EPA is a research leader in the application of hydraulics in vehicles. Hydraulic hybrid technology uses a hydraulic energy storage and propulsion system in the vehicle. This hydraulic system captures and stores a large fraction of the energy normally wasted in vehicle braking and uses this energy to help propel the vehicle during the next vehicle acceleration. The hydraulic system also enables the engine to operate more efficiently when it is needed.
Hydraulic hybrids draw from two sources of power to operate the vehicle - the diesel or gasoline engine and the hydraulic components. In other words, a typical diesel-powered or gasoline powered vehicle can be fitted with hydraulic components as a secondary energy storage system. The primary hydraulic components are two hydraulic accumulator vessels (a high-pressure accumulator capable of storing hydraulic fluid compressing inert nitrogen gas and a low-pressure accumulator) and one or more hydraulic pump/motor units.
Benefits of Hydraulic Technology. Hydraulic drivetrains are particularly attractive for vehicle applications that entail a significant amount of stop-and-go driving, such as urban delivery trucks or school buses. A major benefit of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle is the ability to capture and use a large percentage of the energy normally lost in vehicle braking. Hydraulic hybrids can quickly and efficiently store and release great amounts of energy due to a higher power density. This is a critical factor in maximizing braking energy recovered and increasing the fuel economy benefit. While the primary benefit of hydraulics is higher fuel economy, hydraulics also increase vehicle acceleration performance. Hydraulic hybrid technology cost-effectively allows the engine speed or torque to be independent of vehicle speed resulting in cleaner and more efficient engine operation.
Future of Hydraulics. Hydraulic hybrid systems create a unique opportunity to optimize engine operations. EPA has produced research concept vehicles that demonstrate the hydraulic technology. One concept vehicle is an urban delivery truck that uses hydraulic "launch assist." This delivery truck retains its conventional engine and transmission, but adds on a hydraulics package optimized for fuel economy. The next generation of hydraulic vehicles involves fully integrating hydraulic technology. In this configuration, the "full" hydraulic hybrid replaces the conventional drivetrain with a hydraulic drivetrain and eliminates the need for a transmission and transfer case. Using the full hydraulic drive in conjunction with EPA's clean diesel combustion technology is projected to improve fuel economy even more.
EPA also has achieved major breakthroughs in designing hydraulic accumulators and pump/motors to be more efficient, smaller, and lighter for motor vehicle applications, which will help improve fuel efficiency. EPA currently has cooperative research and development agreements with several private sector partners to further the development of hydraulics. (For additional information, see Partnerships.)
Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
Could hybrid cars save the US auto industry?
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
There is no doubt that if U. S. manufacturers build quality automobiles with economy of operation, they will sell. Build quality, particularly for GM, has increased in recent years. Edmunds rated the Chevrolet Malibu as equal in build quality to the benchmark models: the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
Actually, it is a misnomer to consider Ford and Chrysler U.S. manufacturers since Fords primary production facilities are in Hermosa, Mexico and Chrysler builds most of theirs in Canada. The foreign cars, Toyota, Honda, Hundya and KIA manufacture most of their cars in the U.S.
Even in producing hybrids, the big three have targeted their huge SUVs first. Chevy makes a hybrid Suburban; GMC both a Yukon SUV and a truck. Ford has offered the hybrid SUV Escape, in mileage, the best of the SUVs. Recently both Ford with the hybrid fusion and Chevrolet's Malibu hybrid have come closer to the mark, offering 30-35 mile per gallon economy and offering it in a popular mid-size car. This, however does not compare well with the new Honda Insights 41 mpg and falls far short of bench mark Toyota Prius' 50 mpg.
U. S. manufacturers, in order to survive must target their smaller cars for increases in economy. Chevrolet has in the Cobalt a popular smaller car that offers a great platform for a hybrid, but they need first to improve the mileage of their four cylinder engine, making it competitive with Hundya, KIA, and the Japanese offerings.
Hybrids, however, must be looked upon only as transitional models moving us to lesser dependence on OPEC oil. The goal must be to move to non-fossil fuel transportation. Hydrogen power, while a great idea, needs a great deal of engineering before it becomes practical. Solar power needs too great an array of solar panels to be practical at present, but solar panels supplementing a hybrid, might be a move in the right direction. Innovative bio-fuels are being developed and in the future we may be able to use products now considered to be waste, to power our automobiles.
Critical to our solution for the survival of the big three is for them to restructure their manufacturing to provide American manufacturing jobs. Henry Ford understood that his way to great wealth was to build cars inexpensive enough that the people who built them could afford to buy them. Our present management teams need to recapture his vision of the car for everyman, and if the bring in a hybrid priced competively with Honda and Toyota with the same build quality they have, they can survive, possibly even thrive.
Actually, it is a misnomer to consider Ford and Chrysler U.S. manufacturers since Fords primary production facilities are in Hermosa, Mexico and Chrysler builds most of theirs in Canada. The foreign cars, Toyota, Honda, Hundya and KIA manufacture most of their cars in the U.S.
Even in producing hybrids, the big three have targeted their huge SUVs first. Chevy makes a hybrid Suburban; GMC both a Yukon SUV and a truck. Ford has offered the hybrid SUV Escape, in mileage, the best of the SUVs. Recently both Ford with the hybrid fusion and Chevrolet's Malibu hybrid have come closer to the mark, offering 30-35 mile per gallon economy and offering it in a popular mid-size car. This, however does not compare well with the new Honda Insights 41 mpg and falls far short of bench mark Toyota Prius' 50 mpg.
