Two new hybrid electric trucks developed for the U.S. Army are being tested for operational service and this is according to UQM Technologies, Inc. The said hybrid trucks were developed by Armor Holdings using UQM’s electric propulsion technology. The tests are being conducted at Ft. Lewis in Washington.
Before the two hybrids underwent the Military Utility Assessment Testing, they have already been test Read more »
UQM Technologies, Inc has been working in conjunction with Armor Holdings, Inc. to begin the Military Utility Assessment (MUA) testing of two hybrid electric future heavy trucks demonstrators at Ft. Lewis, Washington. During the test, the two hybrid electric future heavy trucks will go on rigorous services concerning military operations and assignments. The two hybrid electric vehicle demonstrators have already successfully co Read more »
Ever since it was developed, the airbag has created a special role in the automotive industry in terms of features for car safety. According to some recent crash tests, airbags indeed can save a person’s life during vehicle collisions. Let us discuss more about airbags, find out how it works, and discover the benefits it could offer.
An airbag is a flexible, inflatable object that contains air or some other gas. It is also called the Air Cushion Restraint System (ACRS). Airbags can actually absorb the impact taken from a car crash by creating a cushion thus reducing the injuries of the vehicle’s occupants. The airbag system consists of three substantial parts: the airbag module, the crash sensor, and the diagnostic unit. Each part plays a significant role during a car crash. The airbag module is the one that contains the lightweight fabric that inflates during collision. Basically, there are two airbag modules located in a conventional vehicle like the new Lincoln Town Car, the driver airbag module and the passenger airbag module. The driver airbag module is located at the center of the steering wheel while the passenger module is dramatically placed at the instrument panel.
Because vehicles can have one or more crash sensors, they are located in different areas – either at the front of the vehicle near the bumper or in the passenger compartment area. The crash sensor works as a triggering device that measures the deceleration, which is the decreased velocity of a car or the rate in which the car slows down. The sensor is activated during the car crash which actually is the force that was generated in the front or rear of a car.
The last part of an airbag system, which is the diagnostic unit, acts as a condition sensor for the airbag. It measures the preparedness of the airbag in case of a car crash. The diagnostic unit activates when the car’s engine is turned on. It checks the airbag if it is in good condition and ready to use. If certain problem occurs, a warning light is activated and signals the driver that the airbag is malfunctioning and needs to be fixed.
During its peak of development, airbags only focus on frontal impacts. It cannot absorb impacts generated from the rear and side of a vehicle thus making it an ineffective safety device for rollovers and side impacts. However, with the latest trend in the automotive industry along with the new technological safety features, vehicles are now equipped with rear, side, and even curtain airbags to protect its occupants from injuries during car collisions. Who knows what other benefits and updates will airbags offer in the future?
With the weather changing, you certainly cannot deny the fact that the seasons are changing and yes, they are surely getting warmer by the minute. That is because soon after spring, summer will soon be here.
For drivers, welcoming summer is good news for them. You see, most believe that running and driving around in icy road conditions is far off worse compared to driving under the hot sunshine. Well, summer has its own share of disadvantages that is why it is important to follow some tips recommended by auto experts to ensure and increase your chances of safe summer trips.
Before you drive off for a long journey, it is important that you do have your car checked first. This should be done at least a week before you go on that journey. Also, it is necessary that you have your car undergo a full service. This way, if there are any parts that need changing, you can always repair them as soon as possible. Also, if there is a need to do maintenance, then it would be the right time for that. Before you start your engine and start your summer crusade for fun, check the following first: your car’s engine, oil fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, battery electrolyte, tire pressure, and windscreen washer reservoir.
Always have some spare kits and some spare parts available during the entire duration of your trip. That way, if you do encounter some minor problems that could be easily remedied, then you would be saving yourself the trouble of waiting for help to arrive and you also would be helping your pocket for you would not have to spend on somebody else’s services just to fix any problem. Important items in your spare kit should include a fan belt, some radiator hoses, bulbs, points, a condenser, a pair of spark plugs as well as a roll of insulating tape.
Auto Parts Discount continually renews its commitment in providing and delivering superbly crafted GMC parts that would assist any owner and driver in keeping their vehicle in top shape during these summer trips. The store has an impressive array of auto parts and these parts are considered to be the best parts in the industry.
One of the major concerns that vehicle manufacturers have to face in their daily production of vehicles is to ensure that each and every machine that rolls out of their assembly plant is safe enough for people to travel on. This is mainly because it actually means preserving people’s lives.
People, on the other hand, are also becoming very vigilant and they try to scrutinize the vehicles of their choices before they actually decide which one to purchase. Safety is also included in the list of details and features that they are looking for in a car.
In this regard, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have come up with a list of safety features that would gladly help out and assist consumers in deciding which should come in their vehicles. The two organizations suggest that it is important that as a driver, you should be cautious and should take into account the number of passengers who would be more or less ride with you in the vehicle. The driver should also consider the kinds of passengers. Will there be adults? Teenagers perhaps? How about children or infants? These should be taken note of for there are various vehicles that have different safety standards. Some are good enough just for children while others have been crafted well to transport only adults.
Aside from passengers, you should also consider the types of cargo that you may be carrying and transporting. Other things you have to take into account include the distance which you will be traveling as well as the kind of road conditions that you might encounter.
Vehicle ratings have been crafted and written down not just for show. They serve a purpose of providing information to those who need it. And if you are a buyer concerned about safety, it is important that you check the list out. Pay attention to crash test data and ratings. Also look into safety features as well as crash ratings. Make sure that you also know the features in the car you are eyeing. Look for air bags, safety belts, antilock brakes, traction control and child restraints. These are just a few of the most common safety features though you are encouraged to look for further safety features.
General | admin February 17, 2010 | 
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