You may remember a cool Pennzoil commercial from earlier this year with a yellow Dodge Challenger Hellcat drifting around a piece of concrete suspended by four helicopters. It was obviously a little movie magic -- a lot like the BMW "Ultimate Racetrack" video, which was made to look like it was shot on an aircraft carrier.
This clip is called "Before Airlift Drift," also from Pennzoil, and it follows the fictional driver before he ascends to the sky on the aforementioned floating piece of concrete. It's probably better than the actual commercial with its quick cuts, great audio and some halfway decent driving to boot.
The company says more videos in the "Joyride" series will follow in 2016.
Another major car show is almost upon us, and you know what that means. That's right, boys and girls – another pair of custom Jeeps. Far be it from us to complain, though, especially when the pair of SUVs that debuted at the LA Auto Show last month aren't just for show. These will actually be offered to the public as new special editions.
In one corner we have the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night edition, with all the brightwork replaced with black. The roof, rear spoiler, front grille bezels, pillars, and window surrounds are all done up in gloss black, while the wheels – custom 20-inch jobs – as well as the front appliqué and badging have all been given a satin black treatment. The interior, as you might have guessed, is also predominantly black, with black leather, black chrome bezels, and silver stitching. Buyers will be able to choose between deep red, silver, or dark gray exterior colors, but either way they'll be getting the same 6.4-liter V8 – all 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of it.
Jeep Wrangler BackcountryIn the other corner is the Jeep Wrangler Backcountry. This one's based on the Wrangler Sahara and features a special off-road front bumper, powder-coated rear bumper, and the 17-inch wheels and rock rails from the Wrangler Rubicon. The interior features piano-black trim, leather and mesh seats, vinyl accents, nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and more. It'll be available in five colors – blue, black, white, gray or purple – with special graphics (because nothing says "backcountry" quite like neon pink decals on a purple Jeep) and a standard black (or optional body-colored) hardtop.
The Wrangler Backcountry will be reaching dealers around the same time as its live debut towards the end of this month. Don't expect to see the GC Night edition on the streets until early next year, though.
A pair of Jeep Wrangler powertrain mules caught testing this month show the extended chassis needed to convert the off-roader to an eight-speed automatic transmission from its five-speed gearbox.
Visible on the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited test vehicles are extensions of about 10 inches in front of the A-pillar to accommodate the longer eight-speed.
The mules also show changes in the Wrangler's suspension geometry, including a redesigned rear axle and rear differential, and excluding a rear track bar.
The next-generation Wrangler is expected in 2017 for the 2018 model year.
Over the past year, I have had the great pleasure of putting miles on all of the 2015 Dodge Challenger models, but my two favorite have been the R/T Scat Pack and the mighty SRT Hellcat. The consumer market has also found these two to be the best of the 2015 offerings, as both the Scat Pack and the Hellcat sold out during the 2015 model year. Each of these high performance muscle cars has a unique exhaust system that allows them to roar like few other new cars sold in the USA, but with 707 horsepower, you would expect the Hellcat to be the louder of the two, right?
Maybe not.
Scat Pack VS Hellcat Exhaust While there is no question that at full throttle, the supercharged Hellcat Hemi is louder than the 392 cubic inch Hemi in the R/T Scat Pack, it has been discussed which sounds better at lower RPM. With both cars using a free flowing exhaust system and the Hellcat using a special valved setup, you might expect that the Hellcat just plain sounds nastier in every situation, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
I took two short videos – one of the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and one of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. In each video, the cars fire to life, idle for a while, rev a few times and shut down while sitting in my driveway. I used the same camera situated roughly the same distance from the cars, sitting on the ground in the same way for the Scat Pack and the Hellcat. Remarkably, it seems as though at idle and when revving in park, the 485hp Hemi definitely roars louder than the 707hp Hellcat Hemi.
