Car Safety Tips for Kids

Well before I get to my point, I must tell you about how important are kids in our lives. I live in Lahore, Pakistan and enjoying my life with my parents. Currently, I am working with a Japanese used cars exporter. I have no sibling that means I am the only attraction of my parents in this world. That is way I faced many restrictions in my childhood. I was not allowed to go outside as commonly as my other friends could move and play different kind of games. Few months ago I had a negative feeling that why my parents were so strict or careful about me? But soon I found my answer through an incident.

Mr. Obaid is our neighbor living with his wife. They don�t have kids but the story wasn't the same 3 month ago. Mr. Obaid came to my home 4 months ago and asked me to suggest him a family or passenger car. I suggested him a car and they bought it after 15 days from my company�s showroom. As my social responsibility, I advised Mr. Obaid to keep all the precautions while driving a car including seat belt, door checks, wheels air etc. But He didn't paid attention to what I was talking about. In the first weekend after buying a car they went out for a picnic party to the nearest park. Mr. Obaid was driving, his wife was sitting on the back seat and a son with the age of 7 years was sitting on the 2nd front seat along with his daddy. The blunder my neighbor made that they didn't fastened the belt of their son and moreover the Mr. Obaid was driving at a speed of 75 to 80 miles per hour.

What happened was horrible and depressing. My neighbor�s car ran into a pickup truck and due to instant break, Mr. Obaid�s son came out from the front window by breaking it and died on the spot. That was really not worth telling what situation I saw there and in the hospital or in their house after the death of their beloved son.

But the question is that what made this accident to happen? What was the cause? Was it due to over speeding? Answer to all these questions is that only negligence made Mr. Obaid and his wife to live without their son.

Now, I am going to tell you about some precautionary measures or tips to keep your kid safe while driving and not to commit serious mistakes like Mr. Obaid did. Please have a glance on the tips below.

1. Keep Your Younger Kid With You:

It is very important to keep the younger kid from 1 year to 6 or 8 years with you or if this is not possible then keep your kids at the backseat, install a child restraint (you can find anywhere in your local market) and fastened the belt.

2. Seat Belt (Double Check)

Fasten the seat belt of your kid and before moving, double check it because sometimes you do not pay attention in first time.

3. Lock The Doors  

It is very important to lock the back seat doors and try to keep your child away from the door lock because kids have the tendency to play with the door lock.

4. Turn off The Music Player And Car TV

I feel very bad about those people who have ruined their lives by losing their loved ones just due to some negligence. Car music and TV are some of the big attention grabbing objects. So, when driving a car, turn off your TV which is visible to the driver. It is recommended to lower the level of volume of music too because you have to listen every voice of your kid behind your seat.  

5. Keep Your Child Away From Airbag

Although airbag is for the safety yet it is only designed for the adults not for the children. They are very power full when inflated and they can injure a kid very badly. Airbag�s placement in the car is too low which can be a reason of suffocation. So, always place your child at the backseat.  

6. Don�t Keep Hard Things/Metal Along With Child Seat

Study tells that the child�s skin or body is more sensitive than an adult. So, don�t keep any hard thing or metal along with the child restraint or seat.  On the time of instant break or accident these things can make very dangerous damages to your child.

7. Always Pull Over When Kid Drops Something 

Survey found that very high percentage of people tries to pick up dropped things during driving which is very harmful. It is highly recommended to pull-over your car before picking up a dropped thing by your child.

8. Keep Small But Dangerous Things Away

It is experienced that people who smoke usually give their lighters to their child as a playing objects. This is very hard to believe but it happens. If you smoke and have a lighter so keep it with you and do not give it to your kid or do not keep it near to your child.

9. Keep Checking Your Kid 

  Don�t leave your child unattended. Children can do serious damage with themselves. So, keep checking your child by pulling over your car when at a long journey.

So, these were some of the important tips and precautionary measures during driving a car with a child.  I hope I have helped many family oriented people by writing this article. Kamran, the son of Mr. Obaid was just like a younger brother to me. I still remember that when I got a car in a reward to my promotion as a Marketing Manager, Kamran saw my car and said that I will also find an exporter of Japanese used cars, work with them and will get a car in a reward of my hard work.  I dedicate this article to him and I request all the parents to follow these instructions and tips to have a safe journey. You kids are your life so don�t ruin your life.

