In new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests for small sport utility vehicles, the Jeep Patriot received one of the top scores. The testing was specifically focused on roof strength, in the event of a rollover.  These tests for the IIHS are new, and are in a response to a rise in rollover injuries and fatalities; the tests apply to 2009 model year vehicles. More than 10,000 people a year are killed in rollover crashes in the United States and the government has been considering tougher roof requirements for several years. However, the standards have not been significantly changed since 1973.

The institute, based in Arlington, Va., released its first results of new tests on vehicle roof strength.  Modern vehicles only need to withstand direct pressure of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. The rules only apply to vehicles of 6,000 pounds or less, excluding many SUVs and pickup trucks. Under the institute’s criteria, a vehicle roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle’s weight to receive the top score. For the second-highest rating, a roof must withstand a force of 3.25 times the vehicle weight.

While models such as the Liberty and Chevy Equinox performed well, many small SUV models received ‘poor’ ratings.  While a new federal standard has been in the works for years, nothing has been made official.  Automakers have improved overall SUV safety with new technologies, such as electronic stability control, which is specifically targeted to prevent rollovers.  In the meantime, for those shopping for an SUV, it may be worth considering the latest crash test results and the available safety technologies in the model.

The ‘Clunker’ program is officially over. The Transportation Department extended the deadline Monday for auto dealers to submit their Cash for Clunkers deals, giving them more time to make sure they get repaid under the popular $3 billion government rebate program. Dealers were given until noon Tuesday to submit the necessary paperwork, after the deadline was pushed back from 8 p.m. EDT Monday. All sales under the program ended Monday evening. The change came after government computers set up to handle the filings buckled under a flood of dealers trying to send in their sales agreements at the last minute. The big rush of filings on Monday shut down the filing system temporarily, prompting auto dealers to push for an extension. Many car dealerships have worked overnight in recent days to submit the 13-page application to be reimbursed for the trade-in vehicle, including the title, proof of registration and proof of insurance.

The good news was the program was far more popular than expected; the bad news was the government computer system that handles the filings was not quite ready for so any transactions.  However, about half way through transportation officials expanded its computer network capacity and tripled the number of staffers working on the program. Transportation officials claim the program was an unprecedented success and a boost for car dealers, automakers, scrap yards and financial institutions.

A new standard in emission and mileage requirements will face automakers in the neare future.  A new plan was announced by President Obama on May 19, combining fuel economy and emissions standards in one unified plan and removing the complexity of having multiple fuel economy standards determined by different states. The new national standard will make cars 30% more efficient than today’s new vehicles. Cars and trucks will meet a comprehensive 35.5-mpg standard by 2016 (cars would be held to a standard of 39 mpg, trucks at 30 mpg), ramping up 5% per year from 2012 to 2016.

This program is the most aggressive new fuel economy standard for automobiles in the U.S. since the 1970s. For the first time it establishes a standard that accounts for tailpipe emissions and fuel economy. While alternative powered vehicles such as hybrid are quickly increasing, they will, almost out of necessity, be a mainstream vehicle in the future. Other technology, such as lighter weight design and cylinder shut-off system will help improved conventional gasoline driven vehicles. There are few cars on the market today that meet the year 2016 standards.  And the vehicles that do are either ‘clean diesels’ or hybrids, in addition to the tiny smart ForTwo, which for many people is not practical.

The new plan is different from before because California traditionally called for higher standards and wanted to enact its own rules for cars sold within its boundaries. This new plan essentially mirrors California’s plan for a national standard, making the building and selling of cars simpler for carmakers, while pleasing the most ardent of environmentalists.
Technically, all manufacturers who sell vehicles in the U.S. must meet the standard, but it will not be easy to get automaker to comply, as it is an expensive and technological challenge.  It is likely this will add about $1,300 to the cost of a new vehicle, but consumers can receive discounts for special vehicles right now.  The new plan only affects the purchase of new vehicles. If you decide to drive your current car after 2016, it will still be completely legal and valid for registration in the U.S.

Even should this new plan go into law, the U.S. will lag behind other countries for fuel economy standards. Right now in Europe, the average is 40 mpg and will be 49 mpg in a few years. Japan is aiming for 47 mpg by 2015. Agreeing on a national program will make things much simpler for automakers, as before there was a chance California would enact higher standards.  As much as this will be a challenger for the automakers, consumers, and officials to make this plan work, it can only be a step in the right direction towards cleaner air and less dependency on foreign oil.

In an industry that is facing troubled times, the 2010 Chevy Camaro is a shining star among Chevy lineup.  It has proven to be a very popular model, consumers can’t wait to get their hands on it and in many cases, the Camaros are actually selling for more than the MSRP, simply because of the high demand. GM is trying to keep up production numbers with the sales numbers, but Camaros are flying out of dealerships. The Camaro was originally built from 1967 to 2002; the 2010 model marks the brand’s rebirth.  Many consumers are previous Camaro owners, and are excited to get a modern version of the car they so loved. Dealers started selling the 2010 two-door Camaro in May, and while the new model is far from retro, it does bring forward some styling cues from older Camaros (namely the 1969 model) in a thoroughly modern manner.

