Monthly Archives: April 2010

Author: E. S. Lorence Title: How A Hybrid Car Will Help You Get More Control Of Your Wallet Article: The price of gas continues to fluctuate, but you don’t have to be left broke. And you don’t have to let the unstable economy control you. Do whatever you can to change your circumstances. And there are all kinds of options for you. For instance, did you know a hybrid car can help you get more control of the money in your pocket? Well it can. Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular as the cost of fuel goes up, and hybrid cars can really give a person peace of mind.

Gas goes up and gas goes down. And the cycle just seems to go on and on without giving us much relief at all. But if you really take the time to think about it, it’s not the situation, but how you think about the situation that counts. So don’t get sad. Get glad, and pay close attention to the television commercials that talk about hybrid cars.

A hybrid car will help you to truly fight back against high gas prices. This is true because if you purchase a conventional car and then purchase a hybrid car, you will begin to see that you have more money in your pocket immediately with the hybrid car.

Do you like to throw away money? I sure don’t. But you can try it if you’d like. Go ahead, take a twenty or fifty dollar bill, ball it up and place it right in the wastebasket. As you do this, don’t even think about a hybrid car. On the other hand, think about a conventional car. Take that trash bag and toss it so that you definitely cannot go back and get the twenty or fifty dollar bill. How did that feel? That’s not what it feels like to own a hybrid car. That’s what it’s like to own a gas guzzling conventional car. When you own a hybrid car, you will see the money flowing into your pockets instead of going into the trashcan.

Balance your own checkbook? Write down the cost each time you visit the gas station. What does the addition tell you about your car? Whatever it’s telling you, a hybrid car won’t tell you the same thing. And that’s guaranteed.

So make your money talk to you the way you’d like it to. Instead of having it say to you all the time that it’s on its’ way out of your pocket, have it tell you, it’s in your pocket to stay. Get a hybrid car, because after all, the gas price man didn’t work your forty hours a week.

Who worked those forty hours? You did. So make sure you have something to show for it for a chance. A hybrid car is a really nice car to have. And it will be a real help to your bank account. Your wife and kids who are in college will love you more. So what are you waiting for? Buy a hybrid car so you can go around thinking, “money cometh.”
E. S. Lorence is a free lance writer, author, and Internet entrepreneur based in Alpharetta, GA.
He is also a premier resident expert at-THOUGHTSEARCH.COM Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: E. S. Lorence Title: Hybrid Cars vs. Plug-in Hybrid Cars Article: Hybrid cars are on everyone’s minds. Twenty, forty, or fifty dollars for a full tank of gas? Who in their right might mind wants to pay that? Frustrated, the gas customers sigh. But applauded for the small amount of gas they need to operate, hybrid cars are being pulled off the lots of car dealerships each and everyday.

But what about a plug-n hybrid? Most consumers have heard that these cars are great too. Then, a person might ask him or herself, what exactly is a plug-hybrid? How do they work, and what’s the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a regular hybrid anyway?

Plug-in hybrids are able to run solely on batteries, but they use fuel also

These types of hybrid cars have some of the same characteristics of hybrid vehicles. They are also are very similar to electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid cars must be recharged externally by connecting a plug to a power source. The combustion engine in plug-in hybrid vehicles is used only as a back up. These cars can run only on batteries if desired. However, it is expected that these types of hybrid cars be plugged in daily.

Hybrid cars travel just as many miles as a conventional car

Designed to go the extra mile where gas-mileage is concerned, hybrids can be driven on the highway, in cities, or wherever else a person needs to drive. On the other hand, plug-in hybrids are designed to handle commuter-type distances, meaning about twenty to sixty miles between destinations. This way, the plug-in hybrid does not have to use its back up combustion engine, but plug-in hybrids can go further using gas.

Hybrids help to minimize pollution, but they still pollute the air

When compared to plug-in hybrids, hybrid cars have a long ways to go where pollution is concerned. Since plug-in hybrid cars can run solely on their battery power, they don’t have to emit fuel. That means that plug-in hybrids don’t have to pollute the air.

Plug-in hybrids fight against greenhouse gases

Plug-in hybrids use virtually no imported oil. Board studies have shown that electric hybrids emit at least 67% lower greenhouse gases when compared to gasoline cars. Since the products used to power plug-in hybrids are renewable, the difference in greenhouse gases may be even greater than the study determined.

And there you have it. That’s the difference between plug-in hybrids and regular hybrid cars. It makes a big difference, but you would be surprised how little that matters at the current moment. And that’s only because plug-hybrids are not being sold to consumers at this time. But this list should get you excited about the wonderful plug-in hybrid car, coming soon to a dealer ship near you.

And it’s going to be a great debut. People already really like regular hybrid cars, but they haven’t seen anything until they see plug-in hybrid cars. But for now, maybe they should just be satisfied with what they have. Because who knows? Before plug-in hybrid cars come out, something even better might be introduced on the market.
E. S. Lorence is a free lance writer, author, and Internet entrepreneur based in Alpharetta, GA.
He is also a premier resident expert at-THOUGHTSEARCH.COM Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: E. S. Lorence Title: All About Hybrid Cars Article: It’s probably not a news flash that gas doesn’t seem to be getting any cheaper. People all over are asking what they can do about the rise in price, and often the answer is to choose a different vehicle. That’s simple, right? But what kind of vehicle should you choose? Just maybe, you should try a hybrid car.

The hybrid cars are the talk of the town these days. They come in great colors, sleek styles, and they will make your commute less expensive. When you look at those characteristics of a hybrid car, how could you not choose to run to the car dealer right now and pick one up? Well, we all wish we could do just that, but before you run out, maybe you should learn a bit more about these cars.

A hybrid car is a vehicle that is run on electricity. A combination of a conventional propulsion system and a rechargeable energy storage system that is onboard the vehicle work together to give the vehicle better fuel economy than cars that run strictly on gasoline.

Hybrid cars are unlike battery electric vehicles because the batteries used in hybrid cars do not have to be charged by an external source. Instead, in order to get a charge, kinetic energy is generated by way of regenerative braking. Furthermore, some hybrid cars make use of their own combustion engine to create electricity. The combustion engine does this by spinning an electrical generator. The spinning does one of two things. It can either recharge the battery or in a more direct way, it can give power to an electric motor. This motor is what then drives the vehicle.

Therefore, because this fuel-economizing vehicle can generate its own electricity, it is very different from a vehicle that is run strictly on batteries. But, there is no waiting while your car charges up outside in the garage before you go to work. All you have to do is get into the car and ride.

It is true that some people have experimented with electrical vehicles in the past. However, the introduction of the hybrid car outdid these types of cars when it came on the scene.

Because the hybrid car is so innovative in the way it powers itself and the way it is able to save travelers money on fuel, it’s called the car of the future. At least that’s what some automakers believe, and many consumers agree with them. The next wave of the automotive market, Hybrid cars continue to be purchased by customers as the years go on.

So if you want a car that saves on gas and will make you the talk of town, perhaps you should invest in a hybrid car.

And you might find yourself tired of just pulling over at local gas stations to fuel up. If that’s the case, you have another reason to think about purchasing a hybrid car. So get on over to the car dealer. It could be the best decision of your future.
E. S. Lorence is a free lance writer, author, and Internet entrepreneur based in Alpharetta, GA.
He is also a premier resident expert at-THOUGHTSEARCH.COM Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Amy Nutt Title: Original Parts VS Aftermarket Parts Article: Many debate whether or not original automobile parts or aftermarket parts are better when a vehicle must be repaired. Some may believe that the original parts are better since they are made by the manufacturer, but others claim that the aftermarket parts are equal to or even better than the original parts. So which is it? Is it just a matter of opinion or is there fact to either one of these claims?

There may be one factor that affects whether or not a repair shop may use the original or aftermarket parts and that is state regulation. Each state has different regulations regarding which parts can be used on a vehicle. This is because the state regulates the insurance industry and if the state allows, the insurance company you are with may allow the use of aftermarket parts, which could play to your advantage. You may or may not be asked permission, depending on your state. Then again, there are situations in which you can make the decision yourself, especially if the insurance company is not involved.

Original parts

It is fair to say that some original parts are up to par and some are not. Many times a vehicle breaks down because of something that is wrong with the original parts. This is also true when a recall occurs. This may deter an automobile owner from using the original parts if they have that choice. If it is a recall that is leading to the replacement of the part, the dealership making the repair or replacement will use what they are instructed to use.

But when you go to a local parts store, you are usually given options as to which parts to use. They will more than likely quote you the price of an economy part that will save you money, the original part that is just like the part you are replacing, and a more expensive part that costs more because it is of a better quality. Some people may go for the original part since it was made by the manufacturer, but is that always the best way to go?

Aftermarket parts

Let’s look at the other two parts: the economy part and the part that is more expensive. These are aftermarket parts. There are many aftermarket parts at the economy price that perform well and sometimes this performance can be equal to or better than the performance of the original. Then there is the more expensive aftermarket part, which more than likely performs better than the original. You can possibly get a longer life out of that aftermarket part than you can the economy part or the original. It may cost more, but the cost is usually not a significant amount more than the original part.

What it comes down to is that the price difference becomes worth it because you will not have to replace the part as quickly as you did the original part on the car. These parts also frequently come with guarantees or lifetime warranties so that you can have the part replaced for free if it prematurely fails.

The benefits

So it is fair to say that purchasing an aftermarket part is more cost-effective than buying the exact same part that failed. Unless modifications have been made by the manufacturer to keep that part from failing in the same way, you can count on the part failing in the same manner as it did the first time. You can save yourself many headaches by investing in the aftermarket part that has made improvements on the failures of the original. Your source to over 15,000 Aftermarket parts such as body repair parts and specialty parts. Also offering quality used car parts for domestic and imported cars and trucks. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Catherine Harvey Title: How Does The New Lexus Compare Article: Lexus have revealed their brand new IS F car that will challenge the new generation M3 when it comes on sale shortly. It is the first in the breed of Lexus’s new F breed of performance cars where the F stands for Fuji Speedway in Japan, the country where Lexus test their new high performance cars.

This division can be compared to BMW’s M division or Mercedes SLK. The Lexus is going to be powered by a 5.0 litre V8 engine that is also seen in the LS series, whereas Mercedes have managed a 3.5 litre V8. It will propel the car to the 62 mph milestone in just 4.8 seconds that also eclipses the BMW M3. The engine features a very unique second air intake that allows a distinctive roar from the engine after the car hits the 3,600rpm range. The top speed of this new beast is limited to 168mph which is 12 mph higher than the also limited M3. But the new IS F is capable of a much higher top speed but for some reason Lexus held back.

The new IS F also features a special management system that allows the driver to experience close to the cars driving potential. This system checks and manages all the power and stability control as well as braking allowing the car to keep pointing forwards and restricting the oversteer and understeer of the car during the cornering. This is very clever as it will allow the car to keep very stable and agile even if it is chucked into the corner.

The transmission on the new car is very advanced technologically. Lexus have introduced the new 8 speed gearbox that connects to the very powerful V8 engine. It features a very cool and sophisticated direct shift option as well as a full manual mode. The power is delivered very smoothly and you are always in the power band due to the gears being spread out superbly. The new gearbox has been tweaked by the Lexus boffins and can up-shift in an incredible 0.1 seconds in comparison a normal gearbox takes up to 0.5 to 1 second to change. This allows for fast acceleration as the gear changes do not disrupt the cars speed.

Downshifts are just as amazing as the new gearbox blips the throttle each time to allow for smoothness and synchronisation between gear changes. In the full manual mode the car features paddle shifts on the steering wheel that offers the thrill and experience of a racing car like Ferrari have done in their latest models. The paddle shifters also allow you to decide when to change gear.

The brakes have also been updated on the new IS F due to the huge stopping speeds the car will need to handle with all the new power. The huge 360mm discs and 6 pot callipers do not allow any fade even after repeatedly hard braking. To test this theory Lexus have tested the brakes many times on the longest straight at the Fuji Speedway in many different conditions. The results showed that the brakes worked excellently and that no fade occurred.

The car will be priced around 51,000 pounds that puts it in direct competition with the BMW M3 and the Jaguar XKR. The market is already very competitive and Lexus are making the market even more so by adding their effort. After 1 or 2 years everyone will be able to see whether or not the new Lexus IS F will be a success like its main rivals or falter under pressure. Vehicle expert Catherine Harvey looks at how Lexus compare to other new car models. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: E. S. Lorence Title: General Information On Diesel Engines Article: Diesel engines offer the lowest specific fuel usage
of any other large internal combustion engine. The
fact remains, two-stroke diesels with high pressure
forced induction, particularly turbo charging, make
up a large percentage of the largest diesel engines.

Throughout North America, diesel engines are generally
used in larger trucks, where the low stress, high
efficiency cycle will lead to a much longer engine
life and lower costs to operate. These advantages
also help to make the diesel engine ideal for use in
the heavy haul industry.

Cars however, continue to use gasoline, primarily
due to the consumer desire for a wider range of
RPM. In Europe, the use of diesel engines with cars
is far more common.

Even though diesel engines are more efficient when
throttled down, they aren’t suitable for most types
of aircraft. The higher compression ratios of the
diesel cycle demand a much stronger block, head,
and almost all moving parts in general. These
stronger parts add a lot of weight, or a lot of
expense, especially if lighter alloys are being used.

The Otto cycle engines are much cheaper to build for
these reasons, although they have long been overtaken
by the turbine engines. For the same displacement
of the engine, Otto cycles will produce more actual
power than a Diesel cycle can, because the fuel
will burn at a much faster rate, allowing more power
strokes per minute than a standard diesel can offer.

What this means, is that less fuel has to be carried.
Additionally, commercial aircraft is normally run
at preset limits, so that Otto cycle engines used
in aircraft don’t suffer anywhere near the efficiency
penalties that land vehicles do. Heavy equipment,
such as those used in mining and construction,
almost always uses diesel engines.

Diesel engines are also used with submarines. In
these types of submarines, the diesel engine is run
when the submarine is on the surface, which charges
the batteries that power the submarine once it is
submerged.

All across the world, diesel engines serve many
different purposes. They are used with almost all
types of heavy machinery, and other vehicles. Gas
isn’t the way to go with heavy machinery, as the
engines simply can’t withstand the beating.

Diesel has been popular for many years with machinery
and submarines, simply because the engines can
last for years and years. Although they won’t offer
as much speed as gasoline, the torque and power is
still there. E. S. Lorence is a free lance writer, author, and Internet entrepreneur based in Alpharetta, GA.
He is also a premier resident expert at-THOUGHTSEARCH.COM
Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Gregory Smyth Title: Newest Hybrid Passenger Cars Available in Hong Kong Article: Hybrid vehicles are the way of the future – for those that don’t want to wait for the infrastructure for hydrogen fuelling to be built, and realize that diesels may have better fuel efficiency than petrol vehicles, but most are still just ‘dirty diesels’ (with notable exceptions!). Up until recently, there has been one main hybrid model on the market, with major drawbacks for the models from every other competitor. However, 2009 and 2010 will see a hybrid revolution in Hong Kong, as well as the rest of the world. There will soon be at least five major manufacturers, including some big names in Hong Kong luxury cars, entering the hybrid arena. We look at some of the best.

All the buzz has been about Mercedes Benz’ hybrid car for 2009, the S400. The model was first previewed at the Frankfurt motor show in 2006, and Mercedes vehicles have spent the interval refining their hybrid technologies to ensure they are tip top for the release. The S400 Blue Hybrid, which shares branding with the Bluetec diesel green passenger cars available in Hong Kong, will use a lithium ion battery, considered to be the holy grail of energy storage for electric cars. This green Hong Kong luxury car is powered by a 299 hp engine, which gives drivers 30 mpg. It is being billed as the most economical luxury sedan in Hong Kong – and in fact, the world!

