Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) were made available on vehicles in the Unites States in 1978.  The first automaker to install them on production cars was Mercedes-Benz.  Cadillac began putting it in its luxury cars in 1986.

This braking system uses computers onboard that are linked to wheel sensors that will automatically make the brakes pump at a faster rate than humans can duplicate.  Anti-lock brakes apply selective pressure by being able to sense which wheels might lockup at any moment and then lowering the brake pressure on those wheels until they maintain proper rotation.  ABS only works in panic stops, not under normal braking circumstances.

ABS won’t provide you with a shorter stopping distance.  However, it has the advantage of allowing the driver to maintain control of the wheel, while avoiding skidding.

It is important for drivers to use ABS correctly.  To do this, drivers should stomp and steer.  Drivers shouldn’t pump, but instead press down hard on the brake pedal and don’t let up.

Drivers are becoming more and more concerned with auto safety.  New technology is changing safety functions to protect drivers and passengers.  Motorists should also protect themselves by purchasing an auto warranty for their vehicle.  This will allow for peace of mind.

It is a good idea for drivers to purchase an extended auto warranty for peace of mind.  However, for motorists to get the most out of an auto warranty, they should keep their documents organized and ask appropriate questions.  Follow these tips to utilize your auto warranty.

Many times service records are required for an extended auto warranty, which is why it is essential for you to keep your records organized.  Keep your documents in a central location to alleviate frustrations down the road.

It is great to have records on your computer, but don’t just rely on that.  If you purchase an auto warranty online, print hard copies also.  You can’t foresee when your computer will be down, and it might be when you need to use your auto warranty.

Read your auto warranty thoroughly.  If you don’t see something written in the contract, then it won’t be covered.  You shouldn’t ever make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.

Lastly, have contact information accessible to you at all times.  This will make things go smoothly when you need to file a claim.

It’s apparent that the auto industry in America is becoming “greener” than ever.  Everywhere you look there are ads for fuel-cell technology, hybrids, Bio-diesel fuel, clean-diesel engines, and E-85 fuel.  These technologies have gained popularity with America’s Big Three automakers.

Why?  Automakers are feeling pressure from all directions, including the White House, Congress, and also consumers.

Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors have been trying to catch up with foreign cars, such as the Toyota Prius.  The Prius has gained popularity because of the hybrid technology it offers, its environmental benefits, its cool styling, and all with the addition of an auto warranty.

The Big Three carmakers are closing the gap.  General Motors already offers 14 Flex Fuel car models, which run on E85, and 2 million of them are on roads already.  In addition, GM is going to bring 12 hybrid cars to the auto market within the next four years.  Also, Ford has the Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.  Perhaps the biggest buzz though, is about the Chevrolet Volt, which will allow drivers to travel 40 miles on an electric motor.

U.S. carmakers are on the mission to catch up with foreign automakers, putting out effective green technologies complete with style, safety, and new car warranties.  Their goal is to have several different technologies to meet the needs of all consumers.

There are some vehicles that have become part of the American psyche, which makes them frankly indispensable, just like an auto warranty.  But, what if some of these cars disappear?

Many people have debated if the Detroit Three should be knocked down or helped up?   But even people who were against a bailout for the auto industry acknowledge the large loss that would come if these carmakers go away.  For starters, good jobs would be lost, but also, we would lose cars.  Of course, new car models come and go, however the automotive world wouldn’t be the same without certain vehicles that have created memories that are unforgettable and inspired owners to be fiercely loyal.

Recently, 1,000 people were surveyed to find out which American vehicles they couldn’t live without.  The model that ranked first was the Chevrolet Corvette.  Other winners include the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Saturn Sky roadster.  Pickup tricks on the list include the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram.

Whether you agreed with bailing out the Detroit Three or not, you probably agree that Americans would be sad to see some of these vehicles go.  They are as valuable to people as new car warranties.

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

You may think you have to spend a fortune to buy a new car, but that isn’t true.  There are cars out there that are affordable, reliable and come with an auto warranty. What affordable cars will give you the most bang for your buck?

The Toyota Yaris is a 2-door hatchback at a great price.  The sticker on this vehicle is $12,704.  This is a sporty looking vehicle that gets 40mpg on the highway and 34mpg in the city.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine putting out 106hp.  It has a spacious interior and a moderate amount of trunk space.  The only cheap thing about this vehicle is the price.

