Safety has become one of the critical ways that buyers gauge new cars, trucks, and SUVs. In fact, the wave of technological advances in new vehicles has, in large part, come on the safety front.
In the 1960s, safety was not as much of a concern for new-car buyers. New vehicles weren’t even required to have seatbelts until 1968. Over the decades, as the federal government put the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in charge of patrolling vehicle safety, the advances came regularly and swiftly: more sturdy bumpers, roof-crush standards, airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and rearview cameras marked major advances and improvements in vehicle safety systems. Today the NHTSA provides car buyers with a reference tool that can help gauge the safety of their vehicles. Its star-based rating system grants a score to all new vehicles tested—not all new vehicles are tested, but many are—as it grades them for frontal and side impact protection.
The NHTSA’s oversight of vehicle safety performs an essential governmental function, but the tougher tests of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide even more value to new-car shoppers. The IIHS’s test regimen has tougher impact standards, and requires better performance from a range of safety systems, from headlights to accident prevention systems. The best performers in IIHS testing earn a Top Safety Pick+ award for exemplary scores across the board, while some vehicles can earn the Top Safety Pick designation.
Smog check, smog test and emission check all refer to the same thing: a test of a vehicle and its engine emissions performed at a licensed smog testing facility. Smog checks are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whose goal is to protect public health and the environment...Read More»
When you whistle to man’s best friend with an invitation to go for a ride, don’t just let the dog climb into the car and sit unrestrained during the outing. That’s asking for disaster in the event of a crash, propelling the animal and causing potential serious or fatal injury. Pet...Read More»
Owning and driving a car entails a certain amount of responsibility, not the least of which is the requirement to carry at least the minimum amount of auto insurance in your state. What many people fail to realize, however, is that skimping on insurance can become a very costly mistake in the event...Read More»
Time for a cracked windshield repair or car windshield replacement? The decision isn’t always clear — sometimes it’s a judgment call, but in other situations, it’s definitely better to simply do the repair. Here’s how to figure out when to replace the windshield or...Read More»
We hear it all the time: "Car seats don't actually expire. That's just a ploy by the manufacturers to get you to spend more money and buy new stuff.” It doesn't matter how many times we hear it; it's still not true. Car seats expire, and your kid's safety could depend on you recognizing that...Read More»
Confused about how much child car seats cost? Shopping for child car seats doesn’t have to be a nightmare. While there is some truth to the saying that you get what you pay for, the fact is that all child car seats sold in the United States have to comply with federal safety regulations...Read More»
Here’s the bummer: Your car needs periodic maintenance, which means you have to do more than just fill it up with gas every other day and vacuum it out before a big date. Now, for the good news. The most basic maintenance of all, the oil change, is simple enough for the average car owner to...Read More»
Parallel parking can be a drag. Who better to teach you how to parallel park, than drag expert RuPaul? The Emmy-winning TV host explained last week on TikTok how to parallel park, from the driver seat of one of his fleet of classic cars–in this case, a silver Mercedes-Benz SL. While the video...Read More»
You know you have one under your car, but if you're lucky, you never have to think about it. It's the catalytic converter, a component of your car's exhaust and emission-control system usually installed between the engine and the muffler. What is a catalytic converter? A catalytic converter is a...Read More»
Craigslist has gained a reputation for its colorful variety of ads, from hot plates to hot dates. The free-to-browse, instant format makes it a popular choice for quick buying or selling, not the least of which are cars. Check these guidelines to selling your car on Craigslist for better odds of...Read More»
Whether you shop at a dealer or private party, buying a used car is going to take negotiating. Not everyone relishes the idea, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make it through unscathed, and get the car you want at the right price. Here’s how to buy a used car and your used car buying...Read More»
Does it seem that your car is in for repairs more than it’s in your driveway, or more to the point, for the same repairs, over and over again? If that’s the case, lemon laws might apply to you. Simply put, lemon laws are meant to give you some legal leverage to seek a refund for the...Read More»
Executive Summary/Key Takeaways Most car recalls are issued by the automaker. Recalls are issued for safety problems and components that could fail prematurely. Car recall checks, to find out if your car has outstanding recalls, are easy and free. More than 390 million U.S. vehicles have been...Read More»
If you’re a new parent, it can be overwhelming to figure out the nuances of traveling safely with your kids according to car seat guidelines. The rules, regulations, and common sense around child car seats can be confusing, but understanding them is key to ensuring your kids’ safety and...Read More»
Whether it’s a holiday trip to visit relatives, take a family vacation, or just out and about doing errands, taking pets along requires a little advance planning and adherence to a few safety guidelines to ensure a safe journey for all. These tips can provide not only peace of mind, but also...Read More»
Minivans fail to adequately protect rear-seat passengers, based on a new crash-test study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released Tuesday. The test simulates a head-on collision of two vehicles of similar weight traveling just below 40 mph, and measures the impact on a...Read More»
The full lineup of 2024 Genesis SUVs earned the highest safety and crash-test ratings awarded by the IIHS, the insurance-industry nonprofit announced Friday. The 2024 Genesis GV60 electric crossover, 2024 Genesis GV70 compact crossover, and 2024 Genesis GV80 three-row crossover SUV earned Top...Read More»
The redesigned 2023 Honda Accord was the only midsize sedan tested to earn a top "Good" rating on a new crash test that measures rear-seat passenger protection, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced Wednesday. “In most of the midsize cars we tested, the rear dummy slid...Read More»
The redesigned 2023 Honda Pilot delivers on its mission to excel at safety. The IIHS on Tuesday bestowed its highest honors in the form of a Top Safety Pick+ on the three-row family vehicle. It's much harder to qualify for the award this year since the IIHS toughened its safety criteria to account...Read More»
