Auto Tech - Progressive Insurance Blogs

Boat Gadgets Take Tech to the Water

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

As more people discover the joys of boat ownership, the desire for gadgets and equipment to have on board grows, too. Now more than ever, the boating world is proving that car drivers don't have an exclusive on tech gadgetry.

Curbing Emissions Takes Center Stage

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 EST

In the last few months, worldwide, federal, and state initiatives have placed an emissions control challenge to automakers: Cut emissions significantly going forward. The new initiatives focus squarely on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2).

New York Auto Show Highlights

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:00:00 EST

Automakers used the recent 2009 New York International Auto Show to roll out new models loaded with the latest technology features and to introduce energy-efficient concept vehicles that your children will drive.

X-Ray Vision While You Drive

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST

To address blind spots, automakers are turning to technology-based solutions. One interesting approach, still in the experimental stage, renders a vehicle's frame transparent, allowing drivers to "see" through a car's pillars and dashboard.

Motorcycle Gear Improves Safety

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST

Motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket customization shops — even apparel and helmet makers — are finding ways to introduce products that offer head-turning aesthetic appeal while reducing the accident factor of the ride.

Podcast: 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST

What was unusual about the 2009 North American International Auto Show (The Detroit Auto Show's formal name) was the level of interest in green cars: hybrids, electrics and low-emission diesels. Nearly half the major introductions involved green vehicles.

Safer Texting and Calling While Driving

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST

If you want to curb the potentially dangerous behavior of texting while driving, technology solutions are emerging that leverage the GPS, accelerometer or other capabilities of mobile phones to provide a level of control.

Best of: Manual Vs. Automatic Transmissions

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

New developments in manual transmissions offer more options for drivers, including a hybrid that provides both automatic and manual shifting.

Best of: Why Can't I Get the Kind of Mileage on the Window Sticker?

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

The government has introduced new fuel economy ratings that are more accurate. We make them easy to understand.

Match the Right Tire Technology to Your Driving

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

Tires make a big, if unexciting, difference in your car's performance and safety, especially in the rain, slush and snow of the winter months. For that reason, buying a second set of tires for winter driving may be a good investment.

Do More Gears Mean Better Fuel Economy?

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

It's no longer a given that an automatic transmission will be less efficient than a manual. Now, it's possible to have as many as eight forward gears, and more gears on automatics than manuals.

Improving Safety in Side Impacts

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

To improve side-impact safety, carmakers face a serious hurdle in terms of crash dynamics. Here are some technologies on the horizon that can help protect people from side-impact collisions.

Are Biodegradable Cars Next?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

Automakers are increasingly incorporating environmentally friendly materials into their designs that have the added benefit of improving fuel economy.

Latest Technology Helps Drivers Avoid Traffic Tie-Ups

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

The capability of getting real-time traffic information to drivers is just beginning to emerge. Currently available and future systems can provide near-instantaneous reporting on slowdowns, and deliver more accurate predictions of future traffic conditions by using sophisticated historical analysis.

Fill It Up with Water?

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST

Who wouldn't be interested in swapping water for gas as the way to run their car? The basic idea behind a water-fueled car is to tap the inherent energy in water.

Gas Prices Drive Interest in Direct-injection Engines

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

The high price of gasoline in the United States is motivating domestic and import-brand automakers to introduce newly developed, fuel-efficient, direct-injection gasoline engines in the U.S. market over the next few years.

Hypermiling: A new approach to combating gas woes

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

With prices at the pump squeezing budgets, some drivers are taking a new approach when it comes to what's called hypermiling, which is the implementation of simple but effective driving techniques to get the very most mileage out of your vehicle.

Not Your Father's Motorcycle

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

Thanks to soaring gas prices, customers are flocking to the motorcycle shop more than ever these days — there's been a 20 percent increase in store traffic recently. The reason of the uptake in interest: There are clear cost-savings advantages.

Keeping Solar Accessories Powered Up

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

In the near future, solar panels built into car roofs will charge the car when it's parked at shopping malls. And a bit further into the future, they'll even help provide power when you're under way. Meanwhile, enjoy these accessories.