When watching the videos below, keep in mind that both of these cars have systems in place that prevent you from revving the engine hard in park or neutral, so I was only able to spike the RPMs up to around 4,000rpm, but that is true for both the 392 Hemi in the Scat Pack and the 6.2L supercharged Hemi in the Hellcat Challenger. If I was able to rev both engines to their redline (or at least closer to the redline), I imagine that the Hellcat might be the louder of the two Mopar engines, but at idle and under light load while parked, it certainly seems that the Scat Pack exhaust is louder and raspier than the tubes attached to the mighty Hellcat.
The first video below shows the Scat Pack in the dark while the second video shows the Hellcat during the day, both starting, idling and revving a few times. I also ease into the throttle of the Hellcat a touch, showing how easily the beast smokes the tires – but check out the videos and focus on the roar of the Hemi, as the less powerful model seems to pack more bark than the Hellcat.
The specially-modified vehicles known as “Popemobiles” can attract as much attention as the pontiff himself, and that’s likely to be the case when Pope Francis makes his first visit to the United States next month.
When he visits New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., Pope Francis will travel in a converted Jeep Wrangler, according to Car and Driver. Maybe that’s his way of trying to blend in.
This is not the first time the Pope has used a Jeep. When he visited Ecuador in July, a four-door Wrangler was the Vatican’s vehicle of choice. That particular Wrangler featured a large bit of scaffolding with a glassed-in front and roof and open sides in place of the stock roll structure. A Toyota Land Cruiser was also used on the South American trip.
It’s unclear whether the U.S. Popemobile will be the same one used in Ecuador, or another one with similar modifications. All Popemobiles feature a prominent center rear seat for the pontiff, with varying levels of enclosure. While many recent vehicles had fully-enclosed glass boxes, Pope Francies reportedly prefers his rides to be as open as possible.
As the only four-door convertible currently on sale in the U.S., the Wrangler Unlimited would seem to suit the Pope’s tastes pretty well. His entourage probably wouldn’t fit into the back of a Mustang convertible.
Mercedes-Benz SUVs have most commonly been used as Popemobiles, but in a somewhat more egalitarian move, Pope Francis also took delivery of a Hyundai Santa Fe Popemobile earlier this year. The Jeep has a similarly down-to-earth vibe, and it’s hard to think of anything more appropriate for a visit to the U.S.
The Vatican motor pool has included a wide variety of vehicles over the years, with pontiffs riding in everything from the aforementioned Mercedes models to a Lincoln Continental, Seat Panda, Range Rover, and even heavy-duty trucks and buses.
Dodge, Contur Cabinet, and Swisstrax have partnered to give away a “custom garage makeover” worth around $20,000. To enter, Dodge owners and lessees must upload a video up to 60 seconds long that showcases their Dodge and garage to the brand’s Facebook page by Monday, September 21.
Entries will be judged by a panel on criteria such as creativity and originality, quality, and fit within the theme. Five finalists will be selected. The grand prize winner will receive a customizable Contur cabinet solution and a customizable Swisstrax flooring. The other four finalists will get a Hi-Kab Kompact storage cabinet.
Beginning Wednesday, October 7, the top five finalist videos will be displayed in the finalist gallery on Facebook and open to the public for voting. Consumers can vote on their favorite entry once a day during the submission period. Each vote will earn them one entry into the sweepstakes for the chance to win a $500 cash prize. (See rules and the Dodge Facebook page.)
Journalist Joel Feder over at Motor Authority says a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawk” with the 707 horsepower Hellcat engine, AWD, and a ZF 8-speed automatic is really actually definitely on its way to production. Which would be insane, amazing, and a whole lotta awesome.
Motor Authority’s unnamed sources say it’s called “Project K” at Jeep HQ and its supercharged 6.2 Hemi V8 will get it from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. Top speed is estimated at 200 MPH. Probably when you’re not towing a boat, I guess.
It’s also reported that the 6.4 liter Hemi-powered Grand Cherokee SRT is not only sticking around too, but it’s getting an outboost boost to 490 horsepower.
Officially, Jeep’s spokespeople would confirm none of this.
