With the price of petrol increasing in recent years, any reduction in petrol consumption can save you considerable amounts of money. Save yourself some money by following some simple petrol saving tips.
1. Find the cheapest petrol stations.
In your local area it is not unusual to find price disparities of up to 10 pence a litre for the price of petrol at different petrol stations. On the internet there are websites that can compare the price of petrol at various stations. Savings can be up to 100 pounds per year.
2. Keep your tyre pressures at the optimal level.
You can make savings by maintaining the tyre pressures of your car. The optimal levels for each tyre will be found in your car manual. You can increase your fuel economy by 10% if you follow this advice. Savings can be up to 100 pounds for a driving distance of 10,000 miles.
3. Follow "green driving rules".
It has been estimated that your fuel economy can be increased by 10% by following some simple driving efficiency rules:
1. Drive more smoothly.
2. Try not to rev your car too high.
3. Reduce speed to 50mph.
4. Turn off your engine in traffic.
4. Improve car aerodynamics.
The air drag of your car is a very important factor in the overall energy needed to propel your car along the ground. Anything that can reduce the air drag of your car can greatly help in improving its fuel economy. The following improvements will reduce the air drag of your car:
1. Close the windows.
2. Remove the roof rack.
3. Remove the sun roof.
4. Replace large antennas.
Go to Save Money Tips for more money saving tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Baugh
Friday, 15 October 2010
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
An American Hybrid With Excellent Gas Mileage - The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The most dominant car in the hybrid niche at the moment is the Toyota Prius, but now there is another major contender in place ready to take on challenge: the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This car is sleek and good looking with a sharp three bar grille, offers excellent gas mileage and it can actually travel up to 47 mph on just the batter pack alone! The Fusion may be one of the best all-around hybrids on the current market and since it's a hybrid, it will save you lots of money in fuel costs.
Both a traditional and electric motor work together in order to give the Fusion its power. The gasoline engine is a 2.5 Ltr 4 cylinder gasoline engine with 156 hp and 136 lb feet of torque. The electric motor outputs 106 HP. The engine uses a Continuously Variable Transmission and as a result you can't even tell when the car switches from gas to electric mode; it's so smooth its undetectable. This car can reach 0-60 in 8.7 second which is fast for a hybrid auto. Now the best part is the mileage! Gas mileage is 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the freeway. On top of that, the cabin remains relatively quiet even during fast speeds plus the acceleration is smooth and effortless.
If you are environmentally conscious then you will be glad to know that the interior features eco-conscious upholstery and foam seats. Lots of soft fabric touches are found throughout the interior, which give the car a cozy and inviting aura. There is enough space to seat five individuals. Ford's voice activated Sync system is in place which allows compatibility with Bluetooth smart phones and allows you to place telephone calls hands free. Simply say out loud the word "traffic" and you will instantly receive traffic updates right through the audio speakers.
Other thoughtful options included are a dual zone climate control system, keyless power entry, a traction control system, an anti lock brake system, seventeen inch wheels and a premium audio system. It has been noted that the trunk space is a bit smaller at 11.8 cubic feet versus that of the traditional Fusion because part of the battery is stored inside the trunk.
One trim is available for this ride but of course you can add in any optional packages that suit your needs. Leather appointed seats and a navigation system can easily be included. You can even toss in a hard drive in order to store all your favorite tunes. The Moon & Tune option includes a sunroof and a Sony audio system with twelve speakers so you can crank up all your favorite songs
The base price of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is around $27k which is a great deal considering that this may be one of the best all-around hybrid vehicles on the market. This car offers great mileage, a beautiful interior, a sharp exterior with a new front grille, lots of innovative technological gadgets plus it was built in the States!
Written by Jacqueline Star
Orange County Used Cars, Ford Riverside
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Star
Both a traditional and electric motor work together in order to give the Fusion its power. The gasoline engine is a 2.5 Ltr 4 cylinder gasoline engine with 156 hp and 136 lb feet of torque. The electric motor outputs 106 HP. The engine uses a Continuously Variable Transmission and as a result you can't even tell when the car switches from gas to electric mode; it's so smooth its undetectable. This car can reach 0-60 in 8.7 second which is fast for a hybrid auto. Now the best part is the mileage! Gas mileage is 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the freeway. On top of that, the cabin remains relatively quiet even during fast speeds plus the acceleration is smooth and effortless.
If you are environmentally conscious then you will be glad to know that the interior features eco-conscious upholstery and foam seats. Lots of soft fabric touches are found throughout the interior, which give the car a cozy and inviting aura. There is enough space to seat five individuals. Ford's voice activated Sync system is in place which allows compatibility with Bluetooth smart phones and allows you to place telephone calls hands free. Simply say out loud the word "traffic" and you will instantly receive traffic updates right through the audio speakers.
Other thoughtful options included are a dual zone climate control system, keyless power entry, a traction control system, an anti lock brake system, seventeen inch wheels and a premium audio system. It has been noted that the trunk space is a bit smaller at 11.8 cubic feet versus that of the traditional Fusion because part of the battery is stored inside the trunk.
One trim is available for this ride but of course you can add in any optional packages that suit your needs. Leather appointed seats and a navigation system can easily be included. You can even toss in a hard drive in order to store all your favorite tunes. The Moon & Tune option includes a sunroof and a Sony audio system with twelve speakers so you can crank up all your favorite songs
The base price of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is around $27k which is a great deal considering that this may be one of the best all-around hybrid vehicles on the market. This car offers great mileage, a beautiful interior, a sharp exterior with a new front grille, lots of innovative technological gadgets plus it was built in the States!
Written by Jacqueline Star
Orange County Used Cars, Ford Riverside
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Star
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Slashing the Cost of Your Car
With the recession and the environmental crisis, many car owners have had to rethink their use of the car. General day-to -day car costs can make your car an expensive mode of transport, and then you have the added costs of insurance, tax, repairs and MOT's. There are few methods of slashing these costs, which will help you not only keep to your tight budget but contribute towards cutting down Co2 emissions.
Although investing a new car sounds like more costs, however, in the long term it could save you money. Exchanging your old environmentally unfriendly car for a car with low carbon emissions will not only save you money on petrol, as well as save the environment, it will cut down your first year tax costs. Low carbon emission vehicles include the environmentally friendly Smart Car and the fashionable but energy efficient Mini. Prices begin from 8,000 for the Smart Car and 11,000 pounds for the Mini, making them no more expensive than a regular high fuel consumption vehicle.
Another idea is to share your car, thus spreading the costs and limiting the co2 emissions on the road. This is already a popular tactic for saving costs around central Europe, which has been recently adopted in the U.K. There are a few trusted websites out there for car sharing or car pooling as it is also known as.
Try to also use your car only when you really need it. Using your car for travelling short distances only wastes fuel and drives up your expenses. When possible, walk or cycle places, - this will not only drive down costs, but help you to keep fit. If you're not interested in cycling or walking, why not try out roller bladding, which is becoming increasingly popular in the U.K.
Plan your journey! As planning where you're going will not only aid to cut down travelling time but fuel costs. Making sure you won't get lost is by far a good way to save on fuel costs and all it requires is a little planning time. Sat-Nav systems can be useful for this; however, the lower end of the market does not consider traffic, which affects the amount of fuel you use. If you have several things to do over the weekend, also combine all the journeys in one, which will save you fuel and leave a whole day free to do what you want.
Lastly have your car serviced regularly as high fuel consumption can be caused by an underserviced engine. An engine that isn't working to its optimum efficiency will have to work much harder than an engine in mint condition. Find a cheap but reliable garage in your local area to complete any services on your car. Also look around for cheap MOT's. Many small garages have lowered their prices during the recession due to high competition with the bigger firms out there; thus these days you can pay a little less than £50 for the yearly MOT.
In times of economic and environmental crisis, it's worth spending your money wisely. Cut down costs by looking around for deals, such as servicing an MOT deals, as well as using your car sensibly.
If you're looking for a cheap MOT Coventry, or other car services, take a look at www.binleywoodsservicecentre.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Coles
Although investing a new car sounds like more costs, however, in the long term it could save you money. Exchanging your old environmentally unfriendly car for a car with low carbon emissions will not only save you money on petrol, as well as save the environment, it will cut down your first year tax costs. Low carbon emission vehicles include the environmentally friendly Smart Car and the fashionable but energy efficient Mini. Prices begin from 8,000 for the Smart Car and 11,000 pounds for the Mini, making them no more expensive than a regular high fuel consumption vehicle.
Another idea is to share your car, thus spreading the costs and limiting the co2 emissions on the road. This is already a popular tactic for saving costs around central Europe, which has been recently adopted in the U.K. There are a few trusted websites out there for car sharing or car pooling as it is also known as.
Try to also use your car only when you really need it. Using your car for travelling short distances only wastes fuel and drives up your expenses. When possible, walk or cycle places, - this will not only drive down costs, but help you to keep fit. If you're not interested in cycling or walking, why not try out roller bladding, which is becoming increasingly popular in the U.K.
Plan your journey! As planning where you're going will not only aid to cut down travelling time but fuel costs. Making sure you won't get lost is by far a good way to save on fuel costs and all it requires is a little planning time. Sat-Nav systems can be useful for this; however, the lower end of the market does not consider traffic, which affects the amount of fuel you use. If you have several things to do over the weekend, also combine all the journeys in one, which will save you fuel and leave a whole day free to do what you want.
Lastly have your car serviced regularly as high fuel consumption can be caused by an underserviced engine. An engine that isn't working to its optimum efficiency will have to work much harder than an engine in mint condition. Find a cheap but reliable garage in your local area to complete any services on your car. Also look around for cheap MOT's. Many small garages have lowered their prices during the recession due to high competition with the bigger firms out there; thus these days you can pay a little less than £50 for the yearly MOT.
In times of economic and environmental crisis, it's worth spending your money wisely. Cut down costs by looking around for deals, such as servicing an MOT deals, as well as using your car sensibly.
If you're looking for a cheap MOT Coventry, or other car services, take a look at www.binleywoodsservicecentre.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Coles
Friday, 21 May 2010
Learn More About Fuel Saving Products
With the continual rise of gas prices it has become a wise decision to buy a car that saves fuel. A statistic says that as many as fifteen percent of car buyers reject a certain car model because they are not satisfied with its fuel saving features. Even more, some consumers rule out from the very beginner certain car models, such as SUVs, because they have very poor gas mileage.
Advice on how to improve gas mileage can be found almost anywhere - magazines, web sites, etc.- but can you really turn them into an everyday habit? Will you be able to drive slower every day or maintain the same speed at all time or use air conditioning to the minimum because it is known that fuel consumption will be increased . Of course, changing the oil and the air filters on a regular basis will ensure an improved gas mileage, but fuel saving won't be spectacular and these procedures are not cost-free. Therefore, more and more consumers turn to a product which saves fuel.
The fuel saving products on the market fall into several categories. One of them is gas additives. It is based on a very sound mechanism and it's very effective as far as costs are concerned. Its efficiency has been demonstrated scientifically and when using such a fuel saving product, you needn't worry about low performance or increased exhaust emissions or short engine life anymore.
The testing of these fuel saving products is done according to established standards. Not only don't they have a negative effect on the environment, but they are actually environment-friendly. How do these products work? The process is quite simple. The hydrocarbons in the gas have the tendency to curl up and form clusters, making it impossible for the oxygen to reach the fuel entirely. For this reason, the gas hydrocarbons burn only partially and what isn't burned will result into exhaust emissions. The fuel saving products work to ease this process and make exhaust emissions lower.
Fuel saving additives can be found in shops or on the Internet. Regardless of the form they come in, that is liquid or solid, s tablets, they share a characteristic, which is that every product which saves fuel needs to be added when filling up the gas tank. Like many other products in the field, fuel savings products need to be used several times before their effects will become apparent. It is also important that you stick to same fuel saving product and remember that the effects will be obvious only after several fill-ups of your tank.
Fuel saving products improve the maneuverability of your car and the drivability of your engine because they release the engines components in general and the fuel injectors in particular of any possible deposits, while others provide the fuel system of your car with moisture.
A product that saves fuel is most likely to have been tested and registered so it' s safe to use, but you have to make sure that these conditions are fulfilled. The fuel system of your vehicle will definitely not be harmed and you can relax about the exhaust emissions as well, because a fuel saving product will certainly not increase them. Tests of the products can be done in independent labs but that doesn't make them less reliable. The most common way to test a product which saves fuel is to compare the test results on the same car, tests which has been performed with and without a fuel saving gas additive.
