As oil approaches $150 a barrel, gas saving devices are becoming more and more sought after by many.Now that technology has advanced, everyone can tell the big oil exec's to shove it. One of the most popular devices utilizes water, an abundant resource, to work. The duo of water and gas allows an engine to run more efficiently and enables the vehicle owner better savings on gas.
Below are just a few benefits many are enjoying with gas saving devices:
Benefit number 1: An almost unbelievable rise in your cars fuel economy. If you were to poll individuals who affixed one of these devices to their car, you would find an average of 20 to 60 percent increase in gas mileage. The variation in gas mileage simply relates to the type of car you own or drive.
Benefit number 2: You'll begin to notice a much smoother ride. Upon installation of one of these devices, you car will run in a more efficient manner. This will cut back on engine drag enabling the car to run in a more smooth manner.
Benefit number 3: You will see an increase in the performance of your cars engine. The nice thing about this technology is that it utilizes Brown's Gas which produces more power than regular gasoline. The Brown's gas is a result of the combination of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
Benefit number 4: Engine parts that last longer. It's not rocket science to figure out that if your engine runs smoother and has less drag, the parts will last longer.
Benefit number 5: You can rest easy knowing that your car is a much cleaner burning machine. With one of these gas saving devices on your car, the engine will run much cleaner leading to lower car emissions. As talk of global warming continues, you can feel secure knowing that you are cutting back on your contribution.
It may be running through your head that such gas saving devices will cost you a substantial amount of money. I am here to inform you that this is simply not the case.In a lot of instances, the parts you will need will cost less that 100 dollars. As an added bonus, the parts can be found at your local hardware store.Now that you know it's pretty cheap to put together on of these devices, a guide to show you how to put on of them together is all you need. Well all that's left is to do some research so you can start saving some cash at the pump.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
5 Benefits Of Gas Saving Devices
Hybrid Trucks Offer Fuel Efficiency
The international concern about the environment is nothing new. Besides the attempts to preserve the natural habitat unspoiled, people showed more interest in the conservation of the natural resources. Hence important steps have been made in this direction and researchers, technicians and car producers have come together to create green vehicles or at least to adjust the existing ones to the present green tendencies and policies. One notable outcome of their efforts in this direction is represented by the appearance of more and more hybrid cars and trucks. And this is when hybrid trucks come into play. What's the trick about hybrid trucks? Well, as you know, goods transportation would be paralyzed in the absence of trucks. These big vehicles – the hybrid trucks - are huge fuel eaters and the industry of transportation is equally vast.
People are becoming more aware every day of the importance of preserving our environment and not using our energy resources wastefully any more that even owners of businesses in the field of transportation have changed their views and turned to hybrid trucks to comply with the laws and state regulations. Apparently, hybrid trucks represent one of the most popular hybrid searches in the automotive industry. People are eager to get the latest achievements in the hybrid vehicle construction business. Hybrid trucks are not the only ones to get the attention: hybrid electric, fuel flex pickups freight trucks and lots of other models dominate the market too. Although full hybrid trucks belong to the future, this is a not so distant reality as you might imagine. Actually, a couple of full hybrid trucks have been launched in 2008, with more to come in 2009 and 2010.
There are many well-known car producers involved in this adjusting process, that have already come up with different types of hybrid trucks even if they are not the full versions we are all interested in and willing to have available. Thus Chevy and GMC have bring some mild versions of hybrid pickups. Truck drivers will get satisfaction soon when promises made by Toyota, Dodge, Freightliner, International Truck Engine, Eaton and Kenworth will be materialized in the new hybrid vehicles to be launched. A nice achievement in the making of hybrid trucks is the considerable lowering of the noise level besides the energy saving advantages. Hybrid trucks are quieter, cleaner and safer to use: all you need to do is get the idea of an investment and put it into practice!
Consider Hybrid SUVs
Some people using the term of “hybrid SUVs” take it for other car models. Why is that? SUVs are luxury vehicles and whoever purchases one probably has enough cash for maintenance and gasoline.Yet, with the oil prices hitting the roof, more economic vehicles are necessary, and hybrid SUVs happen to match the requirements. Besides, there is this custom and policy all over the world to remind of the importance of our energetic resources which we have been using wastefully. Therefore, we should all be concerned about having hybrid vehicles which are more fuel-efficient.
These were the premises for the transformation of the power SUV vehicles in to hybrid SUVs. When you decide to buy hybrid SUVs, you should know that not all of them are cost–efficient in the long run, which means that you have to do some research before choosing among the diverse hybrid SUVs. To assist you with the choice, analysts at automotive-cost tracking Web site IntelliChoice.com performed a study for CNNMoney.com, in which they analyzed and put side by side projected 5-year ownership costs for specific vehicles that were similar in price and maintenance costs to SUVs. The elements followed in this study were fuel, maintenance, finance costs and depreciation. Analysts wanted to learn whether specific costs measured up to their expectations. They also compared the difference amounts between non hybrid and hybrid SUVs. According to their findings, hybrid SUVs beat the broad expectations by about $4,000.
Among the hybrid SUVs promoted on the market at present, we could count a number of vehicles like Acura RD-X, BMW X5 Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Durango, Ford Escape, Lexus RZ 400h, Saturn VUE, to name just a few models. So, as you can see almost all the big automobile companies have become interested in doing something about the environment and finance and have already come up with a number of hybrid SUVs on the market.
How much fuel do you save with hybrid SUVs? No one can give clear cut figures as the calculations are quite extensive and the amount differs from vehicle to vehicle, as well as from driver to driver. What we can say is that hybrid SUVs, and hybrid vehicles in general, though bulkier, seem to bear their bigger weight better than traditional vehicles, and this is apparent if we consider the problem of fuel efficiency and costs. Therefore, choosing from hybrid SUVs types is a true pleasure; take a driving test and see for yourself. Hybrid SUVs are definitely worth paying for.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles are automobiles which make use of a combination of conventional propulsion systems and rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS). The purpose for combining these two different power sources is to achieve improved fuel economy in hybrid electric vehicles compared to the conventional cars and trucks. Then, batteries are just used for support, and limited propulsion needs, without requiring any recharging due to the storage and energy renewal system.
Modern times have seen the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles coming from a number of well known car manufacturers. The reasons why many car producers jump on the green bandwagon are varied. Whether there is a genuine interest in saving energy and not using the planet’s energetic sources, or a smart and "caring" way to attract buyers and thus sell more cars, one cannot be certain. There are three main ways that allow current hybrid electric vehicles to reduce gas consumtion. First, they lower the amount of wasted energy during idle or low input (turning off the ICE); secondly, they collect waste energy (regenerative braking), and thirdly, they reduce the size and power of the ICE and inefficiencies generated by under-utilization.
The batteries that supply the electric motor get charged when you drive around, thus preventing the input necessities. Some hybrid electric vehicles use the internal combustion engine (ICE) to create electricity by spinning an electrical generator (quite often this is a motor-generator) to directly supply the electric motor that drives the vehicle or to recharge the battery. The majority of hybrid electric cars can now cut out the toxic emissions that are exhaled during the idle or restart modes of the engine. The engines of the hybrid electric vehicles are smaller than those of non-hybrid petroleum fuel vehicles. These engines may function at various speeds, thus bringing more efficiency.
The making of the hybrid electric vehicles started in the late 1990s and the first ones came from Honda (Honda Insight) and Toyota (Toyota Prius). The history of hybrid electric vehicles is marked by the buyer-oriented policy that aimed at making such cars available to anyone. The future of hybrid electric vehicles is definitely bright, and this is the forecast by some car makers who label hybrid electric vehicles a core segment of the automotive market of the future.
To get more on hybrids vehicles visit Hybrid Honda as well as Lexus Hybrid.
Why you should lease your next car
With car leasing you get all the benefits of owning a car but without a lot of the downfalls, fisrtly you don't have any huge upfront costs to pay with car contract hire, you may have to pay a small deposit but nothing compared to what a new car would cost you, usually all maintenance costs will be covered in the lease plan as well as any warranty so if anything goes wrong it wont cost you a penny. Road tax! its keeps getting more and more expensive but that's also included in the cost of your lease agreement. Also you can drive away a car that you would have never normally been able to afford, there are some great deals out there for expensive cars so look out for things like Audi contract hire where you could drive away a flash car for just a small monthly fee. You get a brand new car every 2 to 3 years which means you always have the latest model. Also a car is not like a house, it loses its value over time so if you buy anew car in 5 years time it will be worth a fraction of the cost meaning that you lose all the value you payed for. There are a few jargon terms that you may here if your looking at leasing a car so here's a couple to keep your ear open for.
Depreciation – this refers to the reduction in the car’s value caused by age, mileage and condition. The depreciation of a vehicle is greatest during its first year. The make and model of the car also has a large bearing on the depreciation value.
Residual Value – this term refers to the predicted value of your car when it reaches the end of the lease agreement. This amount is very important as the monthly repayments will be based on the difference between the selling price and the residual value.
Buy Cheap Tires Now
When you have problems with your tires on a continual basis, you may have a job that requires you to drive in some sticky situations, or that you put a lot of miles on your car or truck. Whatever, it can be expensive to replace tires if you do not know what you are doing. If you do not have the above problems, you can pretty much get away with cheap tires easily.
There will be times that you must not choose cheap tires. If you want to go for long trip, then do not save on tires. If your trip will be going on snow and sleet, then do not skimp on tires. When you have to drive through construction areas often both on the highway or in relation to your job, you need the best you can get such as Goodrich or Dunlap. Other than that though, you can get the less expensive tires and have very good luck with them. Just remember to keep your eye on them as they won’t last quite as long as the more expensive versions.
The good time to buy cheap tire is when you have to only change one tire. If only one has gone flat, then you may not want to replace all at once. Finding cheap tires for this reason can save you some money then and in the future. That means the tire will be fine and may be wearing out when the rest of yours do, so you can then replace them all at once. However, it’s good to keep in mind that most recommended staggering your tires changes by twos to avoid having them all go bald at the same time.
You can get cheap tires easily, but stay away from the lower end of the brand. You can still get a great deal on them without getting tires that will only last a couple of months, and might even be a little dangerous. Keeping your family safe is more important than saving on cheap tire. Find some reliable tire, and always check that the air pressure maintains at proper level.
VW Golf 6. Is it really new?
It has to be one of Volkswagen most important models and perhaps one that invokes and lot of emotion from all motorists and commentators alike. Golf has been around for about 35 years now and to date has sold close to 26 million units which means it is an icon albeit not in the same way as the beetle. And yes along the way VW had its best sellers the likes of the Citi Golf and the Polo for sale still in most countries. The first batches of Golf will always be special.
The Shape
This time it is round 6 for the golf with the new model being pampered with gizmos, made more efficient and safer. There is not that much difference between the new comer and the outgoing one. It more like Golf 5 reloaded. As ever the appearance is probably one aspect that drew many to buying the Golf throughout its history. Golf 5 took a radical step in terms of design making it one of the hottest affordable cars to be seen driving. Five years later VW has not made that much change in terms of design.
Is this a good or bad decision? Golf VI is a lot more toned down in exterior design and this might dissapoint those who loved the outgoing shape. And if you did not like the previous design, then you will definitely not bother about the current one. Put in simple terms, VW played it very safe with the design of the Golf. More like boring to be exact.
Cheaper to manufacture
Well the main point is that VW struggled to manufacture the Golf 5 at costs they would have liked and they aimed to have a more efficient production process with the next version. Manufacturing process of the Golf is said to be improved by 20% with further reductions planned.
Some of it is genuine engineering and some of it is parts refining. The golf 6 is mostly a new car but some of the parts and design are carried over and improved off course.
Engines and transmission
Engine for the Golf 6 will deliver power ranging from 59kw (79hp) and 118kw (158 hp). Power from the diesel versions is between 81 to 103kw (108hp to 138hp) and the engines are based on a 2 litre TDI.
The new models are keeping very well with the theme of reducing fuel consumption. For instance the petrol engines have in the region of 6.4 litres/100km while the diesels are in the 4.6 litres/100 km approximations.
There is serious talk of the Golf 6 not featuring any automatic transmission but only a choice of 5/6 speed manual and a 6/7 speed DSG (direct shift gearbox)
Features
There are plenty of electro giga-gizmo goodies and the most significant being the auto brake distance control adaptive chassis control (select normal, comfort or sport), parking assistance and many more (all the usual electronics in improved guise cruise control, abs etc).The car is close to self parallel park with the assistance system where the driver is only required to brake for once the sequence is complete.
With seven air bags, sophisticated head restrain system and a knee protection VW has made the Golf to be much safer. With an NCAP rating of 5 stars, the Golf is a pretty safe car to drive.
Interior quality is another big talking point about the golf six. Audi A4 For Sale, oh sorry VW has really brought the quality levels to a more premium level without charging the consumer much more than the previous model. Many motoring journalists sing praises at the interior being with par with the more expensive Audi A3 segment. Very Good for now.
Summary
The new Golf is does not come across as an entirely new car. Good news for the buyer is that VW is able to reduce manufacturing overhead at the same time packing more items on the car. The new car is really value for money as it is essentially all the good things about Golf 5 plus more features.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The benefits of car leasing
With car leasing you get all the benefits of owning a car but without a lot of the downfalls, fisrtly you don't have any huge upfront costs to pay with car contract hire, you may have to pay a small deposit but nothing compared to what a new car would cost you, usually all maintenance costs will be covered in the lease plan as well as any warranty so if anything goes wrong it wont cost you a penny. Road tax! its keeps getting more and more expensive but that's also included in the cost of your lease agreement. Also you can drive away a car that you would have never normally been able to afford, there are some great deals out there for expensive cars so look out for things like Audi contract hire where you could drive away a flash car for just a small monthly fee. You get a brand new car every 2 to 3 years which means you always have the latest model. Also a car is not like a house, it loses its value over time so if you buy anew car in 5 years time it will be worth a fraction of the cost meaning that you lose all the value you payed for. There are a few jargon terms that you may here if your looking at leasing a car so here's a couple to keep your ear open for.
this is the reduction in the car’s value caused by age, mileage and condition. The depreciation of a vehicle is greatest during its first year. The make and model of the car also has a large bearing on the depreciation value.
Residual Value – this term refers to the predicted value of your car when it reaches the end of the lease agreement. This amount is very important as the monthly repayments will be based on the difference between the selling price and the residual value.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Learn About The Gas Saving Devices Top Benefits Today
As oil approaches $150 a barrel, gas saving devices are becoming more and more sought after by many. With the latest advances in technology, it is now possible for anyone to fight back against these rising cost's. One of the most popular devices utilizes water, an abundant resource, to work. The duo of water and gas allows an engine to run more efficiently and enables the vehicle owner better savings on gas.
Below are just a few benefits many are enjoying with gas saving devices:
Benefit number 1: A staggering increase in gas mileage by up to 60 percent. If you were to poll individuals who affixed one of these devices to their car, you would find an average of 20 to 60 percent increase in gas mileage. The variation in gas mileage simply relates to the type of car you own or drive.
Benefit number 2: You'll begin to notice a much smoother ride. Upon installation of one of these devices, you car will run in a more efficient manner. This will cut back on engine drag enabling the car to run in a more smooth manner.
Benefit number 3: A nice boost in engine power. The nice thing about this technology is that it utilizes Brown's Gas which produces more power than regular gasoline. The Brown's gas is a result of the combination of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
Benefit number 4: Engine parts that last longer. It's not rocket science to figure out that if your engine runs smoother and has less drag, the parts will last longer.
Benefit number 5: You can rest easy knowing that your car is a much cleaner burning machine. With one of these gas saving devices on your car, the engine will run much cleaner leading to lower car emissions. As talk of global warming continues, you can feel secure knowing that you are cutting back on your contribution.
It may be running through your head that such gas saving devices will cost you a substantial amount of money. I am here to inform you that this is simply not the case. The parts will run you less than a hundred bucks in most cases.What's even better is that you can locate all the parts need at your neighborhood parts store.Now that you know it's pretty cheap to put together on of these devices, a guide to show you how to put on of them together is all you need. Well all that's left is to do some research so you can start saving some cash at the pump.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
`VW Scirocco- Back For Good?
Most people know that the word Scirocco derives from the Mediterranean wind that comes from the Sahara desert you did know that didn’t you? Did you also know that the last Scirocco’s finally rolled off the production line as far back as 1989?
Well after a nineteen year or so absence the Scirocco is back some say by popular demand others say that car manufacturers’ attempts at recycling has started with just the names! Whatever your view on the matter I think the consensus of opinion is that the return of this sporty hatchback is all together a welcome one.
The origins of the Scirocco go back to the early seventies when VW realised they would have to replace the beautiful but rather ageing Karmann Ghia. For this they enlisted the help of the Italian styling guru Giorgetto Giugiaro and so the Scirocco or Type 53 as it was affectionately referred to internally was born.
First appearing in 1974 the Scirocco was a three door sports hatch and was fairly popular selling around 500,000 units by 1981. A few subtle changes were made during the first years of production but it was not until the second generation model arrived in 1982 that the car improved significantly with engine power output and torque up rated and a revised interior. The unique at the time spoiler mounted to the rear window became synonymous with the Scirocco appearance.
Production continued until around 1989 by which time a further 290,000 were produced whilst sales continued to around 1992 until the Scirocco had been replaced by the Corrado. Many Scirocco enthusiasts remain however and there is a thriving owner’s network especially in the UK.
After much press speculation in 2006 VW unveiled the concept version of the Scirocco known as the Iroc at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and it attracted a huge amount of attention.
The Scirocco went on sale in March 2008 and has already divided opinion but it is too early to say whether the lovers of the old Scirocco will embrace the new model.
The Scirocco GT is a three door sports coupe with a 2 litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 200 PS. Acceleration from 0-62 is 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 146mph for the manual version although the automatic is only a second slower. A six-speed auto or manual gearbox is available.
The Scirocco comes with ACC (Adaptive Chassis Control) this allows the driver to adjust the suspension settings to suit conditions and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). Safety features include all-round disc brakes with ABS and a multi-point airbag system including driver and passenger plus front seats and also curtain airbags.
Options include cruise control and hill hold control. The Scirocco comes with 18” Alloys as standard but 19” are an available extra should you want to really look the business.
Early reviews of the GT have proclaimed that the handling of the car is exceptional especially at higher speeds with low wind noise and precise cornering. The interior has a high quality feel as you would expect from VW. Fuel economy is better than expected unless you drive the car really hard. 2009 should see the arrival of a less potent 1.4 petrol version together with a diesel.
Apparently the Vice-President of VW USA announced that he did not want the Scirocco to go on sale in America as it would clash with sales of the Golf GTI a claim that was later disputed by the CEO of VW who said the final decision rested with him!
Overall residual value should be maintained due to the interest in the Scirocco so it just remains to be seen if the new Scirocco is as popular as its predecessor but I have a more than sneaky feeling that it will.
Electric Hybrid Car - What Exactly Is An Electric Hybrid Car?
Visit Hybrid Car Review to read an updated version of hybrid electric car and more information about hybrid engines.
An electric hybrid car is a vehicle that runs relying on two system: the conventional one everyone knows using propulsion and the new technology one using energy that is stored and that can be recharged. The purpose of such a vehicle is to be economical in terms of fuel consume. The energy storage of the electric hybrid car is lengthened because more energy can be generated and captured either relying on an electrical generator or using the regenerative braking device. This power is either stored in the battery or simply sent to the electric motor that is responsible for setting the vehicle into motion. The motor of such a car is reduced in size than that of a gas-fueled vehicle and thus, the car is more efficient.
Many car owners have started recommending the electric hybrid car along with its manufacturers as it is most efficient especially while driving through the city. The fuel consume is very much reduced if we were to compare this car with a regular model and this is due to three important systems that are activated. The first is that which reduces wasted energy during low output and this is achieved if you turn the internal combustion engine off. The second is the system based on which energy is captured through regenerative braking. The third aspect that makes the electric hybrid car more fuel efficient is that it relies on a smaller internal combustion engine while increasing power from the electric motor in compensation.
A lower noise level is another major achievement of the electric hybrid car. The electric motor is quieter than the internal combustion one and thus our health is better protected by this hybrid system. However some people do not like this aspect concerning noise reduction believing that it is responsible for more accidents especially among the visually impaired who rely on noise in order to cross a street.
Finally, the electric hybrid car models contribute to reducing gas emissions that pollute our air and our cities. The less pollution, the fewer the cases of respiratory problems. Going green is a major topic of conversation, but the car industry is far from maximizing its production potential in this respect. The electric hybrid car should be ruling our industry and should in time be replaced by even more advanced technologies that eliminate the use of fuel and the release of gas emissions into our atmosphere. We should start considering the electric hybrid car as the more recent forefather of what the near future should bring.
The Nuvi 360: Tiny Device, Big Features
The Garmin Nuvi 360 GPS Receiver system offers a fairly big number of pre-loaded maps that apply to North America. If you should decide to navigate with your Garmin Nuvi 360 system in Europe, you will need to get maps of Europe pre-loaded into the navigator.
Features
The Garmin Nuvi 360 GPS Receiver boasts a 3.9 inch by 2.9 inch touch screen that is approximately a mere sixteen ounces. You can easily carry the hassle-free GPS system in a pants pocket or purse. The dimensions of this item make it just right for trips on foot or when you need to carry your GPS with you when you leave a vehicle.
The item also offers room for your personal information, {including such as} phone numbers, and boasts wireless capacity. You can use your Nuvi 360 portable GPS to make calls as you are tooling down the road by simply joining your personal phone to the GPS system.
The Garmin Nuvi 360 GPS Receiver offers automatic directions to make sure that you are given the most timely route. You may want to key in your home address and save it to the system for instant help later on. Later, you will only need to put in your destination address by utilizing your saved home street address.
Anti-Theft Feature
The Garmin Nuvi 360 portable GPS system even includes an anti-theft function. You will need to use a PIN of three numbers to access your GPS, and you alone can modify the code. If you forget the code, you can take the navigator to a local authorized dealer to get the system reset.
Entertainment
If you store huge amounts of music and audio books on your computer, you will like being able to load them through your Nuvi 360 GPS system. You merely use the USB cord that is included with your navigator and put on the music and books to the navigator from your computer.
Nuvi 360 Memory Card
You can listen to the files from your Nuvi 360 whether you are in the car or out walking. If you need extra space for your audio files, you should buy a memory card for your Nuvi 360 at a local retailer.
The memory card is even enjoyed when you wish to add travel data or extra routes to your system. These options are what you want when you are driving in a new country, as they will give you a heads-up about the most intriguing areas in the city as well as showing you where you are at.
The neat places that are listed in the travel guide afford you a can’t-live-without-it listing that includes the phone number, address and directions to the site. If you want to take a break as you drive to any area, you can easily locate fuel stops and eateries by making use of the travel guide.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Save Energy, Choose Electric!
An electric hybrid car is a vehicle that runs relying on two systems: the conventional one everyone knows using propulsion, and the new technology one using energy that is stored and that can be recharged. Similar to the aim of many motors scooters, the purpose of such a vehicle is to be economical in terms of fuel consumption. The energy recharging device of the electric hybrid car is lengthened because more energy can be generated and captured either relying on an electrical generator or using the regenerative braking device. The energy thus saved gets stored in the battery or is used by the electric motor when in motion. The motor of such a car is reduced in size than that of a regular fuel vehicle and thus, the car efficiency level is higher.
Many car owners vouch for the electric hybrid car along with its producers as it is most efficient especially while driving through the city. The fuel consumption is very much reduced if we were to compare this car with a regular model and this is due to three important systems that are activated. The first is that which reduces wasted energy during low output and this is achieved if you turn the internal combustion engine off. The second is the system based on which energy is captured through regenerative braking. The third aspect that makes the electric hybrid car more convenient is that it depends on a smaller internal combustion engine while increasing power from the electric motor to compensate.
Another advantage of the electric hybrid car models is noise reduction. The electric motor is quieter than the internal combustion one which works great for both us and the environment. However some people do not like this aspect concerning noise reduction believing that it is responsible for more accidents especially among the visually impaired who rely on noise in order to cross a street.
Finally, the electric hybrid car models help in reducing gas emissions that pollute our air and our cities. The less pollution, the less numerous the cases of respiratory problems. We all talk about protecting our environment nowadays but little seems to be done in the car industry. The electric hybrid car should be ruling our industry and should in time be replaced by even more advanced technologies that finish the use of fuel and the release of gas emissions into our atmosphere. We should start considering the electric hybrid car as the more recent forefather of what the near future holds in store for us.
