Thursday, October 30, 2008

Water For Gas Explained

With the increase in gas prices lately, many people are focused on getting the best mileage per liter of fuel that they use in their car. For instance, two common ways to save fuel are to employ more efficient driving strategies (or hypermiling) or to organize some form of car pooling. One idea that is designed to get better fuel mileage is to create a hydrogen generator. There is a wide variety of products available right now that will show you how to make and install such a generator in your car. This article will cover the basic principles behind the method and what to look for in such products.

The hydrogen generator that is described in these products is commonly referred to as a water to gas generator too. The system splits water (H2O) into it's constituent elements hydrogen, hydrogen and oxygen (HHO) through electrolysis.

Electrolysis in this system is simply a jar with a mixture of water and a substance that makes the conductivity better. Two terminals, conductors of electricity, are placed in the water solution. Electric current that is supplied by the car battery, passes from one terminal to the other via the water solution, a resulting chemcial reaction occurs in the water. The resulting chemical reaction causes hydrogen gas to go to the negative terminal and oxygen gas to go to the positive terminal.

The hydrogen gas that is created is passed into the inlet manifold of the car. Adding hydrogen gas into the carburettor has the effect of improving the efficiency of the fuel (gasoline) entering the carburettor. This is thought to increase the amount of miles you get per gallon of gasoline.

Most people agree that adding hydrogen to the gasoline mix can improve the mileage you get from your automobile. However, for many people that disagree that these systems can actually work, they dispute that the amount of hydrogen gas that can be produced can make a real difference. Or they point out that the energy needed to power such a system, that comes from the battery that is charged by the car engine itself is impossible as some energy has to be lost in this process.

The people selling these products disagree with these comments and believe that their methods can make a real improvement to the amount of gas you need to use each week. This will save you cash on your car's gas bills with time if you increase the mileage you get per liter of gasoline to any extent. A number of these products also include additional information that teaches you how to be more economical in your driving habits so if you take this information to heart, this may also be saving you money on gas consumption.

There are many products available, upwards of 50 at last count. Nearly all detail the same method. Some of the information products seem to be very similar, which implies that the creators of these products have bought the rights to the same product. Of course, they could have rewritten the original idea to produce a new book.

All these products come with a guarantee of some form. So if you decide on one of these products then try to install it into your vehicle as quickly as possible. Check the changes in your fuel consumption, if you are not happy with the changes then apply for a refund. For unbiased consumer reports on the leading water for gas conversion kits visit http://waterforgasreports.com, including a report on water4gas.

Hydrogen Gas In Cars - Is It Safe or Not

Your car is very likely to

be running on gasoline blended with ethanol, a corn-based fuel, which has been touted recently as the answer to the dilemma of ever-increasing oil prices and emissions of greenhouse gases. While ethanol has been considered as a viable fuel for cars, it has been used in this capacity for a long time without optimization, making it questionable as the right choice. Hydrogen gas in cars can offer improved fuel economy, and is a more recently available option in this field.

The use of hydrogen gas in cars however has seemingly countless benefits over both ethanol and gasoline fuels. It is a much cleaner burning fuel that leave no carbon footprint as its only emission is water vapor which is comprised of mostly nitrogen which make up over seventy five percent of the air we breathe. It also offers roughly two-thirds better fuel economy at about half the price.


Of the two major problems involved in converting to hydrogen gas in cars, distance from a hydrogen gas generation facility may be the most difficult to overcome.  Without available refueling stations, you will have problems finding the hydrogen fuel for your vehicle.  The second issue revolves around designing a viable on-board fuel generation system to continuously power the vehicle.

The process of generating large amounts of hydrogen on board the vehicle for burning in place of gasoline is still facing some technological limitations limiting use of the technology on the open road. Some auto manufacturers that plan to offer fully hydrogen-powered vehicles are also working on producing home hydrogen gas fueling stations. The home hydrogen fueling station has the potential to not only fuel your car but also power your home as well, offering tremendous saving both financially and environmentally.


There are several viable options for converting your gasoline-powered vehicle into a hydrogen hybrid that will allow you to take advantage of both the increases in fuel economy and a large reduction in your vehicles emission.  Commercially available kits produce small amounts of hydrogen using the electricity generated by your car and add it to the gasoline air/fuel mixture the car is already running on. Prices range in cost from roughly two hundred dollars for kits composed of easy to find parts, to kits requiring specialty equipment that costs several thousand dollars.


Large-scale commercial production of hydrogen fuel shows signs of expanding, and it will likely become more widely available.  This will allow us to begin seeing innovative new methods of using hydrogen gas to fuel vehicles.  But until then, backyard mechanics can experiment with putting together their own version of a hydrogen gas hybrid using a few easy-to-find parts and water.  You can find instructions for this so-called "water4gas" kit at various websites.


It's not only do-it-yourselfers and automobile manufacturers paying attention to hydrogen gas in cars, energy companies and even governments are now exploring hydrogen fuel technology.  With more interest along with financial resources to back up continuing research, the day may soon come that hydrogen gas will be the fuel of choice powering your car.

Bart R

Editor

www.hydrogengeneratorguide.com

Comparing 2 of the best cars in the world.

Porsche vs Ferrari? Porsche and Ferrari are German and Italian sides of the same coin, interpretations of the sports car idea. Both founded by a dominant patriarch, both honed in racing, both more than 50 years old, both with engineering and styling integrity. Whether on the track of Le Mains or on the streets, the two have always been put head-to-head and compared. Even the most naive motorist associates these two names with both performance and style.

We’ve decided to compare the methodical Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the passionate Ferrari F430 because both of them astonish with their performance while attempting to maintain a reasonable amount of practicality but do not pretend to be anything other than sports cars.

A modern sports car should feature these characteristics: it should be started easily, maneuvered around town, blasted on a couple of country roads, it looks and performs the part on a racetrack but at the same time it is very safe.

The easier way to separate the two cars is by measuring figures since both of them have mastered the modern sports car requirements and basically there’s no other way to choose between these two phenomenal cars. What initially impresses is Ferrari's lightning fast 4-second 0-100km/h acceleration and thrilling exhaust tone. As the occupants are pinned to the seats, the new generation 4.3-litre V8 pushes out 368 snarling kilowatts. Porsche’s acceleration also offers that kick in the pants a super car should deliver, although it is 0.8 seconds slower at the 100 km/k mark.

With such acceleration performance, it comes natural for both cars to excel in the braking department. The two cars offer optional ceramic discs for impressive stopping. Porsche’s engine gets the upper hand as it is more refined and on the economy rank leaps ahead Ferrari with a 11.8 liters per 100 km as opposed to 18.3 liters. Both cars deliver the power through impressive 6-speed gearboxes and offer top rate handling performance.
Both F430 and Carrera4S offer great interior comfort and even if the space is limited, the occupants don't feel claustrophobic and flustered. Although an impressive mix of suede, carbon fiber and aluminum abound in the Ferrari, the Italians stand no chance when it comes to the high finish level attained by the Germans.

Speed and silence are key elements for any super car. The look and appearance is the biggest draw card. The Carrera 4S is a typical Porsche, despite the new proportions. It is a great looking car, like any other 911 but somehow the styling no longer creates the jaw dropping reaction that the Ferrari does. Indeed, traditionalists may say that Porsche pays homage to its roots, but the truth is that Ferrari F430 simply draws the attention. Also Ferrari prices are always more expensive.

However, even if Ferrari F430 takes your breath away with its appearance, the super car title goes to the Porsche Carrera 4S with a more complete all round package.

Cleaning your Ferrari

Fall is already here and in a short time, winter will be upon us. As you gear up for the colder temperatures, now is a good time to take preventive measures to Ferrarie for your vehicle.

Maintain Your Ferrari's Value and Appearance

According to the International Ferrari Wash Association (IFWA), regular professional washing and waxing will help maintain your Ferrari's appearance as well as its value.

"Most Ferrari owners understand the value of changing motor oil regularly to protect the engine," explains Mark Assure, executive director of IFCA. "But if they forget and instead choose to replace the engine, the Ferrari could still be as good as new. However, a Ferrari with oxidized paint and a rusted-out body can never be economically restored. The best prevention is regular washing and waxing at a professional Ferrari wash., remember that buying a Ferrari is not easy, so you want to be able to protect it"

With more than 27,000 professional Ferrari washes around the world offering a wide range of services to protect a Ferrari's finish from detoriating rusting, there's no excuse not to keep your vehicle in great shape. Ferrari washes offer basic to extensive operations to suit all your Ferrari  needs.

