Front Wheel Drive vs Rear Wheel Drive

If you will take a look on almost any web site or forum on the internet, there will be an active topic in which the front wheel drive (fwd) and the rear wheel drive (rwd) is better.

Let's talk about the Front Wheel Drive first.

Most of the cars in the United States were rear wheel driven ever since they began to witness public success, in the 1920's. With the fuel crisis of the 1970's and the alarmingly rising gas prices, car manufacturers were forced to find new ways of engineering cars with greater fuel efficiency. Because the complexity required to build a rear wheel drive car, one of the simplest ways to reduce the size, weight and fuel consumption in a car was to make it front wheel drive. The engine and the drive axle are both in the same part of the car and thus there is no need to have a complicated transmission and a driveshaft which occupies both car weight and passenger compartment space. Another decision made was to position the engines transversely, reducing the engine bay's size.

But there are some downsides on building a front wheel drive car. It will not have the same handling as a rear wheel driven car because the front of the car will have the burden to house the biggest weight of the entire car. A front wheel drive is also not as suitable to a sports car, because it will have to deal with the torque steer phenomenon. Torque steer happens when the steering wheel is pulled away from its straight position due to the power of the engine.

Now Rear Wheel Drive

The Rear Wheel Drive is becoming recently a car manufacturer preferred system, after many years in which they mostly built front wheel drive vehicles. It is the preferred system of transmission for powerful cars, because it is more efficient to have one pair of wheels dealing with steering the car and another axle dealing with moving the car. This way the car will be more balanced. Acceleration is improved and rear wheel drive cars and there is no torque steering phenomenon present. The handling is greatly improved, because a rear wheel drive car will be closer to the preferred 50/50 car weight distribution. In the past there were problems with rear wheel cars and slippery surfaces, but due to the recent improvements in traction control systems, such problems do not represent an issue anymore.

Recently some manufacturers began to transition toward introducing more and more AWD (all wheel drive) cars.

But customers are very reticent when it comes to rear wheel drive cars. There has been a lot of publicity on front wheel drive cars and most recently on all wheel drive, in the detriment of rear axle ones.

Because the fuel efficiency of modern cars is better controlled, without sacrificing power, a more objective comparison can be made between the two types of transmissions. A front drive system is more efficient in regards of packaging and interior room, And there is no secret that a rear wheel drive car will have a better handling, acceleration and due to recent electronic stability systems, is no longer penalized on slippery roads.

Dennis runs Car Dealer Check which has independent Car Dealer Reviews written by the car dealerships customers and a Car Forum.


By Dennis J James

What's The Best Way To Make Auto Fuel From Water?

Are you looking for a way to make auto fuel from water easily? It is something that millions of other drivers are looking to do, due to the fact that fuel costs are almost becoming non-affordable for the average household. Drivers are urgently seeking new alternatives for fuel and transport, with many being forced to sell their automobiles of rising gas prices.

1. What Is The Best Way To Save On Fuel Costs?

One of the best ways that many drivers are using to save cost is to convert their cars to run with water. There are also other benefits of using water as a source of power, such as increasing gas mileage and reducing carbon emissions.

2. How To Use Water To Power A Car?

Water consists of 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen atom combined chemically. As you may already know, hydrogen can be burned to produce energy, and this energy can be harnessed to power automobiles. Therefore, if your car could carry out electrolysis and separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, it will then be able to utilize the hydrogen for power.

This technology had already been discovered almost 100 years ago, but it was never really developed and publicized. The scientist who had discovered it is Nikola Tesla.

3. Cost & Benefits of Auto Fuel from Water Technology

For about $100 or less, any driver can convert their automobiles to run on water. The by product released by your car when you use water is oxygen, therefore it is much cleaner for the environment. Of course, most drivers are using this technology mainly to avoid the impact of rising fuel costs. Car engine performance and life is also expected to improve with the conversion.

Are you sick of expensive gas prices, and you want your own water powered car? Click Here to Download Step by Step Guides that teach you how to modify your car at http://www.review-best.com/water-powered-car-guides.htm now!


By Judd Marshall

Mickey Thompson Wheels

An off-road American legend, Marion Lee 'Mickey' Thompson was born December 7, 1928 and died March 16, 1988. The man that inspired Mickey Thompson wheels was known for his many championships. Then he also made some land speed records in drag racing. Together he and his wife formed an entertainment group back in 1973.

