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5 Simple Ways to Increase Fuel Economy in Your Car!

By: Edward Conrad

With the environment and the economy in the current state that they are in, the ever increasing importance of saving your money and doing your part to heal our earth is rising at a rapid speed. The air pollution from cars is one of the main contributors to the environmental problem, and the price of gasoline is still at an all time high. If you take the time to increase fuel economy in your car with these simple ways, you are not only doing your part to help our world, you will also be saving a great deal of money.

A simple way to increase fuel economy in your car is to take a few moments to check the air pressure of your tires, this is relatively simple to do and you can do it yourself in just minutes. The only tool you will need is an air pressure gauge which you can obtain in a variety of locations and it generally cost less than ten dollars.

When you are checking the air pressure of your tires, you want to make sure that all of the tires are evenly inflated and aligned properly. Check your owner’s manual to make sure that that they are at the correct pressure. This will increase fuel economy in your car and help your car run smoother with less ware and tare on the tires, making them last longer which will save you money.

A great way to save money and increase fuel economy in your car is to drive more efficiently, This entails actions such as driving at the correct speed limit, as gas mileage will begin to decrease greatly at around 60 miles per hour. Don’t drive aggressively, obey the law and avoid idling, this can not only save you money, help your car last longer, and help our environment, it will also make the road safer for everyone.

Another way to increase fuel economy and save money is to take a moment and remove anything in your car that is not needed. Items such as a first aid kit, water, or tools should remain, however, everything else should go. Removing as much excess weight as possible will help your car run smoother and improve your gas mileage.

When you are at the pump, use the recommended level of octane for your car. Your owner’s manual recommends a certain level, most advise that you should use regular octane, and paying more for a higher level is a waste of money that could be spent on other more needed things.

My final suggestion to increase fuel economy in your car and help our world and your wallet is to keep your car properly maintained. Regular tune ups are a must if you want to keep your car running smoothly and effectively. When time is taken to fix minor problems, you not only help decrease pollution overall, you also avoid having these problems turn in to a larger and more expensive ordeal.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_4597.shtml

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WHITTIER, CA - JULY 23:  A Toyota Prius is dis...
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The 3rd Generation 2010 Toyota Prius is here!

By: King Toyota

King Toyota presents the third generation Toyota Prius i.e. the much awaited 2010 model with upgraded amenities and features. King Toyota was established in 1968 and over forty years later, King Toyota is still known as one of the leaders in the automotive industry.

King Toyota’s mission is to focus their entire organization in delivering outstanding customer service that exceeds the customer’s expectations. Hence King Toyota believes in getting the latest models of their customers’ favorite cars to them at the earliest.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the midsize third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid car will offer

• Better mileage ratings,

• Enhanced performance, and

• Innovative design features.

It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moon roof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

The Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius. A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Being a hybrid, the Prius can run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both.

The redesigned exterior of the new Prius has front and rear corners that are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. The solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. This prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel. The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback and guides the driver to optimize their skills for lower fuel consumption.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane. Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces. Bluetooth Technology and Navigation System are some of the many other options that add to the comfort and convenience features in the Prius.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2865.shtml

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hybrid cars
Hybrid vehicles are predicted to carve out 2.5% – 2.8% market share of new vehicles sold in 2008. The 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid again leads the pack accounting for 50% of all hybrids sold.  This over-achieving fuel efficient gas/electric hybrid recovers energy from the braking system when the brakes are applied and uses that energy to charge a battery.

Many other car manufacturers, including Honda, Ford and Chevy, marketed fuel efficient hybrids in 2008 with limited success.  But their efforts continue as the industry goes green.  Toyota has three of the top five best selling hybrid cars (see below).

Best Selling 2008 Hybrid Cars:

1. Toyota Prius

2. Toyota Camry

3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Hylander

5. Ford Escape



Currently Toyota uses Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries in the Prius and other 2008 Hybrids.  The engine is called “Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)”, a refinement of the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) used in the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius.  The name was changed to accommodate usage outside the Toyota brand.  Toyota describes HSD-equipped vehicles as having E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).

Toyota is expected to continue leading other manufacturers in fuel efficient automobiles over the next few years.  Toyota will be introducing lighter materials (carbon fibre and aluminum) and plug-in Lithium-Ion batteries with a goal of achieving 90 mpg.

Honda employs a parallel drivetrain with an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission.  Honda calls it’s technology “Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)”.  IMA wasfirst introduced on the Insight in 1999.   It uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission.  The implementation employs a parallel drivetrain..

A spokesman for GM recently predicted that 4 out of 5 cars sold in the year 2020 will be fuel efficient hybrids as a result of increasingly tougher emissions standards.  More information on 2008 hybrids.



By: Steve Auger

About the Author:

30 years as a design engineer left me chained to a desk, salary and office politics. Now I have a strong desire to do something positive for my dear planet. So I am becoming an environmental activist.

Steve Auger is the author of www.blogonsmog.com and the website www.goinggreenformychildren.com.



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hybrid cars
Compare ALL Hybrid cars with each other before deciding.

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

For the past fout or five years, there has been much ado about Hybrid Cars and the many benefits they could offer. Their popularity has been compounded by the ever surging gas prices and the concern for the environment. It seems that Hybrid Cars are the solution to both. When you use a Hybrid car, you contribute less to the thickening air pollution, plus you save a lot of money since they require less fuel, plus there are numerous tax credits being given by many states.

