Thursday, September 9, 2010

Improving Your Gas Mileage

The gas mileage of a vehicle is very important. After all, it is the main basis of seeing just how far a vehicle could go on a gallon of the very precious gas. Everybody would like to have longer miles on a gallon of gas for this commodity has become very expensive nowadays that wasting it would be just like throwing away good and hard-earned money.

To lend a hand to people who own cars and who drive cars, automobile experts have come up with tips and tricks that would give your vehicle the capacity to use gas wisely and to tread longer distances. However, these experts beware that in some cases, some tips could best if coupled up with other tips. Using all of the tips could achieve good results compared to using only a selected few.

Reduce speed while driving is one of the most common ways to keep up your gas mileage. However, driving slowly could become a hindrance to other drivers. To avoid this kind of situation, try looking for other roads and streets that do not have that much traffic. Also, try to avoid speeding or braking abruptly. Your vehicle uses up a great amount of gas if you do such.

Another tip from automobile experts’ book of tricks is to have an organized driving plan. Of course, it would work well if you would also be following this plan. If you have to drive to several places, make sure that you keep in mind the distance and location of each. Organize them later on and follow that plan.

Check your car wheels regularly. If they are not properly inflated, your gas mileage could go down. Check your owner’s manual regarding the specifications when it comes to tire pressure. Also check your brakes as well as your air filter. Keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape assists in having a good gas mileage.

If there is a need to replace any parts of your vehicle, do not hesitate to do so. Malfunctioning or damaged parts also bring down the mileage of your vehicle making you spend more on gas. Land Rover Parts and Range Rover Parts is one of the trusted suppliers of Land Rover parts like drive belts. Make sure that your vehicle gets the right kind of parts for it to work perfectly.

Important: Teens Voices On Traffic Safety

Well, not only are the voices and insights of teenagers when it comes to traffic safety important. Their voices and views are just about to be heard. They may be known as accident-prone drivers; however, not all teenagers are like this. Most of them are aware of how to be part of the whole traffic safety scheme.

Starting this week, teenagers from the United States are invited to log on to www.SafetyScholars.com. And when they are at that, they can also submit essays on various driver safety issues. And if the organizers do like their view and their insights on traffic safety and driver safety, they would be getting a whopping $2,500 on college scholarships. Other prizes waiting teens with a good vision include new laptop computers, sets of Bridgestone Firestone tires, as well as $500 gas cards.

This whole program was actually launched by the Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC along with the legendary racer Mario Andretti. The event happened during the start of the National Tire Safety Week. Together, Bridgestone and Andretti, has developed a comprehensive program which aims to educate young drivers on tire and driver safety.

Andretti says, “Car accidents are the leading killer of teens in this country. Teens are just learning to drive and face many distractions, so they’re at a very high risk for accidents. We want to help teens learn good, safe habits from the beginning. Our hope is our Safety Scholars program will help us find the best way to get all teens to hear this important message.”

To add to this, John Gamauf, the president of consumer tire replacement sales of Bridgestone, says, “Tires are the only things connecting your vehicle to the road, so, as a tire company, Bridgestone Firestone strives to educate drivers on how essential tire safety is. Beyond that, we are parents and grandparents and community members who are deeply committed to keeping all drivers safe on the roads at all times. We’re excited to be adding Safety Scholars to the array of driver safety and education programs and initiatives that our family of companies developed or sponsors, from Buckle Up Baby to Car Care Academies to Driver’s Edge.”

Import Street Racing Cars

There is no other exciting fun in the town than the late night street car racing. You are probably among the street cars racers who are in love with racing and money making. Though street car racing is illegal in countries, but who can stop the fans. Several street car racers dump their old cars and search for new and better racing cars. If you are one street racer who wants to dump his old car and import a street racing car, its time you act with maturity and sharpness. After all you are importing your love- your street racing car.

Every country sets its own car importing and exporting rules. There is no such standard tariff rate and import duty on cars. They differ from country to country. So it is very important for you to choose, from where you want to import your car. There are some basic guidelines which you should follow before you import your car.

Research
The first thing you should decide before you import a street racing car is the model. You should determine the model you want to buy. With the availability of internet, you have thousands of sites providing you with detailed information about street racing cars. All you need to do is intensive research. You must search for the one which suits you the best— budget wise and usage wise. You should compare the prices of the cars within a specific country and among the other countries. This would give you an idea of the lowest price of the car available.

Check Specifications
After you have made your mind on a specific model, check out the standard specification of your car. As specifications vary from country to country, it’s important for you to compare the different specifications of the same car provided by different countries. You should choose the options you want in your car to keep its price comparatively down.

Shop Around
You should always compare the price of your car in multiple dealers within and outside the countries. You should also check for the retail price of the car, the VAT inclusion, discount on order, deposit required and mode of payment. You should also shop around to find out the import tax you have to pay for importing a car from a certain country to yours. If you have all these information in hand, it would be easier for you to import your car from a country from where it costs less.

Additional Costs
You should never neglect the additional costs which are related to your vehicle import. These additional costs include the ferry tickets, hotel, transit plates, fuel and insurance costs. These costs are very much important which determine the total cost of importing your car.

Buying and Importing Your Car
You should select the mode of the payment which is comfortable to both the dealer and you. While you import your car, you should ask for the written conformation of all financial transactions and agreements. You should know your dealer in detail and ask him to arrange for temporary export or transit plates.

After Importing Your Street Racing Car
Once you have got your street racing car, you should get your vehicle registered locally by a vehicle registration office. Some of the paper work included after your car import is certificate of newness, certificate of conformity, temporary registration plates and documents, temporary insurance certificate, invoice of sale. All these documents are to be obtained by your dealer.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ignite And Rev Up Your Car

How do you start your car?

The simple answer to this very simple question is to insert the key into the ignition slot and rev up your car to life.

So how does the ignition of your car really work?

Well, the ignition key slot of your vehicle is actually part of a much larger system which is called the ignition system. It is mostly found on internal combustion engines. It actually starts off the burning of the fuel mixture that is found in the engine of your car. This is primarily because the fuel mixture in the engine does not just burn and make your car run automatically or else your vehicle would be running nonstop. Most modern engines do make use of an ignition system.

The key to the entire ignition system is your car key although there are some vehicles that make use of a code patch. However, whether it is a key or a code patch, this is what your car needs to actually start and rev up. The key or the code patch actually works to unlock the switch that is found in the ignition slot. The key or the code patch also switches the operations of your vehicle off.

If your car’s ignition switch seems to be locked up and would not budge, automobile experts and mechanics actually say that this is primarily because the wheels of your vehicle are jammed against the curb through which the switch moves about.

To remove such a lock up, you should first make sure that the transmission system of your vehicle is in park mode. So that the vehicle would not roll further up against the curb, it is important to put the parking brake. Then you should pull hard and with much force on the steering wheel. While you are doing this, turn it in both directions so as to free the wheel.

If after doing this and the ignition is still stuck, you should release the parking brake. Instead, put the transmission in neutral position. Then let up on the foot pedal. This would rock the car slightly and make your ignition switch work once again.

Hyundai Equus: Are Your Ready For a Korean V8?

One generation after the introduction of its first line of cars in the US, Hyundai Motors is preparing to import to the US its first V8 powered car. The Equus, a full sized sedan, will be new to the US market, but the Korean automaker has been making large cars for years. Please read on for more information about this exciting development.

Give Hyundai credit. In the teeth of strong competition from Asian and American automobile manufacturers, the South Korean auto giant has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the hyper-competitive US auto market. Twenty years after the Excel Pony was introduced at the budget price of $3750, Hyundai has upgraded its line up and now sells small and medium models, sporty cars, and a pair of SUVs.

For 2006, Hyundai has released an all new Accent and its first larger car, the Azera. Powered by an aluminum 3.8L V6 engine, the Azera compares favorably in size and in amenities with the Toyota Avalon, the top of the line car for the Japanese automaker. However, Hyundai isn’t finished just yet.

Waiting in the wings is a full sized rear wheel drive car, the Equus. With the same standard engine as the Azera, the Equus also comes with a V8 and will be positioned to compete directly with the Buick Lucerne, perhaps even Cadillac’s DTS. The current model, introduced in 1999, is undergoing a major revision and will be replaced in 2006. Hyundai hopes to bring this model to the US by 2008, although the Equus name might be changed. Hyundai is also looking at the possibility of creating a separate line of luxury cars and making the “Equus” its first entrant.

We don’t know too much about the Equus as Hyundai is keeping mum about what they have planned. Regardless, introducing a full sized luxury car into the US market is smart and knowing how Hyundai prices their products the car will be a relative bargain for consumers and more competition for Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes, BMW, Lincoln, Buick, and Cadillac.

Hyundai: Out To Inform The World About The ESC

There is a new initiative out now. And Hyundai Motor America has got something to do with all of it.

You see, Hyundai has recently announced to the public that it is out to set out on informing consumers of the essential life-saving technology that has been included as features in many of their vehicles. These technologies have already been made as standard equipment and features on more than 70 per cent of their vehicles.

As part of the whole campaign of informing the public, all Hyundai vehicles would be used as a medium. This would be starting out in June when all the vehicles from the company that has the Electronic Stability Control, or more known as the ESC, as a standard feature would be having a small window decal. This decal would contain this: “ESC: Life-saving technology confirmed by NHTSA and IIHS studies.”

The posting of the said small window decal would be part of the whole campaign towards disseminating information. Also, it would assist in raising awareness about the ESC. It also becomes part of Hyundai’s campaign towards informing the public that the company is dedicated in providing utmost and optimum safety with the use of sophisticated technology like the ESC.

John Krafcik, the vice president of product development and strategic planning for Hyundai Motor America, says, “Research universally substantiates that Electronic Stability Control is an invaluable life-saving technology, and Hyundai is proud to lead all popular automotive brands in providing it as standard equipment to our customers. Other manufacturers may talk about their commitment to this technology, but at Hyundai, we’ve demonstrated our commitment by making ESC standard equipment on more than 70 per cent of our volume – a higher level of standard ESC than Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, or Volvo.”

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Hybrids And Werewolves Share A Common Trait: Efficiency

What is a Werewolf but a part wolf, and a part human? Werewolves had the guile of a man and the bite of a wolf. Likewise, Frankenstein’s monster was a hotchpotch of old body parts put together with some electricity. Even the Greeks had their idea of a hybrid; it was Chimaera, had a head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent. The modern equivalent of these flights of fancy is the modern gas-electric automobile called the Hybrid. Today such vehicles exist from manufacturers as diverse as Ford, Honda, and Toyota. Even BMW and Daimler-Benz are busy jointly developing Hybrids that’ll be ready for the market by 2009. And Porsche, the hallmark of racing success, is hurrying the development of a Hybrid engine for the upcoming 2007 Porsche Cayenne. With the continuous rise in gas prices, Hybrid vehicles offer the newest of the fuel-efficient technology. Soon every car maker from Mazda to Maserati will be jumping on this particular gravy train, and for good reason.

Purchasing a Hybrid today is the modern day equivalent of taking control of higher gas prices while living the Jetsons’ lifestyle. There are nine Hybrids on the market today. Toyota leads the way with the second generation Prius posting the highest fuel efficiency at the lowest cost. For MSRP of $21,725 you get efficacy of 60 mpg city/51mpg hwy. This practical, yet sophisticatedly designed four-door, five-passenger automobile makes a statement. It says “green-mobile” anywhere you go. The endless surge of energy provided by its notably silent, but frugal engine will make you feel elated as you drive mile-after-mile with the fuel gauge stuck on full, seemingly its permanent position. Additionally, its spaciously interior, exceptionally comfortable seats, outstanding build quality, and original styling makes the Toyota Prius an excellent buy in any category. The 2006 Prius is the complete Jetsons’ vehicle available today. Rejoice, as the sci-fi future we once yearned for is finally here.

Depending on your personality, you now have the choice between a Hybrid that looks like a traditional car or not. Unlike the distinctive Toyota Prius, the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid do not shout “environmentalist” by design; rather they both blends in with the environment. If you prefer the stealth mode of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, consider either the Honda Accord Hybrid, or the Toyota Camry Hybrid as your next automobile. The Accord’s luxuriously appointed cabin, with its host of luxury amenities such as retractable sunroof, navigation system and LED lights makes this Hybrid the perfect choice for those seeking a refined but economical sedan. Fuel efficiency of 29 mpg city/37 hwy and a MSRP of $30,500 make the Honda Accord Hybrid affordable as well. Similarly, the 2007 Camry Hybrid is fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, and has a brazen exterior styling. With a MSRP of $30,900 and fuel efficiency of 30 mpg city/40 hwy – the 2007 Camry Hybrid is well positioned to be Accord’s Hybrid counterpart.

If you are looking for a compact Hybrid that conserves space as well as fuel, consider Honda’s Insight or the Civic Hybrid. Both cars have cult-like followings among compact car drivers who love the lure of hybrid technology. The Insight, with a MSRP of $21,530 attains 57 mpg city/56 mpg hwy, and features a two-door/two-passenger cabin. Its sleek exterior design and the assortment of exterior colors enhance its desirability as a niche vehicle. The compact design, however, means limited storage capacity. Alternatively, the Honda Civic Hybrid at a MSRP of $21,850 is within the same price range as the Insight, and with its contemporary good looks attains a respectful 49 mpg city/51 mpg hwy. The Civic Hybrid is unique because it looks and drives like a sports car while posting outstanding fuel efficiency numbers.

For motoring enthusiasts who prefer greater towing capacity in your vehicles, there are four SUV Hybrids available in 2006. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, leads the way with an unprecedented 36 mpg city/31 mpg hwy at a MSRP of $26,900. The Escape Hybrid features a 155 horsepower engine and a luxuriously updated interior making this vehicle a good buy in this hotly sought after segment. The Lexus RX 400h pushes the envelope of luxury with an even more spacious interior and a powerful 3.3 Liter V6 268 horsepower engine. The four-door, five-passenger, Lexus RX 400h gets 33 mpg city/28mpg hwy, but costs considerably more than the Ford Escape with a MSRP of $44,660. The sumptuous sport utility segment is further enhanced with the presence of Mercury Mariner Hybrid with its 2.3 Liter engine that churns out 133 horsepower with a fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/29 mpg hwy. With a MSRP of $29,225, the Mercury Mariner is competitively priced. Topping off the list is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that features a 3.3 liter V6, 268 horsepower engine with the highest towing capacity of all hybrid SUVs. The Highlander’s attributes include a well-appointed cabin, bold exterior design, and fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/28 mpg hwy. With a MSRP of $33,030 the Highlander is the right choice for travelers who value torque, towing capacity, and gas efficacy in their SUV Hybrid.

Hybrids no longer exist in the realm of myths or in fairy tales, but have become an integral part of our contemporary folklore. Hybrid cars and SUV’s let you explore the wide open roads of our beautiful country, the cul-de-sacs of our suburbs, and the busy streets and alleys of our towns and cities. Unlike regular engines, Hybrids offer an incredible way to save on fuel without compromising your need for living. Go ahead howl like the wolf.