On the downside, of course, is the cost. Not just the cost of purchase, but also the cost of production. For those looking to be environmentally friendly while decreasing costs, the absolute lowest-cost solution is to choose from a selection of cheap scooters.
What Are Hybrid SUVs?
For more advice about Saturn VUE hybrid and an updated version about hybrid suv check out Hybrid Car Review.
It seems that when we say hybrid SUVs we actually make a mistake, as it sounds like an oxymoron. How come? SUVs are luxury vehicles and whoever buys one probably has enough cash for maintenance and gasoline.Even so, with the fuel prices staying so high, we should not be amazed at people’s desire to have more economic vehicles, even though the vehicles under discussion are SUVs. Besides, there is this custom and policy all over the world to remind of the importance of our energy resources which we have been using wastefully. People's concern should thus go in the direction of finding more efficient hybrid vehicles rather than be interested in speed and horsepower.
These were the premises for the transformation of the power SUV vehicles in to hybrid SUVs. When you decide to buy hybrid SUVs, you should know that not all of them are cost–efficient in the long run, which means that you have to look for information before choosing among the diverse hybrid SUVs. To assist you with the choice, analysts at automotive-cost tracking Web site IntelliChoice.com performed a study for CNNMoney.com, in which they analyzed and put side by side projected 5-year ownership costs for specific vehicles that were similar in price and maintenance costs to SUVs. The elements followed in this study were fuel, maintenance, finance costs and depreciation. Analysts wanted to learn whether specific costs climbed up to their expectations. There was also a comparison between regular and hybrid SUVS. According to their findings, hybrid SUVs beat the broad expectations by about $4,000.
Among the hybrid SUVs advertised on the market at present, there are certain vehicles like Acura RD-X, BMW X5 Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Durango, Ford Escape, Lexus RZ 400h, Saturn VUE, to mention just a few models. So, as you can see almost all the big automobile companies have become interested in doing something about the environment and finance and have already come up with a number of hybrid SUVs on the market.
How much can hybrid SUVs save in terms of fuel? No one can give clear cut figures as the calculations are quite extensive and the amount differs from vehicle to vehicle, as well as from driver to driver. In a nutshell hybrid SUVs, and hybrid vehicles in general, though bulkier, seem to bear their bigger weight better than traditional vehicles, and this is apparent if we consider the issue of fuel efficiency and costs. In conclusion, choosing from hybrid SUVs types is a true pleasure; take a driving test and see for yourself. Hybrid SUVs are worth every penny.
Hybrid Engine - What Exactly Is A Hybrid Engine?
Go to Hybrid Car Review for an updated version of hybrid engines and more tips about hybrid electric car.
What is a hybrid engine? What are the working principles of a hybrid engine? The hybrid engine is typically described as an engine with two alternative sources of energy: thus, on the one hand there is the gas part and on the other, there is an electrical battery that supports the gas system. Through this combination, the outcome is less pollution due to the electric component and the high power output of the gas engine. What can be said about the variety of hybrid engine types is that there are as many of them as there are hybrid cars. Taken individually a hybrid engine is designed as to enable the gas engine and the electric motor to work together to the drive train so as to power the vehicle and set it in motion.
How does the hybrid engine work? The principle on which any hybrid engine functions is quite simple. The hybrid engine works as follows: there is a combined effort of the gas engine and the brakes with the aim to recharge the battery of the electric motor; thus there is no more need to plug in overnight, as it would be the case with an electric only motor. When the brakes are pressed, some of the energy otherwise used to stop the car, is transfered by the restorative brakes in the electric motor.
In the case of a basic full hybrid engine, the electric component will take control while the vehicle is cruising, when it comes to a halt or when you accelerate it slowly. When extra energy or power is necessary, it is the gas engine’s turn to interfere to give the expected acceleration. In the case of the hybrid engine,we will achieve higher mpg than in the gas-only vehicles by letting the electric motor to take over.
The fact that most of the energy is renewed, and to a certain extent saved when the vehicle is stopped or slowed down, proves the superiority of hybrid vehicles in regular city use. Unlike what happens due to hybrid engine vehicles, for the gas-only engine cars, driving is more fuel efficient when racing at higher speeds, out of the city. The hybrid engine vehicles not only eliminate the need to plug in, but they have also extended the range of technical possibilities. One gets to protect the environment while still taking advantage of all the horsepower of a great car. We could truly say that the making of the hybrid engine represents the first step towards going totally green.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Budget Car Insurance Helps Keep Everyone Legal
As most insurance industry professionals will tell you, with budget car insurance you often get what you pay for. With the mandated need for car insurance and low wages of some drivers, it can be difficult to obtain and maintain car insurance coverage. Several companies currently offer budget car insurance to help them meet the legal requirement of insuring their vehicle.
In most states that mandate all drivers carry car insurance, there is minimum amount for liability for personal injury and property damage. Many of the budget car insurance companies offer the bare minimum in coverage at a rock-bottom price, but if the person wants to increase their coverage amounts, the prices is usually similar to the insurance offered by the big-name companies. Additionally, a person who is buying a car that has lien held by the lender, they will also need comprehensive insurance coverage so the lender knows their investment is protected against loss by damage.
Similar factors affect the cost of insurance regardless of the company through which it is written, but most budget car insurance companies can offer the minimum amount of insurance required for the minimum premium payment. Most will also have a low down payment, enabling drivers to start their coverage quickly and then make monthly payments to keep the coverage in force.
Weight Service And Price When Choosing Insurer
Most traditional insurance companies offer a grace period for making payments, some as long as 10 days, during which time the insurance remains in force. Some of the budget car insurance companies may offer a grace period, but typically, if the driver misses a payment the insurance is cancelled with 24 hours of the due date. For those whose paydays do not match the premium due date, this can be a problem. In most cases, when cancellation occurs the state is notified as well as the lien holder, which can subject the vehicle to repossession or impounding.
How fast the insurance company responds to a claim should also be considered when thinking about obtaining budget car insurance. If your coverage includes the use of a rental vehicles, waiting two or three days to have an adjuster go over the claim can leave the person in a lurch concerning transportation. It is also important to look at how they handle potential liability issues in case of personal injury.
Many budget car insurance companies will simply pay the limit on your policy without fighting over the charges and if additional money is rewarded, the driver is solely responsible. Some insurance companies will join in the driver’s fight against potentially fraudulent claims made following an accident. online auto auction
Cheap Old Cars for Sale – Government Seized Car Auctions
If you are in a tight budget you might want to consider buying cheap old cars for sale, either online or from used car dealers. There are also many old cars being sold through auction, which is one of the best ways in getting cars at a greatly reduced price.
Most online car auctions will feature both old and later models, and you expect that most bidders will aggressively contest for the later models driving the price high.
The good news however, most old cars will be sold at a very cheap price to speed up their disposal.
What you must need to remember though is to make sure that parts are still available in the market for replacement and maintenance purposes. This is to ensure that you will be able to enjoy your car and improve its appearance as well as its performance, especially if you know something about mechanics.
Take the time to inspect in detail all the aspect of the car that you are interested in, and never do it in a hurry. Test drive to get a feel of the car performs, and if you´re not keen in car engines and all its jargon, it would be best to bring along someone who has some knowledge to help you in your inspection.
You can buy cheap old cars either directly from owners, car dealers or auction houses. The choice is yours, although the pertinent details remain the same. Make sure that registration papers are complete as well as safety standards and other documents included in the purchasing of vehicles.
Government seized car auctions is one good way to buy used cheap cars. Not many people know you can buy cars from the government and this helps to keep the bidding price low. Since the cars need money to be maintained and stored, the government agencies are more than willing to sell these seized cars at cheap prices.
You can often find used seized cars that are still brand new, less than a year old being sold for more than 90% off the retail market value.
If you are looking to buy cheap seized cars from government auto auctions, check out gov auctions. Check out my Gov Auctions review and learn how to buy seized cars at 90% off retail prices.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Third Time Right For The Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa has been about for what seems like an age. Some might say almost as long as Bruce Forsythe who is a British institution, rather like the good old Corsa. The problem is that unlike good old Bruce who is still at the peak of his powers the average British car buyer became bored of the old Corsa with its dated style and were instead tempted away by the sleek, sophisticated look and feel that other European.