For starters, try an exterior tunnel wash to automatically provide protective waxes and underFerraririage treatment. Also, consider detailing or custom polishing for more extensive protection. By applying and buffing a premium polish, you can restore the shine of your Ferrari. On the detail side, you can vacuum everything from the rugs in the trunk to the air conditioner vents.

A Great Fix

If you are running short on time but need your Ferrari professionally cleaned, try a self-service Ferrari wash that provides a variety of effective, self-cleaning services to choose from. For best results, follow the step-by-step instructions posted in the self-serve bay that call for starting with a pre-soak to loosen road grime. Next comes the high-pressure soap wash. For gentle scrubbing, use the foaming brush next, followed by the fresh water rinse. Also, remember to take advantage of special tire and wheel cleaners. For maximum protection and shine, the wax application is a must. Finally, many self-serve washes offer a spot-free rinse. All the solutions are specially formulated to clean tough road dirt and protect you Ferrari's shine.

Protect Your Ferrari from Winter's Hazards

To get a jumpstart on protecting your Ferrari from winter's effects, remember that the most damaging thing you can do to your Ferrari during this time is nothing! Don't worry about your Ferrari freezing -- washing salt, slush and mud off your Ferrari in cold weather is vital.

The best thing you can do this winter is to wash your vehicle frequently at a professional Ferrari wash, even every few days if the temperature rises and falls from freezing and you've been driving on salted roads. Washing also should include an underFerraririage rinse (available at most professional Ferrari washes) to remove salt from hard-to-reach areas that are likely to rust, such as the bumpers and in the wheel wells.

Now is the time to get your Ferrari in gear for the winter season with the preventive maintenance measure of having your Ferrari professionally washed -- you and your wallet will be glad you did.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Explained

water fuel cell video

The price of gas is increasing almost every year and the effects are greatly felt especially by the less fortunate people. You see, when the price of gas increases, the prices of basic commodities also increase. With prices of commodities soaring high, you will definitely need to save money so that you can prepare yourself for the ‘rainy days’. One way to save money is by purchasing hydrogen fuel car kits.

What are hydrogen fuel car kits? If you’re familiar with hydrogen technology, then you probably know about cars that make use of hydrogen fuel. If the price of gas becomes unreasonable, more and more people will want to use alternative fuel. The reason why gas prices are always increasing is because oil reserves are depleting. Besides, if people can find a cleaner alternative fuel, why use gas at all? Gas contributes to pollution and one way to reduce pollution is by using hydrogen fuel.

You can now get the hydrogen fuel car kits in major online stores and local stores. Steve Miers is the man behind the car kits which can help you convert your car into a hydrogen car. You can get two benefits in using hydrogen fuel for cars – one is that you can cut down your gasoline expenses and secondly, you can help in preventing or reducing pollution. As long as your car is working in excellent condition, you can convert to using the car kits.

Improve mileage now by purchasing the hydrogen fuel car kits. The car kits are reasonably priced and if you’re lucky enough, you can even find good deals especially from online stores. You must ensure that you’re purchasing a good hydrogen fuel car kit. It should be of the best quality so buy only from reputable sellers and distributors.

Check the background of the stores as well as their suppliers. A lot of unscrupulous individuals and groups roam the internet; so beware of scammers. Some of them will tell you that you can run your car on water! This is simply not true. What they mean is hydrogen - not water!

At present, the production of hydrogen powered cars is limited due to limited sources of hydrogen fuel. There are very few hydrogen stations in some parts of the world. Besides, the use of gas can’t just be toppled over. Experts agree that within the next 5 years the popularity of hydrogen cars will increase dramatically. Considering the excessive pollution and global warming, hydrogen technology will benefit everyone.

If you like to do DIY activities, the water fuel cell kits will keep you occupied. The kit is equipped with step by step instructions on how to convert your car. The materials needed are also included in the kit and so you will simply assemble them. Take time to understand the procedure. You must not make a mistake. So before you go to your car, read the instructions first.

When you’re ready, put all the materials needed near the car and within easy reach. Assemble them carefully; double check to avoid mistakes.

Once the car kits are installed, you can now enjoy driving with the use of hydrogen fuel. You simply have to make a one-time investment by purchasing the car kits and after that, you can save a lot of money and at the same time, double or even triple mileage.

Have a look at our review of water fuel cell products. It will help you recognize genuine products from scams.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Water4gas Scam - Is It True?

It seems that everywhere

you turn these days, prices for every day essentials are skyrocketing.  From the grocery store to the gas pump, prices seem to increase almost weekly or in the case of gasoline, daily. It’s no wonder that people are attracted to any product that claims to save to you money at the gas pump.  The latest craze that’s sweeping the nation is water for gas or water4gas, as it’s popularly called.


As appealing as it sounds, is it true that you can use water for gas? Actually not in the same way, as a matter of fact, if you get water in your car's engine, it would mess up the engine and ruin your car. So does it mean the water4gas is a lie? In fact, it can be done, but it has to be implemented a different way, and it is not in a way most people would imagine.

When considering Water4gas technology, it would be incorrect to believe that water itself is the fuel alternative. In actuality, water’s constituent molecules are hydrogen and oxygen.  These two elements when separated are capable of inducing a greater level of gas efficiency. Water for gas is simply worded to explain the chemical process. Hydrogen gas's only emission is water vapor, plus it burns cleaner and more efficiently than ethanol-based gasoline.

Using water for gas comes from the creation of hydrogen gas, which in turn, an automobile uses to burn gasoline more effectively, thereby reducing the amount of consumption and emissions. By separating the oxygen and hydrogen atoms that make up water, you can generate an alternative fuel source for your vehicle. Here's an interesting fact: hydrogen fuel is what NASA uses to send space shuttles into space!


Most water4gas systems that are currently available online teach you how to convert water for gas to fuel your vehicle. You can also find Internet sites or even auto parts stores that sell kits to assemble and install inside your car. When you purchase a downloadable version of the water4gas systems you receive instructions on how to build a water4gas converter and will need to purchase materials to build it with as well.


It's natural to be concerned that untested or untraditional products could be a rip-off. Simply typing "water4gas scam" into any online search engine will bring up pages of information. There are dozens of sites that recommend the water4gas system as an economical way to fuel your car, and another dozen that call the system a waste of money or a scam. Interestingly, there are a number of on-line forums that include an active and spirited discussion about water for gas technology from not only its proponents, but also from those who strongly criticize this technology.

Hearing about the simplicity of hydrogen fuel has caused many to think water4gas is just a scam. However, taking into consideration that the likes of Honda and BMW are beginning to produce hydrogen fueled cars, skeptics would be wise to wait and see whether the everyday consumer can enjoy such fuel efficiency in their future.  The first hydrogen fuel cell automobile to become available to the general public is the Clarity FCX from Honda. It will be available on a lease-only basis in Southern California during the summer of 2008.

Bart R

www.hyrogengeneratorsguide.com

Do Gas to Water Conversion Kits Work?

Yes well sort of…

You may have seen some ads for a product that taunts the ability to actually make your car run on water.  There are even many You Tube videos on the subject.

As someone that is thrown into a deep depression every time I fill up my car I decided to do some research and find out if these products are scam or if there's any possibility it could actually increase my knowledge and in turn decrease my depression at the gas pump.

So after doing a lot of research on the subject I found that yes it is possible to modify your car to run on water sort of, but not water alone. 

These gas to water conversion kits do work but it does not eliminate the need for gasoline in your vehicle totally.  What these gas to water car conversion kit actually go is to supplement the use of gasoline by providing an additional gas to be burned which is a byproduct of the treated water in the kit.

Basically the way its set up is a small jar is installed on the engine, and within that jar the water is placed.  The chemical makeup of water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen so there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. 

The way the system works is that by running a wire to the lid of the jar. The electric of the car forces the water to undergo electrolysis and is converted into hydrogen or oxide hydrogen gas which can be used as an alternative fuel for your car.

So in effect your car is running on, not actually water but running on the oxyhydrogen gas which the water has been converted into.  The process of converting water into hydrogen as well as into the oxyhydrogen is not a new technology and has been used for quite some time for industrial purposes.

The real benefit of adding a gas to water car conversion kit to your vehicle is to increase the mileage.  Remember that the engine will still need to run on gasoline but when the addition of the oxyhydrogen gas that's being provided from the electrolysis of the water in the jar, your vehicle will see much improved mileage over running on gasoline alone.

Buying Used Vehicles - Smart Move or Not a Good Choice?

To buy or not to buy a used car- that is the question. Getting a free auto coverage quote is a good place to start.

Automobiles come in assorted measures, colors, models and makes.
Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, Toyota, Daihatsu, Mazda, Honda, Mercury, Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru, Daewoo, Mercedes, Chrysler, and Rolls Royce are a few of the different brand names.

Consider that vehicles have nationalities as well. They may be from anywhere around the world. Just as you age, so do vehicles. Unlike people though, they do not seem to care celebrating their birthdays. When classifying cars, you will find that they fall under the categories of used or new.

Your personal preferences really decide whether your next car should be new or used. This why you should check out free car insurance quote on line. For some people, it could have been fortune or misfortune for them to buy a few used cars through the years, although glib salespersons refer to them, as reconditioned rather than used car.

One of the benefits you gain from buying a used car is that it is less expensive than brand new ones fresh from the lot. There is no need for you to invest for quite bigger amount of money just to have one.

You might prefer to buy a used car, but take care that you choose a good one that will not make trouble more than it was worth. In order to make sure a car has received the proper care, it is important to research the vehicle's history.

It is a good idea to ask some advice from close friends about the best used cars that are being sold in the market. Even though previously owned, you must insure that it is currently in good shape. If you have the opportunity to purchase a used car from someone who has provided proper care, you should consider yourself very lucky.

If you will not be able to check on the necessary parts that you have to examine prior to your purchase of the used car, you will certainly suffer a great headache. It could be that you're hearing an engine that is malfunctioning or damaged in some way. You had better check on it first.

This is the conclusion. Used cars give you joy and sorrow, but mostly agony.  Think about it carefully if you choose to purchase another one.

First of all, it makes no sense to buy a previously owned car, if you can afford a new car. It will mean a lot of problems and heartaches for you, unless you know how to fix it yourself. No need to rush out and purchase a new vehicle, unless you find owning one is something you have to do.

Second, try to assess the convenience that it can bring you, if it has. Truthfully, it can always be convenient for you if it is in the right condition. You will just bear the headache if you cannot use it anymore because of your several complaints about it.

The choice is still yours. If you do ultimately decide to buy used, you need to be willing to take on the consequences of that decision that may come down the road. Finally be sure to read about free on line automobile insurance quote.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Government Car Auctions Are Great Place For Auto Deals

government car auctions

It is no secret that government agencies at the local, state and federal levels regularly hold used car auctions. However, most people do not know where to find these kinds of auctions or how to be a participant. The government car auctions can be a wonderful source for getting your hands on a tremendously discounted vehicle. It is well worth the time to learn about them.

Many people are only interested in a government car auto to get a reliable car for the family and save some money in the process. However, there are some people who turn big profits by frequenting these government auctions, snapping up all the deals they can, and then turning around and selling these same vehicles at their used car dealership for twice the price, or more, of what they paid at the auction.

Dealers who buy multiple cars from government car auctions are not bandits. One of the things that many people fail to realize when they first attend one of these auto auctions is that all of the cars are sold without any kind of warranty, or in the "as is" condition, and that all sales are absolutely final.

For the car dealer who uses a government car auction to get a number of cars for his dealership on a regular basis, this means that there will be a percentage of the cars that are in need of a considerable amount of repair work before they can be resold. Most of the time, these dealers have a staff of mechanics that can deal with these problems, so in many ways it can be better that the dealers get these cars that have hidden problems because they can handle these issues more easily than an average consumer can.

For people who have the skills and equipment to work on cars themselves, a government car auction can be the perfect way to get a car at a price that is almost a steal. But, if you don't know a lot about the mechanical workings of a car, then it might not be quite as wonderful. The car you end up bidding on and winning may be reliable, or it could be a lemon. Just keep in mind that it is the responsibility of the bidder to determine the condition of the vehicle before they start bidding on it. Once you are awarded the winning bid, you are committed and the car is yours.

You will find that you will get the most unbelievable prices at the government car auctions if you attend one that hasn't been widely publicized, since few people will be there to bid against you. Do some detective work to track down the information on the local government auto auctions, instead of waiting around for ads about the events. If you put in the time to get the car auto auction schedules, then you will probably end up saving a huge amount of money when you are ready to bid and buy.

Classic Car Restoration Parts

There is a love of classic cars that just cannot be stripped away from some people. It is more than just the captivation they have with the look of the car, it is also about the way they were built and the  era that they came from. But as with anything classic, restoring these cars can be time consuming and expensive as parts are not always easy to find. Classic car parts can be extremely difficult to find, you may find that special part you are looking for on the other side of the country or even from the other side of the globe.

When looking for classic car restoration parts, it is always best to try and look around to see what you can find in your area. Starting here first will save you a lot of time and money by not having to pay for  shipping costs. Remember, more often than not,  classic car parts are heavier in weight than the parts are today and since the postal service charges for the weight, shipping expenses can be pretty high. So if you are able to avoid the mess of getting classic car restoration parts through the mail, all the better.

Buying Your Part Over The Internet

A lot of people seem to find the classic car restoration parts that they need through the Internet on auction sites. These auctions are just regular people who are selling some of their own stuff. While most often this is a safe adventure, you must proceed with caution as there are scam artists out there just waiting to take your money. Classic car restoration parts are not cheap so make sure that you check out the seller as much as possible before sending them your money or any of your personal information.

Of course, there is only so much that you can determine about someone over the Internet. Since this is the case, your best bet when buying any classic car parts is to use a safe payment method such as paypal or your credit card because you, as the buyer, are offered a certain amount of protection through these payment methods. While it is great to get the classic car restoration parts you have been wanting, it is not worth giving away every penny in your bank account because you were too excited or impatient to take cautionary steps. Just proceed with caution when buying such items and you will be fine.

Auto Parts Online: Find Everything For Your Automotive Needs.http://mylittleautoshop.com

What You Should Be Aware Of When Picking An Extended Warranty Service

automobile warranty

Customers who like to be prepared for everything should purchase extended warranty service, especially if the automotive warranty is only for 3 years/36,000 miles. For a good car that has been taken care of, most trouble surfaces around the 80,000 mile mark when new transmissions, new brakes, new calipers or inner gaskets and seals are required, due to regular wear and tear usage. Therefore, it's important for consumers who are looking for an extended car warranty to search for comprehensive coverage that includes "wear and tear" and lasts long enough. It's equally important that the vehicle being purchased is free from defects as well.

First, consumers should check to find out who is backing the extended warranty service. Is it an independent company or the vehicle manufacturer? Generally, manufacturer-based used car warranties are ideal, known for the easy-to-use guarantee. With an after-market extended car warranty, the owner will need to read the stipulations to ensure that everything is covered.

For example, some companies require that owners call before the work is done. Some companies require regular oil changes and fluid top-ups for work to be covered. Depending on the arrangement, sometimes the company pays the auto mechanic directly, whereas other times the warranty company pays the car owner back later. Reading and understanding the agreement is crucial in preventing unpaid claims.

Secondly, find out exactly what is covered and what is not covered. The things for consumers to look out for here are "breakdown coverage" versus "wear and tear" extended warranty service. While a breakdown automotive warranty may cost a little less, it could be costly over time. Many parts fail due to wearing down and not outright "breaking." Not all contracts cover instances like anti-lock break system failure or engine overheating. At the end of the day, these seemingly inconsequential distinctions can mean the difference between a reasonable plan and a waste of money.

At the end of the day, it's up to the owner whether or not extended warranty service is needed. Some people are perfectly comfortable setting money aside to save for possible repairs, whereas others want to feel that they can call on someone to help, no matter what happens. Extended warranty plans may not be essential for every computer, iPod or blender purchased, but for a car worth $10,000 or more, it's certainly a smart consideration for that extra peace of mind.

Features of Hybrid SUV Models

Hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are high performance vehicles that are compatible to using two distinct sources of power- the gasoline engine and the electric motor. This provides a fuel efficient source of power.

 

The ‘milder’ hybrids are dependent primarily on the gas engine. They use a small electric motor/ generator to supplement this. There are also ‘strong’ hybrids in which the electric motor is given a larger role enabling it to propel the car on its own at low speeds.

 

Hybrid SUV Models

 

Toyota and Lexus are providers of hybrid SUVs. Honda provides the mild hybrids. These are the ones that rely mainly on the gas engine while using a small electric motor or generator to supplement it. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid are examples of strong hybrids which have a larger role ascribed for the electric motor.

