Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lot—that they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’re not sacrificing performance and that they’re helping the environment.
Let’s first take a look at how these cars are put together. First, we have to understand the concept of “hybrid”. A hybrid car might be defined as any vehicle that uses two or more sources of energy to propel itself. Seems simple enough. Hybrid machinery is all around us in the form of
diesel-electric, such as city buses, and nuclear-electric, such as those used on many US submarines. So, the idea and the technology have been around awhile—it’s just now that another energy scare like that of the 1970s, that we start becoming resourceful and a little ingenious. Hybrid power is on the up-rise (and in-demand) only because the two different types of propulsion possibilities (gasoline/diesel and electric) standing alone have proven an ineffective means to get both power and efficiency in one package. But, working together, there is promise.
A hybrid car, in modern terminology, is usually referring to any car that has a combination of an electric and a gasoline (or diesel) motors. These cars use kinetic energy (referred to as regenerative breaking), absorbed by your breaks when you slow down to a stop, to recharge batteries that in turn push the electric motor. All of this is combined into one finely tuned schematic—the result being power to the transmission and propulsion power (i.e. wheel movement).
All hybrids contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission.
There are basically two different types of hybrid engines. The first is a parallel hybrid. This sort of hybrid actually contains both a gasoline and electric motor that both operate independently to propel the car forward. It’s designed to have two power sources working with one goal in mind. In many ways, they are still “connected”.
The second hybrid is often referred to as a series hybrid. In a series hybrid, the gas or diesel powered engine doesn’t connect to the transmission directly, meaning that it doesn’t actually propel the car by itself. It actually works indirectly, powering a generator, which in turn (controlled by computer monitoring systems) either feeds power to the batteries or directly feeds power to an electric motor that connects to the transmission.
As stated above, hybrid buyers are looking for the combination (and compromise) of power and energy that these cars seem to provide. Many gas-powered cars have a lot of horsepower. This is useful for modern driving experiences. No one wants to be doing the minimum 45 mph on the interstate and stopping to “refuel,” as with purely electric motors. Plus, there’s no need to feel like you should have placed your slow-moving reflective magnet on the trunk. However, many gas-powered cars are truly “wasteful” resources because out of those 175 horses, you’ll only have to use less than half that power for everyday driving. We don’t even have to get into the harmful environmental factors of pure gasoline engines. We are just now starting to see the results of our apathetic attitudes on this subject.
The engines in hybrid automobiles are usually much smaller (except in some brand new V-6 models). While this reduces fuel consumption, it means that for the extra “power” that drivers are looking for has to come from somewhere else. That’s where the electric motor and batteries come into play. In some models, sensors detect that the car is in need of extra energy for going up hill, for example. That’s when the “hybrid” half of the engine kicks in. It will do a dandy job of giving the engine that extra oomph or boost that it needs, without using any more gasoline.
Newer hybrid models do a lot of extra tricks so that your car gets as many miles to the gallon as possible. For example, when you’re stopped at a traffic light, another sensor will trigger the gasoline engine to idle down to a complete stop, while the car stays “running” solely on its electric power. Did I mention ingenious?
Since the idea behind the hybrid powered car is reduced fuel consumption without the loss of speed or power, many cars are being designed to move through the streets with the utmost in aerodynamic form; meaning that a hybrid will create less “drag,” simply due to its body structure. Many also use much lighter building materials, reducing weight and pull. Some models even have wheel covers and no mirrors (replaced with cameras and navigation equipment), which saves an enormous amount of energy.
Hybrids don’t seem to be a fad or some social experiment. Consumers and car enthusiasts alike are enjoying what they’re seeing in the market. Everyday it seems a better designed, lighter; more fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid enters. Recently released models are even beating their gas-powered counterparts. One boasts a 255 hp engine with other capabilities such as being able to shut down half the cylinders (without notice) while in motion to conserve fuel and energy.
Hybrid-engineered cars cost a bit more too. Usually the price difference is around 3,000 bucks. And, it may take a few years (depending on gas prices) for you to actually make the savings in fuel worthwhile. However, it’s still better for the environment, and that lingers (and makes it worthwhile) in some consumers’ minds.