 Make it as happy and safe as you can with your children.

Keep the cost of driving down

Driving is an expensive business these days and when the cost of living is increasing, keeping costs down has never been more important. Here are some simple ways you can drive your costs down...

Consider a smaller car

Do you need an estate car these days or is it just excessive now? There are many benefits in having a smaller car so consider downsizing. Smaller cars are cheaper to run, cheaper to insure and easier to drive therefore you are likely to use less fuel as you try to park or get around town.

Drive Economically

There are a number of things you can do to drive more economically to reduce your fuel costs. Try and go on longer drives so bundle your to-do list together to a bigger list as it takes a lot of fuel to get the car going so lots of short drives is not good for it. Additionally try and reduce harsh braking by slowing to a stop as this will reduce fuel consumption also. Also travel light, reduce any additional weight to the car as this will just add to your fuel consumption.

Compare Car Insurance

This is such an obvious one but is often ignored. Many people are not good at shopping around to see if they can get a better deal for their car insurance. When your renewal comes in, get onto a car insurance comparison site to see what deals you could get. You might be applicable for a multi car insurance deal for you and your partner. This can save you a lot of money so consider these deals when comparing prices.

Learn about your car

Now we are not suggesting that you get a degree in mechanics but if you take the time to learn a bit more about your car, it can really help when it starts having issues. It could even be as simple as learning how to change your tires in case you have a puncture at the side of the road and have to fork out for the AA man to come and rescue you! Just learn some general maintenance for your car so you can help keep it healthy between services.

Regularly service it

Your annual mileage service is not there to make you spend MORE money on your car, it is there to help keep costs down and to keep you safe. As soon as there is a problem with the car, get it checked out. Generally the longer you leave it, the more expensive it will be as it reacts with the other parts of the car. If you are worried about the costs of a garage, look into your local garage who are likely to have lower costs. Chat to your neighbours and get advice from them about where they go.

Consider a hire car

If you already have one car in the household, do you need a second one? Or is it just on the odd occasion you really need it? Consider all the costs involved with buying and running your own car... do you need it? If you can afford to get rid of it, you can always hire a car or lift share with someone else. Definitely consider it.

There's no denying that owning and driving a car is expensive but if you are clever and economical about it, you can save yourself some money.

Precautions While Purchasing Used Car

The economic recession is one of the main causes for the development of used cars market. Nowadays, most of the individuals opt for buying used or pre-owned vehicles because according to them, it is not practical to spend on new autos when the economy is not in a good shape. If you are also considering purchasing a pre-owned car then it is good to check out some of the most significant aspects before actually finalizing the deal.

The very first thing that you should consider before buying used car is your budget. Now, after deciding your budget, next thing to consider is the size that directly depends on the number of persons you have within your family.

After preparing the list of cars you are considering for, you must pick a good dealer who has used cars of the selected models. Once you have short-listed the cars, next task you have to do is to check the years of registration of the cars. Purchasing a vehicle that has run almost more than 17,000 Kilometers is not worthwhile. While carrying out such task always remember to check the functioning of odometers.
Take a test drive along with your own mechanic; it will enable you to check the various parts including the engine plus the transmission whether they are functioning properly or not. In some countries such as the United States, you can avail Car Fax reports & from them, you can further find out the complete history of the automobiles. Through these reports you can also check out the particulars of the accidents if any. Car Fax reports also tell the service history of the cars.

You should always keep in mind to monitor the cooling system, the radiator, the alternator & the starter of the automobile, especially the second hand car. The radiator should be free from any kind of leaks. The working of the Brakes should also need to be monitored. It is always recommended that you should visit the dealer with your own mechanic.

Nobody desires a very cheap auto but at the same time one cannot actually go very far. It is then very much essential that one should inspect autos� general condition before actually purchasing it. Numerous things that include the make, design, model, & color should only be less important. If you want to buy used or second hand cars, you must consider its functionality as well as affordability!!!

About The Guest Author: 

Sofia Williams writes for www.lahondaworld.com. She is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and her secret favorite � cars and automobiles. She is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.

