Monthly Archives: January 2010

Author : Kevin Bailey

There is two main reasons why these “hybrid cars” have become so popular over the past few years Excessively high gas prices that continue to raise, and a large concern for the environment Now, both of these problems are very serious, and hybrid cars seem to be the solution to both of them If you own a hybrid car, you will save a significant amount of money by spending less time at the gas station, you are also emitting less pollutants into the air, therefore preserving the environment On top of that, ownership of a hybrid car provides you with some beneficial tax credits in many different states

Therefore, hybrid car sales have increased dramatically As well as many car manufacturers joining the competition with their own versions of hybrid cars Compared to a few years ago when there was only a few vehicles available, now there are quite a few that must be compared to find the one that is the best as well as most fitting to your needs and wants

At the top of the chain for hybrid car manufacturers are Honda and Toyota They make the most sought after hybrid cars of today, and are known for their many innovations in the technology that accomodates hybrids

We will do a comparison of five hybrid cars that were sold in 2007 The Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and the Lexus GS 450H

In these comparisons we will be taking the highway miles to the gallon as well as the city miles per gallon, and last but not least combining these two together to get a combined average usage

Honda Accord Hybrid: 28 MPG [city], 35 MPG [highway], 31 MPG [combined average]

Honda Civic Hybrid: 49 MPG [city], 51 MPG [highway], 50 MPG [combined average]

Lexus GS 450H: 25 MPG [city], 28 MPG [highway], 26 MPG [combined average]

Toyota Camry Hybrid: 40 MPG [city], 38 MPG [highway], 39 MPG [combined average]

Toyota Prius: 60 MPG [city], 51 MPG [highway], 55 MPG [combined average]

Before taking these numbers and making your decision there are still a few variables that you have to take into consideration One of these is what fuel type these cars require All of them but the Lexus uses regular gasoline, where as the 450H consumes premium which is more expensive

Another thing to consider is the size class for these vehicles as well as their engine size and liters The Honda Accord [midsize, 3 liter, 6 cylinder], Honda Civic [compact, 1 3 liter, 4 cylinder], Lexus GS 450H [compact, 3 5 liter, 6 cylinder], Toyota Camry [midsize, 2 4 liter, 4 cylinder], and the Toyota Prius [compact, 1 5 liter, 4 cylinder] The more powerful the engine, the more fuel it will consume, which is why these factors need to be taken into consideration

The research above is only two aspects of comparison between five different hybrid cars, nowadays you are going to have to compare more vehicles as well as more variables Before purchasing a hybrid car, make sure to do the research Find out what exactly it is you are looking for in a hybrid car, what you can do without and what you have to have, and then make your decision

Kevin Bailey loves the environment.
Anything he can do to save it and he will.
That means hybrid cars, want to know more about cars?
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Author : David Maillie

With the recent publicity of automotive reality shows like Orange County Choppers, Monster Garage, and MTV’s Pimp My Ride TLC (The Learning Channel) has launched their own version Overhaulin’ is similar to Pimp My Ride, but they don’t have a huge music celebrity like Exzibit They instead use a legendary automotive designer named Chip Foose and give it a twist – they keep the beneficiary of the newly remade car completely in the dark about what is happening to their car

As quoted in the New York Times, “OVERHAULIN’ revs the makeover-

genre engine with an automotive twist ” In the show, Chip Foose leads a team of top mechanics and automotive professionals whom completely redesign and rebuild the automobile into a work of art This qualifies as a frame off restoration in automotive circles – the highest level The difficulty is that the project car has to be completed in less than 1 week and various tactics are used to keep the unsuspecting automobile owner in the dark Most of the time they resort to impersonating the police, private detectives, repo men, etc all the while, using the automobile owner’s closest friends to make the stories more believable

Chip designs each project car before the team starts Basically the car is recreated Top of the line equipment is installed (Power windows, performance brakes, top-of-the-line engines, and of course unbelievable sound systems) According to industry professionals a rebuild like this would normally run $100,000 plus So, it is no wonder the overhauled recipients cry tears of joy when their new autos are revealed This completely rebuilt automobile is something they could never afford to do Every redesign takes the owners likes, interests, and relatives input along with Chip Foose’s amazing ideas to make sure the owners are more than pleasantly surprised

“In each episode, Chip Foose and his team watch the videotape of the car’s

owner as he or she talks about the car and his or her dreams for it ”

Some shows have used celebrities for the Overhaulin’ victim Every show has been extremely exciting and this is a show worth watching for anyone that has automotive inclinations and one day dreams of having a fantasy overhaul Some of the stories of loyalty and acts of kindness and benevolence by the selected owners can really humble you and bring tears to your eyes Overhaulin’ is a great show and definitely worth your time – if nothing else, it will give you great ideas to dream about!

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit: MDWholesale.com

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Author : Mike Trudel

More than 100 Americans die every day in automobile accidents In fact, over the last century, more have perished due to car crashes in the United States than in all the wars the country has fought Although this is a horrible statistic, the 2006 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the largest U S decline in terms of both number and percentage since 1992 This vigorous reduction is a goal that automotive engineers are striving to continue year after year

Innovative automotive engineering can make cars safer, but at the same time, drivers must also strive for improvements Many motorists at one time or another can recall either almost being killed on the road, stories of road-rage or helplessly observing an accident happen right in front of their very eyes According to a 1999 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) special, Escape! Because Accidents Happen – Car Crash, the roads are, indeed, a major threat What’s more, an automotive magazine recently published statistics which reveal that more than 95% of these accidents involve some degree of (poor) driver behavior

Indeed, some Americans may not rank amongst the best of the world’s drivers, but it’s not entirely due to operator error, either Poor roadway maintenance, roadway design and equipment failure have also been referenced as top factors affecting crashes Frequently, driving behavior interacts with at least one of these other factors to produce a grave situation

Aside from rectifying the paradox that the majority of drivers consider themselves more skillful than their counterparts, better engineering and innovative automotive technology could help improve roadway safety Today, it is well understood that properly deployed cushions of air (i e , airbags) can assist in saving lives In much the same way, in the previous generation, the advantages of good restraining devices were discovered Car navigation systems particularly aid the directionally challenged – and, what about using those fancy “carputers” for technology to help make our roads safer? Automotive engineers are answering this need by developing “active safety systems ” These systems can help reduce the number of crashes and minimize the effects of crashes that do occur

Automotive safety is taking on a new role as active safety components are beginning to gain ground as technology and development improve Some suppliers are developing specialized active and passive safety systems These include forward collision and lane departure warning, electronic stability control, pre-crash mitigation, side alert systems, active night vision and road sign and pedestrian recognition – all of which do about what they sound like they should

Imagine how different driving could be if motorists were warned before they were about to sideswipe a fellow road warrior, alerted before missing a stop sign or even just able to see what’s ahead at night Such technologies could prove paramount to safety as humankind steps into an era of even more cars, faster speeds and the repercussions of recent population explosions

A European study reported that 80% of drivers involved in accidents believed the other party could have done something to prevent the mishap But what if everybody just stopped blaming each other and became better drivers? What if existing technology was utilized and built upon to reduce the number of traffic fatalities? In the end, determining fault matters more if something can be done about it, such as discovering ways to prevent other collisions

It can be scary out there on bustling roadways All one has to do is hop on a busy interstate or horn-chorused city street to realize roads “ain’t no horse trails ” In the chaos that is modern driving, these new “active” safety systems are promising

Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.

Delphi Corp. is a leading innovator of automobile safety equipment and technology. To learn about Delphi’s safety advancements, visit www.Delphi.com/4Innovation or www.Delphi.com/4safe.

