By. Brenda Williams
In the diverse industry of automotive, the Americans are generally linked with size and power, anything European gets an assumed sense of higher refinement and the Japanese are legendary when it comes to reliability. The third region mention, Japan, used to be the only name coming from Asia where cars are concerned. Of course, there have been more manufacturers from several more Asian countries over the years but only one of the rising nations pose a threat not only to Japan's Asian and global domination but also to all the major players in automotive markets all over the world as well; the Koreans.
Toyota and Honda have already cemented their place as possibly the most trusty car brands in the world today. What those two names are to Japan, Kia and Hyundai are to Korea. Korean cars only began to penetrate international markets realistically in the early 90s. Even back then, most of them were just deemed as cheap cars, in terms of both price and what the car actually is. Compared to its Japanese rivals of which costs do not defer too much during those days, it was quite true as the Korean cars always seemed to lack the kind of quality and refinement an established company could provide.
However, these manufacturers are moving at such an incredible pace that they're toppling most western marquees in many countries in terms of sales and are outselling many American brands on American soil of late, gaining money while the once great GM falls into bankruptcy. These car makers are advancing at such an incredible rate that they are turning their very well design concepts into production cars much faster than most manufacturers do. While some would argue that the wait is necessary for the manufacturer to fine tune every part and revise the designs, recent Korean examples like the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe simply show that the cars they build are still top notch.
Apart from Kia and Hyundai, Daewoo is another significant Korean car manufacturer. They have advanced to an extent where almost all of their new models in their current line up are sold under more established and recognized brands, especially Chevrolet, among other GM brands like Opel, Suzuki and Vauxhall under the company's rebadging strategies to win over different markets worldwide. While GM may not be in a position to shout about of late, the fact that Daewoo and the cars they make figured so much in their marketing plans internationally only show the prowess of the Korean manufacturer and the cars it engineers. Ssangyong is another Korean manufacturer not quite as big as the rest but worth mentioning nonetheless as most of the cars they make borrow Mercedes Benz engines and gearbox technologies used in Porsches. While they are not in a financially happy period either, the underpinnings of their cars and the ambition Ssangyong show are rather worth a nod for a not so widely recognized brand name.
Generally, big or small, the fact is that Korean manufacturers are making their presence felt if not so already. At the incredible speed they are improving themselves, it will be no wonder to see them directly head to head with the more establish likes of Honda and Toyota for example as judging from automotive rankings around the globe today, there is a Korean name on almost every top 10 list already.
Brenda Williams
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Korean Cars on the Rise
Motorsport Vs the Reality
By. Brenda Williams
Cars have come a very long way since these four wheeled machines were invented as something perceived to have the capability of replacing horses and such back then. Nowadays, with technology providing great amounts of safety features as well as luxuries to keep passengers happy throughout any journey without forgetting the speed the journeys can take with today's engineering, people are just not contented by the prospect of getting from point A to B in a car anymore. Despite rising fuel prices and more critical environmental issues, motor sport has never lost its popularity as one of the main forms of showcasing how cars can be put to the test in the name of competition, engineering and recreation.
However, there is always a question on whether a car maker successful on track can be as successful in building what cars are meant to be in the first place. This is not so the case vice versa as building a car for the masses is definitely an easier task than building the perfect race machine capable of conquering the tarmacs and dirt roads presented upon them anywhere in the world. Or is it?
Take a look at the mother of all motor sport for instance. Three of the most successful constructors are Ferrari, McLaren and Renault. While Ferrari does make brilliant road-going cars, not many will argue the fact that the 599s and 430s gracing town and seaside roads are simply heavily toned down versions of the monster machines that have won them so many titles in F1 ever since God knows when. Furthermore, only the very wealthy can afford them which do not make Ferraris very applicable in the real world. While Mercedes is among the finest carmakers in the world building some fantastic road legal cars with McLaren, McLaren are otherwise simply their tuners and refiners in Britain, one the Germans can do without considering how Mercedes have decided to part with McLaren within the previous year.
Renault is a funny story altogether, building very good cars for all sorts of people but having many failed attempts at designing a visually appealing or properly attractive sports car for the average driver. Even of late, while the Laguna Coupe is deemed to be one of the finest French designs since never ever, the original saloon was simply a sight to induce sore eyes. The other French maker, Citroen, has an almost equal dilemma, being highly successful in the Word Rally Championships, but building uninspiring and dull cars which have quite a record for being unreliable for the open market.
Maybe making cars and racing them are just two things that do not go well together as Honda has demonstrated. The hyper successful and trusted Japanese auto maker chose to withdraw from F1 despite having such brand presence in the automotive industry simply because they realized it was only an ever losing investment. The other Japanese giant, the only one bigger than Honda which is Toyota, while still in it, have never shown any signs of threatening the major constructors at all. It is probably safe to assume that Ford has the best balance in both worlds, being a cult name in most major rallies in the world while having cars in their line up to satisfy every person in the world due to the company's global diversity but then again, it would probably be a totally different story should they venture into F1.
