From shopping around for the best rates, to bundling your insurance services, there are a multitude of ways you can try to get cheaper car insurance in Canada - it just takes a little hunting.
Whether you live in Quebec (where they enjoy Canada's lowest insurance premiums) or BC (where the cost of living is no joke), getting the best car insurance rates from top insurers is on the mind of any driver, especially when it comes to renewal time. There are a lot of tips that even seasoned drivers don’t know about.
IBC Source: GISA & MSA data for private insurers (as of December 31, 2018), SGI Annual Report (2018), MPI Annual Report (2018), Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), and ICBC Service Plan (2019)
*Ontariofigure updated February 2020 by Canada Drives to reflect 1.56% average increase.
If you’re getting car insurance for the first time, fear not. These helpful tips below can apply to you as well! Here are our 13 ways you can save on car insurance.
An important note: The governments of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have government-run auto insurance, and in Quebec, the public insurer manages the insurance regime for bodily injuries only. If you’re from these provinces, your options for shopping around are a little more limited, but you can still pick and choose what insurance coverage options you truly need.
1. The benefits of usage-based insurance
Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) or “telematics”is an insurance plan that is based on the kind of driving you do, versus what the insurance company thinks you do (mileage, work or pleasure, etc).
Thanks to modern tech, drivers with UBI policies can see up to 25% saved off their yearly premiums. UBI is a great starting point for “higher risk” drivers, like those in big cities, young drivers, etc, because they can see even greater savings.
2. Safe driving pays off
Most Canadians don’t know that even adding features that improve your road safety,like snow tiresor an upgraded alarm system, can reduce your premium! The rules vary province-to-province.
If you regularly change your tires every winter, keep your receipt and tire information when you call your provider. If you don’t use winter tires, but all-weather tires (different from all-season), still ask. They may offer a slightly smaller discount for using them.
3. Bundling different policies can save money
Do you have renters, homeowner, boat, RV, motorcycle insurance? Do you have multiple people in your home that also need car insurance? Some providers offer steep discounts for bundling your insurance services,ranging from 5%-25% per policy.
4. The better the car’s safety rating, the more you can save
Vehicles that have excellent crash test ratings, have low-theft scores, aren’t sporty or attract loads of attention generally get cheaper rates. Sure, it may be fun to drive a hot red sports car, but is it worth the premium? You decide.
5. A higher deductible can save money outright
If you’re comfortable with a greater out-of-pocket cost to you in the event of an accident, then you can consider a higher deductible, say $500, or $1000 as examples. Some companies could let you go higher than that.
Simply put - you want to shop around if you’re in a high-competition province. As you get older, your premiums could go down. If you stay accident-free, your premiums could do down. As your car ages, your premium goes down. If you’ve stayed ticket-free...you get the point.
7. Make payments on time, every time
This may not be something you can do at the onset of finding a new policy, but it’s rather a maintenance approach. If you think you may miss or be late with a payment, be proactive and call before your payment is due.
8. Loyalty can pay off
This may sound antithetical to the previous tip, but depending on the company, it may benefit you more to stay with your existing provider.
Some companies do offer nice loyalty discounts when their customers reach milestones. Check in every few years, or call them upon renewal time and ask if they have a loyalty discount.
9. Uninterrupted insurance history is a good thing
Gaps in insurance history is a significant signal to insurance companies that could keep your premium higher.
Even if you don’t have a car for a while, see if you can get yourself added as a secondary driver to a family or trusted friend member’s policy to keep gaps off your driving history. The more you drive, the lower your insurance.
Lastly, and this should go without saying but, tickets and accidents will hurt your premiums for a while (it takes at least 3 years from payment of a ticket for it to “fall off” your record).
The longer your driving record is with no infractions, you’ll hopefully benefit from the lowest rates available.
10. Review what coverage you really need
Depending on the age of your car, where you live and what your driving habits are like, you may not need a fully-loaded policy. Reviewing your policy annually, how much your car would go for if it had to be written off (collision coverage), etc. and cutting the excess could lower your annual premium.
Of course, find the right balance with what you’re comfortable doing. If you feel better having the coverage “just in case”, then your piece-of-mind may not be worth saving a few extra bucks every month. Just like with a higher deductible, this is all based on your comfort level.
11. Paying your premium all at once can save money
Some insurance companies offer a decent discount on your premium if you pay all at once at your policy renewal time. They may offer a slightly smaller discount if you pay bi-annually, too.
Being a member of an organization or alumni group can give you a discount on your insurance premiums. When you shop around, write down what you’re a member of and ask the provider if they have group discounts.
13. An older car could be a better option
If your vehicle has lower market value, you may be better off saving the money on collision and comprehensive coverage. This is because your insurance policy only pays out the value of the car if it’s written-off in an accident (totalled) or stolen.
What qualifies as “comprehensive” and “collision” can vary province-to-province, so make sure you check what your policy covers specifically before removing these protections.
