Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Drivers 16 years of age are at high risk for traffic accidents due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. A series of five research papers published in a September 2002 supplement of Injury Prevention addresses this risk among young drivers. The papers make a compelling case for graduated driver licensing (GDL), the system of laws and practices that gradually introduce young drivers into the driving population.
Graduated Driver License programs can be found in 31 states around the country. The GDL program permit young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges and are generally targeted towards 14 17 year old teen drivers.
Most states require an adult with a valid driver’s license be present when the teen is driving. Additionally the teen driver is required to enroll in a certified Drivers Ed course and must hold a learner’s permit for at least 3 6 months before taking an “operators driving license” test.
It is during these 3 6 months when teen drivers with learner’s permits mostly drive the family vehicle with their parents. While GDL programs allow the teen driver to gain experience in a family vehicle with a parent, other drivers are not aware who is behind the wheel of this vehicle.
Notifying other drivers will give them the ability to consider choices when approaching a vehicle operated by a teen driver. We can increase traffic safety and awareness. Car magnets have become a viable possibility as the notification tool. Easy to put on and easy to take off! No hassles or concerns about permanent bumper stickers that may not come off.
Auto Safety Magnets has a focus strictly on car safety for teen drivers, their parents and driving schools. Help keep the roads safe.

Parents of Teen Drivers

So, what does a parent think while sitting in the passenger seat and their teen is driving with a permit license? A “bump” in the parking lot with another car? Traffic tickets for moving violations? Insurance rates sky-rocketing?
If you visit search engines you can find several resources to assist you on this subject. Try searching on the phrase “parents with teen drivers”. Alternatively we have tried to make this easy for you if you visit our news page on this very topic.
A few resources on the web for parents are:
Parent-Teen Contract
You might also consider using a driving safety contract between you and your teen. This is an agreement that your child signs, in which he agrees to be a safe driver by following all restrictions you have imposed or risk losing his driving privileges. An example of this can be found at:
ipromiseprogram.com/
Talk It Out
Work with your teen driver to talk through their thought process while driving. Let’s not over-do this to the point that they cannot concentrate on driving. More specifics can be found in the book for parents at:
safeyoungdrivers.com/
Helpful thoughts for parents in brief are:

Drive by example
Watch your emotional response while your teen is driving
Work with your teen on various driving conditions, not just dry sunny days.
Large open fields or empty parking lots are good sources for practicing

Of course while you’re working with your teen driver and their permit license, we have to keep the drivers around us in mind too. Auto Safety Magnets has a focus strictly on car safety for teen drivers, their parents and driving schools. Our magnets will increase road awareness and traffic safety. Help keep the roads safe for you and other drivers. We invite you to sign-up for our free newsletter covering Driving Schools, Car Safety and Teen Drivers at our website.

Drivers of SUVs Saving Big Money with Diesel Engines

(ARA) – Half of all American vacationers on the road this year are driving gas guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, according to a new survey on driving habits from research firm MarketFacts. These bigger vehicles burn high amounts of fuel, which not only puts a dent in drivers’ wallets, but also increases the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Ironically, the MarketFacts study shows that fuel economy is an important issue for SUV and pickup drivers.
According to automotive experts, standard gasoline engines can’t efficiently handle the weight of the larger — and very popular — SUVs and pickup trucks. There is an alternative, however, for drivers of big vehicles to consider: diesel engines.
Diesel engines like the Power Stroke Diesel in Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups are specifically made to provide better mileage — 30 percent in most cases — and have more pulling power than gas engines, which is why they are especially popular among those hauling camping gear or towing boats, RVs and horse trailers.
“People love big trucks for a lot of great reasons, but running a gas engine in them is like trying to heat a hotel with a small home furnace. You’re going to burn way too much fuel and you still won’t get the power you really need,” said Patrick Charbonneau, chief technical officer, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. “Diesel engines produce more power than gasoline engines because diesel fuel itself has more energy. And today’s diesel engines are electronically controlled to boost performance and fuel efficiency.”
However, the study found that despite diesel’s known benefits, many Americans are resistant because they still have a negative perception of these engines, recalling the noisy and odorous diesel engines of the ’70s. Industry experts dispel these myths saying today’s diesel engines are greatly improved — running quietly and not producing odors or smoke.
Major automakers in the United States have taken an interest in diesel power predominantly because of the success of diesels in Europe. “Over 30 percent of the passenger cars in Europe are now diesel, and the main reason is fuel economy,” said Charbonneau. “The Big Three know fuel economy is keenly important here in North America.”
Currently in the United States, diesel engines are an option over the standard gasoline engines, adding a few thousand dollars to the cost of a new vehicle. Although buying a diesel engine is a higher monetary investment initially, automakers say diesel engines make up this cost difference within just three years from fuel savings alone. Diesel engines also add greater resale value to pickups and SUVs due to their longevity.
Industry insiders believe that in 20 years, 30 percent of the passenger cars, sport utilities and pickups in America will use diesel engines because of fuel efficiency and near zero emissions capabilities. According to the Department of Energy, if diesels reach even a percent of their potential penetration by 2020, the country could conserve as much as 700,000 barrels of fuel per day — half the energy used daily by the state of California.

