April 30, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Lavanya Gupta

Tune in for a better performance. Does that sound confusing to you? Well, if you have never tuned your car before for improving its performance, then you will not know. Tuning helps to ramp up performance and overall style of a car. There are many ways to ramp up car performance. Customization require adherence to certain modifications, but it is always advisable to go for the ones that offer real benefits in terms of road performance, and not just style and good looks. Here are some tips to help you improve performance of your car while still keeping good looks of your vehicle intact:

• Custom Tires: Custom tires are all about a firmer grip than that assured by most other standard options. Do not opt for tires made from softer compounds, although the Z rated tires of this category offer a fairly firm grip. Such tires wear out much more quickly than tires made of hard rubber, and that calls for more frequent tire replacements. However, having a spare set of tires can eliminate this car problem.
• Custom Wheels: Get your wheels custom made for a better hold on the road or tracks; but while doing so, always stay back from wheels made from chromed steel. Much heavier than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) wheels, these chromed steel wheels can detract your car performance. The purpose of tuning a car is to lighten the engine load, and not adding to its weight. So, opt for wheel types which have aluminum rims rather than chromed steel circumferences. These are not only much more stylish and lightweight, but also offers real-time performance benefits.
• Body kits: If adventure and speed allure you the most, get body kits to add sensational racing car-inspired style to your car; but before you buy one, get to know about the various kit compositions.
  Body kits comprising front bumpers, for example, helps to streamline a car well facilitating air to flow over the vehicle, rather than underneath the ride. Side skirts also help ameliorate car performance and its hold on the road surface. Besides, spoilers provide more downward thrust on the rear side of the car, while systematically diffusing the flow of the air.
• Car Suspension: Your car suspension can also cause a detraction to your car performance. Add custom coil-over kits, sway bars, and strut bars to attain the suspension your car needs.

I am Lavanya Gupta from India, a content writer by profession. I have kin interest in art & architecture and handicrafts. But there is one thing that drives me crazy, that is cars. It has been quite a while that I have been writing auto and car related articles for various web portals. Amongst all these, my favorite one is Car Accessories that is a complete guide on cars and car accessories.

Article Source: Lavanya Gupta

How to Improve Your Car Performance?

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April 28, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Larmour Tan

The future of motor racing’s so quiet I must use loud speakers. Yes. Loud speakers pumping out a fake V8 soundtrack while purely electric racers run around race tracks just whizzing around with hardly any sound coming from them. You wouldn’t know if an electric racecar is coming or going. And its very possible as the BMW Mini is now the first automotive manufacturer that has lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife’s 20.8km long distance in a modified racing version of the Mini E. The purely electric Mini E Racer managed to lap the ‘Ring in a time of 9minutes 51.45seconds and was timed at the straight at a maximum speed of 187km/h. Not really that fast as it you compare the Renault Megane R26R did it in 8minutes 17seconds, but I suppose it is history in the making.

The Electric Mini E is an all electric powered version of the BMW Mini. It was launched as a field test in June 2009 and was available through leasing to individuals in Los Angeles and the New York/New Jersey areas in the United States. Another batch of 40 Mini E were made available to private users in the United Kingdom for 2 trial periods. The standard Mini E is a front wheel drive car with an electric motor that is mounted in the usual engine bay and makes 204PS and 220Nm of torque. The car utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack with an overall capacity of about 35kilowatt-hours. The batteries weigh 259kg and replace the back seat. How unpractical for a four seat city car that can only carry two. Top speed is electronically limited to a sedate 153km/h and the car’ has a 251km range on a single charge under optimal conditions. Real world estimates for range are about 175km city and 154km highway.

According to the driver, DTM racer Thomas Jager who regularly drives the ‘Ring, the Mini E is one of the more unique ‘Ring driving experience for him as the electric motor provides instantaneous torque all the way to the top and among the fascinating experiences include the missing engine noise. “All in all, was certainly the cleanest and quietest lap I’ve ever covered, “said Thomas, who was also the MINI Challenge champion from 2006. At least the car can clear 160km/h unlike the standard one. But do not expect a car like this in an endurance race like the Nurburgring 24 hours. The batteries would only last 6 laps or less with current battery technology. Range is still a problem with this purely electric cars.

