Posted by admin on August 27, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits | 
The automobile industry’s focus on safety in the past two decades has completely changed the way consumers shop for vehicles. Now, features such as side airbag protection and anti-lock brakes are as important to a consumer as fuel efficiency or reliability. There is one aspect of automobile safety, however, that most people give relatively little thought to, yet it is pivotal to the safety of a car: the windshield.
Most people don’t realize that today’s windshields are actually safety devices in themselves, designed to work in conjunction with the car’s other restraining systems. Airbag systems, for example, need the strength of a properly bonded windshield in order to work properly. If the airbag deployment caused the windshield to pop out, the airbag would not provide the intended protection to the driver’s head.
Windshields are also strong. Structurally, they account for about 20% of the overall strength of a car, which is important for many reasons. Besides preventing passenger ejections, the strength of the windshield helps prevent roof cave-ins in rollover type accidents.
Luckily, the US government requires that all new cars be certified to meet specific standards and to be thoroughly tested. Problems occur, however, when windshields become damaged. Even a tiny chip or crack can compromise the integrity of the entire windshield, leaving the driver at risk in an accident.
A chip or a crack in the windshield does not require complete replacement (In fact, repairs rather than replacements are preferable, because the rigid tests on bond strength required in new vehicles are not performed on replacement windshields). Repairs should be performed promptly, and can actually be done safely at home, with a reputable do-it-yourself windshield repair kit.
Posted by admin on August 6, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
“I’ll take a car-any car will do”. Most car salesmen will agree that is not a statement they are likely to ever hear. That’s because in America, as in other countries, a car is rarely just a means to get from one place to another. Here, a car is also a reflection of its driver-a rolling personal statement about you and your lifestyle. So, what kinds of people drive what kinds of cars? The answer is as diverse as the vehicles on the market today.
One of the most basic factors that determines the type of car one needs is how many passengers will be traveling in it. This is why families with 3 or more children almost always go for a minivan or SUV. Most passenger cars can fit three rear occupants, but when car seats and sibling rivalry are added to the mix, the result is a tight fit and unhappy passengers (mom and dad included)!
“Green” vehicles, cars that run partially or wholly on fuel other than gasoline, are becoming especially popular these days. Typically, green vehicles have been driven by the young, single segment of the population whose concern for the environment extends beyond pollution issues. The recent fuel crises, however, nearly guarantees that the popularity of hybrids and other alternative-fuel vehicles will continue to grow, and will cross over to the general population.
What about cars that are status symbols? You know the ones-the flashy Mercedes Benzes, Jaguars and Rolls Royces that scream “Look at what I can afford”! Surprisingly, most people who go for status symbol cars are from middle and upper middle class backgrounds and will often go into debt to afford their pricey vehicles just to “keep up with the Joneses”. Studies have shown that the true wealthy, who could afford any vehicle they want, often choose comfort and practicality over status symbols when it comes to their cars.
Yes there truly is a car to fit every lifestyle. And with the variety of vehicle styles, features and fuel choices ever changing, there may soon be two (or three) cars for every lifestyle!