Robocars: Are Self-Driving Cars Next?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

When it comes to cars that drive themselves, science fiction may have over-promised, as there is a long, rich history of imagination to catch up with. However, progress is being made to a point where successful demonstrations continue to push the envelope.

Head-Up Displays (HUDs)

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

One way to deal with driver distractions is to place, right in front of you, only the most important information — such as the fact that you're inadvertently going 5 mph over the limit — using a head-up display, or HUD.

Blind Spots and Lane Changes

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

How can blind spots and lane drifting be overcome? Automotive engineers have been hard at work on both problems, with technology that can warn you if the lane beside you is occupied or if you're beginning to drift out of your lane.

The Greening of Ethanol

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Recent developments indicate that ethanol, the most available alternative to gasoline, can overcome some of its drawbacks and production challenges. But first, for those trying to keep their biofuels straight, just what is ethanol?

Intelligent Vehicles: Raising Your Car’s IQ

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

The U.S. DOT wants to bring driver assistance systems to market that would provide better hazard information from multiple sensors (forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane change warning and curve speed warning), along with warnings to reduce driver distractions.

Safe Convertibles: The Next Generation

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

For as long as convertibles have existed, the safety of the occupants, particularly in a rollover, has been a concern. Enthusiastic buyers are pushing manufacturers to come up with new designs all the time. To meet this demand, manufacturers are taking advantage of new and stronger materials, innovative designs and a number of auto safety features found in hardtop cars to deliver the next generation of safer convertibles.

RV Accoutrements Go Upscale

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Today’s high-end RV coaches can often be described as mansions on wheels. There’s no limit to what manufacturers can pack into an RV. Here are some items RV owners are adding to their luxury RVs.

Child-Proofing Your Car

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

New technology is making its way into car seats and air bag systems to better protect child riders.

Get Prepared for National Safety Month

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

June is National Safety Month, and these online resources provide driving safety tips and a wealth of state-by-state information about the legality of using new technologies in your car.

Not Your Father's Truck

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

New trucks keep their macho image while adding driver conveniences, better entertainment systems, improved navigation and additional safety features.

Navigation in the Palm of your Hand

Tue, 27 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

Why buy an in-car navigation system? Your cell phone may have everything you need. Better yet, you pay only when you use it and it updates itself automatically.

Your Car's Wireless Network: Not Just for Phones Any More

Tue, 20 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

Today's cars that can "talk" back and forth with wireless devices offer safer, higher-quality, hands-free, voice-controlled operation, at a fraction of the cost of earlier technologies.

New York Auto Show: The Power of Green

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

Billed as an ode to performance cars, the early spring New York show was also an environmental statement. Many of the cars getting world debuts in New York were performance minded but they were balanced out by the wide variety of hybrid, electric, hydrogen and clean diesel vehicles on display.

Running on Biodiesel: What You Need to Know

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

One alternate source of fuel that has captured the public's attention is biodiesel. With biodiesel, you can save money, support the U.S. economy and reduce your carbon footprint. With this new interest, the American Society for Testing and Materials International has set values for the properties of the different types of biodiesel fuels. This includes common blends like B5, B10 and B20.

The Rise of the Digital Dummy

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Virtual models of humans are being used to improve auto designs and test auto safety features. The combination of ever-more complex computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations, new high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and significantly more sophisticated digital computer models of driver and passenger dummies (so-called virtual crash test dummies) may enable automakers to produce safer cars.

Active Cruise Control: A Smart, Safe Choice

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Active Cruise Control (ACC), also known as adaptive or intelligent cruise control, systems use either radar or a light beam, along with software, to maintain a preset speed in relation to traffic and changing conditions. ACC allows the vehicle to change speeds as needed — without driver intervention.

Continuously Variable Transmissions: the Next Generation

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Cars equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offer better fuel efficiency, a smoother ride and better acceleration from smaller engines.

High-Performance Halogen Headlights

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:01:00 EST

Replacing your existing halogen headlight bulbs with high-performance replacement bulbs can increase night visibility and safety.

