Roadside Assistance Program

Many companies have offered ride-sharing sites on the Internet that help fill seats in people’s cars and conserve gas use and greenhouse gasses, however, Avego.com has the big advantage of being affiliated with iPhone.

This downloadable application lets motorists create a social network of vehicles and passengers who are traveling in the same direction. In this way, its goal is to cut back on the safety concerns and anonymity of ride-sharing. Rather than riding in a car with a complete stranger, this program tries to put people together and acquaint them in a more reliable way.

In addition, the program’s goal is to have an established network so that Avego users determine points for pickup and drop-off. Yet, while the idea is certainly intriguing, it will need to be demonstrated in the real world before it will be determined if it is more successful than any other ride-sharing networks online.

Just keep in mind, it always feels safer to be in a car with passengers, but you still need a good roadside assistance program in case of breakdowns. After all, you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road, no matter how many people are there to help.

Do you have a hard time parallel parking?  Have you found yourself calling for roadside assistance because of a parking fender bender? Your problem is solved.  No longer just Toyota and Lexus’ domain, a self-parking system will make its debut with the 2010 model year on the MKT crossover and Lincoln MKS sedan and will most likely spread through Ford’s lineup soon thereafter.  On the parking lot at the Cobo Center’s rooftop at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford allowed its Active Park Assist to be put through the paces.

Ford’s self-parking system isn’t as elaborate as Lexus’ Active Parking Guidance System, however it does the trick, and it is much easier.  It’s basically parking for dummies.

Ford’s system utilizes motorized electric power steering in order to turn the front wheels.  You just have to take your foot off of the brake and allow the vehicle to ease on in.  The system also utilizes ultrasonic parking assist, instead of the camera system that Lexus uses, so you just have to listen for beeps that speed up and go solid as you get close to the car behind you.

Many people struggle with parallel parking, and Ford’s new self-parking system alleviates this problem.  This technology will save a lot of people from having to call for auto road service.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the new website safecar.org, where people can sign up and get emails that notify you about automotive recalls.  It’s a pretty good idea, right?  All you have to do is give your vehicle information to the NHTSA and you will get notifications by cell phone, PDA, email, or RSS feed if your car is affected by a recall.

Consumer advocate groups say not quite.  Groups, such as the Consumer Federation of America, and the Center for Auto Safety claim that the program is a “sham” and also counter-productive.

Approximately 600 recalls are issued by the NHTSA per year, and car owners, who usually receive notification letters by the car manufacturers, don’t usually take notice.  In fact, one out of four owners ignore these notifications and find themselves calling their road service programs.

NHTSA electronic notifications were designed to help cut down that figure, however the recall notices wouldn’t be sent for specific cars according to the VIN number or model.  Instead, they are sent based on a car’s make and year.  For instance, if there were a recall for a 2008 Toyota Tundra, you would get a notification if you only own a Camry.

The argument by consumer groups is that vehicle owners will be more likely to ignore notices because they may get six emails per month.  In other words, motorists may find themselves calling for roadside assistance because they get bombarded by too many emails.

It seems that Toyota is trying to challenge Volvo for its coveted safety reputation: It’s designed a new supplemental restraint system.  Being called a world-first, the rear window airbag is intended to work together with the head restraints to better protect the heads of passengers in the event of a rear collision.

This new safety system deploys in the same way that side curtain airbags do, from the lining of the roof.  Toyota has planned to put this new innovation immediately into production in the iQ micro-car.  According to Toyota, the airbags will almost double head protection for rear passengers.  That is necessary too, because the backseats of the iQ sit right up against the glass and rear hatch.

While at the moment there aren’t any official plans to bring the iQ micro-car to the U.S., Toyota would love to do so if they can make a case for it, and also if the iQ would be able to pass American safety standards.

Toyota is smart to up their safety standards, since consumers are becoming more and more concerned with vehicle safety.  In addition, motorists are attempting to protect themselves by maintaining their vehicles and signing up for roadside assistance programs.

Talking on a cell phone impairs drivers to the same extent of a drunk driver with a blood alcohol level of .08.  This is one distraction that teenagers deal with while behind the wheel.  They often like to multi-task while driving, which is very risky for themselves and other people.

And in modern times, teens have even more to deal with.  They switch CDs, play with iPods, and have the distraction of all of the modern gadgets on dashboards.  Also dangerous is the temptation to send text messages while at the wheel.  One out of five teens have admitted to doing this.  With statistics like these, it is necessary that teens be covered by a roadside assistance program.

