Brake pedal is located inside the vehicle and master cylinder is molded to the firewall which is located under the roof. When you step on the brake pedal, it controls the master cylinder to inject brake fluid into the brake lines. Brake line is connected to the master cylinder and passes through the brake caliper which is directed to each wheel. Brake fluid pushes the pistons to press the brake pads to the disc brake. The disc brake rotor is connected to the hub which is directed to the axle. That is why brake pads press onto the rotors and produce more friction that causes slowing of the vehicle.

The feedback felt by the driver in the brake system is called brake feel that is transported into the pedal. To have a better and improved feedback, it should have enough brake fluid and stainless brake lines. The response of the brake is mainly affected by brake pad and rotors. Several brake pads have an additional bite that responds faster, but are sometimes difficult to handle. When improving response, performance pad is a good choice, particularly if the pads must be changed. Brand new rotors can change the response that you usually experience when you step on the pedals but not like performance brake pads do. Rotors will make a distinction when you are going down a stiff road and steeping on the brakes most of the time. These can help brake pads function well for a period of time because of its out gassing technology and better cooling.

How many out there wish to spend more time in the car than other things? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends about 49 minutes a day commuting to and from work.
Avoiding an accident requires both hands on the wheel and no distractions.

Only 25 percent of the driving population takes to the roads at night. Yet, nighttime accidents account for 50 percent of driving accidents. Light is the major thing while you drive in the night time to avoid accidents. Xenon headlights create wider beams, which are lit more evenly, allowing drivers to see more of the road, and are virtually impervious to shock and vibrations. Xenon lights also last longer, providing more than 3,000 hours in an automotive application, compared to 1,000 hours for halogen. Small changes can make big differences. If drivers buy cars with Xenon headlights, they will likely enhance their own safety and energy efficiency.

When a car is in top operating condition, it will not only enhance the safety conditions for drivers and passengers, but also help people save on gas. One of the first things you should do is familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your vehicle. It is important to read the owner’s manual and follow proper winterizing suggestions that involve the battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, and filters.

Before hitting the road during winter travel, you must clear the snow and ice from not only all windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of the car.

In addition to maintaining the safety level of your vehicle, you must also pay extra attention to the way you drive in the wintertime. This means staying off of the cell phone and adhering to the legal speed limit. Additionally, a driver should:

Not forget to wear seat belt. Stay Alert and drive without Distractions. Drive completely sober Drive with headlights on that too in the dark places and also in the winter seasons. Give ample amount of time to slow down when roads are slippery. When roads are icy or snowy, the best suggestion is to delay travel, especially when “black ice” is involved. Do not pass maintenance vehicles or plows on the right and give them at least 200 feet between them and your vehicle. Avoid traveling on bridges or long travel during icy conditions. Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do not cut in front. Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing cold weather. Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes – it is much better to “stomp and steer.” In case of a puncture or blowout hold on to the steering wheel firmly. Draw the vehicle towards the corner of the road. If you sense fire, switch off the ignition and draw the vehicle towards the side of the road. Switch on the hazard lights. Try to put out the fire by throwing sand onto it. If the fire grows, stay away from it – it could lead to an explosion. Try to find help as quickly as possible and warn others.

Plan the best route to your destination. Try to avoid hills, busy areas and bridges. Anticipate cars coming from side streets and allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If someone is riding your bumper, don’t speed up -; maintain your pace and let them go around you. As an additional precautionary measure, store name and telephone number of an emergency contact on your cell phone under the name “ICE”. This acronym stands for “emergency” aid and rescue personnel quickly locate a friend or family member.

Top Three European Cars for 2009

It has always been the dream of every American motoring enthusiast to travel to the countries of Europe to see and drive the different variations of automobiles that are offered. Sadly, the closest us Yankees ever come to this fantasy is to look at pictures in European automobile magazines or to watch footage from European TV shows (i.e. Top Gear). These strange yet beautiful vehicles are usually faster, more fuel efficient and cheaper then most of the vehicles offered on U.S. soil, due to our government-enforced emissions and regulations. Here is a quick look at three of the best European cars for the 2009 model year. None of which will be shipped to America.