The Popularity of the NHRA

It is the Christmas holiday weekend, the family is sitting around the livingroom discussing how much of a very fine meal we’ve eaten, when the conversation shifts: “You on for the drag races this summer?” I asked my brother. “Oh yeah,” he answers back. As we reminisce about the past years NHRA Nationals and discuss plans and dates for this years race, we wonder why the NHRA does not have a bigger following. If you like fast cars, and you have not been to a NHRA Nationals event, you have no idea what your missing. That, we decided, is exactly the problem. You have got to see it live to understand why it has the following it does. Television is at fault, after-all this sport has many times the horsepower of NASCAR, the pitts are open to anyone with a ticket, and the drivers come out of the haulers just to sign autographs on a regular basis. They even give you a free, glossy team photo to get the autograph signed on. The problem is none of that comes across on TV. When you watch NASCAR they televise the pre-race activities, the on-track activities, and the post-race activities. They even have a segment called CRANK IT UP, in which the anouncers dont say a word for a few laps so you can litterally blow your speakers apart with your surround sound. This helps give you the feeling you are at the track. You could be watching your first NASCAR event and by the end of the race come away with the feeling you understand it, and more importatly you will feel like you know the drivers. I dont want to take anything away from NASCAR; it is a great motorsport and they have done a fine job of marketing to get to this point. But (and it is a big but) there is no feeling in the world like two top fuel dragsters coming off the line simultaneously; it will shake your soul. Trying to explain this feeling to someone who has never experienced it is futile. Nor can you explain the smells of the track, the smoking tires, the rubber dust in the air, or the way your eyes burn from the half-burnt alcohol sprayed from the firey pipes. The sound…absolutely deafening.
If we could somehow get these sights and sounds through our TV’s, the NHRA would explode with popularity. “Maybe they should send out bag of rubber dust and a candle that smells like burnt rubber before each broadcast,” we quipped.
In reality, the biggest thing I see that can be done is for television to help us get to know the drivers and their crews. Even the World Poker Tour understands they can’t just show you people playing cards. We have to feel as if these drivers are our friends. Introduce us to their world! We must be able to connect with them on a personal level. Show us what it takes to go 300mph in less than five seconds! The crews can tear down an engine and put it back together in less than an hour. Show us that! Dont talk while the rockets thunder down the track. Let us blow our speakers! It will never take the place of being at the track, but it would go a long way in bringing the NHRA back to the fore-front of the racing world.
Do yourself a favor, the next time the NHRA is in your neighborhood, GO. Take your kids, call some friends, or go by yourself; just go. There is no experience like it in the world, at least not yet. Maybe someday soon, when we can board a rocket bound for the moon, the NHRA might have competition. Until that day comes you owe it to yourself to take in an event.

