The World’s Worst Drivers – Car Accident Statistics From Around the World

Author: David Halbert
Millions of Car Accidents occur worldwide every year, and the fatalities due to these accidents are also in the millions. Most of the time, it is somehow the driver who is responsible for the accident.

According to a Traffic Report by the WHO, road accidents kill more than 1.2 million people annually, and around fifty million people get injured or disabled. These numbers are increasing with the passage of years. Out of over 1.2 million worldwide, 90of the deaths are caused in the countries that have low or middle level incomes. Globally, more than half of the total accidents that occur are with drivers between the age of 15 and 44 years, and the drivers in more than 73of cases are males.

In the UK, the number of accidents has considerably decreased in percentage over the past four or five years. Recent reports show that the road accidents have decreased by one to two percent since the year 2006.

According to an estimate, the number of accidents every year in the US is more than six million. These accidents injure millions, while thousands of people are killed. The number of people killed in car accidents in the US is thirteen times that killed in the UK. However, this difference is not very dramatic as the US is 40 times the size of UK.

In the EU, the country with the highest number of Car accidents and fatalities is Italy followed by Poland. The UK also has a relatively high rate as compared to other EU countries. Around ten thousand car accidents occur in the UK each day, and most of these are the result of a mistake on the driver\'s part. Car accidents comprise more than 52of the total accidents in the EU.

Out of the total accidents in the EU, 67are in the urban areas and in 75of the total accidents, the driver is male. Young drivers between age 18 and 25 are involved in more than 21of the total accidents and fatalities. Research shows that most of the accidents occur due to reckless driving and intoxication. Other than this, there are large numbers of rollover accidents involving young adults and teenage drivers. The number of accidents due to intoxication is also increasing continuously. In the US, about 70 to 80 people die every day due to accidents related to alcohol.

In accidents in the EU and US, most the cars are insured, and Car Accident Compensation Claims can be made along with any Car Accident Injury claims. However, there are many countries where there is no insurance, and hence Car accident claims cannot be made. This is especially true for the low and medium income countries of Africa and Asia where accidents are in large percentages, and Car Accident Compensation Claims and Car Accident Injury Claims are not usually made.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/the-worlds-worst-drivers-car-accident-statistics-from-around-the-world-609862.html
About the Author
If you think you may be entitled to make a car accident claim, contact My Injury Lawyer for free help and advice.

Audi A4 and A6 Torque Converter Problems- ZF5HP19FL and FLA Transmissions

Author: Joe Sirugo
You are driving down the interstate on the way to visit an old friend. While you\'re listening to the radio and enjoying the open highway you suddenly feel something a little strange, perhaps like a slight engine surge. It does not happen again over the next half hour or so- you dismiss it as your imagination.

A little further along in your journey, you feel it again- this time it is accompanied by your check engine light illuminating. You feel a bit concerned, but the car isn\'t driving too badly, it just has this very occasional odd engine surge. Naturally, you decide to have it checked as soon as you get to where you are going. Here\'s what may be found...

As Audi\'s A4 and A6 models are starting to become a few years old, there are few problems that are being experienced with their transmissions. By far, the most common problem that is being seen at this point in time is an issue with the transmission\'s torque converter.

The problem typically starts with a check engine light coming on. While sometimes the actual drivability symptom is subtle, your vehicle\'s computer is able to detect it by comparing engine RPM with transmission input shaft RPM.

Often times, in addition to the light coming on, one will also notice an increase or fluctuation of RPM\'s at speeds above 45 miles per hour or so.

If access to a scan toll is available, either a VAG or Snap-on type with the correct European vehicle software, codes can be retrieved from the vehicle\'s computer in most cases.

Some of the codes that are normally found in the system include a code 18032 which is a MIL light request. This code simply means that the vehicle\'s computer has detected a problem and has illuminated the malfunction indicator light to let the driver know that something is amiss. This is a not so subtle warning to get the vehicle checked out.

The next two codes give a better indication of what the problem actually is. The first code that is often seen is a code 17125- torque converter clutch circuit performance. This code is set by the computer commanding converter clutch application but not seeing the appropriate drop in RPM that is associated with proper converter apply. Quite simply, the torque converter\'s clutch is slipping.

The second code that is usually observed is an OBD P0741- torque converter clutch stuck off. Similar to the previous code, excessive converter slippage is seen by the vehicle\'s computer. This code, however, usually results in the computer disabling the converter clutch\'s application altogether in an attempt to protect the transmission from further damage. All of this is usually going to require replacement of the torque converter.