And I don’t know if this is a good thing or not. Imagine a Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 (winner of many a Nurburgring 24hr race) powering through the night during the Nurburgring 24hours and the Porsche is electric and dead quiet in completing its task. A flat-six Porsche engine at full chat is a wonderful thing. An electric motor is, at the most a very loud blender. As with diesel racecars, that mostly hum loudly, it isn’t that interesting. And now if racecars went fully electric, it’ll be another dull, dull and very dull thing to happen. Racing is about speed, smell and noise that makes your hairs at the back of the neck tingle. That’s racing. A car going ‘Wheeeeeee’ may need a lot of getting used to.

Author is an expert in used car and is a Singapore car user.

Article Source: Larmour Tan

Electric Mini Tracks Quietly at Nurburgring

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April 26, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Jerry Grinkmeyer

New Honda hybrid cars for 2010 include the Honda Civic Hybrid and the resurrected Honda Insight Hybrid in a more practical 4-door form. While gas/electric hybrids are relative newcomers to the automotive market, Honda set the pace for hybrids with the introduction of the original Honda Insight Hybrid in 1999.

New Honda Hybrid Cars: Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid was introduced in 2002 as a direct competitor to the Toyota Prius. The 2010 incarnation sports a 110-hp 1.3 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor assist (IMA) and permanent-magnet electric motor. The theory behind Honda’s hybrids is simple; primary locomotion is provided by an under-powered, un-thirsty internal combustion engine. Additional power for better acceleration is made by a small electric motor that lies sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The Honda Civic Hybrid features all the amenities of the decked-out EX model (sans moonroof) and adds several “goodies” unique to the hybrid. A CVT transmission, a unique 15″ alloy wheels, turn signals integrated into the outside rearview mirrors and automatic climate control are among the features reserved for this particular Honda hybrid car.

New Honda Hybrid Cars: Insight

I sold Hondas when the original Honda Insight was released. It generated quite a bit of showroom traffic but the majority of conversations went something like this:

“Hi; I’d like to see the new Honda Insight.”

“Sure, I have one on the showroom floor right over here.”

“Cool! Where’s the 4-door?”

“Actually, it’s only available as a 2-door.”

“Bye…”

The 2010 Honda Insight (available only as a 4-door this time) share the same engine and transmission as the Civic Hybrid and has amenities that are similar as well as comparable fuel economy ratings at 40/43 (vs. Civic Hybrid’s 40/45 rating). Regardless of which of the new Honda hybrid cars tickles your fancy you can be assured that economy, durability and resale value will be rewards you will reap.

Jerry Grinkmeyer is an author, webmaster and Honda aficionado. Read more about him and Honda automobiles by visiting his website here.

Article Source: Jerry Grinkmeyer

New Honda Hybrid Cars

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April 23, 2010 by jameslucas.

By David S. Caldwell

Road traffic and congestion is the over population of vehicle on a public road which leads to the crowding of vehicle, resulting in the dramatic decrease of speed and frequent stopping of vehicles on the road. While traffic can be very frustrating, it is also a very dangerous situation. The close proximity of vehicle matched with raised tempers creates potentially hazardous circumstances. By taking some important safety precautions you are better able to protect yourself in heavy traffic and avoid being involved in a car accident.

Common Traffic-Related Accidents

High traffic situations can easily lead to a number of accidents, such as:

· Small collisions, known as “fender benders

· Rear end collision

· Road rage conflicts

· Guard rail or road divider collision

· Side impact collisions

These are some of the most commonly occurring road accidents that happen in traffic situations. They can lead to serious property damage, wrecking and destroying vehicles. However, they also can lead to serious physical injury. From head and neck injuries to post traumatic stress disorder, there are a number of ailments that can negatively impact victims who have been involved in a car accident. Luckily there are steps you can take to avoid being in a traffic accident and those you can take to protect yourself should another driver collide with you.

Tips for Staying Safe in Heavy Traffic

There are a number of steps you can take to navigate safely and make decisions for the wellbeing of yourself and all others on the road. By taking the following measures you are better able to stay safe:

· Uphold a safe following distance, that way you can avoid coming into contact with the car in front of you, should you need to avoid a quickly approaching vehicle

· Stay clam

· Avoid slamming on your brakes

· Avoid sudden acceleration

· Do not swerve in and out of traffic

· Avoid aggression

· Look carefully and use your mirrors before changing lanes

· Give yourself room to safely maneuver, in case you will need to get out of the way of an incoming vehicle

For more information

Being stuck in traffic can be an incredibly frustrating experience. However, it can also be a very dangerous one. By knowing what steps to take when stuck in traffic you are better able to protect yourself and avoid being in an accident. If you would like to know more about road safety or personal injury law, visit www.wpalmerandassociates.com today.

David Caldwell

Article Source: David S. Caldwell

Traffic Safety

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April 16, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Matthew Keegan

By the sound of it, electric cars are poised to reshape the automotive industry in a way not seen since, well, the internal combustion engine was introduced. 2010 is shaping up to be an important year for electric cars as several new models are slated to hit the market.

That’s good news for environmentally conscious consumers, but do electric cars deserve our attention more than highly fuel efficient gas or diesel models?

Certainly, electric cars offer a huge appeal for the simple reason that visits to the gas pump are no longer part of the equation. Instead of fueling up, electric car users will plug it in at home, at work or while on the road. It’s all about tapping the power grid in ways not seen before.

I’ve been covering electric cars on my flagship The Auto Writer blog for several years, but not too many people dig deep when investigating vehicle electrification. I’m not about to tell you to buy one product or stay away from another one, but what I will say is that there are some things to consider before deciding in favor of an electric model versus something else:

Vehicle Cost - Surprise, surprise! Electric cars are pricey as we learned when the then $98,00–now $109,000 on up–Tesla Roadster hit the market in 2008. Sure, Tesla is an exotic car, but most electric vehicles are priced north of $40,000. The good news is that some models carry a $7500 federal rebate with individual states adding their rebates or tax abatement into the mix.

Vehicle Availability - When the first big wave of electric vehicles rolls out, the Nissan Leaf, Ford Transit Connect EV, Chevy Volt and other models will be available in limited numbers. That’s because manufacturers still aren’t sure if customers will embrace the technology. Some models will be scarce until production is ramped up which means you may have to wait six months, perhaps a year before buying one.

Weather Extremes - Just how durable are electric cars when facing weather extremes? Manufacturers are trying to find that out by putting their vehicles through various tests, but a Minnesota winter or Arizona heat may be hard to replicate. Look for these cars to carry generous warranties just in case the unthinkable happens…whatever that might be!

Unseen Pollution - Electric vehicles emit no carbon pollution, right? Well, while on the road they don’t. However, when powering up electric vehicles use electricity derived from coal burning plants. And, in the manufacturing process they consume precious resources just like any other car. Overall, their impact on the environment may be lower than a clean burning diesel or highly efficient gas engine, but if you’re trying to “save the earth” with an electric vehicle you may be disappointed.

There are other factors such as registration costs, insurance, maintenance and repairs and depreciation which also must be factored in. Likely, electric vehicles will improve over time and prices will drop, making power grid enabled vehicles hot sellers down the road.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Acura parts and Honda parts.

Article Source: Matthew Keegan

Can Electric Cars Deliver As Promised?

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April 14, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Steve Mochel

The good people at Webster’s announced their Word of the Year for 2009 recently and it was Distracted Driving. I know, actually 2 words, but you go argue with Webster.

Distracted Driving has become an epidemic in the US, causing almost 6000 car crash related deaths last year. And that number is probably low because many states don’t yet note whether cell phones were part of the cause of an accident.

The truth is, cell phones are without a doubt the biggest distraction we have in our cars today. According to the Automobile Association of America, 1 out of 2 drivers has been hit or almost hit by a driver talking or texting on their phone.

Did you realize that talking on your phone while you drive impairs you as much, if not more than driving drunk? The research is there and it’s been proven time and time again. And sorry my Bluetooth headset wearing friends, the research shows that hands free devices are equally as dangerous.

If you don’t believe the researchers, maybe you’ll believe Mythbusters Episode 33 - Cell Phones vs. Drunk Driving. Verdict? CONFIRMED!! Actually, talking on your cell phone is worse.

We all know that texting while driving is beyond irresponsible and incredibly dangerous, but every day, we see it happening on our streets. A police officer stopped in the other day and related the story of watching people weave while they drive. “10 years ago,” he said, ” we knew that driver had been drinking. Now, we know they’re texting.” Sobering, isn’t it?

An average text message takes 5 seconds so send, so close your eyes and count to 5. Now would you close your eyes for 5 seconds the next time you’re driving down I-95 or Boston Post Road? Of course not, but that’s basically what you’re doing if you’re DWT (driving while texting).

There are laws that govern cell phone use and texting in NY, but clearly, they aren’t working. The government has begun PSA’s and even launched a website - distraction.gov - to combat the issue. AT&T has launched an Anti-Texting and Driving campaign with heart-wrenching PSA’s.