An effective way to ensure low fuel consumption is to make changes in your driver behavior. However, since this will most certainly not be enough, your satisfaction is guaranteed with a fuel saving product.
For more saving fuel details or related subjects about saves fuel and even about fuel saving please visit this website http://www.ultimate-me2.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola
Advice on how to improve gas mileage can be found almost anywhere - magazines, web sites, etc.- but can you really turn them into an everyday habit? Will you be able to drive slower every day or maintain the same speed at all time or use air conditioning to the minimum because it is known that fuel consumption will be increased . Of course, changing the oil and the air filters on a regular basis will ensure an improved gas mileage, but fuel saving won't be spectacular and these procedures are not cost-free. Therefore, more and more consumers turn to a product which saves fuel.
The fuel saving products on the market fall into several categories. One of them is gas additives. It is based on a very sound mechanism and it's very effective as far as costs are concerned. Its efficiency has been demonstrated scientifically and when using such a fuel saving product, you needn't worry about low performance or increased exhaust emissions or short engine life anymore.
The testing of these fuel saving products is done according to established standards. Not only don't they have a negative effect on the environment, but they are actually environment-friendly. How do these products work? The process is quite simple. The hydrocarbons in the gas have the tendency to curl up and form clusters, making it impossible for the oxygen to reach the fuel entirely. For this reason, the gas hydrocarbons burn only partially and what isn't burned will result into exhaust emissions. The fuel saving products work to ease this process and make exhaust emissions lower.
Fuel saving additives can be found in shops or on the Internet. Regardless of the form they come in, that is liquid or solid, s tablets, they share a characteristic, which is that every product which saves fuel needs to be added when filling up the gas tank. Like many other products in the field, fuel savings products need to be used several times before their effects will become apparent. It is also important that you stick to same fuel saving product and remember that the effects will be obvious only after several fill-ups of your tank.
Fuel saving products improve the maneuverability of your car and the drivability of your engine because they release the engines components in general and the fuel injectors in particular of any possible deposits, while others provide the fuel system of your car with moisture.
A product that saves fuel is most likely to have been tested and registered so it' s safe to use, but you have to make sure that these conditions are fulfilled. The fuel system of your vehicle will definitely not be harmed and you can relax about the exhaust emissions as well, because a fuel saving product will certainly not increase them. Tests of the products can be done in independent labs but that doesn't make them less reliable. The most common way to test a product which saves fuel is to compare the test results on the same car, tests which has been performed with and without a fuel saving gas additive.
An effective way to ensure low fuel consumption is to make changes in your driver behavior. However, since this will most certainly not be enough, your satisfaction is guaranteed with a fuel saving product.
For more saving fuel details or related subjects about saves fuel and even about fuel saving please visit this website http://www.ultimate-me2.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola
Monday, 10 May 2010
10 Ways You Can Be More Environmentally Friendly
If you're looking to be more environmentally friendly, and help to save the planet, as well as money then here's what you can do.
1. If you recycle as much as you can, you'll be reducing the amount of rubbish that is sent to landfill. In addition, fewer trees and other raw materials will be needed, which is a good thing.
2. You can use less electricity if you think about. By turning off appliances that don't need to be on standby, unplugging laptop, phone and games console chargers as well as lights when you're not in the room, you won't use as much electricity, which means your bill will be less too.
3. By planning your journeys, and driving carefully, you can use significantly less petrol and diesel too. If you don't really need to make a journey, or you can combine it with another journey you can be more economical and get more miles per gallon, and more miles per tank of fuel.
4. You might prefer to walk short distances, rather than taking the car. As well as being better for the environment, you'll get some fresh air and exercise too.
5. Why not use public transport instead of driving? You might want to try the bus or the train, and see if you can save time and money, as well as the planet.
6. Maybe you'll ride your bike more. Perhaps you could easily cycle to work, or take it on the train with you. For short journeys that might have needed the car, why not take your bike and feel the benefits of fresh air and exercise. You'll soon feel better and get fitter too.
7. By flying less you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Why not see if you can use technology so that you can have meetings face to face via the internet, so that you don't have to fly thousands of miles, and using all that fuel?
8. Why not find out how to donate your unwanted goods rather than throwing them away. Why not advertise them and see if people will take them off your hands. Perhaps someone will be grateful for your old TV or hi-fi, or your 3 piece suite.
9. Do you really need and use everything you buy? Why not stop to think whether you really do need the latest gadgets, or fashions, or whether going out every night is a good use of your money? Because you're buying less, you'll reduce the need for as much packaging, and transportation of goods. Even if you only do a little bit, it's better than nothing.
10. If you can then why gently encourage others to help the planet. Rather than preaching to them, you might want to explain the benefits of recycling or the consequences of relying too much on fossil fuels.
Now you know more about what you can do, perhaps now is the time for your to do your bit to save the planet.
Find out more about what you can do for the Environment, and how other people are going green, at ItsOurWorld.co.uk today. If you're looking for more hints and tips about how to lead a greener life, why not find out more by reading the Eco Warrior Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Check the Tread and Pressure of Your Tyres to Stay Safe on the Road
Our tyres are critical components of our cars, they are what both drive us forward and bring us to a controlled stop. If there are any problems with our tyres such as a puncture or lack of tread, the consequences can be life threatening, like failing to stop the vehicle in time. It's therefore vital that we keep an eye on the condition of all four tyres whenever we take to the road. On longer trips you may want to inflate your tyres and give them a quick check for punctures or nails embedded in your wheels. Motoring experts have suggested that, if you drive regularly such as commuting to work then you should ideally be checking your tyres every week.
A severely deflated tyre can sometimes be pretty obvious to spot from the way your car is sitting in your driveway, normally off to one side. Slight drops in tyre pressure can make your car work harder in order to move, and this could lead to burning up fuel at a quicker rate. Air pumps at petrol stations are good ways to accurately fill your tyres but having a foot pump or one that operates off of your cigarette lighter are handy bits of kit to keep in your car boot.
As well as making sure that your tyres are properly inflated you need to keep an eye on the tread depth and coverage. Your tyres are legally required to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 75% of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Failure to meet this requirement is not only illegal but can also hamper your cars ability to maintain traction with the road. This can be very dangerous as the loss of tyre grip in adverse weather can be like driving in ice skates, and will severely affect your braking abilities as well as the cars handling in general.
You should also bear in mind the condition of your spare tyre, if your spare is kept underneath the vehicle instead of inside a recess in the boot, be aware that it will be exposed to the elements and may get damaged over time. You may want to buy a cover or wrap a plastic sheet around it to make sure nothing damages the tyre for when you will need it. If you get in to a routine of checking your tyres regularly, then you will notice any developing damage or problems which could prevent breakdowns, collisions and other accidents.
Whether you are after a new or used car make sure you consider all car finance options such as car credit before buying, you may be able to afford a safer, modern car that will keep you safe on the road.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_S_Longworth
A severely deflated tyre can sometimes be pretty obvious to spot from the way your car is sitting in your driveway, normally off to one side. Slight drops in tyre pressure can make your car work harder in order to move, and this could lead to burning up fuel at a quicker rate. Air pumps at petrol stations are good ways to accurately fill your tyres but having a foot pump or one that operates off of your cigarette lighter are handy bits of kit to keep in your car boot.
As well as making sure that your tyres are properly inflated you need to keep an eye on the tread depth and coverage. Your tyres are legally required to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 75% of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Failure to meet this requirement is not only illegal but can also hamper your cars ability to maintain traction with the road. This can be very dangerous as the loss of tyre grip in adverse weather can be like driving in ice skates, and will severely affect your braking abilities as well as the cars handling in general.
You should also bear in mind the condition of your spare tyre, if your spare is kept underneath the vehicle instead of inside a recess in the boot, be aware that it will be exposed to the elements and may get damaged over time. You may want to buy a cover or wrap a plastic sheet around it to make sure nothing damages the tyre for when you will need it. If you get in to a routine of checking your tyres regularly, then you will notice any developing damage or problems which could prevent breakdowns, collisions and other accidents.
Whether you are after a new or used car make sure you consider all car finance options such as car credit before buying, you may be able to afford a safer, modern car that will keep you safe on the road.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_S_Longworth
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Save Money on Petrol-Gas and Diesel - It's Cheaper to Run Your Car on Water
Sky-high petrol/gas and diesel prices can be avoided by following a new concept which allows your car to run on water. Yes, you heard correctly, water! The concept involves you carrying out a few simple do-it-yourself steps to modifying your existing car, enabling your car to use the atomic power of hydrogen in the water as its' main source of engine power.
Here are the facts:
You can safely convert your car yourself, using existing household tools and materials from any local hardware store.
The conversion process is 100% reversible so won't affect your car manufacturer's warranty.
Using water to operate electric/mechanical devices was demonstrated at the 2008 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, with a new water-based laptop charger.
1000's of cars have already been modified to run on water.
Running your car on water increases your travelling distances by 40%-50% in comparison to petrol/gas or diesel.
Using the hydrogen in water as your car engine's power supply makes your car much more friendly on the environment.
You can make money by legally charging people to convert their cars, once you've converted your own.
The process is 100% safe because the hydrogen is only created when needed, as opposed to large quantities of hydrogen being compressed, which may become flammable.
Save money and "make money" when you learn how to modify your car to accept water as fuel. Not only will your new fuel supply last twice as long, the cost of it will be slashed, saving you thousands per year. Once you've modified the cars of your close friends and family, news of your expertise may prompt their friends to pay you to modify their cars as well, knowing it will save them money in the long run.
Download your very own do-it-yourself car conversion guide from driveyourcarwithwater.co.uk and learn how you can modify your car to run on water.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mason_Ifejika
Here are the facts:
You can safely convert your car yourself, using existing household tools and materials from any local hardware store.
The conversion process is 100% reversible so won't affect your car manufacturer's warranty.
Using water to operate electric/mechanical devices was demonstrated at the 2008 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, with a new water-based laptop charger.
1000's of cars have already been modified to run on water.
Running your car on water increases your travelling distances by 40%-50% in comparison to petrol/gas or diesel.
Using the hydrogen in water as your car engine's power supply makes your car much more friendly on the environment.
You can make money by legally charging people to convert their cars, once you've converted your own.
The process is 100% safe because the hydrogen is only created when needed, as opposed to large quantities of hydrogen being compressed, which may become flammable.
Save money and "make money" when you learn how to modify your car to accept water as fuel. Not only will your new fuel supply last twice as long, the cost of it will be slashed, saving you thousands per year. Once you've modified the cars of your close friends and family, news of your expertise may prompt their friends to pay you to modify their cars as well, knowing it will save them money in the long run.
Download your very own do-it-yourself car conversion guide from driveyourcarwithwater.co.uk and learn how you can modify your car to run on water.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mason_Ifejika
Monday, 19 April 2010
Do Forecourts Encourage Petrol Theft? Stealing Petrol is on the Increase
You are sitting in a pub and someone suggests they can fill your car up to the brim with petrol for £20.00. How come it is so cheap, they might tell you " We work for vehicle transporters and need to empty petrol tanks for safety". You personally may not buy this generous offer of a tank full of petrol but someone will and thousands probably do.
How do they really do it? - They take your car and stick on some false number plates and pop into your friendly local filling station or garage and fill up YOUR car. They know where the CCTV camera is and are skilled in not getting caught on camera. Hoods are great camera shelters! Your car is full of petrol and it has transformed itself into a 'get away' car or some boy racers' lethal weapon.
These modern day 'Robin Hood' types seem to think that apart from lining their pockets ( to buy drugs probably ) they are helping the man in the street by filling his car with cheap petrol.
When they decide not to do the pub rounds because they have sufficient funds until the next day, they may choose to steal a car, in fact we don't know for sure whether they cut a duplicate key from your car whilst they where helping you!
Imagine waking up in the morning to find your car ... and your cheap fuel gone.
The nightmare begins. They are in a stolen car full of stolen petrol, who knows what havoc they are about to create?. Death and carnage could be the result of their fix.
Whilst I was sitting in my local petrol station, I watched innocent people going about their business. Children and elderly buying treats from the mini-mart whilst business people and parents were putting petrol in their cars and vans. I saw a car screech out, I doubt if fuel had been stolen because nothing else happened, having said that, we don't know what the company rules are or indeed the procedure in relation to the theft of petrol. Do they just call the police with as much information as possible .. or get on the their job because when the police arrive, there is nobody else to deal with the police. This means they lose far more money closing down whilst the police take statements etc, than the actual stolen petrol.