The original Corsa which was released back in 1993 was an improvement on the boxy Nova that it replaced but the 2000 model was not much of a revelation despite good sales and the competition was hot on the heals of the Corsa by then. As a result the all-new Corsa launched in 2006 attempted to win back the buyers it had lost to the likes of Peugeot, Toyota, Renault and of course Fiat with the Grande Punto.
The answer was if you can’t beat them join them and so the third Generation Corsa was born. Based on the same platform as the Grande Punto the Corsa was an entirely different proposition to what had gone before and more akin to a baby Astra than anything else.
The car has a far higher quality feel about it .The Corsa name has acquired a reputation for being bland – that was until the newest model was introduced. With a sharper style and a tidy interior it’s a massive leap forward compared to its predecessor offering more comfort, more space and more refinement. Like its big brother, the Astra, it has two distinct profiles for three and five-door models - and both variants look good. It's enjoyable to drive too and thanks to a comfortable ride and decent noise insulation makes a surprisingly smooth motorway cruiser. There is a wide range of engines but it fall to the diesels to truly impress especially the super thrifty 1.3-litre CDTi. There's also a performance model in the shape of the 1.6T SRi which is just as exciting to bomb around in as the VXR hot hatch.
There's a good choice of engines in the Corsa range and they all offer decent economy. The entry-level model is the 1.0-litre petrol but with just 60bhp the three-cylinder unit struggles for pace and feels sluggish - the 80bhp 1.2-litre is a better bet if you intend to cover more than town miles. There's also a 1.4-litre unit but it only has 10bhp more than the 1.2-litre and isn't much quicker - it also needs to be revved hard to achieve decent momentum and will quickly lose interest when faced with hills. For more sporty performance there's a 1.6-litre turbo-charged SRi model which was introduced in mid-2007 - it uses a less powerful version of the engine found in the VXR with 150bhp instead of 192bhp. However there is still plenty of go with a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds it doesn't hang about either
It’s the diesels that come out the best though. The most powerful is the 1.7 CDTi with 125bhp and plenty of pulling power it makes it ideal for town and motorway driving and it's a surprisingly relaxed cruiser, sitting at low revs at 70mph. The pick of the engine range is the newer 1.3 CDTi available with 75bhp or 90bhp. It is far smoother and much more refined than its bigger counterpart and although it lack a bit of the mid-range power its super economical – the less highly powered version averages 63 mpg. All petrol models have a five-speed gearbox with the exception of the 1.6T which, as well as the diesel engines comes with a six speed gear box. The gearboxes do feel a little notchy and slow to shift but the change is positive enough. An Easytronic (automated manual) system is available on the 1.2-litre models, while a conventional four-speed automatic can be specified on the 1.4-litre
The Corsa may not have the French sophistication of a Renault Clio or the sporty appeal of a Mazda 2 but is a great all rounder and a superb choice if you're after a good value, small hatchback.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Information On Honda Hybrid Autos
Though launched on the market as early as the 90s, Honda hybrid models started being promoted in the US only from 1999. Honda Insight opened the road, quickly followed by the response of Toyota with the appearance of the Prius. It seems that Honda hybrid models enjoy high sales rates as well as the Toyota ones although in the United States Honda is the undisputed leader. Honda Civic hybrid set the sales record in 2004. The number of Honda hybrid models sold on the market since 1999 when Insight was released until 2006 surpassed that of 100,000. Most of these models have found owners in the United States, next come Japan, Europe and Canada.
In 2004 another Honda hybrid was introduced on the market and it was called Accord. This way people could enjoy the Honda hybrid models more extensively and with a greater variety. It was the American Honda that got the laurels of this success, as the Accord became a market hit. This particular model has 255 horse power, it is a V-6 car and it lowers the fuel consume significantly.
The Civic Honda hybrid was launched in 2002 and it was equipped with an integrated motor assist system that worked wonders in terms of increasing fuel efficiency. This was the Honda hybrid to become the Car of the Year in North America, and its most praised features consisted not only in the design but also in the handling easiness.
Getting back to the first Honda hybrid, the Insight was also fuel efficient and it stayed in the top of car sales for about six years. It has been estimated that about a tank of 10 gallons can take you somewhere between six and seven hundred miles.
Therefore, as it is the case with any other hybrid model, the Honda hybrid models are also very environmentally friendly. The emission level they release into the air is lower and thus our urban environment is much more protected from this point of view. If more hybrids entered the market, there would also be a drop in the number of people who suffer from respiratory ailments. The only issue that Honda hybrid models and other companies’ designs have in common is that the batteries are highly dangerous for the environment. Therefore, it is of great importance that we follow instructions to what it is allowed to do and what not with those batteries.
For more information about the Honda hybrid and hybrid autos, check out our website.
Ford: "Never Mind the Hybrids"
It cost me £83 English pounds to fill up my old Land Rover at the petrol station today. The attendant almost had to force my hand open in order to prise out my debit card to pay for the fuel. As I stood there in shock and close to tears thinking about what else I could buy for that amount of money and more to the point how long it would take me to earn it back it suddenly dawned on me that in the words of the Stranglers (something better change).
In my case I think I need to change my vehicle pretty damn quick before we go broke. Not just because of the Land Rover you understand but we also have a 2001 Ford Mondeo 2.0 Petrol which was hardly considered a “gas guzzler” when we bought it some three years ago but due to the retrospective tax bandings coming out next year it falls into a high polluting bracket. Blimey I feel like I’m solely responsible for the destruction of the planet and in a way I suppose I am or certainly contributing towards it.
I guess we’re in no different a position to a lot of people but by rendering our current vehicles practically worthless it will be quite hard to buy a new low polluting vehicle with effectively nothing to trade-in. The Government which is of course well know for introducing numerous “initiatives” typically in response to a crisis could have incentivised a scheme where you get a discount of a new low polluting car in exchange for scrapping the old one.
Unfortunately it is always the less well off that suffer as a result of new legislation and this is a good case in point. I remember a couple of years ago Government Ministers were smugly parading around in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius (whilst still having the Ministerial bullet-proof Jaguar waiting around the corner to whisk them away when the cameras had stopped rolling)
When thinking of polluting cars you automatically think of large 4x4’s and such like but surprisingly the newest generation of high performance vehicles, especially the one’s emanating from the USA where they have been working to reduce emissions for a while and as usual are way ahead of us, are much less polluting than you would imagine. It pains me to sit here and defend them but I read about a 5.7 litre V8 Petrol that hardly registered on VOSA’s equipment! Compare that to my Diesel Land Rover which would have them all reaching for their resuscitators! That’s not to say that the V8 won’t still use loads of fuel but those who would buy such a vehicle wouldn’t care.
It always makes me chuckle when people see someone in an expensive car and say stuff like “imagine the insurance costs”. Well guess what they don’t care ‘cos they can afford it in the first place and so will continue to drive whatever they like whereas the rest of us who could easily spend a day’s wages just filling up the tank need to have a drastic rethink .
I need to stop ranting on now and turn to what seems to be the future for the car market and the saviour for us all.
Ford has unveiled the Fiesta Econetic at the motor show in London. It comes with a 1.4 litre diesel engine that gives off a mere 98g/KM which puts it top of the league for the lowest polluting four-cylinder car on the market. Its claimed that the fuel economy is over 76 miles per gallon.
Ford have stated that it is the low emission high economy Diesel engine that will deliver cheap running costs for the masses and not the petrol electric hybrids.
In a statement Mark Ovenden, Ford’s UK Marketing Director puts it “Making available for the many what’s been available for the few”, who points out that the petrol electric hybrids pioneered by Honda and Toyota remain expensive when compared with conventional petrol or diesel engines. Other car makers such as BMW, Mercedes and VW have also acknowledged diesel to be the way forward at least in the short term.
With that in mind Ford’s assembly line in Dagenham is churning out diesel engines at a rate of knots with some 575,000 units expected next year.
With technology moving so fast no-one can predict what we will all be driving in five years time but you can be sure in my case it won’t have an eighty litre fuel tank and will probably be a cheap Ford!
The Reasons Why People Buy Sports Cars
Sports cars are performance automobiles that provide driving satisfaction and pleasure. They allow a person to engage in the absolute driving experience and be in touch directly with the highway or road, as diametrically as possible.
In the automobile industry where economy vehicles, “family sedans” and SUV’s dominate the field, sports cars absolutely stand out.
