Posts Tagged ‘automobiles’

The New Prius - 50 MPG!

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

The ante will be raised when new Prius is released. Great gas mileage is what has sold over 1 million Prius Hybrids.The Prius hybrid comes stock with a 1.the new prius has a larger displacement engine.5L.Optimization in the torque increases gas mileage and fuel economy due to lower gearing at highway speeds.Past models had 110 horspower, the new model has 160-hp. 

The 2010 Toyota Prius should get right about 50 MPG; which is up 4 MPG from its predecessor.Frugal driving can net over 75 MPG!A lighter body translates to better fuel economy. Road noise is curtailed thanks to a stiffened chassis.

Steering imput has been improved for the 2010 model year. Features that were optional on previous models such as: air, CD, and power winds, doors, and locks; now come standard for 2010. A remote air conditioner, LED headlights, rearview camera system, and XM radio are all new accessories available on the new Prius.

Energy usually wasted by braking is used to charge the battery pack. The new Prius is at the top of the compact car class in regards to safety. Maintaining distance cruise control, parking assist, and safety connect systems like on-star are all accessories included on the Prius.

See the new Prius and a nice inventory of other hybrids at San Jose Toyota.  The Prius has been named top green car for the past few years.  And why shouldn’t it.  The Prius gets great gas mileage which saves gas, in turn putting less strain on the environment.  Not to mention is is a low emissions vehicle.  The PRius is an honored car that does a great job of keeping its resale value.  So if you cannot afford to buy a brand new 2010 Prius, go ahead and look for a nice used model.  You will pay less, get a capable car, and even get a used car warranty if you buy a certified Toyota hybrid.

See some great new cars at Bakersfield Hyundai, and Honda of Atlanta.

Tips on OEM Car Parts

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Your car’s alternator won’t last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. Actually, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can fail as well. Every auto part under your vehicle’s hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.

If you take your car to the dealership, they’ll use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Conversely, the mechanic at your local garage is most likely going to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?

Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Below, we’ll compare the advantages of investing in OEM parts versus buying their aftermarket equivalents.

The Advantages Of Aftermarket

Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. However, the percentage you’ll save will vary by the item your vehicle needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.

Another advantage is that the quality can be just as high as Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don’t squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is, ensuring the brake pads are silent requires accepting a mild loss in performance (to that end, high-performance brakes are often noisy).

Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they’re widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any replacement part your vehicle needs. In fact, they’ll often have them in stock.

The Advantages Of OEM

OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you’ll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.

Second, you won’t need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are designed to be seamless replacements and possess a consistent level of quality. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.

Third, they are usually supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. You might not have the same experience if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.

Which Is The Most Appropriate Choice?

There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. Anything on your car’s frame (like a body panel) that needs to be replaced should be replaced with an Original Equipment Manufacturer replacement. Second, if you’re leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you’re likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for key components (like an alternator or fuel pump), OEM is always a better choice.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment.

The Truth about Car Air Filter Placement

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

The recommended changing of a car’s air filter falls into a wide range of possibilities. Some experts claim that doing so every 3,000 miles helps to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is performing as efficiently as possible. Others claim that swapping it out every 30,000 miles is sufficient. In truth, neither is entirely correct. It;s based on more factors than the standard 3000 miles indicators. What’s more, this is one area in which it might behoove you to ignore your owner’s manual (I’ll explain why in a moment).

The basic job of the air filter is to prevent dirt, grit and debris from getting to your car’s engine. This is an important factor. When foreign particles enter the engine, they can accumulate and cause expensive damage. By filtering them, your engine can remain free of debris and perform more effectively.

In this article, I’ll explain why your driving circumstances will influence the frequency with which you change your air filter. I’ll also describe its value in the context of fuel injection systems.

Consider Your Driving Situation

People drive in different circumstances. For example, you might drive in an area that is not exposed to a large amount of dust. If that’s the case, you might be able to drive 20,000 miles without needing to replace your car’s air filter. On the other hand, suppose you live in a city that undergoes perpetual construction. Dust and dirt are an ever-present part of the immediate environment. In that case, you may be able to drive 10,000 miles before needing a replacement part.

The more dust and debris that is in the air or kicked up on the road, the more frequently you’ll need to buy a replacement. This is the reason why you should only use your owner’s manual as a guide. The automaker has no way to know whether you’re driving your car in extremely dusty conditions or not.

The Technology of Fuel Injection Systems

Newer vehicles are not equipped with carburetors; fuel injection systems have taken their place. The benefits of the fuel injection is that it is a more efficient tool to blend air and fuel for combustion. That allows your car engine to perform with greater fuel efficiency. The problem is that a clogged filter can play havoc with the system. Even though your car’s computer will attempt to recalibrate the mixture based upon available airflow, the ratio is imprecise. As a result, fuel efficiency plummets and your engine’s performance is hampered.

Invest A Few Extra Dollars

When it’s time to buy a new air filter, spend a few extra dollars and invest in quality. A high-quality replacement will generally cost less than $20, yet its overall impact can be enormous. It will protect your engine from dirt and other foreign particles, which prevents damage and improves performance. It will also affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

You should also check for clogging in your air filter every time you have the oil changed. You may not need to swap it out, but at such a low cost, it’s far better to err on the conservative side.

Examining Your Vehicle’s Fuel Pump

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

All Fuel Injection Systems are components of the fuel pump. Located next to - or often within - the tank, it has two jobs. First, it must make sure enough gasoline is available for the injectors. Second, it needs to generate the right level of pressure so the injectors can deliver the proper amount of gas to the engine. If something goes wrong with this part, the issue can impact your vehicle’s performance and increase its level of emissions.

In this article, we’ll explore this component in detail. We’ll look at the potential problems that can occur and how to diagnose them. I’ll also provide insight about replacing the car parts that a lot of motorists might be surprised to learn.

Things That Can Go Wrong?

The purpose of your car’s FIS is to provide the precise amount of gasoline for any type of conditions in which the car engine is operating. This level of precision is one of the reasons the injection system replaced carburetors years ago. If the fuel pump is not in working order, the injectors are unable to add the correct amount of gasoline to the mixture. As a result, your vehicle’s engine might run “too lean” or “too rich.” That can cause idling problems, a persistent stumble, power loss, or trouble during cold starts.

Running too lean or too rich can also lead to misfiring. When that happens, your vehicle will produce higher levels of emissions (i.e. hydrocarbons) which more than likely will make your car fail a smog emissions test.

Diagnosing Problems

Let’s suppose you’re noticing symptoms while driving that suggest the pump is failing. It’s possible that the issue is simply a bad connection. It’s also possible that your battery isn’t generating a sufficient charge to operate the fuel pump, so check the battery’s voltage output. If the problem is not related to a connection or a low charge coming from your battery, check the static pressure. If it doesn’t match what is listed in your owner’s manual, you’ll probably need to replace the component.

Replacing The Unit

The first thing you’ll need to do is to make sure the replacement car part is a good match for your vehicle. Just because it fits does not mean it’s appropriate. Again, look at your owner’s manual. It should list the proper specifications that your car’s fuel pump must meet. If you install a replacement that is poorly matched for your vehicle, it will work. However, you’ll probably notice performance issues.

The industry has undergone a fair amount of consolidation in recent years. Because of this, many fuel pumps are bought as a “one size fits all” configuration. Realize that this configuration may not meet your automakers standards. When the time comes to replace the part, make sure it meets original equipment parts (OE) specifications. That way, you can be sure that the replacement doesn’t cause your engine to run too lean or too rich.

The Battle of the 2010 Hybrids

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

The realease of the Insight has ruffled a few feathers due to its price tag.The base model Insight is priced almost $4000 below the base price of the Prius. Costing a few grand less earns the Insight the honor and distinction of cheapest hybrid in the U.S. 

