Paying For The Car Pool Lane Experience

Posted on by

The car pool lane is a roadway reserved for vehicles with at a specified number of occupants. These high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) may have the appearance of being lightly traveled, but statistics show that they carry more people per lane with fewer vehicles and usually at higher speeds. Some places allow hybrid and electric vehicles to access these lanes to encourage the use of a more environmentally friendly means of transportation.

Other states are looking at the concept of putting a price on the convenience of using HOV roadways. They say that tolls would not only raise money to maintain the roads but could manage traffic congestion as well. Motorist would be allowed to “buy their way” into the express lanes using an electronic transponder that logs how long and at what time of day the driver accesses them.

While the goal of the program is to keep traffic in the restricted lane moving at a reliable pace, a coalition of local groups say allowing people to by their way into the lane is having the opposite effect, and they have petitioning to have the program suspended. The state of California has recently restricted some older hybrids from HOV lanes because they were becoming too congested.

Volvo Airbag And Seatbelt Wiring Problem

Posted on by

Volvo is recalling certain 2012 model vehicles manufactured between May 2012 to October 2012 because the wire harness under the front seats may not be secured properly to the seat frame. When the occupant adjusts the seat position, the wire harness may get pulled and disconnected. In the event of an accident, the airbag and lap belt pretensioner may not deploy properly. Volvo owners receiving the recall notice can take their vehicles to their dealership to have it inspected and repaired as necessary. For more information on the problem, contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

Mandatory Back Up Cameras

Posted on by

The Department Of Transportation has delayed a ruling proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to make backup cameras mandatory on all passenger vehicles. The NHTSA was hoping the ruling would be finalized today, but the DOT has decided that further studies are needed in order to ensure the most protective and efficient rules possible. A law to improve and standardized rear visibility for vehicles was first introduced in 2008, but the deadline has been extended several times. The new rule requirements would see 10% of new vehicles equipped with backup cameras by the end of 2012, 40% by the end of 2013 , and 100 % by the end of 2014.

According to the NHTSA, over 17,000 people are injured and approximately 230 people die in backup accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs. Statistics show that most on these accidents involve children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It is estimated that using a camera to eliminate the rear blind spot could cut that number in half. Unfortunately, it could also add up to $200 more per vehicle for a total of approximately $3 billion to the auto industry, most of which would be passed on to the customer.

The NHTSA provides a 60-day comment period on this rule making that begins when the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments is at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws-Regs

Nissan Fuel Pressure Sensor May Leak

Posted on by

Nissan is recalling certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for a fuel pressure sensor that may not have been tightened to the correct manufacturers specifications. The sensor may loosen as a result of heat and vibration, causing fuel to leak and increasing the risk of fire. Nissan will inspect and replace the the fuel pressure sensor as necessary. Owners can contact Nissan customer service at 615-725-1000 for more information. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Porsche Cayenne Headlight Problem

Posted on by

Porsche has announced a recall on certain 2011-2012 Cayenne sport utility vehicles (SUV) because the headlamps could become loose and detach from the fender. The driver of the vehicle may experience loss of visibility, and/or the detached headlight could become a road hazard. The vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured between March 08, 2010 to January 31, 2012 and include:

Porsche has already started notifying customers and will replace the headlamp locking assemblies free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

Fuel Leaks In Honda And Acura Vehicles

Posted on by

Honda is recalling certain 2012 Honda Pilot and 2012 Acura MDX vehicles for fuel leaks that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vent shut float (VSF) valve case in the fuel tank was not manufactured to the proper specification. Honda will inspect the VSF assembly date and will replace the fuel tank assembly accordingly. The recall is expected to affect almost 9,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Honda customer services at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda Odyssey Defective Liftgates

Posted on by

Honda is recalling certain 2008-2009 Odyssey minivans, equipped with power liftgate systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into the problem last September after receiving seven complaints alleging unexpected closing of the vehicle’s liftgate. The results found that a manufacturing flaw in the doors gas filled struts, allows the pressurized gas to leak, reducing the strut performance. Honda will be notifying owners and dealers of the problem and will replace both struts free of charge. For more information on the defect, contact Honda customer service center at 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA Investigates GM Door Fires

Posted on by

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain GM vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of smoke and fire from the inside of doors of some Trail Blazer mid-size sport utility vehicles. The complaints are similar to consumer reports that lead the NHTSA to open an investigation into some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles, earlier this month. The NHTSA will be focusing on whether window switches on the GM and Toyota vehicles were manufactured by the same supplier. The investigation could affect up to 310,000, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. According to the safety administration, the Buick Rainer, Saab 9-7x, and the GMC Envoy share the same parts at the Trail Blazer, but these vehicle are not part of the investigation yet