2009 Fiat 500 Abarth Edition

This little pocket rocket from Italy is the modified performance version of the award-winning Fiat 500. The Abarth division (formed in 1949) has taken the base 1.4 liter engine and turbocharged it to the tune of 135 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. Abarth is also offering another version of this lightweight racecar called the SS, which will have an astonishing 160 horsepower.

Abarth has also upgraded the little Fiat’s braking and suspension, with pieces from the best manufacturers on the market. The new 500 comes standard with a beefed-up Alfa Romeo gearbox, hydraulic clutch system, big Brembo brakes, OZ lightweight wheels, and fat Pirelli tires. They even offer Abarth apparel (complete with scorpion logos) to compliment your new ride.

This go-kart-esque vehicle also features a sophisticated engine management system with three different modes to increase or decrease steering and throttle responses. It also has an option to increase engine torque levels when you hit those straight-away back roads. All this is done with a few pushes of the “Sport” button that is mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard.

All this performance and technology can be had for a measly $26,000 (converted to U.S. currency). And get this; the Abarth 500 still gets 43.5 miles per gallon! Who needs a Toyota Prius when you are driving a 2000 pound racecar for a fraction of the cost and same gas mileage?

2009 Honda Civic Type-R

Ah yes, the Civic that got away. Or at least the version that never made it to America. Honda has been building their Type-R variation cars for years and only the Integra model made it to the U.S. market. For 2009, a completely different version Civic has been created for the Asian and European performance enthusiasts.

This three-door hatchback is only offered in the European marketplace and the bigger four-door version is only offered in Japan. Neither will ever be sold in America, even though Americans buy more cars from the Honda Motor Company than any other country. Lame? You bet. To make matters worse, the new Type-R Civic is the fastest and best handling version yet.

With a redesigned 2.0 liter iVTEC engine (variable valve timing with intelligence) this Civic screams to redline with 198 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque mated to a close-ratio 6 speed manual gearbox. With lightened body panels and suspension bits, the Type-R weighs in at 2793 pounds, which allows it to sprint to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 146 mph.

With an 8000 rpm redline and one of the quickest shifting transmissions on the market, this Type-R wins in the best-to-drive category of all compact European cars. The revised steering system and stiff Honda suspension setup makes this the closest a Civic can get to an actual racecar. Prices start at $18,000 (U.S. dollars) and the Type-R also manages an impressive 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

2009 Ford Focus RS

Hold on, the Ford Focus is available in America, right?

Yes, the boring econo-box from Ford has been available is the states for quite some time. But this is the Focus RS, and it is utterly spectacular compared to the model we are all used to. You see, in Europe they actual race the Focus models in the WRC (World Rally Cross) and these little Fords win many of the races, suprisingly. That is why they offer the Focus RS (“Rally Sport”) only in Europe, because of rally regulations, which state the rally cars must be based on production version cars.

This Focus, unlike the American version is fast, it looks good and handles amazingly. It is the best RS version yet. It features a turbocharged 2.5 liter-5 cylinder engine that produces a whopping 300 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. All this power is put through the front wheels, which usually creates the infamous “torque steer”. This is the phenomenon when too much power is put upon the front wheels and the tires tend to spin upon hard cornering. But this new RS employs a “RevoKnuckle” system to split this rush of torque between the front wheels in an efficient fashion, so that handling speeds are not sacrificed.

The European Focus will also feature 19 inch racing wheels, sticky Continental tires and big vented disc brakes in the front and rear for 2009. A six-speed gearbox and hip-hugging Recaro racing seats should keep the driver comfortably-busy, during spirited drives on dirt roads and highways. All these features should add up to an all-around amazing sports car for everything from track days to work commutes. Pricing and mileage results have yet to be released by Ford, but more coverage will follow as the release date for the new RS is set of early 2009.