The Hyundai Accent Hatchback GS is a bargain at $13,581.  This car is sporty and sexy and even offers options for customizing.  It gets 35mpg on the highway and 32mpg in the city.  The engine is a 1.6-liter putting out 110 hp.  This car has an impressive interior with a wraparound dashboard.  Also, you can fold down the back seats to create quite a bit of cargo space.

The Chevy Aveo LS is a four-door hatchback. Its price is impressive at $13,724.  It has a fun, aerodynamic style with comfortable ride.  It has a driver’s seat that is height adjustable, ample rear legroom, and an interior with a clean layout.  The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 hp.  This car gets 37mpg on the highway and 27mpg in the city.

If you’re on a budget for car shopping, never fear.  These cars will give you the must bang for your buck and all come with an ample auto warranty.

It’s common to show affection to the people you love, but we don’t want to forget to give some thought to our vehicles.  A lot of us find our vehicles to be more than just another asset.  They are such a big part of our lives because we depend on them to get us where we need to go safely.  They deserve a bit of attention and affection too.

A recent survey reinforces the powerful relationship that drivers have with their cars.  Apparently, 44 percent of men and 48 percent of women claim they have thanked their car in different situations.  In addition, 30 percent of women and 37 percent of men claim they have given their cars compliments on dependability.

So what can you give your car to show your appreciation?  There are several things you can do.  First of all, make sure you have a preventative maintenance plan.  Also, purchase your car an auto warranty to ensure that it is covered in the event of a breakdown.  Your car will thank you by getting you to your destinations safely.

Most people realize that hypermiling is not the safest practice; in fact it leads to car accidents. However, many people still do it.  Well now, AAA is weighing in with their view on the subject.

AAA has released a very strong warning saying that practices to save gas, in which illegal driving techniques are used, are dangerous, and therefore shouldn’t be used.  They are referring to practices like drafting off of other cars by tailgating, rolling stops, and turning off the car while driving.

Other gas saving practices toe the line of acceptability.  For example, motorists who have manual transmissions sometimes cruise in neutral to conserve fuel.  This practice is fairly common, yet safety advocates express concerns about motorists not having complete control of their cars.  Also controversial is the practice of utilizing neutral with automatic transmissions, however some drivers who do this say that they can do it safely.  AAA also doesn’t bring up the fact that there are numerous local laws having to do with improper driving, like not keeping your vehicle in gear.

Although motorists are tempted to do anything possible to save money on gas, including skimping on an auto warranty, people need to realize the danger involved in illegal driving techniques.  Unfortunately, hypermiling has been known to lead to car accidents, which is why it is important to have roadside assistance. In addition, drivers should have good used car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs, should they arise.

Terms like geometric morphometrics and pareidolia aren’t generally important to people designing or buying cars, however they were significant in a recent study that found that people see faces when looking at vehicles, and typically they prefer ones that look powerful.

Pareidolia is an occurrence in which people actually see faces in various things from clouds to inkblots to cars.  A recent study was based on this concept and used geometric morphometrics to let participants rank vehicles on how they looked, using traits that are human like disgusted, sad or extroverted.

The results of the study confirmed that pretty much all people like cars that are powerful looking, like the BMW 5 Series.  Also, people tend to shy away from designs that are feeble-looking, like the Toyota Prius because they worry that they won’t be as sturdy and will require a good auto warranty.

Who knows if this research will determine the future designs of cars, but it might mean that we will see more big-mouthed grilles on the roads.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently did a study of 20 small cars in real-world, low-speed simulated collisions that motorists encounter all over the country in parking lots.  Their findings were that some of the most inexpensive cars you can purchase would cost you a lot of money to repair, even with a mild tap at 6 mph.

In order to replicate the full bumper from another vehicle the organization used a barrier.  By doing this they were able to assess rear and full frontal collisions, and also rear corner and frontal collisions at 6 mph and 3 mph.

Coming out the best was the Ford Focus.  This car was the least expensive car to fix, at $3,031 in damages after being put through the four tests.  The worst performer overall was the VW Rabbit, which totaled $9,511 in damage.

These tests show that small cars have gotten very complex over the years, and that simple parts like headlights have become expensive to replace and repair.  This is why it is essential for drivers to have an auto warranty to cover unnecessary repair expenses.