U. S. manufacturers, in order to survive must target their smaller cars for increases in economy. Chevrolet has in the Cobalt a popular smaller car that offers a great platform for a hybrid, but they need first to improve the mileage of their four cylinder engine, making it competitive with Hundya, KIA, and the Japanese offerings.
Hybrids, however, must be looked upon only as transitional models moving us to lesser dependence on OPEC oil. The goal must be to move to non-fossil fuel transportation. Hydrogen power, while a great idea, needs a great deal of engineering before it becomes practical. Solar power needs too great an array of solar panels to be practical at present, but solar panels supplementing a hybrid, might be a move in the right direction. Innovative bio-fuels are being developed and in the future we may be able to use products now considered to be waste, to power our automobiles.
Critical to our solution for the survival of the big three is for them to restructure their manufacturing to provide American manufacturing jobs. Henry Ford understood that his way to great wealth was to build cars inexpensive enough that the people who built them could afford to buy them. Our present management teams need to recapture his vision of the car for everyman, and if the bring in a hybrid priced competively with Honda and Toyota with the same build quality they have, they can survive, possibly even thrive.
Should hybrid owners be fined more for speeding than owners of conventional vehicles?
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
Choosing to select a hybrid car is a clear decision to implement environmentally sound practices. As a result, speeding is a very inefficient use of resources. This not only circumvents the energy awareness a hybrid car is designed to protect but is also a clear indication of indifference by the owner. The fact that it is a hybrid car magnifies and exacerbates the environmental indifference. Consequently, this should be a greater infraction than a regular hydrocarbon-emitting vehicle (these people are already indifferent to environmental concerns).
Once an individual sends, a clear message regarding the environment there is a tacit implication that suggests this message is relevant. Choosing to ignore or violate the message is not only worse than those who are indifferent from the outset, but also indicating that although they are aware, they simply do not care. Those driving a regular hydrocarbon emitter retain the tacit assumption that they may remain unaware of the environmental consequences.
In addition, those driving a regular hydrocarbon emitting vehicle may not be able to afford the transition to a more environmentally friendly alternative whereas, the hybrid owner is clearly stating the environment is a priority and must be taken seriously. Now, insert the hybrid speeder who has already clearly taken a stand for the environment. Nothing is more offensive than watching the individual indiscriminately waste energy and produce inefficient emissions right in front of the remainder who may have no choice.
Clearly, operation of a hydrocarbon-emitting vehicle provides the driver with the benefit of the doubt. The hybrid owner has no such amnesty since procurement of such an energy efficient vehicle clearly removes any question as to their awareness of environmental issues. Furthermore, the “hybrid” efficiency component is not only negated, but also jeopardized by the inefficient activities of the owner. In the worst case, the hybrid component may become damaged making the hybrid vehicle a gross polluter in disguise. In this case, not only is the operator creating unnecessary pollution, but the infraction may go unnoticed by law enforcement due to the “hybrid” disguise.
In the event this circumstance arises, the hybrid may actually contribute to greater pollution than the regular hydrocarbon-emitting variety. This inadvertently contributes to a greater amount of pollution than reasonable alternatives may present. Clearly, the hybrid owner consciously takes on a greater responsibility for the ecosystem than others. As a result, they must be held to the same higher standard that they presented upon initial ownership.
Since both hybrid vehicles and conventional hydrocarbon-emitters are designed for optimal consumption and emissions when following regulatory speed limits. Choosing to deviate from these guidelines remains a clear indication of environmental indifference. Since the hybrid is a conscious effort to remain environmentally aware, deviating from the speed limit provisions is also a clear indication of owner indifference that flies in the face of previously known environmental consequence. The consequences are magnified in the case of the hybrid owner because no such consequence can be verifiably implied by a traditional hydrocarbon-emitting vehicle owner. Any reasonable legal provisions should recognize this and act accordingly.
Once an individual sends, a clear message regarding the environment there is a tacit implication that suggests this message is relevant. Choosing to ignore or violate the message is not only worse than those who are indifferent from the outset, but also indicating that although they are aware, they simply do not care. Those driving a regular hydrocarbon emitter retain the tacit assumption that they may remain unaware of the environmental consequences.
In addition, those driving a regular hydrocarbon emitting vehicle may not be able to afford the transition to a more environmentally friendly alternative whereas, the hybrid owner is clearly stating the environment is a priority and must be taken seriously. Now, insert the hybrid speeder who has already clearly taken a stand for the environment. Nothing is more offensive than watching the individual indiscriminately waste energy and produce inefficient emissions right in front of the remainder who may have no choice.
Clearly, operation of a hydrocarbon-emitting vehicle provides the driver with the benefit of the doubt. The hybrid owner has no such amnesty since procurement of such an energy efficient vehicle clearly removes any question as to their awareness of environmental issues. Furthermore, the “hybrid” efficiency component is not only negated, but also jeopardized by the inefficient activities of the owner. In the worst case, the hybrid component may become damaged making the hybrid vehicle a gross polluter in disguise. In this case, not only is the operator creating unnecessary pollution, but the infraction may go unnoticed by law enforcement due to the “hybrid” disguise.
In the event this circumstance arises, the hybrid may actually contribute to greater pollution than the regular hydrocarbon-emitting variety. This inadvertently contributes to a greater amount of pollution than reasonable alternatives may present. Clearly, the hybrid owner consciously takes on a greater responsibility for the ecosystem than others. As a result, they must be held to the same higher standard that they presented upon initial ownership.