The Power Wagon has been around in various forms going back 60 years, but never has Dodge made one quite like this 1949 Power Wagon.
The original Dodge Power Wagon was introduced in 1945 as a civilian version of Dodge’s military WC series of trucks. Designed as a utility truck, it came standard with four-wheel drive and was powered by a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine.
This truck, however, was handed over to Legacy Classic Trucks in 2012 and turned into the ultimate rock-crawler. As such, it received a dizzying array of suspension modifications, which are all tied into the truck’s bed and roll cage. The original inline-six has been replaced with a modified Chevy LS3 V-8 that’s bolted to heavy-duty running gear. The cab has been chopped two inches, and the truck’s bed is a custom unit.
The truck’s eye-watering $80K asking price is matched only by its awesomeness. Although it was built for hard-core off-roading, we have to assume that the majority of its life will be spent pounding pavement—unless its next owner is as crazy as the wizards who built it.
It's generally accepted that the Jeep Cherokee was the first real midsize sport utility vehicle to make headway into the hearts, minds and driveways of American consumers in 1984. While that SUV was aimed at the mainstream, it could be argued that the vehicle that made the idea of a luxury SUV possible was the seminal Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
We've been hearing rumblings of a revived Grand Wagoneer for years, but if a report from Automotive News is accurate (despite the fact that it seemingly contradicts an earlier report from the same outlet), the wait may nearly be over. Jeep plans to show off its new Grand Wagoneer at the upcoming dealer show in Las Vegas in August, and while that doesn't give any real indication of when such a vehicle may make it into the hands of consumers, such news probably at least means the automaker has a finalized design.
The popular Dodge Charger is scheduled to get new colors late this year, with Electric Blue Pearl returning over the summer, a new Midnight Blue Pearl showing at about the same time, and White Gold coming at the very end of the year,
Charger and Challenger buyers, according to company sources, are more likely to accept and desire different colors; hence the company produces a much wider range of color choices for the cars.
The Chrysler 200 is loaded with the style and technology college grads are looking for, with the safety and security features that give moms and dads peace of mind
May 21, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - May is college graduation season and many recent graduates are in the market for their first new car. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 offers grads the perfect combination of style and clever features that make drivers proud to own the car, while offering the safety and security features and value that give parents peace of mind.
1. Inspired American design stands out in a sea of sameness
Inspired American design and beautifully crafted inside and out, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan’s coupe-like exterior appearance is highlighted by clean lines and expressive surfaces
The Chrysler 200 has an athletic yet soulful presence, it’s a timeless design based on simple elegance
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 interior is a sophisticated blend of hand-sculpted fluid shapes, high-quality materials, innovative material choices, precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and thoughtful, clever features
The interior of the 200 is inviting, comfortable and rewards drivers and passengers on daily commutes as well as longer journeys
2. Sought-after technology
The latest technology which simplifies the commute and makes it more enjoyable is a key feature for consumers looking for a mid-size sedan. But the technology has to be easy-to-use and relevant
The 2015 Chrysler 200 was designed with thoughtful, state-of-the-art, high-tech features and amenities that are intuitive and easy to use and will delight drivers and passengers alike
The easy-to-use 5- or 7-inch full-color driver information display instrument cluster allows the driver to enjoy a customized user experience and receive information and vehicle feedback in the format they prefer, while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
A multitude of information can be displayed in the center of the gauge cluster, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation, real-time fuel economy, safety warnings, and safety and security functions such as the ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist feature, audio information and trip details
3. Award-winning Uconnect suite of features
An available award-winning 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center – the largest in the mid-size sedan segment – or the 5-inch touchscreen multimedia command center are attractive, intuitive and easy to use, and are located in the center of the dash
The Uconnect system allows the driver to control the audio, climate controls, heated/ventilated seats and much more from the touchscreen
The touchscreen buttons are large and easy-to-see at a glance
The 8.4-inch color touchscreen Uconnect Access is user-friendly and includes Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Radio, navigation, music, apps (Pandora, Aha, iHeartRadio and more), voice-to-text messaging and streaming audio capability
Uconnect Access Via Mobile seamlessly brings four popular Internet radio apps into the Chrysler 200 – Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker. Like all Uconnect-brand features, it is designed to be easy to learn and easy to use
Available Wi-fi hot spot subscriptions tailored to what drivers and passengers need – 1 day, 1 week, a full year or anything in between