Experts say that our brains aren’t capable of driving and multi-tasking because of the unpredictability of driving.  For instance, a deer could jump in front of your vehicle, or a cyclist could swerve on the road.  These are dangerous events, and especially if the driver isn’t paying attention to the road.

With all of the modern distractions, we need to keep our teen drivers safe.  Parents can help their teens by purchasing roadside assistance, and making strict driving rules.

According to Consumer Reports, a new study shows that both GM and Ford have reliability ratings that show “real progress”, unfortunately Chrysler didn’t get the same good news.

The analysis drew on vehicle testing, as well as consumer surveys, to discover that Ford now has several vehicles that compare to the ratings of some foreign rivals like Honda and Toyota.  According to the report, Ford is “in the front of the class”.  GM also made some gains, however a few of its cars continue to have problems with reliability.

The study says that improvements in quality and better designs are the main reasons for the big improvement over the last few years, however it also credits “forward-thinking leadership,” which could surprise some people after watching the Big Three criticized by the government, press and consumers alike.

Chrysler, unfortunately, continues to lag behind, with a vehicle lineup that Consumer Reports claims is “very disappointing with little promise on the horizon.”  In other words, you might want to have a good roadside assistance program if you’re thinking of purchasing a Chrysler.

To keep your vehicle performing at its best it is necessary to schedule routine maintenance and service.  This will prepare your car to drive in difficult conditions and help you avoid calling for roadside assistance.

First, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly.  In addition, look at the tread on your tires to check for wear and tear and ensure that there isn’t any cracking.

Next, wash your cars exterior to keep it looking good.  And, make sure to put a coat of wax on to maintain your car’s surface.

If your check engine light comes on you shouldn’t ignore it.  If this happens take your car to a professional immediately.  This will save you from spending excess money on repairs down the road.

Next, determine a service schedule with your mechanic and stick to it.  There are certain things on your car that need to be inspected by a professional.  Your owner’s manual will tell you the recommended maintenance schedule.

Follow these simple tips to avoid costly repairs down the road and help you avoid breakdowns in which you will need to call road service.

What features can help older drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road and avoid road service calls?  The American Automobile Association has the following recommendations to help older drivers.

First, it is helpful to have a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes.  This puts the driver 10 inches from the airbag, and also alleviates shoulder and neck pain.

Also helpful are mirrors that allow for wide visibility.  This allows older drivers to compensate for a limited range of motion.

Seats that are heated with lumbar support allow relief from an aching back.

Six-way adjustable seats allow drivers who are short to see over the steering wheel, and allow for an easier entrance and exit out of the car.

A car with adjustable foot pedals will allow small drivers to be able to reach pedals while remaining far enough away from the airbag.

Four doors are better than two for older drivers because they are lighter and easier to open and close.

Purchasing the right car for an older driver is important for safety reasons.  Keep these things in mind to help your loved one avoid emergency roadside assistance calls.

Motorists traveling on their own fear that at some point they might have car problems.  This isn’t surprising since drivers are spending more and more time in their car.  People are driving long distances to and from work, and have more errands than ever, so it is inevitable that drivers will experience a breakdown at one point or another.  Male and female drivers alike are fearful of this occurrence.

According to a recent survey conducted by Britannia Rescue, approximately two-thirds of the male and female motorists who were interviewed are scared of being alone and breaking down.

The figures break down into ninety three percent of women and forty five percent of men.  The survey also revealed that people become more fearful of someone stopping to help.  In fact, seventy percent of women wouldn’t want a man to stop and offer assistance.

The one thing that motorists can do to avoid being fearful of a breakdown is have an emergency roadside assistance program that will assist them in case they get into trouble.  After all, it can be scary to have a random stranger stop and offer you help.

Many people wonder why carmakers sell different models overseas than in the U.S. And, why is it so hard to bring a popular vehicle in Europe to the U.S.  For example, if Ford has success selling the Fiesta in Europe, which would fit the needs of Americans who are more gas conscious than ever, why not just begin shipping them to dealers in America?

The main reason is differing standards in safety.  What is acceptable in Europe doesn’t always pass the test with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  U.S. law has a requirement for crash protection for car passengers that don’t wear seat belts, however, this isn’t a priority in Europe.  Even small details, such as the color of the turn signals in the rear are a major obstacle when trying to take a car from one market to another.

A study was conducted by Ford of 43 regulations in Europe and the U.S. and discovered that there were only 11 that matched.  So, it gets to be very expensive to make an all-new version of a vehicle in order to meet different safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American consumers have strict safety standards.  Motorists put safety at the top of their list, which is why they are buying safer cars and signing up for roadside assistance programs.  For this reason, cars in Europe aren’t always introduced to the U.S.