HID Lamps: More Light on the Driving Situation
By · CommentsWritten by Guest Blogger
To hear late night comedians tell it, the only trendy automotive upgrades out there are expensive spinning rims. The fact of the matter is that there’s an increasingly popular aftermarket add-on that can actually help you to see and be seen.
HID stands for “high intensity discharge.” Without getting too technical, HID lamps utilize plasma formed from a combination of gas and metal salts, which allows them to throw off more light while consuming less energy. Not surprisingly, they’ve become popular for all kinds of outdoor lighting, including the automotive variety. In fact, you’ve almost for sure have seen them — they throw off a distinctive bluish glow that adds a bit of a cool factor to any car.
They look great but the real safety benefits in terms of visibility are obvious, especially for folks who often drive at night and even more especially for folks who may frequently drive in poorly lit areas. HID lamps are available in pretty much all kinds of autos, definitely including such high end lines as BMW, Mercedes, and Bentleys but also in the more affordable makes.
Mainly because of the safety features, some friends of ours who live in a relatively remote suburban community recently purchased a Honda Civic HID kit for their college age daughter’s car. Though the purchase and installation of these isn’t exactly free, the daughter liked the way they looked and was also a somewhat nervous driver who was afraid to use her high-beams. Seemed like a perfect present.
Our friends found that the Civic HID kit can be purchased for a price that, considering the potential savings on even a very minor auto accident, wasn’t bad. In fact, those friends received a very real payback when, not long after upgrading, their daughter just narrowly avoided hitting a stray German shepherd who had run into her path on a narrow highway near their house. If she had hit the dog, there is a good chance the car would have skidded off the road and into a rather steep ravine. The benefits to the dog, the car, and especially the young woman and her family in terms of a possible injury and a certain huge expense are more than obvious. Nobody is likely to kiss a Honda Civic HID Kit, but our friends felt like doing just that.
Ford and Toyota announced today that they would begin to collaborate on an advanced hybrid system. Why? According to the automakers, to make it more affordable and to bring it to market sooner. This joint project will focus on rear wheel drive SUVs (sport utility vehicles) and light trucks. According to Ford, the system will share similar technology and components.
They have also decided to collaborate on telematics technologies and standards. What is telematics? Telematics is the process of integrating telecommunications and informatics (information processing). Read more about telematics at Wikipedia.org. This collaborating focus will be on developing standards and technologies…the companies insist that they will continue to develop their own end product with their own features.
To read more about the collaboration, go to The Ford Story.
About the Blogger:
Michael Gray is co-author of Auto Upkeep – a basic car care curriculum used by over 500 schools and thousands of homeschoolers in the United States and Canada. You can become a “Fan” of Auto Upkeep at Facebook.com/AutoUpkeep.
You can now manage you Nissan Leaf with your smartphone. You can start battery charging, check how long a charge will take, check the current battery charge level, turn on the heat or A/C on or off, and estimate how many miles your battery is charged for…all from the comfort of your smartphone. Nissan has released the app for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry platforms.
Smartphones are becoming a lifeline to our cars. The days of jumping into your car, starting it up, and then checking all the gauges may be long gone. Now you can check your smartphone while you are eating your morning breakfast and drinking a cup of coffee to make sure your car is ready to go.
About the Blogger:
Michael Gray is co-author of Auto Upkeep – a basic car care curriculum used by over 500 schools and thousands of homeschoolers in the United States and Canada. You can become a “Fan” of Auto Upkeep at Facebook.com/AutoUpkeep.
The Obama administration recently announced new fuel efficiency standards that will take effect from 2017 to 2025. In essence, each manufacturers’ fleet average must achieve 54.5 miles per gallon (MPG). According to the administration, this will save each family $8200 over the life of the vehicle as compared to a similar vehicle purchased in 2010. While also saving approximately 12 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the program, I applaud this step. See complete announcement at Whitehouse.gov.