How to install Neon & LED Undercar lights

So you’ve got your Neon or LED under car kit, and can’t wait to have it installed and running… am I right? No problemo, we’ll have you up and running in no time!
Just in case you’re wondering about how to install other neon or led lights sold at “out-lets” other then the All-Neon-Car-Lights.com website, I can assure you that  most of the instructions that come with each of the various kits are easy to follow. They have been designed with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. (Or at least they “should” be). However, if you are in need of any special advise about a particular car lighting product, please contact us via the email link provided below and we will do our best to help you.
For some people, a car is a means of transport and nothing more. As long as their vehicle gets them from point A to point B and back again, has nice comfortable seats, a good sound system and a coffee mug holder, it serves all of its purposes well. And of course there are other drivers for which a car is much, much more — It can be an extension of their personality or an object of their fixation. In this huge world of automotive accessories, there is no product that screams louder than the underbody light kit for this type of individual. If you consider cruising in your car is among your favorite hobbies and you relish the stares of pedestrians and fellow-motorists, then a under car light kit may be for you.
These lights, which mount to the body around the perimeter of the vehicle’s undercarriage, come in kits that contain the elements you’ll need for installation. The “how to install under car lights” instructions that you’ll be directed to shortly, are fairly straight forward, but since it requires drilling into the body of the vehicle and substantial electrical work (depending on the kit you buy), it’s best left to the more experienced do-it-yourselfers. If this project seems a little too hard for you, rest assured that there is a growing number of custom shops that perform this type of installation. If you do decide to take on the installation yourself, which anyone can do with the correct instructions, be sure to purchase a kit that is compatible with your vehicle, and read and follow the instructions that come with the kit carefully.
Ever wondered how long car lighting kits have been around? Well Hot Rods were the first cars to have undercar lighting installed on them, (although, the lights were nothing like they are today) back before import and export was a big industry world wide. And today, thanks to the World Wide Web and the fact that import and export is now more commonly practiced throughout the world, they have become more popular then ever before.
So this is the reason why we set out to write up these “How to install under car lights” instructions, as they are *required* by people like yourself.
Our team of dedicated Market & Product Researchers and including myself, have spent an enormous amount of time & money installing under car kits from a variety of manufacturers, and as a result after all this testing, we can now provide you with generic instructions on how to install under car lights on your vehicle. We also found after this extensive testing was carried out, that Plasmaglow had the best, “all round” car lighting products available on the market today, outlasting and out-performing the competition in every aspect, hence the reason why we recommend their products on the all-neon-car-lights.com website.
As a related note, please keep in mind that the main issues we face with having neon or LED car lights on our vehicles these days is the fact that they are often frowned upon by the authorities. So to avoid any uninvited fines, its best to install neon lights under a car so as they can be activated through a separate switch rather than having them come on when the headlights are turned on. To do this, you can run a power wire directly from the car battery to the kits operating switch, thus by-passing the vehicles headlight wires.
The “How to install under car lights” instructions below have been designed & written with ALL “under car kits” in mind. These instructions will benefit those who have LED under car kits to install, and/or Neon under car kits.
Enjoy your new undercar lights, and drive safely.

