 64km/hr (39.8 mph) - aren't being conducted at high enough speeds. Although accident studies say the current speed covers a large percentage of serious and fatal injuries in Europe, ADAC, the largest independent automotive club in Germany, found that just increasing the crash test speed from the standard 64km/hr to 80km/hr (49.7 mph) drastically increased the risk of serious injury to both the driver and the car.
September 10, 2008
If you're trying to save money by buying a used car instead of a new one, watch out. According to Experian Automotive, which compiled the data from DMV departments across the country, almost 15% of the 1.3 million cars that were severely damaged by collision, flood, or fire in the first half of 2008 have received "clean" titles that don't identify that damage. Meaning, of course, that these vehicles can be sold to unsuspecting customers. Called "title washing," this illegal practice often happens when unscrupulous dealers (or auto brokers) take the cars over state lines, where they get new titles for them.
With peak hurricane season now underway, it's likely we'll see more of this type of behavior. So to protect yourself, read our updated article, How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car. It's got some really useful tips for spotting these cars and what to do if you find out too late.
Ford may be on the cutting edge of in-car music integration, but it's still dealing with the fallout of other technologies that don't work like they should. Today the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) -- the government's automotive arm of the law -- issued a consumer warning: Approximately five million people with Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles have ignored (or haven't received) voluntary recall notices warning them that faulty wiring in their cruise control switch can lead to a fire at any time -- whether the vehicle is moving, parked, or even completely off. Whoa. If that happens in your garage, your whole house could go up in smoke.
Here's a list of the affected vehicles. They're anywhere from 4 - 16 years old:
1. 1993 - 2004 Ford F150
2. 1993 - 1999 Ford F250 (gasoline engine)
3. 1993 - 1996 Ford Bronco
4. 1994 - 1996 Ford Econoline
5. 1997 - 2002 Ford Expedition
6. 1998 - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
7. 1998 - 2002 Ford Ranger
8. 1992 - 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car
9. 1993 - 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
10. 1993 - 1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
11. 1994 - Mercury Capri
12. 1998 - 2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
13. 2001 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
14. 1992 - 1993 and 1997 - 2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
15. 2002 - Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
16. 1996 - 2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
17. 1994 - 2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
18. 2000 - 2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
19. 2003 - F250 - F550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
20. 1995 - 2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
21. 2002 - 2003 Lincoln Blackwood
If you have one of these vehicles, don't wait. Get your local Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer to repair it ASAP, and in the meantime, Ford says, park your car outside and don't use the cruise control. (Although not using it will not prevent the problem from occuring long term.) If you've got questions, ask the dealer or call 888-222-2751. More detailed information from Ford here.
September 3, 2008
August 13, 2008
It's common knowledge that tires must be replaced when the tread has been worn down (the penny test
is a great way to check your tires' tread depth). But it's a lesser-known fact that tires have a shelf-life after which they can be dangerous to drive on, even if they're brand-new or have plenty of tread left.
Experts say 6 years is the maximum that tires should be in use, provided they were stored properly after they were manufactured. The problem is that, as tires age, the tread is more likely to separate from the rest of the tire, which, if it happens on the road, can cause a sitation much more difficult to recover from than a tire blowout. (Check out this dramatic 20/20 report on the subject to see footage of a tire losing its tread and how dangerous it can truly be, plus hear the stories of people it happened to.)
So, how do you know how old your tires -- or the tires you'd like to buy -- are? You've gotta crack the code.
We're a tired nation. Long work days, long commutes, kids keeping you up at night -- whatever. Admit it: You've sometimes caught yourself taking those "one-second naps" and jerking yourself awake just in time. (Damn if the Starbucks isn't closed just when you need it.)
Mercedes-Benz is combating our chronic case of road fatigue with its newly developed Attention Assist. It's actually pretty cool technology. As soon as you start driving, it develops a "profile" of the way you drive based on a constant flow of sensor data, including steering wheel movements, speed, linear/lateral acceleration, indicator and pedal operation, and environmental measurements like side winds and uneven road surfaces. The onboard electric control model constantly compares how you're driving to your profile, and if it determines that you're overtired, it warns you with an acoustic signal and a display on the instrument cluster that says, "Attention Assist. Break!"
Yeah, I know, I know. Good drivers don't need nannies. Just another safety technology that jacks up the price, right? At least that's the response of some of our staff here. But hey, it's a Mercedes
. It's already full of technology you probably don't need and may never really use, but pay through the nose for, anyway. Think of it this way: Everyone knows drunk driving is dangerous, but studies show that "drowsy driving"
is even more so -- causing some 25% of all serious car crashes. It's hard to measure, of course, because there's no equivalent of the breathalyzer for sleepyheads.
