Chances are you spend a lot of time in your car. Here’s something that might help you appreciate your home-away-from-home a little more.
Automotive-related news
Do you dare?
Are you an at-risk driver? Driver-monitoring programs and devices can help you determine whether you are – or are not. But, the decision to participate may come at a risk in itself. Progressive, a driver’s insurance company that is currently testing such a program in the state of Missouri, presents one such example. The company says it will impose a surcharge on aggressive drivers using its Snapshot device, according to The Chicago Tribune. The Snapshot device, when installed in a car, gathers information. Drivers who sign up for the program will receive an initial discount. However, Progressive will charge higher rates (a surcharge equal to or less than 10 percent of their current rate) for the worst drivers in the program. That said, not every insurance company plans to impose a surcharge on drivers who participate in their driver-monitoring program. Allstate’s Drivewise program has no surcharge, and State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program is a discount program.
Who’s in control?
For sales reps who spend much time on the road, driving defensively has never been more important. It seems it’s not just texting that leads to so many car accidents. A lot goes on behind the wheel, according to a recent survey by Eerie Insurance, highlighted by the Chicago Tribune. Drivers surveyed reported engaging in a range of distracting and potentially dangerous behaviors, including the following:
- Romantic encounters: 15 percent
- Combing or styling hair: 15 percent
- Changing clothes: nine percent
- Applying makeup: eight percent
- Brushing or flossing: four percent
- Taking selfies: three percent
- Changing drivers: three percent
- Going to the bathroom (That’s right): three percent
Drivers surveyed also reported putting in contact lenses or eyedrops, curling eyelashes, scratching off lottery tickets and playing the guitar while driving.
Plan ahead
The calendar says June, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) want drivers to start thinking about next winter. For those living in areas where salt is used to clear the roads of snow and ice, it’s important to wash the underside of their car. Following a five-year investigation into rusting pipes that carry brake fluid in about five million older Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC pickups and SUVs, the agency blamed the problem on road salt and lack of washing. The investigation began after a man in Ohio complained that the pipes carrying brake fluid on his 2003 Chevy Silverado rusted and leaked, causing a reduction in braking power.
Younger and wiser
A recent study by car buying platform Edmunds.com suggests that younger, tech-savvy consumers are relying on their mobile devices to become better educated during the car shopping process. According to the study, 73 percent of people 18-34 years old believe they are savvier car buyers than their parents. More than half say they advise friends and family about their car purchases, compared to 37 percent of older Americans. The study reports that this age group tends to rely on mobile devices for vehicle reviews, sales and pricing. In fact, 80 percent of millennials have used their mobile devices to help them with at least one car purchase, compared to just 46 percent of people age 35 and over. That said, this group continues to value the in-dealership experience, according to the study. Sixty-four percent say they prefer face-to-face interaction with dealers as opposed to remote communications, and 96 percent say it’s important to test drive a car before they buy it.
Best value
Who’s not looking for a good value? If you are in the market for a new car, you may want to consider the 2015 Jeep® Wrangler, which has received the Vincentric Best Value for the compact/mid-size SUV segment. New features include a standard eight-speaker audio system and improved sound bar; an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a new subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. Starting U.S. MSRP of $22,795.
More of a good thing
In the electric/plug-in hybrid category, Kia Motors America’s Soul EV has been named the 2015 Vincentric Best Value in America award winner. Vincentric measures cost of ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs. Utilizing this methodology, the company identifies which vehicles have lower-than-expected ownership costs relative to comparable offerings. The statistical process evaluates each vehicle across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Affordable and efficient
For information on great sedan buys, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com list of 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000. The list, which features 2015 model-year sedans considered to be affordable and efficiency, includes the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3, Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy, Nissan Altima, Chrysler 200 and Subaru Impreza.
Buckle up
If you are of the notion that buckling up is a nuisance, you may be happy to learn that, thanks to new technology, the task may be…less of a task. TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. recently announced its next-generation seat belt buckle – the RNS5s – said to offer reduced weight and smaller dimensions than previous systems. The buckle, which is approximately 15 percent lighter and 20 percent smaller in packaging volume, is designed for front and rear seat applications using buckles and/or anchor pre-tensioners.
A sight to see
Philips has introduced Vision LED Lights, designed to improve drivers’ vision by delivering better and more dynamic lighting for applications such as brake and taillights, back up lights, side markers, fog lights and license plate lights. Guaranteed for up to 12 years, the lights are reported to be resistant to extreme heat and vibration, meaning drivers will be likely to replace their vehicle long before their LED lights. The right lighting can improve driver visibility and safety, according to Philips, which recommends drivers take the following precautions as well:
- Get vision checkups
- Take steps to improve driver reaction time, such as getting enough sleep and exercise
- Keep the vehicle well maintained. Maintenance should include regular cleaning of headlight lenses, sideview mirrors and interior glass and mirrors to prevent compromised vision