Driving in Heavy Rain. The dos and don’ts…

By Crystal Childs

DO:

Slow down. It takes much longer to stop when the road and your brakes are wet.

Back off. Remember the 3 Second Rule? Use it – and add a couple more seconds.

Stay away from busses and trucks. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision.

Be alert. Watch for brake lights and traffic jams ahead of you.

Keep your lights on. Even in the slightest rain or fog, your lights should be on. Not only does it help you see the road but it helps other drives to see you.

Replace your wipers. Always make sure your wipers are in good working condition. You don’t want to get stuck in heavy rain with dry, cracked, brittle wipers that will cause poor visibility. 

Be a follower. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles can improve traction and help avoid hydroplaning.

Test the water. If you have to drive through a large puddle and you’re not sure how deep it is, creep along slowly. If you find it’s deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around. Water can cause serious damage to your car’s electrical system.

Check your tires. Bald tires reduce your traction on wet roads and increase your risk of hydroplaning.

 

Heavy rain can make visibility a challenge.

DON’T:

Text or talk on your cell phone. Your phone should never be out while you’re driving, but this is especially true in heavy rain and other bad driving conditions. Any distraction could seriously increase your risk of getting into an accident.

Rely on your “Daytime Running Lights”. These only operate at the front of the vehicle. If you are driving in heavy rain then your rear lights are vital to your safety. If you cannot be seen clearly from behind that increases the chances of being hit by the car following you.

Let other drivers bully you into driving faster. It’s easy to find yourself driving faster because the driver behind you is too close for comfort. If you feel uncomfortable, pull to the side and let the unsafe driver pass you. When the rest of the traffic has passed, return to the road and safely drive to your destination.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF:

I start to skid? - If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you “steer into the skid.”

I’m having trouble seeing the road?  If visibility and driving conditions are poor, turn on your emergency flashers and get to a safe place – if possible a rest stop or parking lot. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too. In high winds, choose a spot away from trees and power lines that may topple. If the side of the road is the only option, pull off as far as possible and consider finding a safe place to stand behind a guard rail or twice as far from the road as you think is safe. 

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Balise Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

The First Balise Facebook Contest:

Calling All Creative Folks!

Win 2 tickets to see our favorite “Boston baseball team”

Balise is having its very first Facebook contest and we need you! We want you to post your automotive themed pictures on our Facebook page – and be creative! Put your pet behind the wheel (while the vehicle is in park of course) wearing a pair of shades or take a picture of your kids dressed up as mini-adults driving their Mustang Convertible Hot Wheels down the sidewalk, “on their way to work”. Be creative. Have fun. Get posting. The photo with the most votes or “Likes” wins the prize! 2 regular season game tickets to see our favorite “Boston baseball team”

 

 

 

 

 

Rules:

1. Photos must be automotive themed.

2. Only one photo entry per person. Second entries will be removed.

3. Photo entries must be posted on the Balise Facebook page.

4. In order for your submission to count, you must “Like” the page.

5. In order for the votes to count, the voter must “Like” the page.

6. Each “Like” on the photo entry will be counted as one vote – the photo with the most “Like” will win.

7. Photos can be posted starting Friday 4-1-11 through midnight on Friday 4-15-11.

8. Voting can begin starting Friday 4-1-11 and will end promptly at midnight on Friday 4-22-11.

9. You, and no one else, must own the rights to the picture you post.

10. There will only be one winner. In the event of a tie, Balise will hold a random drawing and the winner will be notified.

11. Photos must not contain any offensive or inappropriate behavior and must follow the Facebook Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Photo’s that violate these terms will be removed.

12. No purchase necessary.

Now GO HAVE FUN! And remember tell your Facebook friends to ”Like” our page and VOTE for your photo!

Posting Instructions:

1. Go to the Balise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/baliseauto

2. If you do not already “Like” the Balise page. Click “Like” at the top of the page.

3. After “Likeing” the page, click on the “Photo” link at the top of the Balise Facebook wall. Two options should appear. “Upload a photo” or “Take a photo”. Select “Upload a photo”.

4. Click “Browse” and select a picture from your computer’s files and click “Share”.

5. Your photo is now posted. Copy this link  www.facebook.com/baliseauto into the “Status” bar on your own Facebook page and share it with your friends. Let them know you’ve entered a contest and encourage them to vote or “Like” your photo.

Hot Summer Rides

By Crystal Childs

Sunscreen: Check!

Bathing Suit: Check!

Towel: Check!

A HOT convertible to drive to the beach…CHECK!

If you’re looking to put your top down and let loose, these convertibles are sure to make you sizzle hotter than the sun this summer.  Here are some reviews:

 

2010 Lexus IS 250C

Edmunds.com

Cars.com

Thecarconnection.com

 

2010 Chevy Corvette Convertible

Caranddriver.com

Automobilemag.com

Autoblog.com

 

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible

Caranddriver.com

Motortrend.com

NADAguides.com

Which ride will you choose?

In Honor of Earth Day…

By Crystal Childs

www.consumersearch.com gave the Toyota Prius Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid “Best Reviewed” Hybrids for 2010 and here is a recap of their findings:

2010 Toyota Prius:

Base MSRP: $21,400 to $28,070

According to the Environmental Protection Agency : The 2010 Toyota Prius is “the most fuel-efficient new production car with fuel-mileage estimates of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway”

Some trusted reviews:

ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe The 2010 Toyota Prius is named Best Green Car of the Year. It’s the most fuel-efficient, plus it’s “a pleasant car to drive,” with lots of passenger and cargo room, excellent safety and reliability. Only subscribers can access ConsumerReports.org’s full review and ratings for the Prius, but this synopsis is free. Review: Top Picks, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, April 2010

Edmunds.com Edmunds.com editors name a few recommended hybrids, but they say the 2010 Toyota Prius can’t be beat when it comes to practical, efficient transportation. This thorough, expert review covers every aspect of the Prius, pointing out both flaws and improvements in the 2010 model. Review: 2010 Toyota Prius Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

Cars.com Testers don’t say how they manage it, but they report an incredible 63 mpg overall with the 2010 Toyota Prius in this comparison test with the Honda Insight and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Prius also wins the comfort, cargo room and overall value categories, but testers say they’d still rather drive the more powerful, diesel-powered Jetta TDI. Review: Faceoff: Green Cars, Joe Bruzek, Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder, Nov. 2, 2009

PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe The 2010 Toyota Prius easily wins this fuel-economy shootout, with hybrid competitors Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid trailing by 7 to 14 mpg in the city and 3 to 8 mpg on the highway, respectively. Reviewer Ben Stewart finds pros and cons with all of the cars.Review: PM’s Ultimate 5 Car MPG Comparison Test, Ben Stewart, November 2009

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The 2010 Toyota Prius earns the highest rating of “Good” in front, side and rear crash tests here. Only the fact that it has not yet been tested for rollover roof strength keeps it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation. Review: Top Safety Picks 2010, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book picks the 10 vehicles with the highest resale value, and the 2010 Toyota Prius is one of them. Most of the cars get full, test-based reviews, but Kelley Blue Book had not yet reviewed the 2010 Prius when we checked. Review: 2010 Best Resale Value Awards, Editors of Kelley Blue Book

 

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Base MSRP: $27,950

According to www.consumersearch.com : “The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid blows away all other midsize hybrids in reviews. Although it’s not as fuel-efficient as the 2010 Toyota Prius, critics find it appealing because it looks, drives, rides and handles like an ordinary sedan.”