Big brother is coming down the pike in so many forms: Black boxes that record everything you do in the moments before an accident, transmitters that can send your odometer to the insurance company, GPS units that can tell people -- who knows who? -- where you are at all times, and so on. All these "nannies" are pretty much as inevitable as seats belts, stability control by 2012, and red light cameras. The only question is, where do you stand on the subject? Is more safety always a good thing, or not?
July 12, 2008
As reported in our earlier Consumer Advice article
, the federal government is going to change the way its crash tests are conducted and rated. This will make it tougher for cars to achieve that 5-star safety rating that so many automakers tout when advertising their cars.
Beginning with the 2010 model year, cars will feature an overall safety rating that combines results from frontal, side and rollover tests. The upgraded system also will include new frontal crash tests, and a new side pole test to simulate wrapping a vehicle around a tree. Female crash dummies will be added to the tests, so women and larger children are represented, and new testing for leg injuries will be done.
And here's something really new: Emerging safety technologies will have their own rating be added so consumers will know whether specific crash avoidance technologies (electronic stability control, lane departure warning systems and forward collision warning systems) are optional or standard features on new vehicles.
So what's the bottom line?
For a long time, NHTSA lagged behind in its crash test scoring, and we always felt that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's ratings, while different, were more true-to-life. The new NHTSA tests go a long way toward bringing the 5-star rating system up to snuff, and the addition of the emerging technologies rating is an excellent feature that will encourage automakers to include more of these technologies as either optional or standard. (Under another federal ruling, stability control will be a standard feature of all cars sold in the U.S. by 2012).
For more information on the new changes, click here.
June 25, 2008
Yesterday, J.D. Power and Associates released their U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study, in which they polled 19,000 people across the country.
Some of the interesting highlights: 72% of consumers said they were "definitely/probably" interested in having hybrid technology. After they were told that it would cost them $5000 extra, that figure dropped to 46%...
June 20, 2008
I am not a techie person. I’m no luddite, but I’m definitely not a first-adopter. Case in point: Last week, in preparation for complying with California’s hands-free law, I decided to find out if my cell phone (which I’ve had for about 2 years -- insert blushing smiley face here) has Bluetooth. After some searching (and some help from Edmunds.com’s tech-guru Brian Moody, more blushing smileys), I’ve discovered that it does!..
June 18, 2008
Summer is high book-reading season. If you're tired of the Oprah list, or want something other than fiction, here are some reads you might enjoy.
First is Car Advice for Women (and Smart Men),
by the husband and wife team of Alexander Law and Susan Winlaw. Unlike Lauren Fix's book
, this one has no illustrations, just a couple of charts and lots of information, all broken down into easily digestible bits...
June 11, 2008
Lauren Fix, a.k.a. "The Car Coach," just published a new book titled, Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car: Everything You Need to Know to Take Charge of Your Car and Get On with Your Life.
Lauren is the host of Talk 2 DIY Automotive on the Do-It-Yourself Network and has authored several automotive books. Her latest tome is designed to give you "Car Smarts" and to make good decisions on buying, driving, maintenance, and safety, and to save money...
June 9, 2008
June 6, 2008
On July 1, 2008, California will join the handful of other states (plus Washington, DC and the Virgin Islands) that ban use of a cell phone while driving, unless you use a hands-free device like Bluetooth or a regular tethered headset.
Whether this new law (here) will make driving near other cell phone-using drivers safer remains to be seen, though some studies have suggested that it will. But the fact remains that if you live in California, have a cell phone, and don’t already own a headset that goes with it, you’ve got less than a month to comply.
Lucky for you (and for anyone outside of California who would like to drive hands-free, too), there’s Freeheadset.org, a non-profit organization created in 2003 after site creator Matt McAdams witnessed a fatal accident caused by a cell phone user...
June 5, 2008
Although I'm happily back in the saddle of my new 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid (the battery's working fine, thanks!), I couldn't pass up the opportunity to drive home from the office in our long-term 2008 smart fortwo passion. Edmunds readers are giving it rave reviews, but the buzz aound the office after our Gas-Sipper Smackdown was that it is a real dog.
I admit I was nervous about riding in such a small car...
May 19, 2008
I recently took a trip to Carmel, California in our long-term 2008 Hyundai Veracruz AWD. There are so many little reasons to like this car. In fact, it's the first time I've ever considered buying a Korean vehicle as my personal car.