If you’re in the market for a new-to-you vehicle, come pick a car at Canada Drives and see what payment plans we can build for you.Apply now
5 Things That Will Save You From a Vehicle Emergency
Driving is a necessity for a lot of people in the world today. Whether it be going to work, school or anywhere in between, you can see plenty of vehicles on the roads getting to where they need to be.
As more people drive to their destination, the more dangerous it can be on the roadways. Here are 5 quick tips that can keep you and your family safe on the roads, no matter where you go!
Checking Your Blind Spots
Checking your blind spot may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many accidents a year are related to drivers not checking their blind spot! The first thing every driver must do is adjust their mirrors. When positioned correctly, side mirrors help eliminate the blind spot in your vehicle. Though most modern vehicles have blind spot monitors, it is always safer to check your blind spot yourself.
Don’t Brake During a Blow Out
If you experience one of your tires blowing out while you are traveling, DO NOT slam on the brakes! Although your first instinct might be to stop your vehicle, doing this may cause your car to fishtail or even flip over. What you should do instead is apply pressure to the gas pedal until the vehicle stabilizes and then guide your car to a safe zone with your foot off the gas and brake pedals. The drag from your tire blowing out will stop the vehicle eventually. Afterward you can change the tire or call for help.
Always Carry a Safety Kit
It is important to always keep a safety kit in your car. Your car safety kit should have some of the following:
Collapsable shovel
Traction aid (Sand, salt, kitty litter)
Jumper cables
Flashlight & extra batteries
Fire extinguisher
Road flares
Blankets
First Aid kit
Water & non-perishable food
Battery powered cell phone charger (Charged, of course!)
Portable battery charger
Having a safety kit in your vehicle can help during times of car trouble. Including an old cell phone in your kit can help in emergencies, as phones can still connect to emergency services without being connected to an active phone contract. There are many things you can put in your safety kit, and it is completely customizable for you.
Drift out, Drift in, unless There’s Danger
We all drift out of our lanes from time to time. We drift because we lose focus, or other things need attention (or get attention, like changing songs on an iPod).
If you drift, you don’t need to take a violent sudden action to correct it, unless danger is looming. Assuming no one is near enough to be affected, you can simply drift back into your lane and continue on your way.
There’s no need for drama most of the time.
Regular Maintenance!
We know this last one is obvious, but seriously, when is the last time you actually checked if the following are in good working order and have been kept up on maintenance? How many are you ignoring?
1. The Oil 2. The Tire Pressure 3. The Brakes 4. The Power Steering Fluid 5. Wheel Alignment 6. The Antifreeze or Coolant 7. The Tire Treads 8. The Air Filter 9. The Transmission Fluid 10. The Lights – All of Them
Any of these 10 crucial elements of your vehicle can cause a serious problem in a bad situation. We are all guilty of ignoring maintenance but as your safety is involved, as well as a major investment in your vehicle, we can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep up on these things. You can do much of this yourself, or bring your vehicle in to us at Dale Adams Automotive and we will always give you exceptional quality of service at a fair price.
Here is a link to better explanations of these important items.
BONUS TIP: EXTREME SITUATION How to Escape from a Sinking Car
This will probably never happen to you. Or to anyone you know.
But knowing the steps to get out of a sinking car may save your own life, as well as those of your passengers. Think it through, while sitting in your car, and remember your plan, and you’ll be in good shape. Here are the steps to take when your car ends up in the water.
Keep your cool. Panic will put you in more danger.
Hold on to the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 positions (or even 8 and 4) to avoid injury if the airbags inflate.
As soon as the car is in the water, undo your seatbelt–and help small children do the same.
Do not worry about making the cell phone call.
Open the window–or a window–as quickly as possible. Electrical systems should work for a short period after the car lands in the water. Don’t worry yet about the doors–that could cause a quick sink rather than a slow one.
If you can’t open the window, use a hammer or window breaking tool you have stowed conveniently to smash the windows.
Get air in your lungs and get out of the window.
If the car is filling with water, know that you will not be able to open the door until the water pressure is equal inside and out. You will still have an air pocket up near the roof of the car.
Help children out first then follow them to the surface.
As with any safety plan, it’s important to have a plan–know what you will do. You will only need to think about it once or twice in your driving career, but you may end up being thankful you did.
Stay Safe
Being a safe driver is paramount to keeping you and everyone around you safe. Always be aware of your surroundings and never make any rash decisions. Plan ahead for the moderate cost of maintaining a vehicle and make time to check your vehicle at least every 3 months. If you have questions or concerns we are only a call or email away.
The Must-Have Features to Get in Your Next Vehicle The features every buyer should opt for—and which ones to skip Original article at Consumer Reports By Jon Linkov Today’s car buyers are presented with a dizzying array of jargon and acronyms describing options, packaged features, and dealer-installed accessoriesRead More
During these uncertain times, Dale Adams Automotive is still committed to make sure that your vehicles remain operational. Your vehicles still need repair and regular maintenance, especially emergency vehicles or vehicles for our healthcare workers fighting to save people. We're in this together and here to support our customers working hard to keep all of Calgary and area moving, and taking care of each other. Read More
You love everything about spring…well, almost everything. You love the warmer temperatures, spending time outside and hearing the birds chirp, but can do without the allergy-inducing pollen that invades the air.