Here\'s the nuts and bolts technical explanation of the root causes: ZF and Audi\'s original converter design utilized two rubber seals inside of the torque converter that were of questionable quality.

The two seals are responsible for sealing the hydraulic pressure that allows the torque converter clutch to engage and hold. One of the seals is a 'lip' type that seals on the transmission input shaft and the other 'o' ring type seal seals against the piston.

The material originally used was not up to the task when it came to dealing with the tremendous heat and pressure that occurs inside of a torque converter. Although Audi did release a second design input shaft lip seal, failures have been observed with those as well.

When the hydraulic pressure that is required to allow converter clutch application cannot be contained because of the faulty seals, the clutch will start to slip and usually destroy itself before too long.

When looking for a replacement converter to purchase from a remanufacturer, it is often helpful to ask them a few questions about their rebuilding procedures.

First off, you will want to find out if they are installing the latest design level seals as part of their torque converter rebuild- using original type seals will work for a while but will eventually lead to another premature failure. There now aftermarket replacements for these components that seem to be far superior to the factory parts.

Secondly, you will surely want to ask if the clutch itself is getting replaced. Believe it or not, this is not a given with some suppliers. The clutches in these particular units are of a multi-disk configuration. Replacing this entire multi disk set up is quite labor intensive and requires not only special tools but also a high level of skill- make sure your converter rebuilding company has both!

Naturally you will also want your rebuilder to replace any other components that normally wear out such as washers, bearings, one way clutches, and spline inserts. Most of the quality converter manufacturers will also pressure test and dynamically balance the unit once it is in the final stage of the rebuilding process.

Taking the time to find out that the job is getting done correctly is absolutely critical. As with any type of rebuilt or remanufactured automotive component, there can be varying levels of quality. With over 11 hours of labor involved in removing and reinstalling your A4 or A6\'s ZF5HP19 FLA transmission to replace the converter, it is surely a job that you will not want to do or have done more than once.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/audi-a4-and-a6-torque-converter-problems-zf5hp19fl-and-fla-transmissions-350850.html
About the Author
Joe Sirugo is co-owner of Trans Specialties and has been in the transmission repair industry for over 20 years

Petrol Engine Versus Diesel Engine

Author: Carazoo.com
The choice between Petrol cars and Diesel cars is highly debated right from the inception of these two engine types. There have been endless discussions on this topic among car enthusiasts across the world including India. This article is dedicated to comparing these two most famous engine variations.

Differences Between Petrol and Diesel Engines

The most distinguishing feature of the diesel engine is that it uses compression ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber during the final stage of compression. In a diesel engine, fuel is injected at high pressure into the hot, compressed air in the cylinder, which causes it to burn and no spark is required for this. Thus, “compression ignition' is done rather than 'spark ignition'. The petrol engine is known as a “spark ignition” engine.

The Petrol engine uses the Otto cycle in which a fuel/air mixture is ignited by a spark plug. The air and fuel mixture when ignited by a spark burns and thereby expands to force the piston down. In case of a petrol engine, fuel and air are pre-mixed usually before compression. Earlier the pre-mixing used to be done in a carburetor but now (except in the smallest engines) electronically-controlled fuel injection is used for this. The pre-mixing of fuel and air makes a petrol engine to run at a much higher speed than a diesel. However, it severely limits their compression, and thus efficiency.

Diesel engines offer better fuel efficiency when compared to petrol due to the fact that they have higher compression ratio. Another advantage is that, a diesel engine can be more easily turbocharged than a petrol engine because of the fact that if the compression ratio and the pressure in the cylinder are high during the inlet stroke, the mixture starts to burn to soon, while the piston is on its way up. The diesel engine has no fuel in the cylinder and thus allows the turbocharger to suck as much air as it can without creating any problem.

The higher compression ratio is helpful in raising fuel efficiency. Diesel engines are much more efficient than petrol engines when at low power and at engine idle. Diesel engines, unlike the petrol engine, lack a butterfly valve (throttle) in the inlet system, which closes at idle. This creates parasitic loss and destruction of availability of the incoming air, reducing the efficiency of petrol/gasoline engines at idle. This mechanism makes the diesel engine an attractive choice for many. Diesel engines are left idle for many hours or sometimes days in many applications, such as marine, agriculture, and railways. The engines are more efficient when compared to petrol engines of the same power. They consume significantly lower fuel and offer better mileage.

A diesel engine can relatively last longer, due to the fact that petrol destroys lubrication and diesel doesn’t. While all the above support diesel engines, a major advantage of petrol engines is that they are relatively lighter than diesel engines. Engine weight is an important factor which affects speed and performance of a car. This is one of the reasons why some of the fastest cars in the world run on petrol. It should be noted that even though diesel engines are heavier and make the automobile heavy, they have more torque.

