One of the most important things people look for when shopping for a new car is safety features. Some cars are more “crash safe” than others, meaning there is less chance of severe injury in the event of an accident. Technology has also evolved by creating features, like ABS brake systems, to help avoid a crash.
Some safety features are required by the government to reduce injury and loss of life in auto accidents. Auto makers also seek a competitive edge by using safety technology.
Here are some examples of safety technology:
Pre-Collision Systems: This technology involves the use of sensors to prepare for a crash. These sensors take action like tension on the seat belts, preloading the brakes and aligning the airbags to protect riders.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps drivers maintain control by comparing steering and braking inputs with the vehicle’s acceleration, rotation and individual wheel speeds. If loss of control is detected, brakes can be automatically applied and speed can be reduced back until the driver retains control.
Tire-Pressure Monitor: Newer vehicles are required to include tire-pressure monitoring systems which use sensors to determine tire pressure and display the information in the instrument panel.
Head Restraints: Most people fail to adjust the headrests properly to prevent neck injury or whiplash. Some cars come with active head restraints that move into position when a car is rear-ended.
Dual-Stage Airbags: All passenger cars are required to include passenger-side front airbags that are automatically enabled or disabled depending on whether there is a passenger in the car. Seat sensors determine if there is a passenger in the front seat. Some cars have air bags that deploy in stages depending on the severity of the crash and the weight of the front-seat passenger.
Additional Air Bags: Side airbags, though not required, can reduce injuries in the event of a crash. Some high-end cars include supplemental airbags with active knee protection and head protection systems. Some vehicles, like top-heavy SUVs, have airbag systems that inflate from the ceiling to protect occupants in the event of a rollover.
Emergency Assistance: OnStar and similar services are known for features like unlocking doors and providing directions if you are lost. If you are in an accident, they are automatically alerted and can determine your location and send emergency help.
Blind Spot Warning: Some vehicles use cameras on thee side-view mirrors to scan a driver’s blind spot and indicators in the corners of the front windows warn the driver of vehicles that they cannot see. Some cars have side assist and side blind zone alert with indicators located on the side-view mirrors.
Rearview Camera: Rear-vision cameras are available to help drivers see behind them and to aid in aligning the vehicle with a parking spot.
Obstacle Sensors: Obstacle sensors help make you aware of objects that are close to your car that you normally wouldn’t be able to see.
Night Vision System: A night vision system senses thermal energy and projects infrared light in front of the vehicle to help prevent hitting an animal or person while driving after dark.
Adaptive Headlights: This technology allows your headlights to direct light in the direction that the steering wheel is turned to shed light on where the driver intends to go.
Hands-Free Phone System: This allows drivers to make calls and receive calls using buttons on the steering wheel and with voice commands.
Voice Activation: Voice activation allows drivers to change a radio station or adjust the volume, adjust heat temperature, or enter destinations into a navigation system without taking their hands off the wheel.
Navigation Systems: A GPS navigation system is much safer than trying to read a map when you’re driving; it verbally gives you directions by telling you when and where to turn.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A radar sensor monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front of you and automatically keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead so you don’t have to constantly adjust your speed.
Some of these features are only available on luxury cars; others are becoming standard for all cars. Some safety features are required by government for all newer vehicles. Safety technology does help save lives but it can also give drivers a false sense of security. Proper vehicle maintenance is important to be sure these features are going to work properly. Most importantly, there is no “smart car” that is “crash proof.” Technology can help compensate for human error but it cannot replace common sense.
Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, realizes that accidents still happen, in spite of all the safety technology that is available today. Collision on Wheels is a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or workplace to repair dents, scratches and auto paint abrasions in any type of weather. He also specializes in fiberglass repair, scratch and paint repair on mobile homes and RVs. Charlie serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Auto Body Repair Expert in Birmingham Alabama Provides tips to Save Money on Car Insurance
Auto Insurance Tips Before and After Collision Damages
Are you getting a good deal on car insurance? Do your premiums increase dramatically each year? There are secrets within the auto insurance industry that you need to know. Here are some tips to help you save money:
Good Credit for Lower Premiums
There are many factors that go into calculating you insurance risk score; your credit score is one of them. Your insurance risk score is how your premium rate is determined. Most auto insurance companies will pull your credit report and offer a discount for good credit. The reason is if studies have shown that people with good credit are less likely to file claims. People who have long-term credit accounts and those who pay bills on time are generally more responsible and more stable than those who pay late or frequently open and close accounts.
