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Posts Tagged ‘fuel efficiency’
Tue, October 21, 2008 10:12 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 Don’t you check your car tyres regularly? Oh God, then you are on unsafe end. You should never show any lapse in regular checking of the car tyres. This is t a must to check out the wear, cracking, bulging, pressure or objects caught in the tread. Never think that just the defective tyres highly dangerous. But if its found by the cops that the tyres used fro your car are defective, then you may end have to end up paying a fine up to £2500 and 3 penalty points per tyre. A defective tyre as per the police records is the one with a tyre tread of less than 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tyre or in any other way not roadworthy. Is your tyre falling in this category? Oh God, lucky this time. But about next time? Ready to shell out for this
Most of the car tyres carry tread wear indicators, usually six small ribs across the bottom of the main tread grooves. The tread surface when becomes level with these ribs, the tyre is at the legal limit should get replaced. Make it a point to check the pressure of your tyres, including the spare, at least once in a week.
The correct tyre pressures are a must to be maintained as it in optimized braking, handling, grip and fuel efficiency. Low tyre pressure could cause heavy cars fuel consumption, shortens the life of the tyre and increase risk of tyre failure. A thorough checking of the tyre pressure should b done when the tyres are cold.
It is a fact that most car tyres available in the market do stick to the very high quality standards to maintain the goodwill. But there do exist certain variations in the thickness of the rubber, the steel belts and the radial webbing that forms the structure. This may cause weight difference around the tyre causing run-out. While purchasing a new tyre, run-outs must be taken care of. Always keep the point in your mind that the good tyres can make the travel effective, comfortable and happy.
Tags: Cars, police, fuel efficiency, pressure, wheel, Tyres, cops, penalty, rubber, radial webbing, thickness, thread grooves, indicators, grip, braking
Sat, July 26, 2008 1:17 pm By James Coolridge
 Maintaining fuel economy is something none of us can afford to ignore. Whether we operate a fleet or just one vehicle, it is of prime eminence for us to keep a check on how much fuel are we dispensing in a single day. However, under conditions when our vehicles are driven not by us, human intervention (in our absence) can easily deprive us of the actual fuel record. Well, the markets have for you some of the best Fuel Management systems that will help you:
• Capture the captures critical fuel and vehicular data automatically
• Monitor fleet performance
• Schedule preventive maintenance
• Account for every drop of fuel dispensed
The good news is it calls for a wireless installation with no cards or keypads requirement and zero human intervention. It only calls for a small investment, tracking consumption upto 200 electronic keys, on 2 hoses, with no data entry. These systems come with virtually unlimited capacity but can also e upgraded from time to time if necessary.
So your fuel benefits are not very far from you now. You can save considerable bucks by employing this system. One of the most popular fuel management systems available in the markets are Fuel Zone, Fuel Zone lite and Fuel Zone Transit.
So who exactly are Fuel Zone users?
People using Fuel Zone are organizations operating large fleets of at least 50 or more vehicles and at least one private fueling facility to their credit. Hence wanting to cut costs seems to be their most obvious need. Thus, this is fulfilled by leveraging Fuel Zone to reduce fuel consumption up to 25%, meet environmental regulations, monitor and improve fleet performance and schedule preventive maintenance by specifically ensuring that there is no human intervention in the same.
How can Fuel Zone be beneficial for you??
• Reduce fuel consumption by almost 25%
• It provides 24/7 unattended yet secure access to fuel
• Manually guarantees that fuel is dispensed to authorized vehicles only
• Eliminate spillage by cutting off the flow of fuel whenever nozzle is removed from authorized vehicle
• Satisfy environmental agencies regulations by automatically recording and reconciling fuel consumption to inventories
• Greatly cuts down vehicle idling
• Speeds up fueling
• Enhance safety by immediate notification of storage tanks leaks
• Automatically captures complete vehicular information such as mileage and engine hours along with idling, fault codes and more
• There is no need of a special dispenser nozzle, hose or other fittings
• Easy plug-and-play Vehicle Data Unit installation
Thus we see that we can now be rest assured about judicious handling of our fuel. Moreover, operating Fuel Zone is so easy that it all you need to do is simple fuel uo and drive away. The system will automatically perform the validations while reading the vehicle data.
