Joey Lee asked:


You are on a constant quest to enhance your fuel efficiency and save from fuel costs, regardless of whether you are driving a hybrid, compact or cng driven car. Your quest continues on the back of fluctuating car fuel prices which had been on a constant hike for a good part of 2008H1.

Shared below are simple yet proven effective ways on achieving fuel efficiency, saving gasoline and attaining maintenance cost savings:

• Get a car with high MPG, which calculates miles per gallon. Even better, check out the low GPM cars, gallons per mile which is logically lower the better. This is the ultimate objective, and really what we are discussing here, ie. the lesser the gasoline usage, the more miles coverage and the more savings from your higher fuel consumption.

• If you own a vehicle which heats up your car seats at the touch of a button, Do Not Touch that button. The energy consumption is exceptionally high. If your human counterparts have all survived the harsh winter without heated car seats, you could too.

• Eco friendly car washing is another money saving idea. But, let me qualify that if you have to do it at home, you need to use biodegradable soap specifically formulated for automotive parts. Do it on your lawn instead of your driveway, so that the dirt and toxic waste water are absorbed and neutralized in soil. Otherwise, just patronize your local car wash. Their toxic waste water is drained into proper sewer systems and treated before being discharged.

• In summer, run your air conditioner sparingly at a low setting. When the car is sufficiently cool, switch to fan mode instead. Ensure that windows are tightly shut and not rolled down when the air conditioning is running

• Rotate your tires to ensure even tire threading. This causes less strain to the engine.

• Avoid traffic congestion as travelling in jam condition could consume more fuel. Rise early and get to work early whenever possible.

• In all weather all season, use windshield shades to cut down the summer heat and reduce frost in winter.

• When travelling at high speed, for instance, along highways, keep windows tightly closed. Open windows cause additional drag, making your engine work harder, and consuming more fuel.

• Plan trips well ahead before you set off to reduce unnecessary driving. Remember to check out the road conditions especially when driving in hash winter weather.

• Over inflated tires can reduce your fuel efficiency. Remember to check your tire pressure and never overfill them. This is because you need to leave space air expansion when the tires get hot when driving.

• Conversely, you should avoid driving with soft tires. When soft and not at the correct PSI pounds per square inch, your car requires more energy to move and maintain speed as well as increase fuel emissions. According to a Carnegie Mellon University informal study, majority of cars on the roads are only 80% inflated to capacity and inflating tires to the proper pressure improves mileage by about 3.3%. And the best part is that it is definitely safer too. Stay tuned and check out even more environmentally friendly green car driving tips at my site.



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Boris asked:


The safety of vehicles is always a very important consideration to make when choosing a new vehicle. It is also something that you will need to think about if you are deciding whether or not to convert your car to run on any form of alternative fuel.

Many people contemplating converting their cars to run on LPG wonder just how safe LPG is as a fuel. Because it’s called Liquid Petroleum Gas many people are concerned about its stability. Gas might be quite dangerous, however LPG isn’t necessarily.

LPG is a very safe fuel which has some excellent reports for safety, the main reason that LPG cars and trucks are safe is because of the way the fuel tank is constructed. This fuel tank is different to a petrol tank and is much more robust, this means that it won’t become damaged as easily.

LPG installations also have safety features to help prevent danger if there is a leak. LPG systems use quick fuel cut off systems which use 3 solenoids to shut off the LPG system if there is an accident, or if the car is not currently running. If an accident causes any damage to the fuel lines then the flow of gas will automatically be cut off.

Many people are so interested in the safety of using alternative fuels because they are considering using them in their vehicles which will carry their children. Any LPG system will be safe as long as it is installed professionally. Remember these are not the types of system that you can install by yourself in a weekend, by doing that you are asking for trouble.

So is LPG really safe?

Believe it or not LPG is perfectly safe; it is perfectly stable and is no more dangerous than petrol. As the tanks are even tougher than petrol tanks safety is ensured. No matter whether LPG is installed in a car or commercial vehicle such as a van or truck the system is still safe.

If you are ever in an accident then your car will automatically shut off the supply of LPG in a similar way to how many cars shut off their petrol supply. This ensures that you are kept safe without the risk of any fuel catching fire.

Some people are more worried about installing LPG in their car because petrol tanks will remain in the vehicle. Your car has been designed to hold a petrol tank, however just because you fit an LPG tank it doesn’t mean that it’s bad news. As long as your alternative fuel tank is installed professionally it shouldn’t cause any problems.

All LPG tanks and systems undergo a series of tests to ensure that they won’t put you in any danger. Any decent alternative fuel system will ensure that the fuel supply is cut should your car ever be in an accident.

