Smart Motorist

Remember with AWD and 4WD, you need the same cushion of space as you would with two-wheel drive. In fact, because of their weight, heavy sport utility vehicles may take longer to stop on slippery surfaces than a lighter passenger car would at the same speed.

Hybrid-Power - Hybrid-powered vehicles are the future of the industry, combining the benefits of an electric vehicle with the convenience of a gasoline-powered model. An electric motor handles normal stop-and-go travel and initial highway acceleration. 

Unlike the vehicles of even a decade ago, today's high-tech automobiles require the services of specially trained technicians and mechanics. Whether you choose to go to a franchised dealer or an independent garage, remember that your mechanic is your automobile's physician.

Oil and lubricant manufacturers are under the scrutiny of governing bodies such as SAE and API. Displaying the starburst symbol on the container seems to be a benchmark but if it is not on the label it does not mean that the contents are inferior. SAE and API use this as minimum parameters for petroleum based lubricants. 

Gas Mileage - EPA gas mileage results are listed on the window stickers of all new vehicles. The current high-mileage champs are the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, both averaging around 70 miles per gallon. At the other extreme of the scale lies the Ford Excursion, with around 12 mpg.

Carwash Chains - Many of the carwash chains offer interior detailing services in addition to their washing activities. Just remember you get what you pay for: a $5 or $10 detailing is little more than a quick vacuum and $.50 worth of Armor-all.

Don't assume that modern car door mirrors adjust themselves or you could be putting your life and others at risk. You need to adjust all three of your rear view mirrors so that you get the widest view possible while keeping your blind spots to a minimum.

If not already standard, most of these features are usually combined in a "preferred equipment" group. Since it's the equipment that most people prefer, and improves safety in the ways I describe, why don't manufacturers make it standard to begin with?

Air bags saved an estimated 1,043 lives in 1998 alone. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that tragically 96 children have been killed or injured by the force of a deploying air bag.

Airbags - A Danger To Children

Question: Why are air bags dangerous to children age 12 and under?

Answer: Air bags inflate at speeds up to 200 mph -- faster than the blink of an eye -- to protect adults in a front-end collision.

Car lighting systems have evolved slowly. Early cars simply carried over the carbide brass lanterns and incandescent lamps used on carriages. The first truly innovative development, in the early 1920s, was the dual filament or "Duplo" lamp.

Stronger bumpers hold up better in crashes and need replacement less often. This saves consumers money both on replacement bumpers and insurance costs. Although heavier bumpers tend to be stronger, there is not a direct correlation between weight and strength. Some lighter-weight bumpers have held up much better in tests than comparable bumpers which are heavier.