If you suffer from allergies, you go through this love-hate relationship with spring every year. While you can’t magically get rid of all the pollen in the air, you can ensure the air inside your car is clean and fresh with a newcabin air filter.
What’s a cabin air filter?
You are probably aware that your vehicle’s engine has an air filter, but did you know that your car’s HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system may also have one? Commonly called a cabin air filter, it performs the same duties for your HVAC system as the engine air filter does for your car’s engine.
The cabin air filter is a small pleated filter made of multi-fiber paper cotton or other engineered material. Before entering the passenger compartment, outside air is directed through this filter to trap the contaminants inside the filter and prevent them from entering the inside of your vehicle.
How does a cabin air filter work?
Clean air is essential to your vehicle running properly; your car’s engine air filter ensures that clean air reaches the engine. In the same way, your car’s ventilation system counts on the cabin air filter to keep a steady stream of clean air flowing.
The cabin air filter keeps dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria and exhaust gases from entering the HVAC system of your car. It also prevents bugs, leaves and other debris from clogging up the system. Vital to clean air inside the car, the cabin air filter keeps the air inside the car fresh so you and your passengers can breathe easy – something you’ll appreciate all year long but especially during allergy season.
How do I know if my cabin air filter needs changing?
While there is no warning light that comes on when your cabin air filter needs changing, there are some signs that you may notice:
Reduced air circulation inside your passenger compartment
Diminished heating and air conditioning performance
Musty odor in the cabin of the vehicle
Cabin air intake ducting may begin to make an unusual whistling sound
If you observe one or more of these signs, it is likely that the time has come to change it. You can either do the job yourself or have your trusted mechanic switch it out for you.
How often should I change my cabin air filter?
It is recommended that you change your cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 miles. If you find yourself driving in heavily polluted areas or travelling on dirt roads, you should change the cabin air filter every 5,000 miles. Allergy sufferers may want to consider changing it more often to ensure air quality and to reduce their allergy symptoms.
What can happen if I don’t change my cabin air filter?
If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car. The simple act of changing your cabin air filter will dramatically improve the air quality in your vehicle.
What else can I do to allergy-proof my car?
There are some other steps you can take to ensure that you keep pollen and other allergens out of your vehicle. Here are some easy things you can do:
Vacuum seats and carpeted floor mats to remove dust mites
Clean spills quickly to prevent mold from developing
Wipe down steering wheel, dashboard, console and door panels
Ensure that windows and doors seal properly – check weather stripping
The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with our certified technicians or mechanics here at Dale Adams if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein.
10 Car Enthusiast Podcasts for 2020 from Feedspot.com
If you are like many people these days, you love listening to podcasts. It is a great way to get to learn about anything you are interested in. We found this great article on feedspot.com that listed 20 great podcasts for car enthusiasts but we felt we would narrow it down to our top 10. Many others were about buying cars and other topics we felt our customers wouldn't be as interested in.
Let us know in the comments what your favourite vehicle-based podcasts are. We hope you enjoy these.
Dale Adams and Staff
10 Car Enthusiast Podcasts for 2020 (In no particular order)
About PodcastJoin long time mates Peter Ronis, Halil Mustafa and Ross Galettis obssessed about talking about cars. This is an automotive podcast recorded from various locations. Frequency1 episode / week SinceOct 2018 Podcastshoutengine.com/AllTorqueCar..+ Follow
Seal Beach, CA About PodcastThis podcast is dedicated to car enthusiast and professional car detailers. Jimbo, along with his guest will teach you how to detail a car, give you the very best auto detailing tips to make sure your ride is dialed in and will be interviewing professional auto detailers weekly, so you can grow and succeed in all things car detailing and car culture. Frequency1 episode / week SinceJul 2014 Podcastautodetailingpodcast.libsyn.com+ Follow
Featherbed Railroad About PodcastA podcast about automobiles, classic and vintage cars, Cherry Classics as well as unique automotive-related destinations and museums along with the people behind them. Frequency26 episodes / year SinceOct 2018 Podcastcurbside.tv/podcast+ Follow
California About PodcastHosted by Adam Carolla and Matt D'Andria, CarCast covers everything from hot rods to supercars, delivering serious expertise with a good sense of humor. Automotive designers, racers and celebrity car enthusiasts come to CarCast for a real, unscripted, lively discussion of all things on four wheels. Frequency2 episodes / week SinceOct 2016Podcastcarcastshow.com/category/car..+ Follow
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA About PodcastAmerica's funniest auto mechanics take calls from weary car owners all over the country and crack wise while they diagnose Dodges and dismiss Diahatsus. You don't have to know anything about cars to love this one hour weekly laugh fest. Frequency1 episode / week Podcastnpr.org/podcasts/510208/car-..+ Follow
