Daytime running lights

More of a crash avoidance system than a conventional safety system, many new cars are equipped with daytime running lights. Activated by the ignition switch, these typically are high-beam headlights at reduced intensity or low-beam headlights at full or reduced power. The lights, which increase contrast between cars and their background to make cars more visible to oncoming drivers, are an inexpensive way to reduce multiple-car daytime crashes. In Canada and other countries where they're required, daytime running lights have reduced daylight, car-to-car crashes. Such lights aren't currently required on new cars in the United States, but they're permitted.

One of the greatest contributions to automotive safety was the advent of anti-lock braking systems. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) allow maintaining directional control of the car during braking. While benefits from ABS can be derived on dry pavement driving, the most substantial benefits are witnessed under adverse traction conditions.

Braking systems operate on the principle that motion energy is removed from the car in the form of heat and dissipated. The brake calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotors and slow the rotors. This does not stop the car; the friction of the road surface against the tires is what actually slows the car. The brakes merely provide the retarding force for the tires. If the tires can not maintain a level of traction with the road surface, the best braking system can not slow the car.

If during braking, 1 or more tires hit a section of low traction, the braking force applied by the calipers will overwhelm the available traction at the tire contact patch. As a result the tire will slide instead of roll. If we look at the contact patch of the tire as the car rolls down the road, we would see that the tire has a relative speed of zero compared to the ground. Under braking, the relative speed may increase, so there is a slight percentage of slip between the tire and the road surface. A small percentage of slip is acceptable and friction force will rise, slowing the car. If the percentage rises too high and the tire is no longer rolling, the friction force drops tremendously and the tire can not provide lateral or longitudinal traction.

Driving in the wet or snow, loose gravel or sand, or any other kind of low traction surface can cause the tires to lock and loose directional stability. ABS monitors the rotation of the tires and compares the speed of each. If the speed of 1 or more tires drop drastically below that of the others during braking, the ABS controller will cut hydraulic pressure to that wheel until it is rotating at the same speed as the others. This will provide the best chance of maintaining directional control of the car.

ABS can not perform miracles. If the laws of physics are exceeded, the car can leave the roadway. ABS can only help to maintain control. Go too fast into a turn and mash the brakes, ABS or not, the tires can only do so much and control may be lost. Driving too fast in the rain or snow is a recipe for trouble. ABS is a tool to make driving safer, not a cure-all for bad driving habits.

ABS can be useful in dry ground driving in the same way it is in low traction situations.

Despite impressive test track performance, the on-the-road safety benefits of passenger car anti-locks are disappointing. They haven't cut the frequency or cost of crashes resulting in insurance claims for car damage. Recent studies by government, industry, and the NHTSA found that cars equipped with anti-lock brakes are in more fatal single-car crashes than cars without anti-locks. It's not clear why this is the case, but it is suspected that many drivers don't know how to use anti-locks effectively. Trained to brake gently on slippery roads or pump brakes to avoid a skid, drivers have to "unlearn" old behavior and use hard, continuous brake pressure to activate anti-locks.

If you anticipate driving a lot on slick roads, such brakes may be a worthwhile choice. But remember that anti-locks aren't "super" brakes allowing you to stop on a dime under all circumstances. And don't take risks you'd avoid if you did not have the anti-locks.

Take a few minutes to walk around your car or truck every now and then, especially during a long trip. Checking out all of the things that affect your driving safety won't take more than five minutes and could uncover a small problem before it gets dangerous or expensive.

Tires and wheels
See Figures 11 and 12

Check for uneven wear patterns, excessive wear, nails, cuts or other damage. Uneven wear may indicate alignment problems in the front end or uneven inflation pressure. Check the inflation pressure with a gauge.

Lighting system

Check the headlights, turn signals and taillights for proper operation. Look at the operation of all exterior lights while someone else operates them.

Clean the headlights with a rag. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes at night.

Mirrors

Be sure that the mirrors are clean and adjusted properly for the best view of what's behind you.

Windshield and wipers

Clean the windshield for maximum visibility. While you're about it, take a quick look at the wiper blades. They should be in good condition for when they're needed.

Tailpipe

Checking the color of the tailpipe is a good habit to get into. It can provide a quick check on how your engine is operating.

On a long trip, or when the car has been run at highway speeds for a while, the inside of the tailpipe should be a light gray or white. This indicates that the engine is running properly.

Fluid leaks

• Red is probably automatic transmission fluid.
• Black or brown is most likely engine oil or axle lube.
• Clear water will usually come from the air conditioning condenser on a hot day.
• Greenish or Orange colored water is usually antifreeze.

It's normal for the air conditioner to drip a small amount of water under the front of the car when it's used on a hot day.

Fuel cap

If you just stopped for fuel, be sure that the fuel cap was put back.

• Engine oil -- Check the engine oil level.
• Coolant -- Check the radiator coolant level in the reservoir.
• Battery -- Visually check battery cables and connections.
• Automatic transmission -- Check the fluid level.
• Master cylinder -- Check the fluid level.
• Power Steering -- Check the fluid level.
• Windshield washer -- Check the fluid level.
• Belts and hoses -- Visually check all belts and hoses for wear.

In addition to the items listed above there are cases with some manufacturer's where odd components such as manual transmission/transaxles and front differentials many be equipped with a dipstick found underhood for fluid level check. If you are unsure of a dipstick on your car, check with the owners manual.

Continue with Part 3 of Safety systems and safety check

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