WASHINGTON-The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement a federal program of periodic safety inspections for motor vehicles. Inspections are now conducted in only 21 states and the District of Columbia, the ASA said.
Current technology enables brake inspections in less than 60 seconds, the ASA noted, and could be combined with emissions testing programs for little added time or cost for consumers.
Postal Service switches
to safer antifreeze
Postal Service switches to safer antifreeze
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.-As part of an effort to implement environmentally responsible programs, the Southeast Area of the U.S. Postal Service has switched from ethylene glycol-based coolant to a formulation based on propylene glycol (PG), which is essentially non-toxic.
The change affects more than 23,000 vehicles serving Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee.
According to an ARCO Chemical Co. press release, postal service vehicles will use a modified version of PG Compleat antifreeze custom blended by Fleetguard Inc. of Nashville, Tenn.
The vehicles are maintained at 26-week intervals, ARCO said, and their antifreeze is changed at least every two years.
The Postal Service's ultimate goal, ARCO said, is to recycle the coolant via distillation.
In brief
Nearly 25 percent of automotive fleets have at least some vehicles operating on fuels other than gasoline or diesel, according to management consulting firm Runzheimer International.