It can be a worrisome, yet exciting time for those parents who have teens who have reached driving age. When driver safety is ultimately up to your teen, there is actually a lot that parents can do.

Keep Your Cool:  As much as you may want to, it's best not to overreact while on the road with your teen driver. Wait until you get home. Studies have shown that an emotionally charged conversation compromises driving performance, reducing attention span and increasing distraction. If your child does something wrong on the road, make a mental note to discuss it when you get home, or, if you find the infraction serious enough, have her pull over and take over the driving for her. Whatever you do, do not yell or rant at your child while she drives. This could be dangerous for both of you.

Cost of Extra Training is Worth it: Consider investing in additional behind-the-wheel driver education for your teen. Unfortunately, there is a wide disparity in the quality of driver training from state to state. It is best to find an "active" setting (where your child actually gets behind the wheel and drives) versus a classroom setting, since the latter is mainly book learning, while the former teaches your child the real-world driving dynamics of an automobile.

Spend Time in the Vehicle: Once your child receives her learner's permit, have her drive everywhere possible -- to the store, school, wherever -- with you in the passenger seat, of course. It's crucial that your child gets as much "wheel" time as possible before going off on her own. Remember, nothing gives a better understanding of the dynamics of a motor vehicle than repeated exposure to the actual driving experience.

Talk to Your Teen: Communicate with your child as you travel together. Turn off the radio and talk to him about safety hazards you encounter along the way. Remember, too, that body language and hand signals can be as effective as spoken directions. For instance, if you see a car nosing out of a driveway, a simple gesture in that direction can alert your teen driver to the potential danger. Also, remind yourself of the safety hazards you notice in your own driving, and communicate these to your child as you travel.

The 2010 Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size car. The availability of all-wheel drive is a bonus for customers facing slippery roads, and the range of engines and suspension setups allows buyers to choose between fast and comfortable models. Popularized by NASCAR dominance the Dodge Charger is one of America's most revered performance nameplates.

Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Charger has recently been reborn as an affordable performance sedan -- and it's one of the better ones available in this market niche. The Dodge Charger first debuted in the mid 1960s as a response to America's growing interest in average cars with above-average performance. It came back as an all new 2006 modern version of the Charger of the past. The current Dodge Charger may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s, but it does a fine job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. For 2010, the Charger carries over with minimal changes.

The cabin of the Charger has plenty of room for five, making it sufficient for a small family. Rear-seat room is plentiful, thanks to the long wheelbase, even with the front seats at their rearmost positions. The interior is very useable but is largely plastic and the sightlines are partially obstructed in several directions. Buyers can opt for several entertainment features that will make passengers happy. For cargo space, the Charger has a large trunk with a handy split-folding rear seat.

The 2010 Dodge Charger is based on the same Mercedes-derived platform used for the Chrysler 300 and the now-defunct Dodge Magnum. The Charger has four doors and is a bit larger than the average midsize sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than the 300C's, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupe like fashion. Dominating the front of the car is the trademark Dodge crosshairs, chromed on the SXT and R/T, body-color in the SE and SRT8, and flat black on the Daytona. Compound halogen headlights peer out under hooded, almost scowling brows. A thin, trifurcated air intake slices across the lower portion of the front bumper. The Daytona and SRT8 get a flat-black chin spoiler. Fog lamps on the SXT and higher models fill small, sculpted insets at the lower corners. The front end tilts forward as if it's leaning into the wind, specifically to recall the brutish, pre-aero-age styling of its muscle car era namesake.

If you are looking for muscle car power with great design at a nice price, the 2010 Charger could be for you! We recommend checking out a review for the 2010 Chevy Camaro in Philadelphia PA 2010 Chevy Camaro in Philadelphia PA for comparative purposes.

The Dodge Journey is a midsize cross over that is based on a car-like structure. It's also capable and versatile enough to compete with large truck based sport utility vehicles. The Journey is available in many variations ranging from the entry front-wheel drive SE trim, all the way up to the sporty all-wheel drive R/T trim. A 173-hp 2.4-liter engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the SE trim. SXT and R/T models are powered by a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheeldisc brakes with ABS, brake assist, traction control, and stability control. For 2010, the Dodge Journey receives active front head restraints. One of the Journey's top competitors includes the 2010 Ford Escape, found at  top Ford dealers.  The Ford Escape is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle with credentials that make it equally suited to urban commutes or weekend off-road outings. The Escape is available in XLS, XLT or Limited trims with either front or four-wheel drive. The XLS features a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. Ford dealers are excited that the XLT and Limited trims feature the same 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission since this feature helps sell more vehicles. A 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 is an available upgrade on Limited models. The Escape carries-on for 2010 with minimal changes..

For 2010, the Dodge Journey is an all-new entry in the midsize crossover SUV class The Journey offers an intelligent cabin design and the availability of family friendly entertainment features.For the young family on the go, the Journey will offer a pleasant ride, plenty of room, and enough storage and entertainment options to keep the kids occupied.

2011 Models have arrived! The all new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the revised 2011 Ram HD Chassis Truck are in stock now. The Grand Cherokee's new design is the epitome of evolution, retaining the short overhangs, trapezoidal wheel openings, fast windshield and backlight, and of course, the iconic seven-slat front grille. The whole package has grown by three inches in width, but only 1.8 inches in overall length, with a 114.8-inch wheelbase – over five inches longer than before. With the rear wheels shoved so far back, it pays dividends for rear-seat passengers, with an additional four inches of rear leg room.The Laredo and Limited variants get a soft-touch dash, chrome-trimmed instrument panel and LED lighting.