However, there is a second tier to our oil consumption problem. While increasing fuel economy takes great strides toward oil independence, the other issue not addressed is the fact that the shear numbers of vehicles on the road are increasing. In 1993 there were 198,041,338 total registered highway vehicles in the US, while in 2008 there were 255,917,664 – see Bureau of Transportation Statistics research. So my question is, if we continue to add close to 60 million vehicles to US highways every 15 years, will we still be able to become oil independent with these increased fuel economy standards?
About the Blogger:
Michael Gray is co-author of Auto Upkeep – a basic car care curriculum used by over 500 schools and thousands of homeschoolers in the United States and Canada. You can become a “Fan” of Auto Upkeep at Facebook.com/AutoUpkeep.
Cold Weather: A Challenge for Electric Cars
By · CommentsOriginally from Northern Minnesota (the Ice Box of the Nation, International Falls), I know how cold weather can cause havoc on automobiles. When the thermometer drops, electric cars do not perform as they do in “ideal” conditions. This is what Consumer Reports discovered on the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf. While both cars (the Chevy Volt is an extended-range electric while the Nissan Leaf is 100% electric) are filling a small niche for people that want to depend less on gasoline, they have their limitations…especially in cold weather. They report that the Leaf’s 100 mile range is lessened to 65 miles in cold weather and that the Chevy Volt has a difficult time heating up the passenger compartment in cold weather. So if you live in an area where the ice stays on the lake until May and are considering an electric vehicle, you may want to complete research on how adverse temperatures will impact your driving.
I decided to do a Live Chat with Nissan and Chevrolet to find out what they think about cold weather and electric range reduction. Below are the chat transcripts:
—
Nissan
Jesse: Thank you for contacting Nissan LEAF Customer Support, my name is Jesse. How may I help you today Mike?
Mike: Hi Jesse, Can you tell me how the Nissan Leaf’s range is impacted by cold weather?
Jesse: There isn’t anything that has a definitive answer since there will be SO many more variables in that. We have introduced a Cold Weather Package for the LEAF that does include a battery heater (as well as other heated features) to keep it at a comfortable temperature.
Mike: So there is no data on the miles being reduced from the 100 mile range in below freezing temperatures?
Jesse: No there is not. If anything does become available, it will be on the Nissan LEAF webpage.
Mike: Thanks.
—
Chevrolet
Cassie: Hi! How may I help you?
Mike: Hi Cassie, Can you tell me how the Chevy Volt’s electric only range is impacted by cold weather?
Cassie: Thanks for your question! Please allow me a few moments to locate some information for you.
Cassie: Temperature is a factor, because, electric vehicles are less efficient in extremely hot or cold conditions. This is a function of the battery storage capability and also a result of greater use of air conditioning or heat in those extreme conditions. Be aware that over time, all batteries lose storage capacity, which will affect range. In cold temperatures (around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and lower) the engine will start to help warm the interior cabin and the electric drive unit. This will occur even if the vehicle was plugged in prior to driving and if the driver has the heater turned off. The vehicle will turn the engine on and off as needed to control the temperature. The driver will be alerted of these changes based on the cluster changing displays from EV mode to extended range mode.
Mike: Thanks Cassie…So there is no data on the specific number of miles being reduced from the 35 mile range in below freezing temperatures?
Cassie: Unfortunately, I do not have specific information on this in my resources.
Mike: Thanks for your time.
Cassie: You’re welcome. Do you have any other questions that I may assist you with today?
Mike: No thanks.
—
Check out the Consumer Reports video:
Testing electric cars at Consumer Reports test track
About the Blogger:
Michael Gray is co-author of Auto Upkeep – a basic car care curriculum used by over 500 schools and thousands of homeschoolers in the United States and Canada. You can become a “Fan” of Auto Upkeep at Facebook.com/AutoUpkeep.