10 Efficient Fuel Consumption Tips

10 Useful Tips for Efficient Fuel Consumption

Efficient fuel consumption is not only obtained by buying a multiple car or suitable expensive tracking devices. All of us can and should include a little yet efficient method for decreasing our petrol intake not only to convenience our pouches, but also for the common benefit of the restricted natural supplies.

Below are the ten useful tips that tell you how to save fuel that are proven to conserve your funds on fuel intake and ensure efficient fuel consumption of your car.

1.) Do not speed

Remember your mom keeps telling you about this protection measure? This advice must follow and is helpful in decreasing the petrol consumption too. Whenever you speed up your vehicle or slow down, your engine takes a lot of more petrol or fuel than the situations had you not changed the speed. Resistance of wind increases at high speeds, leading to low mileage.

2.) Regularly Check your wheel pressure

This needs to be consistently examined for your car. Wheels lose air over a time period and under-pressured tires have high resistance, which means more resistance will consume more fuel. So know the exact pressure for your tires and make sure that you maintain them regularly.

3.) Servicing the engine

Engine lights are present purposefully. It would be useless if it were to go on and suddenly off just before a complete stop. There are numbers of plugs and valves present that could continuously keep the lighting goes on. You keep on stand to save the miles lost just because of defective parts and also avoid the chances of getting trapped in the center of nowhere just due to impaired engine. So keep a regular check on the maintenance of your engine. 

4.) Better to drive with the windows down & the A/C off

Fresh air is excellent for health and also for decreasing the fuel intake. Keep doing this unless you are passing on the highway where windows down would make more resistance. But try to drive on the roads with open windows.

5.) Try to avoid driving on rough roads

Rough or damaged roads are very dangerous for your car body parts, and it also require more fuel to run on that way. Also avoid driving on crowded places and change your way if possible to a straight road to avoid traffic and traffic lights which forces to change of gears constantly. This will also decrease the fuel intake considerably.

6.) Place cargo in the vehicle to make it Smooth

Aerodynamics is the basic aspects while considering fuel consumption. While putting cargo in vehicles or cars make sure to fit it inside to decrease the air resistance and improve aero dynamicity. If you have a convertible, you can see the tremendous improvement in mileage while driving.

7.) Keep your car neat and clean from inside and outside

Be particular with the cleanliness of your car. While cleaning your car, remove all the extra cargo that contributes the extra weight to your car. This may look small but even a single addition of 40 lbs can eliminate off many kilometers from a gallon. During winter season, before driving, just remove the icicles. A few icy layers can easily add 50 lbs. So, it�s better to be organized.

8.) Turn off your car engine at every possible places

A survey has analyzed that if you have to stop at any place for more than 30 seconds then you will be beneficial if you turn off your car. Traffic lights, grocery and laundry pickups, ATM are some of the places where you can do this.

9.) Choose a car according to your needs

Big cars are not only funny but it consumes a lot of fuel or one can say it�s a gas guzzlers. Investing on these cars is beneficial only if it fulfils your needs. Otherwise small cars are better and of low cost but gives more mileage.

10.)  Avoid Un-necessary driving.

Probably this will prove as the best tip yet for fuel saving. Don�t feel shy to walk on the near visiting areas like laundry, ATM, or parks. Give your car a rest by avoid taking it to near-by places. With congested zones or traffic jam areas, it is always beneficial to take public transport to reduce stress and also reducing your fuel consumption.

Incorporate all the above described tips in your daily life and this will benefit you from money saving to low stress level.

Author Bio:

Roberta Smith writes for http://www.toyotaplace.com. She enjoys content and writing about the social sphere.

Harmful Chemicals In Cars

Alright, so we've discussed about pimping your ride by applying some cool car modification tips, some safety measures to save you from some hazardous car mishaps and some other information e.t.c.

So this post (a rather different one) is not to freak you out. It's just for informative purposes and to spread awareness as well related to the health issues when it comes to cars both new or old. My new online pal, "Brian Turner" emailed me this couple of days ago.

The �new car smell / scent� is a distinctive and special smell that many people find pleasant and exciting. However, that smell may be a result of the many hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing of automobiles. Several of these harmful and toxic substances are carcinogens, while others have some truly serious side effects.

