Archive for the ‘Kansas New Cars’ category

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

December 8th, 2011

Green is the new way to think. Our society has started to become more aware of the effect we are having on our eco system. This is also true when it comes to what vehicles we are driving. Hybrid cars are the new trend for the future. Hybrids were first introduced by Toyota and Honda, now there are many different brands of hybrid vehicles available today.

A hybrid car is basically a normal fuel efficient car that has two motors. It has both an electric motor and a gasoline powered motor. It also contains an innovation system that captures braking energy to store in an onboard battery.

The reason there is two motors is because electric motors turn off when they are idle and gas motors do better at high speeds. Gas motors can also deliver more power. In the stop and go traffic a electric motor does great and does not produce any emissions. The gas motor charges the batteries while it is running.
In a hybrid vehicle the gas motor starts automatically when the battery gets low and charges the battery. A hybrid never has to be plugged into an outlet. Hybrids are more complex and tend to be more expensive. However, with the increase in popularity the price for a hybrid is going down. Hybrids can now be purchased for a reasonable price.

There are also incentives from the government to choose more fuel efficient and green cars like the hybrid. There are tax credits available and you can also save on car insurance. Some auto insurance companies reduce premiums on hybrid cars.

Hybrids are the most efficient of all gasoline vehicles. They usually get between 48 to 60mpg. The fuel efficiency comes from the aerodynamics, weight reduction and from smaller less powerful engines. With a hybrid you get the best of both worlds and get to same on fuel at the same time.

Ways to Make the Car you Drive more Green

December 1st, 2011

Today everyone is trying to do their part to help protect our eco-system. Driving is a necessity for most people due to having to cover large areas to go to work, school and shopping Even if you do not own a green car there are several things that you can do to make your present vehicle more fuel efficient and less harmful to the environment.

Even though these tips may sound simple; if you make an effort to do these this things every time you drive you will save fuel in the long run. Whenever possible try to use the highest possible gear if you have a standard transmission. Try to drive as smoothly and at a consistent speed as possible. Swerving in and out of traffic and speeding up and then slowing down wastes more fuel.

If you plan on being stationary for more than a few minutes you should shut off the engine. If you sit there with the car running you will burn unnecessary fuel and your car will be putting CO2 emissions into the air. It takes less fuel to turn off the engine and turn it back on then to just sit there idling.

You should keep your windows closed whenever possible. With the windows closed the car is more aerodynamic and uses less fuel. Another thing you can do is to make sure you don’t carry around unnecessary items in your car, especially heavy items. The more weight in your car the harder the engine has to work and that means using more fuel.

Your tire pressure is very important to helping you have better fuel efficiency. If you keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure you will save on fuel. The best way to save fuel and to help the environment is not to use your car for short journeys; you can try walking instead. You will save money on fuel and get exercise at the same time.

These are just some of the things you can do to save on the high price of fuel and also be saving the environment at the same time. If everyone would follow these simple tips the world would be a cleaner place to live.