January 17, 2008

The Latest On 2008 Hybrid Cars

Environmentally conscious drivers will have more hybrid car and hybrid truck options this year and next, as auto manufacturers continue to roll out new versions and models. Consumer demand for hybrids continues to increase, as consumers begin to understand and accept hybrid vehicles as a viable alternative.

Hybrid cars (and trucks) are designed to reduce emissions by having at least two separate power sources. Basically, instead of relying on burning fuel for all its power, a hybrid vehicle typically uses both an energy storage system in addition to gasoline, thereby expending less gasoline and less emissions.

Specifically, an energy storage system in a hybrid vehicle will in effect recognize when fuel is being wasted and will recycle energy to power the car or truck. Wasteful car and truck actions such as idling, traffic stops, etc. are recognized by the energy storage system and the gasoline burning engine is stopped. City drivers in particular notice a greater fuel economy with hybrids due to the constant stop and go flow of heavy city traffic.

What You Should Expect To See In 2008:

New Hybrid Sedans:

Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion lead the list of new hybrid car choices later this year. Also, you'll see Chevrolet introduce the Chevy Malibu as a hybrid model later this summer as a 2009 model. Saturn's AURA will also arrive as the latest addition to their Green Line.

2008 SUV's and Crossover Hybrids:

Toyota will roll out their Sienna hybrid minivan and also expect to see a Toyota Prius with significantly less weight than the standard Prius. Also, Saturn will introduce their VUE Green Line, touted as having almost 50% fewer emissions vs. their regular model. Also appearing will be the Chevy Equinox SUV.

Hybrid Pickups and Hybrid Trucks:

The Chevrolet Silverado, a full size pickup, will debut as a 2009 hybrid model. Also from General Motors, the GMC Sierra full size pickup will arrive later in 2008 as a 2009 model.

What Else Is New In The 2008 Hybrid Car World:

The Chinese auto manufacturer SAIE rolls out their very first 2008 hybrid car offering this year, introducing the Roewe 750, a midsize car. The Roewe 750 is patterned after the United Kingdom's famous Rover 75.

We'll be seeing auto manufacturers continue to roll out new hybrid car and truck models as consumer demand increases. Expect to see significant new hybrid developments as we head toward 2009 and 2010.

For a comprehensive look at 2008 hybrid cars, including hybrid car and truck comparisons and availability, be sure to visit our new 2008 hybrid car resource site at http://www.hybridcars101.info

By Jim Hofman

Why Alternative Fuel?

In the United States there is a crisis. A crisis of security... A crisis of external threat to our way of life. A crisis of energy... A crisis of oil dependence... A crisis of economic breakdown. With the fuel prices soaring and the tensions and war brewing in the middle eastern block countries, our economy, our nation and our security can no longer tolerate dependence on middle eastern (arabic) oil supplies.

And yet, with all the evidence in our faces, at the gas stations, reflected in the soaring gas prices, breaking the $3.00 barrier as of summer '07 at nearly every gas station and filling house across the US, the continuing quagmire of the war in the country of Iraq, the Iran affair in most recent news, the hike in per barrel costs of oil coming out of the Arab Emirate nations, and the fact that we still find more and more conspiracy among those nations with terrorists...

The huge cost to both our pocket books and to our environmental well being, national security, the green house effect continuing to balloon and the recent housing bubble and the declining dollar value on the world market...

These all point to one thing... Our energy dependence is killing this country. It's eliminating our ability on an economic level to maintain our sovereignty as a nation and our love affair with the large gas guzzling SUV is killing our environment. Something must be done.

Some steps have been taken, in the form of electric hybrids, as well as some vehicles which operate entirely on electricity. However, electric cars do not yet have the range of petrol fueled automobiles.

Now, after 90 years, a rather old technology has finally made a fresh emergence. It's also worked it's way to the forefront as a means to begin the move from fossil fuels to hydro fuels.

What are hydro fuels? In short, hydro fuels are fuels which are derived from sources of hydrogen. Traditionally, hydrogen fuels require handling which wasn't conducive to consumption by the masses. They just weren't safe. The reason for this is high containment pressures, sensitivity to temperatures, the need for trained handling and the inability to economically and effectively allow for storage in fuel stations. Not to mention the huge retrofitment costs such tanks would demand.

However, with the emergence of this old, yet new technology, we can now begin to draw hydrogen on demand. This means, that using an electrolyzer, we can now begin to draw fuel supplements from ordinary, distilled water. The effect of this has recorded results (depending on the set-up that you go with in your vehicle) up to 107% increase in miles traveled per gallon.