Tags: fuel economy, fuel efficiency, Fuel management
Sun, May 25, 2008 8:41 am By James Coolridge
 The market is now clustered by numerous used car dealers who assure you to get the best used car in the market. However, we suggest you to look before you leap. Yes, there are many aspects to be kept in mind before purchasing a used car. Here are they.
How old is the car?
The very first thing to look for is the age of the car, that is how old is the car. You need to keep this in mind because newer cars are less polluting. They are generally cleaner cars. The older the car is the more is the pollution. So, make sure that you purchase a used car which is not too old.
Was the used car given proper maintenance?
Of course, a used car which is not too old is preferred but, you should also know that an older car that was given good care is much better than a five-year-old car that has been poorly maintained. So, always check the owner’s manual and the maintenance record to be sure that the car has been properly maintained.
What is the fuel efficiency of the car?
Look at the emissions inspection sticker and make sure that it is valid. The sticker shows whether or not the vehicle meets the minimum requirements for emissions in your State. Also check for the fuel-efficiency rating of the car, that is, the amount of carbon monoxide emissions. Ideally, the car should emit lower carbon monoxide per mile. Car that pollutes less is more efficient and more efficiency means you save money!
Is the engine of the car on a fair condition?
Start the engine of the car and listen to it. If it sounds smooth it is okay. But, you should not stop yourself from getting it thoroughly checked by a qualified mechanic. Get the catalytic converter and other pollution control devices checked by the professional.
What is the mode of payment?
If you have checked all the aspects of the car and have decided to purchase it, check the mode of payment. That is, do you to pay in full cash or installment? Do you have to make the payment in cash or credit? Do you have to pay the cost of credit, interest and other loan costs? You must also check how much money you can put down, the monthly payment, the loan term and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
Keep all these tips in mind and make sure that you end up buying a reasonably good used car.
Tags: engine, fuel efficiency, used car dealer, mode of payment
Thu, May 22, 2008 12:47 pm By James Coolridge
 The whole world has been looking for the cheapest car. Tata Motors, India, fulfilled the world and most importantly, India’s need for the People’s Car by unveiling Tata Nano three months ago. This is perhaps a remarkable development which signifies a first for the global automobile industry. The People’s Car brings comfort and safety within the reach of thousands of families at a very cheap price. Yes, Tata Nano costs you just £1277! Now that’s like the real economical car! Let us take a look at the features of this ‘wonder’ car.
Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors said, “We indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
Tata Nano has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg and head room. Four people can sit comfortably in the car. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.
Tata Nano is a small wonder! With 3.1 meters long, 1.5 meters wide and as high as just 1.6 metres, Tata Nano can effortlessly move on roads in cities as well as in rural areas. This car has been specially designed keeping in mind the “crests and troughs” in the busy Indian roads.
This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimize weight, which helps maximize performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.
Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the power -train at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and maneuverability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
The car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colors, and other accessories so that the car can be customized to an individual’s preferences.
Tata could bring the Nano to the UK - but only after it has become established in India.
Tags: fuel efficiency, Tata, Nano, economical, UK
Wed, May 21, 2008 12:50 pm By James Coolridge
 Scientists who are dedicated to finding better ways to increase fuel efficiency might have undergone several brainstorming sessions to find the ways to add on to the fuel efficiency. The latest technique which we have come across is hypermiling, which is a method of improving gas mileage and fuel efficiency by altering driving habits.
Hypermiling is mostly applied to hybrid vehicle drivers who apply some techniques. These methods include maintenance of your car which includes oil changes and check on the tire pressure. Another technique includes using cruise control or overdrive whenever you can. You can also keep a check on the fuel efficiency by keeping your speed down and your windows closed.