Do they bang a big red button, which in turn records the vehicle and notifies the police? But all that aside, a child or granny could have been killed. The police are now in pursuit ... it doesn't bear thinking what could happen next.
A multiple collision on the motorway, a crowd at a bus stop mowed down - because the thieves naturally want to escape arrest.
My thoughts turned to a system that could prevent the theft of petrol. In essence if something was in place to stop cars from leaving, and it was obvious that such barriers were in situ, this event probably would not exist. Bank robbery is now rare because of the CCTV and those guillotine like shutters that drop down like a thunder bolt. Okay, I accept that barriers and shutters are a total inconvenience to the 99.9% of people who pay for their petrol and are out of the question. Then I remembered an article that the Customs and Excise had fitted something called 'CatsClaw" at the docks in Dover.
I embarked upon a mission, I searched for the system and the Customs people where more than happy to boast of their new weapon to stop drivers speeding off when passengers were asked to stop for a search. The device is set into the road and operated remotely by an officer. When activated, blades deflate all tyres and immobilise the vehicle.... Simple !! Unfortunately they wouldn't tell me where I could get more information, security reasons you know.
If it is good enough for our Ports, Docks and Harbours, should we want to know why the big petrol filling stations aren't using it.?
If I were in their shoes I would say that it is better to allow someone to drive off than detain a raging bull but if they knew Catsclaw was in operation then they wouldn't steal petrol in the first place. What does it take?
A channel across the exit route for the catsclaw to remain safe until activated and some effective signage.
Obviously thieves would look for other exits and some outdoor landscaping would easily fill those.
We all want to protect our family and friends from lunatics driving with stolen petrol and I don't want my petrol bills increased to pay for the cost of stolen petrol. I want the petrol stations to act now!
pyZc_H88ghdJkBJ7
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Digby_Farquart
How do they really do it? - They take your car and stick on some false number plates and pop into your friendly local filling station or garage and fill up YOUR car. They know where the CCTV camera is and are skilled in not getting caught on camera. Hoods are great camera shelters! Your car is full of petrol and it has transformed itself into a 'get away' car or some boy racers' lethal weapon.
These modern day 'Robin Hood' types seem to think that apart from lining their pockets ( to buy drugs probably ) they are helping the man in the street by filling his car with cheap petrol.
When they decide not to do the pub rounds because they have sufficient funds until the next day, they may choose to steal a car, in fact we don't know for sure whether they cut a duplicate key from your car whilst they where helping you!
Imagine waking up in the morning to find your car ... and your cheap fuel gone.
The nightmare begins. They are in a stolen car full of stolen petrol, who knows what havoc they are about to create?. Death and carnage could be the result of their fix.
Whilst I was sitting in my local petrol station, I watched innocent people going about their business. Children and elderly buying treats from the mini-mart whilst business people and parents were putting petrol in their cars and vans. I saw a car screech out, I doubt if fuel had been stolen because nothing else happened, having said that, we don't know what the company rules are or indeed the procedure in relation to the theft of petrol. Do they just call the police with as much information as possible .. or get on the their job because when the police arrive, there is nobody else to deal with the police. This means they lose far more money closing down whilst the police take statements etc, than the actual stolen petrol.
Do they bang a big red button, which in turn records the vehicle and notifies the police? But all that aside, a child or granny could have been killed. The police are now in pursuit ... it doesn't bear thinking what could happen next.
A multiple collision on the motorway, a crowd at a bus stop mowed down - because the thieves naturally want to escape arrest.
My thoughts turned to a system that could prevent the theft of petrol. In essence if something was in place to stop cars from leaving, and it was obvious that such barriers were in situ, this event probably would not exist. Bank robbery is now rare because of the CCTV and those guillotine like shutters that drop down like a thunder bolt. Okay, I accept that barriers and shutters are a total inconvenience to the 99.9% of people who pay for their petrol and are out of the question. Then I remembered an article that the Customs and Excise had fitted something called 'CatsClaw" at the docks in Dover.
I embarked upon a mission, I searched for the system and the Customs people where more than happy to boast of their new weapon to stop drivers speeding off when passengers were asked to stop for a search. The device is set into the road and operated remotely by an officer. When activated, blades deflate all tyres and immobilise the vehicle.... Simple !! Unfortunately they wouldn't tell me where I could get more information, security reasons you know.
If it is good enough for our Ports, Docks and Harbours, should we want to know why the big petrol filling stations aren't using it.?
If I were in their shoes I would say that it is better to allow someone to drive off than detain a raging bull but if they knew Catsclaw was in operation then they wouldn't steal petrol in the first place. What does it take?
A channel across the exit route for the catsclaw to remain safe until activated and some effective signage.
Obviously thieves would look for other exits and some outdoor landscaping would easily fill those.
We all want to protect our family and friends from lunatics driving with stolen petrol and I don't want my petrol bills increased to pay for the cost of stolen petrol. I want the petrol stations to act now!
pyZc_H88ghdJkBJ7
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Digby_Farquart
Sunday, 18 April 2010
How to Save Gas and Money With Proven Techniques
Saving gas has become more than a nice way to economize; it has become a top priority with prices of gasoline and greenhouse emissions being what they are. As someone who managed multiple gas stations for one of the largest oil companies in the world, and as an ASE certified owner of an auto repair shop, I heard nearly every question on how to save gas and money you could possibly imagine. More importantly, I learned what works and what doesn't. As a result, I get 41 miles per gallon, highway, on a car that is EPA rated for 36 miles per gallon. When my wife drives the same car with all else being the same she gets 33 miles to the gallon.
1. Does filling up in the morning really save gas?
Absolutely! Gasoline expands and contracts with temperature changes. A tank can show 20 gallons of gasoline in the morning, have some gasoline taken out, and yet still show the same level of gasoline in the afternoon! Here's the thing; gas is sold by volume, so one gallon of cold gas will give the mileage of perhaps 1.1 gallons of warm gas (by way of example), but you're paying for just one gallon! Leave the house a little early and fill your tank up in the early morning when it's the coolest. And, of course, look for the lowest prices at REPUTABLE filling stations. A clean exterior usually means clean gasoline.
2. Does topping off the tank more often when prices are going up save gas and money?
What it does is save money ON gas. This may be hard to understand, but here goes: When evaluating any inventory that you are depleting, you want to take into account the cost of replacing that inventory. Suppose you use a gallon a day, you have a 22 gallon tank, and prices go up an average of one cent a day. Hopefully you're never letting the tank get lower than the last two gallons, so you go twenty gallons between refills. If you wait the full twenty days to fill up, you will spend 20 cents more per gallon, equaling an extra $4.00. But, if you'd been topping off each day, instead of 20 cents more for each gallon you will have paid one cent extra the first day, 2 cents extra the second day, etc., until at the end of the same twenty-day period you find that you've spent only $2.10 extra FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF GAS! That may not sound like much, but multiply that out for the year and it adds up. Furthermore, ask yourself this: If you were told by a gas station attendant that the pumps on the left would give you the same amount of gas but would cost you almost $2.00 less per fill-up than using the pumps on the right, which pumps would you use? Of course, the opposite holds true when prices are going down. In that case, which is all too rare, you would save money by waiting until you're nearly empty because each day that passes yields greater savings in cost per gallon.
3. Does proper tire inflation really save gas?
Not only does proper tire inflation save money on gas, but it can also save your life. Improper inflation is a leading cause of tire failure, but we're not talking about getting a flat tire - we're talking about catastrophic tire failure, where the tire explodes, disintegrates, or plain comes off of the rim while you're driving. Remember the Firestone/Ford debacle? Firestone's claim was that Ford was not using the originally recommended tire pressure, causing some serious accidents. That said, underinflated tires put more rubber on the pavement, increasing road friction, AND hindering the tire's ability to dissipate the heat from road friction, which causes a vicious cycle of creating even more friction and heat. The friction will hurt your fuel economy and the heat will hurt your tires - which in turn may hurt you if the tire fails.
4. I understand a dirty air filter hurting fuel economy, but doesn't a dirty fuel filter make your car use LESS gas?
Lessening the amount of gas to increase fuel economy may make sense intuitively, but that's not how to save gas and money! Keep in mind that intuition tells us that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones, and Galileo proved that wrong hundreds of years ago. What actually happens is that a clogged fuel filter causes a leaner fuel mixture. That will make the combustion of the air-fuel mixture LESS efficient as it gets worse. Why? Without getting too much into chemistry, the fact is that gasoline burns best at the correct ratio of air to gasoline (14.7 pounds of air to each pound of gasoline). Not enough air causes inefficiency as does too much air. One of the clues a mechanic picks up on a car with too lean a fuel mixture is a high hydrocarbon and high oxygen reading of the exhaust fumes. Hydrocarbons are unburned gasoline resulting from the misfire caused, in this case, by not enough gasoline in ratio to the oxygen. In plain English, the engine now has to work harder to give the same amount of power. That always hurts fuel economy.
5. Can I save gas by opening the windows instead of running the air conditioner?
Sort of, maybe, but actually no. Assuming you're travelling at highway speeds, recent studies have shown that modern cars, with much more efficient air conditioners than their predecessors had, actually show very little, if any, difference in fuel economy between running the A/C and having the windows open - both shave off about 2% to 3%, assuming everything is in proper working order. This was NOT true for trucks, SUV's and other larger vehicles. Larger vehicles got WORSE fuel economy in these tests with the windows open than with the A/C on, likely because of the much greater interior volume acting almost like a parachute with such vehicles. Of course, you save the most gas and money by driving with the windows closed and the A/C off, but that's not always possible.
6. Should I leave the car on if I'll be idling less than three minutes since it takes even more gas to start the car?
Not anymore. Actually, that three minute figure was a rough approximation, at best. In any case, modern cars - many going back to the early 1980's and late 1970's - have computer-controlled fuel injection, making the amount of fuel required to restart a warm engine equal to as little as 30 seconds of idling. Clearly, letting the car idle for even as little as three minutes is not how to save gas and money. If you know it's going to be a few minutes and you're not in traffic you'd do better to shut the engine off. Additionally, modern cars don't need a warm-up period of more than about thirty seconds when cold starting - unless you're in extreme cold where you probably want to get a block warmer.
7. I keep seeing mechanical gadgets that are supposed to save money on gas. Do they work?
I've seen all kinds of gizmos and I'm sorry to say that, while many of them make sense on paper, most of them don't seem to work. I also have to admit that a lot of the problem is that people were trying to find a way around fixing important mechanical failures. Always keep your vehicle in good repair (one of the best ways to save gas and money in the long run) -- attaching some additional device to an engine with weak compression or some other defect is not likely to deliver favorable results. It's like trying to use a squirt gun to put out a major forest fire. As for cars that ARE in good repair, some things may work, but if your car is under warranty you need to be careful that the gadget does not void the warranty. Right now I'm following the "hydrogen from water" concept, where the car's electricity is used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is then drawn into the air intake. I've seen some impressive demos of them even being used by government agencies. I'm looking to install one myself.
8. Do additives save gas?
That's a broad subject. The broad answer is yes - depending upon the situation (please avoid fighting forest fires with squirt guns!). Brand-name additives for cleaning fuel injectors are generally effective in that dirty injectors and valves most definitely will hurt fuel economy. As a matter of fact, on older cars I was often able to save my customers a lot of money on carburetor overhauls by running a very high concentration of injector cleaner through the system. Obviously this was not for carburetors that had mechanical, "hard parts" failures. With newer cars you need to be careful and, with just about any car from the 1980's on up, make sure that any product that will pass through the intake and exhaust system is sensor safe! Also, rather than use premium gas on a car that doesn't call for it, I recommend using regular gas and pouring a bottle of injector cleaner in with a fill-up every two months or so, depending upon how much driving you do.
