SUV Parts for Sale

What You Look For Before Buying Your Next SUV

Before you write down that check for the SUV you want to buy, it is best to get some education on the subject of rollover accidents. In fact, rollover accidents are a great concern to the National Highway and Transport Safety Agency (NHTSA), which is attached to the United States Department of Transportation.

This is not to say that you should not but the SUV you have been dreaming about. Just read on.

Rollovers are accidents when a vehicles ends up on another side. And each vehicle class has a rollover rating from the NHTSA.

* Five stars - has a risk of rollover of less than 10%;

* Four stars - has a risk of rollover between 10% and 20%;

* Three stars - has a risk of rollover between 20% and 30%;

* Two stars - has a risk of rollover between 30% and 40% ; and

* One star - has a risk or rollover of over 40%.

It should not be surprising that sedans usually get a five or four star rating from the NHTSA, while taller vehicles like SUVs will likely get three stars or less. Minivans usually get a three-star rating.

The NHTSA ratings are based on "Static Stability Factor", which is essentially a measure of how top heavy a vehicle is. Essentially, taller vehicles, which have a higher center of gravity, have a greater chance to rollover.

Before rollover ratings were popularized by the NHTSA, driving experts rated the rollover resistance of a vehicle using the moose test. Under the moose test, a vehicle's stability is tested during a sudden evasive maneuver, usually towards the other lane (which is to avoid a moose suddenly appearing before your vehicle's path). The vehicles that were easier to control during the sudden lane changes rated higher in the tests.

Although the NHTSA ratings and moosetests would point to taller vehicles or those with a higher center of gravity being less resistant to a rollover accident, a lot still depends on the driver for safe motoring. In fact, the NHTSA once stated that all vehicles can rollover.

Since there is little motorists can do about the rollover ratings (since these are based on tests), what they can do is improve their skill and knowledge about vehicle control dynamics (a subject only taught in performance driving schools).

In the subject of vehicle control dynamics, a motorist is taught how to keep his vehicle balanced under all road conditions, and to avoid imbalance that could lead to loss of control or accidents (like a rollover).

To simplify matters (but we will write more on this subject later), a vehicle is balanced when its weight is equally distributed on all four wheels (when it is traveling), and there is no abrupt load transfer to the front (like during hard braking) or when the vehicle leans to one side (like what happens when a vehicle enters a turn too fast).

To keep a vehicle balanced, always observe the following:

* Travel at the appropriate speed so you can avoid the following:
Sudden lane changes (requiring quick steering inputs)
Sudden braking
* Always brake along a straight line (especially during hard braking situations)
* Brake early as possible (to avoid abrupt load transfer from the rear to the front of the vehicle)
* Always slow down and shift to the appropriate gear before entering a turn (do not step on the brakes and turn the steering wheel simultaneously)
* Be aware of road adhesion conditions (slippery and the like) and adjust speed appropriately
* Keep tires properly inflated at all times

It is also advisable to look as far as possible when driving (but not ignoring what is immediately ahead) so you can judge road conditions ahead and apply the necessary steering, braking or deceleration measure to keep your vehicle balanced.

Likewise, when a vehicle is to be loaded with lots of passengers and cargo, make sure this is well distributed over the vehicle. Do not load too much on one side, nor too much at the rear.

What we are saying here is the safety of a vehicle largely depends on driver skill, since it is a given that the most stupid driver on the road can rollover a vehicle that has a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Don't be one of them.

(ArticlesBase SC #418306)

New Technoloy In SUVs and Vans Will Save More Lives

(SUVs) and vans may be large and may look powerful. However, some studies have shown that these vehicles that show off and boast of their muscles and great stance are much more likely to rollover than smaller cars. In fact, in the United Kingdom, there have been more than 900 people killed each year along with 12,000 pedestrians and cyclists. The number of those who are injured count to much more.

Now, there has been a new innovation for these mentioned vehicles that would surely save more lives and reduce the number of people and passengers injured. This new technology comes in the form of plastic fronts that are energy absorbing. Concept Mouldings, a leading automotive parts supplier which is based in the United Kingdom, has been the brains behind such an innovation.

One of Europe's leading vehicle design, development, and certification centers, MIRA, tested the creation done by Concept Mouldings. And according to the results, the new energy absorbing plastic fronts really did reduce the risk of head injuries by over 99 per cent during worst case scenarios. This is very important for head injuries are often inflicted on those who crash or bump their heads in the fronts of the vehicles. In fact, children are the main recipients of such serious injuries which could also lead to their deaths. As per injuries to the abdomen, pelvis, and the upper leg, the energy absorbing plastic fronts also did reduce them greatly.

Ian Finney is the managing director of Concept Mouldings and he further explains that, indeed, such plastic fronts have been one of the most exciting innovations in their line of work. In fact, he also adds, "Our products can be fitted as an aftermarket product by owners of vehicles. We can start saving lives and serious injuries now rather than waiting for a long term legislative process."

(ArticlesBase SC #38638)

Types Of SUVs

SUV or Sports Utility Vehicle is a rugged automotive that combines the performance and towing capacity of a truck as well as the passenger comfort of a station wagon.

Sports Utility Vehicles are a good choice for big families and for off-road driving. Off-road driving implies driving a car on mud, snowy areas and jungle roads. It’s really difficult to drive wagons, sedans and hatchbacks on such roads but SUVs provide a comfortable and easy driving.

Indian car industry is categorized into various car segments, out of which SUV is one of the category. SUVs are further categorized into different segments like compact, midsize and large.

Compact SUV

This category of SUV is built with a truck like frame providing excellent refinement. The vehicle is actually transformed from a truck to a passenger car outfitted with engines available in sedans. The car is worth the price with enhanced interior room, versatile interiors, good towing capacity, and improved ride. Compact SUV like the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers an excellent cargo and passenger capacity. These are mainly designed and manufactured for driving small families with enhanced comfort. Compact SUVs also offer variable drive system and enhanced fuel efficiency. Front wheel drive is good for driving on hilly areas whereas all wheel drive system works well on gravel and dirt roads.

Compact SUVs also comprises o premium compact vehicles that are a blend of luxury, utility and elegance. This segment of compact SUVs comprises of high quality interiors, elegant exteriors and advanced technology features.

Midsize SUV

Midsize SUVs are actually built on the frame of family sedans and station wagons. These cars are actually designed and manufactured for small families with excellent interior room and engine performance. Being evolved from compact SUVs, midsize SUVs are gradually increasing the numbers in the global car market. Currently there is no remarkable midsize SUV in India but yet the vehicle is on its move to catch the attention of various car consumers.

Midsize SUVs with their tough and brawny appearance provides a good passenger space and huge cargo room. These vehicles usually come with six- or eight-cylinder engines, offering excellent fuel economy, maneuverability, handling, and a smooth ride. Vehicles under this category are great choice for those who enjoy and freak out in outdoor activities like camping, skiing, or hiking.

Like compact SUVs, midsize SUVs also have a premium car segment that provides an excellent drive and a sophisticated appearance both inside and outside.

Large SUV

Large SUVs are become a hot favorite of huge families with a seating capacity of eight to nine occupants and an excellent payload capacity. The rise in fuel prices has switched over the car industry to smaller cars but yet large SUVs are still in the market to meet the needs of huge families and groups. These vehicles are like jumbo jets with enormous interior space and cargo capacity.

The premium car models under this category are loaded with elegant and classy interiors coupled with enhanced safety features and advanced technologies. These vehicles have a good combination of comfortable ride and improved fuel economy along with the elegant built up, thus driving sales.

(ArticlesBase SC #521643)