That was the general methods used by the hybrid vehicle drivers. Now let us come to the special technique of hypermiling which is known as the “pulse and glide” technique. It is a trick that can be used with hybrids to minimize ICE waste. The whole idea is to optimize the acceleration as to reach the optimal threshold of the hybrid engine. At this instance, some vehicles will glide in electric only mode.
To enjoy the gliding experience, first you need to accelerate up to 40. While accelerating, make sure that you don’t accelerate too quickly nor you should use energy from the battery. Then start the gliding, which is the point where you are not taking any energy from the engine at all!
A word of caution for the drivers trying the pulse and glide trick. This techniques is strictly prohibited in high traffic or high speed areas. Not only is it dangerous, but it will be infuriating to your fellow drivers. So don’t do it. Also, if you are in a rush, this may be frustrating.
Tags: fuel efficiency, Hybrid Cars, hypermiling
Fri, May 2, 2008 11:43 am By Matt Davis
 Now that we can’t have a control on the ever-increasing oil prices, it is better to start a quest on fuel efficiency. Nothing can prove to be of great help than a nutshell on some of the most fuel efficient vehicles available in the stores to serve your purpose. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releases its list of fuel efficient vehicles every year. Here is the list:
Honda Civic GX
Unlike other vehicles, this model uses compressed natural gas as its fuel. It has a fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon (of compressed natural gas). It comes with an at-home pump that you can use to tap into your home gas line to fill it up before you leave your home. It may be one of the most efficient cars but it can only travel 170 miles on a single fill-up and there are limited compressed gas filling stations.
Toyota Prius
Prius has maintained to be at the top of the list for the most fuel efficient cars from EPA. It has an overall fuel economy rating of 46 mpg, one of the lowest in the market these days. The spacious interior of the mid-sized sedan has made Prius a crowd puller.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid gives a close competition to Toyota Prius in terms of fuel efficiency. The Civic Hybrid features electric motors that maximize the potential of its small 1.3-liter engine. The overall fuel economy rating of the Civic Hybrid is 42 mpg.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid managed to make it to the list of most efficient fuels even with its mere fuel economy rating of 34 mpg. The only feature which helped Camry Hybrid to be enlisted is its bulky battery pack. It also features a fuel economy gauge that lets the driver know when its average mileage rises.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Altima Hybrid uses technology similar to that of Toyota Camry Hybrid. It also has an overall fuel economy rating of 34 mpg making it another one of the most efficient cars among compact sedans. According to estimates, it fares better in the city when it comes to best mileage than when used on the highway. With its superb engine performance, it is still among the most fuel efficient cars available today.
Tags: fuel efficiency, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius
Thu, April 24, 2008 9:14 am By Robert Freeman
 The company officials of BMW, at the international media launch of BMW’s new X6 “Sport Activity Coupe” announced that the two mode hybrid will be launched in 2009. The X6 will be BMW’s first application of the two mode hybrid system that is being developed along with General Motor, Daimler and Chrysler.
According to the officials, the BMW will be using a nickel metal hydride battery for the initial applications. As per the company’s engineers, the BMW engine won’t be using cylinder deactivation.
It’s known that BMW X6 will be built in their Spartanburg South Carolina plant alongside the X5 and X3. The hybrid setup is expected to improve fuel efficiency by twenty percent.
BMW ActiveHybrid is far superior to conventional hybrid vehicles in terms of driving dynamics. Its fuel consumption and emission ratings are up to 20 per cent better than as compared to the other cars with conventional drivetrain technology.
The X6 Hybrid will probably save some amount of gas as compared to the regular models. Interacting with the two-mode active transmission, the concept, through electrical support, offers two operating modes, one for setting off and driving at low speeds, one for higher speeds. This ensures optimum use of the torque generated as a function of driving conditions.
BMW’s trendsetting development strategy for the world is its BMW Active Hybrid. The ActiveHybrid is based on a modular concept following the strategy of “Best of Hybrid” to integrate the most appropriate, optimum components in each case in different concepts.
Tags: hybrid, BMW X6 Two-Mode, ActiveHybrid, fuel efficiency
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