What’s up with Hybrid Vehicles?

By Diane Nassy

If the price of gasoline has got you scared, and you’re thinking about maybe trading in your car for a moped, you’ve got half the solution right. It might be time to trade in your car, but forget the moped - get a hybrid car instead.

The dictionary defines the word hybrid as: Offspring resulting from breeding between parents of two different species, and that’s a good definition for our purposes. That’s because a hybrid car has a power plant that’s a cross between a gasoline powered engine and an electric motor.

What’s the big deal about hybrid cars?

The automobile industry claims that a hybrid car can give you as much as 20 to 30 miles per gallon more performance than a standard gasoline engine. That means that you buy less gasoline, and buying less gasoline leaves more money in your pocket. You’ll need that extra money, however, because hybrid cars are still relatively expensive compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. As more hybrid cars are sold, manufacturing prices will drop, and that drop will be seen in the selling price.

How does a hybrid car save gasoline?

In a typical automobile, the engine is connected to the transmission via a mechanical link called the drive train. When the engine’s sparkplugs fire, they ignite gasoline vapor which pushes a piston up and down. This piston movement gets transferred to the transmission via the drive train. The transmission turns the wheels and the car goes down the road.

Well, the hybrid car is almost exactly the same except that in addition to the engine being connected to the transmission, an electric motor is also connected to the transmission. Actually, there are two different versions of hybrid cars. The one that was just described is called a parallel hybrid, because there are two different energy sources connected in parallel to the transmission.

The other type of hybrid car is called a series hybrid because the gasoline engine works in series with the electric motor to power the car. This is accomplished by having the gasoline engine either charge the car’s batteries, or power the electric motor. The gasoline engine doesn’t actually turn the car’s wheels at all.

The parallel hybrid operates off of the electric motor when the car is being driven below a certain speed, and the gasoline engine kicks in when that speed is exceeded, or when sensors in the car indicate that the driver has accelerated suddenly as if to pass or to avoid an emergency situation.

Of course, the gasoline engine is always running even when the electric motor is powering the car, so some gasoline is always being used.

The series hybrid is always running off of the electric motor, which restricts the top speed of the car, and the gasoline engine only kicks in when the batteries need to be charged.

Like all automotive claims, your mileage may vary. Even so, if you’re looking to spend less money at the gas station, and avoid much of the effect of rising gas prices, you might want to park a hybrid car in your garage.
About the Author

Diane Nassy is the founder of http://www.save-on-gas-prices.com. Visit her website for great tips on ways to save on rising gas prices. Email : deeljeabiz@gmail.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Hurricane Katrina and Rita brings new hazards to the used car market, not only in the Gulf States region affected by floodwater, but across the nation as well.

The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes up significantly and along with high demand and low volume, it is likely the price will also increase for used cars in the affected market area.

While a vast majority of the vehicles will be considered a Total Loss by insurance companies and scrapped, there are still thousands that will be back in the market place for resale purposes.

Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged flood vehicles and sell at auctions across the country, leaving unsuspecting buyers at risk of purchasing a vehicle that has been damaged by the recent hurricanes.

Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most serious and costly types of damage. The long-term effects of corroded electronic parts and wiring can be devastating and almost impossible to correct and repair.

Here are a few tell tale signs and basic tips consumers can take to minimize the risk of purchasing a vehicle with flood damage.

Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave grass and debris around the radiator, underneath around the frame, front and rear suspension components, etc.

Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets of the door panels and interior trim areas.

Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding underneath the carpet.

Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion

Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly underneath where water has been standing.

Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that there may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet padding.

Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors and wiring.

With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that has potential long term effects by water damage.

About the Author: Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new and innovative training course teaching the average consumer “How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way”

Source: www.isnare.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Auto Service Contracts 101: The Need-to-Know Facts

Today, buying car is not just simply buying a car. This is because when a person wants to buy a car, there are many additional services that tag along. One great example of these so-called “extras” is the auto service contract.

These auto service contracts are not necessarily required by most car dealers. However, most car buyers are enticed to get one in order to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances such as expensive car repairs.

Generally, auto service contracts are pledges made by the agency, usually the car dealer, responsible to provide the necessary services or repairs that the buyer or the contract holder is entitled for.

The problem with some people is that they categorize auto service contract as the same with extended car warranties. What they do not know is that car warranties are normally included in the price of the new car bought while auto service contracts can be obtained any time even if the person did not buy a new car. Moreover, auto service contracts are always an additional cost for the car buyer meaning he may or may not obtain an auto service contract.

However, just like the other financial decisions, careful deliberation is extremely important before making some final decisions. This is because not all auto service contracts are made equal.

Here is a list of the factors that need to be considered when getting an auto service contract:

1. Buyers should be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto service contract.

In every agency or company that provides auto service contracts, each has its own terms and conditions. Hence, it is important for every buyer to know first the terms as stipulated in the contract so as to know what kinds of details are included and what are those that are not included.

2. Buyers should know the specific entity who will perform the required services.

In this way, the buyer would know what goes on when a certain service is required. In this way, the contract holder would know where to ask for the repairs and to whom they should ask for the needed services.

3. Know the reputation of those who will provide auto service contracts.

It is extremely important to know how long the company or the dealer has been in the business. Along with it comes the reputation that has been built for so many years of reliable services and performances that the customers were able to testify.

The important thing here is that people should be aware of what they are paying for. After all, it’s their money that is at risk.

About the author:



Jay is the web owner of http://www.new-cars-in.com New Cars, a website that provides information and resources on searching for new cars, new car pricing, loans, and dealers. You can visit his website at: http://www.used-cars-in.net Used Cars

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair