• 5-Star Rating: What does it mean?
• Tips to improve fuel economy
• What to look for in a vehicle history report
• Vehicle Preparedness Kit

September 2011 Newsletter

5-Star Rating: What does it mean?

--Is a 5-Star rating the best?--

Most car companies tout the results of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's star rating system, but what do those stars really mean? It is assumed that a 5-Star rating is the best and if so why is that? We hear that cars have higher safety standards but what all goes in to the test in the first place?

Well, to start off 5-Stars is the best rating. Here is the break down on the NHTSA Star rating system:

• 1 Star = 46% or more chance of injury
• 2 Stars = 36-45% chance of injury
• 3 Stars = 21-35% chance of injury
• 4 Stars = 11-20% chance of injury
• 5 Stars = 10% or less chance of injury

The breakdown shows the chance of injury representing a chance of a crash resulting in life-threatening injuries or injuries that require hospitalization. Knowing that 5-Stars is good is not enough information if you truly want to know what that means.

The tests themselves are at the core of the ratings.

Frontal Impact: To gauge the rating for a frontal impact, the vehicle being tested is slammed head-on into a barrier at 35 MPH. This test determines the chance of injury based on how well seat belts and air bags prevent force from being transferred to occupants.

Side Impact: A 3,015-pound deformable barrier is slammed into the side of the car at 38.5 mph. This test measure sensors on the occupants head, neck, chest and pelvis though only the chest is the main criteria when assigning the rating with head injuries as an ancillary safety concern.

The NHTSA does not conduct rear impact tests as they have determined that a rear impact event has a 5 per cent chance of creating a life threatening injury.

The NHTSA changes its testing criteria annually to ensure that advances in technology are continually made to increase passenger safety. In 2011, the NHTSA added a small female test dummy to their testing to calculate the effects of the tests on the large percentage of small framed female drivers and passengers. They have also added a new test that simulates an impact with a stationary object such as a telephone pole or tree.

The 5-Star rating system is a way for consumers to get a snapshot of a vehicles safety rating. Having a high safety rating does not mean that you and your family will be completely safe in the event of a crash as all accidents are different. Safe and attentive driving is the only way to ensure a fun trip for all.

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Tips to improve fuel economy

--Saving gas and saving cash$$$--

With fuel prices rising and falling like stock quotes making every drop of gas in your tank count is more important than ever. There are ways to maintain the EPA miles per gallon estimate for you vehicle and they are simple changes that require little effort. The national average fuel price was at press time: $3.58-an increase of more than $.80 from last year-which is more than enough incentive for fuel efficient driving tactics.

• Slow down!
  Remember: the turtle won the race. Unless you are racing to the gas station your average speed on the highway should be 55 MPH in order to maximize your MPG. 55 MPH is the sweet spot when it comes to fuel efficiency in highway driving. Going faster than that increases the amount of air resistance your car has to fight through which makes it harder for your engine to work. The harder your engine works, the more fuel it needs.

• High Octane = High Price
  Cars today are very advanced; so much so that buying premium fuel is not the necessity it was a decade ago. Modern engines can regulate performance without the added octane. Engine knock is a phenomenon of the past and paying more for the higher octane fuels will lower the mileage per gallon of your vehicle and bank account. Check your vehicles owner's manual to see if the higher octane fuel is required or recommended.

• Air Conditioner vs. Windows down
  There has been a lot of contention in this debate. Some argue that running the air conditioner at highways speeds is more fuel efficient and that rolling the windows down will increase air resistance thus making the engine work harder reducing fuel economy. Studies have shown that there is in fact a negligible decrease in fuel economy with the windows down and that turning on the A/C adds load on the engine; anything that adds load to your engine makes it work harder and less fuel efficient.

• Avoid Idling
  Keep this in mind: when you idle you get 0 MPG. As long as your engine is running and your wheels are not turning you are wasting gas! This does not mean you should run red lights or stop signs to increase fuel efficiency, though you should find the most efficient route to get to your destination. If you let your car idle to run into the house and this trip takes more the 30 seconds, you should turn your vehicle off. Some high end vehicles have a stop-start engine that actually turns off when you stop to save gas.

There are many more ways to ensure that you squeeze every drop of gas out of your tank. These tips will help you save money at the pump and help alleviate wear and tear on your vehicle and your wallet.

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What to look for in a vehicle history report

--What to look for in a vehicle purchase--

Buying a vehicle is not a simple purchase. It is not as banal as buying a new washing machine or refrigerator-it is a serious purchase that requires strategic planning and research. It may seem a utilitarian purchase on its surface but buying a vehicle is much more than that as this vehicle will become a cherished member of your family. Rather than let a stranger chauffer your family from A to B it is a good idea to find out some background information. Enter the vehicle history report.

A vehicle history report is a background check for your car. If this stranger is going to be involved in the transportation and safety of your family you might want to know a few things about it before you sign. Vehicle history reports combine data from your state's BMW and RMV as well as police reports and other sources. Here are a few things you should look out for when reading a vehicle history report:

• Number of previous owners
  It would be nice to think that everyone takes their car in for scheduled maintenance and only drives it to the store on Sundays but that is rarely the case. The more owners a car has had, the less likely it has been properly maintained.

• Previous locations
  Looking for a new truck or SUV? Has it spent time in the actual Yukon Territory or high in the Sierra mountains? If so, you may want to opt for a less experienced vehicle. Cars and vans that see harsh winters or live in flood prone areas may want to be avoided as well.

• Check the I.D.
  Make sure that the vehicle in the report matches the one you want to buy. Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in the report against the VIN of the vehicle to make sure they match all incidents on the vehicle history report.

These items should not sway you from purchasing your vehicle if they are tolerable for you, though if there are glaring omissions you should ask for a more comprehensive vehicle history report.

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