Paying in Full versus Installments
Most insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your premium in full or they will tack on additional fees if they break up you premium into monthly installments. Ask your insurance agent about fees for paying the premium in installments. You might be better off paying the entire premium up front to save money.
The Rating on Different Car Models
All cars are given a rating; the higher the number, the higher your insurance premium will be. The cost of the car, safety and likelihood of theft are some of the factors used in rating the vehicle. A sports car or convertible will cost more to insure than a family sedan because of they way they are typically driven. Search online for the latest top 10 lists of the most expensive cars to insure or check with MSN Money’s comparison tool.
Bad Drivers pay Higher Premiums
Insurance companies typically increase your premium dramatically if you are determined to be at fault in an accident or if you get a ticket. If your rates are increased because of bad driving it usually takes 3 – 5 years for your rates to go back to normal. On the other hand, some insurance companies will reduce your rates if you have no moving violations or accidents resulting in filing a claim.
Who Else Drives your Car?
If a friend borrows your car and gets into an accident you will have to file a claim and pay any deductible that applies and your insurance premium will likely increase. If your friend is uninsured and causes damage that exceeds your policy limits then you could be held liable by the injured party. Allowing others to drive your car can be very risky.
Adding Teenagers to your Policy
You must tell your insurance company when your teenager has become a licensed driver. If you fail to report this and your teen is in an accident where you have to file a claim, your insurance company can charge you back premiums due from the date your teen received their license.
Your Car’s Value
Your insurance company has its own system of determining value if you total your car in an accident. They don’t use the standard Kelley Blue Book values; each company has its own list of car values or special software. There are several things you can do if you disagree with your insurance company’s opinion of value.
Insurers take into consideration mileage and condition of the vehicle before the accident when determining value. If you keep good records that show you have properly maintained your car with regular oil changes and routine mechanical check-ups, then present this evidence to your insurance company. If you have special parts or upgrades on your car be sure to show this to your agent as well.
Shop around for quotes on replacement cars of the same make and model from several dealers within a reasonable distance from your home. Insurance companies will often get quotes from out of town dealerships if it can save them money. Prices on vehicles in suburban areas may be less than those charged in the city. In many cases, insurance companies are quoted lower prices than you would be given if you walked onto the car lot yourself.
You can take the issue to court or go through a mediation or arbitration process if you are not satisfied with the insurance company’s valuation of your vehicle.
Of course, you can avoid this hassle by getting gap insurance. Gap insurance coverage pays the difference between what an insurer will cover and what you owe which can be thousands of dollars.
Claim for Diminished Value
If you have been in an accident and had your vehicle repaired, its value may be diminished. Some states allow you to file a claim with your insurance company for the lost value. If you were not at fault you can file a claim against the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.
Sales Tax on a Replacement Car
Some states require auto insurers to pay the sales tax when you purchase a replacement vehicle if yours it totaled. This includes both new and used cars. Do not expect your insurance company to pay upfront; you might have to request it. Many insurance companies will pay the sales tax even in states that do not require it because your policy requires them to return you to where you were before the accident.
This information is provided by Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to you to provide collision repair, dent repair and scratch repair on vehicles. They are also equipped with everything they need to repaint your car for a perfect color match.
Charlie Jones also specializes in fiberglass repair for RVs and mobile homes. He serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
Are you getting a good deal on car insurance? Do your premiums increase dramatically each year? There are secrets within the auto insurance industry that you need to know. Here are some tips to help you save money:
Good Credit for Lower Premiums
There are many factors that go into calculating you insurance risk score; your credit score is one of them. Your insurance risk score is how your premium rate is determined. Most auto insurance companies will pull your credit report and offer a discount for good credit. The reason is if studies have shown that people with good credit are less likely to file claims. People who have long-term credit accounts and those who pay bills on time are generally more responsible and more stable than those who pay late or frequently open and close accounts.