9. What about oil additives?
That's a highly conditional "Yes". There is the old stand-by, Marvel Mystery Oil, which many mechanics will tell you is really transmission fluid. Marvel Mystery Oil does two basic things: First, when added to your gasoline it burns off carbon build-up in the combustion chamber, thereby reducing pre-ignition. If you do this and see smoke coming from your tailpipe you either used too much or you most definitely DID have carbon buildup, meaning the temporary smoke caused by burned-off carbon was a good thing! Before detergent motor oils came along you used to have to "de-coke" your engine on a regular basis - same basic thing. Second, when added to your oil it provides an extra bit of cushioning and lubrication for your valves and valve stems. In either case, these situations should not be an issue on newer cars. STP Oil Treatment is good in that it is a viscosity index improver. Do NOT disregard the directions on the label as it will end up being similar to using too high of a viscosity motor oil. STP also helps reduce engine wear by leaving a protective film for when you start the engine, when most engine wear takes place since normally there isn't as much oil pressure at that time.
10. Do those oil additives with PTFE help save gas?
Yes, but according to study after study, only while it or its residue is present in the engine. PTFE undoubtedly does reduce friction. What is in doubt is the ability to get it to actually bond to engine parts. It takes extremely high temperatures to get PTFE to bond to metal - temperatures you don't get except perhaps in the combustion chamber itself, thereby excluding all of the bearings, the cam shaft(s), rocker arms, valve stems, lifters... well, you get the picture. But while the additive is still in your engine it DOES provide better protection. It's expensive to add that to every oil change, but for a collectible car you may want to go with it, though saving gas doesn't usually go hand-in-hand with driving a collectible.
11. The owner's manual says I only have to change the oil every 7,500 miles. Is my mechanic trying to pull one over on me when he recommends every 3,000 miles, or will I get better gas mileage this way?
You will get better gas mileage - especially in the long run. Frequent oil changes will help prevent engine wear and sludge, both of which will kill engine efficiency as they get worse. As for the discrepancy in recommended oil change intervals, they're both correct. How so? If you read the owner's manual carefully, as in the fine print, you'll find something to the effect that for hard or heavy duty you should use the shorter interval. Here's the issue: what constitutes heavy duty? Heat, cold, dust, humidity, stop and go traffic... I don't know about you, but I can't think of ANY place that doesn't have any of those conditions! So why do they print that in the manual? They want to be able to report a low cost of operation while giving you a realistic guideline. Go with 3,000 miles unless you're using synthetic oil. And, yes, synthetic is better and I would strongly suggest you continue using it in cars that call for it in the owner's manual. And use the manufacturer's recommended viscosity of oil. That, too, can make a difference in fuel economy and warranty coverage.
12. Do driving habits really save gas?
Well, yes -- if they're good ones! This is exactly why I get around eight more miles per gallon of gas than my wife does with the same car! Taking off from a red light gradually, not too slowly, but not jack-rabbit starting, makes a TREMENDOUS difference in the amount of energy used. Moreover, you always want to be in the highest gear at any given speed that is safe for the given road and traffic conditions. At 45 miles per hour on level ground I will be using fifth gear while my wife will be in third, MAYBE fourth, gear. I don't blame her - she's used to driving an ambulance, where the priority is saving lives, not gasoline. You don't drive a stick shift? Well, this still applies to you in the sense that most automatic transmission drivers don't realize that very often the car will not shift into the next highest gear because they're giving the engine just a slight bit more gas than needed. Once you've reached your desired speed lightly lift your gas pedal just a bit and you'll often feel the car shift into the higher gear, thereby using less gasoline to travel at the same speed. This is especially true at around 38-45 miles per hour, depending upon the transmission and driving conditions. Also remember this little rule: Every time you are pressing the brake you are wasting the gas that you used to get up to that speed. Obviously, that's not always true, but it does increase your awareness of driving too fast (you can virtually always lower your speed to save gas so long as you drive safely and above the MINIMUM speed limit). Look ahead so that you can just let up on the gas pedal, rather than having to go hard on the brakes. You also may want to take a look in your trunk to make sure you're not carrying around useless extra weight. I helped one man save a lot of money on gas by pointing out that when test-driving his car it felt like something very heavy was in the trunk. His jaw dropped as he remembered that his deceased mother's china was in there - inside a cedar chest! No word on whether anything got broken...
My intention in writing this article was to provide techniques to save gas and money and also give the reader an insight into why these techniques work. These are probably the most important pointers on saving gas that I, my friends, and my customers put into use. Drive safely and wisely!
Hi, I'm James Patrickson. If you'd like more information on saving gas please feel free to read my blog at http://faq-saving-money-on-gas.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Patrickson
1. Does filling up in the morning really save gas?
Absolutely! Gasoline expands and contracts with temperature changes. A tank can show 20 gallons of gasoline in the morning, have some gasoline taken out, and yet still show the same level of gasoline in the afternoon! Here's the thing; gas is sold by volume, so one gallon of cold gas will give the mileage of perhaps 1.1 gallons of warm gas (by way of example), but you're paying for just one gallon! Leave the house a little early and fill your tank up in the early morning when it's the coolest. And, of course, look for the lowest prices at REPUTABLE filling stations. A clean exterior usually means clean gasoline.
2. Does topping off the tank more often when prices are going up save gas and money?
What it does is save money ON gas. This may be hard to understand, but here goes: When evaluating any inventory that you are depleting, you want to take into account the cost of replacing that inventory. Suppose you use a gallon a day, you have a 22 gallon tank, and prices go up an average of one cent a day. Hopefully you're never letting the tank get lower than the last two gallons, so you go twenty gallons between refills. If you wait the full twenty days to fill up, you will spend 20 cents more per gallon, equaling an extra $4.00. But, if you'd been topping off each day, instead of 20 cents more for each gallon you will have paid one cent extra the first day, 2 cents extra the second day, etc., until at the end of the same twenty-day period you find that you've spent only $2.10 extra FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF GAS! That may not sound like much, but multiply that out for the year and it adds up. Furthermore, ask yourself this: If you were told by a gas station attendant that the pumps on the left would give you the same amount of gas but would cost you almost $2.00 less per fill-up than using the pumps on the right, which pumps would you use? Of course, the opposite holds true when prices are going down. In that case, which is all too rare, you would save money by waiting until you're nearly empty because each day that passes yields greater savings in cost per gallon.
3. Does proper tire inflation really save gas?
Not only does proper tire inflation save money on gas, but it can also save your life. Improper inflation is a leading cause of tire failure, but we're not talking about getting a flat tire - we're talking about catastrophic tire failure, where the tire explodes, disintegrates, or plain comes off of the rim while you're driving. Remember the Firestone/Ford debacle? Firestone's claim was that Ford was not using the originally recommended tire pressure, causing some serious accidents. That said, underinflated tires put more rubber on the pavement, increasing road friction, AND hindering the tire's ability to dissipate the heat from road friction, which causes a vicious cycle of creating even more friction and heat. The friction will hurt your fuel economy and the heat will hurt your tires - which in turn may hurt you if the tire fails.
4. I understand a dirty air filter hurting fuel economy, but doesn't a dirty fuel filter make your car use LESS gas?
Lessening the amount of gas to increase fuel economy may make sense intuitively, but that's not how to save gas and money! Keep in mind that intuition tells us that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones, and Galileo proved that wrong hundreds of years ago. What actually happens is that a clogged fuel filter causes a leaner fuel mixture. That will make the combustion of the air-fuel mixture LESS efficient as it gets worse. Why? Without getting too much into chemistry, the fact is that gasoline burns best at the correct ratio of air to gasoline (14.7 pounds of air to each pound of gasoline). Not enough air causes inefficiency as does too much air. One of the clues a mechanic picks up on a car with too lean a fuel mixture is a high hydrocarbon and high oxygen reading of the exhaust fumes. Hydrocarbons are unburned gasoline resulting from the misfire caused, in this case, by not enough gasoline in ratio to the oxygen. In plain English, the engine now has to work harder to give the same amount of power. That always hurts fuel economy.
5. Can I save gas by opening the windows instead of running the air conditioner?
Sort of, maybe, but actually no. Assuming you're travelling at highway speeds, recent studies have shown that modern cars, with much more efficient air conditioners than their predecessors had, actually show very little, if any, difference in fuel economy between running the A/C and having the windows open - both shave off about 2% to 3%, assuming everything is in proper working order. This was NOT true for trucks, SUV's and other larger vehicles. Larger vehicles got WORSE fuel economy in these tests with the windows open than with the A/C on, likely because of the much greater interior volume acting almost like a parachute with such vehicles. Of course, you save the most gas and money by driving with the windows closed and the A/C off, but that's not always possible.
6. Should I leave the car on if I'll be idling less than three minutes since it takes even more gas to start the car?
Not anymore. Actually, that three minute figure was a rough approximation, at best. In any case, modern cars - many going back to the early 1980's and late 1970's - have computer-controlled fuel injection, making the amount of fuel required to restart a warm engine equal to as little as 30 seconds of idling. Clearly, letting the car idle for even as little as three minutes is not how to save gas and money. If you know it's going to be a few minutes and you're not in traffic you'd do better to shut the engine off. Additionally, modern cars don't need a warm-up period of more than about thirty seconds when cold starting - unless you're in extreme cold where you probably want to get a block warmer.
7. I keep seeing mechanical gadgets that are supposed to save money on gas. Do they work?
I've seen all kinds of gizmos and I'm sorry to say that, while many of them make sense on paper, most of them don't seem to work. I also have to admit that a lot of the problem is that people were trying to find a way around fixing important mechanical failures. Always keep your vehicle in good repair (one of the best ways to save gas and money in the long run) -- attaching some additional device to an engine with weak compression or some other defect is not likely to deliver favorable results. It's like trying to use a squirt gun to put out a major forest fire. As for cars that ARE in good repair, some things may work, but if your car is under warranty you need to be careful that the gadget does not void the warranty. Right now I'm following the "hydrogen from water" concept, where the car's electricity is used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is then drawn into the air intake. I've seen some impressive demos of them even being used by government agencies. I'm looking to install one myself.
8. Do additives save gas?
That's a broad subject. The broad answer is yes - depending upon the situation (please avoid fighting forest fires with squirt guns!). Brand-name additives for cleaning fuel injectors are generally effective in that dirty injectors and valves most definitely will hurt fuel economy. As a matter of fact, on older cars I was often able to save my customers a lot of money on carburetor overhauls by running a very high concentration of injector cleaner through the system. Obviously this was not for carburetors that had mechanical, "hard parts" failures. With newer cars you need to be careful and, with just about any car from the 1980's on up, make sure that any product that will pass through the intake and exhaust system is sensor safe! Also, rather than use premium gas on a car that doesn't call for it, I recommend using regular gas and pouring a bottle of injector cleaner in with a fill-up every two months or so, depending upon how much driving you do.
9. What about oil additives?
That's a highly conditional "Yes". There is the old stand-by, Marvel Mystery Oil, which many mechanics will tell you is really transmission fluid. Marvel Mystery Oil does two basic things: First, when added to your gasoline it burns off carbon build-up in the combustion chamber, thereby reducing pre-ignition. If you do this and see smoke coming from your tailpipe you either used too much or you most definitely DID have carbon buildup, meaning the temporary smoke caused by burned-off carbon was a good thing! Before detergent motor oils came along you used to have to "de-coke" your engine on a regular basis - same basic thing. Second, when added to your oil it provides an extra bit of cushioning and lubrication for your valves and valve stems. In either case, these situations should not be an issue on newer cars. STP Oil Treatment is good in that it is a viscosity index improver. Do NOT disregard the directions on the label as it will end up being similar to using too high of a viscosity motor oil. STP also helps reduce engine wear by leaving a protective film for when you start the engine, when most engine wear takes place since normally there isn't as much oil pressure at that time.
10. Do those oil additives with PTFE help save gas?
Yes, but according to study after study, only while it or its residue is present in the engine. PTFE undoubtedly does reduce friction. What is in doubt is the ability to get it to actually bond to engine parts. It takes extremely high temperatures to get PTFE to bond to metal - temperatures you don't get except perhaps in the combustion chamber itself, thereby excluding all of the bearings, the cam shaft(s), rocker arms, valve stems, lifters... well, you get the picture. But while the additive is still in your engine it DOES provide better protection. It's expensive to add that to every oil change, but for a collectible car you may want to go with it, though saving gas doesn't usually go hand-in-hand with driving a collectible.
11. The owner's manual says I only have to change the oil every 7,500 miles. Is my mechanic trying to pull one over on me when he recommends every 3,000 miles, or will I get better gas mileage this way?