About PodcastNew York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars. Frequency1 episode / week SinceFeb 2014 Podcastdrivencarreviews.libsyn.com+ Follow
Canada About PodcastThe Car Help Podcast brings listeners valuable automotive advice and the latest in automotive news. They publish every week and cover everything automotive from car buying tips, mechanical and repair advice, insurance, car reviews and industry news. Frequency4 episodes / month SinceJan 2017 Podcastshoutengine.com/TheCarHelpPo..+ Follow
About PodcastThis podcast is all about cars from news, movies, expert interviews, culture and even car games. Join me on today's journey into car world. Frequency1 episode / day SinceDec 2016 Podcastcodyscarconundrum.podbean.com+ Follow
About PodcastGEARS AND BEERS PODCAST IS A WEEKLY AUTOMOTIVE PODCAST. WE LOVE CARS AND BEER! Frequency1 episode / week Podcastgearsandbeersmedia.com+ Follow
About PodcastVolkswagen brings you a whole new perspective on all things cars and culture. Take a journey with Heather Maltman and Kurt McGuiness. Frequency1 episode / year SinceOct 2018 Podcastmytoasterhaswheels.podomatic..+ Follow
Shelby Americanis proud to introduce the Carroll Shelby Signature Series Ford Mustang at the National Automobile Dealer Association Show (NADA) in Las Vegas on Friday, February 14. It is the only sports car in the world available in new car dealer showrooms with a choice of convertible or fastback, automatic or manual transmission and 825 street legal horsepower. Only 50 of the refined super cars will be offered through select dealers in North America. Each will be memorialized in the official Shelby RegistRead More
If you live in a place like where we live here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, you realize that it can get really cold out here sometimes. We are talking temperatures that can drop to -25 °C (-13°F) or even colder when you add wind-chill. Nobody likes that, and even worse, it takes a toll on your vehicles.
So the questions is, what is the best way to prepare your vehicle and what is the recommendation for warming up your vehicle before you drive?
How Long Should I Warm a Vehicle Before Driving?
You won't like this answer, but it is actually best to minimize the amount of time you need to warm up your vehicle. Environmental benefits aside for a second, it is actually harder on your vehicle to start it and let it warm up for a long time before driving than it is to start it for just as long as it takes to clear the vehicle windows so you can see.
Please note that this advice applies to anyone driving a vehicle that was built post-1980s. If you have an older vehicle you will indeed need to warm it up a bit more.
To be ready for the freezing temperatures you would be best advised to be sure your vehicle is ready for winter to minimize the chance of not starting or breaking down in a situation where you would not want to have to walk or flag down help in these extreme conditions. Trust me, I once was in a car that broke down in the country in extreme cold and trying to walk to a small local town was not fun, and downright dangerous. Here are 8 tips you should take to heart when you want to be sure that your vehicle is winter and cold ready.
1. Refill your fluids
Check your windshield washer fluid and think about replacing it with something formulated expressly for cold weather. Winter blends use a greater ratio of alcohol-to-water and are less likely to freeze.
Refill anti-freeze (be careful not to mix colors) or flush it if it hasn’t been changed in a few years.
Check your oil and consider changing to a cool-temp formulation with lower viscosity for better winter performance.
2. Get winter wiper blades
Swapping out your standard windshield wipers for winter blades can do wonders for your visibility in harsh driving conditions. These blades have been tested to withstand and perform at extremely low temps and are designed to be more flexible, protecting better against the buildup of snow and ice.
3. Take care of your battery
A bout of cold weather can be the death knell for a worn battery, so assess your battery’s health before the cold weather begins (hot summer days also take a toll on car batteries). Change your battery every 3 years (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your vehicle) and check for signs of corrosion.
4. Invest in winter tires (chains)
All-season tires are fine most of the time, but if you’re dealing with extremely cold temperatures and slick pavement, it might be worth investing in a good pair of winter tires. With specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds, winter tires will give you the enhanced traction you need on icy roads.
If you are often driving in deeper snow and ice it is also recommended that you carry a set of chains or have something for increased traction control like sand, kitty litter, etc.
5. Check your tire pressure
In cool air, tire pressure can drop. You’ll want your tires properly inflated all winter long in order to maintain optimal traction, so it’s important to do periodic checks to ensure they’re at the right levels. Each car is different, though, so check your car manual for the recommended amount.
6. Grease your locks
Car locks can freeze in the extreme cold. Using a grease agent or lubricant spray can help keep all your car’s moving parts in working order. Inject lubricant spray into lock cylinders to keep things moving all winter long. And if you have a little extra time, try lubricating your door hinges too.