A power supply and media center located in the center console under the sliding cup holders provides maximum user convenience, including an available 115-volt outlet
The front passenger footwell also is equipped with a power supply so the driver and front seat passenger don’t have to debate about who gets to plug in their device
4. Fuel Economy and Power
Segment-first standard nine-speed automatic transmission, innovative all-wheel-drive system, choice of two engine options and spirited ride and handling characteristics equal a driving experience customers will look forward to
Standard 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 producing 184 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque with highway fuel economy of 36 mpg, a 5 mile per gallon improvement compared with the outgoing model
Award-winning available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing best-in-class 295 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque and highway fuel economy ratings of 32 mpg, a 3 mile per gallon improvement versus the outgoing model
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 provides a choice of two drivelines for exceptional driving dynamics in all road and weather conditions, standard front-wheel drive or Chrysler’s available innovative all-wheel drive (AWD) system
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first mid-size sedan to feature complete rear-axle disconnect, which reduces energy loss to improve fuel efficiency
The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between front- and all-wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require input from the driver
5. Peace of Mind
The 2015 Chrysler 200 offers 60 safety and security features
The Chrysler 200 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and is rated five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Standard safety and security features on every model of the 2015 Chrysler 200 include: SafeHold secures the vehicle if the driver opens the door and unlatches the seat belt while forward or reverse gears are still engaged, eight standard air bags, all-speed traction control, brake assist, brake/throttle override, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, energy absorbing steering column, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), Keyless Enter ‘n Go, LATCH child seat anchors, brake/park interlock, a body constructed of 60 percent high-strength steel and many more
Available features include: ParkSense rear backup sensors, ParkView rear backup camera, 9-1-1 Call Assist, Uconnect Voice Command and many more
6. Safety and security features typically found on luxury vehicles are available on the 200 without the luxury price tag
The new 2015 200 delivers multiple features that are more typically found on luxury vehicles, which utilize sensing elements that leverage available ultrasonic, radar, camera and other technologies for a 360-degree view of the road. Available features include:
Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus: that, under certain circumstances can bring the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 to full stop without driver intervention
ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces. The perpendicular park assist function is a segment first
Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus: a Chrysler Group first that provides autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, slows or brings the vehicle to a full stop when a frontal collision appears imminent
LaneSense lane departure warning with Lane Keep Assist introduces subtle steering-wheel input to alert driver of inadvertent lane departure and assist with corrective action
Blind-spot monitoring and rear crosspath detection
7. 2015 Chrysler 200 offers something for everyone with the choice of sporty, practical or plush models from which to choose
LX and Limited models offer style and value
200S model stands out from the crowd with a more sinister style, sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters and a spirited driving experience for consumers who enjoy the drive
200C models offers the ultimate comfort while commuting with premium leather seating with heated/cooled front seats, real wood trim, bronze accents and more
8. Packed with features drivers desire at a price they appreciate
Standard 9-speed automatic transmission on all models, electronic shifting with rotary e-shift dial, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start on all models and remote start, best-in-class interior storage space
Innovative available all-wheel-drive system with fully-disconnecting rear axle
Best-in-class 295 horsepower on the available V6 engine
9. A Place for Everything
Chrysler 200 offers the most interior storage space in the mid-size sedan segment
The innovative center console is well-thought-out and features a number of user-friendly features
A pass-through storage area at the front of the console is accessible by both the driver and front-seat passenger
A thoughtful opening at the rear of the pass-through storage area allows for wires and cables to directly connect to the power supply and media center located in the center console
An innovative sliding cup holder with smooth, furniture-like movement allows drivers and passengers to use the space in a way that best fits their needs
A spacious storage bin under the cupholders and armrest allows passengers to store items out of sight
Folding arm rest in the center of the second row offers two cupholders
A large glove box, big enough to hold an iPad or small computer
Available door map pockets incorporate beverage holders large enough for 20-ounce bottles
The 200 offers 16.0 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, a rear pass-through for items such as skis, fishing poles or brooms and a 60/40 split folding rear seat