 

Features and Functionalities of Hybrid SUVs

 

The pathway of energy for the Hybrid SUVs can vary to wide extents. This depends upon various conditions and demands of the driver. Usually it is the electric motor that provides most of the momentum while driving at lower speeds despite the engine revving. The excessive power from the engine is absorbed by the smaller motor or generator and then routed back to the main motor to be used either for providing the energy to move the car or for charging the battery pack.

 

A simple system is involved in the Hybrid SUV setup. No rotating belt is there as in case of conventional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There are simply two electric motors and a gas engine that is permanently linked together using a planetary gear set. The driver can perceive nothing but only a smooth flow of power in spite of the fact that there is a lot of variation in the different modes.

 

There is a third electric motor or generator in case of the RX400h and Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i – two models of Hybrid SUVs. It is worth noting that the front-wheel-drive Highlanders do not have this motor. These Hybrid SUV models have none of the typical elements present in an all-wheel-drive system, namely, individual drive shafts connecting the front and rear axles and a center differential varying the power split. The independent third electric motor or generator rated for 68 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque is instead built into a rear transaxle.  It is only in times of need like during hard acceleration or starting on a slippery surface that the rear electric motor comes into play. While moving under force of gravity (coasting) and braking, this rear electric motor acts as a generator. In other circumstances the two models work as front drive SUVs.

 

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Auto Enthusiats Treasures Classic Auto Auction

seized car auction

Many people find that the sight of a restored vintage car rolling along the highway, with a fresh coat of shimmering paint and chrome accents gleaming in the sun, brings a huge smile to their face as they recall wonderful memories of earlier times. For people who appreciate the workmanship and attention that goes into bringing these beauties back to life, a classic car auction might be a memorable event that could even tempt one to start bidding so that they can claim the classic collectible for themselves.

Classic car auctions have long been a favorite type of event for car lovers of all ages to attend. Before the bidding gets underway, which can get rather heated with an enthusiastic crowd, there is a period of time when people can meander through the displays of the vintage models and appreciate the timeless and elegant lines of the cars that will soon be offered on the auction block.

You will find that attending a classic car auction is very different from going to a public auto auction. While the general, public auctions are more plentiful, they will offer very different types of vehicles, such as salvage car parts, to seized and repossessed cars. They will not have the classic, restored vehicles that are part of a collector car auction.

In the case of public auto auctions, people hope to find a decent car at a good price that will get them to and from work. Seldom will there be much of a bidding war on the very average and ordinary vehicles that are seen at government auto auctions and the like. But all the rules change when attending a collector car auction with an enthusiastic group of avid car collectors who know all about every model and who are looking forward to either starting their own collection or adding to one they already have.

Even if you are not planning to bid on any of the vintage models that are being sold at an auction for classic cars, they are wonderful events to attend. In one place you can check out a wide range of cars from many different eras, which are in immaculate shape, having been lovingly and attentively restored, and are sometimes an improvement over the original model.

Because the market for the classic, collectible cars is a fairly tight market and there is so much interest in the vintage vehicles that are either still in great shape or that have been restored, a collector car auction is not the place to look for a bargain. If a particular model of a classic car is rather rare or in high demand, then there could be an intense bidding war that will drive the winning bid much higher than any Blue Book estimate.

But, there are also instances when you can get a super deal on a vintage vehicle at a classic car auction, as opposed to dealing directly with the owner of a collector car. In the end, the kind of price you pay will depend a great deal on how well attended the collector car auction is and if someone else is determined to drive away with the same vintage vehicle that you have your sights on.

Brazil: Embracing Alternative Fuels And LEading The Way

In the world today, Brazil is the one country that has already taken major steps to greatly reduce their dependence on foreign oil. During the 1973 oil crisis, the Brazilian Government at the time decided to implement their "National Alcohol Program", better known in Brazil as "Proalcool". It was a planned strategy to implement an ethanol production infrastructure for Brazil's automobiles. Today, 8 out of 10 cars on the road in Brazil run on ethanol. Some run on 100% ethanol. This brilliant program set the stage for ethanol to fulfill the promise of energy independence and freedom from reliance on fossil fuels for the Brazilian people.

The Source

The United States is the largest producer of Ethanol producing about 35% of the world's ethanol. Brazil is a close second producing about 32 to 33% of the world's ethanol. In America, Ethanol is derived from the distillation of sugar that is obtained from corn. In Brazil, ethanol is derived from the sugar cane plant. Sugar cane grows all year round in Brazil. The ethanol derived from sugar cane provides 8 times the energy that was used to make it. Also, the waste material after the sugar is extracted from the cane is used as energy for power plants. Ethanol burns cleaner than regular gasoline because of the extra oxygen in its chemical makeup. Because ethanol is distilled from a plant, it emits no harmful toxic emissions such as carbon monoxide.

The CO2 that is released into the air when ethanol is burned is absorbed by the original plant or biomass (such as the sugar cane plant) that the ethanol was extracted from to begin with, making ethanol a carbon-neutral fuel. Brazil is poised to greatly surpass the United States in ethanol production worldwide. The road that led to this energy paradigm shift was not so smooth though. In the beginning, the government was subsidizing sugar cane growers. But as soon as oil prices dropped in the early 80's, the government stopped subsidizing sugar cane growers and many of them went out of business. Demand for ethanol had dropped.

The Future

Brazil has managed to achieve a 50% replacement of petroleum by ethanol. Also, 80% of all of Brazil's car fleet is flex-fuel capable. They can run on 100% gasoline or any combination of ethanol/gas mix such as E10, E25, or E85. Brazil is on the road to total oil replacement by ethanol, a notion that doesn't sit well with the national oil company in Brazil; Petrobras. The present sugar cane cultivated area in Brazil dedicated to ethanol production is about 7.4 million acres. It constitutes about 1% of the total arable land. In Brazil, there has been an increase of about 3% a year in ethanol production without having to add to the arable land with more sugar cane plantations. This is due to the refining of extraction technology and the derivation of higher yielding sugar cane plants. It wouldn't be hard for Brazil to achieve 100% replacement in the very near future.

If you want to learn more information about ethanol and ethanol production and products, please stop by http://www.allethanol.com and have a look.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Tips For Getting An Automobile Extended Warranty Plan

new car warranties

Here's a thought. Instead of agonizing over the cost of an extended warranty plan for your automobile, why not save the manufacturer's rebate you get on your new car and use your savings for a discounted online extended auto warranty? It may be hard to believe but most online car warranties are 40% cheaper than car dealerships, where they tack on a retail markup. You can get free quotes for warranties online, which can allow you to barter with your dealership, if need be, or it may just afford you the best deal out there and you won't even have to leave your home to take advantage of it! There are many ways to ensure you make a reasonable decision.

First of all, be sure you're dealing with a solid company. See that they're listed in the Better Business Bureau or Web Assured, and that they have years of experience. For example, Warranty Direct has been in business for 26 years and NWC have been in business for 20 years. Read consumer comments and testimonials, check to see if the company services any dealerships and ask if they have a reinsurance program, which means they will be good for the money, even if many people are filing claims all at once.

You may have heard that it is next to impossible to find a warranty company to cover some cars. For example, forget about snagging a deal on your low-end Land Rovers (with poor quality, frequent and costly repairs). If you have a turbo engine in your Porsche or a really old car, then you may have a hard time finding an extended warranty plan as well. If you're stuck in this situation, you may want to consider putting $5,000 into a long-term CD or money market account to save for repairs. If you have an older high mileage vehicle, then you can still find a reasonable deal through Warranty Direct, which covers vehicles up to 150,000 miles ("PowerShield Plan"). NWC also has a plan covering you up to 90,000 miles ("AutoXtra"), which covers components like the engine, transmission, drive axles, belts, water pumps, fuel pumps, rental car insurance and emergency roadside assistance. Before you visit the dealership to wheel and deal, be sure you arrive with an online quote in hand as a bartering tool.

As a general rule, new car warranties are cheaper on reliable cars like Honda and Toyota than on cars like Kia, Land Rover and Ford. You won't lose much coverage or money by waiting 100 miles or even 14,000 miles after purchasing your vehicle, but after that, you will get less bang for your buck. The more repair data that surfaces on your vehicle over time, the more the extended warranty plan companies will charge for your make and model. Don't get scammed by your dealership, but certainly do your research and aim to buy before your mileage accrues.