Brenda Williams
Classic Car Shipping Classic Car Transport
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Solar Powered Cars
By. Bryce Stone
Environmental concerns are leading to new trends in the automotive market. Some of these changing trends are currently under study and being put into practice. Solar powered cars are not new ideas but the changing technology and evolution of the idea is. Solar power can be used for energy in many things and cars is just another of them. Though many people feel that solar power is a great solution for the current fossil fuel problems, there are disadvantages to using it. Like with any energy source, it will have both positive and negative points.
Currently, it is not all that simple for science to discover a way to effectively draw and use solar energy. Solar panels are often required, similar to the ones found on a calculator. However, it is not really all that realistic to line the outside of your car with solar panels. It is not efficient and most drivers would laugh at the idea. Switching away from fossil fuels should be easier than that if it is to appeal to drivers in mass amounts. If it is difficult then people will not be likely to make the switch.
Solar cars would also need to be fully equipped with special gauges that measure the amount of energy, how much is being consumed by the car and how much is remaining. Drivers would have to be able to understand these gauges and utilize them. It could be possible to have a solar powered car that does not have many gauges but that would require an entirely different set up. The solar cars that are currently in production have only three wheels which is not something that is going to be acceptable on the current cars of today.
Science is currently testing many types of solar powered cars by racing them. This is a great way to test the limits and functionality of using solar power. Solar powered bicycles are already being produced and used. Perhaps this is a better place to start since cars do not seem ready to become solar powered machines. Though it is a great idea, it is not yet ready for the North American public. Solar cars that are currently in production are very small and can usually only hold one person, which is the driver. This type of car would not be approved in the United States based on the current safety standards required.
It is quite obvious that one negative aspect of solar energy is being able to use it when the sun is not shining or during an overcast day. Many improvements need to be made for this to be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Having solar cells on the vehicle will not be all that convenient for drivers either. Having a solar powered vehicle would be a great option if it was ready to be released in mass quantities. However, at this stage in the development it just is not a conceivable idea. Solar energy is a fantastic natural resource. With further study, hopefully it can soon be a realistic petroleum alternative.
Bryce Stone
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Car Inspections: 25 Tricks to do it like a pro
By. Colby
You have been looking for a nice car in your price range for a month and your heart starts to beat a little faster as you walk up to a shining used car that is in perfect condition! Or is it in perfect condition? Inspections are tricky and if you think intuition will guide you to a good car, you’re wrong.
First of all, there is no replacement for having a mechanic look at a car before you buy it. Make sure somebody has put the car up on a lift, checked out all the mechanicals, and given you a full report on the cars problems (or not). Mechanics will be able to find leaks, wear, and problems that aren’t visible to an untrained eye looking down at an engine with the hood up. Now that the mechanic has done his or her job, it’s time for you to do your own inspection and make the final decision. After all, it’s your own money. Bring a small magnet,a rag or box of tissues (to clean your hands), and a print out of this blog so that you won’t forget about the insider tricks that will help you make sure you’re getting a quality car!
A. Rust Rust is cancer so finding it is important.
TRICK 1: Magnets will not stick to car body fillers, so use your small magnet to check panels, wheel wells, fenders and door for rust and body damage.
B. Body TRICK 2: The factory alignment of exterior car panels is extremely precise. Look at the gaps between panels, doors, hood, and trunk. If the gaps are not even, this could be a sign of major damage.
C. Paint A new paint job is a sign of past distress for a car. TRICK 3: Open the hood and look for overspray in the engine compartment. Also, lift the molding edge on windshield at the paint line to check for repainting.
D. Tail Pipe TRICK 4: Check the deposits in the inside of the tail pipe with your finger. If it’s white or gray, everything should be okay. Black and sooty may mean a tune-up is needed. Black and gummy means something is wrong and the car is burning too much oil!
E. Oil TRICK 5: Oil that is murky brown, gray, or bubbly has water in it and is a sign of a cracked engine block. TRICK 6: Feel the oil with your fingers. Grit or gum means the oil hasn’t been changed often enough.
F. Doors TRICK 7: Open and close the doors without slamming them. If they hit and bounce or just don’t close easily, this could be a sign of major damage.
G. Trunk TRICK 8: Lift up the mat in the trunk and look for signs of rust while you are checking out the spare tire.
H. Hitch TRICK 9: Check for signs of a hitch being attached the car. Towing can be ruinous to an engine and transmission.
I. Tires
TRICK 10: Look at tires for even tread wear. Uneven tread wear could be a sign of major damage.
TRICK 11: Make sure all four tires are the same tire. If tires are rotated frequently, properly inflated, and there is no damage to the car, all four tires will always be replaced at the same time.
J. Shocks Check to see if any of the shocks are leaking.
TRICK 12: If you bounce the car five times, it should only bounce once after you stop.
K. Seats Sit in every seat and make sure they aren’t lumpy. Look for tears, damage, and that they don’t move when they are locked in position.
L. Floor Mats TRICK 13: Look under all the mats for signs of rust.
M. Pedals, Armrest
TRICK 14: Check to make sure the wear on the pedals and the driver’s side armrest look appropriate for the mileage on the car. N. Smell If the car is has a very strong deodorant, it may be covering up a musty smell that resulted from water damage, leaks, or something worse.