Vehicles of today are engineered to offer a different level of comfort and therapeutic use. Automakers are thinking out of the box. They are not only absorbed in manufacturing, safe, fuel-efficient, high-performance and stylish cars. They go beyond the usual auto manufacturing standards to be more appealing to their target markets. The philosophy is not only aimed at integrating Active Brakes Direct to the car system to make its braking functions efficient. It is all that and more.

Critics in the auto industry have communicated their views on current lineups. Several enthusiastic reviews are in favor of the Lexus ES 350. The car, along with the Camry, is the first to use Toyota’s six-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel drive. It features a 272 horsepower aluminum 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 engine with variable valve timing. The interior of the ES 350 features walnut wood accents, leather seats, a dual zone climate control with air filter, an MP3 player input, power tilt and a telescoping steering wheel, and eight standard airbags.

The Lexus ES 350’s new features include a three-panel panoramic glass moonroof, power seat cushion extender, a 300-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, radar-based adaptive cruise control, DVD navigation system, power rear sunshade, and Lexus Park Assist, a sonar-based warning system with backup camera. The most striking standard feature so far, is the keyless entry and ignition system called the Lexus SmartAccess. The feature does not require an electronic remote to be taken out of the driver’s pocket.

The car is intended for enthusiasts who do not care much about slalom speeds and acceleration. The plan of Lexus is hit the market – the market that seems not to care about cars. To implement the plan, the automaker manufactured one entry luxury sedan that caters to everybody’s desires. It built the IS 250 and IS 350 for the Bimmer intenders, and the ES 350 and the ES 350 to serve as an alternative to Buick.

The Lexus ES 350 is based on the Toyota Camry’s driving dynamics. According to some owners of the car, the latter is capable of running smoothly and efficiently. It is also given efficient transmission shifts gears. The tires are meticulous designed to run quiet and functional. They are relatively tall to withstand squelch impacts. The interior of the car is similar mirrors its proletarian Toyota sibling. It boasts of its dark, soft-touch dashboard that creates a soothing contrast with the cream seats and walnut highlights. Higher options include power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated seats, and rear-view backup camera.

The base price of the ES 350 is $33,865. But the price does not include the $5,380 Luxury Package. The latter offers — leather interior, rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity headlamps, Bluetooth, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, rear side air bags and a few other baubles. The Luxury Package’s rear-seat panorama glass roof is a particularly nice touch.

The Lexus ES 350’s features make every ride comfy and soothing that some enthusiasts would not desire to go back to their old cars. According to a proud owner of the car, “It is a cocoon of tranquillity, and it will probably deliver many years of trouble-free transportation.”

But once in a while, a car comes along that gives the performance of a sports car, the luxurious feel of a luxury car, and a gas mileage rating that is unusually good for a car of its caliber. One such car is the E320 from Mercedes-Benz. The reason behind the great fuel economy exhibited by the E320 is its diesel engine.

Diesel engines may not seem a perfect fit for a luxury because of its reputation of producing too much noise and spurting out harmful exhaust gases – but thanks to the Bluetec diesel engine technology that was developed by DaimlerChrysler, the diesel engine that their luxury car employs performs like a gasoline engine in terms of emissions and noise.

In Europe, diesel engines are already popular for its high power output. Advances in technology also allow car manufacturers to reduce the amount of hazardous gases from the engine’s exhaust. With the popularity of such engines in the European region, American car enthusiasts are also showing interest in diesel engines.

The nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions that have in the past gave diesel engines a bad reputation is now being reduced thanks to an oxidation catalytic converter and a particulate filter. Aside from those two devices, the Bluetec system also integrates an NO2 trap and an SCR catalytic converter. Due to the integration of the filters and the catalytic converters, the engine must use only ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. Indeed, the diesel engine that comes with the E320 is so efficient and clean that its emission is pretty much the same to that of a gasoline engine. Not only in its clean burning fuel is it at par with gasoline engines but also in noise, or the lack thereof.

One advantage of using a diesel engine in a car is its fuel efficiency and it has been made more efficient by the high-pressure electronically controlled common-rail direct fuel injection system. This is evident in the high gas mileage rating of 35 miles per gallon that vehicles using such can achieve.

Aside from that distinct advantage, a diesel engine also provides a lot more torque than a gasoline engine. This amazing amount of torque rated at 388 lb-ft is what is needed for good acceleration. The diesel engine of the E320 can propel it to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in only 6.6 seconds. That figure is at par with many sports sedans that are now available in the market.

The diesel engine that comes with the E320 is a 3.0-liter V6 engine constructed out of aluminum alloys which makes the engine weigh considerably less. The powerplant can produce up to 208 horsepower. What stands out though from the figures posted by the diesel engine is its torque, the maximum of which can be achieved at 2400 revs per minute. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission that facilitates the smooth transfer of the torque and horsepower to the rear wheels. The amount of power produced when you press down on the accelerator is so great that stopping in its track would take high performance brake components like those found in Active Brakes Direct. The speed that the E320 can attain makes it a great car for cruising down open freeways where the true capability of the engine and the wide array of components shines through.

“Junior,” a 2006 Volkswagen Passat wagon, is the latest entry in the renowned road race sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Department of Defense’s research and development arm. The robotic car from Stanford will compete in the DARPA Urban Challenge, the agency’s so-called most challenging derby.

“These cars are driven by artificial intelligence,” said Sebastian Thrun, a computer science and electrical engineering professor at Stanford, who unveiled his plans for Junior this week at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science which was held in San Francisco.

Thrun and Stanford took the same path before. In the 2005 race, Stanford’s entry which was then dubbed “Stanley,” won first place. But that race was run in the Nevada desert. “The next challenge will be to drive where we live,” said Thrun, who spoke on a panel about the future of robotics. “This new generation of robots is making the case that they can safely navigate without any human assistance,” added Thrun.

In this year’s challenge, several universities in the United States, along with their corporate partners, have expressed their commitment to the race. Aside from Stanford, another renowned name which has earlier verified its commitment to the event is the Carnegie Mellon University, which finished second to Stanford in the 2005 challenge.

Thrun said the project may pave the way for a future in which self-driving cars will make transportation safer for those who, like the elderly, might rather ride than drive. “By 2030, we should be able to deploy this technology on highways reliably,” he said.

Thrun said he expected a battlefield version of the car to be available as early as 2015. “To be able to understand your environment, predict what happens next and be able to react when something goes slightly wrong — that is the most challenging,” said Stanford research engineer Mike Montemerlo.

Driving in the city is a different environment. It does not only require robotic cars to detect obstacles, they must make sense of them. Engineers at the Volkswagen of America Electronics Research Laboratory in Palo Alto, Calif. have upgraded the brakes and throttle of “Junior” so as to pave the way for a high-performing race car. The efficiency of EBC brake rotors are considered in making the performance of the car even more breath-taking.

“Junior” displays an array of sophisticated sensors, including a range-finding laser that provides a three-dimensional, 360-degree view of its surroundings in near-real time. Its computer capabilities are four times more powerful than Stanley’s. To make the capabilities functional, about a dozen students, researchers and faculty at Stanford worked on software to manage driving tasks like mapping, perception, and planning.

The location of the 2007 race will be announced in October. The fastest car to navigate the course will bag $2 million.

KIDS AND CARS recently issued an advisory to urge the Congress to pass the Cameron Gulbransen KIDS AND CARS Safety Act of 2007. Among the supporters of the bill are Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and John Sununu (R-NH); Janette Fennell, the President of KIDS AND CARS; Jackie Gillan, the Vice President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety; Sally Greenberg, a Senior Counsel for Consumers Union; and the families of child victims in vehicle related accidents.

They are calling upon the US Congress to pass the bill that will reduce the risk of injuries and death of children who are in and around a vehicle. The group presents a study that shows that from the year 2000 until now, there are more than 1,000 recorded child fatalities in non-traffic accidents only. This means that the death of those children happened not because of a crash or collision but because of other circumstances that the bill is trying to eradicate. Common problems that the bill is addressing is the risk of a child being backed over by a vehicle, power windows strangulation, or those deaths that have been caused by accidentally knocking a vehicle into motion.

The bill contains what the authors want the US Secretary of Transportation should implement on vehicles to be released to the public. Senators Clinton and Sununu both sponsored this bill to reduce the risk of injuries or even death to children in and around vehicles. One of the provisions of the bill is for the US Secretary of Transportation to mandate car makers to “ensure that power windows automatically reverse when they detect an obstruction to prevent children from being trapped, injured, or killed”. This technology is already being used on some tailgates of SUVs and also employed by convertibles when stowing the top or putting it back over the vehicle.

The bill when passed into law will also mandate car manufacturers to “provide drivers with a means of detecting the presence of a person or object behind their vehicle”. This is also being used by some vehicle models. This not only makes parking easier, it also reduces the risk of baking over a child or any person for that matter. Another provision is for car makers to “provide for the vehicle service brake to be engaged to prevent vehicles from unintentionally rolling away”. This is also a good step since there are cases that the cause of death or injury of a child is due to the accidental rolling of the vehicle. This safety precaution can be further enhanced with the use of EBC brake pads.

The bill also calls for the establishment of “a child safety information program to collect non-traffic incident data and disseminate information to parents about these hazards and ways to mitigate them”. This is aimed to show the trends of child injuries and fatalities so that steps can be taken to address whatever may be the cause of such incidents.

Aside from the aforementioned bill, another one will be introduced in the US House of Representatives by Representative Peter King (R-NY) and Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL).

According to the website, their choices make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall ‘summer-driving-and-travel’ appeal when traveling, towing, hauling or just merely enjoying the ride.

Their complete list includes the following:

Top New Hybrid — 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175

A four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car, the 2007 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine mated with a battery-powered electric motor. It achieves the EPA estimates of 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway. Don Christy Jr., the president and CEO, NADAguides.com, said that aside from its quality fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its rivals. He added that their site also appreciated the car’s streak list of safety features plus the $22,175 MSRP (a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans).

Top New Convertible — 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585

Christy commented that this car offers stylish fun-in-the-sun driving, affordable low-priced tag and amazing fuel economy. They were particularly fond of MX-5 Miata’s engine with fast revolution and its fascinating handling. Featuring 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission (170 with the manual), side airbags and ABS brakes, this car is available with a retractable hardtop.

Top New Truck — 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970 (base 2WD model)

Christy said that it is indeed difficult to find a brand new vehicle that offers the uses of a pick-up truck with the efficiency as well as the affordability of a compact car. This is the reason why this car with 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway EPA estimates easily made it to their list. He added that the Ranger offers a great value to buy and own and excellent styling.

Top New SUV — 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175 (base model)

With EPA estimates of 24 City/27 Highway, the 2007 Jeep Compass, according to Christy, gives a heck ride. The President/CEO said that they were stunned by the car’s affordability, styling, and long list of standard equipment and safety gadgets. The Compass offers 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.

Top Minivan — 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645

According to Christy, the Odyssey features one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category so it was their editors’ favorite minivan with regard styling and ride. It features a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Honda, co-maker of Acura high performance parts, built the 2007 Odyssey with a long list of comfort and convenience features that includes cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information regarding new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. Throughout its 74-years in the industry, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the honored authority for vehicle valuations.

According to the website, their choices make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall ‘summer-driving-and-travel’ appeal when traveling, towing, hauling or just merely enjoying the ride.

Their complete list includes the following:

Top New Hybrid — 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175

A four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car, the 2007 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine mated with a battery-powered electric motor. It achieves the EPA estimates of 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway. Don Christy Jr., the president and CEO, NADAguides.com, said that aside from its quality fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its rivals. He added that their site also appreciated the car’s streak list of safety features plus the $22,175 MSRP (a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans).