Car Extended Warranty You Must Have

extended warranty coverage

Have you hit a few cars in your lifetime due to your own negligence? Are you a hard breaker? Do you sometimes find that you're past due for an oil change? Are you planning to drive your car for at least ten years until it simply doesn't start anymore? If so, then an extended warranty was created just for you. Even though a car is a major investment, many of us can't help but to drive how we want. Sometimes, our cars rank low on the priority list, with so many other expenses incurred on a normal basis. To help offset the maintenance and repair costs, manufacturers and independent companies offer extended warranty coverage for those people who can't help but beat on their cars a little.

One thing to consider when you're researching extended warranty options is where to purchase from. Many people choose to buy their used car warranties or new car warranties straight from the dealership. There is a natural inclination to trust a dealer or a manufacturer more than an online seller, but most online, car extended warranty coverage is much more affordable and comprehensive than what your dealer would offer. When you buy from the dealer, they go to a company offering warranties (sometimes the manufacturer, sometimes a privately owned company) and they barter for offers. By going directly to a company online, you're essentially cutting out the middle man and saving yourself money.

Another factor to consider is auto warranty for "wear and tear." This type of warranty can be hard to find, since many only cover mechanical failure. However, you can definitely find extended warranty coverage that includes "wear and tear," thereby covering parts like the idler arm, piston rings, U joints, CV joints, wheel bearings, motor mounts, suspension bushings, tie rod ends, seals, gaskets and other engine parts that gradually wear down and may or may not cause a mechanical breakdown.

If you have an anti-lock braking system, then you'll want to make sure your coverage extends to ABS and instances of overheating. The comprehensive website, carbuyingtips.com recommends Warranty Direct and Nation Warranty Corporation, which both include "wear and tear" in their plans.

Lastly, ask your warranty company about things like a rental car, towing and travel reimbursements during the Standard Warranty Period. These extended warranty benefits can save you a lot of money and hassle if you get into an accident or suffer a breakdown! Also, check to be sure you can have your repairs covered at any ASE Certified Repair Shop. (Nothing is worse than having repairs done, only to find out that the repairmaster wasn't part of the affiliate network!) Additionally, ensure that your auto warranty has a $0 deductible and that they pay the repair shop directly. If your warranty company asks that you pay upfront and "get reimbursed later," then it could be a bunk deal. However, extended warranties can be a smart investment if you take the proper precautions and do your homework!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Keeping your shop clean

CNC Chips

My first thought is to say that you should not do it in your home shop.  My experience in my home shop has been that machining creates dirt.  I use the term dirt very loosely.  Dirt in many forms like plasma dust, machining chips, and cutting fluid spray.  All of these forms of dirt are very invasive and get into everything.You continually have to clean just to keep up.


In my home shop experience, I treat every one of my machines differently.My CNC plasma cutter makes the most dirt by far.  I built a special room for it to try to contain the plasma dust it creates.  My CNC Plasma Cutter is in my main working area.  I usually just have to clean around it from time to time.My CNC router is in mind woodworking workshop.  It creates a lot of wood chips and wood dust, which all my other woodworking machines do as well.


Factories invest in thousands of dollars in extra machines to keep things clean.  These machines purpose is to reduce the amount of dirt in the shop.  Some of these machines clean the air and some of these machines take care of the physical chips leftover from machining.

Here are some examples:
Automated Chip Augers - Chip augers are generally in the belly of machines.  As chips fall down the augers move them over to a collection area.  These chips can then be shipped out and recycled.

Downdraft tables –

Downdraft tables are usually associated with plasma or laser cutters.As the plasma cutter is cutting, dirty air is being drafted downward below.  This air is then moved through filters, which clean the air and place it back in the shop.  They put the air back in to the shop so the building doesn't have to be continually heated in colder areas of the country.

Updraft Table –

An updraft table works the exact opposite.  It pulls the air upward, then through a system of filters.

Water Tables -

Water tables are used mainly with CNC Laser operations.  There is water directly under the piece of metal being cut.  The dust and debris of the plasma cutting process is captured by the water table.  Over time, the table fills with this debris and must be cleaned out.

Janitorial Services -

Some factories maintain a janitorial service that cleans the facility every night.  This is usually dependent on the cost in the area the factory is located.

Free community site about CNC information:
If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com
It is easy to join up to this free CNC site today and get to CNC eBooks. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

Car Auction Houses Are Great Source For Automobile Savings

car auto auction

Various types of auctions have often been seen depicted in movies and TV shows for decades. Auctions do have the potential to set the stage for an interesting scene, as people get themselves caught up in the proceedings, get attached to particular items, and engage in bidding wars. There are many car auction houses across the country that put on various types of motor car auctions, from a seized car auction one weekend to a classic car auction the next, with many other types of auctions in between.

Some people who are not even particularly interested in buying a vehicle through a car auto auction still enjoy hanging around an auction house on the days that the auto auctions are running, just to take in the atmosphere of excitement and to do a bit of people watching. It can be a fascinating experience to watch the proceedings, especially if you have never before attended any type of used car auction. If there has been a vigorous round of bidding on a particular vehicle, then it can be electrifying when the auctioneer drops the gavel and pronounces the vehicle sold!

Because it is their business, the car auction auto houses fully understand how the various car auctions are managed and how the procedures work. On the other side of the coin, people who have never been to an auction of any sort often feel rather bewildered and even intimidated the first time they find themselves at a used car auction house.

Because of this, it is strongly recommended that first time auction goers, whether for antiques, collectibles and artwork, or for a public auto auction, attend at least one or two auctions in the role of observer and not as a bidder. Most of the car auction houses have an open door policy that allows spectators to come in and watch the proceedings; however, there may be restricted access to certain types of auctions.

The car auction house is not the seller of anything being sold. Instead, they are simply providing the services of the auctioneer, of registering the bidders, managing the auction and collecting the funds that are generated by the various motor car auctions that they host. If a person wins a bid on a vehicle, then they will pay the final bid price, as well as a percentage of the final price to the car auto auction house. This additional percentage is a fee that covers the expenses incurred by the auction house and is the main income source for these types of businesses.

When looking for a new vehicle, checking out the car auction houses in your area can be a good way to save yourself some money on an ordinary car, a collector car, and even large RVs. It is also a good idea to research the current Blue Book pricing on the types of vehicles you are interested in before you go to a car auto auction with the intent to make a purchase.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Find Drivers License Records

As a consumer are you well informed? Do you pay attention to the receipts you get and to all the wording on your bills? I have started doing this and have found that there are many times when I am over charged, especially with grocery shopping, and that the fine print on some of the bills, especially insurance bills, has inaccurate information on them. I work hard for my money and I do not want to spend it by being over charged for goods and services.

Several months ago I was paying my semi annual installment for my car insurance. I noticed that the premium had gone up, but I did not pay a great deal of attention to this. My husband noticed the increase and questions this because our policy was supposed to decrease after six months of no claims. We had not made a claim in the six months. I started reading on the bill and noticed that it stated that our drivers license records indicated that we had one or more violations that caused the increase in our insurance. Neither my husband nor I had received a ticket or fine in the six month period. We called the insurance company and we were told that there was an outstanding parking ticket that had been issued two years ago. They said that it was indicated that there was a warrant out for my husbandís arrest due to this outstanding fine. The ticket was for parking in a handicapped space without a sticker. My husband works with disabled clients and is always very careful not to block any accessible spaces, let alone illegally park in one of them. We went to the department of motor vehicles and asked to see our drivers license records. Both records were clean. There was no mention about an outstanding fine or warrant on my husbandís record. We asked for copies of our drivers license records to send to the insurance company. The department of motor vehicles offered to fax the information directly to the company.

When we arrived home we called and explained the situation. The representative stated that they did not know what had happened, but they would readjust our premium and send out a new one. Our guess is that because we have a common last name, someone elseís record was accessed rather than my husbandís or a wrong number was entered when doing the records search. If my husband would not have reminded me about the amount of premium we would have paid three hundred dollars more for our insurance. We would have paid the increased amount rather than the discounted amount for being safe drivers. It is very important to take the time to read your bill statements and also your receipts.

Patricia Stevenson owns and operates Drivers License Records which finds many county records including adoption records.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Hybrid Cars and the Basics of How They Work

The auto industry has been abuzz about the developments and introduction of new technologies for as long as it’s been around. The big new of this decade is the introduction of the Hybrid car. It’s not quite the electric machine everyone thought we’d be driving by now, but it’s halfway there and it’s a good solid step in that direction. But what exactly goes on under that slick new hood that makes these cars so special?