10. Made in the U.S.A.
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built, with pride, in Michigan
With a major investment of more than $1 billion, Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP), once slated for closure, sports an all-new paint shop using leading-edge technology, a new, fully robotic body shop and an upgraded assembly area, setting the stage for the world-class craftsmanship found in the all-new 200
Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Remove leftover salt
Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.
2. Check alignment and suspension Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.
3. Change oil and check fluids
“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.
4. Rotate tires and check air pressure You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.
5. Inspect brakes Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.
The 2015Dodge Durango R/Tadds the option of "Radar Red Nappa leather seats" from the Challenger and Charger. Not the kind of news I normally care about, but the Durango rules and this new interior actually looks pretty sweet.
I love the Durango R/T so much because it asserts all your needs for the ridiculousness of a noisy "sport SUV" without costing a fortune to run or making you look like a giant asshole. This new interior swatch (which costs about $1,200) squeezes a little more muscle car vibe out of the thing while preserving its moderate exterior appearance.
Want to get your hands on a 707-horsepowerDodge ChallengerorChargerHellcat to call your very own? We don't blame you, and you're not alone.
According toMotor Authorityand confirmed by a spokesperson fromChrysler,Dodgehas gotten so many orders for its stable of Hellcats that it simply cannot keep up with demand: "Due to unprecedented demand for the 2015Dodge ChargerandChallengerSRT Hellcats, we are temporarily restricting orders while we validate current orders that are in the system."
Put another way, if you're waiting for a Hellcat, your wait is likely to be a lot longer than you'd like.
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 300 took the highest award as the Car ofTexasat the Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Dodge, Jeep® and Alfa Romeo brands also won accolades this year.
After a day of demanding driving at the Texas Motor Speedway inFort Worth, Texas, journalists voted for their favorite vehicles and FCA US secured eight of the possible 20 awards, the most of any manufacturer at the event.
"FCA US brought an amazing array of vehicles this year. It was truly an all-star lineup. Our members were especially impressed with the 2015 Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Hellcats," saidMichael Marrs, President of TAWA. "In fact, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat was the most driven car for the entire day."
Trailers are hardly an uncommon site. They can, after all, be an effective way of adding cargo capacity when you need to haul more than you can fit in your car and truck. But there's something that just gets us about trailers made to match the vehicle behind which they're being towed. Like this one, attached to this uniqueJeep Renegade.
Set to be unveiled at theGeneva Motor Showmere days from now, theRenegadeHard Steel concept is a joint effort between various elements of theFiat Chrysler Automobilesgroup, includingJeep,Moparand theFCAStyle Centre. It's based on the Trailhawk off-road model, but is distinguished by its unique metallic finish, offset by matte black trim and a full raft of available and custom Mopar accessories. ThoughJeephas yet to show us what it looks like inside, it's said to have a specially coated leather finish. And of course there's that trailer.
Designed to mimic the Renegade's rear-end styling, the appendage will be used on the floor of the Geneva Palexpo to showcase the vehicle's Uconnect Live infotainment system through an oversized pop-up touchscreen display that mirrors the new 5- or 6.5-inch display that'll soon be available on the littlest of Jeeps, offering streaming content including music, news, social media andtraffic conditions.
We have no indication that a similar trailer could be going into production (minus, of course, the infotainment stuff), but it's worth noting thatJeep has indeed done something similar before.