Since both hybrid vehicles and conventional hydrocarbon-emitters are designed for optimal consumption and emissions when following regulatory speed limits. Choosing to deviate from these guidelines remains a clear indication of environmental indifference. Since the hybrid is a conscious effort to remain environmentally aware, deviating from the speed limit provisions is also a clear indication of owner indifference that flies in the face of previously known environmental consequence. The consequences are magnified in the case of the hybrid owner because no such consequence can be verifiably implied by a traditional hydrocarbon-emitting vehicle owner. Any reasonable legal provisions should recognize this and act accordingly.
Reasons not to buy a hybrid car
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
What is a hybrid car? A hybrid is a vehicle which uses both a traditional internal-combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery pack. It has a special system which captures braking energy and stores it in one of the on board batteries.
Manufacturers claim hybrids cause less pollution, improve mileage, and decrease our dependence on gasoline, which is refined from oil, an expensive and rapidly-diminishing resource.
Are you in the market for a new vehicle and wondering if a hybrid would be a wise choice? Before you rush out to spend your hard-earned dollars, consider the disadvantages which owners of this new technology are experiencing.
* The initial cost of a new hybrid is from 10 to 30% higher than a traditional vehicle. It can take several years to recover the additional cost, even if gas prices remain high.
* Although hybrids come in all sizes from a compact to a SUV, there are fewer model choices. While traditional cars offer a wide variety of models, hybrid choices so far only number about 50.
* Some people think the designs of the hybrids are ugly. Those over 6 feet tall may be uncomfortable because of a lack of head and leg room. However, these are matters of personal choice.
* In a few years when you try to trade in the car, there will be more hybrids on the road. You will not recoup the extra dollars you are paying now, because the technology will no longer be new and innovative.
* Fuel economy depends on personal driving habits. If you like to speed, make jackrabbit starts, and floor the gas pedal, your savings will not nearly match the promised figures.
* If you do a lot of highway driving, you will also save very little. In the city, at lower speeds, with plenty of stop-and-go driving, hybrids can run using only the electric motor, thus saving considerable money on gas.
* On long highway trips, gas or diesel-powered cars are comparable in cost to the hybrid, and some even surpass them.
* Manufacturers quote the expected miles-per-gallon rate when driving under optimum conditions. You probably will not match it with normal car usage.
* Hybrids contain fewer accessories and those that are included are often of inferior quality. This is how manufacturers keep the price as low as possible.
* In case of a breakdown, you'll need to return to the dealer. Most ordinary mechanics are not yet trained or experienced enough to repair hybrids.
* The components, systems and computers in hybrid vehicles are highly complex. When any of these elements fail, owners can expect to be without transportation for a longer time, and they will be presented with a larger repair bill.
* In case of a serious accident, the driver and/or passengers are in danger of being exposed to high-voltage wires. Maintenance work must be done by a professional; others risk electrocution.
* Because it carries 2 heavy batteries, the hybrid can seem slow and unresponsive. It does not accelerate as fast as traditional vehicles.
* The batteries do not work well in the cold. If you live in a cold climate, you will not experience the expected savings, because your car will be using mostly gas. In this case, it is smarter to purchase a traditional vehicle.
In any case, it may not be a good idea to purchase a hybrid at present. Many experts feel that hybrid vehicles are a bridge technology, and that the cars of the future will be powered by hydrogen or methane fuel cells.
If you are determined to purchase a hybrid, you will certainly have a topic of conversation whenever family, friends and neighbors gather, you can feel proud about contributing to the health of the planet, and you may actually save a little money on gas if you drive it for a period of time . However, you may also find that these positive factors do not outweigh the headaches you'll experience while you own it.
Manufacturers claim hybrids cause less pollution, improve mileage, and decrease our dependence on gasoline, which is refined from oil, an expensive and rapidly-diminishing resource.
Are you in the market for a new vehicle and wondering if a hybrid would be a wise choice? Before you rush out to spend your hard-earned dollars, consider the disadvantages which owners of this new technology are experiencing.
* The initial cost of a new hybrid is from 10 to 30% higher than a traditional vehicle. It can take several years to recover the additional cost, even if gas prices remain high.
* Although hybrids come in all sizes from a compact to a SUV, there are fewer model choices. While traditional cars offer a wide variety of models, hybrid choices so far only number about 50.
* Some people think the designs of the hybrids are ugly. Those over 6 feet tall may be uncomfortable because of a lack of head and leg room. However, these are matters of personal choice.
* In a few years when you try to trade in the car, there will be more hybrids on the road. You will not recoup the extra dollars you are paying now, because the technology will no longer be new and innovative.
* Fuel economy depends on personal driving habits. If you like to speed, make jackrabbit starts, and floor the gas pedal, your savings will not nearly match the promised figures.
* If you do a lot of highway driving, you will also save very little. In the city, at lower speeds, with plenty of stop-and-go driving, hybrids can run using only the electric motor, thus saving considerable money on gas.
* On long highway trips, gas or diesel-powered cars are comparable in cost to the hybrid, and some even surpass them.
* Manufacturers quote the expected miles-per-gallon rate when driving under optimum conditions. You probably will not match it with normal car usage.
* Hybrids contain fewer accessories and those that are included are often of inferior quality. This is how manufacturers keep the price as low as possible.
* In case of a breakdown, you'll need to return to the dealer. Most ordinary mechanics are not yet trained or experienced enough to repair hybrids.
* The components, systems and computers in hybrid vehicles are highly complex. When any of these elements fail, owners can expect to be without transportation for a longer time, and they will be presented with a larger repair bill.
* In case of a serious accident, the driver and/or passengers are in danger of being exposed to high-voltage wires. Maintenance work must be done by a professional; others risk electrocution.