Top New Convertible — 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585

Christy commented that this car offers stylish fun-in-the-sun driving, affordable low-priced tag and amazing fuel economy. They were particularly fond of MX-5 Miata’s engine with fast revolution and its fascinating handling. Featuring 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission (170 with the manual), side airbags and ABS brakes, this car is available with a retractable hardtop.

Top New Truck — 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970 (base 2WD model)

Christy said that it is indeed difficult to find a brand new vehicle that offers the uses of a pick-up truck with the efficiency as well as the affordability of a compact car. This is the reason why this car with 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway EPA estimates easily made it to their list. He added that the Ranger offers a great value to buy and own and excellent styling.

Top New SUV — 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175 (base model)

With EPA estimates of 24 City/27 Highway, the 2007 Jeep Compass, according to Christy, gives a heck ride. The President/CEO said that they were stunned by the car’s affordability, styling, and long list of standard equipment and safety gadgets. The Compass offers 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.

Top Minivan — 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645

According to Christy, the Odyssey features one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category so it was their editors’ favorite minivan with regard styling and ride. It features a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Honda, co-maker of Acura high performance parts, built the 2007 Odyssey with a long list of comfort and convenience features that includes cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information regarding new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. Throughout its 74-years in the industry, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the honored authority for vehicle valuations.

Lawrence Nordhoff, Jr., D.C., accident reconstructionist and author of two texts on vehicle collisions makes the following suggestions for that split second when you see the car approaching:

1. “Tighten up and brace yourself holding on firmly to the ten o’clock and two o’clock position of the steering wheel.”

The idea of remaining loose and relaxed is wrong! Contracted muscles protect the bones, discs, ligaments and nerves.

2. “Keep your wrists flat, not bent,” to prevent wrist injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. “Face forward, look straight ahead and sit squarely against the back of your seat.” Never allow passengers to bend forward in airbag-equipped cars. If you are about to be rear-ended, press your head firmly against the headrest.

4. “When stopped, keep an eye on your rear view mirror.” You have a better chance of not being injured if you’re aware of the oncoming collision.

According to Dr. Nordhoff, the average person will be in a car collision once every ten years. Practice these four points upon entering your car will make them “instinctual” when the situation arises. Before the “big day” there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. “Buy Big! Size counts!”

Gas economy is great for our environment and small cars look cute, but when you’re watching an S.U.V. drive into the back of your Hyundai, you’ll wish you had a Suburban.

2. Sit at least 6″ from the steering wheel to avoid serious injury caused by the airbag crushing into your chest. If you’re too short, get pedal extenders.

3. The headrest must contact the area just above your ears. Most are set too low and act as karate chop when you’re struck from behind.

4. Never place the shoulder harness behind your back. This puts the stress on the lap belt causing spinal cord injuries. If you’re large breasted, use a shoulder strap cushion such as lambs wool.
5. Put a cushion on the glass in old pick-up trucks whose rear window acts as the head restraint.

6. Changed seatbelts every 10 years and after major car accidents.

7. Service and check the ABS (antilock braking system) every time you change your pads (must be requested).

8. Do not pump your ABS! This can cause your car to flip over. Just hold the brakes to the floor. It will naturally grab, grind and feel jerky but it is supposed to do this. Practice the feel of abrupt braking in a vacant lot.

9. Carry high “med pay” coverage (minimum $25,000). It’s fairly inexpensive and will free you from having to sue your insurance company to have your treatment covered.

Accidents are nearly inevitable so share this information. It may lead to a more “pleasant” accident experience.

When you’re injured, ALWAYS have yourself evaluated at my office so that your alignment can be returned to a healthy and normal function-not just temporarily pain-free. Often the effects of an accident don’t fully reveal themselves for months and sometimes years later (when the degenerative changes develop). We make certain to check for their signs and usually prevent them from developing.