7. Always have a charged cell phone
Most areas are within cell coverage now and this can be a life saver. You should always have a chrging cable connected to your car so you can charge while driving. You never know when you might need help and you can't always be sure others will drive by to help. Having a cell phone by your side can save you. If you are driving in remote areas it is always good to let somebody know when you are expected to arrive so just in case you miss that deadline they can start to look for you.
We hope all of these tips are helpful and that your vehicle is ready for the cold. If you have any questions about your vehicles readiness please contact us and we'd be happy to help. We have winter tire options for all vehicles old and new at reasonable prices. Stay warm and safe on the roads.
8. Have a safety kit & supplies in the trunk
In the event something goes seriously wrong you want to at least have a minimum amount of supplies. We recommend all of these but think about having the following in your vehicle somewhere:
A small shovel
Traction aides - Chains, kitty litter, sand, salt, etc.
A first aid kit
A bunch of candles (The light and warmth of just a few candles can keep a vehicle warm.
A blanket
Some water and some high-protein snacks like granola bars
20 Greatest Innovations & Inventions of Automobile Engineering
We stumbled across this blog post by Interesting Engineering and thought about all the great innovoations that have happened in the automotive industry. With so much happening now in the technology of vehicles it will be interesting to see how the future looks back on us now and what innovations will truly change the automotive industry. For more details please visit the content creator at InterestingEngineering.com
Many important and groundbreaking innovations and inventions have shaped the modern car and dictated automobile engineering in general. These 20 are just a few examples.
Automobiles have changed a lot since the 1990's, let alone the beginning of 20th Century. These 20 important innovations in automobile engineering are no exception.
They really help show us just how far the technology has come since the paradigm shift in the 20th Century. The following list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.
1. The Steam Engine Kicked Things Off
The steam engine was, undoubtedly, the most important innovation inautomobile engineering.Although originally developed to pump water out of mines, improvements over time would drastically shrink the size of the technology.
The first reliable engine was developed byJames Wattin1775but this was, in turn, refinement of the earlier Newcomen Engine.
Steam engines would initially lead to the development of locomotives and ship propulsion but would later be refined for use in early cars in the late 1800's to early1900's.The steam car became popular at this time, especially as roads improved. Fuel was relatively cheap as well.
The fate of the steam engined car was sealed when Henry Ford fully developed his mass production process. Electrical starters for internal combustion engines also removed the need for hand crank engine starting but internal combustion engine driven cars would ultimately win out as they were much cheaper to buy.
2. The Internal Combustion Engine Made Cars 'Cheap'
The internal combustion engine is, by any standards, the de facto reason for the existence of the automobile, today. Although various examples of early engines have been around since the 1700's, it took Etienne Lenior to produce the first reliable one in1859.
The modern internal combustion engine, as we know it, wouldn't be developed untilNikolaus Ottopatented his atmospheric gas engine in1864. Later developments were made by George Brayton (the first liquid fuel engine) and a collaboration with Otto, Daimler, and Maybach gave the world the first four-cycle engine in1876.
The two-stroke engine was developed by Karl Benz a little later in1879with the production of Benz's first commercial motor vehicles commencing in1886.
3. The Starter Engine Rendered Hand Cranks Obsolete
Internal combustion engines are feedback system that relies on inertia from each cycle to initiate the next. For this reason, cars need a way to rotate (crank) the engine so it can run on its own power.
Early engines used a variety of methods from gunpowder cylinders to springs to pure manpower using the iconic crank handle to do this. Although effective. these methods were inconvenient, sometimes difficult, and could be dangerous. Engines would often 'kick back' meaning the process was less than predictable.
What was needed was a less laborious, more convenient, and predictable means of starting the engine.
The first electric starter was developed in England by H. J. Dowsing in 1896. The first U.S. patent for one was in1903with an improved one in1911. The first cars to have electrical starters installed were produced byCadillacin1912.
Starter motors have now come to dominate the automobile market but there rise was not guaranteed in the early 1900's with hand cranks still in use well into the 1920's. Interestingly hand cranks were still supplied by some manufacturers as late as the production of cars like the Citroen 2CV (1948-1990).
4. The Diesel Engine Is Pretty Efficient
TheDiesel engine, or compression-ignition (CI Engine), was developed by Rudolf Diesel and is still today the highest thermal efficiencyof any practical internal combustion engine. In some cases, low-speed diesel engines can have a thermal efficiency of just over50%.
As the name suggests, ignition of the fuel is accomplished by mechanical compression of the air in the combustion chamber to such a degree that injected atomized diesel ignites instantaneously (adiabatic compression). This contrasts with spark ignition of petrol or gas engines.
Rudolf Diesel, after almost being killed by an earlier ammonia vapor fueled steam engine, decided to base his new engine on the Carnot Cycle instead. Soon after Karl Benz was awarded his patent in1893,Diesel published his groundbreaking treatise "Theory and Construction of a Rational Heat-engine to Replace the Steam Engine and The Combustion Engines Known Today".
Anti-lock brakesor anti-skid barking systems (ABS) are actually a pretty old piece of automobile engineering. Although modern systems were introduced in the 1950s in the Aero-industry and became popular in cars from the 1970s onwards, the concept dates from as early as1908.
Modern systems allow the car to maintain tractive contact with the road during braking, thus preventing the wheels from locking or ceasing to rotate and therefore causing the vehicle to skid. The system is automated and takes advantage of the principles of threshold and cadence braking practiced by skilled drivers using the previous generation of braking systems.
The first patented 'ABS' was developed by German engineer Karl Wessel in1928- but he would never develop a working product. During the 1950's the technology began to take shape with Dunlop Maxaret's anti-skid system that was used extensively on UK jet aircraft like the Avro Vulcan and English Electric Lightning.
A truly modern system was introduced by Chrysler and was a computerized, three channel, four-sensor all-wheel ABS. It was called "Sure Brake" and came as standard on their1971 Imperial.Other car manufacturers followed suit over the following decades with ABS being introduced in the 1990's on motorcycles.
Automatic transmission, auto or self-shifting transmission as another great innovation in automobile engineering. The automated system frees the driver from the need to change gear ratios manually as the vehicle is on the move.
This innovation, in a pinch, immediately reduced the number of controls that a driver needs to use to control the automobile. It has had obvious advantages for individuals with disabilities but also means the driver can keep two hands on the wheel more often than in manual cars.
It was originally developed in1921by Alfred Horner Munro, a Canadian. He patented his design in1923and acquired UK and US patents in1924 and 1927respectively.
Munro was actually a steam engineer and his early design used compressed air rather than hydraulic fluid as used by modern systems. Sadly, he never found a commercial application. Two Brazilian engineers, José Braz Araripe and Fernando Lely Lemos, developed a hydraulic fluid version in 1932 and sold their design to General Motors in 1940.
Power Steeringor power-assisted steering (PAS) is another great innovation in automobile engineering that helps drivers steer their cars. Using hydraulic or electric actuators, drivers need to exert much less effort when turning the steering wheel than in not PAS fitted vehicles, especially at low speeds or when stationary.
Early versions ofpower steeringwere patented in1876, 1902 and 1904. but none of these made it into production. The first practical system was devised in1926by Francis W. Davis. He later moved to General Motors and further refined his designs.
Chrysler Corporation was the first to make power steering commercially available in a passenger car in their1951 Imperial. GM quickly followed suit with their 1952 Cadillac.
Today, most vehicles come with power steering as standard.
Airbagsare one of the most important innovation in vehicle safety and automobile engineering. They are designed to inflate extremely quickly and deflate equally as fast during collisions, impacts or sudden rapid deceleration.
This technology has literally saved thousands of lives since their mass adoption in the automobile industry.
Airbags can trace their origin to air-filled bladders used as early as the 1950's. Their invention is widelycredited to John W. Hetrick who registered his patent in1951. A similar system was also patented in Germany by Walter Linderer at about the same time. Both systems used compressed air that was triggered using a spring, bumper contact or manually by the driver.
It would take the development of crash sensors in the 1960's for the technology to become widely adopted. Mercedes-Benz, GM, Ford, and Chrysler would include them in their cars from the 1970's but they wouldn't become standard until the 1990's.
9. Electric Car Engines Are a Thing of the Past and Future
Electric car engines have been around for much longer than you might expect. Although they have become 'mainstream' thanks to Tesla of late, the first practical production electric car appeared in London in1884.
Another design, TheFlocken Elektrowagen, was produced in Germany in1888. They, along with steam car engines, also outsold the very first internal combustion engines, at least before the advent of the electric starter engine.
The early electrical cars were popular it the late 1800's and early 1900's as they offered a level of comfort and ease of use not achieved by rivaling technology at the time. It is estimated around30,000such vehicles had been produced by the turn of the 20th Century.
The internal combustion engine would ultimately win out, shunting electrical cars into the shadows until theelectric carsrenaissance in the late 20th Century.
10. GPS - U.S. Military Tech Getting You From A to B
GPS, or Global Positioning System, was originally developed by the United States Government for use by their armed forces. It was originally launched in1973and integrated various concepts from previous systems (including classified designs from the 1960s).
The first system used24 satellitesand became fully operational in1995. Credit for its creation is often given to Roger L. Easton, Ivan A. Getting and Bradford Parkinson from various agencies.
Civilian use was allowed from as early as the 1980's. GPS systems have since become integrated into many modern technologies from your smartphone to your car and have revolutionized the way we all navigate.
11. Catalytic converter: Improving Air Quality Since the 1970's
The catalytic converter is one of the most important automobile engineering innovations of all time. Its ability to convert toxic and other pollutants into less-hazardous forms has improved the air quality of our cities drastically.
The basic concept is to pass exhaust gases through the converter, catalyzing it in a redox reaction. They have become a legal requirement on diesel and gasoline engines but can also be fitted to lean-burn engines and kerosene heaters and stoves.
