Posts filed under 'Automotive'
If you are wondering how to build an electric car, then you’ll want to do some research first. You may have heard that you won’t be able to convert your car into an electric vehicle for around $8,000-12,000. The reality is, you don’t need to spend anywhere near this much, and you can do the conversion with just a few hundred bucks if you know what you’re doing.
The idea that you can convert your vehicle into an electric car is certainly appealing. Electric cars have tons of advantages - you can run them on practically no gas whatsoever, and you’ll find that the engine is way quieter. Many electric cars can go over 150-200 miles before needing to be recharged.
In 1996, General Motors actually developed the first electric car. It was called the EV1 and only a few hundred were ever produced. There was a lot of disbelief from consumers and some poor marketing. In a survey, most people had never heard of the EV1 or any electric car at all. Also, many speculate that major oil and car companies got together to prevent the EV1 from ever becoming mainstream on the market. For more information, you will definitely want to check out the “who killed the electric car” documentary.
August 29th, 2008
What are fuel efficient vehicles
The cost of gas is more now than it has ever been. In many locations people are paying twice as much per gallon as they were two years ago. There is information circulating in the news and online, that the prices are just going to continue to get higher. No wonder that many people are very concerned and they are looking for other options. Certainly they can’t afford to continue just paying the posted price at the pumps. Yet they can’t stop going to work or going about their daily routine that requires the use of a vehicle.
Are the times of dreams to buy used japanese car over?
A good strategy, to which some people are leaning, is non standard, more fuel efficient vehicles. There are several options, so take your time evaluating them, and make a good choice. You may find a combination of vehicles is the way to go. A good example is to use a motorcycle to get to work and then a fuel efficient hybrid car in which the family can get around.
There are advantages as well as disadvantages to each of the various fuel efficient vehicles. The goal is to save money without giving up safety and comfort. You should be able to find at least one fuel efficient vehicle that can do this for you.
What are the types of fuel efficient vehicles?
When it comes to fuel efficient vehicles, there are many different types from which to choose, such as vehicles with two wheels like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. In many ways these are each similar to one another, but there are enough significant variations to classify them differently. For example, a motorcycle can obtain much higher speeds than a moped or scooter.
There are also laws that pertain to where you can ride mopeds and scooters. They often aren’t allowed on highways or freeways where there is a high speed limit. They are mainly used for in-town riding, whereas motorcycles can travel on highways and other more heavily-traveled arteries.
There is also a lower age limit for obtaining a license for a moped or scooter, as compared to obtaining a license for a motorcycle. You will need to refer to the specific laws and regulations in your particular area.
When talking about fuel efficient vehicles we can say that these with four wheels include hybrids, those that operate by burning bio-diesel fuel, as well as fuel efficient gas-powered cars. All of them feature a variety of different models by various manufacturers. Since there is great interest in these vehicles now, you will find that more are being offered in order to keep up with consumer demand.
Mopeds
A moped is similar to a motorcycle in a variety of ways, although it isn’t a mode of fuel efficient transportation that you can use to travel on the highway. The highest speed of travel for a moped is about 35 miles per hour. At such a slow speed, you would be a hazard to yourself and others on busy roadways.
A moped features a very small 50cc engine. This means you will have enough power to get around, but not enough power to be a hazard on the road. Make sure to wear a helmet when you operate a moped to be on the safe side.
Mopeds are really great for driving in town - they are perfect for it. That is because they are extremely lightweight. You can buy a new moped for only a couple of thousand dollars. You can get a used one for less than that, if you take the time to look in the right places.
Most of the mopeds out there feature a basket on the front in which you can place carry-along items for better convenience. You won’t be able to do a large amount of shopping, but you will have enough room for a few basic items.
In most states you must be at least 16 years of age to get a valid license to operate a moped. This often requires completing a course of instruction as well as a written test. The rules can vary, so make sure you find out how they apply in your own area.
For example in many locations if you already have a valid state driver’s license that was issued before 2001, you are exempt from the above process. You are automatically able to operate a moped in town without having to obtain the additional licensing.
Scooters
An electric Scooter is a notch below a moped in terms of speed. They don’t push more than 20 miles per hour. Still, you can use them to get around faster and easier than by riding a bicycle. They are great if you live in an area where things are relatively close and you don’t have public transportation available.
The laws are very different when it comes to who can legally operate a scooter. They also depend on the type of scooter. In some areas children as young as 12 years of age are able to operate scooters. In other places though you must be the same age as required to legally operate a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.
There are small sized scooters featuring a board on which you stand. This board is similar to a skateboard. Some models have an extremely thin board, whereas, other models have a fairly wide board. There is a handle, shaped like the letter T which is adjustable to your height, which you use to maneuver the scooter. There will be a small gas tank on the side of a scooter that can hold up to five gallons of gas. Many scooters have a pull-start mechanism that you need to engage before you can get the fuel to run through the system in order to obtain the necessary power to move about.
Some of the more expensive scooters look like mopeds, but they operate via the use of a battery and electricity. These models may or may not use gas depending on which model you select. Those that do require the use of gas, aren’t going to consume very much of it.
August 28th, 2008
It is a depressing thought, but as the kids go back to school in September; Winter and all it’s horrors really is only a few weeks away. It may be annoying in the extreme to have a breakdown in summer, but it can be absolutely life threatening in winter.
The good news is that you can do a few simple preparations yourself to make sure that you reduce your risks to an utter minimum. You can also take a few simple steps to prepare your car to the coming winter weather, and in so doing you’ll make your winter driving a good deal safer and less stressful.
To begin with make sure you have your servicing done & up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many of the checks we’re going to do ourselves should be carried out during the service, but remember, especially with service intervals increasing, a clean bill of health on the day the car was serviced doesn’t mean things won’t deteriorate to crucial levels before the next service.
Tyres are one of the most vital safety components of your car, and they are very simple to check. First of all check the tyre pressures. Remember that even without leaks, your tyre pressures will fall as the temperatures fall. This is because the air inside the tyre shrinks as it cools. Next you need to check the tyre tread depth, whilst you may get away with wearing your tyres right down to the legal limit in summer, you really need the tread in winter in order to give you grip through the rainwater and snow. At the same time, check the tyre tread and walls for cracks, cuts and anything that may be piercing them.
Finally, you may want to consider buying a set of extra rims fitted with winter tyres, and fitting those at the end of September. You are permitted Winter Tyres in the UK, so long as they don’t have spikes. These tyres have specifically designed tread that pumps away the water, snow and mud, so they really help you even in mild but wet winters such as we often have in the UK.
Next take a look at your Windscreen Wipers. These too are vital for safety and easy to check. Just pull the Car Wiper Blades away from the windscreen, and wipe the blades clean with a soft damp cloth., look for cracks, cuts and tearing, particularly on traditional Car Wiper Blades, where the blade is held by the feet of the frame. Also check the joints in the wiperblade frame & make sure they are free, but not loose or worn. If you have Flat Blade Wipers, you won’t have any joints to worry about.
Consider fitting Silicone Wiper Blades. These stay flexible right down to -60°C, and don’t allow ice to stick to them as much as rubber.
Check your windscreen for little chips or cracks. These can be mended quite economically, or even free if you have comprehensive insurance. If you ignore them, water can get in & then freeze, causing the screen to crack.
Under the bonnet check the water hoses for cracks & leaks. A good tell tale for coolant leakages is the fluorescent dye that’s part of antifreeze. If you see traces of this, get the problem sorted now. After you’ve done that, have the coolant antifreeze concentration checked. Most garages & many car shops will do that for free.
Have a good look at the drive belts for cracks and wear. A good check for the generator belt is to switch on all the car lights, heated screen & other electrical equipment, then let the car idle for a few seconds before blipping the throttle. If the belt is loose or worn, you’ll hear a screech.
On Petrol cars, have a good look at the ignition leads, make sure they are clean & without cracks. Check the connectors at both ends of the ignition leads for cleanliness & cracks. A good test for ignition system condition is to open the bonnet after dark & run the engine at idle whilst you look for any sparks. Sparks tracking along a surface may be due to cracks, dirt, or just poor insulation.
Finally check your service schedule. If it specifies that your car needs a Cam Belt or Timing Belt replacement, check your Service Invoices to make sure it has been done according to schedule. If in doubt, get it done. Cam Belts lose their flexibility as temperatures fall, and a breakage can cause catastrophic engine damage.
August 27th, 2008
SUV resale values have fallen since last year, due to the rising price of gasoline. Demand for SUVs is falling rapidly, as people move to reduce their gas consumption. As a result, the value of a three-year-old GMC Yukon has fallen 8.5% since July last year, to just 34.2% of the value of a new vehicle. Oil prices are not likely to fall in the near future, so GMC Yukon resale values are likely to remain low for the long term.
GMC Yukon XL resale values have dropped worryingly in the past 12 months, and the cause simply the rising price of gasoline. Overall demand for larger vehicles, particularly SUVs, is rapidly dropping as people try to reduce their gas consumption by switching to smaller vehicles. Since July 2007, the value of a three-year-old GMC Yukon Xl has fallen by 8.6%, to just 31.3% of the value of a new vehicle.
The worst affected SUV is the Ford Expedition - the value of a three-year-old Ford Expedition has fallen 12.2% since July last year, to just 32.48% of the value of a new vehicle.
Depressed SUV resale values can create a real problem for SUV owners who have financed their SUV. At the end of the finance term, the residual payment on the SUV may actually be greater than the resale value in today’s market. If you want to keep your SUV under those circumstances, you are going to need to refinance somehow.
Refinancing when you are upside down on the vehicle can be difficult. Even though your SUV is a high quality vehicle and should arguably be worth more, the finance companies are only going to take into consideration the SUV resale values that are showing in today’s marketplace.
If you have been caught by falling SUV resale values, you will need to get a little creative with your auto refinancing. A refinancing professional can help you to find a way to refinance your SUV, even if resale values have moved against you. There is always a creative way to refinance your SUV! The experts have a bag of tricks at their disposal.
If you are looking for auto refinancing when you are upside down on your vehicle, there are good resources available on the Emergency Refinancing web site. SUV resale values are a matter of great concern to all SUV owners, but particularly those who are close to the end of their vehicle loan. If you want to keep your SUV, you will need to find a way around the problem of falling SUV resale values.
August 27th, 2008
Most people agree that there is a special something about seeing a gloriously restored vintage car making its way along the highway. Such a sight stirs up wonderful memories and brings smiles to those who give their attention to the gleaming chrome and alluring lines of vehicles of earlier days. One of the best places to enjoy such sights is at a classic car auction where you might be tempted to start bidding so you can drive home a prized vintage vehicle.
Classic car auctions have long been a favorite type of event for car lovers of all ages to attend. Before the bidding gets underway, which can get rather heated with an enthusiastic crowd, there is a period of time when people can meander through the displays of the vintage models and appreciate the timeless and elegant lines of the cars that will soon be offered on the auction block.
A classic car auction is quite different from the more common types of events, such as a seized car auction. Those motor car auctions are filled with repossessed cars, salvaged vehicles and cars that are only appropriate for parting out, but these are not the kind of vehicles that will be bid on during auctions that feature classic cars.
In the case of public auto auctions, people hope to find a decent car at a good price that will get them to and from work. Seldom will there be much of a bidding war on the very average and ordinary vehicles that are seen at government auto auctions and the like. But all the rules change when attending a collector car auction with an enthusiastic group of avid car collectors who know all about every model and who are looking forward to either starting their own collection or adding to one they already have.
Even if you aren’t attending to buy, the auction is still worth a visit if you have an interest in classic cars. All grouped in one place for you to check out the wide range of cars from many different eras, which are in immaculate shape, having been lovingly and attentively restored, and are sometimes an improvement over the original model.
Because the market for the classic, collectible cars is a fairly tight market and there is so much interest in the vintage vehicles that are either still in great shape or that have been restored, a collector car auction is not the place to look for a bargain. If a particular model of a classic car is rather rare or in high demand, then there could be an intense bidding war that will drive the winning bid much higher than any Blue Book estimate. As antique collectables, the classic car game can bring huge profits and is worth considering if you have a genuine interest in starting an antique business.
However, it might also be that you could end up getting a better price buying from a classic car auction than from a private owner directly. It all depends on the other people who are attending the collector car auction and how motivated they are to have that car go home with them, instead of you.
August 24th, 2008
Installing an HHO generator is fairly easy and can be done without any extensive knowledge of automobiles whatsoever. But having a little “hands on” experience of cars is a definite plus, still this is not a must at all. An HHO generator, as the name suggests, generates HHO, which also goes by the name of Brown gas. And after this gas is being mixed up with the petrol if forms a powerful mixture which will drive your engine and hence the car.
It’s important to note here, that due diligence needs to be exercised while installing the HHO generator unit. Beyond any doubt it is easy, it does not mean that you can afford to “slack” while installing it. HHO explodes, but only when in contact with gas, and so you are not dealing with kid’s stuff here. Don’t assume that you know everything. In case of a doubt or a question, ask your neighborhood mechanic or anyone else who might be in a position to help you.
It’s important to test your HHO generator before installation. An untested generator might not work after complete installation and hence may call for a repetition of the entire process. When it comes to the actual installation, there are few things to keep in mind.
Since, the HHO gas is released into the air intake sensors (after formation), the wire around this area could cause a flashback. Do not forget that an explosion can also occur in case the wires around the intake sensors are hot. In order to eliminate this possibility, make sure that you install your HHO generator when your car has not been used for the last couple of hours. You need to place the unit between the sensor and the throttle body, since heat is mostly absent in this area. Again, don’t assume that you know everything and in case of a doubt, don’t hesitate to ask. Or you can also read a Complete HHO Conversion Manual.
When it comes to the HHO unit, it would be a better idea to use a fuse, so as to prevent any short circuit within or near the unit. You must be prepared to the fact that for different models, different wiring instructions need to be followed due to varying designs of these engines. Also, since different engines require distinctive HHO quantity, due to their varying power requirements, so it would be a better idea to use a flashback arrestor mechanism on your generator. Such a mechanism can significantly reduce the chances of any flashbacks or explosions.
Also, before installation, make sure that your HHO generator is not running while the vehicle is shut off. This will prevent any unnecessary leakage or accumulation of HHO inside the car hood.
Take care of your car, read about synthetic oil vs regular oil.
August 24th, 2008
There are certain types of names that just fill us with confidence regarding their products. These names include the sturdy builds of all the Honda vehicles from the tried and true cars to their motorcycles and to their well known Honda ATVs. These Honda beauties were first created during the 1970s for various work purposes. Today the Honda ATVs are used in a variety of different applications.
You can find these hardy 4 wheelers being used for farming work, construction sites, forestry, hunting and numerous other uses. In addition to the everyday utility ATV you will also find sports ATVs. These Honda ATVs can be used for both the normal ATV racing as well as the extreme ATV racing events that now seem to pop into our lives.
Sometimes the best way to experience the wonders of Honda ATVs is to drive in one of these vehicles – just to test drive the ATV and see if you fit the role of an ATV driver. Now if you do decide that you absolutely must have an ATV in your life then buying a Honda ATV will be a very wise investment as these vehicles are very well recognized the world around.
There are lots of places that will have the right Honda ATV for you. All that you will need to do is to look for various dealers who can supply you with an affordable ATV. You can also see about buying your Honda ATV straight from the Honda ATV dealers. These authorized dealers can supply you with high quality Honda ATVs that are bound to fit within your budget.
Once you have located a Honda dealer who can give you the choice of Honda ATVs that are within your reach you can then see about what type of Honda ATV that you will feel most comfortable owning.
There are about 4 to 5 different choices that you can make with regards to sports Honda ATVs. In the utility range of Honda ATVs there are roughly 9 different Hondas that you can see about. In addition to this there is also a recreational Honda ATV that you can choose to drive.
The Honda ATV homepage on their web site has many interesting items that as an owner of Honda ATVs you will want to check out. For instance there are notices that deal with current safety issues. The can also see what you can do once your Honda warranty has run out to protect your Honda ATV. There are also tools that you can buy so that you have the ability of modifying your Honda ATVs so that they reflect your personality.
As Honda is considered to be the world’s number 1 ATV supplier you can be sure that you and your Honda ATV are going to be going to many different and interesting places around the world. With Honda ATVs there is a whole world of excitement and adventure just waiting for you to come and explore.
August 24th, 2008
Don’t you sometimes wish you had a water powered engine?
Gas prices are always a hot topic these days, as they have continued to rise and rise, and there is no end in sight. Most people that depend on their vehicles are understandably frustrated, as they are being squeezed hard by the high prices, and seem to have no way to make gas more affordable for themselves. Since it may be foolish to expect a drop in gas prices anytime soon, one of the best ways to deal with the ridiculous price of gas is to look for whatever ways you can to reduce your gas usage.
Many experiments have been made with so called water-fuel-cells.
Many of the best methods for reducing gas usage are also among the very easiest! This is very fortunate for those who do not have mechanical expertise or extra money to invest in products that make exaggerated claims of increased fuel efficiency. If you number yourself among the many that are growing tired of spreading themselves thin because of gas prices, take a look at some of these very simple and free ways to free yourself of some of the cost of gas.
Of course, it is obvious that when you are not using your car, you use no fuel, which is easily the most affordable option of them all. However, if your car stays parked at home, so do you! What are the alternatives when you have places to go and people to see? Well, a car pool is a great option, if you can make it work. Car pools have been around for years and are quite common. When you use this system, you can reduce your impact on the environment while you also reduce the impact of gas prices on your wallet!
Alot of people I know thaink car-pools as a way to get to work, but if you know someone who lives near you that has other places to go, you can still car pool! If you have to go to the mall, for instance, check and see if one of your friends wants to go, as well. Maybe next time, they will return the favor.
Smart trip planning is another weapon that consumers have to fight the roaring albatross that is gas prices. To swing this deadly blade and slay the beast, simply plan ahead when you go out to make sure that you consolidate all of your shopping and errand-running needs into one trip. If you live in a small town and must take the highway to get shopping done, it is even more important to plan your trips well to avoid excess driving!
One big no-no that is easily avoided is leaving your engine on when you are not going anywhere. This can include when you run in quickly to the store or gas station, or when you are waiting for a friend to come outside so you can go somewhere together. In most cases, it will make much more sense to simply turn your engine off. If you are not currently moving, there is no reason to have your engine on, anyway!
One of the products that can save you up to 50% gas is called water-for-gas. Check it out.
August 24th, 2008
There are many forms of sports that are considered as spectator sports. To make these sporting events even more interesting and exciting sometimes you will see videos of these events. One of the newer sporting events to draw crowds is that of ATV racing and some of the ATV videos that are available for purchase are fantastic.
Quite a number of these are produced by ATV racing teams and their colleagues. These ATV videos are amazing as you get the feel of actually being at these acing events. You can feel and hear the excitement of the crowd that is generated by seeing some of the more hair-raising stunts being pulled by ATVs.
These ATV videos feature ATV racing or quad racing as they are also called in a number of different countries. You can see some of the more extreme types of ATV stunts and racing that this sport produces. The types of terrain that are chosen for these events are dynamically different and very challenging. These ATV videos are shot while the race is going on in places like Baja, or Glamis, Hawaii, Argentina, Namibia and South Africa
Of course if you prefer to make your own type of ATV video you will first need to be very proficient at this sport. The other factor that you will need to see to is that your ATV racing style does not put your life or others at risk. The final consideration that you will have to look into is whether you are planning to keep these ATV videos for yourself or if you would like to let others see what you can do on an ATV.
When you are planning an ATV video you should make sure that the action as well as that of the crowds reactions are recorded also. There should also be stunning visuals and dramatic music that will enhance the quality of your home ATV videos. To make sure that the action is never ending you will need to plan the type of terrain that your ATV videos will be shot on.
In addition to this fact you will need to have a clear idea of what types of racing and stunts that you will be doing. The safety factor that is involved in making these ATV videos should never be forgotten as you will be pushing your ATV to the very limits and beyond what many manufacturers consider as being safe.
The world of sports and videos will never be the same again as ATV videos show you what man can achieve when he puts his mind into extreme sports. The best thing about these types of videos is that you never have to leave home to feel all of the raw excitement that owning these ATV videos can bring to you.
August 23rd, 2008
I am sure that many of you have heard about ATVS and how they have the ability to go over rough and difficult terrain that many other vehicles – sporting, normal and in some cases heavy duty can’t. These ATVs are a great way to get to some hard to reach locations. Now while you may have heard about these vehicles how will you be able to select an ATV that will fit all of your requirements? Well the best way could be with an ATV review.
These ATV reviews are there mainly to inform you about the performance of various makes of ATVs. You can select an ATV reviews from various web pages on the internet that deal with ATVs. There are many sites that will inform you of the status of these ATVs – the pros and the cons that can be found within the field of ATVS.
For instance sometimes you will find web pages that give you the performance reviews for the current favorites that are being used. ATVs from companies like Polaris, Kawasaki and Honda will be given. In addition you will be given the other types of ATVs in that range that have been reviewed for their specifications, prices and the technology that has been used to take their performance into peak level.
An ATV review will be given by experts and consumers who have used these ATVs and they have had the experience of seeing these vehicles perform in various tasks in different types of terrain. You can also find what these people have to say about the aftermarket parts and other parts that you can fit on to the ATV to make it work even better.
There are some web pages that will give ATV reviews for sample ATV types. For instance you can find the different types of Polaris ATVs that many people use. The ATV review on the Polaris will let you know about the performance factor that you can find from any of the ATVs in this brand. This way you can decide if you would like to buy this particular type of ATV or maybe investigate the idea of getting another type ATV altogether.
As these ATV reviews have been based on the personal preferences of various individuals you may not agree with what they have said about these ATVs in the different ATV reviews. Therefore you should try out different types of ATVs and see what you think about those ATVs. This way you can give your ATV review to various people that you know.
August 23rd, 2008
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