Letters to the Editors
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Subject: Airbag Deployment
From: D
How fast does a 1995 Nissan Maxima have to be going in order to make its airbags deploy at impact?

Most airbags are designed to inflate in crashes equivalent to hitting a solid barrier at 10-12 mph. Some manufacturers use different inflation thresholds depending on whether people are using their safety belts. Thresholds of 10-12 mph are used for unbelted occupants, but thresholds are higher — about 16 mph — for people with belts because they're unlikely to be injured in crashes at lower speeds. However, the sensors that detect the impact and trigger the deployment of the airbags must detect the collision before the airbags will go off.

Newer cars generally have a centrally located sensor that can detect almost any type of collision. However, an older vehicle like yours likely has a sensor, or sensors, located in the front of the vehicle. This sensor must be at, or close to, the point of impact for the airbag to deploy. If you hit something that is not at the same height level as your sensor (such as the higher bumper of a pickup or SUV), the airbag may not go off.

In addition, since your vehicle is nearly over 12 years old, it is possible that the components of the airbag system (the airbag, sensors or other parts) may no longer be working properly, and that could be the reason your airbags didn't deploy. However, only a mechanic can determine if this is the case. — Ed.

Subject: Diesel Cars and Trucks
From: Wallace
Which manufacturers make small cars or trucks powered with a diesel?

For a complete list, visit our Diesel Center.

It should provide you with all the information you are looking for. — Ed.

Subject: Warranties
From: Spencer
I've just purchased a Dodge with a 6.7 Cummins engine. I would like to install a 2-micron Amsoil bypass filter system. Will this affect my warranty?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was enacted in 1975 and helps to protect consumers from deceptive warranty practices. With respect to automobile warranties, it basically states that modifying a vehicle does not, in itself, void a new vehicle warranty. However, if the modification causes a part or parts to fail, then those failed parts will not be covered under the warranty. It is generally up to the provider of the warranty (the manufacturer) to prove that the modification led to the failure of the part or parts.

So, just adding the bypass filter will not in itself void your warranty. However, if the dealer or manufacturer can prove that a failed part was due to the filter, then they can void your warranty on those affected parts.

Our advice would be to consult with your dealership's service manager. When it comes to these types of modifications, they are generally understanding and encouraging. However, we would think twice about modifications such as a reprogrammed electronic control unit (ECU) or any add-on device that alters the factory boost or other settings. — Ed.

Subject: Hybrid Minivan?
From: Seena
Is anyone currently making a hybrid minivan?

Currently there are no manufacturers producing a hybrid minivan. The minivan segment has been declining for some time now, with crossover SUVs seeing a sales increase. It is for this reason that vehicles like the Toyota Highlander are available in a hybrid model while the Toyota Sienna is not. In addition to the demand factor, the overall purpose of minivans doesn't leave it especially compatible with a hybrid powertrain. The reason for this is that hybrids require a battery pack, which takes up the space that people tend to value most in a minivan.

Having said this, Toyota has stated that it has plans to have a hybrid version of every vehicle it sells available in the coming years. Toyota has already launched hybrid minivans in Japan. Given the new fuel economy standards that will go into effect in the next 10 years, it is likely we will see more and more hybrids, in all vehicle classes, become available. — Ed.

Subject: Hybrid Long-Term Test?
From: Scott
Are you ever going to do a long-term test of a hybrid? I would be very interested to find out whether or not you see the real mpg benefits that hybrids promised, and what effect different types of driving have on the mpg.

We currently have a Toyota Prius in our long-term fleet. Our long-term test on this hybrid should help provide you with real-world insight regarding its mpg benefits. Also, be sure to check out our ongoing long-term test on the Lexus RX 400h.

We also tested a Honda Accord hybrid a couple of years ago. Be sure to check out our wrap-up of that test.

Additionally, we performed a long-term test on the Honda Insight hybrid.

We also invite you to visit our Green Car Guide and Green Car Advisor blog for more info on hybrids and alternative fuels. — Ed.

Subject: "Smart" Question
From: John
I'm very surprised that you guys are missing the whole line of Mercedes Smart cars. Also, in your history on the Mercedes brand, you said that there is no pickup available here in the U.S., which is false.

We actually have quite a bit of coverage on Smart cars. Our site offers pricing and spec info, which may be accessed here.

You can glean additional information by reading our model review of the vehicle.

We also offer First Drives on both the standard Smart Fortwo and the Brabus Xclusive.

There's also a Full Test offered on the Smart Fortwo Passion.

We don't feature Mercedes-Benz trucks on our site because they are fleet vehicles intended for commercial use. As a consumer Web site, our primary focus is on vehicles meant to be used by consumers. — Ed.

Subject: How's the Weather?
From: Scott
Why is it that your test-drives read like life in paradise? Instead, you should truly test each vehicle in the worst possible conditions. An occasional run up a mountain is nothing. I drive from Toledo to Milwaukee and Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, on a regular basis (trace that route!). It is the worst winter trip a person can make. Ice, rain, snow, brutally cold weather, heavy traffic, tolls, you name it, I drive through it. In the summer it's hot temperatures, heavy traffic, downpours and bugs.

Brakes? I test brakes by nearly missing deer at night. Headlights? You better be able to see or one of those little brown furry animals will put one nasty dent in your car. I drive two vehicles through this stuff, both equally capable. One is luxurious, and the other handles my camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling weekends: a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, and a 2006 Audi A4 Quattro. Bimmers might be nice in paradise, but they don't cut it in the Midwest.

It might help to review a few cars that can handle the stuff that the Midwest throws at them. How does a car stand up to constant salt, snow, bugs? Now that's a test of a paint job. How does the interior stand up? How well does it go into 4x4 mode on a short click from a parallel parking spot when you've been plowed in? Does all the electronic gadgetry drain the battery at -20? How does it shift then and start when you really need it? Maybe your best picks would change if you actually tested them in rough weather. Anybody can smile when the sun shines.

Our main offices are in sunny Southern California, so we don't have ready access to the brutal Midwestern winters that you make reference to. However, when testing vehicles designed primarily for off-road purposes, we do make an effort to venture up into the mountains to experience each vehicle in the sort of extreme conditions that those who purchase it will likely face. Sounds like those Midwestern winters have you feeling a bit beleaguered, Scott. You might enjoy our article, "Driving on Snow and Ice." Or you could consider moving to paradise. — Ed.