Potholes located on the streets around my town have more than once had me questioning my decision of having aftermarket wheels on my car. I’ve already had to get one of my wheels unbent and boy is that a pain in the ass. I don’t really blame my town as there everytime I’m out driving I see a crew of men working frantically to fill the pothole.

Enter ‘The Pothole Killer’ a truck outfitted with an asphalt spraying rig that is controlled by the driver with a joystick. As said in the above video, this truck makes filling potholes much more efficient and not to mention easier on the taxpayers pockets. Apparantly, in the D.C. district it costs the taxpayers $70 to fill just 1 pothole but with ‘The Pothole Killer’? $3.

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Groups such as the American Trucking Association have supported the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 resulting in safer highways, cleaner air and less costly freight transportation. The bill authorizes states to allow the operation of trucks on the Interstate Highway System with a gross weight of 97,000 pounds. Current law limits the weight of 5-axle trucks traveling on the Interstate System to 80,000 pounds.

The legislation requires that trucks operating above 80,000 pounds must add a sixth axle to compensate for the extra weight. The extra axle adds two more brakes, preventing an increase in stopping distances, and avoids additional pavement damage.

Most importantly, the operation of this new, more efficient vehicle will allow trucking companies to deliver the nation’s freight while making fewer trips. The result will be a reduction in the number of truck-involved crashes, less fuel use — and thus reduced emissions and carbon — and less congestion on our crowded highways. Fewer miles traveled also means less pavement damage, lowering highway maintenance costs.

The bill requires states to report safety and infrastructure cost impacts to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who is authorized to discontinue operations in a state if safety problems are detected.

(Source) Press

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With April being tagged as National Car Care Month, Subaru of America has pledged its support for the nationwide month-long program focusing on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. To celebrate the occasion, participating Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections to Subaru owners, emphasizing items that affect fuel economy and offering driving tips for optimizing fuel mileage.

“April is always a good time to assess any needed maintenance or repairs resulting from winter driving, and to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer travel,” notes Jim Sinclair, Vice President, Service, Subaru of America, Inc. “And in today’s economy, the increased fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs that come with a well-maintained vehicle are more important than ever.”

To help owners get the best possible fuel mileage, dealers will be performing the “MPG Inspection.” While the vehicles will receive a thorough check-up of all major operating systems, the MPG (”Maintenance Preserves Gas”) Inspection puts extra emphasis on the systems that directly impact fuel mileage. Drivers will receive a written report on the vehicle’s condition plus helpful driving tips for maximizing fuel efficiency.

(Source) Press

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Consumers may be shying away or are trying to avoid purchasing a new car and most likely, they are exhausting all means to try and improve their current vehicle in tow. April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. Most motorists would like to add years of reliable life to their vehicle and, during these uncertain economic times, they are looking for the best value when it comes to auto repair, according to the Car Care Council.

“The economy is on everyone’s mind these days and National Car Care month is the perfect time to remind car owners that putting off vehicle maintenance now can lead to more extensive repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

R.L. Polk & Co. recently reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008. “This trend, coupled with the current economic environment, has led motorists to seek affordable vehicle maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe working order,” said White. “Because value is on the minds of most Americans, many are turning to their local repair shop for maintenance and service.”

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

(Source) Press

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