Revenge of the Electric Car
By · CommentsDid you see the 2006 documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car”? Director Chris Paine has created a sequel…”Revenge of the Electric Car”. Unlike “Who Killed the Electric Car” (a favorite film of mine) that focused on electric vehicle (EV) activists fighting big corporations, “Revenge of the Electric Car”, according to their website, focuses on industry insiders proving that sometimes change is inevitable. The lead cast members are Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, Bob Lutz – a former General Motors Vice Chair, Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn, and gadget guru Greg Abbott. The film is narrated by prominent actor and EV activist Tim Robbins (who starred in Bull Durham, The Shawshank Redemption, and Mystic River).
I haven’t seen the latest film yet, but it is on my top “to do” list when the film has a public screening near me – (request that the film be shown in your area). If you have a large enough group that would like to get together and see the film (Auto Upkeep Instructors, check this out), you can request a screening brought to you.
About the Blogger:
Michael Gray is co-author of Auto Upkeep – a basic car care curriculum used by over 500 schools and thousands of homeschoolers in the United States and Canada. You can become a “Fan” of Auto Upkeep at Facebook.com/AutoUpkeep.
Learning Basic Car Maintenance Skills
By · CommentsWritten by a Guest Blogger from the UK
A lot of us use a car as our main means of conveyance, and as a result we need to have a car that is reliable and safe. Regular maintenance is definitely a necessity, and checking up on your car is no different from taking yourself or a pet for a check-up. The mechanic/doctor/vet has a quick look around, makes sure everything’s fine and dandy, and then you’re on your way, unless some thing is wrong and they have to help fix the problem.
However, like the doctor and the vet, it’s not always very cheap. Although there are some great companies out there (family ones are always some of the best) offering cheap car maintenance, there’s no harm in learning a few tricks of the trade so you can fix small problems. If you identify issues before they get any worse, you will avoid far larger costs further down the line when a small leak turns into a major problem, and so on.
There are a multitude of ways to learn, and of course the internet is an amazing resource when it comes to picking up new skills, asking questions, and even doing the odd bit of research on parts or tools. However, the best thing you can do with a search engine and a spare half-hour is look up an in-person training course, because simply reading an article will not prepare you for a hands-on experience. Everyone needs to research their chosen hobby or skill, but practical experience is one of the most efficient ways to learn and test your skills.
Additionally, ensure that you have a range of tools and materials with you in the car – storing them under the seats or in the boot (for those readers in the US, the boot is the trunk) is best as they are then easily accessible. This will enable you to replace a flat tire, help fix a leaky hose or broken belt, and generally keep things going, at least until you can get the vehicle to a mechanic. Of course, this should save you some money as you’re then not claiming on your Aviva car insurance policy and can maintain your no claims bonus.
If you can’t fix something, ask for help! There’s no shame whatsoever in taking the car to a mechanic – it’s better to have it looked at and pay a small cost (don’t use car insurance unless it’s a big job that would damage your budget, because a no claims bonus really helps cut down the costs of car insurance over time). So all in all; read up, skill up, practice, and don’t be afraid to hold your hands up and ring a professional. You’ll soon find that taking care of a car is a cheaper, simpler job than you once thought.
Nissan will open up reservations for the Leaf, their flagship pure electric vehicle (Read the News Release) tomorrow May 15th. The Leaf will be delivered to select markets in December with an increasing distribution in the Spring of 2011 and a full rollout in 2012. The specifications for the Leaf include: Zero tailpipe emissions, 100% electric motor (this is not a hybrid), an 80kW AC Motor with speeds up to 90 mph and a range of 100 miles. This is not a concept car. It seats 5 passengers and has 5 doors. To learn more about the Leaf, go to NissanUSA.com.
Innovation through Competition: The 100 mpg X Prize
By · CommentsWant to win $10 million? That’s exactly what those competing in the Progressive Insurance are aiming to do. The competition is designed to help inspire innovative thinkers to create 100 MPG (miles per gallon) super-efficient vehicles. Think it is just automakers participating…think again. The competition includes not only automakers but also automotive start-ups, university teams, inventors, and a team with high school students. The vehicles are using a wide variety of technologies: E85, Hydrogen, Electric, Biodiesel, steam, and even good old fashion gasoline. To learn more about the Progressive X PRIZE, go to ProgressiveAutoXPrize.org and check out the video below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnHNQu9tfn4&hl[/youtube]
Save money by spending money…can this be true? Yes, if you maintain your vehicle. According to the Car Care Council executive director Rich White, “Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line, either in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value.” (See press release.)
During vehicle inspections, 8 out of 10 vehicles failed at least one check. That means 80% of vehicles on the road need a replacement part or service. This could mean, that it is likely, that your vehicle needs:
Additional Fluids – Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.
New Replacement Parts – Windshield wipers, belts, hoses, air filter, PCV valve, tires, lights, etc.
Check out vehicle inspection lane statistics HERE. Take time now to get your vehicle in tip-top shape for summer. To find a car inspection event in your area, click HERE.
Toyota’s Brake Override System – How it Works
By · CommentsAs the sudden unintended acceleration still haunts Toyota, they will begin installing brake override systems in many of their current and previous year models. Toyota said that “The brake override system is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners” (see Press Release).
So how does it work?
According to Toyota, their brake override system “automatically reduce(s) engine power when the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.”
The brake override system will work when:
1. The throttle opening is greater than 1/3
2. Vehicle speed is above 5 mph
3. Brakes are applied firmly
To learn more about Toyota’s Brake Override System, click on the image below.
Toyota - Brake Override System
The 2011 Ford Mustang EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Fuel Economy MPG (Miles Per Gallon) are in:
- Ford Mustang 3.7 liter V-6 … 300+ HP (Horsepower) and 31 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission
- Ford Mustang GT 5.0 liter V-8 … 412 HP and 26 mpg on the highway with a 6 speed manual transmission
2011 Ford Mustang
I am not only impressed with the GT, but look at the “regular” mustang…300 HP out of their V-6! Read Ford’s Press Release. Are we in a new muscle car era? Let’s compare the 2011 Mustang specs to the classic 1969 Mustang.
1969 Mustang 250 c.i. (4.1 liter) I-6 1V Carburetor … 155 HP
1969 Mustang 302 c.i. (5.0 liter) V-8 2V Carburetor … 220 HP
1969 Mustand 428 c.i. (7.0 liter) Cobra Jet 4V Carburetor … 335 HP
See all specifications at TheAutoChannel.com
With about half the engine size (3.7 liter) the 2011 Mustang V-6 is encroaching on the HP of the massive 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet. Technology is amazing!
With its proclaimed “Americas Best Warranty“, “Hyundai Assurance“, high quality cars, and a major competitor (Toyota) in public perception nightmare ; Hyundai overtakes Toyota and Honda as the #1 automaker in owner loyalty according to KBB.com.
Hyundai is a Korean company, but with facilities in Alabama (manufacturing), California (proving grounds), Michigan (engineering), half the cars they sell in the U.S. are made in the U.S. They have over 5,000 direct U.S. employees and an additional 20,000 at dealerships. They also embrace diversity…this is how Hyundai puts it “WE’RE NOT ALL THE SAME, BUT WE’RE ALL EQUAL“.
2011 Hyundai Sonata
Law enforcement agencies have plenty to choose from when looking for a new vehicle.
2012 Ford Police Interceptor – The new Ford Taurus-based model will replace the popular Ford Crown Victoria. See the newly released specifications for the Ford Police Interceptor HERE.
Police - 2012 Ford Police Interceptor
2010 Dodge Charger Police – The Charger is gaining popularity as the Ford Crown Victoria-based car is being phased out. Check out the Dodge Charger Police Specs HERE.
Police - 2010 Dodge Charger Police
2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) – The all new rear wheel drive model. Read about the PPV specifications HERE.
Police - 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)
And then you have a specialized vehicle manufacturer, Carbon Motors. Expected to be released in 2012, the E7 is a purpose-built vehicle platform build exclusively for law enforcement. With its diesel engine and expected life of 250,000 miles it may be a player in the law enforcement market. Check out the specifications at www.CarbonMotors.com.
[youtube width="425" height="344"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EyBem_F8-c[/youtube]