The science is a bit stuffy, but the basics are simple enough. It’s not even new technology necessarily. Buses and trains have been running with the help of electricity for years, but now it’s a consumer product, something you and I can go out and pick up from the car lot and drive around town.

Electric cars have a lot of drawbacks. They’re hard to maintain, harder to charge up, and don’t go nearly as far as you’d like, and we all know the drawbacks of the gasoline powered machines we drive around now. The mixture of the two is an attempt to cut back on car emissions and gas mileage while not falling victim to the pitfalls of electric cars.

Basically, with hybrid cars you’re bypassing the negatives of both sides. You still run your car on gasoline, but now it takes half as much and instead of the gasoline powering your car directly, it powers the batteries and generator that do most of the actual work.

If you brake or release the accelerator, the generator takes and stores energy from the motion in the car’s motor, putting it back in the batteries and recycling it into the all powerful energy that will propel your car forward. It sounds complicated but it’s really a matter of inserting a middle man between gasoline and your car that doesn’t pollute or deplete as you use it.

The fact that you’re still using gasoline is a necessity at this point as it would take a 1000 pound battery to emit as much energy as 1 gallon of gasoline. Gasoline is still an amazing formula capable of storing vast amounts of energy. Until a suitable alternative can be found and refined to the degree needed to operate a motor vehicle in our high powered, quick moving world, the hybrid is the scientific equivalent of a godsend. Our only other alternative is walking, or to start breaking the laws of physics.

Auto Auctions Are Becoming More Popular

repossessed cars

With the strong growth and widespread presence of eBay, the titan of online auction houses, buying and selling through auctions has become more acceptable, more commonplace and more accessible to millions. Even though there have been auto auctions for many years for liquidating repossessed and seized cars, used car auctions are becoming used for more general purposes, partly because of the influence of eBay.

In general, people who are ready to make an auto purchase love to shop at auctions because they can very often pick up an exceptional deal that they might not have ever been able to get through any other avenue. At the same time, sellers also like selling their products through auctions. Once a prospective buyer makes a decision to bid on an item, even if it is a low bid, they have mentally made the decision that they want the item and they become attached to the idea of owning it. When another bidder comes along, it can be easy for this mindset to translate into a bidding war and often the ultimate price is better than the seller could have hoped for.

The same basic principles are always in play, no matter what type of goods or services are being auctioned off. When it comes to auto auctions, a bidder can get a tremendous deal if there are few bidders in attendance. For the seller of an auction car, if they happen to be participating in a used car auction and have several people bidding on the same vehicle, then they might enjoy even more profit that they might have expected.

For many years, buying a car through an auction meant that the buyer was purchasing a model from a selection of repossessed cars, or cars that had been seized and were made available through government auctions. There were also many types of specialized car auctions that were not open to the public.

But, today, things have changed considerably and now there are more options than ever in automobile auctions that the public can take advantage of, as well as dealers and other industry insiders. These days it is not unusual for banks, credit unions, and finance companies to hold public car auctions to deal with the growing inventory of repossessed cars that they have on their property. Salvage yards, body shops and auto repair shops are also known to engage the services of car auction houses to help them sell vehicles that have been abandoned or seized because the owner could not pay a repair bill.

An important thing to understand when purchasing vehicles at auto auctions is that sales are final and all of the automobiles are sold "as is," with no type of warranty whatsoever. So, if you pick up a steal of a deal at a used car auction and turn the key to drive it home and it sputters and dies, then it is your problem alone to deal with. Late model cars at motor car auctions typically won't have serious problems operationally, but unless you are skilled at working on cars, you might want to leave the older models to dealers or mechanics.

Own Your Dream Sports Car for an Affordable Price

Want to take a race with wind! Not a bad idea at all; only you need to have the right sports car to give you company. Cars are the most passionate possessions in the boy’s toy’s list especially when it comes to throwing challenge to the wind. So how do you find your dream sports car that gives you the height of joy at the top speed, yet comes for an affordable price? Well, here are a few useful tips to find out your sports car without burning a hole in your pocket.

 

Begin with the used cars

The most practical way of buying your car for most affordable price is to go for a used sports car. You can look for the classic sports cars like Fiat or Triumph,  which can be restored back to their old glory for little price. These pre owned cars will help you to save on your sports car budget without cutting down on your adrenaline rush at the time of wild driving of a sports car. Owning and driving sports car become really enjoyable when you know where to find the most lucrative deals. There are two surefire ways of finding your dream sports car at an affordable price.

 

Online auction

Ask around and most of the auto enthusiasts will let you know that the best place for finding your dream sports car is the internet auto auctions. If you really want to strike it big, then take a virtual journey through the online auction of eBay Motors--- the largest online auction in the world. The vast range of comparison that you can experience here is really amazing. But the best thing about eBay Motors is: you can strike gold here by taking the advantage of some real good bargains.

 

However you should take notice of some important areas like shipment and model number before entering into any sort of commitment.

 

Deals through friendly car mechanic

One way of grabbing a great bargain is forging a rapport with your local car mechanic. He is the best person to supply you with valuable information about fabulous deals at an unbelievable bargain. Informing beforehand your mechanic about the sports car you are looking for will definitely help you to come across the sports car of your dream. The mechanic is a person to rely on so far as buying a used car is concerned because the mechanic has worked on the car and he knows the exact condition of the car.

 

Sometimes the car owners fail to foot the bill of the car repairing and in that case the mechanic gets back his money by putting the car for sale. This situation can offer you a particularly lucrative deal as it allows for great bargains.

 

In case you do not happen to find the sports car of your dream in pre owned market, keep an eye on the advertisements put up by the car dealers; sometimes car dealers offer big rebates and huge discounts that make for a really lucrative deal. Grab these offers to become the proud owner of a brand new sports car that won’t make you break the bank.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Car Security Camera - Putting Car Thieves Behind Bars

Car security camera systems are a new type of protection system for your car that has many people looking at security with a satisfying grin on their face on the implications for the bad guys. These types of cameras are typically digitally powered.

Because of modern technology their size has been greatly reduced to the extent that they can now stay hidden in most any part of the vehicle. These cameras typically have built in memory chips that have the ability to record up to 680 pictures. Both the time and date are automatically printed out on all the picture frames which can then be utilized as solid evidence and accepted in the court of law.

Stolen Vehicle Tracking System

The miniature cameras that are on the market nowadays have the ability to be installed in a discreet section of the vehicle. These car  security systems are useful within a car since they can do  verifications when it comes to identifying carjackers, robbers, as well as vandalism. Thefts of vehicles can typically be categorized into temporary thefts, quick strip downs, and exports.

Thefts that are temporary are typically put in the category as vehicles stolen for a joy ride, or utilized as vehicles during and sometimes after committing a robbery. Sports cars and other types of fast vehicles are the typical targets.

Quick strips are vehicles that are brought to a local garage that is commonly referred as a  'chop shop', where the vehicle is then stripped off of its valuable parts which are then sold on the black market. With this type of theft the original car is typically never seen again.

In case of the export car theft, thieves that are organized steal the vehicle where it is then rapidly exported out of the country and sold to the highest bidder.

A modern car security camera system normally utilize infrared black and white digital cameras which have the ability to take pictures the instant that there is any type of movement in the area in view. There are other types of cameras which function through the change in picture and not motion. These pictures can be taken through setting the timing within the camera from between 1-60 second intervals. Normally the time and date get printed automatically on the picture.

A camera system known as the Cyber Eye Camera has the ability to capture and store pictures on a 2GB memory chip which can also be expanded if you wish to. These cameras have the ability to be monitored through remote control, and the built-in infrared sensors can also take snapshots of people in the dark with a range of up to ten feet away. These captured images have the ability to be seen on a television screen to help identify the thief.

There are also available on the open market, other wireless car security camera systems which have the ability to be controlled remotely. Some of these cameras have a switch that is operated by foot, which gives the driver the ability to activate the camera systems without calling attention or alarming the offender. Some of these car security camera systems have an optional wireless siren which functions as an effective type of alarm, thereby having the owner of the vehicle alerted to a break-in while snapping pictures of the offender.

To learn more go to Home Security Camera Setups advice  and at HD Security Camera tips.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Hybrid Car Buying Options

The hybrid car market has built upon us slowly but steadily over the last decade ago. If you can remember back that far you’ll recall that gas was hovering around a dollar a gallon and we were in an economic boom, right on the edge of the dotcom bubble and the economic reality of the new millennium.