O. Instrument Panel Make sure everything works - radio, heater, AC, clock, horn, etc.
TRICK 15: When you turn the car on, make sure ALL the lights on the dashboard light up. Lights that don’t work could be burnt out (usually not easily replaceable) or could have been disconnected to hide a problem.
P. Lights Check to make sure all lights work (brake, turn, reverse, headlights, interior, etc)
TRICK 16: Make sure the signals self-cancel after turning. Q. Windows Check that all windows operate smoothly and don’t make any unexpected noises.
R. Glass Check for broken or cracked glass.
S. Transmission Fluid
TRICK 17: Low fluid means a leak, brown means no maintenance has been done on the transmission, a burnt smell means the transmission has a lot of wear, pieces of metal in the fluid means the gears are being ground off.
T. Engine Check for leaks.
TRICK 18: Steam cleaning and engine is a way to hide leaks. Make sure the car has been driven enough after the cleaning so that leaks can still be identified.
TRICK 19: Squeeze water hoses to make sure the soft and flexible as compared to hardened and cracked.
TRICK 20: Make sure there isn’t too much play in the fan blade which can mean the water pump drive shaft may fail soon.
U. Belts Check for frayed, cracked, and loose belts. V. Steering
TRICK 21: Look out the window at the wheel when you are turning the steering wheel. If it doesn’t turn in the first two inches of steering wheel movement, there may be major suspension problems. With a power steering car, turn and lock the wheel in both directions. There should be no screeches or bouncing.
W. Exhaust
TRICK 22: While you’re driving, check the exhaust. Blue smoke means excessive oil burning, black smoke means it may need a tune-up, white smoke on startup is just water in the exhaust line, and white smoke while driving means there is water in the cylinders.
X. Brakes
TRICK 23: Make sure there is at least two inches between the pedal and the floor when the brake is fully applied.
TRICK 24: Brake suddenly when driving and listen for screeches. A car that pulls or dips to one side means brake or potentially costly suspension problems.
Y. Leaks
TRICK 25: Drive the car through a car wash to check for water leaks.
Z. Underneath If you really want to picky, TELL the salesperson to put the car up on a lift for you to take a look. Look for engine leaks, transmission leaks, brake line leaks, shock absorber leaks, accident damage or repair, frame welds, and rust.
Make sure to check a car out in person, especially if you're looking for online used cars. You may find cheap used cars, but they might not be quality.
Thanks to Massey for writing an excellent and well hidden article titled “Inspecting Your Purchase - Six Ways to Identify a Lemon” which has a lot of great information about inspecting cars. Also, if you think I have missed something in this list or want to discuss the inspection process then please leave a comment! Thanks! Also, be sure to check out Carsala for used cars prices
Motor Fleet Insurance
By. Jackie de Burca
Are you debating whether to go green with your fleet?
The good news is that going green with your fleet can generate savings that will improve your bottom line over time, while earning your business a better reputation.
How will this choice affect your fleet insurance?
Fleet insurance companies consider these hybrid vehicles as equals to their diesel and petrol counterparts.
Therefore your fleet insurance policies will not be affected adversely when you make the decision to help protect the environment.
Tips for Green Fleet Management from Cover4Commercial :
1. Assess your current fleet performance taking into account the mileage, fuel consumption, average mpg both per vehicle and driver, destination and reasons for travel, and the overall costs.
2. Then identify the areas which can be improved -
• Are the vehicles all as efficient as they could be for the specific needs?
• How can mileage be reduced?
• How well maintained is the vehicle?
• Can alternative fuels be used?
• Does your company's current mileage allowance encourage an increase in mileage claims?
• Would your employees benefit from more driver training?
• What are the CO2 emission levels and Euro standards of the vehicles?
3. After assessing and identifying the areas for improvement, set yourself realistic targets, such as unnecessary business travel and monitoring and reducing fuel consumption.
4. Continue to monitor your performance over time, which will enable you continue to make both financial and environmental savings over time.
Finding the right Motor Fleet Insurance policy for your business can be a challenging task.
Before making any decision look at the following tips as a checklist:
You need to consider early on who will be driving your company's vehicles. The higher the age restriction means that you can avail of a larger discount from the fleet insurance provider. Some of the options regarding these age restrictions are:
Any Licensed Driver Over 30
Any Licensed Driver Over 25
Any Licensed Driver Over 21
You can choose from three levels of cover, and some companies will facilitate you by allowing to have varied cover, so you could combine a choice of the following types of motor fleet insurance.
Comprehensive
Third Party Fire & Theft
Third Party Only
Another consideration is what type of extensions you may require for your fleet insurance policy such as:
Windscreen cover
Breakdown Cover
Courtesy cars
Legal Expenses Insurance
Naturally like any regular car insurance you will pay more for any sporty cars, so consider an age restriction just for these vehicles.
Of course your fleet insurance broker needs to know the type of use for your motor fleet insurance such as:
Haulage
Carriage of Own Goods
Private and / or Public Hire
Social Domestic & Pleasure use only (SD&P)
SD& P and Business Use
Carriage of hazardous Goods
Airport Side Use Extension
Fleet insurance is a big investment and you need to weigh up the pros and cons of going green, but in the medium to longterm this is preferable.
Choosing the right package and motor fleet insurance company for you requires careful research and making sure that the solution ticks all the boxes for your fleet.
Jackie de Burca
Jackie de Burca is co-owner Creative Web Advertising, which is an International internet media consultancy. Creative Web Advertising work with UK, German, Austrian, Spanish, Portuguese, French clients currently doing Pay Per Click, SEO and web consulting. Cover4Commercial specialise in customised motor fleet insurance.
Toyota Prius Generation III
BY.Chandra Johan
When you have the money and abundant love with the latest technology, Toyota Prius Third Generation should be considered as a car that will be purchased. Section, which authorized the car will be launched in mid-2010 this contains many latest advanced technology, not just economize!
The press conference have been held in The Detroit Auto Show, officially named The North American International Auto Show or (NAIAS) (is held every January at COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan), to attract the public interest for the United States and internationally.
1000 Patents. Because the technology carried on the Prius and the new equipment, no wonder the price can be expensive. For information, Toyota not less than 1000 patents used in the car to improve its performance and in accordance with the wishes of the present consumers. Also added, all of these patents, 292 patents come from the United States
Toyota Prius is very glory and make it as a "benchmark" car of the future. These can be understood because at this time, Prius has been owned by one million people around the world for 10 years, since first launched in 1997. In fact, since the second generation introduced in 2004, the number of Prius sold in the United States reached 670,000 units.
Ecological Plastic. Environmental is the focus in the Toyota Prius recently. Not only that emission friendlier to the environment, as well as material. Now the used plastic is made from plants (not oil) and is called plastic. With this, in addition to easy recycling, of course, does not damage the environment.
Atkinson Cycle. As a source of prime, Toyota four-cylinder engine uses 1.8 liters of working with the Atkinson cycle, with a larger aim to get on the lap of torsi low. Target onwards, the consumption of fuel economical. Engine power is not preferred. Therefore, not surprisingly, workers produced only 98 PS engine.
Efforts to create a Toyota Prius engine work more efficiently done with the mechanical components with the power. Therefore, the radiator pump, driven by the electric power and no longer rely on direct energy from the engine. Belt system to operate the radiator fan, AC compressor, Alternator, and also replaced with the electric motor.
Development is the other dimension and weight of the inverter is lighter and smaller. Inverter is a tool to change the direct current (DC) to flow back and either (AC). The inverter, electric motor, transaxle, and also reduce the weight to 20 percent. In addition, the ability to work regenerative brake system (the best restore energy) controlled the electronic logic.
Mode 3. This new Prius offers three alternative mode driving. EV-Mode Drive, a car race with the use of energy from the battery only in low speed for distance around 1.6 km / hour (depending on battery condition). There is also a Power Mode, power to make the car faster and more responsive to the gas pedal board. Last is the Eco Mode, race the car with fuel consumption is economical.
Solar Energy. The new Prius is equipped with the moon roof of glass that can be incorporated with solar cell panels. Electrical energy produced solar panel used to set the ventilation air in the car, including when parked. Another way to economize energy the Toyota is using LED lights for the front, rear lights, and brake.
Weight of the car is also lighter. This could be because the engine hood, back door, front axle and Suspension caliper made of aluminum. Result, acceleration 0-96 km / hour is 9.8 seconds, while for the tooth movement, using the Toyota shift by wire system.
Additional sensors are touch switch on the handlebar that is designed to reduce driver eye movement. With this, it is expected that the concentration level driver to the higher road.
Security equipment. The new Prius is equipped with a security system because the top will be sold globally.
For The Safety Restraint System or SRS (air bag), not only is installed in front of the driver and front passenger. All the doors also been the model of balloon curtains so that drivers and passengers safe when hit by a section on the side. Even for the driver and front passenger, added nothing to the balloon.
In addition to the standard, also have additional security options, namely Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (using millimeter wave radar), Lane Keep Assistant (help drivers stay safe on the track), Pre-Collision System (safety belt to work faster and the brakes on the condition to avoid a collision).
Toyota also offers the Intelligent Parking Assist generation driver that's easy to park in a limited area.
Connect the other is safety, security services, among others, will notice the occurrence of collision, determine the location of the vehicle when stolen, and the SOS call button. Safety Connect available several months after launch.
Although the more sophisticated, unfortunately for the battery, Toyota still rely Nimh.
The prices can not estimate. Toyota new car prices will determine this before the launch next year. Who knows if there is price correction material prices go down!
Chandra Johan
Chandra Johan or Johan Young runs the 1st-in-Hybrid website - where you can see his best hybrid car information. Visit for further information and read our full review of the hybrid cars, http://www.1st-in-hybrid.com
7 Tips and Guides to Conserve More Fuel With Hybrid Cars
By. Chandra Johan
Most hybrid cars are made for fuel efficiency. But you can further squeeze the extra mile to buy a gallon of gasoline, adapting the same good driving habits in your gasoline-engine vehicles.