Some trusted reviews:

Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe Car and Driver’s typically thorough comparison test pits four midsize hybrid sedans against each other. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid beats each of the others for its “superb quality,” well-planted suspension and enjoyable driving character. The Fusion Hybrid gets the best fuel economy during the test, averaging 34 mpg. Drawbacks include a “loose-feeling” continuously variable transmission and a “growling” engine. Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid, Altima Hybrid and Malibu Hybrid, Patrick Bedard, February 2009

Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe Before Motor Trend named the entire Ford Fusion lineup its 2010 Car of the Year, it conducted this head-to-head test between the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Tester Kim Reynolds achieves an average of only 33.5 mpg in mixed driving with the new Fusion Hybrid, lower than the Environmental Protection Agency estimates. The Camry produces similar fuel-economy numbers, matching its EPA figures. The review praises the Ford Fusion Hybrid for its superior driving dynamics over the Camry, however. Review: Comparison: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kim Reynolds, January 2009

Cars.com The Ford Fusion Hybrid is Cars.com’s overall best new car for 2010. Editors also have high praise for the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid, but the Fusion Hybrid holds a slight edge with its more refined ride. With the Fusion Hybrid, it’s hard to tell you’re driving a hybrid, editors say. Review: Cars.com 2010 Platinum Awards, Editors of Cars.com, Jan. 13, 2010

Automobile MagazineDetails/Subscribe Here’s another source that appreciates the Fusion Hybrid’s regular-car demeanor. Automobile magazine says the Fusion Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and unobtrusively well powered, making it a 2010 Automobile All-Star award winner. Review: 2010 Automobile All-Stars: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Robert Cumberford, December 2009

PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe Tester Ben Stewart likes the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s traditional-sedan feel, but it can’t match the other hybrids in this review — the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius — when it comes to fuel economy. In a week-long test, the Fusion Hybrid averages about 38 mpg in both city and highway driving, while the Insight and Prius reach the 40s and 50s. Review: PM’s Ultimate 5 Car MPG Comparison Test, Ben Stewart, November 2009

About.com Reviewer Aaron Gold names the Ford Fusion Hybrid to his list of the 12 best new and redesigned cars for 2010. He compares it with the competing Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry hybrids, saying the Fusion Hybrid is both more fuel-efficient and more entertaining to drive. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don’t share an editorial affiliation.) Review: Best New Cars of 2010, Aaron Gold

ConsumerGuide.com ConsumerGuide.com test drives several versions of the 2010 Ford Fusion family sedan, including the hybrid. Acceleration from the “exceptionally smooth powertrain” is called sufficient, although the hybrid car’s continuously variable transmission is sometimes slow to respond. Ride and handling are listed as strong points. Review: 2010 Ford Fusion: Road Test, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

The Wall Street Journal Joseph White discusses the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid family sedan along with some observations on the hybrid-car market in general. During test driving, White got a wide variation in fuel consumption and explains that gas mileage can improve with some education and use of conscientious driving techniques. Review: Ford Hopes Fusion Hybrid Can Help Remake Brand, Joseph B. White, Jan. 5, 2009

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The 2010 Ford Fusion sedan earns the highest rating of “Good” in front-, side- and rear-crash tests here, with an “Acceptable” rollover roof-strength rating. Review: Midsize Moderately Priced Cars, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

 

Hybrid Runner Ups:

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid Base MSRP: $28,180

2010 Honda Civic Hybrid Base MSRP: $23,800

2010 Honda Insight Base MSRP: $19,800-$21,300

2010 Lexus HS 250h Base MSRP: $34,650 to $37,420

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Base MSRP: $26,400

Click here to see the full review of both of these vehicles on www.consumersearch.com.

About ConsumerSearch:

“At ConsumerSearch, we strive to make our content objective and precise; at no point are our editors influenced by advertising or other commercial considerations. Our goal is to report the truth about what experts and users are saying as well as important developments in each product category we cover.”