And, if you are still one to wholeheartedly grip the stick of your V-8 without budging, you might take into mind that newer hybrid models are gaining on those petal-to-the-metal peelers of yesteryear. Hybrid models are inching nearer to (and even beating!) gas powered cars in 0 to 60 mph road tests.
So, when you decide that a new car might be a viable option in the near future, don’t expect to see too many hybrids in dealers’ lots. You may have to do some across-the-state driving to find a choice. Do some preliminary searching on the Internet and find out what model may benefit you and your lifestyle the most. Keep in mind all that we’ve mentioned and perhaps—in the future—you’ll have no other choice than a hybrid, which at this time seems to be by far the best choice around.
About The Author
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics in his website http://www.enginestar.com/, including: http://www.enginestar.com/jdm-engines.html and http://www.enginestar.com/used-nissan-engines.html. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.
Showing posts with label gasoline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gasoline. Show all posts
Gas Pump Money Saving Tips
These days, it’s more important than ever to stretch your dollars at the gas pump.
Here are ten gasoline buying tips to help you do that.
1. Shop Around
Prices vary among stations that sell the same brand. Find a station that sells your favorite brand cheaper. Prices between brands can vary. You can save money by switching brands.
2. Use a Gasoline Credit Card
Some give a 5 to 10 percent rebate on purchases.
3. Buy Gasoline in the Morning
Gasoline is denser during the morning when temperatures are colder. Gas pumps measure and charge by volume, not density. You’ll be getting more solid fuel rather than vapors for your money.
4. Buy Gas from a Busy Station
Busy gas stations refill their underground tanks often. Slower stations don’t. Therefore, their tanks may have stale contaminated gas. Older fuel is poorer on fuel economy and performance.
5. Turn the Nozzle
Twist the gas pump nozzle 180 degrees when done. This can add up to an extra four ounces to your tank.
6. Stop Using High-Octane Gas
High-octane gas costs more than regular. If you car isn’t pinging, use regular unleaded. You’ll save up to 20 cents per gallon.
7. Avoid Topping-Off
The pump needs time to draw out the full amount. It doesn’t get it when you Top-off. You pay extra for these short- burst of fuel. Wait until your tank is at least half-full before you fill it up.
8. Avoid Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
The refilling of underground tanks stirs up particles that lay at the bottom. If these particles get in to your gas tank, they can cut the fuel efficiency of your car.
9. Pump Your Own Gas
Use the self-serve rather than the full-serve pump. Full- serve gasoline costs more. You save money pumping gas yourself.
10. Tighten the Gas Cap
Twist the cap until you hear it click. This prevents gasoline from evaporating and escaping.
Final Thought
These ten tips are easy to apply. Remember to use them each time at the gas pump. You’ll be stretching your gas dollars.
About The Author
Leroy Chan makes available a special report that exposes the tricks drivers must learn to avoid paying too much for a tank of gas. Information on this and more can be found on his site:
http://www.gaspumpmoneysavingtips.com/
18 Tips for Saving Money on Gasoline
1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline.
2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving.
3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!
4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).
5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.
6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.
7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around.
8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.
9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold.
10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down.
11. Try to drive the speed limit.
12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on gas.
13. No need to buy the highest priced gasoline. Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the more expensive gas is a waste of money.
14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off.
15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.
16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible.
17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline.
18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 miles-per-gallon and 40 miles-per-gallon is huge.
--
You can publish this article in your publications as long as the footer at the end of the article is included and links are made active where possible. Please send a courtesy copy to fisher@thriftyfun.com
About The Author
Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/
Negotiating Tips When You Buy A Car
Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. And when you consider that negotiating will almost always get you a better deal, you'll be more inclined to try it.
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you're dealing with an expert. You will need to know how to get through their "car speak" in order to be successful.
Once you learn to calculate your offer and know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.
If you've followed these tips, and are pre-approved for a loan, you must next focus on getting in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the salesman will certainly find more loopholes to hike up your costs if you stay.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
- Remain positive and confident
- Don't talk down to your opponent
- Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up
- Bring ads from other dealerships with you
- Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees
- Bring a friend with you for extra support
About The Author
Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.usgastracker.org/, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands or gas stations across the nation are contacted daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.Go get your cheaper gas now!
http://www.usgastracker.org/
petelance1@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