1. Techniques tread brake (Go easy on the brake). Your car has a hybrid regenerative braking system that recaptures energy lost from braking is stored and returned to the battery. If you brake slowly, you give your electric motor more time to store power thus, recovering more energy back to the batteries. If you brake hard and abrupt, the regenerative braking system will not be able to recapture much of this energy and your brakes will take most of the work.
2. Driving at slower speeds. When you drive at slow speed, you will run the electric motor. This saves a lot of gas. Also require high-speed driving your engine to produce extra energy to push the car forward and push through the air. Gas is more used to the Aerodynamic drag. (Note: the air is denser in the snow, rain and wet conditions. This makes the engine more fuel to push the vehicle through the air.)
3. Avoid quick acceleration. The electric motor can only give your car a certain amount of power. When you need speed and step on the gas pedal, the combustion engine kicks in to provide extra speed you need, so it is more fuel. Rapid acceleration in gasoline or diesel-engine cars wastes a lot of energy and therefore the hybrid vehicle. If you need to speed up, do so gradually, if possible.
4. Check tire pressure. Tires are made to improve safety and ride quality. This is not really made for efficiency, but actually you can use the tires need to increase gas mileage. Use and maintain maximum tire pressure recommended for the car in the sidewall psi and not provided by the manufacturer on the doorframe. Also use low-resistance tires for better mileage.
5. Avoid rush hour. Stop-and-go traffic consumes a lot of gas.
6. Using low octane gasoline. Not only is cheaper, is actually a vehicle that is designed to run well on lower octane gas. Check your manual.
7. Glide. If you are comfortable with driving back and forth to neutral, you can get the best out of your speed. Coasting in neutral gives you a longer cruise and better use of energy.
Is The Chevy Volt Our Generation's Edsel?
BY. Matthew C. Keegan
When Wall Street Journal reporter Stephen Moore shared his thoughts about the all-new Chevy Camaro, a car that he loves, he took a swipe at another Chevy product, the not yet built Volt. That latter product is GM's first major stab at vehicle electrification beyond EV-1, the electric car that GM failed to build the first time around. Moore's swipe isn't so much against the technology as it is against the Volt program's cost, something he has compared to the failed Edsel program from the Ford Motor Company.
Moore's comments has some people upset including fans at the GM-Volt site which has supported the model since it was first announced two years ago. Moore later followed up his initial comments with Lyle Dennis, the site's owner, by saying that his comparison with the Edsel had more to do with costs than with design or engineering.
Inasmuch as Moore clarified his comments, there are some important things to take into consideration when examining the Chevrolet Volt project. Among these concerns are:
GM is bankrupt – Let's face it: the only way that the Volt project launches is with massive government support. GM is out of money and is on the federal government dole. Bankruptcy is imminent meaning that the automaker will be facing severe restructuring including the retirement of costly and under performing brands and product lines.
The Volt is too expensive – With a sticker price in the neighborhood of $40,000, the Volt is too expensive and not a right fit for Chevrolet. Priced even higher than a Cadillac CTS, GM is hoping that buyers will be attracted to the car's $7500 tax credit which means that you're still getting a compact sedan that will cost you $32,500.
All electric with extended range – Though technically not a hybrid, the Volt will run purely on electric power for about 40 miles before a small, gas engine will kick in. GM has designed the Volt to appeal to people who make short commutes to back and forth to work, who would only need the extended range as a supplemental back up.
Too much, too little, too late – What was once a good idea may be eclipsed before the Volt hits the marketplace. Development time has taken too long, there has been too little urgency on GM's part to win over customers in advance of the car's release and by the time the Volt hits the market in November 2010, it could be too late for GM.
One thing that the Volt has over the Edsel is its good looks. Unfortunately, good looks only wins beauty contests and does little to convince customers that they are getting behind a real winner.
Matthew C. Keegan
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Chevy Tahoe rims and Mitsubishi Eclipse rims.
Ford Model T Automobiles
By. Lawrence Bell
The Model T Ford, which first appeared in the fall of 1908, went on the revolutionize transportation more than any other single invention.
Henry Ford had founded The Ford Motor Company in 1903, and the Model T Ford was not his first car on the road. But during the 19-year production life of the Model T, it became the most famous automobile in histroy, due to its fine workmanship, excellent materials, and especially its low price.
Early Ford Model T automobiles were produced in Detroit, Michigan at the plant on Piquette Avenue. Henry Ford's stated intention was to produce the first automobile affordable to the masses. Indeed, from its $850 initial pricetag in 1908, Ford's introduction of assembly-line mass production eventually lowered the price to under $300. By 1918, nearly half of the cars on the roads in America were Model T Fords.
The advent of assembly lines cut the average assembly time from around 12 hours per car to about one and a half hours. The oft-repeated legend that Henry Ford required all Model T's be painted black had a practical basis, in that the particular black paint in use dried much quicker than other sources, and thus further speeded production. The use of interchangeable parts not only speeded production, but reduced the cost of subsequent repairs.
The typical Model T seated five passengers, produced 20 horsepower in its 4-cylinder engine, achieved a top speed of 45 mph, and ran on either gasoline or ethanol. Fuel economy was 15 to 20 miles per gallon. Ethanol became outlawed during Prohibition and gasoline became extremely cheap, so all alcohol and battery-powered vehicles faded from the scene.