You will get better gas mileage - especially in the long run. Frequent oil changes will help prevent engine wear and sludge, both of which will kill engine efficiency as they get worse. As for the discrepancy in recommended oil change intervals, they're both correct. How so? If you read the owner's manual carefully, as in the fine print, you'll find something to the effect that for hard or heavy duty you should use the shorter interval. Here's the issue: what constitutes heavy duty? Heat, cold, dust, humidity, stop and go traffic... I don't know about you, but I can't think of ANY place that doesn't have any of those conditions! So why do they print that in the manual? They want to be able to report a low cost of operation while giving you a realistic guideline. Go with 3,000 miles unless you're using synthetic oil. And, yes, synthetic is better and I would strongly suggest you continue using it in cars that call for it in the owner's manual. And use the manufacturer's recommended viscosity of oil. That, too, can make a difference in fuel economy and warranty coverage.
12. Do driving habits really save gas?
Well, yes -- if they're good ones! This is exactly why I get around eight more miles per gallon of gas than my wife does with the same car! Taking off from a red light gradually, not too slowly, but not jack-rabbit starting, makes a TREMENDOUS difference in the amount of energy used. Moreover, you always want to be in the highest gear at any given speed that is safe for the given road and traffic conditions. At 45 miles per hour on level ground I will be using fifth gear while my wife will be in third, MAYBE fourth, gear. I don't blame her - she's used to driving an ambulance, where the priority is saving lives, not gasoline. You don't drive a stick shift? Well, this still applies to you in the sense that most automatic transmission drivers don't realize that very often the car will not shift into the next highest gear because they're giving the engine just a slight bit more gas than needed. Once you've reached your desired speed lightly lift your gas pedal just a bit and you'll often feel the car shift into the higher gear, thereby using less gasoline to travel at the same speed. This is especially true at around 38-45 miles per hour, depending upon the transmission and driving conditions. Also remember this little rule: Every time you are pressing the brake you are wasting the gas that you used to get up to that speed. Obviously, that's not always true, but it does increase your awareness of driving too fast (you can virtually always lower your speed to save gas so long as you drive safely and above the MINIMUM speed limit). Look ahead so that you can just let up on the gas pedal, rather than having to go hard on the brakes. You also may want to take a look in your trunk to make sure you're not carrying around useless extra weight. I helped one man save a lot of money on gas by pointing out that when test-driving his car it felt like something very heavy was in the trunk. His jaw dropped as he remembered that his deceased mother's china was in there - inside a cedar chest! No word on whether anything got broken...
My intention in writing this article was to provide techniques to save gas and money and also give the reader an insight into why these techniques work. These are probably the most important pointers on saving gas that I, my friends, and my customers put into use. Drive safely and wisely!
Hi, I'm James Patrickson. If you'd like more information on saving gas please feel free to read my blog at http://faq-saving-money-on-gas.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Patrickson
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Petrol, Diesel, LPG, Hybrid?
Petrol, Diesel, LPG, Hybrid - What's Best For You
Oil
The main criteria of a car's eco-friendliness is generally seen as the energy it uses in its operation. Cars have primarily run on oil-based fuel in the form of petrol or diesel for over a century. But we are now at the point where demand for oil is rising so much, and reserves are declining, that oil is actually running out. Oil prices have always been volatile and they react to speculation about events ranging from terrorism to hurricanes, but rising demand and diminishing reserves mean that overall, oil is just going to keep on getting more expensive. However despite this, most cars today still rely on oil as their primary source of energy; and oil is obviously a key contributor to carbon emissions, and climate change.
Petrol
Petrol has been the most popular fuel for cars in the UK for years; petrol engines are generally quiet and smooth, they are responsive and their performance is good. Petrol is currently slightly cheaper than diesel. Petrol engines emit around 10% more carbon dioxide (CO2) than diesel. However petrol cars pump out less toxic emissions than diesel. Unfortunately at the moment there is no single source of fuel which can compare with petroleum in terms of its instant bulk availability, energy density and (relative) cheapness.
Diesel
Diesel engines are more economical than petrol engines, therefore they emit less CO2. New 'common rail' diesels are approximately 10% more efficient than older diesels, and direct-injection diesel engines give the best fuel economy, diesels emit more particulates than petrol - but diesel engines with a particulate trap help prevent emissions of sooty particulates - ie. the clouds of smoke that you'll experience if you follow old buses through towns. So diesel engines will generally provide you with more miles per gallon than their equivalent petrol models - just look at the differences between similar vehicles in our Green Car Guide. Diesel is currently more expensive to buy than petrol, and the forecasts are that diesel prices will continue to rise more steeply than petrol in the near future.
Diesel engines have always been seen as slow and noisy, however technology has seen some remarkable advances in recent years; for instance Honda has developed their own diesel engine that is designed to be quiet, refined, clean and with instant response - fighting against all the old stereotypes.
LPG
Over recent years, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) has been a viable fuel option in the UK. LPG produces fewer emissions than petrol and diesel but fuel consumption is worse. It's been possible to convert many existing cars to run on LPG by after-market conversions, and some manufacturers such as Vauxhall have had new cars in their range that are dual-fuel, which are designed to run primarily on LPG with petrol back-up. There is a reasonable network of filling stations.
LPG, and natural gas in heavier vehicles, has been an attractive proposition in the past primarily due to its cheaper cost, as it has enjoyed less fuel duty. However there is no guarantee that the Chancellor will maintain this in the future, and although there are some emissions improvements over petrol, LPG is still derived from a fossil fuel and therefore still releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
CNG
Some vehicles, usually heavier vans or trucks that normally run on diesel, but also cars such as the Volvo (V70 Bi-Fuel), can run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), which again results in lower CO2 emissions than standard petrol cars, but the fuel is not as efficient as diesel. Finding CNG for refuelling can be a challenge.
Petrol-Electric Hybrids
Petrol-electric hybrid vehicles run on a combination of a conventional petrol engine and an electric motor powered by an energy storage device such as a battery pack. In simple terms they work on the principle that an electric motor provides the power at low speeds such as in urban driving, and they switch to petrol for driving at higher speeds. The batteries are recharged while driving and hybrids use regenerative braking, which means that energy is put back into the battery when braking, which improves energy efficiency.
Hybrid technologies improve fuel efficiency and therefore provide considerable fuel savings compared with a normal petrol vehicle - as well as carbon emissions savings. While models might cost more than conventional cars, running costs can be two-thirds that of equivalent petrol-fuelled vehicles.
Because of their lower CO2 emissions, hybrids also benefit from reduced vehicle excise duty and are treated favourably in Budgets. In addition they are exempted from the London Congestion Charge.
However at the moment there are a limited number of hybrid vehicle choices; there are currently just four hybrids available in the UK; the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Lexus RX400h and Lexus GS450h. As they are still a relatively new technology, there aren't many available second-hand and so they are quite expensive.
Toyota's first Prius (launched in Japan in 1997) didn't sell in great numbers, however a new model has been introduced and this is now proving more successful. Although it looks like a normal car, it is designed around energy efficiency, and has many clever technological features that assist fuel consumption, including air conditioning and brakes powered by electricity rather than by sapping energy from the petrol engine. Lexus, part of Toyota, has introduced a hybrid version of the RX300, known as the RX400h. This is an SUV and because of its size, it still only returns around 35mpg compared to the Prius's 65.7mpg.
Although the official fuel economy figures for cars such as the Toyota Prius at 65.7mpg sound great, they only really achieve maximum economy benefits in built-up areas where they primarily run on electric rather than petrol although the Prius can only drive for around a mile on battery power before needing to revert to petrol; in real-world motoring it seems difficult to attain the official figures. On a motorway run, a good diesel is likely to be more economical. Nevertheless hybrids are still one of the best options that the consumer has today to achieve better fuel economy, especially if much driving is done in towns, along with the financial benefits such as lower tax and escaping London's Congestion Charge.
Only petrol-electric hybrids are currently available; diesel-electric hybrids will achieve even better fuel consumption - watch out for these appearing in the not-too distant future.
Battery-Electric cars
Electric cars use a battery and electric motor to power the vehicle, meaning they have no emissions at the point of use. Due to the capacity of the battery, their range is normally limited to about 40-60 miles between recharges, which means they are only really suitable for city-based users.
Electric vehicles can be recharged by plugging them into an existing electrical socket, and some city councils are installing electric recharging points in car parks or on-street. However, they are only truly 'green' if they are recharged with electricity from renewable sources such as windfarms.
Electric cars are not subject to road tax and, as an added bonus for London drivers, they enjoy 100 per cent congestion charge discount. Drivers living in areas where they have to pay for residential parking permits might also find that they get a discount on this cost.
Electric cars are often regarded as the ideal non-polluters, but it's not quite that simple. They're obviously good for lack of tailpipe emissions and are near silent, but they need to carry rechargeable batteries. These batteries are not really energy sources, they are energy storers. This creates two issues. Firstly they are heavy and bulky with very low energy densities. Secondly, the original source of energy, for recharging, has to be questioned, because if it's not renewable, those vehicles will indirectly contribute to climate change. There is a further drawback; if their batteries are lead or cadmium-based, there is a serious pollution problem if they are not properly disposed of at the end of their life.
The only electric car available in the UK at the moment, although this is about to change, is the G-Wiz, a small car for about-town use, claimed to be the greenest, most energy-efficient and cheapest car to run in the UK. It has two front seats plus two children size seats, which can be folded down for luggage. It is in insurance group 1, exempt from VED and the London Congestion Charge, and qualifies for free or discounted parking in some London areas. The G-Wiz is claimed to consume just one quarter of the energy of a similar-sized petrol car and costs around just £1.64 a day to run, equivalent to around 600 miles per gallon.
Goingreen, the company behind the G-Wiz, should be commended on their efforts in bringing such a vehicle to the market, and for some people, in the centre of London for example, it can provide motoring with very low running costs. However it's not practical for everyone - its drawbacks include the fact that it needs a 6 hour recharge - you literally need to plug it in! - and its range and speed are limited. Apart from all that, its design is just not as cool, trendy and sophisticated as cars such as the Smart or even the Toyota Aygo.
In summary, viable electric vehicles are still around the corner while hybrids, bio-diesel and bio-ethanol vehicles are here now.
Biofuels
Biodiesel
Biofuel has traditionally been in the form of biodiesel, currently available in various types and qualities, primarily from vegetable oils, such as from recycled cooking oils, and from crops such as rapeseed oil, both of which avoid the carbon emissions of mineral diesel. However there is no wide availability, unless in industrial quantities, and it is more commonly used to blend with normal diesel. There's at least one company that is currently building up a world-wide biodiesel production and refining capacity but it's not ready yet.
A wide range of car manufacturers supply cars rated as totally compatible with biodiesel and even older models may be compatible. It's recommended that if your fuel runs through rubber pipes they must be replaced with plastic equivalents. Biodiesel will remove dirt in the engine left by previous use of petro-diesel and deposit it in the filters, therefore the filters need to be changed after the biodiesel has been used for a while. Biodiesel will work in most modern diesel engines (but not petrol!) but there are warranty implications - all vehicles should be checked for their compatibility for running on biodiesel.
D1 Oils is a British company which recognises the increasing demand for biodiesel and aims to become a global, sustainable, low cost supplier of crude vegetable oil and biodiesel refiner. It has developed plantation rights and established refinery operations in several international regions, creating a supply chain from seed selection through to the sale of biodiesel to end users. Currently it has four operations centred in the UK, South Africa, Asia Pacific and India. There are also projects in Madagascar and Saudi Arabia. The main plant source is the Jatropha tree which can grow in desert areas with a minimum requirement for water.
Grassolean is a US site where you can find information on starting your own Biodiesel project.
Green Fuels Ltd was formed to bring affordable and sustainable biodiesel technology to the UK and European marketplace. They market decentralised plant for making biodiesel on a scale suitable for home, business or locality. They also provide training.
Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI), http://www.lowimpact.org a non-profit organisation helping to protect the environment by promoting sustainable alternatives. They run hands-on courses throughout the year including several on making your own biodiesel and there's even one on vegetable oil as a motor fuel. They can also supply and deliver biodiesel to your home.
Bio'petrol' - Ethanol and Methanol Vehicles
Ethanol and Methanol are viable vehicle fuels which are an alternative to petrol in internal combustion engines, giving considerable carbon emission benefits if the fuel is derived biologically. It's cleaner inside the engine as well as outside. Vehicles usually require adaptation to convert from petrol to ethanol if the concentration exceeds 10% (E10) (manufacturers tend to be conservative and warranties usually state that no more than 5% ethanol should be added, however, most cars seem to run on E10). The required engine modifications to convert from petrol to ethanol are more extensive than those to convert diesel to biodiesel. Several manufacturers are working to produce vehicles that will run on an 85% proportion (E85) and in the Americas and Canada, Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on E85 as well as gasoline (petrol). Where ethanol can be produced in abundance, notably Brazil, the fuel is used widely. The alcohols also have potential for the raw source in fuel cells.