Sure, I had a couple of gripes, which you can read on the Straightline blog: The "Cool Box" in the console doesn't cool that well, it's got too much wind and road noise for my taste, it could handle the bumps with more grace, and the horn wouldn't work. But overall, this is a car I really enjoyed and would recommend. Here's why:
First: It's good-looking. I like the styling and didn't feel like I was driving a boxy-looking SUV or egg-shaped minivan. I know it's a matter of personal taste, but I really like its lines, particularly the sporty-looking back end.
Second: It's spacious. We lowered the third row and filled the cargo area with the following: a large cooler, a large plastic container filled with non-perishable food, a large rolling duffel bag, an carry-on rolling bag (airline size), four backpacks, a guitar, a mandolin (don't ask!), a men's suit bag, a couple of shopping bags, a bunch of heavy jackets and sweater. Yeah, we overpack, don't we?!
We were still able to see out the rear view. In fact, the rear view on this car is one of its very best features. The only thing that really hinders it, though, is the DVD screen. Not much you can do about that.
May 15, 2008
My 2-year-old daughter and I have spent a good deal of time with the Recaro Como convertible car seat now, and I’m pleased to report that we both are very happy with its performance in most areas. We’ve tested it in a large percentage of our long-term test vehicles, including the 2008 Honda Accord, 2007 Saturn Aura, 2008 Buick Enclave, 2008 Cadillac CTS, 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, 2007 Honda Fit, 2008 Pontiac G8, and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. I thought it was time for a little update on how it's been working out.
May 2, 2008
April 29, 2008
A few weeks ago, racing and sport seat specialist, Recaro, sent us two of its latest child safety seats to try. While Bryn's toddler has been spending time in the Como Convertible toddler seat, my 45-pound, seven-year-old daughter is the perfect size to road-test Recaro's Vivo high-back booster.
The Vivo, designed for children 3-12 years, 30-100 lbs, retails for $99.99, and provides ultra-thick side bolstering and head protection wings, as well as a height-adjustable back and washable micro-fiber and velveteen cover.
We plan to try the Recaro Vivo in a variety of test cars and monitor its ease of installation, along with comfort commentary from the Peanut Gallery...
April 14, 2008
NHTSA's done a lot of good work under Chief Nicole Nason, about whom we wrote only weeks ago
. Here's another new annoucement that The Driving Woman is applauding: At NHTSA's consumer site, Safercar.gov
, you now can signup for automatic e-mail alerts if the government recalls tires or child safety seats.
This is great news, because so many people miss these recall notices...
April 10, 2008
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released its crash tests of 2008 midsize sedans. Hopefully you can read the graphic above.
The bottom line: All the cars were significantly improved over the IIHS test done in 2004...
April 9, 2008
April 4, 2008
Recaro, the company that has been designing racing and sport seats for race teams and carmakers around the world for decades, added five new models to its child safety seat lineup this year (here), and we were able to secure one of the new seats to put through our battery of real-world test scenarios (read: I’m using it as my primary car seat in Edmunds long-term vehicles to shuttle my toddler around for a while).
April 1, 2008
Since y'all were so helpful in Michelle's quest for a new car, which resulted in her happy purchase of a 2008 Scion xD, I thought I'd ask for your input for my next purchase. The lease on my 2005 Toyota Highlander is up in July. Once I crunch the numbers, it may turn out that buying out the lease is a good idea, but in the meantime, I want to consider other contenders.
My most important criteria: seating for 6 or more (for carpool when necessary), safety (good crash test scores, side curtain airbags, stability control), and a low price...
March 13, 2008
NHTSA's tests a vehicle's roof strength with a special crush test.
I came across this excellent article about a new IIHS crash test report on SUVs in USA Today. Here's an excerpt:
"Now comes a sobering conclusion in a report to be released Wednesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that suggests safety advocates and plaintiff's lawyers have been correct all along...
February 29, 2008
I’ve been sitting here staring at my monitor in stunned silence for a while now. The more I delve into the stories behind the bill that President Bush signed into law yesterday, the more overwhelmed I become. They’re stories of anguished parents who’ve had to cope with the death of their son or daughter when the child was backed over after he or she happened to walk into the colossal blind zones modern vehicles often have. Hearing how often a small child is injured (48 times a week) or killed (2 times a week) in this way in the U.S...
February 28, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 4, 2008
If you know someone who has -- or might have -- this infant car seat, please let them know about this important recall. Evenflo is doing the right thing by recalling the car seats before anything catastrophic happens.
From the Associated Press:
Evenflo Co...
January 28, 2008
Our view from a cabin at Mammoth Mountain, California.
