How Fleets Can Improve Data Management Strategy
You can improve your fleet’s data management strategy by making sure everything is digital - from start to finish - so that you’re able to bring all data endpoints into a single view.
NHTSA Announces Model Year 2025 Vehicles for 5-Star Safety Ratings Testing
NHTSA announced its list of model year 2025 vehicles selected for testing as part of the agency’s 5-Star Safety Ratings under its New Car Assessment Program.
Thirty-seven vehicles have been selected for testing this year, including eight electric and hybrid models. The vehicles will be evaluated in a variety of crash scenarios, including frontal, side and rollover crashes. NHTSA also announced the five vehicles it will test to verify the performance of certain advanced driver assistance systems.
NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said., “The 5-Star Safety Ratings program motivates automakers to integrate advanced safety technologies into a wider range of vehicles, helping to save lives and reduce injuries on our nation’s roads.”
Hurricanes flooded 350,000 cars this year. Now they’re heading to the used car market.
While some sellers are transparent about the car’s history, others may attempt to hide the damage. Buyers should be cautious — especially in markets where flood-damaged cars are popping up more — as they can have serious hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent.
Flood damage can wreak havoc on vehicles, especially on modern cars equipped with complex electronics. The immediate concern is the water affecting mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, and brakes. However, the long-term issues tend to be electrical, with problems cropping up in everything from the car’s computer systems to its wiring harness. Even worse, the damage may not show up until weeks or months after purchase.
6 Ways to Get the Best Range From Your EV in Winter
Cold weather impacts your EV’s range and performance because ions flow through battery cells more slowly. Here’s how to get the best out of your EV in the winter months.
If you’ve got a garage, put your EV in it. (If it’s full of stuff, this is a great incentive to clean it out.) And if you’re out and want to park, choose a parking garage when possible. The warmth of the garage will help your car hold battery charge for longer and charge more quickly.
If you charge at home, keep your EV plugged in when you start to warm it so the battery’s charge won’t be tapped. Ideally, plug the vehicle in and run the heating system for 20-30 minutes before driving.
Safety Group: Seat Belt Reminders Getting Better
Insurance companies have financial reasons to want car accidents to be rare and the injuries they cause to be minor. A group of them power their own safety lab – the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Federal rules require that a car sound an audible signal for 4 to 8 seconds and offer a visual reminder for at least 60 seconds if a driver is unbuckled.
“In contrast, for a good rating from IIHS, vehicles have to have an audible reminder that lasts at least 90 seconds if any of the occupied front seats remains unbuckled, as well as meet volume standards and other conditions,” the institute says. It also requires a 30-second reminder if a rear occupant is unbuckled.
