Popular Toyota Prius Now Runs on Goodyear Tires

North America's largest tire maker was selected to provide its Goodyear Integrity tires for the 2005 Prius.  The tires are designed to offer a smooth ride -- essential to the fuel efficiency targets of the vehicle.
The Prius, which qualifies as a "hybrid" vehicle, powered by both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 55 miles per gallon.
Driving the car at low speeds and by assisting the gas engine during acceleration the battery-powered motor helps save fuel and reduce emissions. No plug-in is required as coasting and decelerating recharge the motor's batteries.
The Prius, now has a decent set of tires -- P185/65R15 Goodyear Integrity.  Built to favor fuel economy over luxurious touring or sporty auto crossing, the Goodyear tires roll quietly down the road and generate 0.76 g of sideways stick in the corners and 0.89 g in a straight line under braking.

To draw attention to the increasing performance capabilities of today's hybrid vehicles a specially designed Prius set a hybrid vehicle land speed record at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, topping 130 miles per hour.
I t must be noted that Prius used unique 26-inch front and 25-inch rear Goodyear Eagle race tires to accomplish the high speed mark. Goodyear tires are original equipment on many vehicles from Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Jeep, Isuzu, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Mercury, Chevrolet, Nissan, Land Rover and Toyota. 
The Prius-Goodyear connection also has worked well in an application far different from what drivers of the hybrid car will experience on normal streets and highways.
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About The Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it.  She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
jenny@partstrain.com

Buying A Used Car - The Wise Way!

I have always purchased my cars used. And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree. There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.
Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.
Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Are you going to purchase from an individual?
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!


About The Author

Ryan Larson
This article courtesy of http://www.auto-warranty-shopper.com/
support@arundel.net

Helping Your Car Run The Extra Mile

A little extra care here and there when it comes to your car, and you'll find yourself saving loads of money - not just on repairs, but on fuel as well!
Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. This means less money in your wallet. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.
I know it doesn't always fit into your schedule. You just have to make yourself do it. If the dealer is charging an arm and a leg for a tune-up, get a second opinion at a local reputable car repair shop. They can do the same service schedule, usually at a greater savings to you.

These tune-ups not only keep your car running smoothly, but they’ll help when you’re ready for a newer vehicle. A smooth running car means a better trade in value for you.
Check your tires for proper inflation. Under-inflation actually wastes fuel. It causes your engine to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you will save when you fill up.
Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and the jerky stop-and-go routine. (Pass the barf bag, please!) Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.
Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so there's no need to warm your car up for half an hour on cold winter mornings.
Keep your air conditioner in top condition.
Remove extra items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Storing luggage in the trunk rather than on the roof reduces air drag. All these little things add up.
Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions.
Join a car pool. At least, ask if someone wants to share a ride if you're just headed one place and then back.
Remember, how you drive your car, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all affect the environment. So take good care of your baby! Go the extra mile for it, and it will run the extra miles for you!


About The Author

John Sanderson
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-audio-shopper.com/
support@arundel.net