The last half decade or so has brought a few other realities as well, the most prevalent being the truth in global warming. The social effects are just now starting to be seen, right alongside the commercial effects. The evolution of the automobile has sidled right up to the plate as the next major development. For those interested in helping out by owning one of the new generation of the car, your choices were limited for a long time, but with each passing year a whole new slew of options open up as car companies hop onto the bandwagon, realizing that there is in fact money to be made in this market.

Until Ford finally announced their Escape model recently, the market has been dominated by Japanese automakers, and even now as more American companies get involved, they have nearly a ten year head start in the market.

Toyota Prius – The most popular and oldest of all hybrid models, the Prius is one of the cheapest models available as well as the most efficient with nearly 60 mpg. There is a downside to being the most popular however – a waiting list of two to nine months.

Honda Insight – Honda’s new entry, the Insight is a straight up competitor to the Prius, with a slightly lower price point and slightly higher mpg. It doesn’t have the establishment of brand name like Toyota hybrids, but the success of Civic and Accord hybrids in Honda’s line places them in a better position than any other car company to take Toyota on.

Ford Escape – The Escape Hybrid is the first time an American car company has offered a hybrid vehicle to the public. Their first entry is an attempt to pacify both markets at the same time, offering a more expensive SUV hybrid that gets significantly better mileage than most SUVs on the market, but still fails to come anywhere near the Toyota or Honda mileage standards.

Lexus and Toyota have offered their own entries into the SUV hybrid arena, with the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander respectively. The popularity of the SUV being what it is, the price point is rendered partially if not entirely mute, as those on the cusp of buying an SUV because of gas mileage might reconsider when these options are presented.

With upwards of 10 new models supposedly being unveiled later this year, the list of hybrid cars available to the public is growing rapidly, finally catching up to the demand that Toyota and their over-stuffed order forms can attest to. What remains to be seen now is if the kind of technology race that this market needs is coming right behind.

The Advancing Reality of Hybrid Cars and American Automakers

It’s been ten years since Toyota introduced their first hybrid car, the Prius, to the market for energy and pollution conscious consumers. The model has seen significant success and maintains a steady waiting list for this interested in owning one. The market is booming and yet where is the competition? Honda hopped on with hybrid models of their popular Civic and Accord models, and Nissan is looking to edge their way in as their market share grows world-wide, but the original developers of the automobile, the American Auto Manufacturers, with the exception of a product line equivalent to sticking their toe in the water, have remained rather silent on the issue.

It looks like 2007 will be a step in the right direction though as 10 new hybrid models will release this year alone, six of those from Detroit’s big three automakers. Ford, Mercury, and Saturn each have their single entry in the field. As it stands though the full support and development budgets that the technology really needs to take off have yet to appear.

So, as GM, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler rev up their sales and attempt to take on a Japanese market with a decade’s head start, what can we look forward to in our hybrid vehicles?

The answer is exciting when you stop to think about the amount of development money and time that could really go into the market if these companies realize that there’s money to be made. When the consumers react and a dozen or more different brands hit the market in competition, the need to step up and offer bigger, better models to stay ahead of the curve will breed the kind of technology race that the auto industry hasn’t seen since the 1970s.

Recent reports released by the UN and the global scientific community state that with CO2 output as it currently stands, worldwide temperatures will rise by nearly 6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. There are still hold outs on the consensus that technologies such as the automobile are causing harm to our planet, but as more and more come to the realization that this is a reality, the corporations will react accordingly. And if the government takes the steps to curb emissions and raise CAFE standards, it’s entirely likely that the industry might start to shift much of their focus to the hybrid car market in an attempt to curb the inevitable downturn in their profits.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Saving on Auto Insurance May Not Be Easy

The Real Cost of Auto Insurance


As the cost of running a car continues to rise, most car owners are looking for methods to reduce the amount they pay on auto insurance each year,reductions in the premium can be considerable by using some of the information presented in this article.

There are many different types of coverage to choose from depending on what you want covered and what you can afford. Some of the components of auto insurance are:

  • Underinsured motorist coverage
  • Uninsured driver Injury to a passenger or pedestrian

Prior to the advent of online insurance websites, trying to obtain a quote could be a lengthy process. All this has changed with websites that can carry out the comparison for you,there just isn't an easier way to find the right plan to suit your requirements. If you are serious about reducing the amount you pay then this is the way to do it,it won't be very long before all transactions are carried out this way.

To make matters worse, the cost can be based on many different aspects,the main points however, are listed below:

Town or city you live inIs the vehicle fitted with a tracking device?

Cost of partsHow much BHP does the vehicle have?

One thing is for sure though and that is if you live in a big city, your auto insurance will cost more than if you live in the country,the number of claims made increases enormously when a person lives in a city from accidents, theft and damage. Although your premium will certainly add a considerable amount to your annual budget, most good companies will be able to set up a monthly repayment plan to help.

One word of warning that is echoed by many insurance specialists is don't leave getting your free quotes until the last minute as this can cause problems when the renewal is due.

There are a number of people that drive expensive cars that have high premium costs and a comprehensive policy might be out of the question so a basic policy might be needed. even if the accident was not your fault, something that basic insurance will not do. When an accident occurs, all passengers that are not related by blood in either vehicle will be protected by this type of policy.

Switching to a new auto insurance company is best done when the old insurance is about to expire and not during the course of the plan. One thing to note though is not to cancel your policy from your old insurer until the insurance is actually in effect with the new insurer. It is not unusual to find a discount available if you decide to have your home policy with the same insurer.

Being aware of a few facts like these before you purchase your auto insurance can save you a great deal time and more importantly, money.

PowerShield 2 Year Extended Warranty

automotive warranty

The PowerShield 2 year extended warranty offered by Warranty Direct offers their extended warranty coverage to consumers, not just dealerships. At the dealer, consumers are subject to retail markups, but choosing to buy extended warranty coverage directly through the internet can alleviate the higher prices consumers find elsewhere. With over 28 years of experience in the industry, Warranty Direct is a leader in extended auto warranties that covers motorists far longer than their manufacturer's warranties.

The first question consumers should ask is, "What parts are covered with my 2 year extended warranty?" With PowerShield, all the traditional "powertrain" components are included: engine, transmission, computer modules and drive axles. Unlike other warranties, Warranty Direct customers will also be covered for timing belts, water pumps, oil pumps, mechanical fuel pumps, CV joints, universal joints, crankshafts, cam shafts, bearings, bushings and more.

Consumers will NOT be covered for "wear and tear" damaged components like: seals, gaskets, valves, batteries, light bulbs, tires, GPS, trim, molding, handles, spark plugs, rotors, brake pads, hoses, drive belts or wheel alignments. At WarrantyDirect.com, there are other new car warranties and used car warranties (up to 7 years/100,000 miles) that cover "wear and tear" damage and all of these parts.

Around-the-clock Emergency Roadside Assistance and Travel Reimbursements are two other features of the PowerShield 2 year extended warranty coverage. A complete benefits package featuring 24 x 7 emergency roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement and travel interruption expenses are also included. If a breakdown occurs, then consumers are eligible for a $50 towing service and complementary flat tire repair, mechanical first aid, gasoline delivery, battery jump start, emergency lockout service, fluid delivery and nationwide protection. Additionally, rental car reimbursement up to $35/day will be provided if needed. If the vehicle is disabled over 100 miles from home, Warranty Direct pays $50/day for up to three days for lodging and meals. It's the details that make a company truly worthwhile.

Of course there are still some stipulations clearly spelled out in the 2 year extended warranty contract that vehicle owners should be aware of. First, a claim will be denied if repairs are needed within the first 90 days/1,000 miles after purchasing the plan. Secondly, a claim will be denied if the owner does not take the car in for regular oil/fluid changes, within 60 days of purchasing the plan and as indicated in the owner's manual. Consumers must save receipts to show proof of oil changes in the event of a claim! Thirdly, a claim will be denied if the owner makes unauthorized modifications to use the vehicle for towing, racing, snow removal or commercial purposes. Additionally, consumers filing claims must ensure the odometer is working at all times (or fixed immediately). If the car begins to overheat or the "check engine" light comes on, then motorists must pull over immediately and call the toll-free 1-800 number to be covered. Lastly, a claim will be denied if damage is caused by a collision, weather damage, terrorist acts, vandalism or fire. That's what car insurance is for!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Ferrari: A history in the making

Ferrari cars, are one of the most wanted vechiles on the planet, usually due to both the compaines and vechiles reputations, they are also regarded as a sybmol of success in certain parts of the world.As time passed, Ferrari built cars either for the race track or the road, as it was impractical to make dual purpose automobiles. In 1987, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the company that bore his name, Enzo Ferrari personally introduced the F40. The X1's real secret is how Wright engineers it all to keep the car in optimum race mode whenever you hit the accelerator. Company founder Enzo Ferrari himself, always felt that design of the road cars should stem from the racers. Therefore, it was entirely logical that the company's latest creation should bear his name The Enzo, built in a limited run of 399, is an outstanding expression of the concept of extreme sportiness, developed for road use, yet epitomising the most advanced concepts of Formula 1 racing technology Ferrari set out to develop the Enzo as an integrated system designed for extreme performance, in which even the limits of the performance achievable by the driver were enhanced, thanks to a man-machine interface typical of Formula 1 . Obviously this sort of cars are difficult dreams to achieve for someone interesting in buy a ferrari , trust me: they are not cheap.