He is also responsible for the Mickey Thompson Performance tires that are used in the Indianapolis 500. Mickey and his wife were murdered in Bradbury, California on March 16,1988. These wheels have been around for over thirty years and are used on race cars even today. They are 100% forged for strength and durability. The wheels are overly polished for the best looks and quality.

In fact they have earned the M/T Stamp of Quality. Not to mention they are equipped with leak free and tub less construction. It is easy to see that the legend has come a long way with quality and reliable wheels.

There is a limited life time warranty on the wheels. You have a few choices in wheels to chose from. There is the classic II, the Classic Lock and the DC-1. It all depends on the size of the tire.

The DC-1 can be used with tires that are 15x8 all the way to 20x12. The Classic Lock goes from 15x8 all the way to 20x10. You have an option of purchasing M/T Classic Lock Ring Kits that come in a variety of colors. There is yellow, black, red and blue to chose from. Then there is the Classic II wheels that also come in 15x8 to 20x10. All wheels are cast aluminum with a high loading rate. The chrome hub cover comes with an o-ring for less rattle. Of course there is a lifetime guarantee against structural defects.

For the widest selection of quality Mickey Thompson wheels and accessories feel free to visit our huge online store at: http://performancewheel.com


By Andrew W John

New Hybrid Cars - Tax Information You Need To Know

If you're considering buying a hybrid car or truck, you'll be happy to know that the U.S. government offers certain tax incentives for your purchase. The Energy Policy Act provides a tax credit for those who purchase certain energy efficient vehicles. Since that act passed, it's been up to auto manufacturers to certify to the Internal Revenue Service that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit. All the consumer needs to do is check with their dealer. If the vehicle qualifies, the amount will be posted at the dealership, usually right on the vehicle itself.

As a buyer, you'll need to meet certain requirements in order to declare a tax credit on your return. The requirements are basic and straightforward. Here they are for your reference:

1. The vehicle must be placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10, and the original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit.

2. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying hybrid vehicle. Used vehicles do not apply.

3. The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit. You can't buy the car for someone else's use and claim the credit yourself.

4. The credit is only available to the original buyer. Leases don't count as buying. In a lease situation, the leasing company can claim the credit.

5. The vehicle must be used predominantly within the U.S.

Some Tax Credits Phasing Out

The hybrid vehicle tax credit begins to phase out when a manufacturer sells 60,000 qualifying vehicles. As an example, hybrid vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Sales USA qualify only for a lesser percentage of the tax credit. This applies to all hybrid vehicles sold by Toyota Motor Sales, which encompasses both Toyota and Lexus. Check with your dealer, but as of this writing most of these credits are 25% of the original amount.

Finally, when determining what year your tax credit can be applied, you'll need to consider the year in which the vehicle is placed into service. Let's use an example. Let's suppose you purchased a qualifying hybrid vehicle on December 27, 2007 and take possession on January 5, 2008. The amount of your eligible credit can be taken for the 2008 tax year.

The purpose of these tax cuts was designed to stimulate consumer purchase of hybrid vehicles. While we expect some level of tax incentive to remain, we also predict the amounts will lessen over time. The rationale appears to be that hybrid vehicles will be much more accepted over time, thereby negating the need for tax credits.

Are you considering purchasing a new hybrid vehicle? Before you buy, be sure to check out our hybrid car and truck resource site, complete with buying guides, recommendations, and everything you'll want to know when considering new hybrid cars.

By Jim Hofman

Hydrogen Water Car How To Plans - Is Water 4 Gas True?

The technology that cars can run on water has been around for almost a century now, but it has never been publicized. World leaders and big oil companies are suppressing it because it will seriously affect the demand for oil.

But, due to rising oil prices, more and more people are looking for fuel alternatives, and many have successfully converted their car to run on water. There are many guides available for download on the internet today that teach you how to do this.

Why Should You Run Your Car On Water?

Before you decide whether you want to convert your car to run on water, you should explore some of its benefits and drawbacks.

The most obvious benefit would be huge cost savings at the gas station. By increasing your gasoline consumption, you will need to travel more miles per trip to the gas station. Assuming your car travels 30 miles to the gallon of gasoline. If you were to travel 3000 miles per month, you would be pumping 100 gallons of gas to your car monthly. If you were to pay $3 per gallon, it would amount to $3,600 per year.

