The Auto IDEA
|
The Auto IDEA
The Best and Latest News on All Things in the Car Kingdom!
|
Which is more important to recognize, emojis or road signs?
(BPT) - If you were to take a quiz to test your ability to identify common emojis and road signs, how do you think you’d fare?
According to the results from a recent survey by Mercury Insurance, 1,890 respondents did not do so well. The meaning of the “yawning” emoji was correctly identified by 85% of the respondents, but only 31% of quiz-takers correctly identified the meaning of the “lane reduction” road sign. Additionally, 71% knew the “in love” emoji, but the “keep right” road sign was correctly identified by only 51% of quiz-takers. Emojis are continually being added to our texting and messaging vocabulary, and for the most part, we’re able to keep up with this ever-changing landscape. Fortunately for the more than 200 million licensed U.S. drivers, road signs are highly regulated and consistent, and are designed to help keep drivers safe and easily guide them to their destinations. The bad news, however, is that far more people are able to identify emojis than road signs. And what’s worse is that many times they’re looking at these cute little icons while they’re driving. “Sure, emojis are a fun, modern-day form of shorthand, and may be more intuitive, but there’s a time and place to use them, and behind the wheel of a car isn’t one of them,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury Insurance. “A picture may be worth a thousand words in some cases, but it certainly isn’t worth getting into a collision and risking someone’s life. Most collisions are avoidable if drivers focus on their main task of safely operating a vehicle.” Distracted driving — anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, including texting and talking on a phone — accounted for 3,166 fatalities in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, as it takes your eyes off the road for five seconds on average — whether you’re reading or sending the message. The results of the quiz also highlight the importance of knowing what each road sign means, so you and those around you are safe. “These signs are instantly communicating to drivers what actions to take, much like emojis instantly communicate what friends or family members might be trying to convey in a text,” said Quinn. “It’s OK to only somewhat understand an emoji, but it’s imperative to know exactly what a road sign is telling you; otherwise it could lead to disastrous results on the road where no one can afford a misunderstanding. And being an attentive driver who knows the rules of the road and safely gets where they’re going might earn you a smiley face from your auto insurance company, just don’t read it while you’re operating a vehicle.”
KEYWORDS
A car accident is scary enough to deal with, without having complications in the aftermath. The tips in this article should help you handle things calmly and smoothly.
According to the insurance industry, the average motorist will file a claim for some type of auto collision accident once every 17.9 years. That seems like a good amount of time in between accidents. However, most of those first accidents happen between the ages of 16 and 35. Hopefully, the next accident you get into won’t be too severe. Here are three tips for handling the aftermath of a car accident.
Get Your Car Repaired You’ll need to get your car repaired. First, check in with your insurance company. If they don’t deem your car to be “totaled,” then your collision coverage should cover the repairs. Most mechanics work with insurance companies and get paid directly by them. It might come as no surprise that the mechanic’s estimate for the repairs will be the exact amount that the insurance company is willing to pay. If the car is totaled, then you might be paid off with the current value. The smart move would be to take that check and apply it as a down payment for a new car. Resource: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/totaled-car Decide If an Attorney Is Needed The first priority after any accident is to make sure all involved are okay. You might feel fine in the immediate aftermath. However, the pain of an injury could show up a few days later. That is when you want to seek immediate medical attention. From that moment forward, you need to document and keep all records pertaining to your injuries. Also keep a record of any lost wages for your injury and any future medical expenses. You will need this information to determine if you are injured enough for a settlement, which will help you decide if you need an attorney on your side. Resource: https://www.craigswapp.com/salt-lake-city-personal-injury-lawyer/when-does-an-injury-qualify-for-a-settlement/ Follow Your Doctor’s Orders You should follow your doctor’s orders for your recovery. This is especially vital if you enter into a lawsuit claim. The insurance company involved will be paying close attention to your recovery and assessing the extent of your injuries. If the doctor prescribes ten physical therapy sessions, then you need to go to all ten even if you start feeling fine after the third session. You would also be advised to stay off social media for the duration of your lawsuit. There are many ways your postings can hurt your case. Resource: https://shunnarah.com/social-media-can-hurt-your-personal-injury-lawsuit.php A car accident is scary enough to deal with, without having complications in the aftermath. Following these tips should help you handle things calmly and smoothly. Interested in more articles on cars and auto-related topics? Then check out the rest of The Auto Idea!