These types of cars, for the able and skilled drivers, can give maximum performance on the road. Not all drivers are equally skilled, but to individuals who are capable of feeling and understanding the faint messages of these vehicles, they can indulge in a rewarding and satisfying driving experience since sports cars are intended to be driven fairly fast.
Because of this driving pleasure, many people are attracted to a sports car. This is just one of the many reasons why people like these cars. Other reasons include:
1. Appearance. The aerodynamic design of a sports car makes it attractive to car fans. Although when you are making an automotive investment, this should not be the principal or only reason to buy that vehicle. Functionality should be the base consideration even though style will also enter into your decision.
2. Driving features. While other cars are mainly designed for affordability and function, sports cars gives emphasis on performance and execution. The trait and condition of driving a sports car is an experience unmatched.
Keeping in mind their very discriminating car drivers, sports cars easily out perform the road execution of other automobiles. Drivers can accelerate with ease when required, hug turns, and have a certain driving management not provided by most vehicles.
3. Thrill and excitement. The driving qualities of a sports car are providing excitement and thrill.
One can spend hours talking about pleasurable experiences such as driving around a curve while not taking one’s foot off the accelerator or zooming past slow moving traffic yet remaining in full control or talk about the feeling of gratification , and knowing that one is driving a car with superb engineering.
4. Duration and resale value. Each new vehicle depreciates in value instantly when it is driven. However, sports cars will become more valuable as time passes, because of their above-mentioned qualities and are expected to become potential classics that will retain their value.
One does not need to make their car choice a statement, although if one chooses, the opportunity is right there. Owning a sports car will make a statement about the owner’s personality.
BMW has always produced quality sports cars especially their motorsport editions such as the BMW M3 manual and as sports cars enthusiasts BMW owners like to modify their BMW car.
For more information and guides on how to modify your car especially BMW, refer to www.BOBmodifiedBMW.com website where you can see many BMW 3 series pictures and articles to refer to as a guide. You can also download a copy of Modifying Guide for your Car.
Other Car Info can be found at Car Information
Friday, January 23, 2009
BMW Sports Automobiles
BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke has long been conceived all over the world as "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The company has proven this statement true in the past years.
The current models of BMW autos will attest to that statement.
Here are some of the current models of BMW, with their corresponding characteristics.
-BMW M3 2006
Engine specifications:
BMW M3 has an in-line, 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 11.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 248 KW power and 333 HP at 7900 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features:
The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
BMW M3 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.35 drag coefficient, body side moldings, and 3771 lbs. curb weight.
-BMW M5 2006
Engine specifications:
The BMW M5 2006 car has a V10, and 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 12. It has 4 valves per cylinder. It will deliver 373 KW power and 500 HP at 7750 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features:
The BMW has brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated discs, electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
The BMW M5 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with a sporty suspension.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.31 drag coefficient and 4012 lbs. curb weight.
-BMW 6-Series
Engine specifications:
The BMW M5 2006 has a V8, 4.8 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 10.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It will deliver 268 KW power and 360 HP at 6300 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features
The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
BMW M3 car is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with an adjustable responsive suspension.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.3 drag coefficient, and 3814 lbs. curb weight.
With all the features these cars have, BMW truly is the "Ultimate Driving Machine." especially a Custom BMW M3
For more info and guides on how to modify your car especially your BMW, refer to www.BOBmodifiedBMW.com website where you can see many BMW 3 series pictures and articles to refer to as a guide. You can also download a copy of "Car Modifying Guide".
Other Car Info can be found at BMW Automobile
What to Consider When Styling Sports Cars
Are you planning to improve the aesthetic appearance of your car? Want to achieve that sporty and sleek look? Then here are some tips that will help you modify your car.
What accessories to choose from
When deciding what type of setup you will do to your sports car, you should first keep in mind that there are a multitude of products being sold out there which claim superior performance and economical. But the reality is there are some good ones and and many of bad ones. Be picky when looking for car accessories and remember it is not a bad idea to look at the established brands before considering untested brands.
The wheels
One of the first things that a car enthusiast does when dressing up a car is to replace the existing wheels with custom made ones. But this is not just for looks since performance wheels and tires also enhance a car's handling and performance. Selecting between tall wheels and short ones will be the next step. Larger wheels get noticed more and improve the look of a car dramatically. Smaller wheels on the other hand have that vintage or retro look.
Stickers Designs
Applying sticker designs on the car hood or the other parts of the car body is one of the cheapest ways to change the look your car. Sticker designs range from popular performance parts logos of manufacturers as well as those designed for rally and indy races. If you are capable of making your own stickers, it is important to get permission for copying a design as it may be copyrighted. If you are planning to put stickers on the bonnet, choose the kind that will not be damaged by the heat of the engine. Metallic foil stickers are ideal for car hoods.
Lowering Suspension
Lowering your car means making your car more stable when turning and giving it an aggressive and sporty look. Cars are not the only ones that have lowering kits, so if you have a pickup truck, chances are, there is a lowering kit made for your vehicle. Although having a lowered car means improved handling, the downside is poorer ride quality since the car springs are stiffer and shorter.
These are some of the ideas that you can do to improve the look and stance of your car. Your car represents you, so naturally you want it to look attractive. Of course, having a good looking car also means spending dollars. If this is your passion, then paying a little more should not be a problem with you.
See this modified BMW M3 Tuning as an example of sports car styling.
For more guides on how to modify your car especially your BMW, visit website www.BOBmodifiedBMW.com website where you can see many Modified BMW pictures and articles to refer to as a guide. You can download a copy of Modifying Guide for your Car.
Other Car Guides can be found at Car Info
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
5 Easy Ways To Save On Gas
This recession is tough, no doubt at all about it. While of course things will eventually turn around, the near future is especially unclear. Everyone would like to save a little money and one of the largest expenses eating away at household budgets these days is the cost of gasoline.
Given the high price of gas currently, it makes sense to save some money on gas – but it may not be possible for you to curtail your driving, or you have already done so as much as possible. How else can you save on the portion of your budget which goes to gas? There are a few things you can do to keep this cost down; keep reading for some helpful hints on stretching your gas dollar. You’ll save money while helping the environment by using less oil. It’s a win-win situation.
1) Fill your tank in the morning. Like most liquids, gasoline expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Since gas is sold by volume, not weight this is a great way to shave a little off your costs at the pump. Fill up in the morning or at night when temperatures are cooler and you’ll be getting more gasoline for the same price. Try to avoid filling up at noon unless it is unavoidable.
2) Start coasting into stoplights instead of slamming on the brakes. You use less gas when you do this. The savings may not be immediately apparent, but over time the savings will add up. Try this for a year – you’ll be surprised how much money you save!
3) Keep your car's tires fully inflated. Did you know that if your tires are not properly inflated, you can be losing as much as 20% energy efficiency? When your tires are fully inflated you’ll get a lot more mileage to the gallon. Make a habit of checking your tire pressure and your bank account will thank you.
4) Get your engine serviced regularly. Now it can be expensive to have your engine serviced, but trust me – an engine which is working properly uses gas far more efficiently and this expense will pay for itself easily.
5) Use a gas card. Using a gas card is a great way to save money on gas – when you buy a gas card, you lock in the price of gas at the time it was purchased, meaning if prices rise this will not affect you (until the card is used up). There are also often discounts associated with these gas cards. They are available in various denominations and are offered by most gas stations. These are a real money saver and also make a great gift!
In this recession, you need savings wherever you can find them. The money you save on gas can be used for savings, to cover other expenses, even to reward yourself for a job well done!
The Best Hybrid Car
Which is the best hybrid car ever made so far? It's pretty difficult to point at a vehicle and claim that is the best hybrid car? Well, if you really want compare unique car features, let me tell you this is something specialists can aim at. Just think about the competition in the car industry. Each and every car maker has one important goal in their range of activity, namely to create better green vehicles, and hopefully the best hybrid car.
Several factors indicate the candidates for the title of "best hybrid car" but with an ever changing market, chances are that the first position will not always be occupied by the same model. The efficiency to get a better consume, more horsepower, a reduced price, an improved design and great utilities remain only some of the elements to judge and appreciate a hybrid vehicle.
The care for the fuel consume efficiency of the best hybrid car is justified given the ever increasing oil price and the pressure put on the environment by toxic emissions. First of all, the best hybrid car will have the lowest fuel consume. Therefore the best hybrid car, from this perspective at least, should be running more on electric power than on gas, and even when the regular engine is in full swing, the average gas need should be lower than that of a regular car.