The fastest Camaro has a 6.2-liter V-8 engine, generating 422 horsepower. The V-6 Camaro, with 304 hp, gets a much better 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The SS model offers 20-inch aluminum wheels and 4-piston Brembo brakes and offers an optional white stripe color option on the hood. Dealers have already booked about 25,000 orders for the Camaro, yet only half have been delivered to date. There is no question that the Camaro has grabbed the attention of the car-buying public, and the recent debut of Transformers 2 will likely give the pony car another marketing shot in the arm. So if buying a Camaro is on your list, get in line, and get ready to experience one amazing vehicle.  For research, videos, pictures, and information, read this 2010 Chevy Camaro review.

The heat is on and it is summer time.  I fact, August is often one of the hottest months of the year.  70, 80, even 90 degree weather means that a closed vehicle is going to heat up quickly. A car sitting in a parking lot all day can reach temperatures well over 100 degrees F.  Nothing is more uncomfortable to climb into your car only to sit on hot seats and breathe in the stifling air.  However, in hot weather there are ways to minimize a cooking car. You may even want to think about this while shopping for your vehicle.  Cloth seats are better than leather as far as heating up, and some luxury models even come with air conditioned seats, where small refrigerant units are actually built into the seats. Follow these tips and you may be better off:

Windows Shields

Aftermarket windshield shields that block out the sun’s rays are widely available. Not only do they lower interior temperatures, but they also stop the UV rays from damaging dashboards and fading fabrics.

 Find some Shade

If any shade is available where you will be parking, this is great way to lower the rate at which the vehicle heats up.  If there is no shade, park so that the sun comes in the back window. This will keep the front dash, steering wheel, and seats from getting so hot.

Crank the A/C

Once you enter that hot car, turn on the air conditioner and open your windows a couple of inches. This will efficiently lower the interior temperatures because the cool air produced will displace the hot air, pushing it out the windows. As soon as it’s cooled off, close the windows.

Vent the Windows

Lower the windows at least a half-inch to allow some airflow. This will slightly reduce the temperature, and allow for less stifling air.

Tinted Windows

Window tinting is very effective in lowering interior temperatures, but there are different rules regulating window tinting for every state. Some states prohibit tinting of the front windows, some states allow tinting, but the degree of tinting is defined, which varies from state to state.

Vehicles of today may have advanced safety technologies such as curtain side airbags and traction control, yet the braking system is still one of the most important.  The fact is, brakes do need maintenance over time.  Repeated braking is obviously going to put wear and tear on components.  There are different reasons why your brakes may need some work. Crystallized brake pads and/or shoes can become hardened from heat and are no longer effective at grabbing and stopping the rotation of the brake drum or rotor. This condition usually occurs after the brakes have been overused, either because of excessive panic stops or “riding of the brake.” There is sometimes a loss of pressure from broken brake lines, which run to all four wheels. Oil or grease soaked brakes can also affect braking. Oil from the rear differential or front transaxle can get on the brakes from an oil seal that might have failed. Grease from a failed rubber boot on a front end component (such as a ball joint or tie rod) can find its way onto the brakes and cause this symptom as well. “Hot Spots” on the brake drums or rotors are hardened spots in the metal makeup of the drum or rotor that form from excessive overheating of the brakes. The pads and shoes have nothing to grip.

Knowing the signs of compromised brakes is very important.  Here is what to look for:

Loss of Brake Pedal Pressure: If the pedal is going further down than it normally does, it means the system has lost its hydraulic pressure and is likely brake fluid leakage due to failure of a brake hose or a rusted metal brake line.

Squealing/grinding occur when braking: This is usually an indication of worn or glazed brake pads. The squealing noise comes from wear indicators, which come in contact with the brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point of needing replacement. If you hear squealing, get your brakes checked; waiting for the grinding noise will likely end up costing more money.

Grabbing to One Side: This can happen for a number of reasons; pulling can occur from maladjustment of the brakes, a frozen brake, brake fluid leakage, frozen emergency brake cables, or oil/grease leakage on the brake shoes or pads.

Drag during Acceleration: If it feels like the brake is still on while trying to accelerate, it may be caused by the emergency brake cables.  If you do not use your emergency brake rust can buildup, causing it not to release.

The bottom line is to go with your instincts.  If it seems like your brakes are performing in an abnormal way or making a strange sound, then do not ignore it.  Beyond being unsafe, waiting will likely end up becoming more of a problem and costing more money.