* Because it carries 2 heavy batteries, the hybrid can seem slow and unresponsive. It does not accelerate as fast as traditional vehicles.
* The batteries do not work well in the cold. If you live in a cold climate, you will not experience the expected savings, because your car will be using mostly gas. In this case, it is smarter to purchase a traditional vehicle.
In any case, it may not be a good idea to purchase a hybrid at present. Many experts feel that hybrid vehicles are a bridge technology, and that the cars of the future will be powered by hydrogen or methane fuel cells.
If you are determined to purchase a hybrid, you will certainly have a topic of conversation whenever family, friends and neighbors gather, you can feel proud about contributing to the health of the planet, and you may actually save a little money on gas if you drive it for a period of time . However, you may also find that these positive factors do not outweigh the headaches you'll experience while you own it.
How cost efficient are hybrid cars?
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
Having driven a BMW X3 Diesel for the past 2 years and 114,000 miles, I decided that it was about time for a change. I live in the middle of nowhere in Hertfordshire, England, and especially during the winter months, find a 4x4 useful for getting in and out of the house. Most my driving is on the M1, between London and Leeds, and I decided that it would be worth finding out why everyone's on about the eco-driving. Top of my list was the Lexus RX450H, which for a top of the range ex-demo, I'm looking about £54,000 from a dealer, £20,000 more than another X3 with the same specifications. Yes, that could save me £8 a few times a week, but I'm still skeptical as to how well it was going to work.
The day for me to try it had arrived, and despite it being the British summer, it was raining. I had to go to Heathrow Airport then into Central London with a well known American singer. When I picked her up, she loved the shape of the car and wanted to know more. Celebrities in America are well known for owning Toyota Prius', but just not so good at actually driving them. I am so far really happy with the technology, the air conditioning is ice cold, the car drives well at 80mph and it's got 2 suitcases in the boot with a celebrity talking. The only downside is the amount of fuel the car uses on faster roads, with about 28mpg being the norm. I'd normally be getting about 35-40 depending on my driving in the X3.
As we got into the inner city, the car seemed a lot better. It was easy to park, the steering was tight and responsive and the MPG shot up to around 50, which was partly due to the engine stopping whilst in heave traffic and partly due to me going nowhere fast! Bearing in mind that by this point, I'd normally have about 13mpg from the X3, I think it's doing well. It was on the back roads home that it really started to come into its own, with the country lanes being no problem, however it's still not a 'real' off roader. I wouldn't dare take it anywhere really muddy. It looks great on my drive, too.
In comparison, I prefer the way that the Lexus drives, and it's perfect for anyone who spends most their time in the city. I'm just a bit skeptical of whether I'd pay an extra £20,000 when I spend most of my time on the motorway. The cruise control was fiddly and the Sat Nav couldn't keep up with 80mph. I'd recommend one to a friend, but it's just not for me
The day for me to try it had arrived, and despite it being the British summer, it was raining. I had to go to Heathrow Airport then into Central London with a well known American singer. When I picked her up, she loved the shape of the car and wanted to know more. Celebrities in America are well known for owning Toyota Prius', but just not so good at actually driving them. I am so far really happy with the technology, the air conditioning is ice cold, the car drives well at 80mph and it's got 2 suitcases in the boot with a celebrity talking. The only downside is the amount of fuel the car uses on faster roads, with about 28mpg being the norm. I'd normally be getting about 35-40 depending on my driving in the X3.
As we got into the inner city, the car seemed a lot better. It was easy to park, the steering was tight and responsive and the MPG shot up to around 50, which was partly due to the engine stopping whilst in heave traffic and partly due to me going nowhere fast! Bearing in mind that by this point, I'd normally have about 13mpg from the X3, I think it's doing well. It was on the back roads home that it really started to come into its own, with the country lanes being no problem, however it's still not a 'real' off roader. I wouldn't dare take it anywhere really muddy. It looks great on my drive, too.
In comparison, I prefer the way that the Lexus drives, and it's perfect for anyone who spends most their time in the city. I'm just a bit skeptical of whether I'd pay an extra £20,000 when I spend most of my time on the motorway. The cruise control was fiddly and the Sat Nav couldn't keep up with 80mph. I'd recommend one to a friend, but it's just not for me
Comparing American and Japanese car brands
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
I constantly hear that the imports are built to a high quality standard then domestic cars are, and to this I say, you may change your mind after you red a report that I have on Toyota trucks, the problems that the frames had, and the way that your favorite car company dealt with it.
Toyota has been in this country for a long time, and it's one of those companies you hear builds car to a higher quality standard them the US car builders do, it does not make you smart when you say things like this, it makes you anti American.
Later on in this article I'm going to give you a link to a report from a company who investigated Toyota after the frames on their trucks begun to fail, and I'm not talking just a quick fix either, some of these people had to get rid of their trucks all together.
This just helps me prove my point to buy American, don't buy the Toyota, the BMW, the Mercedes, buy American, I've herd all the excuses, they don't build a car that I want to drive, they have higher quality, I look more successful in an import.
None of these excuses work on me, I've been telling people for years now that the American made cars are better, you'll never read a story about a Chevrolet that's frame rusted in half, but later on you will read a report that will prove that Toyota frames did.
You'll still argue with me, but you will not locate even one instance of this happening to an American truck, oh you may hear of problems with tires, or a battery cable misplaced, but you can look till hell freezes over and you won't find a single instance of a frame falling apart.