No matter the engine combination, the best hybrid car should be capable to lead to a gas consume rate that would justify its high initial cost. Some of the best hybrid car materializations, in this line of thought, are Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, the systems of which boost fuel economy by the use of an electric motor to support the gas engine.
Statistically speaking, the size is another factor to differentiate between the aspirants to the title of “best hybrid carâ€. Thus, you might like to know that the best hybrid car in the small, town-use category, or maybe the mid-size hybrid sedans are more suitable for your needs. Though luxury hybrid cars are far more costly and difficult to maintain, there is a special market segment they address.
The best hybrid car according to personal requirements should be chosen by asking an expert for advice and guidance in this field of green-oriented vehicles. Therefore, remember that equipment changes cost, the same way the possible charging repair, and the warranty loss do. Clarifications are necessary for other technical features, but that is the expert's call.
For more information about the best hybrid car and hybrid electric vehicle, please go to our web site.
Top Super Gas Saving Ideas To Use Now
There are three things now certain in life, death, taxes and rising gas prices. The cool thing is, we can do something about the rising fuel cost's. Did you know that you can become a super gas saver by utilizing key gas saving tips? Listed below are a few key fuel saving tips that you can utilize right now and begin saving immediately.
You can start off by checking the air pressure in your car tires. So many never take the time to do this and it takes just a moment to do.By keeping an eye on the air pressure you'll be lowering the wear and tear on your tires thus making them more efficient. The more workload you put on your car the more fuel it will burn.
The next step involves planning how your car is to be utilized.We have all had a time when we just sit down to relax on the couch and realize that we need something at the store. In most cases this can be avoided with a little planning. Here's what to do, on Sunday make a complete list of where you need to go the following week so you'll be ready. If you plan wisely, you'll be able to take less “needed” trips out in your car.
The third tip is the correct use of your cars cruise control. Optimum efficiency is obtained when your car utilizes cruise control. It is a good idea to read your cars owner's manual to correctly use this feature.Also, it is not wise to use your cruise control in the city because this will act like normal driving patterns.
The fourth step is to clean out your car of any excess weight. As most of you know, we treat our cars like a secondary home. As we continue to add and take away items from the car we begin to leave items over time. Give your car a thorough cleaning and take out anything that is not pertinent to that day's needs.A good practice is to remove any items that don't normally belong in your vehicle at the end of the day.
Our closing tip is to accelerate gradually and focus on how we drive our cars. We are not teenagers anymore who drive recklessly and without regard for gas consumption.As you drive like a 16 year old with a fresh license you'll burn more fuel as the engine works harder.I am not saying that you have to drive like a blue hair but just keep an eye on your driving behavour.
The preceding were five super gas saver tips that you can implement immediately and start saving on gas. If you are still not satisfied with the savings then you can look for an alternative like hybrid cars. If you can't afford a new hybrid then there is one other alternative.Were you aware of the fact that you can transform your vehicle into a hybrid? You can. If you really want to save a ton on gas then this is just what your looking for.
Information About The Hybrid Car
Check out Hybrid Car Review for more tips about hybrid engines and an updated version of hybrid electric car.
By hybrid car we refer to any vehicle that relies on two separate power sources for propulsion. There are all sorts of alternative power sources among which we can count wind, natural gas in liquid or compressed form, rechargeable units, wood, coal and the like. The term hybrid car or vehicle is used most frequently to refer to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in which an internal combustion engine is combined with one or more electric motors.
As pointed out in the lines above, the range of hybrid vehicles is more extended than the category of simple cars. Just think of mopeds and electric bicycles. These are the simplest forms of hybrid vehicles. They combine the power from an internal combustion engine or electric motor with the power of the rider’s muscles. Then there are hybrid heavy vehicles like railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, ships or mobile hydraulic machinery. Usually, the term hybrid car-vehicle is used to refer to hybrid electric vehicles. This range includes the following types of automotives: AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and many others. A petroleum-electric hybrid car usually gets its power from an internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel engine) and an electric battery.
The beginnings of the hybrid car date back to the late 1900s when David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Arkansas, invented the braking regenerative hybrid. Besides the hybrid car as mentioned above, which uses two or more different propulsion devices, there are also vehicles which use distinct sources of energy or input types but only one engine. Though there is a certain similarity to a hybrid car, distinctions do exist. In fact, vehicles with double or multiple energy sources are dual mode automotive systems of the trolley type.
There are lots of advantages to buying a hybrid car, and the green considerations are not the only ones. First, there is the aspect of fuel economy, and secondly, the benefit for the environment and, implicitly, for humankind is undeniable in the fight to reduce pollution. These two advantages and benefits brought about by the hybrid car are tributary to at least three elements in the design: the combination of gasoline and the electric motors, a battery with plenty of storage capacity and the possibility to re-capture important amounts of energy, which are normally wasted while braking.
Is Nuvi 760 4.3-inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator value for money
Are you trying to find out where you are? How to find your car if you can't recall the last time you get out from the vehicle? What is the fastest way to reach a restaurant? How to stay away from traffic jam?
These are some of common problems drivers face today. You can thank the technology. You can rely on GPS to help you to find your ways. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) developed by the United States Department of Defense. It uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, that enable GPS receivers to determine their current location, the time, and their velocity. Right now, Garmin nüvi 760 is reckoned to be one of the best portable GPS navigational devices around.
If you are lost, you only have to tap the screen and nuvi 760 will reveal your precise location. You will know the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations.
If you can't remember where you park your car, nuvi 760 will show your last position when you took the GPS from the car.
If you want to go to a particular destination as fast as you could, Garmin nuvi 760 gps will show you how to reach your destination by charting the quickest route.
If you want to know which road is free from traffic, tune into the updated traffic alerts through Nuvi 760's FM traffic receiver.
Is nüvi 760 worth buying?
So instead of we tell the story, we let the end users tell you about their experiences with Garmin Nuvi 760. When we checked the Internet, we found that about 83% of drivers were contented with Garmin Nuvi 760. This shows that this portable gps navigator has received rave reviews.
Here are some clippings from the customers' feedback at Amazon, CNET, and PriceGrabber. These are what they say about nüvi 760 GPS.
"The wide screen display is much brighter than the 360, readable in direct sunlight."
"The navigation is as good as I've see (although, I haven't seen THAT many of them). Easy to use and as accurate as you can expect..."
"The nuvi 760 allows me to be running late and still get my directions after leaving the house on the fly."
"...you can create multiple destinations and have them automatically sorted for the optimal route. Great if you need to run some errands at two or three different stores. The 760 will get you to each in the most efficient way."
"My screen is really bright and I like it. No problem seeing it even at night."
Based on the Garmin Nuvi 760 reviews, you can understand why it is the best portable GPS in the market. The manufacturer is well known for producing top quality GPS devices nuvi 760 can be considered as the most efficient route for errands, deliveries and sales calls.. It makes your navigation like a breeze wherever your are. Its user-friendly attributes make a perfect selection for newcomer.
As you drive, you can enjoy navigational experience as you listen your favorite music or audio books.
Right now, you want to buy Garmin nuvi 760 at a low price. Read Garmin Nuvi 760 product report and you will get the great bargain there. So don't miss the Garmin nuvi 760 GPS best price.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The importance of mirrors in Road Safety
Did you know that each yeah over 1.2 million people across the globe die as a result of an accident on the roads. That equates to around 3,000 deaths per day of which 17% are minors. In addition to these fatality figures a further fifty million sustain injuries as a result of a road accident, a third of which are seriously injured.
And it’s not just the emotional cost that is brought to bare, it has been estimated that the financial cost globally of road traffic accidents is $518 billion. Low and medium income countries make up a disproportionate amount of the total injuries and fatalities – 85%
One way to help prevent deaths and injuries occurring is through the effect use of mirrors. There are a number of different mirrors that can aid in road accident prevention.
Firstly there are traffic mirrors which are usually placed either on tight bends or in areas where you cannot easily see if a vehicle is emerging, for example a fast moving stretch of road. Country roads are notorious for accidents as they tend to be built much narrower than conventional roads, as well as having a greater number of twists and turns. At night, the headlights become the safety mechanism, but during the day traffic mirrors can literally be a life safer.