The Model T also became known as the Flivver or the Tin Lizzie. The original open touring car was soon joined by various closed models, and eventually small trucks. Early designers included Childe Wills, Harry Love, Eugene Farkas, Joseph Galamb, Gus Degner, and Peter Martin.
Most Model T's had only two forward gears and reverse. They had rear-wheel drives.The reverse gear often proved essential since the initial placement of the 10-gallon fuel tank was a good deal behind and a bit lower than its front-mounted engine. On steep hills, the car would often stall out when the tank wasn't completely full, leaving the driver to back up the hill in reverse in order to maintain the flow of fuel.
Model T's were incredibly durable and dependable. Even after the introduction of electric starters (activated by a peddle on the floor board), the hand-cranked magneto remained part of the design as a back-up starting method.
The wooden spokes on the artillery wheels with their pneumatic tires evolved to metal.
The Model T was not the twentieth model made by Ford, as the alphabet would dictate. But it was a refinement of a number of prior Ford creations. Ironically, when Model T production finally gave way to something new, Ford dubbed his new creation the Model A, saying it was a whole new start.
The Model A, however, never achieved the same massive impact of its predecessor. More than 15 million Model T automobiles were eventually manufactured. This world record was not surpassed until 1972 by the Volkswagen Beetle.
Lawrence Bell
Lawrence R. Bell is Editor of The Antiques Bible at http://www.antiques-bible.com/ppf/term/Ford+Model+T+Automobiles/definition.asp. The Antiques Bible is an illustrated glossary of antique terms with helpful links to related resources.
Reducing Fuel Expenditure
BY. Graham Nichols
Improving your fleet's fuel performance makes sound commercial sense. Typically fuel costs may account for 20-30% of the total operating costs of your fleet, fuel costs are not fixed and they can be varied by factors such as choice of vehicle type, driving style and mileage. By implementing effective fleet management most organisations can make fuel savings of 10% or more. Reducing your fuel consumption is not just important for your bottom line, it's important for the environment too. Your drivers and the way they drive is a major factor contributing to the fuel efficiency of your fleet. If you can maximise their efficiency by encouraging them to follow the tips below, you'll increase your fleet's fuel efficiency.
When driving
Drive smoothly – Aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption and produce more toxic emissions. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering smooth – this can reduce fuel consumption by more than 10% in urban areas. Keep in mind that you will be using at least 15% more fuel when you travel at 80 mph than you would at 70 mph.
Use higher gears – The higher gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear when you can, without stressing the engine. Use 6th gear if you have it, where possible and especially on the motorway.
Observe the speed limit – It may be tempting to drive fast over long, empty roads but fuel-efficiency drops significantly over 60 mph. By maintaining a smooth driving style at 50-60 mph, you can enhance fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Use cruise control if you have it – on major roads this helps you maintain a constant speed and, in many cases, will improve fuel consumption.
Avoid over-revving your engine – Revving your vehicle’s engine wastes fuel; avoid revving your engine before you turn it off. Avoid fast getaways at the traffic lights – accelerate slowly when the light turns green. The faster you accelerate the more fuel you will consume.
Avoid fast driving in lower gears – If you drive at fast speed using the wrong and often lower gears, you will reduce fuel economy. Use the gears so your engine is operating at its most fuel-efficient (usually the rpm where maximum torque is generated) – this could cut fuel consumption by up to 25%.
Avoid excess idling – Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue for a long period of time, or waiting for someone.
Combine trips – You’ll save time and money by combining the number of stops you make in one trip.
Several short trips will use up to twice as much fuel as taking a multipurpose trip.
Your vehicle
Service your engine – A well-maintained engine can improve fuel economy, so follow your manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing. Information regarding service intervals can be found in your vehicle manual.
Keep your tyres at the right pressure – Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer, an under
inflated tyre can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as
3%. An under or over inflated tyre will wear more quickly and is also more susceptible to failing. The best time to check your tyre pressure is when its cool outside or in the morning after your car has not been driven. Faulty wheel alignment will also slow down the rolling resistance of your car increasing fuel consumption and wearing tyres out quicker.
Use the correct oil – Always use the appropriate grade of motor oil, as the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency. Higher quality oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently. However, take care not to over-fill the oil.
Avoid carrying excess weight – For every extra 100lb (45 kg) you carry your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2%. Keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that add weight to your vehicle. Remove your roof rack when not in use, it can affect the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle and create drag, educing fuel economy. Fully loaded, a roof rack can add 30% to fuel consumption.
Keep an eye on your fuel consumption – The more aware you are of the amount of fuel you use, the more you can do to try to reduce your fuel costs. If you notice your fuel efficiency is decreasing it could indicate a problem with your vehicle.
Shut off all power accessories before turning off your engine – Power-consuming accessories such as the radio or air conditioning can increase the load on your engine upon starting, which then increases fuel consumption.
Buying fuel
Keep an eye on fuel prices – Fill up your vehicle when you see a lower price, as there can be a difference of 3p per litre within a week. If you can’t find a place to buy low priced fuel on one day, wait if you can until you find a cheaper one. Use the Arval Fuel Price Watch site to find the cheapest fuel in your area at: www.arval.co.uk
Avoid purchasing fuel at motorway services where possible – They tend to be more expensive so plan ahead and avoid the extra cost. If you need to use them, just buy enough fuel to get you to a cheaper filling station. Remember that premium grade fuels are more expensive.
Also
Keep your vehicle’s windows closed – Wind blowing through an open window will slow your vehicle down and to compensate, you might put your foot down harder, using more fuel.
Avoid using air conditioning when you first get into a hot vehicle – Open the windows to let out hot air and let in a fresh breeze. Keep the windows closed when you are using air conditioning. Use a sunshade to keep your car cool or park in the shade when it’s warm. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by 8-10%. Plan your trips and driving routes to avoid traffic congestion. Traffic queues and redundant trips mean you are on the roads for longer, using more fuel. Avoid rush hour traffic if possible. When planning your trip use a route finder such as the AA Route Finder at: www.theaa.com
Drive less – Walking and cycling more is the best way to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. If you think about it, many of the trips you make in your vehicle are probably within easy walking or cycling distance. Consider car sharing or working from home if you can.
Include fuel economy in your vehicle selection criteria – Fuel economy ratings will help you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your next vehicle.
Graham Nichols
Arval specialises in fuel cards and contract hire.
2009 World Green Car
By. Carmart
At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Mobil 1 at the Jacob Javits Center in, New York, the Honda FCX Clarity was named the 2009 World Green Car. The FCX Clarity was chosen from an initial entry list of 22 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries worldwide.
"The FCX Clarity is a symbol of the progress we have made with fuel cell vehicles and our commitment to developing vehicles that promote renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said Steve Center, vice president, national Marketing Operations for American Honda.
The FCX Clarity, a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited lease-basis, is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.
The World Green Car awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale.
The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.
Top 9 Laptop Computer Safety Tips
By. guxiaoxiao
Safely using your laptop will help ensure that your laptop works properly and you don't get hurt. Improper use or not being aware of safety issues can cause your laptop irreparable damage. These safety tips should be added to your weekly laptop maintenance routine and will help you stay productive and safe no matter where you are working.
1. Shut It Down
Unlike a desktop computer a laptop computer needs to be shut down when not in use. Shutting down when not in use prevents the laptop from overheating and it also needs the rents.
2. Adjusting Power Settings
Adjusting your power options will help your laptop from heating up when not in use even if for short periods of time. You can set your hard drive and display to turn off after a set time period. Another option is to set the laptop to go into standby or hibernate mode.
3. Before You Pack It Up
Make sure that you before you put your laptop into its carrying bag that it is shut down. A notebook that has been left on can melt. When enclosed in a notebook bag there is no air circulation and the results can be worse than melting. Don't find out the hard way and just be sure to turn off your laptop.
4. Vent Maintenance
Part of your weekly routine should be to inspect and clean the air vents in your laptop. Forced air dusters can be used to keep the air vents clean and free from debris. It's important to know that you should never push anything into the air vents.
5. Checking the Fan
Overheating problems can be caused by the laptop fan not working properly. Always check the laptop manufacturer's online support and your warranty information. It may be possible to download software to test your laptop fan.
6. BIOS Updates
Some laptops control the fans through the BIOS. Check online with the laptop battery compaq PPB004A, manufacturer for BIOS updates. If you aren't comfortable updating the BIOS yourself, have someone in your IT dept. or have an outside Computer Technician do it for you.
7. Avoid Lap Burn
Using a laptop desk or cooler will prevent you from being burned when using your laptop. A good laptop desk will have large enough vents for allowing air circulation between you and the laptop. Some laptop desks have additional fans which use power from the laptop itself to stay cool.
8. Soft Spots
It's a wise idea not to use any soft material as a buffer between you and your laptopb. Always operate your laptop on a hard surface, preferably one that allows ventilation. Soft materials can block the airflow vents and cause it to overheat. If it is not possible to avoid using a soft surface, an optional heat sink base should be used to maintain cooling.
9. Unplug Accessories
Whenever your laptop will not be in use, even for short periods of time remember to unplug any accessories. Not only do they use power but they could cause the laptop to overheat. It's especially important to unplug any accessories before packing your laptop in its carrying case. While you may believe it will make it quicker to use, it could damage your laptop, the accessory and/or your laptop bag.
How To Handle a Skid in a Front Wheel Drive Car
By. Jo Alexander
The majority of cars nowadays are front wheel drive. This is because they are both mechanically easier to design and dynamically the handling is regarded as more benign, in the event that the driver enters a skid. In essence, there are three ways a driver can skid the wheels, whilst accelerating, under braking or during cornering and the recovery from each does differ.
Skidding a front wheel drive car under acceleration
If the road surface is slippery, due to ice or rain, or you have applied excessive throttle, then the front wheels are very likely to skid. In high powered front wheel drive cars this can also result in the steering wheel tugging in either direction making the car hard to hold steady in a straight line, and this is known as torque steer.
To prevent the wheels from spinning in this situation you need to gently lift off the throttle, the front wheels will regain traction and forward drive is restored. This type of skid is normally avoidable and can be anticipated if for example, you are pulling out of an uphill junction and the road is wet or if there is snow on the road. However, if you are on ice and the level of grip is very low it would be better to attempt to pull away in second gear by slipping the clutch slightly. This should reduce the torque through the front wheels and give you better traction.
Skidding a front wheel drive under braking
If you lock the front wheels up under heavy braking then your ability to steer will be lost and, if this occurs on ice or slippery roads, so will your ability to slow down. To come out of the skid gently release the brake pedal until the skid stops and the front wheels start turning again then reapply the brakes using less force.
Normally there will be no need for the procedure above as most modern road cars are fitted with antilock braking systems called ABS, which will carry out the same process hundreds of times a second, so that you can maintain steering control whilst under heavy braking. This is normally felt as a judder through the brake pedal accompanied by a loud graunching noise. Whilst ABS is an important safety aid it can't work miracles and it will still take longer to stop on a wet road than on a dry one.
Skidding a front wheel drive car whilst cornering, causing understeer
When cornering a front wheel drive car, the front wheels have to cope both with supplying the power and applying a turning force. If you enter a corner too fast, the front wheels will lose grip and start to skid, this problem is more likely to occur at night, where the light from your car headlight bulbs may not show up the tightening radius curve of a bend. The car will want to carry straight on regardless of how much steering input you use, and this effect is called understeer.
Often when an inexperienced driver feels their car start to understeer they will panic and try to resolve the problem by braking harshly. This will only worsens the understeer, and makes you more likely to plough on into the path of an oncoming car or straight off the road and into a hedge. You must avoid this temptation to brake aggressively and instead if you start to feel the car understeer gently lift off the throttle, grip will return and the steering will take effect again.
Skidding a front wheel drive car whilst cornering, causing oversteer
There is one other type of skid that can occur to a front wheel drive car when cornering, and that is called oversteer. It is very rare for a road driver to experience this type of skid, as oversteer will normally only occur at very high cornering speeds, when the driver has sharply lifted off the throttle mid way through the corner. When a car is oversteering the back wheels slide out towards the outside of the turn, and this is counteracted in a front wheel drive car by pressing hard down on the throttle which will pull the vehicle out of the slide.
Whilst it may seem more natural to depress the brake if a front wheel drive car is oversteering this would be serious mistake. Braking would place more weight over the front wheels of the car, causing the rear wheels to skid more, the oversteer will worsen and it is very likely that you will spin off the road and into the nearest hedge backwards.
Learn How to Save Money by Having an Access Tonneau Cover on Your Truck
By. Matthew Henderson
If you need a cover for your truck, then you need to consider using a tonneau cover. Not only are they extremely useful for any situation, they can also provide a large number of benefits. To begin with, an access tonneau cover will protect your truck from bad weather conditions. You won't have to worry about heavy rain, snow, or extreme sunlight causing any damage to your truck.
Another great thing about having an access tonneau cover is that it will cover and hide any cargo or equipment. Thieves will find it difficult to steal from the back of your truck with a good cover. If you live in area where theft crimes are high, you won't have to worry about paying money to replace stolen items. In other words, a tonneau cover can save you a lot of money in the long run!
You can also save money on mileage. Believe it or not, by covering your open bed with a tight, quality tonneau cover, you will see a significant improvement in gas mileage. As for style, you will have a lot to choose from. Access tonneau covers are made with aerodynamics in mind. You can choose quality, strong material such as leather. The covers all come in different colors and patterns. You can even customize your very own to match your truck in whatever way you wish!
Whether you want to haul groceries, furniture, or equipment in the back of your truck, a tonneau cover will keep it all protected. You'll be able to fly down the freeway without having to worry any of your equipment flying out and causing an accident. You and other drivers on the road will be protected with an access tonneau cover keeping your equipment down. If you have to do a lot of traveling, you can relax during stops without having to check on your truck and equipment every five minutes.
So where do tonneau covers come from, anyway? They've evolved a lot over the years. Access tonneau covers have always been customizable for truck owners. Even sport truck racers would use them to reduce dragging and to improve performance. Whether you want a light, flexible cover or a strong, heavy-duty one, you will be able to customize your access tonneau cover. No one company can officially claim rights to tonneau covers. They've always been around in one form or another, and they can be designed for various purposes.
Trucks are getting bigger and taller these days. Whether you have a small, medium sized, or large truck, you'll be able to find an access tonneau cover that will fit perfectly. Even if you use a softer model on a big truck, your cargo will still be protected. This is because some of the material used to make tonneau covers are light, yet strong. When it comes down to it, access tonneau covers are incomparable. Everything from the material it's produced with to its assortment of colors makes it the perfect truck-covering choice.
Matthew Henderson
Matthew Henderson is editor at TonneauImpressions.com. Stop by and check out our truck tonneau covers from name brands like Access, BAK, Extang, Gaylord, Lund, Tonneau Masters, Undercover and much more at http://www.tonneauimpressions.com