They were first introduced in the U.S. to comply with the EPA's stricter regulations on exhaust emissions from1975. Catalytic converters were the brainchild ofEugene Houdry, a French engineer, who'd moved to the U.S. in1930.
He was shocked by the level of smog and pollution in Los Angeles when he arrived and decided to try to solve the problem. By the mid-1950's he filed for and was awarded, a patent for his technology.
It took stricter environmental regulations around the world for the mass adoption of them into cars. The first production converter, an improvement on Houdry's design, was produced in1973.
The now ubiquitous three-point seatbelt is designed to dissipate deceleration energy during a collision over the chest pelvis and shoulders of the passenger. It was first introduced by Volvo in1959and it was developed byNils Bohlin who had previously worked for SAAB developing ejection seats.
Before this innovation, the two-point seat belt was the standard. these strapped across the body with a buckle placed over the abdomen. These were known to cause serious injuries during high-speed crashes.
This great innovation in automobile engineering first appeared in theVolvo PV 544but became standard in the1959 Volvo 122.Volvo would later make the patent open in the interest of safety for the general public and industry at large.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that these beltS save around11,000 livesevery year.
13. Improved Fuel Efficiency with the Hybridized Drivetrain
When Toyota released the Prius in1998, though production started in1997, few would appreciate the impact it would have on the auto industry. It incorporated a hybrid drivetrain that dramatically improved fuel efficiency forcing other car manufacturers to follow suit.
The Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid that came with a tiny1.5-liter gas engine, electric motor, and nickel-metal hydride battery. Although uptake was slow at first today most car brands have some form ofhybrid vehiclein their catalog.
ESCor Electronic stability control helps correct a skid if your car starts to slide. It is, in effect, an improvement on the anti-lock brake systems that preceded it. ESC had a marked improvement in car safety, especially during emergency situations.
As ESC yaw sensors detect a slide, the system applies the brakes on individual wheels to help correct the skid, and straighten the car. Some ESC systems also take control of the throttle to manage power to each wheel as well.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW brought ESC to their luxury market in the mid-1990s. As the technology improved over time it became a legal requirement inmany countriesin passenger cars from 2011.
15. Onboard diagnostics II (OBD II) Improved Engine Management
Onboard diagnostics II,OBD IIfor short, was the natural progression from the first onboard diagnostics systems from the 1980's.
Its introduction provided home mechanics and professional technicians a means of finding out what exactly is wrong with a vehicle through a series of codes.
OBD II also allowed for a considerably more sophisticated method of controlling the engine, improve fuel efficiency etc.
It was initially hated by car enthusiasts and mechanics it has sparked a new industry of scan tools and other aftermarket devices ranging from fuel economy meters to engine performance tuners.
16. Dual-Clutch Transmission Made Gear Shifts Seamless
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)allows for a driver to switch between gears and enhanced and seamless speed compared to more traditional transmissions. It has resulted in a process that is as easy as an automatic transmission but quicker than a manual transmission.
On a typical six-speed DCT gearbox, one clutch will handle odd gears whilst the other will shifts even gears. Gear changes are controlled by a series of computers.
The concept was initially devised by a Frenchman, Adolphe Kegresse, before WW2, but he never made a working model.
DCT was first introduced in the 1980s in racing cars but was first brought to the general public by Volkswagen. Their first dual clutch transmission, DSG, was launched in2003.
It has since become widely available in many other car brands from Lamborgini to Mercedes-Benz.
The traditional car key is fast becoming a living fossil in the auto industry. Smart keys are fast becoming the standard with many meaning engine ignition is started with the press of a button not the turning of a key.
Some even open the car you as you approach. These were once just a novelty with some early designs resembling a credit card.
As convenient as key fobs are, they could leave your car open tocar hacking.
18. Turbochargers Increased Energy Power and Fuel Efficiency
Turbochargers, Turbos, have been used in production cars since the 1960's. They are effectively compressor that is driven by the cars exhaust gasses, forcing more air into the engine's cylinders.
More fuel and more air leads to more power and can make a smaller engine perform outside of its class. They are commonly used with Otto and Diesel cycle engines.
The technology was invented by Swiss Engineer Alfred Buchi who received a patent for it in1905. They would initially find applications in aircraft engines, especially during WW2.
Today, car manufacturers now generally downsize their engine sizes to include turbocharged alternatives. This simultaneously boosts performance and increases fuel efficiency.
19. Flashing Turn Signals Lets Others Drivers Know Your Intentions
Another important automobile engineering innovation was the flashing turn signals (indicators).Early forms date as early as1907but the1938patented version is now widely offered, often legally required, on street legal cars.
They are required to blink on and off at a rate between60 and 120"blinks per minute". Older models used a thermal interrupter switch to provide the 'blink' but these have been replaced with transistor circuits.
But what about the clicking sound?
