Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
Last week I posted an article on battery death in newer cars, and what to do to prevent it. Because of the feedback I got on that subject, I wanted to address more solutions to this problem. I found a reason why automobile manufacturers are still using lead-acid batteries, what other battery technology is being used, and what it will take to bring car battery technology into the 21st century.
Continue reading ‘PSA Update: Battery Tech’
In 1992, the U.S. Federal government commissioned a national database of vehicle titles, in an effort to curb theft and fraudulent titling of vehicles, where a damaged or salvaged car is retitled in another state, to get a clean title. This database would have come in quite handy after Hurricane Katrina, which damaged thousands of cars and caused a lot of trouble for the government and insurance companies, who tried to keep up with which Louisiana vehicles were damaged by the floods and which weren’t. Read on for more details.
Continue reading ‘Better late than never: National Vehicle Title database’
In the latest recall, Toyota is having trouble with their gas pedal assemblies, built by CTS Corporation. That’s not news. The neat thing is the image I dug up on Globe and Mail, shown to the left. Click on it to see the full version.
by John Suit
Image Source: Globe and Mail
A lot of states have begun banning texting for drivers, and some go as far as fining drivers who aren’t using a hands-free device, such as Bluetooth, to make and receive their calls. A study by Virginia Tech Researchers found that drivers who are distracted by cell phones and other devices are 23 times more likely to crash than those who pay attention to the road.
Continue reading ‘DOT Bans texting for Commercial drivers’
For many decades, the only electronics in cars were their radios, lights and ignition systems. Then came power windows and locks, followed by fuel injection, which introduced computers to the automobile. Then sensors galore, and with them, more computers. Nowadays, satellite navigation, touch screens and high-powered sound systems are standard or optional on most vehicles. With all the new electronic gizmos that automakers have added to their products, it’s no wonder that car batteries die quicker. Not to mention motorized seats and mirrors.
Continue reading ‘PSA: Got a dead battery?’
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Thanks for your continued support,
John Suit
Editor, Road Reality