Recently, biofuels that can run with petrol have been introduced in the UK. The Saab BioPower and the Ford Focus Flexi-Fuel are the only two new vehicles on the market that are designed to run on biofuel. For more information see items in our News section.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel cells are seen as the fuel of the future. Although they are charged with very bulky hydrogen, it can be supplied in a liquid hydrocarbon compound and that way, theoretically, the density problem can be solved. To be climate-friendly the compound must be renewable (bio(m)ethanol for example), not petroleum based. One of the biggest attractions about hydrogen is that the only waste it produces is water.
Various manufacturers are developing prototype cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells however they still demand much research and development to be commercially viable in vehicles and it will be a number of years before they are widely available, together with the fuel, in the UK.
Other technologies
Citroen has developed 'Stop & Start' technology, currently used in two of its models. The normal petrol engine shuts down if the car stops in traffic in normal driving. You still pay a premium over standard models for this technology, but they are cheaper than hybrids - but the fuel savings are not as great - the fuel consumption does not improve significantly at all; like hybrids, they offer greatest benefit in urban areas.
For more information about green cars you can buy today see http://www.green-car-guide.com
Paul Clarke is the founder of the Green-Car-Guide.com which is designed to help motorists make an informed choice about environmentally-friendly cars, saving them money on fuel and car running costs. The Green-Car-Guide.com was the first website of its kind in the UK and was launched on 21st September 2006. For further information please go to www.green-car-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Clarke
Oil
The main criteria of a car's eco-friendliness is generally seen as the energy it uses in its operation. Cars have primarily run on oil-based fuel in the form of petrol or diesel for over a century. But we are now at the point where demand for oil is rising so much, and reserves are declining, that oil is actually running out. Oil prices have always been volatile and they react to speculation about events ranging from terrorism to hurricanes, but rising demand and diminishing reserves mean that overall, oil is just going to keep on getting more expensive. However despite this, most cars today still rely on oil as their primary source of energy; and oil is obviously a key contributor to carbon emissions, and climate change.
Petrol
Petrol has been the most popular fuel for cars in the UK for years; petrol engines are generally quiet and smooth, they are responsive and their performance is good. Petrol is currently slightly cheaper than diesel. Petrol engines emit around 10% more carbon dioxide (CO2) than diesel. However petrol cars pump out less toxic emissions than diesel. Unfortunately at the moment there is no single source of fuel which can compare with petroleum in terms of its instant bulk availability, energy density and (relative) cheapness.
Diesel
Diesel engines are more economical than petrol engines, therefore they emit less CO2. New 'common rail' diesels are approximately 10% more efficient than older diesels, and direct-injection diesel engines give the best fuel economy, diesels emit more particulates than petrol - but diesel engines with a particulate trap help prevent emissions of sooty particulates - ie. the clouds of smoke that you'll experience if you follow old buses through towns. So diesel engines will generally provide you with more miles per gallon than their equivalent petrol models - just look at the differences between similar vehicles in our Green Car Guide. Diesel is currently more expensive to buy than petrol, and the forecasts are that diesel prices will continue to rise more steeply than petrol in the near future.
Diesel engines have always been seen as slow and noisy, however technology has seen some remarkable advances in recent years; for instance Honda has developed their own diesel engine that is designed to be quiet, refined, clean and with instant response - fighting against all the old stereotypes.
LPG
Over recent years, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) has been a viable fuel option in the UK. LPG produces fewer emissions than petrol and diesel but fuel consumption is worse. It's been possible to convert many existing cars to run on LPG by after-market conversions, and some manufacturers such as Vauxhall have had new cars in their range that are dual-fuel, which are designed to run primarily on LPG with petrol back-up. There is a reasonable network of filling stations.
LPG, and natural gas in heavier vehicles, has been an attractive proposition in the past primarily due to its cheaper cost, as it has enjoyed less fuel duty. However there is no guarantee that the Chancellor will maintain this in the future, and although there are some emissions improvements over petrol, LPG is still derived from a fossil fuel and therefore still releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
CNG
Some vehicles, usually heavier vans or trucks that normally run on diesel, but also cars such as the Volvo (V70 Bi-Fuel), can run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), which again results in lower CO2 emissions than standard petrol cars, but the fuel is not as efficient as diesel. Finding CNG for refuelling can be a challenge.
Petrol-Electric Hybrids
Petrol-electric hybrid vehicles run on a combination of a conventional petrol engine and an electric motor powered by an energy storage device such as a battery pack. In simple terms they work on the principle that an electric motor provides the power at low speeds such as in urban driving, and they switch to petrol for driving at higher speeds. The batteries are recharged while driving and hybrids use regenerative braking, which means that energy is put back into the battery when braking, which improves energy efficiency.
Hybrid technologies improve fuel efficiency and therefore provide considerable fuel savings compared with a normal petrol vehicle - as well as carbon emissions savings. While models might cost more than conventional cars, running costs can be two-thirds that of equivalent petrol-fuelled vehicles.
Because of their lower CO2 emissions, hybrids also benefit from reduced vehicle excise duty and are treated favourably in Budgets. In addition they are exempted from the London Congestion Charge.
However at the moment there are a limited number of hybrid vehicle choices; there are currently just four hybrids available in the UK; the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Lexus RX400h and Lexus GS450h. As they are still a relatively new technology, there aren't many available second-hand and so they are quite expensive.
Toyota's first Prius (launched in Japan in 1997) didn't sell in great numbers, however a new model has been introduced and this is now proving more successful. Although it looks like a normal car, it is designed around energy efficiency, and has many clever technological features that assist fuel consumption, including air conditioning and brakes powered by electricity rather than by sapping energy from the petrol engine. Lexus, part of Toyota, has introduced a hybrid version of the RX300, known as the RX400h. This is an SUV and because of its size, it still only returns around 35mpg compared to the Prius's 65.7mpg.
Although the official fuel economy figures for cars such as the Toyota Prius at 65.7mpg sound great, they only really achieve maximum economy benefits in built-up areas where they primarily run on electric rather than petrol although the Prius can only drive for around a mile on battery power before needing to revert to petrol; in real-world motoring it seems difficult to attain the official figures. On a motorway run, a good diesel is likely to be more economical. Nevertheless hybrids are still one of the best options that the consumer has today to achieve better fuel economy, especially if much driving is done in towns, along with the financial benefits such as lower tax and escaping London's Congestion Charge.
Only petrol-electric hybrids are currently available; diesel-electric hybrids will achieve even better fuel consumption - watch out for these appearing in the not-too distant future.
Battery-Electric cars
Electric cars use a battery and electric motor to power the vehicle, meaning they have no emissions at the point of use. Due to the capacity of the battery, their range is normally limited to about 40-60 miles between recharges, which means they are only really suitable for city-based users.
Electric vehicles can be recharged by plugging them into an existing electrical socket, and some city councils are installing electric recharging points in car parks or on-street. However, they are only truly 'green' if they are recharged with electricity from renewable sources such as windfarms.
Electric cars are not subject to road tax and, as an added bonus for London drivers, they enjoy 100 per cent congestion charge discount. Drivers living in areas where they have to pay for residential parking permits might also find that they get a discount on this cost.
Electric cars are often regarded as the ideal non-polluters, but it's not quite that simple. They're obviously good for lack of tailpipe emissions and are near silent, but they need to carry rechargeable batteries. These batteries are not really energy sources, they are energy storers. This creates two issues. Firstly they are heavy and bulky with very low energy densities. Secondly, the original source of energy, for recharging, has to be questioned, because if it's not renewable, those vehicles will indirectly contribute to climate change. There is a further drawback; if their batteries are lead or cadmium-based, there is a serious pollution problem if they are not properly disposed of at the end of their life.
The only electric car available in the UK at the moment, although this is about to change, is the G-Wiz, a small car for about-town use, claimed to be the greenest, most energy-efficient and cheapest car to run in the UK. It has two front seats plus two children size seats, which can be folded down for luggage. It is in insurance group 1, exempt from VED and the London Congestion Charge, and qualifies for free or discounted parking in some London areas. The G-Wiz is claimed to consume just one quarter of the energy of a similar-sized petrol car and costs around just £1.64 a day to run, equivalent to around 600 miles per gallon.
Goingreen, the company behind the G-Wiz, should be commended on their efforts in bringing such a vehicle to the market, and for some people, in the centre of London for example, it can provide motoring with very low running costs. However it's not practical for everyone - its drawbacks include the fact that it needs a 6 hour recharge - you literally need to plug it in! - and its range and speed are limited. Apart from all that, its design is just not as cool, trendy and sophisticated as cars such as the Smart or even the Toyota Aygo.
In summary, viable electric vehicles are still around the corner while hybrids, bio-diesel and bio-ethanol vehicles are here now.
Biofuels
Biodiesel
Biofuel has traditionally been in the form of biodiesel, currently available in various types and qualities, primarily from vegetable oils, such as from recycled cooking oils, and from crops such as rapeseed oil, both of which avoid the carbon emissions of mineral diesel. However there is no wide availability, unless in industrial quantities, and it is more commonly used to blend with normal diesel. There's at least one company that is currently building up a world-wide biodiesel production and refining capacity but it's not ready yet.
A wide range of car manufacturers supply cars rated as totally compatible with biodiesel and even older models may be compatible. It's recommended that if your fuel runs through rubber pipes they must be replaced with plastic equivalents. Biodiesel will remove dirt in the engine left by previous use of petro-diesel and deposit it in the filters, therefore the filters need to be changed after the biodiesel has been used for a while. Biodiesel will work in most modern diesel engines (but not petrol!) but there are warranty implications - all vehicles should be checked for their compatibility for running on biodiesel.
D1 Oils is a British company which recognises the increasing demand for biodiesel and aims to become a global, sustainable, low cost supplier of crude vegetable oil and biodiesel refiner. It has developed plantation rights and established refinery operations in several international regions, creating a supply chain from seed selection through to the sale of biodiesel to end users. Currently it has four operations centred in the UK, South Africa, Asia Pacific and India. There are also projects in Madagascar and Saudi Arabia. The main plant source is the Jatropha tree which can grow in desert areas with a minimum requirement for water.
Grassolean is a US site where you can find information on starting your own Biodiesel project.
Green Fuels Ltd was formed to bring affordable and sustainable biodiesel technology to the UK and European marketplace. They market decentralised plant for making biodiesel on a scale suitable for home, business or locality. They also provide training.
Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI), http://www.lowimpact.org a non-profit organisation helping to protect the environment by promoting sustainable alternatives. They run hands-on courses throughout the year including several on making your own biodiesel and there's even one on vegetable oil as a motor fuel. They can also supply and deliver biodiesel to your home.
Bio'petrol' - Ethanol and Methanol Vehicles
Ethanol and Methanol are viable vehicle fuels which are an alternative to petrol in internal combustion engines, giving considerable carbon emission benefits if the fuel is derived biologically. It's cleaner inside the engine as well as outside. Vehicles usually require adaptation to convert from petrol to ethanol if the concentration exceeds 10% (E10) (manufacturers tend to be conservative and warranties usually state that no more than 5% ethanol should be added, however, most cars seem to run on E10). The required engine modifications to convert from petrol to ethanol are more extensive than those to convert diesel to biodiesel. Several manufacturers are working to produce vehicles that will run on an 85% proportion (E85) and in the Americas and Canada, Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on E85 as well as gasoline (petrol). Where ethanol can be produced in abundance, notably Brazil, the fuel is used widely. The alcohols also have potential for the raw source in fuel cells.
Recently, biofuels that can run with petrol have been introduced in the UK. The Saab BioPower and the Ford Focus Flexi-Fuel are the only two new vehicles on the market that are designed to run on biofuel. For more information see items in our News section.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel cells are seen as the fuel of the future. Although they are charged with very bulky hydrogen, it can be supplied in a liquid hydrocarbon compound and that way, theoretically, the density problem can be solved. To be climate-friendly the compound must be renewable (bio(m)ethanol for example), not petroleum based. One of the biggest attractions about hydrogen is that the only waste it produces is water.
