Bromine, chlorine, and lead may be just a few of the chemicals in your child’s car seat, according to a recent study from the Ecology Center. The study tested 62 car seats sold at Babies “R” Us and Target, and found that over 30% contained significant levels of toxic chemicals that could adversely affect a child’s development; 60% contained brominated flame retardant, which can cause thyroid problems and memory impairment.
cars
2001 Dodge Ram Dashboards Collapsing, Cracking, Dealerships Won't Fix
By 5.10.07
When consumers try take the truck in for warranty repair, dealerships say the dashboards aren’t on a recall list, so they can’t do anything. The only thing Dodge will say is that they’re “reviewing records.”
How To Replace Lost Important Documents
By 5.10.07
Lost an important document? Misplaced your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, social security card, property deed, title insurance policy, mortgage, car title, marriage license, divorce paper, or diploma?
Is Everybody Ready For $4 Gas?
By 5.8.07
“I think it’s going to happen,” said Phil Flynn, a senior market analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago. “Unless things change dramatically, I think we’re going to see $4 a gallon.”
The Used Car You Are Looking To Buy May Have Been Totaled
By 4.30.07
Most states prevent totaled cars from re-entering the market without a salvage license, so consumers know that the used car they are looking to buy was once a complete wreck.
What bugs dealers and consumer advocates is that the tangle of state laws makes it possible to move a vehicle across state lines and apply for a “clean” title that makes no mention of its checkered past. The fact that some states don’t even require salvage titles stretches the loophole even wider.
The practice has become so prevalent, particularly in states affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, that Congress is considering a measure that would establish a national database of totaled vehicles. Before you buy a used car, especially in the south, first ask your mechanic to give it a once-over. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
Why Are Insurance Companies So Interested In Your Car's Onboard Computer System?
By 4.28.07
Insurance companies are beginning to view the increasingly advanced onboard computer systems found on many vehicles as mini black-boxes. The data collected by the systems can help determine if a driver was speeding or driving recklessly.
It’s done by capturing data about speed, braking and steering input from what is called an event data recorder. And it’s going to get even more complex — already there are systems on some cars that warn when there’s a vehicle in a car’s blind spot, as well as anti-collision warning systems like the one currently featured in a Volvo commercial.
Home Depot Has "Alternative Fuel Only" Parking, Chicagoans Don't Care
By 4.28.07
The Cars.com Blog “Kicking Tires” has some photos of some “alternative fuel only” parking spaces at a Chicago Home Depot., including one of a Land Rover parked in one of the spots. Either the dude in the parking spot hasn’t figured it out yet, or he/she/it is running biodiesel? Has Chicago turned into California since we left?
How Crappy Different Car Bumpers Are Today
By 4.26.07
Ever since 1982, car bumpers have sucked. That’s when they relaxed federal standards so that tests are now performed at 2.5 mph instead of 5 and unlimited damage to safety equipment allowed instead of strict requirements. This chart is part of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s status report on new bumper tests and details the repair costs after bumper damage in low-speed test crashes.
Before You Buy A Car, Know The True Cost Of Ownership
By 4.25.07
Silicon Valley Blogger says that when buying a car, look beyond the sticker price. There’s a lot of costs involved and they’re only hidden if you don’t know what to look for.
3 Confessions From A Former Used Car Salesman
By 4.17.07
Patrick is a former used car salesman who grew a conscience. He has three tips to share with us:
Repo Man Takes Wrong Car, Now It Won't Start
By 4.16.07
At 3:45 on the morning of April 9th, Allyn awoke to find his Audi getting towed by a repo man. Thing is, Allyn didn’t owe anyone any money. Rather, his 1999 Audi A4 had the misfortune of being the same color as a 2001 Saab the tow truck driver was looking for. When he got his car back, it wouldn’t start and the bumper was loose. Thus began his series of misadventures in trying to get the towing company to pay for the damage ($5-$8k by dragging an all-wheel-drive car in park for 5 miles) they incurred.
Rent A Car Under 25 Without Massive Surcharges?
By 4.10.07
Upgrade: Travel Better says most car rental places will charge drivers under 25 an additional $25 per day, but there are a couple of things you can do to reduce the ding.
LEAKS: Enterprise Store's Insurance Upsell Cheat Sheet
By 4.10.07
At least one Enterprise rental place has a cheat sheet for manipulating buyers into buying what is sometimes unnecessary car insurance. Here’s a transcript of the document one of our readers snagged from an Enterprise in Fort Lee, NJ .
Clever Driver And Car Shopper Roundup
By 4.10.07
“After you’ve set a target price and written your message, find the “quick quote” tab on the Edmunds site. Send out a request for info to any dealership within about an hour or so from where you live. When I did it, I provided them with a temporary e-mail address and a fake phone number.”
Car Rental Grace Periods Died Graceless Death
By 4.9.07
You may have missed it, but a number of national car-rental places amended or ended their car-rental grace periods this year. These were rules that said if you returned your car an hour or two late, they wouldn’t charge you for the overtime.
7 Confessions Of A Car Salesman: Kia
By 4.5.07
Carl spent some time selling Kias at a dealership in Colorado, and has written in with a few insights about Kia, selling cars, and some buying strategies for you. Some highlights:
ENDGAME: Pulled Over By Police After Toyota Dealer Rented Me A Car That Was Illegal To Drive
By 4.5.07
Chris tells us the endgame on his situation where the Toyota dealership rented him a car that was illegal to drive. He was eventually able to get a full apology from the place and get 50% knocked off his bill, but it took him showing up in person and going a few rounds with the manager.