Secondly there are driveway mirrors which, as the name suggests, should be installed on a driveway or any area where manoeuvring a vehicle might be difficult. They are sometimes just referred to as convex mirrors.
With a wider global usage of road safety mirrors it is likely that the number of injuries and deaths could be substantially reduced. Perhaps this would not be affordable for lower income countries but for the developed world the cost of installing a road safety mirror would be relatively small.
The Nuvi 350 – Your Car's Travel Assistant
The Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant is a steal at under four hundred dollars. The item comes full of maps of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In addition, the Nuvi 350 has a very clear way of speaking, offering you clear directions as you make your way to the destination.
What You Get
When you buy the Garmin Nuvi 350, you even receive a nicely styled product which is easy to carry with you both on foot or when driving. The product comes complete with easily-removed suction cups to allow it to be attached to a surface in your vehicle.
You can charge your Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant through plugging it into either a cigarette lighter adaptor or a regular plug-in adaptor at home. Both adaptors will be contained in the package when you buy the product. Additionally, you will receive a user’s instruction booklet to give you the information you need to use the system of the Nuvi 350.
Features
The Nuvi 350 has a number of settings that make it helpful to experts or novices. The product itself is designed to remain where you put it even when the car goes across rough roads; it manages this through a ball-and-socket system. The navigator also comes equipped with an MP3 player so you can enjoy music even when you are out walking with your Nuvi 350.
The maps may also be augmented through updates, although it will cost you a little extra any time you update your maps. New maps are up for grabs several times each year and you just have to get new maps for your personal Nuvi 350 when you feel it is the right time.
Travel Kit
The travel kit that will be already in use on the Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant is a neat bonus. You can may utilize the Travel Kit to hunt down your photos and MP3 songs, and to examine any of your additional travel guides. These travel guides can be purchased for a wide array of overseas countries and can be put into service when you are taking a vacation. The majority of the guides are under eighty dollars, although the costs might be different depending on which travel guide you want to get.
Additional Features
The Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant also includes quite a few add-on settings, such as current traffic information for cities and an enormous amount of information on the points of interest in the cities to which your journeys take you. The traffic updater does require that you buy more software, but it is an invaluable resource when you want to avoid the five o'clock rush.
The Garmin Nuvi 350 also offers street names as it gives directions, instead of just offering feet or miles. This makes it easy to know where you are going even if you are visiting a place where you’ve never been before. You can manage your routes, change your routes, and add stops to your route with ease thanks to a touch screen.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan Altima hybrid models represent a real success if judged by the design and the green purposes they save. A mid-sized Sedan, Nissan Altima hybrid will cost you around $33,000 approximately, but though the price may seem scary, it seems to be worth paying. As for the horsepower, you've got 158-horsepower to run with, resulting from the assisted function of a gasoline and an electrical motor. The fuel feeding rate is not exactly the lowest in its category but it is considered pretty acceptable for a 2.5 engine. Even so, Nissan Altima hybrid does have serious competition on the market from models like Toyota Camry hybrid or Chevrolet Malibu hybrid that are also more accessible in terms of price.
The difference is pretty small between the Toyota Camry and this Nissan Altima Hybrid, since the two designs rely basically on the same hybrid-drive system. Nissan cars have proved a different rate of the technical and mechanical features combined in what the quality is concerned. A positive qualification of Nissan Altima Hybrid asserts that this is actually “the first hybrid that drives like a Nissan”, meaning that you'll not even realize you are driving a semi-electrical car, unless someone tells it to you. This ecological sedan variant should be given more credit, before disclaiming the real features by labeling them as marketing blah-blah.
What is the big Nissan Altima hybrid advantage that other cars in the same category lack? Well, experts claim that it is the the quality of the electrical motor that sets the model apart. Nissan Altima hybrid can give you a 40 mile per hour speed just by using its electrical engine, consider the gasoline engine and you get the success recipe of the model. There are however inconveniences and that of the bulkiness of the car is the most often brought into discussion. The nickel-metal hydride batteries bring some 300 extra pounds to the overall size and this is felt in the car behavior on the road.
The compensation for such extra weight in the Nissan Altima hybrid cars results from the incorporation in the design of lighter-weight parts: this is the case with the interior as well as the insulation layers. The interior quality level meets high standard levels with the wood accents in the cabin making traveling a more than pleasant experience. The controls layout is impeccable and the driver's position has the perfect visibility angle. The ultimate review belongs to the user who can decide whether Nissan Altima hybrid is reliable or not.
Get more info on hybrid cars visit Hybrid Car Comparison as well as Hybrid SUVs.
The Best Hybrid Car - What Hybrid Car Is The Best?
Go to Hybrid Car Review to read an updated version about best hybrid car and more information about electric hybrid car.
Do you know which is the best hybrid car? Who can point to a hybrid vehicle and say this is the best hybrid car? Well, if you really want to make a difference, let me tell you this is something specialists can aim at. Just think about the tough fight in the car industry. All producers aim at one thing only: to design superior ecological vehicles and thus best hybrid car models.
Several factors indicate the candidates for the title of "best hybrid car" but with an ever changing market, chances are that the first position will not always be occupied by the same model. The efficiency to get a better consume, more horsepower, a reduced price, an improved design and great utilities remain only some of the elements to judge and appreciate a hybrid vehicle.
The concern for the fuel consume efficiency of the best hybrid car is justified given the ever growing oil price and the pressure put on the environment by toxic emissions. Well a hybrid car first and foremost aims at reducing fuel consume. Hence the best hybrid car, from this perspective at least, should be running more on electric power than on gas, and even when the regular engine is in function, the average gas need should be lower than that of a regular car.
No matter the engine combination, the best hybrid car should be capable to lead to a gas consume rate that would justify its high initial cost. Some of the best hybrid car projects, in this line of thought, are Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, that have systems with high fuel economy rates thanks to the contribution of the electric motor.
Statistically speaking, the size is another factor to differentiate between the aspirants to the title of “best hybrid car”. Thus, you might like to know that the best hybrid car in the small, town-use category, or maybe the mid-size hybrid sedans are more suitable for your needs. Luxury hybrid vehicles are rather pretentious and expensive, but they do have their targeted buyers.
The best hybrid car according to personal requirements should be chosen by asking an expert for advice and guidance in this field of green-oriented vehicles. Therefore, remember that equipment changes cost, the same way the possible charging repair, and the warranty loss do. There are other technical details that also need clarified, but that is the expert's part.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Sporty Saturn Vue Hybrid
General Motors launched their green line with the Saturn Vue Hybrid aiming to cover wider sectors of the market by setting a lower price. As they claim, the model makes the best fuel-saving hybrid car in its category. An engine distinguishing feature is the fuel gasoline feeding with a generator used instead of an alternator to send gas to the engine. The difference between the Saturn Vue Hybrid and other full hybrids is that the vehicle can't work autonomously by using electrical power only. The power device in the hybrid dual-mode is not available just yet, and will be present with the car dealers in 2009.
Another future project that General Motors aims to accomplish on the basis of their Saturn Vue Hybrid is the plug-in hybrid, but the making of such a model is closely connected with the availability of the lithium-ion batteries. At present, a prototype running on this type of batteries is undergoing tests, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid remains to enjoy its market success. Negative reviews claim that this hybrid model is just a scheme on the part of General Motors to promote an appearance of concern for the environment; yet, not even the ill-intended can deny this car its clear advantages.
The belt alternator starter is the system element that influences the technical advantages of Saturn Vue Hybrid in the form of its advanced automatic transmission. Without using the “start-stop”system Saturn Vue Hybrid has an engine that starts and stops automatically thus influencing the acceleration force significantly. Like with all the other hybrid designs, Saturn Vue Hybrid recharges the electrical battery by recovering the braking energy and storing it.
At a comparison with the traditional gas-fueled vehicles, the Saturn Vue Hybrid reduces around 20% of the regular fuel consume. Several types of the Saturn Vue Hybrid have been advertised with an increasing improvement when it comes to acceleration times and standard speed per hour from one model to another. If we study the technical characteristics of the designs in direct relation with the fuel consume, the savings will be convincing enough to make one purchase such a car. If you are willing to wait a little further, and you are not pressed to buy a car right away, you could stay until the new Saturn Vue Hybrid with plug in design is launched in 2009.
Learn more about hybrid cars visit Toyota Hybrid Cars as well as Hybrid Car Comparsion