Various manufacturers are developing prototype cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells however they still demand much research and development to be commercially viable in vehicles and it will be a number of years before they are widely available, together with the fuel, in the UK.
Other technologies
Citroen has developed 'Stop & Start' technology, currently used in two of its models. The normal petrol engine shuts down if the car stops in traffic in normal driving. You still pay a premium over standard models for this technology, but they are cheaper than hybrids - but the fuel savings are not as great - the fuel consumption does not improve significantly at all; like hybrids, they offer greatest benefit in urban areas.
For more information about green cars you can buy today see http://www.green-car-guide.com
Paul Clarke is the founder of the Green-Car-Guide.com which is designed to help motorists make an informed choice about environmentally-friendly cars, saving them money on fuel and car running costs. The Green-Car-Guide.com was the first website of its kind in the UK and was launched on 21st September 2006. For further information please go to www.green-car-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Clarke
Monday, 22 March 2010
Save Gas
The best way to save gas is to fit an HHO fuel cell to your current car or truck. HHO fuel, also known as hydroxy gas or Brown's gas, is currently the cheapest and safest method of making your vehicle use less gas (gasoline or petroleum). A simple kit is fitted to a standard internal combustion engine and you begin to save gas immediately.
Save Gas with HHO Cells
It is worth pointing out that these HHO cells or units which produce a bio car, or hybrid car, cost less than $150. The vehicle still uses some normal gas but the hydroxy gas which is added via the HHO cell burns 4 times more efficiently than gasoline. Most folks save gas up to 50%, halving their weekly spend at the gas pumps.
The kit is easy to construct and fit, although you may want to hand the instructions to your mechanic. He should be able to install it within a half day. From there on in you save gas every time you drive your car, SUV or truck. They work equally well with a diesel or gas powered engine. No warranties are invalidated, ever. The unit can be removed at any time, in a matter of minutes, without affecting the standard engine.
However, that is probably the last thing you will want to do if you want to save gas. Currently over 70,000 Americans are running their vehicles with the aid of an HHO cell, so the feedback is starting to produce some figures. Not only do you save gas by making the combustion more efficient, you will also find your vehicle has more power and torque. This leads to even more fuel savings, especially when pulling uphill.
Save Gas and Be Kind to Your Car and the Environment
Not only that, an HHO cell is kinder on your car. You intuitively guess this when you realize just how much quieter the engine is in operation. The bald facts are even more impressive. Studies have now shown that with an HHO kit a gasoline engine's life expectancy is doubled and a diesel engine lasts 70% longer.
That is two savings so far. Save gas by halving your spend on the forecourt and save by drastically increasing the life of your vehicle. But that is not where it ends. With energy supply and energy security now becoming major geopolitical concerns, the government is offering incentives to people who decide to save gas with kits.
The IRS now gives a tax refund of $2,000 for any car converted to save gas. That increases to $5,000 for a truck under 26,000 pounds gross weight. Anything over that and you receive a massive $50,000 rebate. Make sure you keep your receipts as proof of conversion and the paperwork is straightforward. For many people it is worth the conversion just for the tax benefits.
It is hoped that in the future cars will be running entirely on hydroxy gas. For now the choice is there for anyone wanting to save gas to go for the HHO kit option.
Save Gas: Convert to HHO
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Payn
Save Gas with HHO Cells
It is worth pointing out that these HHO cells or units which produce a bio car, or hybrid car, cost less than $150. The vehicle still uses some normal gas but the hydroxy gas which is added via the HHO cell burns 4 times more efficiently than gasoline. Most folks save gas up to 50%, halving their weekly spend at the gas pumps.
The kit is easy to construct and fit, although you may want to hand the instructions to your mechanic. He should be able to install it within a half day. From there on in you save gas every time you drive your car, SUV or truck. They work equally well with a diesel or gas powered engine. No warranties are invalidated, ever. The unit can be removed at any time, in a matter of minutes, without affecting the standard engine.
However, that is probably the last thing you will want to do if you want to save gas. Currently over 70,000 Americans are running their vehicles with the aid of an HHO cell, so the feedback is starting to produce some figures. Not only do you save gas by making the combustion more efficient, you will also find your vehicle has more power and torque. This leads to even more fuel savings, especially when pulling uphill.
Save Gas and Be Kind to Your Car and the Environment
Not only that, an HHO cell is kinder on your car. You intuitively guess this when you realize just how much quieter the engine is in operation. The bald facts are even more impressive. Studies have now shown that with an HHO kit a gasoline engine's life expectancy is doubled and a diesel engine lasts 70% longer.
That is two savings so far. Save gas by halving your spend on the forecourt and save by drastically increasing the life of your vehicle. But that is not where it ends. With energy supply and energy security now becoming major geopolitical concerns, the government is offering incentives to people who decide to save gas with kits.
The IRS now gives a tax refund of $2,000 for any car converted to save gas. That increases to $5,000 for a truck under 26,000 pounds gross weight. Anything over that and you receive a massive $50,000 rebate. Make sure you keep your receipts as proof of conversion and the paperwork is straightforward. For many people it is worth the conversion just for the tax benefits.
It is hoped that in the future cars will be running entirely on hydroxy gas. For now the choice is there for anyone wanting to save gas to go for the HHO kit option.
Save Gas: Convert to HHO
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Payn
Friday, 19 March 2010
Top 9 Tips for Buying A Fuel-Efficient Car
Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, fuel efficiency--good gas mileage--is high on the list of most buyers' concerns. The difference between choosing a fuel-efficient car or one that guzzles gas, will either save or cost you money over the life of the vehicle, which could be substantial. Fuel efficiency varies widely from one car to the next. Obviously you can check the EPA rating for city/highway MPG on the window sticker, although most of us know the average car never reaches those numbers.
You can also check consumer guides, car magazines and Web sites, Web site forums or ask friends, relatives and co-workers which vehicles they recommend as fuel-efficient cars. Don't buy more car than you need, as larger vehicles generally have bigger engines that are less fuel-efficient. Find the most fuel-efficient car in the size group you're interested in, whether a two-seater, compact, mid-sized, SUV or pickup truck. There are several online sites where you can compare fuel consumption ratings of any car.
Your choice of transmission can also affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Generally, a car with manual transmission is a more fuel-efficient car than one with automatic-assuming you shift properly. And a manual with overdrive, tachometer or shift indicator is the biggest fuel saver, saving up to 10% on fuel costs. If you do buy an automatic, which makes more sense for larger cars, the more gears the better.
Under normal driving conditions, smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency and economy than larger ones. All other things being equal, the larger engine and the more cylinders it has, the more fuel it consumes. Additionally, cars with smaller engines usually cost less and gas costs are lower because you don't need higher octane gas. That doesn't mean a bigger engine is never a good choice. In some cases, a larger, more powerful engine may provide the greater fuel efficiency. If you use your vehicle for work or often tow heavy loads, a smaller engine could burn more fuel if it has to work too hard and function beyond its most fuel-efficient range.
Depending on the type and size of motor vehicle you purchase, you may have the choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The majority of passenger cars and minivans have front-wheel drive, a design that supplies better traction and more interior room than rear-wheel drive. Although front-wheel drive was originally adopted to improve fuel economy over rear-wheel drive by reducing the weight and size of cars without giving up driving performance or interior space, there's really not much difference in fuel efficiency between the two.
And although four-wheel and all-wheel drive provide better traction and braking in certain driving conditions, the weight and friction of the additional drivetrain parts may increase fuel consumption by up to 10% over a two-wheel drive vehicle. Most often in SUVs and pickup trucks, four-wheel drive is enabled at will by the driver when additional traction is necessary. All-wheel drive is an option on some SUVs and a minority of passenger cars. Full-time all-wheel drive, however, makes for the least fuel-efficient car, because all four wheels are always being driven, drawing power from the engine and thus using more gas.
Another way to be a fuel saver, is by limiting the options you select for your car. You may not have realized that many conveniences from power windows, seats and mirrors to air conditioning and seat warmers decrease fuel efficiency and cost you more in fuel consumption. They add either weight, increase aerodynamic drag or pull extra power from the engine or through the alternator.
Aluminium wheels are one of the few options that actually reduce weight and thereby increase fuel efficiency.
Obviously, considering other fuel options such as a hybrid electric car, is another choice for a fuel-efficient car.
© 2004 AllAboutHybridCars.com. Any reproduction of this article in any manner is prohibited without the consent of AllAboutHybridCars.com. We give permission to use this article on your website or e-zine if you reproduce it exactly as it appears here including this notice. Visit http://www.AllAboutHybridCars.com/eBook.htm to order your FREE report, "7 Critical Facts Everyone should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Glass
You can also check consumer guides, car magazines and Web sites, Web site forums or ask friends, relatives and co-workers which vehicles they recommend as fuel-efficient cars. Don't buy more car than you need, as larger vehicles generally have bigger engines that are less fuel-efficient. Find the most fuel-efficient car in the size group you're interested in, whether a two-seater, compact, mid-sized, SUV or pickup truck. There are several online sites where you can compare fuel consumption ratings of any car.
Your choice of transmission can also affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Generally, a car with manual transmission is a more fuel-efficient car than one with automatic-assuming you shift properly. And a manual with overdrive, tachometer or shift indicator is the biggest fuel saver, saving up to 10% on fuel costs. If you do buy an automatic, which makes more sense for larger cars, the more gears the better.
Under normal driving conditions, smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency and economy than larger ones. All other things being equal, the larger engine and the more cylinders it has, the more fuel it consumes. Additionally, cars with smaller engines usually cost less and gas costs are lower because you don't need higher octane gas. That doesn't mean a bigger engine is never a good choice. In some cases, a larger, more powerful engine may provide the greater fuel efficiency. If you use your vehicle for work or often tow heavy loads, a smaller engine could burn more fuel if it has to work too hard and function beyond its most fuel-efficient range.
Depending on the type and size of motor vehicle you purchase, you may have the choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The majority of passenger cars and minivans have front-wheel drive, a design that supplies better traction and more interior room than rear-wheel drive. Although front-wheel drive was originally adopted to improve fuel economy over rear-wheel drive by reducing the weight and size of cars without giving up driving performance or interior space, there's really not much difference in fuel efficiency between the two.
And although four-wheel and all-wheel drive provide better traction and braking in certain driving conditions, the weight and friction of the additional drivetrain parts may increase fuel consumption by up to 10% over a two-wheel drive vehicle. Most often in SUVs and pickup trucks, four-wheel drive is enabled at will by the driver when additional traction is necessary. All-wheel drive is an option on some SUVs and a minority of passenger cars. Full-time all-wheel drive, however, makes for the least fuel-efficient car, because all four wheels are always being driven, drawing power from the engine and thus using more gas.
Another way to be a fuel saver, is by limiting the options you select for your car. You may not have realized that many conveniences from power windows, seats and mirrors to air conditioning and seat warmers decrease fuel efficiency and cost you more in fuel consumption. They add either weight, increase aerodynamic drag or pull extra power from the engine or through the alternator.
Aluminium wheels are one of the few options that actually reduce weight and thereby increase fuel efficiency.
Obviously, considering other fuel options such as a hybrid electric car, is another choice for a fuel-efficient car.
© 2004 AllAboutHybridCars.com. Any reproduction of this article in any manner is prohibited without the consent of AllAboutHybridCars.com. We give permission to use this article on your website or e-zine if you reproduce it exactly as it appears here including this notice. Visit http://www.AllAboutHybridCars.com/eBook.htm to order your FREE report, "7 Critical Facts Everyone should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Glass
Thursday, 18 March 2010
How to Save More Gasoline
How to Save More Gasoline When Driving - 3 Methods You Can Apply Immediately
Soon enough, oil, a natural resource will run out. As oil is an important commodity today, it does follow the business law. The law of supply and demand. Price of oil is always going up, due to its scarcity. It is always wise to know how to save your gasoline when driving your vehicle.
1. Read Your Tire Pressure (written at the tire) and Inflate Up to 80%
If it states 100kPa or 100psi on your tire, then you better inflate the tires up to 80kPa or 80psi the next time you visit the gas station. Your car exerts more energy when running on flat tires. Remember paddling a flat bicycle when you were young? It is the same.