Alternative fuels are the way of the future, but that doesn’t mean you have to make any compromises in terms of the safety of your car.



Kansieo.com

Phoenix Delray asked:


A little extra care here and there when it comes to your car, and you will find yourself saving significant amounts of money, not just on repairs, but on fuel as well!

Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as thirty percent. This means less money in your wallet. Follow the service schedules listed in your owners manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

It may not always fit into your schedule, but it is important to make yourself follow up with your car care maintenance schedule. If the dealer is charging an arm and a leg for a tune up, get a second opinion at a local reputable car repair shop. They can do the same service schedule, usually at a greater savings to you. These tune ups not only keep your car running smoothly, but they will help when you are ready for a newer vehicle. A smooth running car means a better trade in value for you.

Check your tires for proper inflation. Under-inflation actually wastes fuel. It causes your engine to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out of line, as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling, make the engine work harder too. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you will save when you fill up.

Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and the jerky stop and go routine. Use cruise control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Todays vehicles are designed to warm up fast, so theres no need to warm your car up for half an hour on cold winter mornings.

Keep your air conditioner in top condition.

Remove extra items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Storing luggage in the trunk rather than on the roof reduces air drag. All these little things add up

Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop and go conditions.

Join a car pool. At least, ask if someone wants to share a ride if you are just headed one place and then back. Remember, how you drive your car, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all affect the environment. So take good care of your baby car. Go the extra mile for it, and it will run the extra miles for you.



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Guile Canencia asked:


As the new millennium begins, people have never been so eco-conscious. In recent years, the imminent threat of global warming has compelled us to re-consider how we do and make things. This is most especially true when it comes to our daily means of transport — the car — which unfortunately, ranks among the major contributors of air pollution (and noise pollution) in the world. Thankfully, scientists are continuing to explore new ways to address this. One of these is the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).

An AFV is any vehicle that doesn’t run on petrol or diesel fuel, although a car can be considered an AFV if it doesn’t rely exclusively on petroleum to function (like hybrid cars, which rely on petrol fuel and electricity). What are the different kinds of AFV? Let’s find out.

Hybrids. Hybrids use both gasoline and electricity to run. These vehicles normally feature an internal combustion engine and a battery pack which combine to give the vehicle its propulsion power. Hybrid cars have gained popularity over the years — the most common examples are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight.

Battery Electric Vehicles. As its name applies, a BEV depends on the power of its battery pack. BEVs are among the cleanest vehicles because they don’t produce any carbon emission at all. Battery types may include nickel cadmium, lithium-ion, zinc-air or lead-acid batteries.

Biofuel Cars. Bioalcohol (or Ethanol) and Biodiesel are two types of biofuels that can be used on automobiles. There are still biofuel cars available today but most prefer the flexible-fuel vehicle.

Flexible-fuel Vehicles. With FFVs, you can use more than one type of alternative fuel. This is possible through the use of a multifuel engine which allows you to mix certain alternative fuels in the tank and is combusted as one. These cars are mostly found in the US and South America.

“Gas”-Powered Cars. Certain types of AFVs also run using compressed natural gas, biogas, liquid petroleum gas (or autogas), nitrogen gas, propane and hydrogen. Usually, these cars are your standard petroleum-using vehicles whose engines are modified to burn the alternative gaseous fuels.

The Solar Car. Solar cars use solar panels in order to harness the power of the sun. This type of AFV has been around for decades but unfortunately, no practical prototype has been developed yet for the masses. Nevertheless, countless solar car contests and races are being held every year and participated in by schools and universities all over the world.

AFVs may be environment-friendly but it has its disadvantages, too. AFVs are still a bit more expensive than the usual cars in the market and the availability of alternative fuels is still very limited. But still, the future promises more developments, new possibilities. Who knows? The first commercially-successful AFV may just be around the corner.



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Joey Lee asked:


The latest economic rescue package is not helping much for the general public, at least for a good half a year before we see effects of an slight economic turnaround. Fuel prices are still escalating, food prices has not fallen, you still need to travel to work, to school and earn a living.

This is part 2 of that endless car fuel saving tips which I have started to help us tie over the money crunch.

Below is an added list of ways on achieving fuel efficiency, conserving gasoline and attaining cost savings the easy way:

Set Cruise Control At A Fix Level For Consistent Fuel Usage when driving a stretch of long freeway (or highway). This helps to reduce the intermittent and inconsistent fuel injection by human manual driving which could cause greater wear and tear to your car.

Combine Several Short Trips Helps Save Fuel And Save Money. . Once your engine is warmed up they generate less air pollution, so keep it running over a few so combining several short trips into one can make a big difference.