Comedian Blake Anderson is seeing growing success as one of the stars and co-creators of the Comedy Central show Workaholics. Not surprisingly, when you get your own TV show, there's a deep desire to celebrate with a big purchase, a car perhaps. Anderson did just that, but as opposed to plunking his money down on a Porsche or Mercedes-Benz, he took a much more patriotic route.
Anderson described his ride as "an American Jeep" in an interview with Conan O'Brien, and he didn't mean that it was from the AMC years of the off-road brand's ownership. Instead, this one is as patriotic as they come thanks to a beautifully regal bald eagle covering the hood with the nation's flag as the background running up at least to the windshield. Hear Anderson's entire story of buying this red, white and blue off-roader in the video above.
When Chrysler last updated its 300 in 2011, the fullsize sedan market was a very different place than it is today. Ford's redesigned Taurus was in showrooms, sure, but segment stalwarts like the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala were languishing at the tail end of their model cycles.
And still, the second-generation 300 (not counting the "letter series" cars from the 1950s and '60s, of course) failed to recapitulate the booming success of the model reboot in 2004. Something in the combination of the down economy, higher gas prices and great product from front-wheel-drive entries in the class kept the 300 from the six-digit sales numbers it saw in the early 2000s.
For the 2015 model year, Chrysler hopes that a more clearly defined purpose for its big sedan, combined with liberal dipping into the corporate tech toy box, will rekindle buyer interest. Considering the mild characters and front-driver dynamics of its mainstream competition, the promise of V8 power and rear-wheel drive should at least turn the heads of those looking for a car with a little edge.
If you ask any teenager what they are looking forward to doing the most as
they get older, at the top of most lists is probably being able to drive. After
all, being licensed to drive gives teens a great sense of freedom – they can
now come and go as they please; they are no longer dependent on mom and dad to
get them where they need to go.
However, the time when teens begin to drive can potentially be the most deadly.
Every dayseven
teens ages 16 to 19 die from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash.
And the crash rate is 3.7
times higher for 16 year old drivers compared to drivers all of all ages,
and 2.7 higher for drivers aged 16 to 19.
For parents that are conducting a used cars search for appropriate vehicle
options for their teen drivers, how can they help them stay as safe as
possible? Here’s a look at five in-car options to look for during their used
cars search.
Side Airbags
Although everybody knows about airbags as a safety component in vehicles,
some may not realize the importance of side airbags. A study
conducted in 2006 conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
found side airbags that protected driver’s heads helped reduce deaths in cars
that were hit on the driver side by about 37 percent.
Electronic Stability Control
ESC works through speed sensors that are placed on all wheels and the
steering wheel to help drivers when on roads that are slippery or very curved.
If the ESC system notices the vehicle is about to go in an opposite direction
from where the steering wheel is pointed, is will break the necessary wheels to
help keep the car under control. ESC can be found vehicles from 2012, and even
earlier.
Crash Avoidance Technology
Over the past few years, vehicle manufacturers have unveiled
a crop of new applications to help drivers avoid car accidents. These crash
avoidance technologies work by providing the driver with warnings, or in
some instances even automatically putting on the brakes. Examples of these
technologies to look for in a used cars search include blind spot detection,
adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, and front crash prevention.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
An ABS is another safeguard
against slippery roads, as well as inexperienced young drives that may find
themselves “panic braking” in certain situations. The ABS helps ensure the
brakes on a car do not lock up, which could cause a driver to lose control of
the vehicle. ABS on the rear wheels allows the vehicle to keep moving in a
straight line, while ABS on all wheels allows the driver to maintain steering
capabilities.
Seat Belt Reminder System
Although the “ding, ding, ding” that
reminds you to buckle up every time you’re in the car can be rather annoying,
studies show they do save lives. For instance, a study published in 2008
found 97.5 percent of passengers put on a seat belt when in a vehicle with a
reminder system, while only about 86 percent did in cars without a reminder.
And teens need all the reminders they can — a 2002 study found that only 69
percent of teens ages 16 to 24 wear their seat belts, and more than two-thirds
of teens killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts.
