New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News

Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.

Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

Ranger Design Lockers & Workbenches for Commercial Vans

The Ranger Design locker for secure cargo van storage has the space needed to store your tools and your valuables. The lockers can be mounted inside the rear of the van to provide easy access to your most valuable supplies. The lockable storage units have a hook inside that gives a tidy place to hang work clothes while providing a private compartement to store personnal belongings. It comes with a 10 year limited warranty. The Ranger Design heavy duty van workbench with a high quality wood surface is great for tradesmen who work in their van. It is perfect for filling out paperwork, counting parts or doing any other task that requires a flat surface. Options include built-in shelves and drawer cabinets, and lockable storage. Comes with a 10 year warranty. https://rangerdesign.com/

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips

Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.

The Harbor Service Body with a Cargo Bed Enclosure Keeps Stuff Out-Of-Sight

This is an example of a new GMC 2500HD chassis upfitted with a Harbor 8' Service Body with a Forklift-Loadable Rack, Class IV Receiver, and a 3-Piece Cargo Bed Enclosure. It's a great way to keep your stuff accessible and yet out of sight. Ron Sadler is the Fleet/Commercial Manager at Lehmer's Buick-GMC in Concord CA. See more at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

WARN 16.5ti Winch Lineup

The 16.5ti and 16.5ti-s feature the full diagnostic ability of WARN thermometric technology, plus the extreme sealing, durability, and reliability that the WARN ti winches are known for.

+ Massive 16,500 lb. (7484 kg) capacity

+ Thermometric indicator (ti) provides motor temperature feedback via LED on remote control

+ Extreme-duty sealing helps protect the winch from the outside elements

+ Metal control box for added protection for the electronics

+ Contactor control for the ultimate in durability and reliability

+ Class-leading cone brake holds the winch’s full-rated load

+ Chip-resistant powder-coated finish with primer undercoating for superior corrosion resistance

+ Industry-leading warranty: Limited lifetime (mechanical components); seven year (electrical components)

+ Available with lightweight, easy-to-handle, Spydura Pro rope and Epic Hook or durable steel rope and standard hook

10 Reasons Why Engines Lose Power Over Time

There are four things a gasoline engine requires to generate power and almost any engine problem will come down to something relating to one of these four factors. 1. Air 2. Fuel 3. Compression 4. Spark

Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder to pull in air, and can restrict the maximum amount of air let in. Less air means less power.

Exhaust Restrictions
The engine will have to work harder to push out exhaust gases, limiting power. Catalytic converters can clog up on engines with an improper air/fuel mixture or as a result of fuel additives reacting within. Mufflers can also fail internally, and alterations of the internal piping can result in an airflow restriction.

Fuel Injectors
Deposits can build up on the injectors over time from heat soak or poor fuel. Small restrictions can cause the O2 sensors to read a lean mixture, and so more fuel will be added to compensate. This can result in a rich mixture for the cylinders without injector problems, or even misfiring if the injector isn’t capable of injecting enough fuel.

Fuel Pumps
Overtime the fuel pump can wear out, but it might not necessarily fail catastrophically. While it may still be able to supply fuel at lower pressures, it may begin to struggle to provide fuel at higher pressures or for longer durations.

Worn Piston Rings
One of the major things that can happen over time is the piston rings will wear down, and this will allow for blow-by. Some of the high pressure air and fuel mixture combusting will pass by the pistons and travel along the cylinder walls into the crank case. This is pressure that should be pressing the piston down, so power is lost. It also means less compression as some of the air can escape as the piston travels upward on the intake stroke.

Carbon Deposits On Intake Valves/Valve Seats
If carbon deposits build up on the valves or valve seats, this can prevent the valves from closing properly. If an intake valve cannot fully close, it will allow air to escape during the compression stroke, effectively lowering the compression ratio.

Carbon Deposits On The Piston
If deposits build on the piston or cylinder walls, these deposits can create hot spots. These hot spots can result in engine knock if conditions allow for it. If the engine is capable, it will retard the ignition timing to reduce the likelihood of knock. By retarding the ignition timing, power is lost.

Fouled Spark Plugs
Spark plugs can build deposits with time. Inconsistent spark plug firing means you’re likely to misfire. Maintaining clean plugs ensures that the spark part of the equation doesn’t result in a loss of power.

AMP Research PowerStep Running Boards Overview

PowerStep Running Board by AMP Research