KEYWORDS
 RSS Feed
 5 tips when buying a car for a teen If you are one of the millions of Americans looking to buy a car, here are the five things you need to know before you step foot on a dealer’s lot. (BPT) - Car buying - It's crucial to know how to navigate what can be an overwhelming and exhausting process. “USAA helps members find, finance and insure vehicles that are right for their personal needs and financial goals,” says Heather Pollard, vice president of Auto Experience at USAA. “We want to avoid you ever having to regret your purchase decision, or worse, lead to financial hardships where you can no longer afford to keep your vehicle.” If you are one of the millions of Americans looking to buy a car, here are the five things you need to know before you step foot on a dealer’s lot. Know what you can afford. The first and most important question to answer before launching into the car-buying process is “how much can I afford?” Figuring this out will help you determine whether you are in the market for a new or used vehicle. A good starting point is to use 15-18 percent of your take-home pay as a gauge for your total vehicle budget including the loan, insurance, gas and maintenance. Next decision, how will you pay for it? There are numerous ways to manage the financial burden for purchasing a new car, including taking out a loan. If you have decided to go the loan route, determine how much you can afford in monthly payments. Banks or another financial institution might offer lower interest rates than a car dealer. Aim to pay off the loan within three to five years. “Get pre-approved for an auto loan amount and interest rate so you know where you stand before you begin shopping,” says Renée Horne, vice president of Consumer Lending at USAA Bank. “Look for low loan rates and flexible terms to fit your budget needs versus being steered by dealers into a decision solely based on monthly payment, which often results in paying more in interest for the overall loan term.” Another idea is to sell or trade in your new graduate’s current vehicle. If you plan to do this, factor in the cash value of that car and then add your planned down payment, typically 15-20 percent. You can use online tools such as USAA’s Auto Loan Calculator to get an estimate of what the end price tag will be. Determine the total cost of ownership. It is important to understand the total cost of ownership before surprising your graduate with the car of their dreams. Everything from gas to auto insurance will be an extra expense added on to the monthly cost for a new or used car and something everyone in the family needs to consider. When receiving an auto insurance quote, note that collision and comprehensive coverage generally cost less for used cars. If purchasing an older car, consider getting pricing for Extended Vehicle Protection coverage before you go to the dealer. Keep an open mind. Once you have established what you can afford and the total cost of ownership, it is time to discover what features and styles you or your teen want in a car. Prioritize a list of the features you would like to see. For the teen in your life, safety is usually at the top. Next, assess how much they will be using this car and what for. Are they commuting to school or a job? Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible — stay open to two or three models that would meet your teen driver’s needs and your or their budget. Do your research. Everyone can agree that dealerships can be overwhelming and intimidating. Research your market first. Try the USAA Car Buying Service to see what’s out there and find vehicles that come with exclusive member discounts. If you are looking into the used car market, always run a background check. You can get a vehicle history report from Carfax, which can help verify ownership history, mileage and accident history. Also, make sure the used vehicle has never been salvaged by entering the vehicle identification number into the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s system. Go for a test drive. After picking out a few of your top favorites, it is time to see how the car operates on the real road. Hit the highway to properly gauge a car’s performance, and inspect the car for mileage, tread, etc. If possible, run the car by a trusted mechanic for an under-the-hood inspection to forecast longevity and maintenance needs. Remember, factory warranties usually transfer depending on the mileage. KEYWORDS
 Avoid Towing Trauma According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year as a result of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles. These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing the right way.(BPT) - The onset of warmer weather means taking to the outdoors, be it boating, camping or simply tackling big jobs in the backyard. The result is a heavy increase in traffic on the roads — and often tagging along with the extra vehicles are the trailers, boats and campers that can put motorists at risk. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year as a result of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles. These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing the right way: Get hitched: A starting point to towing is knowing the pulling capacity of your vehicle, as too much weight can cause a load of problems, no matter how much power your engine has. When it comes to connecting a trailer to the towing vehicle, a critical component, of course, is the coupler — the part of the hitch system that is attached to the trailer. The coupler needs to be secured, tight and locked. On the towing vehicle, avoid using a ball mount and hitch that is rusted, cracked, corroded or poorly designed — anything that can compromise its integrity. A safe answer is applying a new hitch, like the Ultra-Tow Complete Tow Kit, which is a durable and easy solution to pull whatever you’re towing. Bottom line: Always reference the “coupling to tow vehicle” section of your vehicle manual to make sure it is done right. Feel the (tire) pressure: An often forgotten element on the trailer towing checklist is making sure the trailer’s tire pressure is at the right level. In addition, inspect tires for wear or trauma — and be sure to have a spare. Be a chain agent: Once