The reason you won't is because it has never happened, and it never will, but it did your you wonderful Toyota, and it will again, American has always built higher quality car and trucks, and we always will, after this I should never have to argue about a <a href="http://autorevival.com/T oyota.pdf">Toyota truck</a> again, but I will.
You can spew off all of the platitudes that you'd like, you can say how much better of a car they build, but I will prove that they don't, I will prove that you didn't study before you bought your Toyota, I will show you that you should buy American.
Toyota love them, or hate them, they have done a wonderful job of market their products in this country, and an even better job of hiding the bad things that happen to their cars and trucks, in this report you'll see that Toyota truck frames broke in half.
It was never seen in the news, it was buried, hidden from the general public, but every little tiny thing that the domestic car makers do is all over the news, they can't so much as sneeze without the media blowing it out of proportion, these are our car companies, not Japan's.
American has always built better products, all this carp you hear about the importers building high quality goods is ridiculous, but most American's have bought in to it, do a lit research before you go out and buy imported goods, it's time to think American.
http://autorevival.com/Toyota. pdf
http://autorevival.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01 /15/business/15auto.html
http://www.businessweek.com/au tos/autobeat/archives/2007/10/ toyotas_quality.html
Toyota has been in this country for a long time, and it's one of those companies you hear builds car to a higher quality standard them the US car builders do, it does not make you smart when you say things like this, it makes you anti American.
Later on in this article I'm going to give you a link to a report from a company who investigated Toyota after the frames on their trucks begun to fail, and I'm not talking just a quick fix either, some of these people had to get rid of their trucks all together.
This just helps me prove my point to buy American, don't buy the Toyota, the BMW, the Mercedes, buy American, I've herd all the excuses, they don't build a car that I want to drive, they have higher quality, I look more successful in an import.
None of these excuses work on me, I've been telling people for years now that the American made cars are better, you'll never read a story about a Chevrolet that's frame rusted in half, but later on you will read a report that will prove that Toyota frames did.
You'll still argue with me, but you will not locate even one instance of this happening to an American truck, oh you may hear of problems with tires, or a battery cable misplaced, but you can look till hell freezes over and you won't find a single instance of a frame falling apart.
The reason you won't is because it has never happened, and it never will, but it did your you wonderful Toyota, and it will again, American has always built higher quality car and trucks, and we always will, after this I should never have to argue about a <a href="http://autorevival.com/T oyota.pdf">Toyota truck</a> again, but I will.
You can spew off all of the platitudes that you'd like, you can say how much better of a car they build, but I will prove that they don't, I will prove that you didn't study before you bought your Toyota, I will show you that you should buy American.
Toyota love them, or hate them, they have done a wonderful job of market their products in this country, and an even better job of hiding the bad things that happen to their cars and trucks, in this report you'll see that Toyota truck frames broke in half.
It was never seen in the news, it was buried, hidden from the general public, but every little tiny thing that the domestic car makers do is all over the news, they can't so much as sneeze without the media blowing it out of proportion, these are our car companies, not Japan's.
American has always built better products, all this carp you hear about the importers building high quality goods is ridiculous, but most American's have bought in to it, do a lit research before you go out and buy imported goods, it's time to think American.
http://autorevival.com/Toyota. pdf
http://autorevival.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01 /15/business/15auto.html
http://www.businessweek.com/au tos/autobeat/archives/2007/10/ toyotas_quality.html
Family road-trip preparation and safety
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
With a few precautions you can put your mind at ease and prevent common problems.
Don't wait for the last minute!
Just in Case
If you don't already have a roadside assistance company, like AAA, they are good to have for those unforeseen problems. They’ll change your tire, jump start your vehicle, unlock your doors, bring you gas or tow your vehicle.
One month before
Make sure any major repairs are done. Either get under the vehicle yourself (If you can do it safely) or get your mechanic to put it up on a lift and do an inspection. This way you’ll have plenty of time for repairs, if there are any problems.
Tires
Make sure your tires are at the proper pressure. Low pressure causes extra heat to buildup that can cause a blowout at high speeds. Take a good look at the tires, check the sidewalls and tread very carefully for foreign objects, cuts or bubbles. To check the tread wear, put a penny, with Lincoln's head pointing down, in one the treads. If you can see the space above Lincoln's head, you need new tires. Check where the tread meets the sidewall inside and out if they are wearing more on one side you need a wheel alignment too.
Spare
Check your spare, so you're sure it is inflated to the proper pressure. Make sure that your lug wrench, lock-nut-key (if you have them) and jack are in the trunk and working properly.
Drive belts
If you've never had one go on the road, you don't want to start now. Make sure they're not loose, cracked or glazed. If so, they need to be replaced.
Coolant
If your trip will take you to or through places that are a lot warmer or colder than where you live, check your the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water, so your cooling system won't freeze or overheat. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it now.
Glove compartment
Have your owner's manual, registration and insurance card in there and make sure your registration or insurance isn't going to expire. You may want to carry them in your wallet in case your vehicle is stolen. If you don't have the owner's manual, check to see if you can get a replacement from a dealer or down load it if it is available on the manufacturers web site.
One week before
If your vehicle is close to being due for an oil change or other maintenance, get it done now.
Windshield wiper blades
You know it's going to rain at least one day on your trip, if you have the slightest doubt, change them.
Air filter
A dirty air filter will reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. It's too easy and inexpensive to change to let it cause problems.
Tires again
If the tire pressures aren't about the same as they were last time you checked them, you need to check for leaks.
Clean out your vehicle
The heavier your vehicle is, the more fuel you'll burn. Think logically, if you are going to Disney World in the middle of August, you can leave the snow chains in your garage. If you are heading out on a ski trip in January bring some wool blankets in case you get stuck, but you can probably leave the fishing gear and swim fins behind.
You can't get there from here
Buy an atlas and GPS. A good atlas can get you out of a jam if your GPS fails.
One day before
Check your fluids, oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, brake and you’ll be mad if something gets on the windshield and there's no washer fluid.
Tire pressures
Some vehicles have different ratings for light loads and heavy loads and some even have ratings for high speeds. So pack the car, load up the family and head down to the gas station to set your tire pressures to the correct settings. Check your owner's manual or the tag on your door jamb for this information. Always set your pressures when your tires are cold.
Gas
It’s more expensive on the highway.
Are we there yet?
How are you going to do three books of mad libs if you don't bring a pencil? Remember spare batteries for your kid’s games or a way to charge their iPods.
I hope this was helpful…What?...I told you to go before we left…have a fun safe trip.
Don't wait for the last minute!
Just in Case
If you don't already have a roadside assistance company, like AAA, they are good to have for those unforeseen problems. They’ll change your tire, jump start your vehicle, unlock your doors, bring you gas or tow your vehicle.
One month before
Make sure any major repairs are done. Either get under the vehicle yourself (If you can do it safely) or get your mechanic to put it up on a lift and do an inspection. This way you’ll have plenty of time for repairs, if there are any problems.
Tires
Make sure your tires are at the proper pressure. Low pressure causes extra heat to buildup that can cause a blowout at high speeds. Take a good look at the tires, check the sidewalls and tread very carefully for foreign objects, cuts or bubbles. To check the tread wear, put a penny, with Lincoln's head pointing down, in one the treads. If you can see the space above Lincoln's head, you need new tires. Check where the tread meets the sidewall inside and out if they are wearing more on one side you need a wheel alignment too.
Spare
Check your spare, so you're sure it is inflated to the proper pressure. Make sure that your lug wrench, lock-nut-key (if you have them) and jack are in the trunk and working properly.
Drive belts
If you've never had one go on the road, you don't want to start now. Make sure they're not loose, cracked or glazed. If so, they need to be replaced.
Coolant
If your trip will take you to or through places that are a lot warmer or colder than where you live, check your the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water, so your cooling system won't freeze or overheat. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it now.
Glove compartment
Have your owner's manual, registration and insurance card in there and make sure your registration or insurance isn't going to expire. You may want to carry them in your wallet in case your vehicle is stolen. If you don't have the owner's manual, check to see if you can get a replacement from a dealer or down load it if it is available on the manufacturers web site.
One week before
If your vehicle is close to being due for an oil change or other maintenance, get it done now.
Windshield wiper blades
You know it's going to rain at least one day on your trip, if you have the slightest doubt, change them.
Air filter
A dirty air filter will reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. It's too easy and inexpensive to change to let it cause problems.
Tires again
If the tire pressures aren't about the same as they were last time you checked them, you need to check for leaks.
Clean out your vehicle
The heavier your vehicle is, the more fuel you'll burn. Think logically, if you are going to Disney World in the middle of August, you can leave the snow chains in your garage. If you are heading out on a ski trip in January bring some wool blankets in case you get stuck, but you can probably leave the fishing gear and swim fins behind.
You can't get there from here
Buy an atlas and GPS. A good atlas can get you out of a jam if your GPS fails.
One day before
Check your fluids, oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, brake and you’ll be mad if something gets on the windshield and there's no washer fluid.
Tire pressures
Some vehicles have different ratings for light loads and heavy loads and some even have ratings for high speeds. So pack the car, load up the family and head down to the gas station to set your tire pressures to the correct settings. Check your owner's manual or the tag on your door jamb for this information. Always set your pressures when your tires are cold.
Gas
It’s more expensive on the highway.
Are we there yet?
How are you going to do three books of mad libs if you don't bring a pencil? Remember spare batteries for your kid’s games or a way to charge their iPods.
I hope this was helpful…What?...I told you to go before we left…have a fun safe trip.
The rise of the Ford Motor Company
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
The rise of the FORD Motor Company began in 1903 when Henry Ford entered into the world of car manufacturing after having spent his younger years working as an engineer. The expertise he gained was used to good effect as he established a company that has risen to great heights as a quality producer of reliable cars. Henry Ford was a man of vision and an industrious man who encouraged his employees to adopt the same spirit of enterprise he demonstrated in his own life.
Twenty five years after establishing his company, Ford had become the largest distributor of automobiles in the United States with emphasis on the famous Model T Ford. Henry Ford was without doubt one of the pioneers in the automobile industry and this explains to some degree why his company has grown into one of the major car distributors of the twentieth century and shows no signs of slowing down as we enter the twenty-first.
A gorgeous panoramic view opens up to me as I take the bend in the road and see mountains on either side with the shadow of the clouds scattered around them as I drive one of Scotland's highways on a bright Saturday afternoon. Today, it is a real pleasure to sit in my red Ford Mondeo. The car I drive is just one in a long line of vehicles produced by the Ford Motor Company, a business that has an established and honored place in the automotive industry. Established by a very intelligent and hard-working man named Henry Ford, the company, like any other, had small beginnings and grew in stature by producing quality vehicles as the number of motorists increased.
The Model T Ford has secured a position as a major production in the automobile world and though it has been a very long time since the last one was produced, the company have moved on to become a major player in the industry. A nostalgic look into the past reminds us of the numerous car models produced by the Ford company, cars that hold special memories for those who owned them. The Model T, the Ford Zephyr, the Cortina and the current Mondeo are just a few of the models that have graced the driveways of millions of people over the years. The past century has seen steady growth from the Ford company and the company continues to be a force as a purveyor of cars and as sponsors of the Champions League which serves to keep them in the limelight.