Engines and Emissions

Diesel engines consume around 30less fuel than petrol engines and this results in much lesser carbon dioxide emissions. The diesel engines produce virtually no carbon monoxide and are much safer than petrol engines. Tests done on car emissions reveal that while Nitrogen Oxides are higher in a new diesel engine when compared to a new petrol engine. But by the time they cover 50,000 miles or so, they are the same and after that the petrol engine produces more Oxides than the diesel engine. Hydrocarbon emissions contained in petrol engine emissions are considerably more than that in diesel engine emissions. However, diesel is certainly more dangerous from the point of view of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM). SPM refers to solid particles suspended in open air, such as soot generated by combustion of various fuels. They might cause respiratory problems because of their tendency to deposit themselves in the lungs. Though much has been done to improve the fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from the petrol engine, still more needs to be done.

In India, diesel is much cheaper than petrol. Ironically, diesel cars are more expensive than petrol cars.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/petrol-engine-versus-diesel-engine-755760.html
About the Author
Carazoo.com is India’s first car portal that provides 360 exterior and interior car animations of Cars in India and Used Cars or Second Hand Cars for all car models available in India.

BMW 'No Reverse' Transmission Problem

Author: Joe Sirugo
An automatic transmission is just that- automatic, consequently most people tend to pay very little attention to it until a major problem rears its ugly head.

Picture the scenario- you are driving along in the lap of luxury, the satellite radio blaring and the heated seats on. You have become accustomed to the comfort level and great driving experience brought to you by BMW.

You decide to stop at the local convenience store on your way home to grab some ice cream for the kids and a bottle of water for yourself. Upon returning to your car, you start it up, check your rear view mirror, put the shifter in reverse and then the unthinkable happens- the engine just revs as if it is in neutral and the car goes nowhere!

This article deals with the reasons behind an unexpected loss of reverse in certain BMW automatic transmission equipped vehicles, specifically the 3 series and 5 series vehicles that use the ZF5HP19 or steptronic transmission. This includes the popular 323i, 323ci, 325i, 328i, 330i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3 and X5 models well as some others built in the 1999 to present model years.

To eliminate confusion, this does not apply to vehicles equipped with the GM 5L40 E transmission, just the ones with the sometimes problematic ZF5HP19. The 5L40 E has some issues of its own that are beyond the scope of this article but are certainly going to be the subject of another.

The failure rate for these transmissions seems to be very high and is expected to become much more of a problem as time goes by.

Typically, the vehicle is working perfectly while driving forward but when it is put in reverse there is a complete and permanent loss of movement to back up.

Reverse is typically a major feat for any transmission to accomplish- imagine the demands that are placed on a gearbox as it is asked to reverse the torque of your engine so that you can back up your nearly 4000 pound vehicle.

By far, the most common cause of the reverse problem in BMW\'s is the failure of the D-G clutch drum. Specifically, the snap ring that retains the D or reverse clutch breaks out of the clutch drum resulting in an inability for the clutch pack to apply.

The good news is that there is hope in regards to a proper repair. The factory has released an updated part that so far appears to be a permanent fix for this problem.

In our testing and in conjunction with several hundred successful repairs at our facilities, the new part seems to be metallurgically superior in several ways.

We have found that there is an improved radius area as well as slightly thicker casting. In addition to this, the grove that retains the snap ring is also relocated further away from the edge of the drum.

With this issue addressed and attention to detail in several other areas of the ZF5HP19 unit, the transmission can be repaired to 'better than new' condition by a competent transmission rebuilder / remanufacturer. In fact, when properly repaired, the ZF gearbox becomes quite robust and can provide an almost indefinite service life.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/bmw-no-reverse-transmission-problem-274672.html
About the Author
Joe Sirugo is co-owner of Trans Specialties and has been in the transmission repair industry for over 20 years