you place and pop in the coupler over the ball mount, the next step is applying the safety chains, which need to be rigged to the tow vehicle. Avoid the common mistake of rigging the safety chains to the hitch or ball mount itself. Safety chains are federal law and will keep the trailer from drifting in the event the trailer coupling separates from the ball mount. Light it up: No matter what you’re driving, communicating with other vehicles is paramount to safety — and that means having properly working brake, tail and turn signal lights. Before departing, sync up the trailer lights with the tow vehicle and test it out so that other motorists will know your actions. Locked down and loaded: Once everything is hitched, it’s time to load up the cargo. It’s best to be balanced with weight distribution, but put heavier cargo in the front of the trailer. And of course, do not overload. This pre-departure checklist is only a start. Once on the road, remember the basic safe driving practices when towing a trailer: Drive at moderate speeds, avoid sudden stops, don’t use cruise control and allow more distance for stopping. No matter how much of a rush you are in to hit the road this summer, don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to towing safely. KEYWORDS
There are few better times for a road trip than during the summer months when the sun is bright and the kids are out of school. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or a jam-packed car, take these steps before hitting the open road.Hit the Road Safely
(Family Features) There are few better times for a road trip than during the summer months when the sun is bright and the kids are out of school. Despite the expected rise in gas prices, AAA reports 79 percent of families are planning to hit the road this year, 10 percent more than in 2016. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or a jam-packed car, the experts at Interstate Batteries recommend taking these steps before hitting the open road:
There can be a lot of planning and research put into the perfect road trip. Follow these tips to make sure you’re able to go wherever the road takes you. Find more information at InterstateBatteries.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Interstate Batteries  (BPT) - The auto salvage industry is more popular than ever. While automotive prices rise, so does the difficulty in finding a good deal on a vehicle, and yet, many are still misinformed about what a salvage car truly is. Automotive consumers have been misled to believe that a salvage car, scrap car, junk car and total loss vehicle are one in the same. As a result, many consumers are not aware of the value that the auto salvage industry has to offer. What is auto salvage Cars that are categorized as salvage come in all makes, models, conditions and mileage, but what does auto salvage really mean? The term auto salvage is quite simply the state of the car’s title, and it refers to vehicles that have been characterized by insurance companies, adjusters and the states as damaged in some way. The term “salvage” is generically used negatively; however, a salvaged vehicle does not necessarily imply that it cannot be rebuilt, repaired or safely driven again. In fact, many salvaged vehicles are cars that have undergone minimal aesthetic damage, and rebuilt or repaired vehicles are specifically required to pass a special inspection before they can legally be released for the open road. Alternatively, a total loss vehicle is not a type of title, but it is a type of salvage vehicle. A total loss vehicle occurs when the insured property is totally destroyed or damaged in a way that cannot be repaired or recovered for future use. It is important to understand the difference in order to truly appreciate how the auto salvage industry operates — this also enables buyers and sellers to make smart choices. The auto salvage industry From the early days of automobiles, automotive recycling has developed into a refined and technology-driven industry. It is valuable as a consumer to understand that the auto salvage industry is really the automotive recycling industry. The primary focus of all entities within the industry is to repurpose, reuse and retain the value of all things automotive, and find a new life for the vehicle or components of the vehicle. The auto salvage industry is a thriving part of the automotive supply chain. Automotive recycling as a whole represents over $32 billion in sales annually, and the industry employs over 140,000 employees in the U.S. alone. In addition to the critical role that the auto salvage industry plays in the automotive supply chain, automotive recyclers play a valuable role in the environmentally-friendly process of dismantling, recycling or repurposing of motor vehicles. Buying and selling a salvaged vehicle is not only more cost efficient, it also preserves natural resources and significantly reduces pollution and the demand for landfill space. Title Buyers and sellers of salvaged vehicles can sleep soundly knowing that all title discrepancies must always be announced during the transfer of a vehicle. This is including, but not limited to, mileage, salvage, theft, recovery, stolen vehicle, buybacks and more. Insurance transfers also require full disclosure, and by law, titles will always be changed to reflect the vehicle's true status. Remember to be a smart buyer and check your state for the different title types and what they mean. Copart All buyers and sellers should take it upon themselves to fully understand vehicle history and title status before offering to buy and sell cars. If you are looking to buy and sell a salvage title vehicle, Copart.com exceeds all expectations and demands. Copart, Inc., a leader in live online salvage and insurance auto auctions, is a publicly traded and reputable company with a dependable global footprint. Copart has grown into the premier online destination for quality vehicles that links buyers and sellers all around the world. The salvage auto industry is more popular than ever before, and Copart.com makes it more convenient than ever before to access thousands of vehicles.
|
Archives
December 2021
Interested in Publishing on The Auto Idea?
Send your query to the Publisher today!
Categories
All
|