Phthalates is commonly used to soften plastics in the interior of the cars. This toxic substance has been found present in levels that are known to be harmful to the occupants. Another toxic chemical, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), is used as a flame retardant and is found in the car seats, carpeting, and dashboard. PBDEs accumulate in the blood, fatty tissues, and breast milk. Both of these are known carcinogens.

Asbestos, a very dangerous (mesothelioma) cancer-causing substance, is found in high concentration in older cars. Exposure poses a risk to those who fix cars for work or hobby, such as muscle car enthusiasts. In addition, vehicles that are manufactured even today contain asbestos in the brakes, gaskets, pads, and clutch. It has also been found present in hood liners in the interior of the car. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, a fatal lung cancer.

Toxic substances found in vehicles also cause liver toxicity and delayed development in children. It may also cause birth defects because of the potential to accumulate in the blood stream and breast milk. Neurotoxic symptoms and mucus membrane irritation can be caused by other chemicals found to be present, such as acetone, benzene, and toluene.

The occupants inhale the toxins when the car�s surfaces heat up. Parking in direct sunlight, leaving the windows closed, and not using a sun shade all heat the car up enough to release the chemicals. Mechanics and do-it-yourself repairers come into contact with the asbestos when performing maintenance and risk developing mesothelioma.

New government regulations are being put into place to limit the amount of toxic substances used to manufacture vehicles. Some companies, such as Honda, have initiated reducing the amounts even below current laws. When purchasing a new car, ask the dealer for the disclosure of chemicals used in the car. Check the amounts used and compare that the levels of toxicity. This is the best way to reduce exposure to toxins in vehicles.

How Safe Is Your Car?

Car safety has become one of the key selling points in today�s automotive market, and rightly so as the nation�s road toll continues to have a devastating impact on families and emergency services. Huge advancements have been made in terms of safety thanks to the likes of airbags, traction control and brake assist, which combined with design give every new vehicle an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating out of five stars. The more stars a vehicle has, the safer it is.

ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) is an independent body that conducts crash tests on new vehicles and those with sound structures and better safety systems score best. When buying a new car, it should be stated what its ANCAP rating is. Ask the dealer if it�s not. When buying second-hand, there are plenty of websites that will tell you how the vehicle stacks up. Car makers put a high value on the ratings as they can make or break sales - a competitor with a higher safety rating in the same segment is likely to show more sales. Cars with four or five star ratings are highly recommended. Vehicles with higher safety ratings should also have lower car insurance premiums. Here is a guide as to what helps make a safer car.

Sound structure:

A vehicle with good structural integrity will absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a crash. The passenger compartment should keep its shape and the doors should stay closed but be capable of being opened after a crash for the safe exit of passengers. Other parts of the vehicle such as the steering column, dash, foot pedals and pillars should not experience significant movement.

Air Bags:

The more of these life-savers, the better. They inflate in the event of a crash and significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. A vehicle with driver and passenger airbags, plus curtain airbags (they are deployed from above the side windows in the event of a side impact) are going to be the safest. Airbags can deploy in impacts as low as 25kph and they can be costly to reset, so when getting car insurance quotes, check out if a cost such as this is covered.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC):

This helps reduce skidding and over-steer and takes effect when the driver loses control. Computer-controlled technology is used to help bring the car back on track and has proved to be highly effective in single car crashes. It also comes into play during sudden manoeuvres and can enhance handling and traction on gravel and icy roads.

Anti Lock Braking (ABS):

This system prevents the brakes from locking and wheels from skidding when sudden pressure is put on the brake pedal, such as in an emergency. It allows the driver to maintain control and is highly effective on slippery surfaces and in the wet. ABS works hand-in-hand with ESC and having the two together greatly increases the car�s handling in emergencies.

Seat belts:

They first became compulsory � both in the front and rear of vehicles - in Victoria in 1970 and the rest of Australia soon followed. Since then they have been responsible for saving thousands of lives and are the single biggest safety factor in a vehicle. There are stringent guidelines for seatbelts, meaning they must lock in an accident and are not susceptible to fraying and tearing. Unfortunately, seat belts only work when worn and people still die needlessly on the roads because they forget to buckle up.