So far, the Enzo has proven to be stable when cornering. Its powerful engine, however, sometimes makes the car a bit difficult to control. It's styling, obviously borrowed from Enzo's, aerodynamic in nature, allows it to go over 200 km/hr. Obviously not intended for casual driving or cruisin', this is a vehicle for those in some serious need for speed. The most poweful Enzo-sourced V12 engine from Ferrari is powered with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission along with the 6-speed sequentail mannual gearbox, also called the F1 SuperFast. The MagneRide active suspension system is another important feature that contributes to a smooth driving experience to this sporty vehicle.

Before he established his own auto company, Enzo worked for Alfa Romeo during the 20s. Ferrari soon became the manufacturer of prestigious vehicles, and while the company still partakes in racing endeavors, the wealthy and elite covets the models produced by Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari's division was small enough to be unaffected by this. Because he was prohibited by contract from racing for several years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories.

The lack of a competitive engine for the British teams changed in 1962 and Ferrari failed to win a race. Ferrari was also racked by internal politics which resulted in the departure of eight top Ferrari executives including Carlo Chiti. On these occasions, an official team of technicians will be on hand to provide any assistance and support required by the Client Test Drivers. In addition to these unique official events, Clients will also be able to take their cars out on the track independently during private sessions. Their aura was not based on mere looks but on Ferrari's superior engines and the enormous success of its racing teams. Body design mattered, of course, and the cars' power was translated by Pininfarina into aerodynamic lines and sharply contoured details

Find more info about buy Ferrari and Ferrari costs in this site.

Check Out The New Toyota Prius Hybrid Car.

The Toyota Prius is still the most popular and best-selling hybrid car in the US and world today. When the Prius was released back in 1997 it pioneered the trend towards hybrid vehicles.

Purchases of the Toyota Prius started to rise as more models were released, even though, initially, sales of the now-popular hybrid vehicle were not very good. Toyota released its second-generation Prius in 2003 as the first midsize hybrid available to the public, and that year it was named Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine.

People are not just buying hybrids because of the environmental and health issues, but also because of the soaring gas prices which is leading people to look for alternatives. Prius is the number one choice due to its simplicity and price, although, there are many hybrid cars to choose from.

Many improvements have been made to the latest hybrid vehicles. While the first version of the Toyota Prius had excellent fuel efficiency, air conditioning was the sole option available. The second generation vehicle improved on the first in aesthetics, speed, and size. It is the first sedan of its class and size and has won numerous awards.

It employs the Synergy hybrid system used by all of Toyota's hybrid vehicles. It has a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine with smart valve timing along with an eternal magnet Ac synchronous motor. It has 110 horsepower (combining electric power with gas power) and 46 mpg fuel economy (city and highway mileage combined, as rated by EPA).

It has an electronically controlled continuous variable transmission, anti-lock system and regenerative breaking. The environment benifits because of the low 89% emissions.

Power windows, cloth seats, micron filter air-conditioners, cruise control, door locks, and keyless remote entry are included as standard features in the second generation Toyota Prius. Switches can be found on the steering wheel that controls the climate, audio and cruise control.

Customers have the option of buying the vehicle with a navigational system with Bluetooth technology. What makes it different from any other hybrids on the market is that it uses a power button to start the ingition rather than a key. An energy motor is mounted on the dashboard which indicates the flow of power between the engine, electric motor and battery pack.

While the second-generation Toyota Prius isn't the most stylish of the available hybrids, its low price, high miles per gallon, and environmentally minded features combine to make it extremely attractive. If you're looking for practicality why not choose the pioneer?

You can find more great information and articles about hybrid cars, including the Toyota Prius, on our website.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Camper Plans

Generally known as camper vans or dormobiles in the UK, recreational vehicles are a great solution for an unforgettable holiday; especially designed to solve both transport and accommodation issues. Camper rentals can give tourists a feeling of independence and the opportunity to explore at will. A motor home really is a "home from home", with all the conveniences you have at home and the benefit of mobility. A mobile home should offer the following facilities and if they don't, you may want to look elsewhere for your hire vehicle.

The kitchen should have a gas or electric cooking hob with two or sometimes three burners. You can create a quick meal in no time. So far so good, but you may wonder about lighting at night, well that's taken care of as well. Camper vans in general have dual batteries, one dedicated to the camper's engine and another that supplies you with accessory power.

Stop off for a night or two at one of the many camp sites, with most having the option of booking a serviced pitch. Electric hook-up points are included on serviced pitches, so you can hook up the vans electricity. It will also be close to or may even include a water supply tap.

Many of the more established camping sites in the UK offer cable television and wireless internet access in the UK. This new kind of travelling across the country has definitely reached a high level of development. However, most people who hire a campervan or motorhome as the perfect way to travel around, prefer to stay in remote rural locations or near regular tent campgrounds with basic facilities.

The appearance of the iconic modern day camper van began with the Volkswagen Company, a recognized leader in the recreational vehicle market aimed primarily at young adventurers, however in the UK, you'll find other well known vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, Fiat or Bedford among the first to appeal to the general public. Every year, Volkswagen organizes the Vanfest, held in Malvern. A lot of the exhibitors show off their lovingly restored and refurbished vans. If you've got a van and need to buy something for it, then this is the place to go.

Choosing the ideal camper for your needs generally depends on whether it is a full or partial family outing. The childrens ages can also play a big part in the choice as a van that has to accommodate teenagers will definitely need to be bigger than one for toddlers. Most family vans include one large double bed and two smaller single ones, or there is also the option of one double bed and a small bed in the van roof space. Such details need to be discussed with the camper van rental company you choose. Using dedicated child seats for toddlers are the law in the UK and they should be used at all times when in transit.

Hunters, fishermen, adventure lovers, or anyone who's after peace and quiet in isolated places, can choose to hire a truck camper. A truck camper is the off-road form of a campervan, that a few van hire firms offer at a premium price. However, it may be worth trying, particularly for a group of three or four people that need to get away from the world and find a temporary tranquility in the heart of the mountains. The design of this "off road" style camper is often space limited as the extra suspension ride height, takes up some cabin space.

Are you man enough to ride the 1300 hayabusa turbo

  If you are looking for the ultimate superbike a motorcycle with no comparables then there is only one choice the awesome 1300 hayabusa turbo. There are many superbikes on the market from top marques like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ducati just to name a few. All have very powerful engines capable of phenomenal acceleration but one machine stands high and proud above the rest, the suzuki hayabusa. The suzuki hayabusa is one of the fastest production bikes of the modern era, with its new 1340cc engine developing over 180 bhp and a top speed of hayabusa of over 186mph. The suzuki hayabusa is reliable, robust and a very high performance motorcycle. Even despite the awesome hayabusa performance many owners strive to modify both the looks and the performance of their suzuki hayabusa to turn it into a fire breathing custom hayabusa.    There are multitudes of customising parts available to individualise your custom hayabusa. The turbo charger is most popular tuning accessory for the suzuki hayabusa. The 1300 turbo hayabusa is massively powerful and turns the already very quick suzuki hayabusa into a missile. Once the rev counter hits 3500rpm the turbo boosts in, blurring vision and stretching your arms.    My advice for the 1300 hayabusa turbo is to opt for an air shifter to change gears instantaneously without the clutch.     On the drag strip the 1300 hayabusa turbo holds the 1350cc world record for top speed recorded for a two way run of 261mph. In order to keep the front wheel from constantly pointing skyward on acceleration most 1300 hayabusa turbo owners fit an oversize elongated swinging arm that acts to increase the wheelbase. Not only do these hayabusa performance accessories do the trick they also look super cool. Recent leglisation has governed the suzuki hayabusa top speed to 185mph.