Say if you were to install a hydrogen water car system and achieve a 35 percent savings in gas consumption, it would amount to $1,200 per year. Considering the fact that converting your car to run on hydrogen requires roughly $100 or less, it is clear that such a conversion is well worth it.

Running your car on water also significantly reduces the amount of pollution, as explained below.

How Does This Conversion Work?

Water is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. By running electricity through water in a process called electrolysis, the hydrogen and oxygen atoms can be separated. This process creates a type of gas called Brown Gas, made up of HHO molecules. This gas is a source of power that can be used to power our cars.

By running your car on Brown Gas, your car will only emit oxygen, thus causing less pollution to the environment.

However, running automobiles completely on water is not possible yet. Some amount of gasoline is still required in a mixture of gasoline and water to power your car. All these engine modifications can be made easily without having to purchase a brand new hybrid car.

Are you sick of expensive gas prices, and you want to build a water powered car? Download Step-By-Step Guides that teach you how to modify your car at http://www.review-best.com/water-powered-car-guides.htm now!

By Judd Marshall

Car Audio - Entertainment on the Move

As soon as you sit in your car, start it and move forward, you are somehow out of direct touch with the rest of the world. If you have a companion in the car then things may be different. You can talk to him/her and pass your time nicely. But this also sometimes becomes boring. After all, how long you can talk to the same person. And you do not get a companion everyday. Hence, in-car entertainment is very important.

Being aware of this fact, electronic market has come up with car audio, the source of non-stop music in the car. Sometimes they come with a new car, sometimes you need to buy and add them personally after purchasing the car. No matter in which way you get a music system in your car, it is sure to provide you with fun and continuously keep you entertained in the car when there is none to do this.

There are as many options in car audio as there are cars. With the electronic market getting vaster and vaster day by day, new and nice music systems are coming into existence. Manufacturers are well-aware of the need of an audio in the car; and hence, they are making new devices available at regular intervals. Any fresh arrival in this field comes with added features and flashier designs.

One problem that every car owner faces when they drive a car and take delight of their favourite tunes is that of the sound. The car itself is a source of loud noise. Together with this, there are the noises made by the other vehicles that pass by. This makes it necessary for a car audio to have good quality car speakers. Fortunately, there are lots of options available. You can pick out any good quality speakers and rock while you drive.

About the Author: Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car accessories topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters, car audio and so forth.


By Garry Kelkar

Car Care And Maintenance For First Time Drivers

Getting that very first car is a big step and life changing event for most young people. A car means potential popularity, independence, and a chance to prove to friends and family that they are mature. For many first time car owners the actual care and long term maintenance of the new vehicle (outside of washing it occasionally) doesn't even factor into the equation. Ironically enough many of the roadside assistance calls that new car owners make could have been avoided by basic, routine, maintenance.

One of the first things you should always remember is to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. More than a few people have failed emissions checks and/or ended up having to pay for hundreds of dollars worth of repair simply because they have neglected to get their oil changed. To find out who does oil changes check out your local yellow pages or ask friends and family. Many repair shops offer discounted oil changes several times a year in order to attract new customers so keep your eyes peeled for these sales.

Another thing that can help keep your new car running smoothly is to take advantage of fuel injector cleaner that is sold at almost all gas stations and in chain stores. Adding a bottle fuel injector cleaner to your fuel tank before getting gas can really do wonders. The cleaner removes excess deposits as you drive which helps your car to run noticeably smoother.

Replacing wind shield wipers whenever they become worn is also something that can be extremely useful down the line. There is nothing worse than sitting on the side of the road during a downpour because your wind shield wipers are too old and worn to improve your visibility. Some people go so far as to replace their wind shield wipers each time they get an oil change just to make sure they are never caught in a bad storm with worn wipers.

Last, but not least, keep an eye on your tires. Check your tires often for excessive wear, punctures, and low pressure. Invest in a small pressure checker from your local automotive store or gas station so that you can check your tires to be sure that their pressure is what the owner's manual recommends. There is nothing worse than getting in your car only to discover that your tire is completely, and totally flat.

In addition to maintaining your car properly, always be prepared for the worst case scenarios. Be sure that you have a spare tire in your car and that you know how to put it on your vehicle in case you get a flat. Keep emergency supplies in your trunk at all time, first aid kits, bottled water, blankets, flashlights, and some snacks in case you are stranded for a long period of time during inclement weather.

Nicholas writes about online car insurance and related subjects including female driver insurance and carbon neutral cover.


By Nicholas Hunt