In the Nick of Time: Your Car?s Serpentine Belt
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..
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as engines from the JDM, used car motors and swapping engines. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.HellaciousRiders.com is Pleased to Announce the Opening of Our 1st Member Store ?SteadlyQuikWheels.com?
Every one of these sold sends $1.00 to The Love Ride Charity that helps MDA & other organizations.Since 1984, every November 20,000 motorcycles caravan to raise funds for numerous charities from Harley-Davidson of Glendale to a concert, trade show, and a barbeque at Castaic Lake, California.Mike is one of only a handful of miniature car designers that has received a license from Mattel to design his custom hotwheels. SteadlyQuikWheels.com features 16 different hotwheels currently for sale, some that are retired with very limited quantities left.Mike also puts out a line of Limited Edition Johnny Lightning cars.Mike would love to meet you at the upcoming, Glendale Love Ride, Sunday the 14th Nov. he will be there from 7:00 am on to when ever it's finished...see ya then. Tell him Hriders.com sent you.Mike say's that it would be his pleasure, at your request to sign any of the 11 different die-cast toy cars that he has designed at no extra cost to the customer.To reach Mike contact:Contact...
HellaciousRiders.com is Pleased to Announce the Opening of Our 1st Member Store ?SteadlyQuikWheels.com?
Cars > HellaciousRiders.com is Pleased to Announce the Opening of Our 1st Member Store ?SteadlyQuikWheels.com?
14 Ways To Save Money At The Pump - Despite The Rising Gas Prices
Atlanta, GA (ContentDesk) April 23, 2006 - With gas prices nearing $3 (and rising), industry analyst are predicting they will go higher, much higher before the summer is over. So the question becomes how long can automobile owners endure higher gas prices and how might this effect millions of households throughout America?Well for one gentleman he didnt want to wait to find out. I had to figure something out& says Travis Robinson, Jr., author of the newly released guide, '14 Ways To Save Money At The Pump Despite Rising Gas Prices'.
&and I felt that with the right information and attention to some minor details I could figure out how to save more money on my gas and get more miles per gallon from each of my cars than I have before. Mr. Robinsons guide is not only timely but the tips offered are refreshingly good and will make you slap your hand to your forehead and exclaim, Wow, why didnt I think of that?! '14 Ways To Save Money At The Pump Despite Rising Gas Prices'...
Cars > 14 Ways To Save Money At The Pump - Despite The Rising Gas Prices
An Introduction to Car Transporting
There are several ways to transport your car across the country or across the world. Car transporters are identical to other moving companies: they arrange to pick up your vehicle, load it, and deliver it to your final destination. All auto carriers are required to be registered with the Department of Transportation. You can look up a US DOT number or company name from the Department of Transportation's website. Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate business.
The most popular and inexpensive domestic option is by car carrier, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. Other more specialized choices, for antique and exotic cars, include enclosed rail car service, open flat bed truck, or enclosed trailer. Some more adventurous individuals will prefer to rent a trailer and pull it themselves. Auto transport companies will give you quotes over the phone or you can easily check online for rates and services. Car transport companies are usually listed under the following...
An Introduction to Car Transporting
Cars > An Introduction to Car Transporting
VoIP Provider ViaTalk Offers New Customers Free Gas; Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts
Clifton Park, NY (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) September 6, 2005 -- In an effort to help consumers deal with soaring gas prices, broadband phone service provider ViaTalk is giving away gas cards to all new customers establishing service with a two year prepay term.
Brendan Brader, ViaTalk Chief Executive Officer, certainly...
Cars > VoIP Provider ViaTalk Offers New Customers Free Gas; Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts
Three places to find new clients without a lot of work
1. Don't ignore your own "Acres of diamonds" - ask your existing clients to refer some of their family, friends and associates to you. If they're happy with your service they will be more than happy to do it and your job will be much easier since they are coming recommended by someone they trust.
2. Former employers and associates in other fields can be a great resource for finding new business. Give them a call, or better yet - have...
Cars > Three places to find new clients without a lot of work
"Easy Ways To Save Money Using Gas Tankless Water Heaters"
Tankless water heaters are one of the most effective toolsin your home that you have in trying to fight the everincreasing gas, electric, and heating costs that isoccurring across the United States. Up until now, most Americans have had the standard tank hotwater heater in their homes to heat up their hot water forbaths, showers and cooking and cleaning in the kitchen.This is fine for people who are not overly concerned withthe ongoing cost of their utilities bills, and for thosewho are not really...
Cars "Easy Ways To Save Money Using Gas Tankless Water Heaters" In the Nick of Time: Your Car?s Serpentine Belt water
Cars > "Easy Ways To Save Money Using Gas Tankless Water Heaters"
Laser Hair Removal ? general information
For those who follow fashion, and there are many who do, body hair removal is not a choice. Today's fashions demand a smooth, hair free body. And it seems that many women (and some men) will go to any lengths to get rid of what society says is "unsightly" body hair.
There are many methods, both old and new, to body hair removal, from shaving and plucking, to electrolysis and the latest trend, laser hair removal. Each method...
Cars > Laser Hair Removal ? general information