We’ve found a use for that jar of pennies in your kitchen! Just joking… but a penny is a great consistent way to “just check” your tires for wear.
Tread depth is typically measured in 1/32″ increments. Using a recent Canadian penny (the Queen is not wearing a crown) you can quickly and easily check the tread depth yourself.
With the Queen facing you, insert the penny into the tread hair first. Repeat this by placing the coin into several treads across the tire from each side and the middle. Take the lowest reading as the overall tread depth.
The top of her head is approximately 4/32″ of tread depth. If you can see her entire head it is time to find some new Tires!
For those of us with Quarters jangling in our pockets, the same measurement can be taken using the the moose head (does he have a name?) put him in the tread nose first and if you can see his muzzle it’s time to start looking for new tires!!
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010. The Fiesta is the eighth Ford Motor Company vehicle to earn the Institute’s top designation – breaking a tie with Toyota for the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker. Watch the test here.
Seriously, we needed a test! We thought Tom’s “Will it Blend” failure agains the Fiesta’s Boron steel proved that it was strong!! ;)
Imagine a car that responds before you even know something is wrong!
Curve Control senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second!
From Ford:
A New Curve for Safety Technology
Ford continues to refine and improve safety technology. Curve Control is part of a suite of safety technologies on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. Based on Ford-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), Curve Control is designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicle when taking a curve too quickly.
The technology senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second.
“Too many accidents stem from drivers misjudging their speed going into curves and freeway off- and on-ramps,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford’s Curve Control technology senses a potentially dangerous situation and reduces power and applies brakes more quickly than most drivers can react on their own.”
Curve Control is effective on dry or wet pavement, and is expected to be particularly useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed. When a vehicle enters a curve too fast, the system responds to the driver’s steering input by rapidly reducing torque and increasing brake pressure to help keep the vehicle under control.
The patent-pending system works by measuring how quickly the vehicle is turning and comparing that with how quickly the driver is trying to turn. When the vehicle is not turning as much as the driver is steering – also known as “pushing” – Curve Control activates. The system applies the precise amount of braking required on each wheel to enhance the individual wheel braking of the traditional stability control system.
Curve Control uses sensors to measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle, and runs calculations based on those inputs 100 times every second.
This is one of several new driver assist and safety technologies to be offered on the all-new Explorer. Other technologies include next-generation adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, state-of-the-art pressure-based airbag technology, the industry’s first inflatable rear seat belts and intelligent four-wheel-drive terrain management system.
Curve Control will debut as standard equipment on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer going into production later this year, and will be offered on 90 percent of the company’s North American crossovers, sport utilities, trucks and vans by 2015.
The British Columbia Vehicles Sales Authority estimates that in ‘just’ the Lower Mainland “curbers” represent as much as half the vehicles currently being advertised privately in the newspapers, in trade magazines and through various used classifieds website.
In March of 2010 multiple agencies concerned with illegalities surrounding misrepresented “private” sales of motor vehicles by those called “curbers.” Among the participants in the conference were the RCMP, ICBC, Canada Revenue Agency, Crown Counsel (Commercial Crime), Canada Border Services Agency, municipal bylaw enforcement officers, the B.C. Transportation Ministry’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement and the Vehicle Sales Authority(VSA).
How do curbers victimize so many people? There is high degree of odometer tampering, imported salvage vehicles banned in other jurisdictions, wrecked vehicle rebuilds (often fronts, rears or chassis from different wrecks welded together) and other safety and misrepresentation issues.
This series of 4 videos has been put together by the Vehicle Sales Authority to alert consumers to the exact dangers you should watch for when purchasing privately.
Part #1 – Buying a Vehicle Privately – Be Very Careful!
Part #2 – How to Spot a Curber or Fake Private Seller
Part #3 – 6 Steps You Should Take Before Buying a Vehicle From a Private Seller
Part #4 – Why You Should Get a Vehicle History Report that Includes a Lien Check
It’s that time of year again – when the snow starts to fall, many drivers and their vehicles may not be prepared to drive on wet or icy winter roads. To stay safe, there are several things to remember.
Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln is pleased to provide the following tips on how to be ready for winter conditions to avoid getting stuck out in the cold.
Winter Vehicle Safety
Six tips from Ford of Canada for staying safe this winter
Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that have been regularly maintained according to their manufacturers required maintenance schedule should be ready for winter weather. If not, a visit to the local dealership to “catch up” on your required maintenance will ensure the vehicle is ready for the season.
Read your owner’s manual: All vehicles have different characteristics that will react to winter weather differently. This is a good time to check the manual for your particular vehicle’s winter driving tips.
Monitor tire wear: There are three important aspects when it comes to tires: pressure, tread wear and age.
Tire pressure: Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure and become underinflated; meaning your safety on the road is compromised. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.
Tire tread depth: Proper tread depth can be key to slipping less and gripping the road better.
Tire age: Old tires can be unsafe tires, especially in the winter. It is recommended that tires over six years old be replaced.
All season and summer tires begin to lose their grip around 7 degrees Celsius. Consider switching to winter tires for better handling and braking performance.
Drive safely and be alert: Safe driving is always important. Remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, avoid abrupt moves – don’t stop, start, or change direction suddenly and you’ll maintain better control of your vehicle in inclement conditions.
Goodbye cruise control: Never use the speed control in slippery conditions. If the weather suddenly becomes hazardous while cruise control is engaged, simply disengage it manually or lightly tap the brakes.
Get to know the safety feature alphabet: Become more familiar with vehicle safety features such as ABS, TC, ESC and RSC, to understand how they can help.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system do not require the driver to pump the brakes in slippery conditions when hard braking is required. Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and ABS may activate to help you maintain control of the vehicle.
Traction Control (TC): This feature most often engages at low speeds. In the majority of winter driving conditions, it is best to keep the traction control feature ON. However, in extreme conditions – for instance, deep snow or sheer ice – it may be better to turn OFF your traction control to get moving.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent your vehicle from skidding out or sliding laterally in slippery conditions.
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®): AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps to avoid a rollover in a collision situation.
We’ve found a use for that jar of pennies in your kitchen! Just joking… but a penny is a great consistent way to “just check” your tires for wear.