Your Drive Train Explained

The drive train serves two functions: it transmits power from the engine to the drive wheels, and it varies the amount of torque. “Power” is the rate or speed at which work is performed. “Torque” is turning or twisting force. Multiple ratio gearboxes are necessary because the engine delivers its maximum power at certain speeds, or RPM (Rotations Per Minute). In order to use the same engine RPM’s at different road speeds, it is necessary to change the “Gear Ratio” between the engine and the drive wheels. Just like a bicycle, the car has to switch gears in order to move at a wide range of speeds. Unlike your bicycle, the car’s drivetrain also has to allow you to back up. (Well, you could push it backwards if you ate your Wheaties)
There are actually two sets of gears in the drive train; the transmission and the differential. The transmission allows the gear ratio to be adjusted, and the differential lets the drive wheels turn at different speeds.
Manual transmissions usually have four or five speeds, and often have “overdrive”, which means that the output shaft can turn faster than the input shaft for fuel economy on the highway. Some use an electric clutch and a switch that controls whether the overdrive is engaged or not. An interesting development on a few cars is the “clutchless” manual transmission, which uses a stick shift and an automatic electric clutch. Speed and position sensors, mini computers, and throttle controls keep the engine from over-revving when the driver shifts gears. As with many automotive “inventions”, this is an old idea, which may now reach feasibility due to the computer revolution.
Automatic transmissions commonly use three forward gears to blend speed and torque. In the case of a three-speed transmission, first gear delivers maximum torque and minimum speed for starting. Second gear offers medium torque and speed for acceleration and hill climbing. Third gear allows maximum speed with minimum torque for highway travel. A reverse gear permits backward movement.
A transmission is a speed and power-changing device installed at some point between the engine and driving wheels of a vehicle. It provides a means for changing the ratio between engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and driving wheel RPM to best meet each particular driving situation.
Some types of drive train layouts use a “Transaxle”, which is simply a combination of the transmission and the differential. These are usually found on front wheel drive cars, but are also used on mid- and rear-engine cars. Some exotic cars have their engine in the front, and a transaxle in the rear of the car for better weight balance.
Torque is derived from power. The amount of torque obtainable from a source of power is proportional to the distance from the center of rotation at which it is applied. It is logical, then, that if we have a shaft (in this case, the crankshaft) rotating at any given speed, we can put gears of different sizes on the shaft and obtain different results. If we put a large gear on the shaft, we will get more speed and less power at the rim than with a small gear. If we place another shaft parallel to our driving shaft and install gears on it in line with those on the driving shaft, we can obtain almost any desired combination of speed or power within the limits of the engine’s ability. That is exactly what an automobile transmission does by means of gears and other devices.
There are two types of transmissions; manual and automatic. If you have a manual transmission, you have to shift the gears yourself, usually with a stick located on your console and the clutch pedal. If you have an automatic transmission, the mechanism changes without any help from you. This is accomplished through a system that works by oil pressure. Each shift of the gears is controlled by a shift valve; the gears shift change depending on speed, the road, and load conditions.
Another basic component of all drive trains is some form of a clutch. it allows the engine to continue rotating while the gears and wheels are stationary. Automatic transmission cars use a “torque converter” in lieu of a clutch.
The last component in the drive train is the axle. In a rear wheel drive car the axle is in the rear. Engine power is transmitted from the transmission to the axle via the drive shaft. The drive shaft is basically a metal tube with joints on each end called universal joints. These joints allow the tube to move in relation to the suspension and keep power flowing to the rear. In front wheel drive cars the axle is integrated into the transmission thus the term transaxle.
>From the back of the engine to where the rubber meets the road, the drive train encompasses one of the most complicated systems of your car. Some people say looking at a transmission “makes their brain hurt”.
The above information is directly from the Auto Insight program, which you can buy online from AutoEducation.com.
Common Problems:

Manual transmissions suffer from wear mainly in the synchronizers. The synchronizers make shifting easier and help to prevent gear clash. Over time the synchronizers, which are made of brass, can wear out causing hard shifting and grinding.
Automatic transmissions can also wear out, causing slipping and uneven shifting patterns. Universal joints can wear and cause vibrations while driving. Many newer universal joints are sealed and cannot be lubricated, leaving replacement as the only option.

Preventive Maintenance:

Change the fluid in your transmission at recommended intervals. Your owners manual will give you a time schedule in miles and or months. If you tow a boat or trailer be prepared to change the fluid even sooner. Most owners manuals will give you recommend intervals for severe use like towing or off-road use.
Do not “ride” the clutch if you have a manual transmission. Learn to release the clutch in a smooth motion without revving the engine too much. Revving the engine too much while pulling out can cause premature wear on the clutch.
If you do tow a boat or trailer, consider getting a transmission cooler for your automatic transmission. Temperatures can approach the boiling point in severe conditions. Most newer trucks come equipped with transmission coolers if sold with a towing package.
Make sure your universal joint is lubricated at oil changes if they are the type, which can be lubricated. When replacing universal joints try to find replacements with lubrication fittings so you can lubricate in the future.
If you have a front wheel drive car, avoid applying the gas to the floor while the wheels are turned at full lock. This puts stress on the universals and can cause premature failure. This can happen when stuck in the snow and trying to get out.

What to discuss with your mechanic:

If you are noticing a vibration in the car while driving, make sure to describe when it happens. While accelerating? braking? maintaining speed? when turning?

Test Driving A New Car

One of the most important steps in buying a new or used car is the test drive. You can do all the research you like, but it all comes down to the test drive. Driving the car must be comfortable, easy, and enjoyable. Follow these few steps and get the most out of your next test drive.
Check over the car before you leave the dealer’s lot. Tires, fluids, and lights should all be checked before you drive. Also make sure there is gas in the car.

If at all possible go on the test drive by yourself. You need to concentrate on the driving experience and the noises of the car. A babbling salesman will distract you and not let you get a good read on the car.
Before leaving the lot, adjust the seat, mirrors, and the climate control system. You do not need to be distracted while driving an unfamiliar car. Make sure you are comfortable and have a good view of everything around you.
Drive a variety of roads. Mix it up with some city driving followed by highway if you can. You should make sure to try every gear and reach highway speeds to fully test the car.
Test the brakes. The steering wheel should not shake while applying the brakes. Also, check to see if the car pulls to one side while braking. Squeaks and rattles could also indicate worn pads.
Notice how the car tracks. When you take your hands off of the wheel, which way does the car go? If the car consistently tracks to one side, be concerned about the alignment.

The last thing you should check is how you feel about the car. Did you enjoy driving it? Was there enough power to get your blood pumping? Is this a car you can live with every day? Most important don’t get caught up in the moment, don’t buy the first car you see, and never ever let the dealer think you are interested.

What is Road Hazard Warranty? Do You Really Need It?

You are prepared to spend an average of $300 – $500 for new sneakers for you vehicle. It’s a maintenance item that is not optional and then the salesperson asks you if you want to purchase the Road Hazard warranty.
“It’s ONLY an additional $10 – $20 for each tire,” he or she says. So, you’re thinking, “Don’t my tires come with a warranty already?”
Great question! Most tires come with a warranty which covers workmanship and materials. In other words, the tire maufacterer covers things which are in their control, like defects. They are not interested in warranting the condition of the roads or your inability to hit debris.
This is where a Road Hazard warranty can save you money and aggravation. Road Hazard warranties are one of the best values, yet one of the most misunderstood benefits. Let’s start off by expalining exactly what is a Road Hazard warranties and how does it save me money?
Most Road Hazard warranties are set up to protect you, from paying full price, even if you happen to get a flat or even destroy a tire beyond repair. If you are fortunate enough to have purchased the warranty, you will only pay for the amount of tread that you used prior to the needed replacement. (This is called pro-rated).
Here is an example. Let’s say your tire is 1/2 way worn at the time of the flat. With tires averaging $100 each, your replacement cost would only be $50.00. Much better than full price, yes? Definitely – great value.
Typically, Road Hazard warranties will cover things like nails, glass, metal, stones etc. and almost anything else that could puncture or damage a tire. Some Road Hazrd packages provide a nationwide coverage, which are great for people who are traveling, or vacationing, because you now have peace of mind knowing that you are protected while away from your local area.
In addition, many Road Hazard warranties offer other benefits like free rotations and free balancing (check where you purchase your tires for all the details). Regular maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your tire and get as many miles as possible for your investment.
Next time you are ready to purchase tires, ask your tire dealer for the road hazard warranty. You’ll be glad you did.

If You Drive – Consider A Greener Fuel As Smog Sea

(NC)-As the first smog alert warnings of the season approach, Canadians are being urged to use ethanol-blended fuel to alleviate the urban smog problems plaguing many parts of the country. Many regions such Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and most parts of Ontario have experienced a significant increase in the number of “smog days” in recent years and the problem is getting worse according the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. Mr. Bliss Baker, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA), suggests commuters and other motorists fill-up with ethanol-blended gasoline. “This is one way of addressing the issue of air pollution – since ethanol produces 30% less smog forming carbon monoxide than standard gasoline,” said Mr. Baker.
The most commonly available ethanol-blended fuel is called E-10 – a mixture of 10% ethanol with 90% gasoline. This product, in addition to substantially reducing carbon monoxide, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 6 percent and all vehicles have warrantees for the use of E10. Using ethanol blends rather than standard gasoline also results in an overall decrease in ozone formation – the main culprit in the creation of smog.
“This is no longer an urban problem,” said Mr. Baker. Many rural parts of the country are now experiencing poor air quality. The good news is there is something we can do about it,” concluded Mr. Baker.
All ethanol sold in Canada is produced from agricultural products such as corn and wheat. The corn producing areas of southwestern Ontario such as the Counties of Essex and Chatham-Kent produce the majority of Ontario’s ethanol while ethanol production in western Canada is produced from wheat grown throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
There are currently over 1,100 gas stations in Canada that sell ethanol- blended fuel, across the country from Alberta to Quebec.

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