The Honda has a great system that will help educate the driver how to drive more economically and thus save fuel.The ECON setting can be switched off so that the insight will produce more HP, or when left on the car will help you drive more efficiently.The Insight uses the latest hybrid motor techniology called the IMA or integrated motor assist. Th IMA system is cheaper to manufacture, lighter than the original, and adds to the overall interior space. The Honda sports a VTEC motor that is connected to an automatic transmission.The Insight has some great accessories that can be added onto the base model such as: a Blue Tooth six-speaker sound system, rims, vehicle control assist, F-1 inspired paddle shifters, and a navigation system. The Toyota has been the reigning king of the hybrid market for years now, but with the low price of the Insight, Honda is aiming to take away that title. 

On the other side of the coin, the Toyota Prius has a 160 horsepower 1.8 liter engine uses 3 modes of operation. Those include ECO mode, which allows more of less pedal responsiveness for fuel economy, the EV mode that allows the vehicle to run only on battery power for ½ mile, and the Power Mode which increases pedal sensitivity for more responsive driving.  The Prius also has a PCS, Pre- Collision System, available.Adaptive Cruise Control uses a laser to keep the same distance between your car and the car infront of you, and the Prius will automatically apply brakes if needed. Toyota has a new system of buttons on the steering wheel that will help keep the driver safe.

When it comes to price the Insight is hands down the winner, but the gas mileage rating is another story altogether.Early test put the Insight at a combine fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon, and the Prius is reported to get a 46 combined miles per gallon rating.  So, if you commute 20,000 miles per year (and gas costs $2.50 a gallon), owning the Honda would cost $1219 in gas per year and owning a Prius would cost $1086 per year. Rolling around in a Toyota Prius will save over 50 gallons of gas per year as compared to the Honda, but it would take 27 years of driving to recoup the lower cost of the Insight.The Toyota Prius does net a better MPG rating, yet the Honda is a better value due to its cheaper MSRP!

Certified Hybrid in Southern California, or buy a Used Prius Hybrid.  Jazel Auto Builds the best Auto Dealer Websites around.

Are There Benefits for Recycled Auto Parts?

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

As prices on goods and services continue to sky rocket, the selling of used Honda parts and other used car parts has now become widespread because the savings are tremendous and the quality remains high.

You have to be careful though or you could get taken. And that’s why one of the best places for buying used parts is the Internet…when you know what to look for and the sites to trust.

The junk yard can serve you because they offer a wide variety of used vehicle parts but the quality and guarantees are unreliable.

Getting used Honda parts has always been a process treated with skepticism. People misconstrue and believe recycled auto parts are unreliable and that they may konk out after only a few days or worse be dead on arrival.

But lately, retailers are changing their policies and increasing the quality and testing which provides assurances to you before buying. The parts undergo thorough testing, which proves their quality and helps you rest more comfortably. These Honda parts are molded again in their new shape which makes it very difficult to identify the old ones from the new ones.

Now, the Internet has become the latest place for buying all types of products including used Honda parts and other types of used car parts. So, for getting cheap and high-quality used auto parts, the Internet has come of age and is more than a handy option because the quality remains and you get the product shipped right to your door.

So, now it becomes important to select the right site for buying and getting the parts at affordable rates.

You hot buttons on whether to buy or not to buy might be:

1. Simply Purchasing Procedure: We live in a fast paced society where time is valuable, so fast simple and easy always wins out.

2. Wide variety of Products to cover the majority of your potential customers.

3. Comfortable and Safe: You are familiar with the location and know you can receive quality mechanise for the amount you are willing to spend. And look for an iron-clad guarantee so your site visitors have no hesitation entering their credit card information and hitting the buy button.

Purchasing used car parts in working condition is much better than spending all the money for a new Honda car or even new Honda parts at retail prices.

You would have to pay the shipping, transportation costs, and the other overhead as well as profits retailers stick in there.

This is where recycled parts purchased through reputed online sites are reliable and also maintenance free. And you can get more life out of the car you have already depreciated rather than throwing away good money on new cars and new parts.

The online Internet has opened the market for getting quality deals now more so than ever in the past. This includes both foreign and domestic.

Even with the struggles Honda is having and the car dealers are having the maintenance and parts businesses are thriving. It’s one of the bright spots for auto dealerships.

Of course, savings is the major advantage of buying used Honda parts. New parts have much higher markups and profit margins than old. So do you want to pay for a retailers overhead?

Because online sellers operate with very low overhead, prices can be kept low and affordable for various auto parts including engines, alternators, and transmissions.

There is a big market worldwide for used auto parts.

I highly recommend purchasing used transmissions and engines because they’re reliable. Also used side panels and bumpers are other big ticket items you can save on without loss of function or looks.

Since online barriers to entry within the used auto parts business is low, many services have popped up opening a lot more choices for consumers. As well there’s lots of information you can research to guide you in making the right decision. The only thing left for you to do is read all required notices and terms and then make your choice.

The Risks of Buying Secondhand Auto Parts

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

If you are searching for car parts, there are many ways that you can track down the spares that are needed. Some methods are safe, and will cause no problems. But on the other hand, some methods that auto spares are acquired are downright risky. One representative example of this is buying second-hand car parts from a salvage yard, or auto repair shop. All of these places usually trade used car spares that can be used when repairing your auto. What’s scary, though, is the fact that automobile shops often put used car spares in a car that’s going to be repaired, too, just in order to save the car repair shop a small amount of money. But here are some of the perils of purchasing used auto spares if you aren’t knowledgable about them.

1. The Background

When buying anything that’s second-hand you seldom know the history of the product. The same holds true for car parts, unfortunately. Consider that when you purchase auto spares from a car breakers you seldom know if that item has been through an car accident and is a good enough part to put on your car. Even though most of the automobile spares that can be acquired through a junk or scrap yard are purchased at your own risk and without a warranty, there are some serious risks associated with doing this.

2. Are They Reliable?

As mentioned, used auto spares can also be purchased from car repair shops. The reality at most auto repair shops is that the used auto spares that are there are commonly kept in one big pile in the back of the repair shop. If you buy a used alternator from them then how would you know it is good to use? It is very likely that the auto parts that are purchased from a repair shop are no good, or else if they work to start with car parts they may just fail next week. The auto parts that can be obtained through an automobile repair shop or a car breakers are just too dangerous to excuse purchasing. Naturally, you may very well be proffered a refund or exchange if this were to happen, but the best advice would be to stay away from used auto spares entirely.

3. Getting Ripped Off
Another likelihood, and perhaps the greatest one, is the danegr of being cheated when buying used automobile spares. You could be sold parts that are not what they are described as, or that are older and more weakened than you are told. It is not important whether the auto spares are for a pre-owned Fiat or a secondhand Saab , you need to be sure that you are purchasing a genuine authentic manufacturers component.

Even if you opt to not buy the used auto spares through a repair shop or a junk yard, if you do buy used auto parts through a private dealer then you always run the risk of getting downright cheated. What is even more worrying is the fact that you may not be able to locate the person ever again.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter much whether or not the auto part really does work or not. The fact of the matter is that purchasing used automobile spares is plain risky and dangerous. Even though loads of people engage in this practice daily, buying used car parts should be discouraged!

The Factors Inside Your Car’s Cooling System

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the cylinder heads, pistons, and other components.

On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

#1 - Water Pump

The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.

In order to circulate, the coolant must be pumped along its path. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.

#2 - Plumbing

The reference is referring toward the components in which the coolant moves. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. It also includes the heater core, but that’s less important for this discussion. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. Because the hot coolant travels through them continuously, they deteriorate quickly. A lot of car enthusiasts recommend replacing the hoses every three years. Every four months, you need to check them for fissures and cracks. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack - even small ones - replace them.

#3 - Sensors And Thermostat

Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work in congruent of each other to assure that temperatures stay with in a predetermined limit. If any of these parts are damaged and fail, the engines temperature will increase higher than normal. When that happens, your vehicle’s performance can be hampered and emissions will likely rise.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all the car parts are working in sync and perfectly, the engine will perform the combustions process without any problems. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.