I hadn't skied in 20 years, but I felt that I owed it to my two kids -- who had never seen a real snowfall in their lives -- to make the 5+ hour journey from L.A. to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. Since it was time to bring my 2002 Honda Odyssey in for service anyway, I took the car in the day before we left to make sure it was in tip top shape for the journey. I also bought snow chains.
Apparently, "chains" now come in two varieties -- the old fashioned kind that are actually made of chain link, and "cables," which are made of, well, cable. After striking out at one auto parts store, I found the ones I needed at Pep Boys. I also picked up a snow brush/ice scraper and a can of de-icer spray. I thought at the time that perhaps it was overkill. Boy, was I wrong.
As we climbed the eastern Sierras and the air turn colder, snow began to appear on the hill peaks. But then, simultaneous with our vacation, southern Cal was hit with a really wet storm that lasted for days: inches of rain for L.A., and buckets of snow up in the mountains. It snowed the whole time we were there. Great skiing, but challenging driving.
January 4, 2008
January 3, 2008
Approximately 30,000 high-speed chases happen on American roads each year, killing some 300 people and injuring scores more. Now G.M.'s OnStar, which helps to locate and recover stolen vehicles, is hoping to lower those numbers by incorporating a new feature, called Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (SVS).
What does it do?..
December 27, 2007
A group from the office took our 2008 Mazda CX-9 for a spin the other day, and we were pleasantly surprised by the rear-view camera. Instead of seeing a rear-view image on the navigation screen, as is typical, the image appeared on the rear-view mirror. Immediately, this made sense to us...
December 21, 2007
December 4, 2007
OK all you moms and grandmoms, the new scores are out from the fed's National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), and if you're hoping to buy a minivan, these scores may hold the same excitement as the call-back sheet in "High School Musical." And just as in that all-pervasive flick, there may be few surprises.
First, the 2008 Toyota Sienna didn't make the top cut, because its frontal driver crash test score was four stars instead of five. Not bad, but still...
November 27, 2007
Porsche has been running driving classes at Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park for years -- the idea being to give new Boxster, Cayman and 911 owners some much needed instruction in proper car control. These classes have always been co-ed, but Porsche instructors noticed that women in the classes were uncomfortable, sometimes even intimidated, around the male drivers, even when those men were boyfriends or spouses.
In response, the company created new one- and two-day courses just for women -- the Women's Performance Course. One of our contributing editors, Jackie Liu, recently went to the school...
November 25, 2007
November 8, 2007
I recently discovered these cute-as-can-be kits for women. While the Safety Girl Roadside Emergency Kit has a few car-related items [instructions on how to change a tire and jump a battery, light sticks (instead of the matches shown below), water bottle, emergency blanket, accident record], it won't substitute for a full-blown emergency kit.
Instead, its charm is in everything else that's inside, including a professional emory board; breath mints; antibacterial wipes; band aids and alcohol wipes; portable wipes (for taking out stains); two squares of Ghiradelli chocolate (!); Dove invisible solid antiperspirant; eyeglass cleaning tissue; a sewing kit with scissors, buttons, and safety pins in a tiny, pink plastic case; a lip balm and aromatherapy headache remedy from Balm of Gilead...
November 1, 2007
Dealing with tired and distracted drivers is a popular topic of discussion, as people work longer hours, acquire more multi-tasking gadgets and sit in longer and more frequent traffic jams. Practical solutions thus far have focused on driver screw-ups -- i.e., lane departure warning systems that provide an audible alarm or a tactile nudge if a camera mounted on the car determines that your vehicle has begun to veer out of its lane.
Another way to address this could be to turn the camera back on the driver. Saab issued an interesting press release today detailing its efforts toward a production application of such a system, and the company is about to start an eight-month trial with a 9-3 SportCombi wagon...
October 23, 2007
In what I see as a smart move, the California DMV has created a DMV channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/californiadmv). Although it's targeted at California teens, teens in any state can go online and get useful tips about taking driving tests, routine maintenance, speed and weather, passing, what kids usually do wrong during their driver's license test, and so on. Lots of safety info there, but also lots of information on how to navigate the process of getting a license. (I'm sure there's variation from state to state, but still, the rules of the road aren't all that different.) The DMV YouTube channel has 54 (!) video clips ranging from 1-5 minutes. Seems to me that's a great way to connect to young people.
The CA DMV has also acreated a MySpace page (www.myspace.com/californiadmv) that lets users link to all the online services the DMV offers, such as setting up appointments, renewing drivers' licenses, and so on...
October 16, 2007
October 12, 2007
October 11, 2007