In the Overland, real wood flanks the dash and doors, including the top of the leather-wrapped, tilt and telescope steering wheel. A touchscreen sat-nav is optional, along with Jeep's massive "CommandView" dual-pane sunroof, but the niceties aren't just limited to the big-budget options. Heated and ventilated front seats, warmed rear thrones, four-way power lumbar controls, rain sensing wipers and "Keyless Enter-N-Go" are all for the taking, along with a rearview backup camera, memory seating and heated steering wheel. A FloTV system for rear seat passengers and Chrysler's UConnect WiFi setup are also options, and yes, a power liftgate complete with a "flipper" rear window is still available. Underneath that highly revised interior is a platform based largely on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, with a fully independent suspension equipped with variable rate springs in the rear. More importantly, Jeep has introduced a duo of new suspension technologies to blend on-road refinement with off-road capabilities.

The 2011 Ram HD Chassis Trucks have new styling and interiors. A new full sized crew cab was launched; polished aluminum wheels were optional on all models; and upfit capability remained the same. The Ram 3500 gained a 2011-model-year best-in-class 26,000 pound GCWR and 13,000 pound GVWR. Ram 3500 is the only chassis cab with a gasoline-engine option; all can have the proven Cummins diesel engine. The gas engine is the most powerful in its class, while the diesel uses an NOx Absorber Catalyst that provides 2010 emissions compliance without a urea/DEF injection system.

Thanks partly to a new six-speed transmission, chassis cab gas mileage has been best in Class 4 and Class 5 — 14% better than Ford F-550 and 23% better than GMC C5500. Still, the 2011 Dodge Ram will have the largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons).

Leave Your Pet at Home

Summer time is a time for fun in the sun. Its sunny, buts it can also be very hot. While we take precautions for ourselves, such as drinking enough water, and limiting sun exposure, it is important not to forget about the safety of your pet in this hot weather.

In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your pet left in the car. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, not to mention a fatal situation. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road.

If you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately. It is worth it to save the life of an animal

Don't Put Your Pet In the Back of a Truck

It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

In Case of Heat Exposure

If your pet is exposed to high temperatures, whether in a vehicle or anywhere else follow these steps:

- Be alert for signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
- If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.
- Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to - gradually lower her temperature.
- Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
- Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- If your pet is not responding, do the obvious, and take it to the veteranarian

Chrysler rolls out its first smartphone vehicle-information application on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The application will be available on all Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles by the end of the year. The app debuts on the iPhone before it rolls to the BlackBerry and Android. The free app will provide consumers with information including vehicle operation, maintenance and warranty. The app will initially be available only for the U.S. market but other markets are under consideration.

The app is focused on the vehicle and the brand experience and proves that the automaker is moving ahead with popular technologies with great strides. In another example Chrysler, last year, got rid of traditional owner's manuals, replacing them in the fall with DVDs and quick-reference guides; another step into the technological age.

Federal regulators say Chrysler is recalling nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers and Chrysler and Dodge minivans for brake or wiring problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said  that Chrysler is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers from the 2006 through 2010 model years due to a potential brake fluid leak.

Chrysler also is recalling 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years because a wiring problem can cause a fire inside the sliding doors. On the Jeeps, the front inner fender liners can rub against the brake fluid tubes and cause a leak. NHTSA says the leak could result in partial loss of brakes. NHTSA says a door hinge can wear through the minivans' wire insulation.

The 2011 Jeep Grand will begin arriving at dealerships later this month. The 2011 model is a modern take on the iconic flagship off-roader with an edgier grille and headlights, more sculpted door panels and updated wheel wells. The 2011 Grand Cherokee was first shown at the New York Auto Show a year ago, and since then, the Jeep has been touted as one of the most critical vehicles for the new Chrysler, which emerged from a brief bankruptcy last year.

The Grand Cherokee will start at $30,995 for two-wheel-powered models and at $32,995 for four-wheel-drive versions. The 2011 Grand Cherokee gets a redesign, with more luxurious materials, an updated four-wheel-drive system and a slew of new, upscale features, including a panoramic sunroof. The Hemi V8 will be optional, and the Jeep will mark the debut of Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that makes 290 hp. It also has new independent front and rear suspensions and a new body structure for increased torsional stiffness.

For many consumers looking for their next vehicle, researching crash test scores is often a top priority, particularly for family car. With the age of SUV came a new type of safety test. SUVs were found to be prone to rollover because of their high center of gravity. Concerned consumer needed to know: is this SUV they were considering buying safe for their family? The two agencies that do safety testing, test the vehicles in man different categories of safety, but the rollover testing has been a crucial development. There are two agencies that test new vehicles and publish scores rating the cars on various types of crash situations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both began looking at automobile safety in the 1960s when the public became more aware of the issue. The first crash tests were conducted by NHTSA, which is a division of the Department of Transportation, in 1978. The IIHS, which is supported by automobile insurance companies, didn't begin its crash testing for consumers until 1995.

Understanding Rollover Tests

Currently, NHTSA is the only group conducting rollover tests. The federal agency originally began assigning vehicles a rollover rating based on a mathematical calculation that looked at weight, width and center of gravity to create a statistical likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. The measurement, which NHTSA calls the Static Stability Factor, was criticized widely because it did not simulate any real-world driving situations that would cause a vehicle to roll over.

In 2004, NHTSA began using a dynamic test for rollovers and the star ratings it assigns are now the result of a combination of both the static and dynamic tests (though greater weight is still given to the static test). The dynamic test is done with a weighted vehicle that simulates a load of five passengers and a full tank of gas. The vehicle is driven to simulate an emergency lane change and instruments measure the tire movement. If two of the tires lift at least 2 inches off the pavement simultaneously, then it is considered to have "tipped up," the precursor to rolling over.