Park it in your Covered garage.Yes, you can save fuel and energy simply by parking your car in a covered garage whenever possible, especially in winter and summer. You would then avoid exposing your car to harsh winter snow and ice as well as the torturing summer sun. This helps you warm up the car faster in winter and cool it better in summer.

Remove Excess Baggage. Get rid of items not required on a daily basis. The most common are golf sets, snow chains, fishing gear etc. Reload on a need to use basis.

Catch that Greyhound Bus. I am not selling for The Greyhound here, but if you have to travel across states or provinces, consider taking the coach. The scenery could do you some good, not to mention the stress of driving across unfamiliar towns and provinces.

Avoid Keeping Your Engine in Idle Mode for long periods. If you are stuck in traffic and you don’t think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off. New cars do not need to be warmed up for long period of time. So as much as your pocket can help it, change to a new car. And a New Hybrid Car at that too.

Keep Good Car Habits. Before you switch off your car ignition, remember to switch off all electrical units like the car hifi sound system, air conditioning, heating gadgets, compartment lights as well as head lights. This avoids drain on your car battery, reduces maintenance costs.

Communal car pooling is definitely a viable solution to if you could find like minded colleagues who are neighbors living within your vicinity willing to pool resources.

Avoid Rush Hour. And yes, that is the very famous but always ignored suggestion. As much as procrastination gets you, try harder. In countries where they install electronic road pricing measurement ERP gadgets, you could find yourself doubling your fuel consumption, doubling your fuel costs and your travel time. Worst of all, the electronic road pricing slaps an additional toll charge whenever you pass a particular gantry at rush hour!

There are more tips to come at the next episode of Endless Money & Fuel Saving Car Tips. So stay tuned. And also visit my site for more information on car tips and hybrid cars.



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Joey Lee asked:


More and more people are turning to hybrid cars these days because of their promise of lesser fuel consumption and environmental friendliness. Hybrid cars, because they run on both fuel and battery-powered engines, consume less fuel, thereby reducing the price pressures on consumers in the midst of an global oil crisis. In addition, it also emits significantly less smog pollutants in the air, compared to traditional fuel-operated cars.

Indeed, there are a lot of advantages to owning hybrid cars. This is why even the US government is starting to show support by welcoming more models into the country and by encouraging American auto makers to make more units.

The Key Advantages of Hybrid Cars are as follows:

Efficiency - Hybrid cars are electrically operated and are thus able to function well and consistently at any motor speed. This is in contrast to conventional gas-powered engines, which tend to produce less power in low revolutions per minute episodes. Hybrid cars do not need to use transmissions to make their engines run at full capacity even at reduced speeds.

Economy - One of the advantages of hybrid cars is that the feature called “regenerative braking”. Since a hybrid car works using both electric power and fuel power, each can function by itself or conjunction, depending on which is stronger at the time of use. This means that both engines complement each other and do not simply bog one when one of them becomes weaker.

Convenience - Because hybrid cars are part battery powered, they do not create huge holes on the pocket, compares to users of traditional cars who feel the pain of the continuing oil price increases. Most hybrid cars, particularly the ones that are made in Japan, are also more compact and lightweight, making them easier to maneuver on the road. Other models, particularly those by American and European car makers also do not deviate from the stylish designs their regular counterparts adopt, so users don’t have to feel they are being left out in the style department.

Sustainability - Sure, hybrid cars are fairly new, so their immediate impact on the environment cannot be foreseen in the short term. However, over the course of time, the next generations will definitely be thankful for having a clean, pollution free world, thanks to hybrid vehicles. Most critics say that it is not the time to buy hybrid vehicles because they are expensive. However, when you consider the advantages, you really shouldn’t think twice. While you must be discerning in choosing the right model for your needs, this doesn’t mean you start hesitating. After all, when more people patronize hybrid cars, manufacturers will see the need to produce more and eventually bring its price at very affordable levels.

In time to come, environmentally friendly hybrid cars will be the order of the day.

Do check out my site for more information on hybrid cars and other environmentally friendly car tips.



CALEB

Carssure asked:


One can never believe every word in online or newspaper articles by 100 percent because there are always misconceptions and false information. When it comes to green cars, which include electric, cell-powered, hybrid and solar cars, we discover several myths about them as well. Some of them are just useful for car manufacturers; the others come as a result of common misunderstanding. Nevertheless one should think those facts over if one considers buying a green car.

Myth #1 - Greenest Cars Are Very Expensive

Most people believe that environmentally friendly cars are sold at a high price and are not affordable for people with low income. However there are some electric cars that cost as much as average gasoline vehicles.

Myth #2 – With a Green Car There Are No High Maintenance Expenses

Even though a green car may seem to be a reliable mechanism made of durable parts, driving and using such a car has some hidden maintenance expenses. Since electric cars run on rechargeable batteries they need to be recharged quite often which might be rather costly considering the price for electricity nowadays. Moreover sooner or later rechargeable batteries will have to be replaced with new ones which are quite expensive as well.

Myth #3 – Greenest Cars Are The Most Environmentally Friendly

It’s true that green cars help to reduce pollution and produce less exhaust fumes than most conventional gasoline vehicles but as a matter of fact greenest cars are not that green. Even though some hybrid cars run on electric power or hydrogen at low speeds combined with usage of a gasoline engine only at higher speeds, they still use a lot of gas and do pollute the atmosphere. Some specialists believe that buying a small economy car is more environmentally friendly than buying a powerful hybrid car.

Myth #4 – Greenest Cars Are Widely-Spread

With all the big talk and spirited debates about green cars one may come to a conclusion that these cars are best-selling, widely-distributed and they start “driving” gasoline cars out of the car market. However the production of green cars makes only 1.8 percent of the whole US car market and it will take quite a long time before they start playing any considerable part in it.

Myth #5 – All Green Cars Are Absolutely Safe

Driving some types of environmentally friendly cars such as most cell-powered and some hybrid cars with hydrogen engines makes them extremely dangerous on the road. In case of any collision the explosion of hydrogen accompanied by oxygen which is also used in such engines might cover vast areas.

Myth #6 – Most Green Cars Are Small and Uncomfortable Inside

This statement might be fair only if we talk about such a representative of green cars as a Smart car. However the majority of environmentally friendly cars is as spacious as conventional vehicles and has a rather big storage space.

Myth #7 – Electric Cars Can Operate Long Hours without Recharging

In fact most electric cars can be driven only 35 miles. After that the batteries need to be recharged. Thus if you travel long distances by car an electric vehicle is not what you need.



FREDDIE

Steve Smith asked:


Motorists are looking to buy second-hand cars which are kinder to the environment, a new study shows.

In research carried out by Experian, it was revealed that sales of used diesel vehicles went up by four per cent over the course of 2007. Purchase levels of such automobiles have witnessed a 50 per cent rise in the last five years. In addition, environmentally-friendly vehicles were shown to be becoming more popular among the nation’s drivers. During the year, sales of used electric cars surged by some 473.5 per cent, with hybrid-fuel automobiles posting a growth of 71.8 per cent. On the other hand, sales of second-hand cars which run on petrol plummeted by 4.4 per cent. On an overall basis however, used car sales have fallen by 2.4 per cent - the largest fall recorded since 2005.

Research from the firm also revealed that sales of used-hybrid cars in the north-west went up by 99.1 per cent - the largest growth. In 2006, 155 such vehicles were sold in the region, with this rising to 309 last year. Meanwhile, second-hand electric automobiles saw the fastest increase in East Anglia. Overall, the majority of sales for both these types of vehicles were revealed to take place in the south-east and Greater London areas.

For those looking for an effective way to fund purchasing a car, taking out a personal loan may be of assistance.

The study also showed that sports cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles all increased in popularity over the course of last year. In particular, SUV sales were strongest in the West Midlands. Meanwhile, the north-east of England was the only region in the country to witness a drop in the purchasing of such automobiles, with this part of Britain also recording the highest fall in all used car sales. Experian also indicated used multi-purpose vehicle sales were the strongest in the Greater London region.

Commenting on the figures, Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian’s automotive division, said: “There has been a lot of media attention, not only around the environment and the effect of the most polluting cars, but also on the forthcoming car tax increases and the rise in fuel duty. These latter factors appear to have played a more significant role in consumer buying habits over the last few years. A slow housing market and the squeeze on spending have left consumer confidence low and this, in turn, hit the used car sector hard last year.”

Mr Fletcher also pointed out that the increased costs of running a car “have not helped matters”. Despite this, he stated that people are still willing to splash money on an automobile, although second-hand car dealers must now do more to attract customers. The Experian director added that motorists are becoming “more aware and want more information upfront before making a decision”.

As wider financial difficulties continue to grip Britain, those looking for an effective way to fund purchasing a car might wish to consider getting a personal loan. By doing so, consumers may be able to purchase whatever type of vehicle they have their eye on quickly and be left with affordable monthly repayments to make. A loan might also be of help to those looking to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy. Recent research by moneysupermarket showed that by automatically choosing the insurance policy offered by their existing supplier, drivers may see the cost of their premium rise by hundreds of pounds.