Paying in Full versus Installments
Most insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your premium in full or they will tack on additional fees if they break up you premium into monthly installments. Ask your insurance agent about fees for paying the premium in installments. You might be better off paying the entire premium up front to save money.
The Rating on Different Car Models
All cars are given a rating; the higher the number, the higher your insurance premium will be. The cost of the car, safety and likelihood of theft are some of the factors used in rating the vehicle. A sports car or convertible will cost more to insure than a family sedan because of they way they are typically driven. Search online for the latest top 10 lists of the most expensive cars to insure or check with MSN Money’s comparison tool.
Bad Drivers pay Higher Premiums
Insurance companies typically increase your premium dramatically if you are determined to be at fault in an accident or if you get a ticket. If your rates are increased because of bad driving it usually takes 3 – 5 years for your rates to go back to normal. On the other hand, some insurance companies will reduce your rates if you have no moving violations or accidents resulting in filing a claim.
Who Else Drives your Car?
If a friend borrows your car and gets into an accident you will have to file a claim and pay any deductible that applies and your insurance premium will likely increase. If your friend is uninsured and causes damage that exceeds your policy limits then you could be held liable by the injured party. Allowing others to drive your car can be very risky.
Adding Teenagers to your Policy
You must tell your insurance company when your teenager has become a licensed driver. If you fail to report this and your teen is in an accident where you have to file a claim, your insurance company can charge you back premiums due from the date your teen received their license.
Your Car’s Value
Your insurance company has its own system of determining value if you total your car in an accident. They don’t use the standard Kelley Blue Book values; each company has its own list of car values or special software. There are several things you can do if you disagree with your insurance company’s opinion of value.
Insurers take into consideration mileage and condition of the vehicle before the accident when determining value. If you keep good records that show you have properly maintained your car with regular oil changes and routine mechanical check-ups, then present this evidence to your insurance company. If you have special parts or upgrades on your car be sure to show this to your agent as well.
Shop around for quotes on replacement cars of the same make and model from several dealers within a reasonable distance from your home. Insurance companies will often get quotes from out of town dealerships if it can save them money. Prices on vehicles in suburban areas may be less than those charged in the city. In many cases, insurance companies are quoted lower prices than you would be given if you walked onto the car lot yourself.
You can take the issue to court or go through a mediation or arbitration process if you are not satisfied with the insurance company’s valuation of your vehicle.
Of course, you can avoid this hassle by getting gap insurance. Gap insurance coverage pays the difference between what an insurer will cover and what you owe which can be thousands of dollars.
Claim for Diminished Value
If you have been in an accident and had your vehicle repaired, its value may be diminished. Some states allow you to file a claim with your insurance company for the lost value. If you were not at fault you can file a claim against the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.
Sales Tax on a Replacement Car
Some states require auto insurers to pay the sales tax when you purchase a replacement vehicle if yours it totaled. This includes both new and used cars. Do not expect your insurance company to pay upfront; you might have to request it. Many insurance companies will pay the sales tax even in states that do not require it because your policy requires them to return you to where you were before the accident.
This information is provided by Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to you to provide collision repair, dent repair and scratch repair on vehicles. They are also equipped with everything they need to repaint your car for a perfect color match.
Charlie Jones also specializes in fiberglass repair for RVs and mobile homes. He serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Auto Body Shops: Environmental Issues with Waste Water - Birmingham, Alabama
When we concern ourselves with water pollution control in industrial businesses, auto body shops are not considered as major violators; however, they are not a waterless operation. A car must be washed before and after body work is performed. Water is also required for wet sanding. There are rules and regulation for auto body shops to dispose of wastewater.
Regulatory inspectors are most attracted to floor drains in auto body shops. The fact that they have a floor drain means something is being washed down it. If the drain does not lead to the city sewer system or a holding tank then the Department of Environmental Management recommends that it be sealed.
Auto body shops that choose to use floor drains that are not connected to the sewer system must be monitored with regular sampling under the rules of DEM’s Underground Injection Control Program. This insures that wastewater discharges to the underground by way of dry well or septic system do not pollute the soil and ground water.
By law, sanding/metallic dust or other auto body shop waste may not be washed down open floor drains; it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Auto body shops should use a commercial car wash for washing the vehicles they work on. Many commercial car washes have in-ground systems to catch and recycle waste water to prevent pollution, reduce waste water and conserve clean water usage.
Charlie Jones is the owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop.
Waste water is not an issue with them; they use the local car wash to wash the car before and after repairs are performed. In addition, Collision on Wheels uses water based paints that are safe for the environment and they are the forefront for promoting green practices in their work and disposal of debris.
Charlie Jones serves consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
Regulatory inspectors are most attracted to floor drains in auto body shops. The fact that they have a floor drain means something is being washed down it. If the drain does not lead to the city sewer system or a holding tank then the Department of Environmental Management recommends that it be sealed.
Auto body shops that choose to use floor drains that are not connected to the sewer system must be monitored with regular sampling under the rules of DEM’s Underground Injection Control Program. This insures that wastewater discharges to the underground by way of dry well or septic system do not pollute the soil and ground water.
By law, sanding/metallic dust or other auto body shop waste may not be washed down open floor drains; it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Auto body shops should use a commercial car wash for washing the vehicles they work on. Many commercial car washes have in-ground systems to catch and recycle waste water to prevent pollution, reduce waste water and conserve clean water usage.
Charlie Jones is the owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop.
Waste water is not an issue with them; they use the local car wash to wash the car before and after repairs are performed. In addition, Collision on Wheels uses water based paints that are safe for the environment and they are the forefront for promoting green practices in their work and disposal of debris.
Charlie Jones serves consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
Auto Paint Contamination: Removing it with a Clay Bar
You just washed and waxed your car and as you move your hand across the hood you are disappointed because it feels rough; there are tiny bumps everywhere that feel like bits of dust and metal fragments. Perhaps you are thinking that the car came out of the factory with an inferior paint job. This is not the case. This is a condition called paint contamination and it cannot be removed by washing and waxing the car.
What is Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train; therefore, the damage begins before your car reaches the dealership. Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pad rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
There is no way to prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
How to Remove Paint Contamination
The best and safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. The process takes time so plan on spending about half a day on this project. You will need lubricant designed for use with a clay bar as well; this is very important. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Begin by applying a light mist of lubricant to a small section; do not try to do too large an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you work the area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface is smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry towel and move on to the next section.
As you work and the clay bar becomes soiled, knead and stretch the clay to expose a fresh surface. Be careful; if you drop the clay bar it will pick up dirt from the ground and transfer it to the car, scratching the surface.
Removing paint contamination with a clay bar is a lot of work so you will want to finish the project by applying a good wax to protect the surface and renew the shine.
This was written by Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor collision repair, scratch and dent repairs and paint repair. CW comes to the customer and completes most repairs in one day or less, saving the customer time and money.
Charlie services consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
What is Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train; therefore, the damage begins before your car reaches the dealership. Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pad rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
There is no way to prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
How to Remove Paint Contamination
The best and safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. The process takes time so plan on spending about half a day on this project. You will need lubricant designed for use with a clay bar as well; this is very important. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Begin by applying a light mist of lubricant to a small section; do not try to do too large an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you work the area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface is smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry towel and move on to the next section.
As you work and the clay bar becomes soiled, knead and stretch the clay to expose a fresh surface. Be careful; if you drop the clay bar it will pick up dirt from the ground and transfer it to the car, scratching the surface.
Removing paint contamination with a clay bar is a lot of work so you will want to finish the project by applying a good wax to protect the surface and renew the shine.
This was written by Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor collision repair, scratch and dent repairs and paint repair. CW comes to the customer and completes most repairs in one day or less, saving the customer time and money.
Charlie services consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
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