And it's perfectly safe! There are no elements involved that risk fire or explosion, there's no need for special tanks to store the hydrogen, even though this is a 2H0 molecular structure, meaning that it still has an oxygen molecule attached. HHO is a gaseous form of electrolyzed distilled water, and when mixed with air from the intake as it's drawn into the engine, it increases fuel efficiency, provides a cleaner burn on the existing used gasoline, cools and cleans the engine while preventing hydrocarbon build up and emissions.

Best of all, installation is so simple, near anyone that can read instructions can install the device with basic tools. The next generation of natural, renewable and FREE energy is here. The emissions from this 2HO device?

Water. Once the hydrogen that you produce on demand is burned, it reconstitutes what's left in your exhaust as pure H2O.

Jamie Davidson -- Internet Marketer/Copywriter and proponent for lowering emissions and overcoming foreign oil dependency.

Intrigued? To find out more about clean alternative fuel sources, and primarily, discover for yourself a DIY for converting your automobile into a water munching hybrid for under $200, visit here!


By Jamie Davidson

January 16, 2008

Protecting Your Car From Theft

A car is stolen (or broken into) every 19 seconds in the United States. That's almost 2 million cars a year and cost up to $8 billion to Americans every year in replacement and insurance costs. It can sometimes take an auto thief less than 7 seconds to break into a car and drive away, and do not be fooled into believing that they will not go for an old car. Some of these robbers go for car parts/accessories and these are sometimes worth three times more than the entire car itself. Here are a few precautionary measures you can take to avoid having your car broken into or stolen:




Don't leave keys in the car. Believe it or not, in 20 percent of stolen cars cases, the owners left the keys in the ignition.


Park in a well-lighted area; stay away from secluded areas.


Keep packages and valuables out of sight; put them in the trunk.


When parking, turn the front wheels sharply to the left or right and set the hand brake so the car will be hard to tow.


When parking in a driveway, face the car toward the street. A thief will have to tinker with the car in full view of anyone who passes by.


Do not walk away from your car and leave the motor running - even if an errand requires less than a minute.


When you walk away from your parked car, be sure the car is locked, the windows are closed, and you have the key in your pocket.


Don't keep your license, registration card, or car title in your car unless state law requires you to do so. If thieves get these documents they can use them to sell your car or impersonate you.


If you have a security system, don't display a decal that tells a thief exactly what kind of system you have installed. A generic sticker that says, "This car is equipped with a security system' is okay.


Avoid leaving spare keys in "secret" spots in or on the car; thieves know where to look.


Keep the car locked while in the garage.


Don't leave the garage-door opener in the car. If your car is stolen, you have given the thief access to your home.


When parking in an attended parking lot, give the attendant your ignition key only; make sure the key you leave has no key identification number on it.

KiyaSama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers

By Kiya Sama

Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEV

With the progress of science and novel technological developments being introduced, transportation and vehicles have also been affected by these gradual technological changes positively. In the contemporary world, vehicles are the most significant means of communication making commuting across distant locations easier and less time consuming. It is necessary to note here that in recent times while the number of vehicles has grown considerably, increased carbon emissions and noise pollution have proved detrimental for the greenery and the environment has been badly affected because of its side effects. Moreover, they have also affected human health increasing the spate of respiratory problems as a rest of inhaling impure air. Therefore, the need of the hour is to ensure that transports and vehicles do not adversely affect the environment and at the same time are efficient in terms of functioning. In such cases, the hybrid vehicle has emerged as a very popular and useful mode of transport. The term hybrid vehicle denotes those vehicles which make use of two or more power sources. Hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs are such vehicles which are instrumental in propagating better fuel economy than traditional vehicles by making use of an on-board rechargeable energy storage system or RESS. A hybrid electric vehicle possesses electric batteries which are necessary to provide power to the electric motors and most importantly they have an internal combustion engine or ICE. However, in recent times it has also been noticed that certain hybrid electric vehicles make use of the combustion engine to produce electricity with the aid of an electrical generator which spins and this is useful in providing power to run the electric motor or in recharging the battery. Some other variants of the hybrid electric vehicles also can result in increasing the charge in their batteries by helping confine kinetic energy by means of regenerative braking.

The most prevalent components of the hybrid electric vehicles are gasoline engines derived form petroleum and many variations are possible in this respect by drawing in form various renewable energy resources. In case of diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, diesel engines are the ones put into use. These hybrid electric vehicles are very well known for their strength and durability and batteries are durable over long periods of time. Moreover, the beneficial effects in preventing pollution and its environment friendly nature have further facilitated its popularity. Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles are the latest innovations which is capable of being charged form an electrical power grid.

People often will donate cars to charity to help those in need.

By Prahalad Singh

January 15, 2008

Car Accessory - Add-on For Any Car

One of the aspirations of people is to own a car. That glorious machine which makes life easier. No wonder people in all times and ages have always wanted to buy a car. Every new model is received with great enthusiasm by public and there is a great rush to buy it. However, it must be said here that the attention that people should give to such vital elements like car accessory is sadly missing.

It is ironic because car accessory or parts are such an important element that any negligence here can affect the performance of the car in a big way. It is precisely for this reason that it is advised that people give far more importance to them then they do.

This importance would be paid back and with rich dividend, for car parts, if taken proper care of, would play a huge role in enhancing the utility of car in a big way. Some examples would be very apt to explain their utility. Take for instance the stereo. A gadget, without which there wouldn't be many admirers of a car. The stereo is also a guarantee that there wouldn't be a trace of boredom or fatigue that normally and usually sets in a long journey.

Similar is the case with car mats. It saves a car from dust and water and all that people are expected to do is to wipe and wash them. There are innumerable instances where in it can be proved that such utility aspects of car like accessory, goes a long way in enhancing the utility of the vehicle. It does not wield as much importance as it deserves.

People should, at all times remember that the role played by car accessory or different parts in enhancing the value of the car is immense and, therefore, deserves far more attention than they get.

About the Author: Garry Kelkar is an expert writer specializing in the automobile industry. He has been writing extensively on topics like car parts and also specialized areas of car styling like car modifying.


By Garry Kelkar

Did You Hear About The Advent Of New Hybrid Cars?

Over the years, people have invested on purchasing cars primarily for luxury, convenience and status symbol. It's to be observed that not all people are fortunate enough to buy and own his or her own car.

Cars are typically high priced and are thought of as substantial investments on the part of the average earning man. One reason is that, due to the increasing and expensive upkeep cost like petrol, brake fluid etc, possessing a car has become very pricey and stressful particularly in these trying times.

As time went by, not only are vehicles considered as expensive and costly investments for those who could afford them, environmentalists are also bringing up worries over the environmental affect of the vehicles' greenhouse emissions to the already eaten up ozonosphere.

Every so often, it is noted that geo-political and other types of disputes develop in the oil producing countries of the Middle East. That's why oil costs are regarded the most changeable of all commodities globally, increasing the already piling fears and sufferings of the modern driver.

These are amongst the basic reasons why carmakers have endeavored so much to break through with vehicle models and versions that are directed at dealing with the increasing worries over high petrol costs and greenhouse emissions.

Therefore, the emergence of latest hybrid vehicles endured and endlessly impresses not only the industry but also the general consumer population.

Latest hybrid vehicles

Experts and worldwide industry bodies project or anticipate at the least fifteen new hybrid car models to emerge in the market within the next couple of years.

Japanese carmakers are leading in development and rolling out of new hybrid cars. The first lot of these vehicles amazingly yielded robust and fast sales, making them the most desired and significant section of the vehicle industry.

Why? Practically due to the gross benefits the consumer would acquire from having or traveling with these hybrids. If there were no other advantages, at least petrol expenditure would be greatly decreased, making up for a full overhaul and upgrade of the vehicles efficiency.

An additional reason is that, the environmental affect of hybrid cars is beginning to entice concerned citizens into purchasing hybrid cars that are consistently increasing in fame today. Increasingly many people are getting worried about the environment and the effect of gas emissions to the air and to world climate conditions.

In the US itself, almost fifteen of the most well known and dependable car manufacturing companies are trying to bring out four new hybrid vehicles in 2008 and five have already come out in 2007.

Price pressures

Since new hybrid cars are the latest and most innovative in the ascending vehicle industry, carmakers are hastening to outpace one another in this segment not for charity but for considerable profit and revenue.

Therefore, you must never be dumfounded upon being informed that the least expensive new hybrid car models will be priced not as reasonable as you may have thought.

Since the technology employed in manufacturing and up keeping the new hybrid cars are much more complicated than the conventional, take for granted that the costs would soar upwards astronomically.

It is not uncommon for any brand or model of hybrid cars to be priced above the ordinary prices of usual cars.

Make sure you know all about hybrid cars before buying one by visiting this popular hybrid cars website.

Kamran is a hybrid car freak and enthusiastic follower of the launch of new hybrid cars. He runs an informative site that gives lots of information on hybrid cars and reveals the best manufacturers of hybrid cars. To make the best of this cool stuff and much more make sure you check out Kamran's web site at fromexpert.110mb.com/hybridcars/


By Kamran Chy

January 13, 2008

Auto Repairs - Basic Knowledge Goes A Long Way

Like it or not, if we use our cars for what they are designed for they will need regular servicing and repairs, some more than others too! Bearing in mind the other costs associated with vehicle ownership and the humble motor car suddenly takes on the look of a necessary evil. The servicing and repair costs are one area where we stand to save ourselves some money if we are educated in the ways to do this.

No, I am not talking about everyone taking Motor Mechanics 101 at their local college and trading their good clothes for a pair of overalls, what I am talking about is being educated and informed on certain aspects of how the auto repair industry works. For instance, many workshops will use only genuine replacement parts and charge for these accordingly when the aftermarket equivalent may be many times cheaper and superior in quality. Heck, some aftermarket parts even offer a warranty that exceeds the warranty offered on the genuine part!

Knowing if a particular service or repair is needed or whether it is simply an 'up-sell' can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your car. When taking your vehicle in for routine maintenance or even a breakdown repair we are often faced with additional items that need to be carried out, but how do we know if these are absolutely necessary or even needed? These 'required' services can turn a low profit job into a gold mine for the workshop owner.

We are really at the mercy of the mechanic when we have limited knowledge of our motor vehicles and make no mistake, he knows this. Someone that has no idea about the working of their car can seriously stand to lose quite a bit of money to dishonest workshop operators. Simply knowing how to spot the difference between an honest, reliable mechanic and one that sees you and your car as another mortgage payment or funding for their next family vacation, can not only save you thousands of dollars but can also save you from frustration when the job is not done correctly.

Sure there are good, honest mechanics out there, but there are also a number of sharks that will take you for all they can. With a little bit of education this situation can be turned around to our advantage and taking the car in for repairs will no longer feel as painful as having a tooth pulled!

To find out more about the resources available to educate yourself against paying too much for your Auto Repairs please visit Our Website


By Craig Wilson

Auto Security Systems - Deterrent Against Theft

There are several ways for you to prevent your car from being stolen. Most anti theft devices will claim to be superior to all others. However, vehicle security devices are not the only way to protect your car. Auto security systems are one part of the system through which you can prevent theft.

Common sense is by far the best, and most effective method, to deter vehicle theft. The first thing that common sense demands is to make sure that you don't leave your keys in the car, and don't attempt to hide the key either. Secondly, always use your door locks, and make sure that you roll up the windows. Finally, make certain that you park your car in a safe place, and one that is well lit. When you make things more difficult for a thief, they are more likely to pass on your vehicle and move to an easier target.

It may not make a big difference which auto security system you select, because any of them will be a good deterrent against thieves trying to steal your car. Don't worry too much about their makers' claims. Whichever system that you buy needs to fit your needs and those of your car, and you need to use that system consistently to maximize its effectiveness.

GPS tracking devices can help police locate your vehicle if it has been stolen, and are difficult for thieves to deactivate. For this reason, they can act as deterrent devices, simply because they make it so easy for police to recover your vehicle. To make effective deterrents, just make sure that you use a window sticker or some other means to clearly identify your automobile as being armed with a GPS tracking device.

A subtle way to deter car thieves is etching your car's VIN number into the glass, which will allow car parts to be tracked if your car is stolen and then broken up into parts for sale. Thieves who see these numbers will decide to try stealing another car instead.

Some vehicles are stolen more often than others. The list of cars that are stolen most often are listed in a number of car magazines. If you are in the market for a new vehicle you may want to consult these magazines before purchasing a car. Whether these vehicles have an auto security system or not they may be targets for thieves.

Every car owner wants to protect their vehicle from theft, but what may surprising to some people is that not all vehicle security devices work the same. Although almost all of the anti theft devices out there claim to be the "best," the truth, unknown to many, is that auto security systems are just one portion of making your car theft proof. Common sense is your best defense against auto theft. Make sure that you do not leave you keys in the vehicle and do not use hide-a-key devices. Next, make sure to lock your doors and make sure the windows are secure.

By Brad Seabourne