A New Twist on Electric Vehicles: Battery Rentals

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Start-up Project Better Place plans to establish a network of charging spots and battery exchange stations where workers will replace spent batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.

Electric Cars: Is the Time Finally Right?

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

For most motorists — such as commuters who drive 40 miles or less per day to work, households with multiple vehicles and urban dwellers who rarely take long trips — an electric vehicle (EV) makes a lot of sense. Is an electric car right for you?

Manual Vs. Automatic Transmissions

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

New developments in manual transmissions offer more options for drivers, including a hybrid that provides both automatic and manual shifting.

Think Safety: Tech Gadgets for Your Car

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

Here's a roundup of car-oriented tools that deserve your serious consideration.

Tire Maintenance Can Enhance Performance

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

Having the right tires and ensuring that they're inflated properly goes a long way toward maximizing your vehicle's safety, performance and fuel efficiency.

iCar Rumors Spark Driver Interest

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Why spend the night at an ordinary hotel when you can stay at one of America's fabulous eco-adventure resorts? With activities ranging from white-water rafting to sport fishing, these resorts combine adventure-filled days with relaxed evenings in unique natural settings.

HD Radio: It's Better, But Is It Compelling?

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

More than 1,000 radio stations have taken the HD Radio plunge, offering better sound and more channels within the same frequency allocation. At this stage, however, consumer interest is low.

At the Detroit Auto Show, the Future Looks Hybrid

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

This year's North American International Auto Show highlighted fuel efficiency, concept cars and vehicles from Asian automakers.

Products for Customizing Your Car

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

What's a computer company doing inside my dashboard? Making beautiful music, among others things. Consider Sync, an alliance between Microsoft and Ford that puts two popular features into a dozen Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models in 2008: Bluetooth, for safer, hands-free cell phone calling, and a music connection for iPods and other music players.

Technology Drives Cars to the Forefront at CES

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a leading indicator that TVs will get bigger, the price of personal GPS (global positioning system) units will fall further, and cars will be safer and more entertaining. Here's what happened of interest at CES 2008 in the automotive world.

Dashboard Delights: The Sync Music Player

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Safety First: Securing Your Mobile Office

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

If you transmit business documents from your car, you should follow these tried-and-true safety precautions.

Gadgets to Outfit Your Mobile Office

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Mobile professionals make use of innovative tech tools to help them work productively in their cars

Is Night Vision the Right Choice for Your Vehicle?

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

No matter how many carrots you eat, you will never see in the dark as well as high-tech infrared systems from Mercedes and BMW.

How to Counteract Drowsy Driving

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Don't drive drowsy! But, if you do have to drive when you're tired, be sure you know the warning signs — and the techniques and technologies you can use to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Automatic Crash Notification Keeps Panic Factor Down

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Automatic crash notification systems provide daily peace of mind — and once-in-a-lifetime life-saving possibilities.

Auto Security Systems

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Plenty of products and services can help you protect and monitor your vehicle.

Why and How to Put the Brakes on Distracted Driving

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Why multitasking and driving at the same time is a bad idea.

Why Can't I Get the Kind of Mileage on the Window Sticker?

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

The government has introduced new fuel economy ratings that are more accurate. We make them easy to understand.

Hands-Free Phoning & Navigation

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

With a range of up to 30 feet, Bluetooth technology provides a wireless link between devices, making them ideal for hands-free in-car use. Some points to consider include compatibility, functionality and price.

Portable Navigation Systems: Getting a Sense of Direction

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

Better directions. Remarkable convenience. Fewer arguments. These are just a few of the benefits provided by car navigation systems. Learn what they can do for you.

Enjoying the Ride With iPod Video

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

This rear-seat entertainment system can provide your children — and you — with an alternative to, "Are we there yet?"

Hybrids: Need-to-Know Info

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST

Today’s hybrid vehicles offer fuel efficiency, fast payback...

In-Car DVD Options: The Pros and Cons

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST

A rear-seat entertainment system can keep children amused — and parents relaxed — on long journeys.