For these reasons, hybrid cars have experienced a sharp increase in sales and more car manufacturers are joining the hybrid vehicle arena with their own versions. For those who are planning to buy a hybrid car, the choices are numerous, that’s why you have to compare hybrid cars with one another to see which one would go well with your needs.

Two of the top hybrid car manufacturers are the Japanese giant’s Toyota and Honda. They are credited with producing many innovations in the hybrid technology and their hybrid cars are the most acclaimed, most sought after and most awarded hybrid vehicles today.

Here we will compare the hybrid cars they are offering for 2007, these will include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 450H, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about “hybrid car”. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Their fuel efficiency can be compared through their average consumption per mile in different situations, like; City Driving – where the traffic is constantly stopping, Highway Driving – where the engine can freely operate at maximum level and their combined average usage.

Miles Per Gallon – Average Miles Used Per gallon of Fuel

· Honda Accord Hybrid – 28 MPG (city), 35 MPG (Highway) and 31 MPG (Combined Average)

· Honda Civic – 49 MPG (city), 51 MPG (Highway) and 50 MPG (Combined Average)

· Lexus GS 450H – 25 MPG (city), 28 MPG (Highway) and 26 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Camry Hybrid – 38 MPG (city), 40 MPG (Highway) and 39 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Prius – 51 MPG (city), 60 MPG (Highway) and 55 MPG (Combined Average)

But before you just pick out the one with the highest MPG average, you still have to consider and compare a couple of aspects as well. This includes the fuel type. All of these vehicles use regular gasoline except for the Lexus which uses Premium Gasoline that is pricier.

Then you also have to compare the size class of each hybrid car and their engine size and liters. The Accord Hybrid is a midsize car with a 3 liter – 6 cylinder engine. The Civic Hybrid is a compact car with a 1.3 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The Lexus is another compact car with a 3.5 liter – 6 cylinder engine. The Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan equipped with a 2.4 liter – 4 cylinder engine and the Toyota Prius is a compact car with a 1.5 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The more powerful the engine is, the more fuel will be consumed.

Considering this aspect and others is needed when comparing hybrid cars. You have to consider the differences. Before purchasing a hybrid car, compare first and do your research. Find one that would suit your needs and your personality best to get the perfect hybrid car for you.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.



By: Floyd Dorrance

About the Author:

The author, Floyd Dorrance is a prfessional reseacher of a variety of articles as well as a car buff from his teen years.

Want a luxury car but can’t afford one? How does the price range from $10,000 to $29,000 sound to you? Check it out. http://tinyurl.com/3xsean



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hybrid cars
While purchasing a hybrid vehicle may be absolutely beneficial to some owners due to a promise of a number of benefits, namely:

1. Reduction in cost of Insurance

2. Gas and Mileage Savings

3. Tax Credit

Consumers must always be aware of any new information that could affect their decision to invest on these vehicles.

It is obvious that out of these three main benefits, tax credit is definitely the green light for these buyers to opt for Hybrids. What they do not know is that, tax credit is also subject to certain conditions which will one way or another affect them as a buyer and the vehicle as well.

Before proceeding to invest on a green car, whether as a whole or in part, it is recommended that you conduct your own research for the tax credit offered each year by the federal government, also known as the New Energy Tax Credit. Digging some further info will not only educate the consumer on the scheme, but will also give them a greater understanding of the conditions imposed on these tax credits. Conditions such as, these tax credits or incentives is not at all permanent and is in fact being subjected to discontinuation or worse, a complete phase out.

This tax incentive proved to be very rewarding to buyers of hybrid cars after December 31, 2005. Records show that about USD 2,000 tax refunds has been granted for vehicles purchased before 2006 and on one hand, vehicles purchased after December 31, 2005 were eligible to refunds as high as USD 3400, which is a remarkable difference in the amount of tax refund.

The vehicles that were covered of this tax refund were Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. The list also includes several gas-saving green vehicles that are not considered as hybrids.

Again, before investing on these vehicles, buyers must strictly take note that while these vehicles are eligible for New Energy Tax Credit scheme, buying any of these vehicles does not give them an assurance of a tax credit.

You see, tax refunds eligibility of a vehicle depends on the mark of sales each model or make has reached. For example, if the number of sales for a certain eligible vehicle has reached its maximum, only 50% of the number of vehicles specified by the Tax Credit scheme will be entitled to the incentive, this system follows once the next mark of sales is attained, this time only 25% will be entitled to the tax refund. A consumer will not be entitled to a tax refund if a maximum sales target of a certain green or hybrid car is achieved.

Furthermore, tax credits will not be rewarded to consumers for Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as several Lexus gas-saving models if purchases are made after October 1, 2007. The same applies for purchases made after January 1, 2009 for Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid.

Now, if you are really that interested to invest in Hybrid vehicles mainly due to tax refund despite the gradual discontinuation of this incentive, it will therefore be worthwhile to do your research as there are still some vehicles advised to be still eligible for tax refunds, these in particular, are the upcoming 2009 and 2010 hybrid models.

Taking some time to educate ourselves on these few points won’t cost us anything. It will in fact prove to be very useful before making a final decision. Let’s not forget we are investing our own money for these types of vehicles. Being well informed before hand could result to your main target, a good hybrid car investment plus the benefit of a tax refund which only means, MONEY.



By: Thomas Jones

About the Author:

To learn more about hybrid cars visit hybridcarchat.com and join the hybrid car forums



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Betsy and Tod from the Town of Bethlehem NY bought the Hybrid Toyota Prius to save on gas and reduce their carbon imprint. In this video, Betsy shows us how hybrid cars work and all its features.

By: BethlehemGoesGreen

About the Author:



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