Proven automotive safety technology is a wonderful thing especially when it’s required as a standard feature on new models. It might slightly raise the price of each vehicle, but it’s definitely one less feature to worry or negotiate about. Many features are currently required, such as tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and dual front airbags.
Things are different for electronic stability control, side airbags, anti-lock brakes, rearview cameras and active head restraints, among other components. None of these are currently required. However, some of these features will soon be required by regulation and some likely will be needed to meet safety performance requirements. Here are some regularly mentioned safety systems and the government regulations or requirements surrounding them. (Government decisions are subject to change. Don’t be shocked if dates for some yet-to-be-required systems are pushed back a year or two. )
Tire-pressure monitoring systems, or TPMS give a warning when one or more tires are radically under-inflated. This system has been required on all cars since the 2008 model year.
Electronic stability control (often abbreviated ESC, but also called by a host of other names and acronyms) will be required on most 2011 vehicles and all 2012 model-year vehicles. ESC has been optional or standard equipment on some cars for more than a decade. ESC uses a sophisticated computer system to sense when a vehicle is about to spin out or plow straight off a slippery road. In such situations, the computer will apply brakes at individual wheels and, possibly, reduce engine power. Many drivers won’t even notice the butt-saving they just received.
Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are part of a package. In other words, while not specifically required, everything needed to make ABS work is part of the ESC system. It would require some skillful programming to not have ABS. It’s not unfair to say ABS will be required on all 2012 vehicles.
New Federal regulations for active head restraints, designed to reduce neck injuries, began to take effect in 2009 and will be in full force by late 2011. However, passing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test and earning its Top Safety Pick award is just as important to some carmakers. It’s feasible to both meet the law and pass the IIHS test without active head restraints. However, many consumers can’t find a comfortable driving position with the resulting devices. The bottom line: Active head restraints won’t be mandated by law (or required to pass the IIHS test), but carmakers may find they have to employ them to produce a comfortable vehicle. (Active head restraints use the force of a rear-end collision to move the head restraint toward the occupant’s head.)
Front airbags for the driver and front passenger airbags have been a government requirement since 1998. The government isn’t specifically requiring side-curtain or side-impact airbags. Rather, it has created new side-impact tests. The new tests include more sensitive crash-test dummies, smaller dummies to represent shorter people, and a crash that simulates sliding sideways into a tree or utility pole. The new crash standards go into full effect starting with 2012 model-year vehicles. To get top ratings on these tests, manufacturers may be required to fit both types of these airbags and make other modifications, such as increase door structure. The answer: not required, but might as well be. One benefit of side impact airbags and side-curtain airbags is that they will also help protect occupants of automobiles struck by large sport-utility vehicles or pickups.
Legislation passed in 2008, called the “Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act,” requires car manufacturers to install rearview cameras or sonar sensing systems that warn drivers of objects in the blind spots behind them. Specific enforcement dates and regulations have not been drafted. Versions of rearview cameras or the sonar-based sensing systems currently available on many vehicles will likely meet the law’s requirements. In the relatively near future, a “rearview camera” or “sonar rear sensing system” will be featured on every new vehicle. While the feature has very definite, positive benefits, it doesn’t preclude us from turning around and looking before backing out.
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Have you always had a passion for cars? And often thought of having your own business? The time is now to check out the many automotive franchise opportunities available with little start up investment and plenty of rewarding benefits. The number of franchises is increasing as more consumers realize the great earning potential and appeal of becoming a business owner. There are many automotive franchises available catering to various kinds of car maintenance, repair and sales depending on your individual preference and interest.
With franchise opportunities ranging from windshield repair, oil changes, auto parts and even automotive insurance, there is sure to be one that is right for you. While there are several considerations in determining which automotive franchise would be the most suitable, the benefits of purchasing your own franchise are clearly favorable. Just imagine how satisfying it would be to go to work each day knowing that you are your own boss and the business that you operate is your own.
Which Automotive Franchise is the One for You?
There are many factors that might be important as you decide if an automotive franchise is the kind of business that you want to purchase. If you enjoy the busy shop atmosphere and have a special interest in cars and the many aspects of the automotive industry, a franchise in which you can invest and build a solid, long-lasting business that is car-related, may be the one you are looking for.
As well as the general type of franchise, you may also want to know what kind of investment and initial start-up costs are associated with purchasing an auto franchise. Many of the top car franchises available require minimal up front costs. For example, a Novus Glass Windshield Repair franchise has initial investment costs starting at only $14,900. This is very affordable and provides limited risk when you consider the popularity of this kind of franchise and the potential business and profit as it grows over time. If you are more interested in automotive accessories, you could purchase a Millennium Plus franchise in which you become a GPS distributor with an initial investment of just $10,000 and you can even run your business from your own home!
While there are many automotive franchises available at very reasonable investment costs, there are also plenty of other franchises that offer solid and proven earning potential with the added assurance of owning your own business and boasting a brand name service. The initial start-up costs may vary but the decision to become a franchise owner puts you in a very advantageous position from day one. Since today’s consumer often seeks businesses with familiar names and a good reputation, a franchise may be a wise investment since the brand name provides an immediate client base. Although there is definitely a great deal of work and determination necessary to build your franchise into a strong and thriving venture, you need not start from scratch as you would with a non-franchise business.
Other Important Considerations
Deciding on the particular auto franchise may be one of your first considerations but learning about various other aspects of having your own business may be just as important. Being a franchise owner has a number of benefits. From taking advantage of the franchise name, to the potential income potential, the benefits are many.
When you purchase an automotive franchise, you automatically access a complete and proven business operating system that covers virtually all aspects of operating that particular franchise. Essentially, the framework is already in place and the franchise will provide extensive instruction and support before, during and after your purchase. After all, it is their name and reputation that comes with your franchise and all legitimate franchisors want to ensure that your business represents their company in a strong and positive way. Their ongoing interest and training keeps you on top of the latest franchise information and up-to-date with any changes or new company initiatives.
Franchise owners pay pre-determined “royalties” to the franchisors depending on the size and income related to the car franchise. Before purchasing your own, make sure that you discuss all these operating details and get it in writing. Reputable franchisors will have no issues in providing this information and will be very willing to explain the system fully and answer any questions that you may have about any of the business aspects of your auto franchise. There are also some legal considerations as well and these should be reviewed carefully as you decide whether your own automotive franchise is the business for you.
Location is another consideration that may be crucial in determining if a car franchise is feasible as well. Some of the current franchises available may be operated from your own home. So you must decide whether you have adequate space and if it would be possible to run your own business with your home as central base. Some of the bigger franchises require a larger location that would not be appropriate as a home based business. Automotive franchises such as a Meineke Car Care Center or Eagle Transmission involve greater space requirements and significant amounts of equipment that would simply not be suitable for a business at home.
Something to Think About
Is an automotive franchise in your future? The benefits are clear as the strong base and proven potential for success in franchise ownership in the industry gains attention worldwide. Making the decision to purchase your own franchise is indeed a huge responsibility but it may also be the answer to your desire to experience business ownership and the ability to work for yourself.
Ultimately, an automotive franchise has many attractive features and it is definitely a franchise that could generate a significant amount of business since most consumers own or operate vehicles. So, the need is there. An automotive franchise may be a great way to tap into that earning potential. If becoming a business owner in the automotive industry appeals to you, a franchise may be exactly the way to a bright and profitable future!
Research automotive franchise opportunities, including franchises for sale, at Franchise Gator!
Most of us spend much of our day in our vehicles traveling from “Point A” to “Point B”. In most cases we are commuting to and from work. Others travel for a living and constantly find themselves on the road. We leave before the sun comes up and get back home after dark. I personally travel on average, close to 14 hours per week. Statistics show I’m on the lower end as many of you spend upwards of 20 hours per week inside your car or truck. That is nearly 1000 hours per year behind the wheel.
When we spend that amount of time doing something, problems are bound to arise. Are you prepared should you come up against a flat tire or engine trouble? Worse yet, what if something happens in a “not so safe” part of town. Would you have the ability to protect yourself and family?
Every vehicle should have a few key self defense products and safety items. The items I’m speaking about are inexpensive, but you can’t put a price tag on these types of items. In today’s society, it is becoming necessary to carry self defense weapons such as pepper spray or personal alarms.
One item you should make sure you have in every vehicle you own is an automotive safety kit; we thave a very complete car safety kit put together and manufactured by the American Red Cross.
This safety kit contains twelve essential items you need (or will wish you had) in any emergency. The automotive emergency tool is a multi-function glass break hammer, seat belt cutter and flashlight all in one! An easy-start battery charger will recharge your dead car battery using your cigarette lighter. No need to go under the hood! A reflective safety vest and triangle will ensure oncoming traffic can see you at night. In cold weather climates removing ice from the windshield can prove to be a tough task; the ice scraper tool makes life much easier. Some work gloves, a “help me” sign and automotive safety guide are all simple, but vital tools you need in any automotive emergency.
Next, you’ll need a good pepper spray for self defense while in your vehicle. Our Fox Labs pepper spray is an excellent choice. This is a debilitating spray that is used and trusted by law enforcement nationwide.
In most states, carrying a gun in your vehicle is illegal without special permits. Ev en if it’s legal; would you be willing to pull the trigger if necessary and then deal with the potential criminal and/or civil consequensces? Most people say no and opt for a non-lethal option; this is where pepper spray works so well. The effects are almost instant and last for over 30 minutes. Pepper spray is totally non-lethal with no long term effects. You can spray with confidence against an aggressive person or animal. It will give you plenty of time to get yourself to safety.
Refuse to be a statistic, step up and take a proactive role in your safety and that of your families as well. Is there anything more important?
Bryan Buckner is a top self defense & surveillance consultant and business owner. He opened Guardian Self Defense & Security Products LLC in 2005. Since that time Guardian has successfully helped over 19,000 (and counting) people and small businesses improve their security situation. Proud members of the South Louisiana Better Business Bureau.