2. Look Ahead of You
Especially there is a traffic light in front, do not step on the accelerate pedal all the way till you stop. Instead, let your car 'roll' its way to stop. When rolling, stepping on the accelerate pedal is unnecessary. This also applies when there is a stopped row of cars ahead of you. Think minimal effort. Let your car rest.
3. Never Ever Leave Your Window Open, Not Even One
This is a sin. Incoming and outgoing wind cause strong pressure. This pressure disrupts the environment air flow of your car. Thus, reducing aerodynamics. When car aerodynamics is affected, your car exerts more effort, eating up more gasoline in the process.
Practise these 3 tips and you will indefinitely save your money. If you had not known about this, God is blessing you with this article today.
Alfred writes on self improvement and provides useful tips about its relevant topics. You can also find him where he has a latest website at http://www.plasticstoragecarts.org/ which helps people find plastic storage drawer and useful information when they are looking for when needing plastic storage carts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alfred_Chai_Wei_Liang
Thursday, 11 March 2010
How You Can Laugh at Gas Prices With Hydrogen HHO
There's a cry heard among the general public these days - woe is the economy. Part of our woes is the price of gas at the gas pump down the street and around the corner. We all find the cheapest gas in town and drive across town to get there. Why? Because gas prices are outrageous and some say they are soon to rise. Instead of being at the mercy of oil and gas companies and their changing prices, you can now do something about it. Using a new method with old principles, you can now build a car that runs on water. It is possible by creating a gas from hydrogen (hho). It is a simple process where the hydrogen and oxygen molecules separate. It is so interesting to watch a simple demonstration for hydrogen hho.
There are now downloadable guides that will tell you quickly how you can do this yourself at home.You can save up to fifity per cent in gas, and double your truck and car mileage while protecting the environment too. With this type of instruction, it says you can start laughing at high gas prices and long lines at the gas station on days when one station is cheaper. This process works on 99.9% of all vehicles to convert water into hydrogen (HHO gas) which includes diesel, hybrid vehicles, gas and petrol.Your vehicle warranty is unaffected and you can uninstall it if you don't like it.You don't have to modify your engine and it is safe. This system claims to be the least expensive system to build with the least amount of power consumed.
They also say that it will result in up to three times the gas savings than other systems that center around spiral cables or plates. This one even works in weather below freezing and we have certainly had our share of that this year! One person in Florida that operates a florist, claims that he is averaging 65 miles per gallon with his delivery trucks - an increase of 213%. Some report as much as 85.3 miles per gallon in their vehicles which was an increase of 115%. You need to read this report in more detail to answer the questions that I am certain have popped into your mind as you read this. It is relatively inexpensive to buy and as we all have heard, the government will now pay you tax rebates for driving a "green" or environmentally-friendly vehicle.
Watch the video and save carloads of gas and check out this green concept of hydrogen HHO style
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Chiles
There are now downloadable guides that will tell you quickly how you can do this yourself at home.You can save up to fifity per cent in gas, and double your truck and car mileage while protecting the environment too. With this type of instruction, it says you can start laughing at high gas prices and long lines at the gas station on days when one station is cheaper. This process works on 99.9% of all vehicles to convert water into hydrogen (HHO gas) which includes diesel, hybrid vehicles, gas and petrol.Your vehicle warranty is unaffected and you can uninstall it if you don't like it.You don't have to modify your engine and it is safe. This system claims to be the least expensive system to build with the least amount of power consumed.
They also say that it will result in up to three times the gas savings than other systems that center around spiral cables or plates. This one even works in weather below freezing and we have certainly had our share of that this year! One person in Florida that operates a florist, claims that he is averaging 65 miles per gallon with his delivery trucks - an increase of 213%. Some report as much as 85.3 miles per gallon in their vehicles which was an increase of 115%. You need to read this report in more detail to answer the questions that I am certain have popped into your mind as you read this. It is relatively inexpensive to buy and as we all have heard, the government will now pay you tax rebates for driving a "green" or environmentally-friendly vehicle.
Watch the video and save carloads of gas and check out this green concept of hydrogen HHO style
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Chiles
Monday, 1 March 2010
5 Ways to Save Gas
Stop wasting hundreds of dollars at the gas pump.
With prices the way they are this is far too expensive a habit.
I have comprised a list of the best 5 ways to save gas so you can start taking back control of your gas budget.
#1 Way to Save Gas.
Purchase your gas using a gas saving credit card.
Most of these offer 5-10% cash back when you purchase gas.
Potential Saving: $4000 annual gas bill x 5% = $200 saving
#2 Way to Save Gas.
If you don't need higher octane gas, don't use it. Using Premium when your vehicle doesn't need it can actually do harm and make it run hotter than it should. As Regular is on average 20 cents cheaper you can save a bundle too.
Potential Saving: $4000 annual gas bill / $4 x 20c = $200 saving
# 3 Way to Save Gas.
Regular maintenance and a good tune up will make your car better running and last longer. This alone can improve your mileage by 20%. You may have some costs in this one but the savings are well worth it.
Potential Saving: $4000 annual gas bill x 20% = $800 saving
# 4 Way to Save Gas.
Not only will incorrectly inflated tires wear out quicker but it will also make your car less efficient and cost more in gas. Just 5 pounds under inflated can cost you 2% extra on your fuel.
Potential Saving: $4000 annual gas bill x 2% = $80 saving
#5 Way to Save Gas.
This is the biggest saver but as there is some cost involved I've put it last. The cost is minimal compared to the saving and should be considered as an investment.
There are ready made kits available to simply just "bolt on" or you can build your own from readily available items. Either way you shouldn't be spending more than a few hundred dollars and probably much less. The average saving in fuel economy is 30-40% (depending on vehicle).
Potential Saving: $4000 annual gas bill x 30% = $1200 saving
Wow! A $1200 potential saving. Once you deduct the cost of the kit this saving is still one of the best ways to save gas you can find, in my opinion.
Convert to Using Water. Correct tire pressure.Have your car serviced.Use the correct octane fuel for your vehicle.
At Run Your Car Cheaper we are committed to finding solutions to the rising cost of fuel. Come visit us and start saving on your gas costs.
Join the free ezine for all the latest gas saving tips and get a bonus ebook on How to Beat the Gas Pump Monster CLICK HERE
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Gayler
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Prius hybrid from Toyota
The Toyota Prius is the first car of its kind. This hybrid is not only useful but also helpful to the environment because if you drive at less than 30mph it relies on the electric part of its engine. This makes it a good car to drive in the town and in cities where your speed is unlikely to be very high because it means you aren't using fuel. This is one reason why the Toyota Prius is a good idea - it saves you money as well as saving the environment. Not only does the Prius's electric engine not emit lots of toxic gas but it won't emit much noise either so it's good for driving down peaceful country lanes and in built-up areas. In fact, it excels at driving in built-up areas so well it is the car of choice for Hollywood's elite, people you will join the ranks of if you buy one.
When going at high speeds though, the Prius relies on its normal petrol engine which isn't as good for the environment. It is still relatively green, though, considering the size of the car itself; a 1.5 litre petrol engine will do 66mpg, for example. This makes it frugal as well as efficient, perfect for a large family who have had to tighten their belts recently.
Looks-wise the Prius looks like an normal family car; nothing special, just classically car shaped, decent if you will. The size means that inside is perfectly spacious, it's possible to fit five adults without a problem. They also wouldn't mind being there because there's lots of head and leg room and there is lots of equipment that comes as standard. Interior quality is up to its usual Toyota standard as is the build quality.
To drive the car is lively with a decent grip although the power steering may feel slightly detached to some but the Prius is good to its passengers with its quick acceleration and smooth ride. It takes a steady 10.9 seconds to go from 0-62mph, not bad for a family car of its size.
Prices for used Toyota Priuses vary quite a lot depending on age and mileage. If you aren't too bothered about how old your Prius is you can find X registrations for about £1,700 but it's important to take into account that as the car is quite old it's done lots of miles, sometimes over 110,000. The most popular model of Prius for sale seems to be the 1.5 litre engine version (whether that be automatic or manual) and you can generally pick one up for around £5000 if you opt for an early model or £13,000 for a later one. If you're going to choose a Toyota this is a good model to buy, you'll save money and people on the street will love you for saving the planet.
www.sytner.co.uk/toyota-world/used-cars.aspx
Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Used Toyota cars.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Ridgard
When going at high speeds though, the Prius relies on its normal petrol engine which isn't as good for the environment. It is still relatively green, though, considering the size of the car itself; a 1.5 litre petrol engine will do 66mpg, for example. This makes it frugal as well as efficient, perfect for a large family who have had to tighten their belts recently.
Looks-wise the Prius looks like an normal family car; nothing special, just classically car shaped, decent if you will. The size means that inside is perfectly spacious, it's possible to fit five adults without a problem. They also wouldn't mind being there because there's lots of head and leg room and there is lots of equipment that comes as standard. Interior quality is up to its usual Toyota standard as is the build quality.
To drive the car is lively with a decent grip although the power steering may feel slightly detached to some but the Prius is good to its passengers with its quick acceleration and smooth ride. It takes a steady 10.9 seconds to go from 0-62mph, not bad for a family car of its size.
Prices for used Toyota Priuses vary quite a lot depending on age and mileage. If you aren't too bothered about how old your Prius is you can find X registrations for about £1,700 but it's important to take into account that as the car is quite old it's done lots of miles, sometimes over 110,000. The most popular model of Prius for sale seems to be the 1.5 litre engine version (whether that be automatic or manual) and you can generally pick one up for around £5000 if you opt for an early model or £13,000 for a later one. If you're going to choose a Toyota this is a good model to buy, you'll save money and people on the street will love you for saving the planet.
www.sytner.co.uk/toyota-world/used-cars.aspx
Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Used Toyota cars.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Ridgard
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
How to Save Money at the Petrol Pump
You may be surprised to find that there are many ways which you can help yourself to cut down the cost of running your car. But we are not talking about shopping around for car insurance or trading in your flashy sports model for a little run-around - we are talking about fuel!
By paying a little attention to your car and treating it correctly you can save money at the petrol pumps. Here are some excellent tips to help you get on top and start cutting down on the cost of your fuel.
First of all, make sure that you get your engine tuned on a regular basis. By keeping your engine in tip-top shape you can help to save yourself money. The most important part when it comes to saving on fuel this way is the oxygen sensor, this alone can increase or decrease your car’s efficiency by as much as 40%.
Always make sure that you keep an eye on your tyres. A once a week check is ideal. Inflate them when necessary as under inflated tyres force your car to work harder on the road. So always make sure that when you fill up your car that the tyres are optimal for the recommended pounds per square inch.
Using the right motor oil in our car can help to save you money too. Using the correct motor oil can help to make your car run much more efficiently which in turn saves you money.
Getting rid of any extra weight that doesn’t need to be in your car can help greatly to reduce the amount of fuel which your car uses. So this means that its time to clear out the boot of your car and get rid of the junk!
Finally, sign up to a website that has fuel price alerts - they can tell you the cheapest fuel prices near to your postcode.
Louis Rix is Director of Netcars.co.uk, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. Established in 2000, its mission is to become the UK's number one site for used car searches and motoring information. Netcars also provide car loans, finance and insurance and car data checks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Rix
The gas prices are out of this world! Many families cant afford last years gas prices and now with gas prices exceeding 5.00 in many cities families are forced to cut back and live frugal.There is hardly any cities left that have gas prices for less than 4.00 a gallon.It costs Americans tons of money to fill up there economy cars.
What can be done to save money on gasoline now? There's no immediate simple answer to address this. One method to be honest is to walk around and work out more.Instead of driving your gas guzzling suv 6 blocks down the road go ahead and save gas and take a brisk walk and get in shape.If you commute to work,try carpooling to save tons on gas.If you and a few others use one car to drive and split the cost with everyone that carpools with you that will add up greatly.
You can always trade in your 6 or 8 cylinder vehicle for a gas sipping 4 cylinder economy car.They can get mid 30's to 40 mpg on the highway and are very inexpensive to maintain.Always do regular tune ups and flush your fluids according to its maintenance schedule.A clean motor will save more gas than a car that has been using the same oil and filters for past 3000 miles.
One popular method that Americans are turning to save money on gasoline is to convert your car to run on a water/gas mixture.Water can be found anywhere and you can safely carry it with you on your vehicle.
This content is provided by Danny Sanchez. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on this topic, and how to save on gasoline,get free psp,xbox 360,ps3 games,and free tv,please visit http://saveonstuff.zoomshare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danny_Sanchez
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