JEANINE

Joey Lee asked:


Hybrids are hot nowadays. Hybrid cars use 2 engine, one for the traditional fuel, while the other uses the energy from a rechargeable battery. The recent years had car manufacturers scrambling to rollout a entire spectrum of hybrid Cars from the most popular brands to the more obscure. What then is or guarantee that we are protected from too much hype, instead of an honest advertising?

Hybrid Cars according to Consumer Reports.

There are many hybrid cars information available, especially on their features, engine specifications, designs, colors and much other dizzying information. Information from the manufacturer’s website are also good source of needed preliminary knowledge n hybrid cars. But such sites are good for information gathering, and much more comparison activities should be done before buying your hybrid cars.

The Pros. “These hybrid systems have been very reliable,” declares David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ auto test center, influential consumer survey. This center, collects individual consumer reports on hybrid cars, and uses the statistics to come up with a talk paper. It also accords “awards” to car with the best review report. However, some automobile experts and analysts have criticized the hybrid car powertrain, as flamboyant in that two engines are being used for one purpose. Consumer Reports on the other hand, disagreed. Champion explained that the electric motor adds power to the engine. Prior to the award proper, Consumer Report conducts a testing, by applying some actual expectations of consumers to hybrid cars. The Accord hybrid for instance, achieved superior fuel efficiency unsurpassed by its conventional counterparts.

The Cons. But as in other endeavor, consumer reports on hybrid cars also impartially advises from a different perspective. An alternative consumer view from the same center posed the question: “Considering a hybrid car? Don’t rush out to the dealership just yet.” The center asserts that they are not against the protection of environment and it also insisted that they are supportive for burning less fossil fuel. Their concerns, essentially stems from some financial experts arguments that hybrid drivers may be paying a higher price for an automobile that offers marginally better fuel efficiency than the other economy cars already on the road.

These are but only few of the literature that deals with consumer reports on hybrid cars. It is, ultimately, depends on the consumer, to peruse on many information regarding hybrid cars.

Visit my site for more details on Environmentally Friendly Cars and more.



MARISOL

Joey Lee asked:


Following the rapid advancements of the gasoline engine, the hybrid car has become extremely popular due to its environmentally friendly proposition. A hybrid car is a means of transportation using two power sources; it uses a rechargeable energy storage system found on board and a fuelled power source as the vehicle’s driving force. The hybrid car pollutes less and uses less fuel.

Tracking the Hybrid Footprints of the Future Road Warrior As early as 1899, Ferdinand Porsche have developed and led the way to the very first working hybrid-electric vehicle. Other people followed suit in Ferdinand Porsche’s invention. Many people who became interested in the hybrid-vehicle concept and experimented with it. The late twentieth century saw rampant environmental pollution issues which drove car manufacturers back to the drawing boards on Hybrid Cars. The hybrid technology was mainly utilized in developing diesel-electric submarines during this interim period. The diesel-electric submarines mainly operate very much the same as a hybrid car. However, the submarines main goal was to conserve oxygen rather than spend less fuel and submarines eventually evolved to using nuclear power as a substitute for diesel.

The Hybrid Car – The Actual Account of An American First An idealistic inventor, Victor Wouk, manufactured a hybrid electric and gas motor vehicle that siphoned fuel at half the amount as practically all the other cars being built then. He built the hybrid car 30 years before the Toyota Prius! The account about the hybrid car and its inventor, who died in May, 2005, at age 86, is unfamiliar among even the most avid fans of the growing hybrid car association. In terms of hybrid car knowledge, it is in fact America that should have led all other countries. Wouk said that the government program that he developed about hybrids was unknown to everyone.

The father of the world’s first Hybrid Car, Victor Wouk founded and sold two successful electric industrialized companies in the late 1940s and 50s and in 1962 he was approach by Russell Feldman, one of the founders of Motorola, who recognized the pollution from the automobile as one of the biggest problem of the environment and he wanted to discover the possible solutions with regards to this problem. But his experiment did not work much for the possible solution. Nurturing an idea, Wouk pondered the problem throughout the 60s and ultimately reached a clever and clean solution (no pun intended). He combined the low-emission benefits of an electric car with the power of a gasoline engine to produce a hybrid vehicle.

Unfortunately, Wouk did not get any response to his ideas for creating a hybrid car; and instead became heavily criticized for not believing in a full-electric system. Charlie Rosen, who shared his belief about hybrid cars, gave him the chance to prove his ideas of creating the hybrid car as one of the solution to the rapid health cost of automobile pollution.

And hence, we see the impressive capabilities of the invention of Wouk - the Hybrid Cars, is now in the mainstream role of helping to generate less fuel consumption and air pollution.



BRENT