The company owes much to Henry Ford who was a man with a vision, a man who was wise enough to understand how he could make his company successful. A hard working man who was progressive in his thinking built the company into a worldwide force and to this day, Ford is the car of choice for millions of car drivers. The fact that Henry Ford was himself an engineer meant he could approach the business of building cars with confidence. Having worked in engineering as a young man, he eventually took the reins of his own company and formed a business that was highly successful. Even though he had a few disappointments in his attempts to build his business, eventually he put everything in order to find success.
Ford became extremely successful early on to the point where the majority of cars driven in the USA were built by the Ford company. With the rise of other quality car manufacturers, Ford had to deal with some stiff opposition but have managed to maintain a high level of sales and much of this is due to the standards and principles instituted by Henry Ford. Ford cars are still popular and one of the reasons is that they are quality cars that are less expensive to maintain than some other models. The cost of replacing parts is a major consideration for car buyers and Ford offer one of the best deals on maintenance.
The fact that Ford has been able to stand the test of time, trading for over 100 years is testament to a company that is built on a solid foundation and that looks as though it will continue as a major car manufacturer. There are people who will always buy Ford, many of them having done so for decades. The reliability of the company is a strong reason for repeat customers to return seeking their next new model. While some car manufacturers have gone to the wall, Ford continues its steady rise in the automobile industry and is a constant in the eyes of many people seeking reliable and cost-effective motoring. 100 years may have passed since Henry Ford first set out his plan to mass produce quality cars, but the passage of time has not diminished the power of the company and the rapport they have with countless loyal motorists.
Twenty five years after establishing his company, Ford had become the largest distributor of automobiles in the United States with emphasis on the famous Model T Ford. Henry Ford was without doubt one of the pioneers in the automobile industry and this explains to some degree why his company has grown into one of the major car distributors of the twentieth century and shows no signs of slowing down as we enter the twenty-first.
A gorgeous panoramic view opens up to me as I take the bend in the road and see mountains on either side with the shadow of the clouds scattered around them as I drive one of Scotland's highways on a bright Saturday afternoon. Today, it is a real pleasure to sit in my red Ford Mondeo. The car I drive is just one in a long line of vehicles produced by the Ford Motor Company, a business that has an established and honored place in the automotive industry. Established by a very intelligent and hard-working man named Henry Ford, the company, like any other, had small beginnings and grew in stature by producing quality vehicles as the number of motorists increased.
The Model T Ford has secured a position as a major production in the automobile world and though it has been a very long time since the last one was produced, the company have moved on to become a major player in the industry. A nostalgic look into the past reminds us of the numerous car models produced by the Ford company, cars that hold special memories for those who owned them. The Model T, the Ford Zephyr, the Cortina and the current Mondeo are just a few of the models that have graced the driveways of millions of people over the years. The past century has seen steady growth from the Ford company and the company continues to be a force as a purveyor of cars and as sponsors of the Champions League which serves to keep them in the limelight.
The company owes much to Henry Ford who was a man with a vision, a man who was wise enough to understand how he could make his company successful. A hard working man who was progressive in his thinking built the company into a worldwide force and to this day, Ford is the car of choice for millions of car drivers. The fact that Henry Ford was himself an engineer meant he could approach the business of building cars with confidence. Having worked in engineering as a young man, he eventually took the reins of his own company and formed a business that was highly successful. Even though he had a few disappointments in his attempts to build his business, eventually he put everything in order to find success.
Ford became extremely successful early on to the point where the majority of cars driven in the USA were built by the Ford company. With the rise of other quality car manufacturers, Ford had to deal with some stiff opposition but have managed to maintain a high level of sales and much of this is due to the standards and principles instituted by Henry Ford. Ford cars are still popular and one of the reasons is that they are quality cars that are less expensive to maintain than some other models. The cost of replacing parts is a major consideration for car buyers and Ford offer one of the best deals on maintenance.
The fact that Ford has been able to stand the test of time, trading for over 100 years is testament to a company that is built on a solid foundation and that looks as though it will continue as a major car manufacturer. There are people who will always buy Ford, many of them having done so for decades. The reliability of the company is a strong reason for repeat customers to return seeking their next new model. While some car manufacturers have gone to the wall, Ford continues its steady rise in the automobile industry and is a constant in the eyes of many people seeking reliable and cost-effective motoring. 100 years may have passed since Henry Ford first set out his plan to mass produce quality cars, but the passage of time has not diminished the power of the company and the rapport they have with countless loyal motorists.
Easiest ways to remove snow from a car
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
It might seem like there isn’t any easiest way to remove snow from a car; you just have to get at it. But the fact is, there are some ways that are easier than others, and it depends on the type of snow and the environment that your car is in.
The very easiest way to remove snow from your car in any situation, is to get someone else to do it, but since that’s not usually a viable option, the next best thing is to assess the situation before getting to work.
For the most part, most of the time, removing snow from a car needs to be done in the morning when you wake up to find it’s snowed and your car is covered. In this case, the situation is either that you live in an apartment building or condo or townhouse type situation where your car is in a parking lot of some kind, or you live in a single family home. In the first case, your objective is to get your car out from where it is parked and then deal with the snow, because that’s the easiest way to go. This is because someone else is going to clear the parking lot, not you. Thus, all you have to do is dig your car out enough to get it moving and to be able to see where you are going.
Once you have your car out of the spot it was parked in, move it somewhere out of the way, then get someone to help you get the snow off of it; and the easiest way to do that is to unfurl a sheet or a large towel over the top of the car, then, one person grabs it on either side of the car; the two of you then position it like a scoop, as you both walk towards the rear of the car, causing the snow to slide off the back. If the snow isn’t too deep, this maneuver may only have to be done once and your car will be cleared from the top to the back.
Next, move the car to a new spot, so that you won’t have to drive over the snow you just removed, the do the same maneuver again, only this time, dumping the snow from the top to the front. This time of course you will want to back out of where you were so you won’t have to drive though the snow you just removed.
Then, once you have the top, trunk and hood cleared, move the car to a third spot, and then use the sheet or towel you used earlier to wipe off the windows, license plates and headlights, and that should be it. The easiest way to remove snow from a car.
The very easiest way to remove snow from your car in any situation, is to get someone else to do it, but since that’s not usually a viable option, the next best thing is to assess the situation before getting to work.
For the most part, most of the time, removing snow from a car needs to be done in the morning when you wake up to find it’s snowed and your car is covered. In this case, the situation is either that you live in an apartment building or condo or townhouse type situation where your car is in a parking lot of some kind, or you live in a single family home. In the first case, your objective is to get your car out from where it is parked and then deal with the snow, because that’s the easiest way to go. This is because someone else is going to clear the parking lot, not you. Thus, all you have to do is dig your car out enough to get it moving and to be able to see where you are going.
Once you have your car out of the spot it was parked in, move it somewhere out of the way, then get someone to help you get the snow off of it; and the easiest way to do that is to unfurl a sheet or a large towel over the top of the car, then, one person grabs it on either side of the car; the two of you then position it like a scoop, as you both walk towards the rear of the car, causing the snow to slide off the back. If the snow isn’t too deep, this maneuver may only have to be done once and your car will be cleared from the top to the back.
Next, move the car to a new spot, so that you won’t have to drive over the snow you just removed, the do the same maneuver again, only this time, dumping the snow from the top to the front. This time of course you will want to back out of where you were so you won’t have to drive though the snow you just removed.
Then, once you have the top, trunk and hood cleared, move the car to a third spot, and then use the sheet or towel you used earlier to wipe off the windows, license plates and headlights, and that should be it. The easiest way to remove snow from a car.
Are cars that get 100 miles per gallon reality?
Labels:
Automotive,
Cars
Cars that can get at least 100mpg have already existed in the past. The Peel P50 for example was developed by the British Peel Manufacturing Company back in the 1960's for the small micro-car market. Sold mostly in England the car didn't really take off as a practical vehicle. The car was so small, that it only could accommodate the driver and nothing else. It was powered with a simple 49cc motor that was able of getting at least 100mpg. The problem with the Peel P50 however was that it didn't go very fast, you couldn't carry passengers or anything else for that matter, and it was slightly dangerous on the road alongside other larger cars and trucks.
The fact of the matter is that any vehicle, powered by a light 50cc engine, could achieve 100mpg. This however in not practical for contemporary use as we require larger and heavier vehicle to appeal to our current drivability standards. In order to achieve this it could be possible to have a light car (perhaps a Smart Car) powered by an electric motor that is recharged through energy converted by the brakes and a very light supplementary 50cc engine. It could also be possible to have the 50cc engine changed to be used as a direct drive instead. Essentially allowing the electric motor to take the car to a certain speed and then switching over to become powered by the gas engine once a desired cruising speed had been reached. In this way you can achieve very high fuel efficiencies.
You can also reach higher fuel efficiencies with any car by simple adjusting your driving habits. I have read that some people can get almost 1/3 better mileage with their vehicles by simply changing the way they drive. Essentially what this means is that you try to avoid doing any hard braking, choosing instead to maintain speed that give you proper distance between cars; avoiding traffic at all costs is one of the best ways you can maintain high efficiency; turn the car off and go into a restaurant instead of going through the drive through; coasting as much as possible on the road; gradually accelerate; changing routes to avoid steep hills, and so on. By doing this with a good hybrid-electric car, it should be relatively simple to get 100mpg.
The true fact of the matter is that consumers need to demand more fuel efficient cars before big automakers take it seriously. When this happens we will begin to see cars getting competitively better mileage.
The fact of the matter is that any vehicle, powered by a light 50cc engine, could achieve 100mpg. This however in not practical for contemporary use as we require larger and heavier vehicle to appeal to our current drivability standards. In order to achieve this it could be possible to have a light car (perhaps a Smart Car) powered by an electric motor that is recharged through energy converted by the brakes and a very light supplementary 50cc engine. It could also be possible to have the 50cc engine changed to be used as a direct drive instead. Essentially allowing the electric motor to take the car to a certain speed and then switching over to become powered by the gas engine once a desired cruising speed had been reached. In this way you can achieve very high fuel efficiencies.
You can also reach higher fuel efficiencies with any car by simple adjusting your driving habits. I have read that some people can get almost 1/3 better mileage with their vehicles by simply changing the way they drive. Essentially what this means is that you try to avoid doing any hard braking, choosing instead to maintain speed that give you proper distance between cars; avoiding traffic at all costs is one of the best ways you can maintain high efficiency; turn the car off and go into a restaurant instead of going through the drive through; coasting as much as possible on the road; gradually accelerate; changing routes to avoid steep hills, and so on. By doing this with a good hybrid-electric car, it should be relatively simple to get 100mpg.
The true fact of the matter is that consumers need to demand more fuel efficient cars before big automakers take it seriously. When this happens we will begin to see cars getting competitively better mileage.