The True Cost Of Owning Your Vehicle

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

When looking to purchase a new car, most people are only concerned with the sticker price or up front costs. They judge the deal based only on the amount of money they pay before driving their new car off the dealership lot. However, studies show that the initial investment can be misleading. Over the course of several years, a seemingly inexpensive automobile can end up costing far more than a higher-priced model.

We will explain four areas that effect the overall long term cost of vehicle ownership. When you eventually decide to purchase a new model, keep these factors in mind.

Tip 1 - Fuel Efficiency

A lot of drivers would be surprised by the variance in gas expenses for different models over five years. Driving a 4-cylinder vehicle can literally cost thousands of dollars less than a fuel-guzzling SUV. To determine how much you’ll be spending on gas, assume that you’ll be driving 12,000 miles each year. You’ll also need to make an assumption regarding where you think fuel prices will be during the next five years.

Tip 2 - Insurance Premiums

Many motorists believe that their insurance premiums are based solely upon their driving record. In truth, most insurance providers also take into account the type of car you’re driving. As an example, the premiums that your would pay on a convertible sports car are significantly higher than you would pay for a 4 door family car. Call your insurance agent prior to purchasing a new vehicle. He should be able to tell you which models will cost more to insure.

Tip 3 - Regular Maintenance And Repairs

This is one of the hidden expenses of owning an automobile. When buying a new car from a dealer, the last thing on the prospective car owners mind is the expense of future car repairs. Maintaining and repairing your car is inevitable. The older it gets, the higher the likelihood that car parts and systems will fail. The important thing to realize is that certain models are more expensive to repair than others. And while your warranty will cover the first few years, it won’t last forever. Take into account that you can save money on car repairs by utilizing used auto parts which are not only cheaper, but help save the environment

Tip 4 - Depreciation

Finally, we come to the largest expense of all: depreciation. Most people understand that automobiles depreciate. But, more than a few would be surprised to discover how much, how quickly, and the disparity between different models.

It is estimated that vehicles lose more than half their value during their first five years. Some models lose their value more quickly than others based on available inventories, popularity, and even the cash incentives offered by automakers and dealerships.

When you decide to purchase a new car, consider the initial price in the context of how much it will actually cost to own the vehicle. In other words, don’t be swayed simple because of a low sticker price. Consider the factors I’ve listed above to make sure you’re still happy with your purchase several years down the road.

Cadillac Body Restoration Shop

Monday, June 1st, 2009

As one shocker, my neighbors daughter got into her first vehicle collision.There was mostly body damage and small amounts of damage to the front fender.To be thrifty, the neighbors took the car to a crappy shop.Every time i look out the window, there sits the Camaro with 2 different body paint colors.Paint matching was obviously not the body shop's forte.  If my neighbor would have taken his ride to the Chicago Auto Body Shop at Shirey Cadillac, I wouldn’t have to look at that pitiful attempt at collision repair.

Shirey's Auto Repair Shop uses the most up to date collision technology.Nearly everything is digital.Get free electronic estimate car insurance repair rates for free.Computers and lasers are used to straighten out the car's structure.  The paint is perfectly color matched by computers.All this is finalized with flawless detail in mind.Most auto repair shops use aftermarket, refurbished, and or used parts.  Shirey will only used new factory OEM Cadillac parts.

Laborers directly represent the enterprise.  Well the Auto Body Shop workers at Shirey have over 200 years combined experience in the collision repair industry.All Shirey.Additional validations are: ASE, PPG, I CAR, and I-CANN.   You can also be sure the same technician that is assigned to your car; will see things through till the end.

The Hi-Tech Collision Repair Facility at Shirey Cadillac establishes the highest quality auto body restoration and collision repair.Shirey can manage any type of repair, from dent to full repair.   Remember if you are in an accident, get Chicago Insurance Repair at a dealership since the insurance company will be footing the bill! Shirey also offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their work.