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Author : Tom Sample

If you have an old car you’d like to get rid of and have always wanted to help your favorite charity but didn’t know how, the answer might be simpler than you think Nonprofit agencies all over the country take charity car donations and will also accept a number of other motorized vehicles, as well

Charity car donations come with a few perks that outright sales can never compare with First, those who make a car donation get the feeling of knowing they’ve helped an agency that’s near and dear to their heart From those that assist people who are down on their luck to those that fight diseases, there’s no shortage of agencies that will accept donations

The second big perk of a charity car donation is the financial benefit While a car donation might not come with the financial reward of an outright sale, it will come with a tax deduction The deduction will vary depending on your personal situation and the value of the charity car donation in real dollars, based on an appraisal, but it can be sizeable Plus, with the first benefit of a charity car donation, the gain really is priceless

Nonprofit agencies that accept cars do so for a number of reasons They can include such things as:

* Assisting people who are down on their luck Imagine having the power to help a person who is homeless gain employment by being able to say they have reliable transportation This could literally open the door for a whole new life for the person Those who make charity car donations don’t have to imagine; it can happen Others who might benefit from a charity car donation include single, working parents who can’t afford car payments, youth just getting out of the foster car system who need cars to attend college classes or get to work and so on

* Helping agencies build their fleets Car donations and even truck and van donations can assist nonprofits that need vehicles to get their business done Some of the agencies that accept charity car donations do so for this reason Donations can help a food bank deliver nourishment to the hungry, assist secondary emergency response or crisis teams arrive on a scene and so on

* Financial benefits Some nonprofits that take charity car donations do so for the resale value By taking old cars off donors’ hands, these agencies profit from sales at auction This can be great for helping the agencies build their resources for carrying out their individual missions

While it might be an old clunker to you, a charity car donation can be a real boon for a number of different nonprofit agencies Before you sell off your old car, consider the benefits it could have for a nonprofit and remember you will get a return for the gift at the start of the next year Car donations are fully tax deductible as long as the agency they are given to is a registered nonprofit Checking into charity car donations can make a real difference for a nonprofit that’s dear to you while giving you a sense of helping that’s priceless

More information on donating a car

donate a car

http://www.donateacars.com

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Author : Gregory Smyth

Driving to work is widely recognized as a bad influence on your blood pressure We have all experienced so many crazy people driving on the roads, so many interminable traffic jams, and so much rudeness behind the wheel that we instantly feel stressed when pulling out into traffic – however, the sealed environment of the car you drive can do much to reduce this stress

Here we look at how to pick a premium vehicle in Hong Kong that best reflects your personality and the most comfortable cars to drive, to help reduce traffic stress The first and most important factor to consider is size

You cannot remain unmoved by stressful traffic, nor be generally comfortable, in a car where you have to lean forward to reach the gearstick, or one where you have to shift your entire upper body to roll down the window If you are in the more diminutive class of drivers, then electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius will suit both your size, your wallet, and your need to look after the planet that nurtures you

It is still a popular choice among green vehicle purchasers, with a 1 5 gasoline engine with a rechargeable battery pack and an electric motor/generator When the car is temporarily stopped, the engine shuts off for added efficiency One of the downsides of this premium car in Hong Kong is that the ride can be rougher and handling reduced, with the low-rolling resistance tires Also, it is not suited to larger people!

If luxury is more of a factor for your car, try a luxury sports car in Hong Kong that truly pampers you, like the Mercedes Benz vehicle CLK class coupe This new Mercedes is made for luxury both in the performance and the interior environment, with a pounding optional V8 engine, and a racing-inspired CLK63 AMG Black Series

The seven speed automatic transmission makes driving both powerful and easy, and the car has sharp handling and a great ride The backseat area is tight, so again, this premium vehicle in Hong Kong is made for the under-6-footers among us

If you need the space to breathe and room to move of an SUV, the Mercedes vehicle ML320 CDI, 2008 model, is the ultimate blend of off-road ability and power, with a 268 hp V8, and a fuel economy of 15 mpg It has actually delivered the highest tested fuel economy of any mid-sized SUV It is diesel powered, proving that you don’t need to be a little person to drive a fuel-efficient luxury car in Hong Kong

Then if comfort to you means being able to rely on your car’s power, and getting where you are going in good time, the Cadillac STS-V will be the perfect Hong Kong luxury auto for you It has an indefinable air of quality, the choice of a V6 engine or a Northstar V8 The V6 engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, the V8 a six-speed

The V6 delivers 298 hp, and the ride and handling are great If you want to be able to rely on your luxury sports car in Hong Kong to weave you safely through traffic, grab a Cadillac STS-V

As one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious brand, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong offers luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor and Atego to the customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

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Author : Phil Mann

It may seem like a strange comparison, but actually it’s true Ask yourself a few simple questions

How do I avoid disaster in the kitchen? My guess is you follow a recipe

What happens if you leave something out? My guess is disaster

What happens if you use all the ingredients but in a different order? Chances are you may get away with it, but it won’t taste quite right

How does this compare to driving? I hear you ask Well, driving does have its own special recipe If you follow it to the letter, you can avoid disaster If you miss something out you run the great risk of an accident and if you follow it, but in a mixed up way, well, at best you could get away with it but still at the risk of an accident

The driving recipe is as simple as six letters, MIRRORS, SIGNAL, POSITION, SPEED, GEAR, ACCELERATE

So how is this implemented?

As you approach a hazard (the earlier you see it the better), Then check

MIRRORS, what is happening behind? Is the driver behind too close? Are he /she about to overtake? Take the appropriate action e g if they are following too close, show your brake lights early, so they know you are slowing down

SIGNAL – Tell them what you are going to do Indicator for turning or pulling up, brake lights for slowing or stopping etc Timing is important, too early can confuse, and too late leaves less reaction time

POSITION – Take up the appropriate position early, i e Left for left, right for right, but be guided by signs, road markings or even local knowledge

SPEED – Adjust your speed to fit in with the traffic situation e g at a roundabout plan to stop, but look for a gap to go, so slow down enough that you can drive into a space, but you can also stop easily if the traffic is heavy Joining a motorway, you may even have to speed up to blend in easily

GEAR – When you have lost all unwanted speed, select the gear for your speed This will also be the gear that will let you deal with the hazard You should be aiming for one gear change per hazard

ACCELERATE – Once you safely negotiate the hazard, and then accelerate away, leaving the danger behind

Ideally, if you get this right, you should be in the correct road position at the correct speed and in the correct gear This can be quite difficult to achieve all the time, but if you get all of these right, then there really is not a lot that you can do wrong It does take practise, but talk yourself through each stage in turn You may not have to do everything, but at the very least, everything has to be considered

The driving recipe simplified is: – M S P S G A

Give it a try and after a little practise things should seem easier You will be safer and you might even enjoy driving more than ever

Safe driving in 2010

Phil Mann is a driver trainer in the Chelmsford Essex area. He has been a trainer for nine years. If you find this article interesting and would like Phil to teach you to drive then visit http://www.advantagedrivertraining.org.uk for more information. As well as passing your test, you could also achieve a BTEC in Driving Skills. Visit the website for details.

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Author : Billy Whitmire

Taking care of your ATV is the best way to guarantee that it will provide many years of safe riding time One of the most important aspects of vehicle care is regular maintenance These tasks are basic, but can be troublesome if neglected

One benefit of performing basic ATV maintenance is it can reduce the expense of costly repair bills over the long run Basic care is preventative measures to help your vehicle run at its best, and reduce the amount of time it spends with the mechanic

Failure to perform the necessary basic care on your ATV can lead to breakdown, and at a time when it is most inconvenient, probably when you are out on the trail But many of these untimely breakdowns and expensive repairs can be avoided by performing a few basic, inexpensive maintenance steps

Perform a visual spark plug inspection: The engine is not going to run properly if the spark plug is damaged or not operating smoothly By performing a simple inspection of the spark plug periodically, you can inexpensively improve performance and avoid breakdowns

Remove the spark plug and check it for extensive wear or burning If you compare it to a new spark plug, any problems with it should become immediately visible If you doubt it is in proper working order, just replace it New plugs are not that expensive and you just may experience better engine performance from doing so

Perform a visual inspection of oil quality: If it has been a short time since you last changed your oil, then do a visual inspection and change it if necessary Note the color and viscosity of the oil If it is dark and runny, then change the oil immediately One of the worse culprits of engine wear is oil that is unable to lubricate engine parts properly

The more viscosity the oil can maintain, the better it can lubricate engine parts, and this means longer engine life Oil is not that expensive, so changing it is a small price to pay compared to replacing the engine, or the complete vehicle for that matter If you push your vehicle hard, it is even more important to change the oil on a scheduled basis, or when it may be warranted

Perform a visual inspection of the oil filter: It is not only bad oil that can cause engine damage, but dirt and metal chips that have by-passed the filter can as well The oil filter is designed to remove these particles from the oil and protect the engine, but if the filter is not changed it cannot function properly

A clogged or damaged oil filter can allow particles to move throughout the engine, and cause excessive wear and tear on the engine By inspecting and changing the oil filter on a regular basis, or as warranted, you can help to avoid excessive wear and tear When replacing the oil filter, be sure to also replace the o-ring on the filter housing to prevent oil leakage

These are three of the most basic care steps an ATV owner can take to safeguard engine life and avoid costly repairs bills But they are only effective if you take the time to perform them as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program

To get the most out of your ATV, take the time to keep your ATV in good working condition. Also check out GIO Bikes to save money on other vehicles such as dunebuggies and electric motor scooters.

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Author : Joe Sirugo

It’s time to get the kids to school- you’re running late You get them in the back then you jump into driver’s seat, put it in drive and it happens- the engine revs but the car goes nowhere- like it is in neutral You look at the dash- it’s not!

Luckily, your neighbor is outside and volunteers to help get the kids to school in his car First problem solved

With the advice of that same neighbor, you’ve decided that you need the services of a transmission repair shop- now what? Before you call that tow truck, please read on

You may have seen the exposes on the local news or have heard the horror stories of people being fleeced by an unethical auto repair shop You realize that you are in an unenviable position but you need your car fixed ASAP

Keep in mind that people are more likely to discuss bad experiences with a repair shop than good ones Also, the evening news never reports on the “good guy” shops, it’s just not interesting TV Most repair shops are honest and the dishonest ones tend to give everyone else a bad name The problem is how can you tell one from another?

Let’s outline the most common ways in which one is often swindled by a repair shop and the preemptive steps which can be taken to avoid being ripped off

1) Being charged for work which you didn’t authorize In this situation, it is always best to request a written estimate before any work is performed In most jurisdictions, a written estimate must be furnished upon request by the customer It is also required that the customer has to authorize any work before it is performed

2) Bait and switch It is quite common, especially among dishonest transmission repair shops to quote a “too good to be true” price for a transmission rebuild over the phone to get you to bring the car to their facility Unfortunately, in many cases, the “low-ball” price is not anywhere near what you actually get charged once you go to pick up the completed vehicle One way to avoid this is again to request the written estimate

3) Being charged for parts that were never replaced Unfortunately, it is all too common for customers to be charged for parts that were never put into their vehicle If you have any doubts, ask that all of the old parts be retained for your inspection after completion of the repair It is important to ask that this be done before any repair has begun These parts can also be important to have if fraud is suspected after the fact

4) Improper repair Test drive your vehicle before you pay for it Any honest shop will not balk at this request If you feel that something is not right, refuse to pick up the car (and pay for it) until it is corrected

5) Incorrect billing Carefully examine your bill before you pay it Make sure that the price that was quoted on your estimate matches the bill If you followed my advice to get a written estimate, make sure that you bring it with you when you are picking up your vehicle

6) Questionable warranties Make sure that the warranty on your repair is discussed before any work is performed When you pick up your vehicle also make sure that you are given a written warranty agreement

7) Pay your bill with a credit card or check If you use these methods of payment, often times you will have some recourse if fraud is perpetrated against you

Last but not least, go with your gut If you have a bad feeling about a repair shop politely tell them that you are taking your car for a second opinion

In addition to taking the aforementioned steps, it pays to do a little research Don’t necessarily assume that the large chains that you see advertised are the place to have your transmission repaired Remember that they are all independently owned and operated so there can be bad apples among them as well

Your best bet is usually to find a transmission specialty shop that has been around for a while and that has a good reputation Places that are in the business of ripping their customers off are usually exposed, especially in the internet era Good reputations and credibility are hard earned- you will rarely go wrong if you select a shop based on that

Joe Sirugo is co-owner of Trans Specialties and has been in the transmission repair industry for over 20 years

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