Seat belts have come a long way since they were first invented in the latter part of the 1800s. Today, modern seat belts bear little resemblance to their outdated counterparts, and new safety features are invented all the time. One such safety feature is a loop of fabric attached to passenger seats that rests above the buckle. If you’re wondering what this loop does, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about how seat belts have changed over the years, including the addition of a fabric loop often seen in modern vehicles. Seat Belts are Continually Improving It’s hard to believe that prior to 1966, having seat belts in American cars was an entirely optional feature. The first seat

Vehicles require oil changes regularly to keep their internal components lubricated. Without oil, various parts inside the engine and transmission will start to grind into one another, causing the vehicle to wear down more rapidly. Read on to find out more about oil changes and how often you should have them done. Knowing What Type of Oil to Use Always refer to your vehicle’s user manual to find out the correct oil weight for your make and model. You’ll also want to determine if your vehicle needs synthetic or conventional oil. If you don’t have a user’s manual, some vehicles will label the specifications on the top of the oil cap. Be aware that using oil that doesn’t match the

Few things can ruin a road trip faster than a sudden engine failure, dead battery, or flat tire. Luckily, a quick inspection of the vehicle before you start driving can help you avoid many of these issues. Read on to review some important car maintenance tips before you embark on your next adventure. Power Steering, Coolant, Oil and Brake Fluid Be sure to check the levels of all your vehicle’s fluids before departing on a long road trip. In addition to checking vital fluids like coolant, transmission, brake fluid, and oil, you may also want to make sure your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full as well. If you notice any leaks after refilling your car’s fluids, it’s probably best

With all the work that goes into maintaining a vehicle, it’s easy to forget about the condition of your tires. However, using a worn set of tires can present several safety problems that every driver should know. Read on to learn more about how to gauge the condition of your tires and which signs could indicate it’s time to invest in tire replacement. Bulges or Cracks When the sidewall of a tire begins to weaken, it can form a visible bulge that can easily burst while driving. To avoid getting a flat, you’ll want to replace any bulging tires the moment you notice them. Likewise, if you see cracks forming along the edge of the tire, you’ll want to take