20. Cruise Control Paved the Way for Driverless Cars
Cruise controlwas first developed by one Ralph Teeter in the 1940's. He developed it in response to his belief that uneven speeds caused accidents.
And so Ralph succeeded in developing a servomechanism to help maintain a car's speed by taking control of the throttle from the driver. Although unpopular when first introduced in the 1950's it now comes as standard in many cars today.
The addition of radar to cruise control in the early 2000's has since taken the technology to the next level. It has also paved the way fordriverless cars.
So the guy two ranks below me at work bought a used 3-series. Another guy, about one rank below, bought a newer 3-series. So I go into my boss, explain the details, and believe it justifies a raise. "I've worked here twice as long as them, and rank higher. If they're driving BMWs, I should be driving a Genesis!" My employment record now says "dismissed for poor judgement."
What's the difference between a grandfather clock and a BMW E36 after an autocross? The grandfather clock doesn't tell you the taillights are broken.
What's the good thing about Fords? They come out of the factory with the problem circled.
Did you know CHEVROLET is an acronym? Can Hear Every Valve Rattling On Long Extended Trips
What do a 1000hp Supra and a 400hp Supra have in common? They both run a 12sec quarter mile. (Joke about turbo lag, but you already knew that!).
A policeman pulls over an old man in a pickup truck because the bed of his truck is full of ducks. The officer says, “Sir, it is unacceptable to have this flock of ducks downtown, take them to the Zoo this instant!”
The old man confirms that he will and drives off. The next day the officer sees the same man in the same truck still full of ducks. Only this time all the ducks are wearing sunglasses. The officer pulls him over again and yells, “I told you to take these ducks to the Zoo!”
The old man replies, “I did! But now the little buggers want to go to the beach!”
A man buys a sports car and is really beginning to enjoy it when he sees flashing lights in the rear view mirror. He guns it and is rapidly up to 160mph when he realizes what he is doing. He slows down, then pulls over and soon the cop pulls up behind him.
The cop comes up to the window and asks, “What were you thinking, taking off like that?”
“Well,” the man replies after thinking about it for a bit, “a few years ago a highway patrol officer ran off with my wife.”
“What does that have to do with anything.”
“I thought you were bringing her back.”
A hip young man goes out and buys a 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider. It is the best convertible sports car, costing about $250,000. He takes it out for a spin and while stopping for a red light, an old man on a moped, wearing an open face crash helmet (looking about 70 years old) pulls up next to him.
The old man looks over the sleek, shiny red surface of the car and asks, “What kind of car ya’ got there, sonny?” The young man replies, “A 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider. They cost about a quarter of a million dollars!”
“That’s a lot of money,” says the old man, shocked. “Why does it cost so much?” “Because this car can do over 200 miles an hour!” states the cool dude proudly. The moped driver asks, “Can I take a look inside?” “Sure,” replies the owner.
So the old man pokes his head in the window and looks around. Leaning back on his moped, the old man says, “That’s a pretty nice car, all right!”
Just then the light changes so the guy decides to show the old man what his car can do. He floors it, and within 30 seconds the speedometer reads 220 mph. Suddenly, he notices a dot in his rear view mirror. It seems to be getting closer!
He slows down to see what it could be and suddenly, whhhoooossshhh! Something whips by him, going much faster! “What on earth could be going faster than my Ferrari?!” the young man asks himself.
Then, ahead of him, he sees a dot coming toward him. Whoooooosh! It goes by again, heading the opposite direction! And it almost looked like the old man on the moped!
“Couldn’t be,” thinks the guy. “How could a moped outrun a Ferrari?!” Again, he sees a dot in his rear view mirror! Whooooosh Ka-BbblaMMM! The moped plows into the back of his car, demolishing the rear end. The young man jumps out, and it IS the old man!!! Of course, the moped and the old man are hurting for certain. He runs up to the old man and says,
“You gotta tell me how you got that thing to be faster than my Ferrari !” The old man looks up and replies, “OK..., but first, unhook my suspenders from your side-view mirror, will ya?”
I was walking down the street today when tow truck driver pulled up alongside me and said, “Excuse me, I’m looking for the accident site involving a van carrying a load of cutlery.”
“No problem,” I said. “Go straight down this road for 1 mile, then take the first left, and when you get to the fork in the road you’re there.”
A State Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself “this driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!” So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.
Approaching the car, he notices that there are four old ladies — the three passengers are wide eyed and white as ghosts.
The driver, obviously confused, says to him, “Officer, I don’t understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?”
The officer replies, “Ma’am, you weren’t speeding, but you should know that driving much slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers.” “Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly... Twenty-two miles an hour!” The old woman says, pointing to a sign next to the road. The State Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that the sign was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error.
“But before I let you go, Ma’am, I have to ask... Is everyone in this car OK? Your passengers seem awfully shaken and they haven’t muttered a single peep this whole time,” the officer asks.
“Oh, they’ll be all right in a minute officer. We just got off Route 119.”