Utah has actually instituted a mandatory 90 day jail sentence for drivers who are caught texting while driving because authorities there believe it’s as willful an act as driving drunk.

But at the end of the day, it’s really up to us as individuals to decide whether or not we’re going to make our roads safer by putting our cell phones away while we drive.

I know it will be hard - we’re like Pavlov’s dogs when we hear that little chirp or feel the vibration of our phone..We need to be connected 24/7 and can’t wait more than 20 seconds to read the new text message.

So here are a couple of suggestions to help you try and break your Crackberry habit.

First - put your phone out of reach while you drive. Simple I know, but if you can’t reach it, the temptation won’t be as great.

Second - I know you need to be available for your kids and spouse, so get your teenagers (or 3rd grader) to program in specific ring-tones for people you need to speak to on a regular basis. The kids will love it - especially if you let them download their favorite songs - trust me it’s worth the $ 5.00 you’ll spend on ring tones. Then, when you’re driving and they need to reach you, you’ll hear the special ring tone and be able to pull over and safely talk.

Lastly, if you have no self-control whatsoever, there is hope for you. With crisis comes opportunity, and there are apps for your phone that sense (through GPS) when the phone is moving more than 10 mph and blocks incoming calls and texts. Callers go straight to voicemail and texters receive an automatic response that tells them you’re driving and will get back to them when you safely arrive at your destination. My favorite so far is Zoomsafer (it’s on my Blackberry), but just Google “text blocking software” and you’ll find a number of options.

Listen, it’s not going to be easy to break this habit for any of us, but stop for a moment and remember…driving safely isn’t easy. It takes concentration and focus - and you can’t be focused when you’re talking or texting. So please, put down your phone and driver safely.

I’m hoping for Un-distracted Driving as Webster’s Word of the Year 2010…un-distracted is a word, right?

Steve Mochel is the owner of Fresh Green Light, a 21st Century Driving School that recently opened in Rye, NY and will open this summer in Greenwich, CT.

Learn more about Fresh Green Light at http://www.freshgreenlight.com

Article Source: Steve Mochel

3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Stop Distracted Driving

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April 13, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Terje Brooks

All automobiles are usually driven by gas. However with the unpredictability of crude oil prices and furthermore, as it isn’t a renewable energy source, something have to be done before it is too late. As long as solar power, an environmentally friendly energy source is used to power a community, you can also do this on a smaller scale by using the same principles to construct your own car.

Exactly what do you need to make this work? Many things though the two most crucial would be the solar array as well as the batteries.

The solar array is essential since this is what is used to gather the sun’s rays and then convert this into electrical power. There are two types to pick from on the market namely the prefabricated type and the individual type that you build yourself.

Should you be looking for branded parts, take a look at either Siemens or ASE Americas that sell terrestrial grade cells as well as the space grade cells. The lower end model which can create a substantial amount of energy is the terrestrial grade model.

Correct wiring have to be done to ensure that if one of the panels is not working, your car will continue to move. If you’re concerned that the voltage of the solar array should match the system voltage of your engine, you shouldn’t since it will still run.

We pointed out earlier that the battery is also essential since this is where the solar power will be stored. Your choices for this are nickel-cadmium, lead acid, or lithium-ion. Exactly how many you have to purchase depends on your motor’s voltage.

Once you have these two parts, they will now have to be connected to the engine. You probably know how much juice is left in your batteries, you will also have to set up instrumentation exactly like the heads up display console on regular cars which informs you about your speed, distance as well as gasoline.

Remember to put a steering wheel, suspension, brakes, tires as well as hubs. You may be unable to make a vehicle that have the same features as like what you see done by one of the 3 US automakers but simply enough to be able to drive it from one location to the next.

Using solar energy for your car means you do not release damaging substances like carbon monoxide into the air that causes harm to the environment.

Terje Brooks has written articles online for many years and likes to write about cars and alternative sources of energy, like for example solar roof panels among other topics. Just take a look at his website containing solar electric panels reviews along with reviews of similar products.

Article Source: Terje Brooks

How You Can Build Your Car Powered by Solar Energy

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April 12, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ronnie W. Tanner

The all new 2010 Nissan Sentra base model comes fully equipped with a 2.0 liter engine. This model engine is excellent for the driver who spends a great deal of time on the road daily. This engine features one of the best EPA ratings available on most new car models with a standard gasoline engine.

The new 2010 Nissan automobile’s 2.0 liter engine produces 140 horsepower and 147 pounds per feet of torque. It has an EPA rating of 24 miles per gallon of gasoline during city driving conditions and 34 miles per gallon of gasoline during highway driving conditions. When driving in combination of city and highway conditions, this vehicle still has high ratings with an astounding 31 miles per gallon of gasoline. This model engine operates on regular grade unleaded fuel without the hassle of additives.

The 2.0 liter engine also features four inline cylinders that are equipped with 4 valves per cylinder and have a compression ratio of 9.7 to 1. This model engine has a dual overhead cam. The featured variable valve timing control system on the automobile’s 2.0 engine operates continuously. The new 2010 automobile;s2.0 liter inline 4 engine also features a multi point fuel injection system.

Toyota equips the 2010 Nissan Sentra 2.0 engine with Iridium tipped spark plugs. Iridium tipped spark plugs when compared to the traditional platinum tipped spark plugs proved to be six times harder and eight times stronger. These spark plugs are capable of lasting up to 120,000 miles.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at http://www.swengines.com He writes about selecting used engines and choosing this as an alternative to costly car purchases.

Article Source: Ronnie W. Tanner

The 2010 Nissan Sentra Gets an EPA Rating of 24 Miles Per Gallon

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April 9, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Alexander O Mcgee

Today the number of car accidents is highly increasing. There are many factors that can cause car accidents. One of the most common causes is the unawareness of many drivers about practicing driving safety. Basically, there are some ways that you can apply for practicing driving safety. Just check out the following tips and you will take part for reducing the number of accidents while driving.

The first thing that you can do is to avoid doing bad habits while driving such as using cell phone without hands free, doing make up, or any activities that can disturb you to concentrate on the road. If you are able to fully concentrate on the road, you will reduce the chance of getting accident.

Another thing that you can apply to practice driving safety is to obey the driving laws. You need to avoid speeding since it can potentially lead you to an accident. Just set your car speed normally so that you can drive on the road safely.

Be aware of other drivers is also important. You may be driving correctly but you will possibly find many bad drivers around you. Therefore, it is really suggested for you to be watchful of other drivers.

Moreover, do not forget to check the condition of your car before you go. Make sure that all parts of your car are in good condition so that you will not get any trouble while driving on the road.

After all, by following some tips above, now you can start to practice driving safety. By applying driving safety, you will also participate on reducing the chance of accidents happen on the road.

If you want to control your car speed while driving, you can use radar detector. For more information about it, you can check out http://wirelessradardetectors.org/ that will provide you more information about Bell radar detectors.

Article Source: Alexander O. Mcgee

Tips to Practice Driving Safety

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April 8, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Clair Schwan

When we think of blind intersections, we often think of buildings, trees, walls or other features that prevent us from seeing cars entering the intersection. That’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s simply because the road curves and it’s filled with enough traffic to “screen” out oncoming traffic. Vehicles can create what amounts to a large curved wall that you can’t see beyond.

Think of driving down a winding road with steep mountainous sides. Imagine you’re making a sweeping turn to the right. The sides of the mountain block your view of what’s coming up in the opposing traffic lanes - it’s a blind curve. It’s the same with a line of traffic on a road curving to the right - it can block your view of what’s coming up in the opposing traffic lanes. An accident can result if other vehicles block your view of only one oncoming vehicle.

It all seems obvious, but there’s a catch. Where we get into trouble is at intersections that we are very familiar with. When the intersection is mostly clear, we see no problem at all making a turn across the oncoming lanes of traffic. In fact, we’d be hard pressed to explain why it might be one of the blind intersections out there.

If we let ourselves get lulled into a sense of security when there is no traffic, then we put ourselves in jeopardy when traffic is heavier and we assume that what we can see affords us the same level of awareness as we’ve always been used to at that intersection.

That’s why intersections that we are unfamiliar with are often safer for us to negotiate. We tend to approach these with heightened awareness.

When making turns at intersections that have traffic lined up ahead, consider them to be just like a turn at a blind intersection. Take your time and be certain it’s clear before you venture out into the oncoming traffic lane. It’s much better to be cautious under these circumstances than to regret not being cautious enough.

Clair Schwan is big on safe driving as a means of saving money, and he knows how to save gas too. See all of his frugal and self reliant adventures over at Frugal Living Freedom where the motto is, “…living well, and well within your means…”

Article Source: Clair_Schwan

Safe Driving: Be Aware of Blind Intersections Created by Curves and Traffic

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