Saturday, March 31, 2007

Hybrid Vehicles - What to Know

Environmentalists love them. Consumers want them, and manufacturers are rushing to get more of them into showrooms. Hybrids are hot and getting hotter.

Wild fluctuations in gas prices have been a boom for hybrid car manufacturers. Hoping to lower gas bills, consumers are rushing to see if the new hybrids are worth the extra sticker price. It is estimated that by 2015, more than five million will be on the road throughout the globe, compared to less than one million just last year. Still, hybrid cars aren't for everyone. So, what should consumers look for in a hybrid? First, you need to understand what they're all about.

What Is A Hybrid?
A hybrid is a cross between a traditional gas powered engine and an electric one. Hybrids contain both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor with a battery backup. Traditional hybrids share both the gas and electric energy, thus making them more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. There is one thing to consider, however, when purchasing a hybrid. With two main types available (a full hybrid and a mild hybrid), consumers must decide how important the energy savings are before choosing one over the other.

Mild Hybrid: The mild hybrid vehicle uses mostly gas consumption, with the electric motor only assisting the traditional engine during higher speeds when more power is needed. Therefore, the mild hybrid relies more on gas consumption than its full-hybrid counterpart, and only offers a minimal reduction in the amount of harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere. Still, compared to traditional vehicles, benefits to the wallet and environment are seen.

Full Hybrid: The full hybrid is more in line with what consumers think of when considering a hybrid vehicles. Allowing the electric motor to work independently of the traditional engine, the full hybrid can actually run on electricity alone, saving gas and eliminating the release of many harmful emissions. During an idle stop, the full hybrid will actually shut itself off, returning power to the electric motor. Great for town driving, the full hybrid allows the electric motor to do most of the work when traveling at slower speeds. And, despite what many consumers think, neither hybrid must be "plugged in". The car recharges itself through the internal battery pack while driving.

Why Buy A Hybrid?
Despite recent reports that warned consumers that today's hybrids weren't getting the gas mileage touted by manufacturers, most advocates agree that many can use as much as half the fuel as a traditional gas-guzzler. Even with newer models being manufactured bigger and heavier (thus, using more gas to run), hybrids remain economical and eco-friendly alternatives for today's driving consumer.

They are more efficient, environmentally sound, and according to manufacturers, will soon be available in more styles for consumers to choose from. In 2007 several suv and truck varieties have already been unveiled.

Their popularity is undeniable. Manufacturing for the hybrid has tripled in the last four years in the United States alone, with production expected to double again this year.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

How To Make Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuel is becoming a popular alternative to regular gasoline and diesel that we all buy at the corner gas station. As the price of gas rises our modern society that is so reliant on petroleum products for its energy needs has started to search for alternative ways to fuel our needs. One option is to make biodiesel, an alternative fuel source we can make right in our own backyards.

Biodiesel fuel is made from vegetable oil. That's right, the same stuff we all use to cook with everyday. The process to make biodiesel is relatively easy too. The vegetable oil will need to be run through a biodiesel processor which converts the oil into a fuel that can be used in diesel engines. You will need to check with the manufacturer of your engine to make sure that it will run on biodiesel with out any problems. There are kits available to convert diesel engines that have problems with burning biodiesel.

The nice thing about a biodiesel processor is that it is relatively small, meaning you can set one up in a shed or under an awning in your backyard. There are two ways to go about getting a biodiesel processor. There are numerous internet sites that sale complete biodiesel processor kits or you can build one yourself. Plans for doing so are also available by doing an internet search.

Whether you buy a pre made processor or build one yourself getting set up is not all that complicated. Be sure to read all the instructions and safety pre-cautions before your start to make biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel processing is a type of refining and high temperatures are involved so you need to be careful to avoid the risk of serious burns.

One of the best ways to learn how to make biodiesel fuel is to learn from someone who is already doing it and is familiar with the process and equipment. They can give you all the details involved in making biodiesel and if they let you help make a batch or two you'll get a good feel for what the process is like and if it is indeed something you would like to do.

While the kits used to make biodiesel can be pricey up front and can cost several thousand dollars for a higher end model it is important to remember that over the life of the processor you will save money as the price of gas continues to rise and you no longer have to join everyone else at the gas pumps.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

If you are interested in learning how to make biodiesel fuel and would like to learn more about this alternative fuel source check out this Biodiesel website by clicking here.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

The use of Car Battery

When most people think of a car battery, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to a car battery than just the basics.

Any automobile needs a car battery to start its engine. It is also used in stabilizing, filtering and giving the needed power for ignition, electrical lighting, and other car accessories. The car battery provides the power whenever the charging system cannot carry the excess loads. It also maintains the electrical flow of the charging system when it is not operating.

The car battery is an important part of the car, that is why, battery check up is necessary. You may encounter car problems and engine stoppage when the battery is in bad shape. Well-maintained batteries can last for two years. You must also buy a battery that fits in the climactic condition of your place.

You may buy a non-sealed battery if the climate of the place is hotter while sealed batteries are recommended in colder places because there is no need to add water to the battery of the engine. Some people get the dual marine battery, which is the combination of the sealed and the standard battery that can accommodate changing climate conditions.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

The model of the battery is usually important to many buyers. This is the reason why you may buy a battery that can be larger and has a higher reserved capacity rating than the old one that you are replacing. Group numbers of the battery may vary but you may acquire it on the same price.

Another factor that is important in sizing the batteries performance is the CCA ( cold cranking amps ) ratings that measures the amps if they exceed or meet the at 0 degrees F and can sustain for 30 seconds while having a voltage higher than 7.2 depending on the condition of the climate of the place. Sometimes buyers look at their ( MCA ) Marine Cranking Amps or by their ( CA ) Cranking Performance Amps, which are determined if they can maintain a 32 degrees F.

People who buy batteries with double or triple CA ratings in hot climates will just put their money into waste. You may acquire higher CCA rating in colder climates because they can provide the needed power to an inefficient engine.

There's no doubt that the topic of car battery can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about car battery, you may find what you're looking for in our article directory.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

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