The Mazda Miata is sporty little vehicle that has met worldwide success over many decade.  Officially renamed the Mazda MX-5, it is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. In September, Mazda will roll out a special version of the MX-5, at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show.  Mazda is calling this version of the well known affordable vehicle the Mazda MX-5 Superlight.  Although the Superlight is purely a show car at this point, it will introduce a new level of lightweight technology that Mazda is famous.  This technology improves driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version will be a delight to see.

It used to be that all vehicles came with a standard transmission. The automatic transmission slowly started to infiltrate the market, and today, the vast majority of vehicles are automatics. They are now the norm, and with the exceptions of high performance cars and sports cars, the stick-shift is moving out of the picture. However, there are many benefits to driving a manual, some simply like it because it makes operating a vehicle more interesting; here are some other pros of the great standard:

More Control, More Focus

A manual transmission offers better control because it has a faster shift response, and allows the driver to access extra power by downshifting on inclines. In snowy and slippery conditions you can slow down by shifting down, rather than hit the brakes, which is a big reason for causing the car to slide.  Also, it is very easy to completely zone out while driving an automatic. Owners of manuals tend to be more attentive drivers as changing gears requires a driver to pay attention to the engine and shift frequently.

Lower Starting Price

Budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider a standard, because it costs an average of $800-$1,000 to upgrade to an automatic transmission. On the higher end, it can cost even more. The maintenance of a manual transmission is another source of savings. Ff a manual transmission ever breaks down, it’s usually because the clutch needs to be replaced, a $1,200-$1,500 repair. Compare this to the $3,000 it costs to replace an automatic transmission and the savings is apparent.

More Miles Per Gallon

A person’s method of shifting gears can significantly alter their fuel economy. The manual version is known to have the advantage on the highway. Putting the car in neutral and rolling to a stop and a stop light or sign, which drop rpm as early as possible — it’s kind of a watered-down version of hybrid stop/start. This freedom to choose how you drive is at the core of the reason why a manual transmission can get better gas mileage than an automatic. But because driving habits vary from one person to the next, not everyone will get the same results.

Standard transmissions are certainly not for everyone, in fact there are many adults today who do not even know how to drive one.  The truth is, though, it can be fun to drive a stick-shift and with the overall advantage of being in better control than the automatic counterpart, it is well worth the loss in ‘convenience’.

Since 2000, more than 1,375 children have died in non-traffic incidents, with more than 230 fatalities in 2007 according to a group called Kids and Cars.   As there is a concerning rise of children being injured or worse by vehicles backing up, a new law called the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act is in the works to deal with “non-traffic” auto safety risks to children. The law is named for Cameron Gulbransen, a 2-year-old who died in 2002 after an SUV driven by his father backed over him.  The Act is made to protect children from being backed over, being strangled by a power window or being hurt when a car is accidentally put into gear and starts moving. There has never been a rear visibility standard for vehicles until now.  Back-over incidents now account for half of all non-traffic fatalities involving children and almost all the incidents happened on private property.

The law, also known as “Kids and Cars Act,” focuses on three auto safety issues: Rear visibility, Power windows, and Gearshifts.  Within three years the U.S. Department of Transportation must establish a standard to provide drivers with ways to detect a person, including a small child, behind a vehicle. This could be done with additional mirrors, sensor devices, cameras or other technology and may differ by vehicle. All vehicles must be in compliance within four years of the rule’s enactment. Presumably, automakers could meet whatever standard is developed either by changing vehicle design, adding technology such as cameras and sensors, or both. The DOT has 18 months to decide if power windows that automatically reverse direction if they hit an obstruction, including a child, are “reasonable, practicable and appropriate.” If so, DOT will have a year to develop a rule. If not, DOT will have to explain its decision to Congress. And by September 1, 2010, every car and truck sold in the United States must have a mechanism that prevents it from being shifted out of Park unless a foot is on the brake. This is designed to prevent children from accidentally putting a car into gear, causing it to roll. Rear cameras and back-up sensors are already optional on many new and used vehicles, so car shoppers should keep an eye out for them.

The results are in for Mazda and the new federal program commonly known as Cash for Clunkers. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has seen a marked increase in showroom traffic as a result of the week-old program.  And what vehicle is selling most as a result.  Very appropriately it is Mazda’s most fuel-efficient vehicle, the MAZDA3.  In fact, this model has made up fifty-seven percent of the Mazdas sold under the program.  While the program has boosted sales, it has also had a positive environmental impact, as there are now more fuel efficient Mazda model on the road and less gas guzzlers then there were just a few weeks ago. The MAZDA3, which gets up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, is replacing vehicles that in some cases don’t make one third of the mileage. The CARs program (its official name) has been controversial and unknown whether it would have an impact.  The conclusion so far is that it is boosting sales and aiding the environment; but the question remains how long the program will last.  The government has put an end date on the program in October – but it could be much sooner than that if it runs out of funds.  And seeing how popular the CARs program is so far, it is likely this will happen well before October.