Rain Guards and Vent Shades – Vital Car Accessories

Author: Byron Jonas
If you are a person that likes driving with the glass windows of your car down, vent shades is the ideal motor accessory for you. By using different kinds of car accessory, you can drive happily by lowering the windows, no matter whatever is the weather outside. Vent shades easily protects the gap of the window from wind, sleet, snow and rain and are regarded as the right car accessory for those who prefer driving by enjoying the fresh air.
The importance of ventshades is also felt by those who have a habit of smoking while driving. By installing a vent shade one can pass the smoke easily through the window. Another benefit of vent shades is it does not allow the smoke to remain inside the car making people sitting at the back comfortable.
Adding style with Vent Visors
Despite of the functional benefits, this car accessory is also an important car accessory. No matter whether you buy chrome, black or smoked vent visor it helps in improving the look of the car without affecting its original design.
Added advantages of Vent shades
Just imagine a picture for a second that you are driving in a splendid day when the sun is bright by lowering the windows and enjoying the fresh air. Just imagine, at this moment if without any prior warning, the skies starts moving in a swift manner and it starts raining. At the initial stage, it might be raining swiftly but as the time passes it starts raining heavily.
As soon as it will start raining heavily you will have to shut the windows so that the interior part of the car would not get wet. The problem that you face during this time is you will no more enjoy fresh air. On the contrary, if you have installed rain guards or wind deflectors in your car you can protect the interior of the vehicle from getting wet.
These accessories are very convenient and useful car accessory. If you use a vent shade in your car, you can easily lower the glasses of the windows even if it is raining outside. Just imagine that you are driving your car by closing all the windows closed when it\'s raining outside. In this situation you will miss the beautiful scenery covered with fog. Vent visors also prevents the fog to accumulate on the windows which will make your driving easy.
Choosing Vent Shades
As vent visors are growing in popularity they are available in different types of colors, designs and styles. There are many people who opt for the custom made visors which are designed mainly according to the specific model of the vehicle. For instance, you can invest in the vent shades for the trucks; vent shades by Hyundai, Toyota vent shades and many more.
Installing Vent Shades
One of the best things about the vent shades are they can be simply attached to the vehicle. It is not necessary that all vent shades will require complex fittings and drillings. Generally, the rain guards are clipped into the desired position by using a tape which is generally provided along with the visors.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/rain-guards-and-vent-shades-vital-car-accessories-5389156.html
About the Author
Byron Jonas recommends the right <a target='_new' href='http://www.allvehicleaccessories.com.au/'>vehicle accessories</a> for people who love traveling by car. He thinks <a target='_new' href='http://www.allvehicleaccessories.com.au/rhino-roof-racks-and-accessories/945'>Rhino heavy duty racks</a> are a great option for them.

How Brake Cleaner Works

Author: Magnus
When you drive down the road, your car is subjected to plenty of grime and dust. Combine this with the dust from your brakes, collected old brake fluid, and plenty of friction, and you have recipe for gunk. This gunk sets up shop around your brakes, making it impossible for your brakes to do their job correctly. And we all know their job is very important. Fixing this problem is easy though, with a little brake cleaner.

Brake Cleaner- Cleaning Your Brakes

Unlike other lengthy do-it-yourself projects you may have done on your car, applying brake cleaner is a fast and easy process. You don\'t have to remove very many items to get to the brakes, and there is little to no preparation time required. As long as you know how to change a tire, you will be fine.

Once you have your cleaner, you can find all the other tools you will need to use in your garage or tool shed. Here are the steps required for applying the cleaner and the tools you will need to do the job.

• Make sure the car is in ‘park\' if it is an automatic and in gear if it is a stick shift.
• Apply the emergency brake.
• Place a concrete block or a brick on the opposite tire. (For instance, if you are taking off the left front tire, place a block behind the right back tire.)
• Use a tire iron to loosen each wheel lug on the tire. You do not want to take them completely off, just loosen them.
• Place your jack under the car. Each car is different, so you will need to consult your owner\'s manual if you aren\'t sure where to place the jack under your car.
• Raise the jack until is makes contact with the frame of the car. Continue raising it until the tire is completely off the ground.
• Remove the wheel lugs completely and store them close by. Make sure they are in a secure location, where they can not roll under the car or get lost easily.
• Remove the tire completely.

Qualitry Brake Cleaner- You should now be able to easily see the car\'s braking system. Check the brakes for dirt and fluid build up. If you see any, spray the brake cleaner on it to effectively remove anything clogging up your brakes. This excess has to go somewhere, so make sure to place a pan underneath the brakes to catch all that grime. Be sure to check with local regulations. The area where you live may have certain laws that require special containers be used to dispose of excess cleaner.

You may also want to wear gloves and goggles for this part to prevent any of the cleaner from coming into contact with your skin and to keep dirt out of your eyes. When you are done, you can replace the tire, tighten the wheel lugs, and let down the jack.

You can use the brake cleaner whenever your car is due for a tune up. This will help your brakes function better on the road. You can also use this cleaner when it is time to work on the brakes or replace them. If you clean them first, you will have an easier time seeing any problems that need addressed. Cheap Brake Cleaner
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-brake-cleaner-works-5389460.html
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