The S400 has been hyped for several years now, but it is not the only new Mercedes hybrid we’ll see in 2009. The ML450 Hybrid will be a two-mode hybrid system, which will be similar to GM’s scheme, which has a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable transmission under the hood. The best news for hybrid car buyers in Hong Kong though, are the performance figures. The ML450 will give V8 like performance, with 340 hp and 354 pound/feet of torque. It has a gasoline, rather than a diesel engine.

For the smaller and more budget-priced end of the hybrid vehicle market in Hong Kong, Honda is readying a 2010 version of the Accord with an electric motor. While Hong Kong price figures have not been published, it is expected to have a US price tag of less than $20,000. The styling of this green Hong Kong passenger car will be based on the 2007 concept CR-Z which made waves at auto shows last year. It won’t have the performance of the new Mercedes, with its 3 or 4 cylinder engine with 1.0-1.3L of displacement. It will have a lithium ion battery, rather than the plug in capability of some other electric models.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be one of the largest hybrid vehicles available to Hong Kong buyers – although it may only be available on special order. This enormous SUV will either be rear or all wheel drive, and outputs 332hp to get the massive body moving, as well as 367 pound/feet of torque. It has a four speed two-mode automatic, truly meant for off-roading. Definitely not a city SUV, it has a wheelbase of 116 inches, and is 202 inches long. Phew! Don’t run out of electricity in the Cadillac Escalade – you’ll need to push 5,570 pounds of passenger car down a Hong Kong highway. As one of the world”s most exciting and prestigious brand,Mercedes Benz Hong Kong offers commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor,Atego and luxury passenger cars in Hong Kong and Macau. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Art Gib Title: Being Prepared for Driving in the Snow Article: The great state of Utah has the greatest snow on earth, right? Great for skiing, snowboarding and all other winter sports. But with that snow comes another inevitable: driving in it. Driving in the snow can be a scary prospect, especially if you live somewhere where the snow falls much of the winter.

Snow can be slick, slippery and tricky, and a little daunting to drive in. But with the right information and tools, you can drive in the snow with confidence. For more information on cars that will handle well in the snow, see a dealership for used vehicles in Utah near you. Your local car dealership will be able to recommend cars that will do well in the snow, giving you piece of mind next time you head out this winter.

Remember to not try and drive until the snow plow has done its work if you can wait. Just waiting until the snow has been cleared can drastically improve your chances of a safe ride. Make sure to plan your day around the snow, allowing yourself plenty of extra time to drive. If you have to drive in the snow, here are some other tips and tricks to use while driving in those icy conditions.

-Drive slowly. The biggest mistake most people make when driving in the snow is not taking into account that they need to slow down. Give yourself plenty of room to stop at stoplights. Make sure there is plenty of room between you and other cars.

-Never stop suddenly at stop lights or stop signs. Brake gently and you should be able to avoid skidding. If you do begin to skid, ease off of the brake and try applying pressure again.

-Always keep your lights on, especially if the snow is still coming down.

-Switch to lower gears when you can, this will increase traction on the roads and help you stay steady.

-Be careful and on the lookout for ice. It may look like the roads are simply wet. Use extra caution when crossing bridges or overpasses, as they will freeze first.

-Don’t pass other cars, especially snow plows or trucks. Stay a safe distance behind them.

-If you have four wheel drive, don’t use it as your false sense of security. You still need to drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings, regardless of what type of car you drive. Four wheel drive cars, however, are your best bet when it comes to driving in the snow. Look for used vehicles in Utah with working four wheel drive transmissions to increase your safety. Brent Brown Automotive Group (http://www.brentbrownauto.com) is an auto dealer that sells used vehicles in Utah. Art Gib is a freelance writer. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →