Daily Archives2017 January 27

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While widespread self-driving cars may be what we’re heading to in the next decade or so, there are many other technologies that are drastically improving traffic safety in the meantime. Here are some of the most promising.

Automatic Emergency Braking

In 2016, the NHTSA announced that more than 20 automobile manufacturers have committed to including AES features on all new vehicles by the year 2022. AES stands for Automatic Emergency Braking. Previously, the feature was available only on luxury and high-end vehicles, and often as only an option. In addition, the announcement said that all SUV’s and heavy trucks would also include this feature as standard by the year 2025. Automatic emergency braking could reduce collision accidents significantly by automatically braking before the driver sees a problem.

Automotive Cybersafety

With many new vehicles coming with Internet or wireless enabled features, the need for cybersafety measures has become critical. These capabilities have added a wide range of features to vehicles, from mobile wireless Internet to enhanced communication ability to better GPS service to self-driving features and even remote control. However, these advantages also come with disadvantages. In theory, these features can allow a hacker to access the vehicle’s computer controls and possibly disengage safety features, cause the vehicle to stop or slow down or even crash. Government agencies are recommending automotive manufacturers install cybersafety features to prevent and detect intrusions into a vehicle’s computer. In addition, it is recommended that automotive companies include rapid response features which allow a vehicle that has been compromised to respond and repair itself quickly. New features that can increase cybersecurity of a vehicle include firewalls, fingerprint and facial recognition, intrusion detection features and extensive backups.

Drunk Driving Detection Technology

New systems are being developed to prevent drunk driving accidents. One of the best ways to detect an intoxicated person is by testing their breath, so it makes sense that a breath sensor would be one of the best tools to incorporate in the vehicle of a person who has driven drunk before. A system is becoming available that will test a driver’s breath from sensors mounted on the steering wheel. Presumably, the vehicle would not turn on if breath with a certain amount of alcohol was detected. Another major advancement in this area is touch detection. With new technology, when the driver touches the ignition or start button, a touch pad would scan their fingers with an infrared light which measures alcohol levels under the skin. Again, this would stop the vehicle from turning on if an intoxicated person tries to drive.

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Source by Lydia Quinn

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Owning a Sports Utility Vehicle gives one access to a vast array of outdoor activities. Its’ no secret that SUVs can go places ordinary vehicles can’t, but little attention has been given to proper SUV camping equipment and methods. That’s right, we’re talking about sleeping right there in the back of your SUV.

The first consideration, of course, is whether your particular model of vehicle has enough room to actually stretch out and sleep. I’m six feet tall and have no problem sleeping in the back of my Nissan XTerra. The best way to find out if you fit is to crawl in there and lay down! I’ve found that sleeping in the vehicle itself has advantages. The foremost of these is the security of being in a vehicle during a rainstorm or foul weather. Also, while I’m not averse to old fashioned tent camping, I find that the vehicle is much warmer than the cold ground. Another plus is that I don’t roll over in the night to find a tree root stuck in my back. Some great solutions for a good nights sleep in the back of your SUV may actually be in your closet or basement right now. One of the best is a single sized futon pad. These roll-up nicely for transport and provide not only comfort but insulation on colder nights. Some campers like to use inflatable mattresses of various sizes, including the small inflatable models sold for hikers in most outfitter stores. Personally, I use a pad from a chaise lounge on my back deck. It folds well and is rugged enough for tough use. Also, the SUV makes a great base-camp for day-hikes or fishing expeditions. By using the SUV as a tent you don’t need to carry a restrictive mummy bag if you don’t wish. Break out the cotton sheets and sleep in comfort!

Another consideration is ventilation. Sleeping in your SUV with the windows closed can become uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. Not only do the windows become foggy, but the entire interior of the vehicle can become moist with breath exhalation and quite stuffy. Leaving the windows down is a solution that works fine so long as there are no bugs flying around. However, add a few mosquitoes or other buzzing critter and the night can become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a couple of ready solutions for this problem. The first, and most expensive, is to purchase a truck tent system for your SUV. There are many models designed to fit over the tail gate of many common models. Some are smaller and simply create a little extra space with the gate open. Others create an entire room off the back of the vehicle with screened windows and room for the family. This choice is a matter of personal taste, budget, and intent. Another solution, which can compliment a truck tent or be used solo is a product called the “Magna Screen”. These allow you to sleep with your windows down and provide a barrier against insects. Basically, a Magna Screen is a screen that fits magnetically over the exterior of your side window. They’re inexpensive, durable and solve the problem nicely.

Getting to the back-country should be no problem. The best thing you can own is a detailed map of your local National Forest or Park. Make sure to own a map that details all accessible fire roads in the area, and check local conditions to be sure that motor vehicles are allowed where you plan to camp. High end dashboard GPS units, such as Garmin, will also have details on access roads. Once you use a GPS unit you may never buy a map again, and with a good GPS system you can mark all your favorite fishing and camping spots to return again and again with laser precision. So there you have it, your SUV can do even more for you if you’re willing to try something new. Sleeping in your SUV may seem odd at first to some, but once you experience the freedom it allows on back-country jaunts you will be sold. Remember, always respect your environment and always practice “leave no trace” tactics when enjoying the outdoors.

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Source by Jeffrey Gray

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When it comes to who invented the Dodge Viper, the credit cannot go to one individual. There were many people who were behind the invention of this wonderful automobile. However, the initial idea to build a sports car came from Robert A. Lutz, the president of Chrysler in 1988. He talked about this idea to Tom Gale, the chief of design.

Francois Castaing, the head of Jeep and Truck Engineering Division of Chrysler, and Carroll Shelby, who was associated with Chrysler to manufacture limited edition of Dodges, were also involved in the development of the Dodge Viper.

All these people worked together to come up with the ultimate American sports car that packs a power with its V10 engine, 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. This car became so popular that the first generation Vipers were sold out in no time.

The delivery of 196 first generation Dodge Viper started in May 1992. These cars went around 2,800 dealer. The 1992 Dodge Viper had a retail price of $50,000 along with $700 for destination charges, $2,600 for gas guzzler tax and $2,330 for luxury tax. This made the final price of the Viper $55,630. However, the consumers wanted this car so badly that some dealers added a mark up of $100,000 on the final price. Even the mark up did not do anything to reduce the demand. Therefore, dealers were instructed to take orders 3000 Dodge Vipers that would be produced as 1993 models. By July 1992, 70 percent of the 3000 were already booked by consumers.

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Source by Pauline Go

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If you are looking for repossessed cars for sale, you are actually tapping on a very lucrative market for cheap cars that the general public are not very aware of. There are actually many sources of repossessed cars for sale, we will look into these and discuss what buyers should look out for especially when you are new to such markets.

Repossessed cars for sale can come from:

1. Cars repossessed by credit unions, banks and lending institutions.

2. Vehicles from DEA drug raid seizures, FBI, IRS, U.S. Customs Auctions, and Department of Defense.

Such vehicles are typically auctioned off at lower than market value prices, sometimes as low as 10% of their current value. This is due to the fact that getting rid of them in the shortest time possible is the priority. However, since it is an auction, other factors such as competition and condition of the vehicles play a part in determining the final sale price.

There are different types of auctions:

1. Online Auctions. These auctions allow you to shop from the comfort of your home.

2. Public Car auctions. These are open to the public and no dealer’s license is required. These are very good avenue to buy repossessed cars for sale at wholesale prices.

3. Government Auctions. These feature cars seized or used by government agencies.

In order to find out when and where these are held in your area, you can refer to classified ads on local newspapers. Another good source of information is online databases that contain up-to-date listing of such auctions as well as information on vehicles on sale. You can also call up banks and government agencies for information but it can be a very tedious and painful process.

These cars do not always come with tip top condition due to their sources. Bring along a mechanic to check the condition of the vehicle you are eyeing. You should also look up the history of the vehicle with a CARFAX report which details any previous damages, repairs as well as outstanding liens associated with the automobile.

George is a webmaster and reviewer of online services. Read his review on an online service that contains up-to-date listing of repossessed cars for sale in US, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe.

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Source by George Tho