For each product category, ConsumerSearch provides the following information:

• Best Reviewed: A selection of the top-rated products, based on expert and user reviews
• Full Report: A complete analysis of who the experts are and what they say, as well as ConsumerSearch’s review of important product trends and developments
• ConsumerSearch’s Sources: A ranking and description of the top reviews, complete with links

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All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Balise Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Designs Change Over The Years

By Crystal Childs

The design of vehicles that are on the roads today have come a long way. The car you drive every day, fifty-years ago, probably seemed extremely far fetched. Some might even say “outer space like”. Take a look at these examples of how vehicles have changed over the years:

The 1967 VW Beetle   VS    The 2010 VW Beetle

The new Beetle is very similar to the older models. The designers kept the same basic design which is round and compact, but did a good job of updating the design and making it “trendy”.

 

The 1969 Chevy Camaro   VS   The 2010 Chevy Camaro

Not too many similarities between the old Camaro and the new model. The 2010 Camaro is “chiseled” and has more definition. However, I can see some resemblance in the back end. But of course, regardless – it’s a nice ride!

 

The 1970 Dodge Charger   VS   The 2010 Dodge Charger

Well, much like the new Camaro, the 2010 Charger doesn’t look too much like the older version. The grille isn’t at all reminiscent of the 70’s Charger at all. Although I think we can all agree that the 2010 Charger is a sharp set of wheels.

 

The 1958 Chevy Corvette   VS   The 2010 Chevy Corvette

If you were back in 1958 and shown a picture of the new 2010 Chevy Corvette what would you think. Most people would have thought that it was a space ship! But don’t get me wrong – I would drive BOTH of these today!

 

The 1974 Buick Regal    VS    The 2010 Buick Regal

Now here is a great example of a vehicle that looks nothing like the older version of itself. The 2010 Regal has come a very, very, long way from the 70’s. If these two cars were sitting next to each other I could never guess that they were the same model.

 

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird    VS    The 2005 Ford Thunderbird 

(2005 was the last year of production)

The 2005 Thunderbird is very refreshing. Comparing it to an old 1950’s Thunderbird I can see many similarities. The grille is similar and I think even the windshield screams “THUNDERBIRD”. Way to go designers!

A Fact: Oil Changes

By Crystal Childs and Dan Elmer

Why should follow the manufacturer’s requirements?

Oil change intervals have steadily risen over the years, from 500 miles, 1000 miles, 2000 miles, 3000 miles, up to today’s 10,000 mile intervals on some models.  There are numerous reasons why intervals continue to expand:

1.  Improved Oils – Today’s oils are better than ever, and include expensive additives that control oil flow under all typical temperatures, while providing superior lubrication over a long life cycle.  Auto manufacturers ensure today’s oils meet these extended intervals, by specifying that oil companies meet stringent requirements for extended oil use.  Today’s GF-4 long-life standard, the only type oil we use, includes self-cleaning detergents which help keep the oil clean throughout the time it is utilized.

2.  Improved Gasoline – Until recent years, gasoline contained lead, a major contaminator of engine oils.  Today’s gasoline burns very clean, and it contains additives that help scrub the engine.

3.  Improved Fuel Systems – Today’s engines are effectively controlled by computerized fuel injection, a vast improvement over old-time carburetors, which regularly allowed excess fuel to contaminate the engine oil.  Lean burning engine designs run clean by burning most of the regulated fuel mixture in the cylinder chamber, unlike outdated methods no longer utilized.

4.  Improved Engine Technology – The engine designs of today include micro fitting in all phases of design and construction, which are important for keeping the engine oil clean longer.  Piston ring blow-by, a problem in the past, has nearly been eliminated through these advances.

5.  Temperature Controls – Under hood temperatures after engine shut-off are closely controlled by electric fans to eliminate excess temperature buildup, a former source of engine sludge creation.

6.  Manufacturer Oil and Air Filters – Original equipment oil and air filters contain tightly wound and laced filtering and absorption materials, which are designed to function effectively up to two oil changes.  Unlike some cheap aftermarket filters, these filters clean ultra-fine wear particles to 18 microns, far extending the life of engine oil.

When is it necessary to change your oil more often than the required mileages?

Under certain conditions, it may be necessary to change the engine oil more often.  Manufacturers request that you change the oil between required service intervals if you have driven your vehicle more than half the time in one or more of these conditions:

A.  Most trips are less than 10 miles, and the temperature outside is below freezing each day.

B.  Most trips are less than 5 miles, regardless of outside temperature.

C.  The vehicle is driven on a lengthy dusty (dirt) road during most trips.

D.  Regular trips include heavy traffic, stop and go driving, with long periods of idling (such as taxi usage).

E.  Continuous driving in over 90 degree temperatures.

As you can see, most vehicle owners waste time and money changing oil more often than the manufacturer required intervals.  Unnecessary oil changes also squander the earth’s natural resources, and create additional hazardous waste.  Oil companies regularly promote 3,000 mile oil changes strictly to drive their own profits, not to benefit the consumer.

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All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Balise Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Spring Car Care

By Crystal Childs

As the seasons change it reminds us that our vehicles may need some routine maintenance. Of course, we all know that oil changes are the most important thing you can do for your vehicle….and if you didn’t know that, now you do!

However, what else should we be doing to our ride as the nice weather approaches? We all tend to travel more when the weather gets nice so here are some tips on what maintenance should be done on your vehicle this spring.

Rotate Tires –Driving in the winter weather can be hard on tires. Rotating tires regularly extends their life and will give you better braking and handling. This is especially important when you’re driving on wet roads that are typical during spring.

Image courtesy of “Carsforkeeps” blog

Check Wiper Blades – During the winter your wiper blades work extra hard getting all that snow and ice off your windshield. It is a good idea to check your wiper blades in the Spring and replace them if necessary. We all know the spring brings lots of showers! Make sure those wipers are up to speed!

Photo courtesy of “preventcracksblog.com”

Check Brakes – After those harsh winter months your brakes might be grinding, squealing or screeching. If that’s the case get them checked right away!

Top Off All Fluids – Your engine’s fluids work harder in the winter because of the cold weather and are easily used up. Make sure to check your ride’s fluids regularly – not just with the changing of seasons.

Clean, Clean, Clean! – Get that car sparkling and ready for the sunny days ahead! Give it a good wash and once it is completely dried, a nice wax will do just fine! Don’t forget to clean the underbody in addition to washing the exterior. Rinse away any salt build-up which can lead to erosion and rusting using a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose. Finish the job off with a good vacuum and be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage. Now is a good time to remove your winter car mats and stow them away for next winter! If you want to you can apply a protectant on the dashboard, seats and steering wheel. The protectant saves your interior from cracking under the hot sun.

These are all great maintenance tips for your vehicle, and be sure to check your mailbox or our SERVICE SPECIALS page because you will often find coupons for these services around this time of year!

Happy traveling!

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Balise Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Don’t Text and Drive!

Written by Crystal Childs

As we all know, texting has become a main source of communication. For some, a necessity.  Teens started the trend and now, Moms, Dads and businesses are following suit. It’s a great way to keep in touch with your kids, as they are more likely to answer a text then to pick up their phone when it’s ringing or even listen to their voicemail. Businesses use it as the fastest way to get information to their customers.

However, when mixed with driving a vehicle, texting can be deadly. Some say texting while driving is worse than drunk driving and there have been many studies done to prove this. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has reported that texting while driving is two times more dangerous than drunk driving.

Photo courtesy of www.cfnews13.com

Luckily, one by one, house bills are being passed to ban texting while driving.

Cell phone companies have also joined the effort and are coming forward and spreading the word about the dangers of texting while driving. AT&T’s message is simple: “When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait.” AT&T continues to work with The Wireless Association, The National Safety Council and other third parties to support their efforts to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving. They have even created a facebook page dedicated to the effort. 

If you find that the buzz of your phone is just too tempting to ignore, you could try one of these applications:

Textecution™ : Once installed, Textecution™ sits quietly in the background and allows you to use your phone as you normally would. Once the program recognizes that your phone is traveling faster than 10mph, Textecution™ disables the phone’s texting feature so text messages cannot be sent or received. Once the phone is at rest, or traveling at a speed slower than 10mph, the texting feature seamlessly becomes available for use, and text messages may be sent or received. It looks like you’re able to purchase Textecution™, for a one time fee of $29.99.

Potential Problem: Your cell phone will be disabled if you are on a train, plane or in the back seat of an automobile. The application won’t be able to recognize if you are the driver or just a passenger.

Vlingo : The inventor of the mobile phone “voice user interface,” Vlingo delivers a voice interface and technology that allows you to instantly access services and content on your device. These services include the ability to send text and email messages, call contacts, search the Web, update your Facebook or Twitter status and much more by just speaking into their phone. Vlingo also offers (currently for Blackberry users only) SafeReader, a new feature that gives you an alternative way to read incoming text and email messages on the go! Rather than fumbling to retrieve and read messages while on the road, SafeReader reads them aloud so you never have to take your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. Vlingo offers a FREE version of this that only allows you to communicate with other Vlingo users. However they also offer the full program that allows you to communicate with all of your contacts for $4.99 a month or a one time fee of $19.99.

Potential Problem: You’re still using your cell phone. Therefore, you’re still distracted. Maybe not as distracted as you were without this application but maybe still enough to cause an accident.

Key2SafeDriving^TM: Key2SafeDriving^TM (K2SD), limits cell phone usage while driving by rerouting calls directly to voice mail and sends automated text message responses saying that the driver will respond when they have safely reached their destination. The software is a little bit more cumbersome than the previous alternatives. The system includes an Activator that needs to be installed in the OBD II port (under driver’s side dashboard) and costs a lot more at $99.95. However, this allows you to “Plug and Forget” as their site says, and it allows you to focus 100% on the road and on your driving. When you arrive at your destination you can check your messages.

Potential Problem: If you’re driving a rental or borrowing someone’s car, it won’t be effective.

Out of the three choices above, I choose to throw my phone in the back seat and forget about it. It’s free – it just takes will power.

Vehicle Pet Safety

By Crystal Childs

Should we buckle up our canines in the backseat of our vehicles? We often refer to our dogs as another child or at the very least a member of the family. Most of the time they get treated BETTER than members of our family. Well lets face it, they don’t talk back and they love us no matter what we do!

So if that’s the case, should Fido be buckled up in the backseat in the middle of  your two children? Bark Buckle UP seems to think so. According to them, when driving 35 mph, a 60-pound unrestrained dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield, or passenger. Even if the animal survives, it can impede the progress of rescue workers who need every moment possible to safely care for accident victims. Bark Buckle UP suggests using the Doggie Seat Belt (as seen on TV).

This year, the founder of Bark Buckle UP, Christina Selter,  awarded “Top Dog” Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice to the Ford Fusion.

The registered vehicles are evaluated on a variety of pet-related aspects, including how easily the vehicle accommodates animals and kennels of various sizes, ease of access to pet from within the vehicle, ease of pet entry and exit, ventilation for animals in the rear, as well as whether the vehicle has pet-friendly surfaces, adaptability for third party pet travel or safety gear. Ford received four out of the top ten honors for 2010 Pet Safe Vehicles of Choice List, including the Ford Transit Connect, Edge and Flex and the Lincoln MKT.

However, if buckling up your dog just doesn’t seem right to you then maybe you should try the Honda “Dog Friendly Element“. 

This vehicle is definitely for the dog enthusiast, including a stowable ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan, rear car kennel (where Fido can travel safely), kennel organizer, dog pattern seat covers, all-season dog bone floor mats, spill resistant water bowl, electric fan, tote bag, leash collar and dog tag, and a nifty bag dispenser for when Fido does his business.

It’s a fact that we do love our dogs and want them to be safe, I think we can all agree on that. So instead of letting Fido hang out the window with his tongue flapping in the wind buckle him up or have him travel safely in a kennel. This may not only save his life, but could save your life and possibly others as well.