Archive for November, 2009

Brighton Decides to Go a Bit Greener

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

Brighton City Council has recently revealed it will be installing 20 roadside charging stations for electric vehicles. This is all part of a big scheme to try and make Brighton a more Zero-emission city.

However do people who already have an electric vehicle really think they are bigger and better than the rest of us? If you consider a recent episode of South Park it would certainly seem to be the case. Many of the people in South Park bought a electric car and found that they all started to think very highly of themselves and better than the people without the car.

Of course this is all nonsense and just put there to annoy the people of Chicago (where a lot of the episode was based) as well as everyone who own one of the electric cars.

Do we all believe that the answer to the worlds pollution can be found in these cars, or maybe it is it just too much hassle? At night there is already a lot of unused electric as the power stations cannot just close down for twelve hours, so without building more stations we could power millions of electric cars with no detrimental impact on the environment. If we should have to build more power plants, we would hope that they will be cleaner plants. As well as this, the cost per mile obviously works out a lot cheaper for an electric vehicle than it does for a gas vehicle. The truth is it is all to do with efficiency as gasoline cars are 25% efficient whereas electric are around 95% meaning that a mile on electric costs a penny and a mile on gas costs around 15 cents.

So if you are about to Buy a new Alfa Romeo or buy a Nissan you should hold off and wait until an electric car comes your way. Whether it is used cars for sale there is sure to be an eventual upgrade for a car to help take down your C02 emissions.

Electric bikes are a joke

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

Leaving aside for a moment that the electric motors racing is about as exciting as artificial grass grow, the articles have been short-circuited electric bicycle for less.The electric motor in the world have 94% efficiency, but if you have taken the heat from the driver and other losses fell, the yield drops to 80% or less.  The electricity is generated in a plant which is about 40% efficient.It is time for the electricity grid, the transmission of less than 85% efficiency due to losses.  Therefor, the net efficiency of an electric bicycle or car is about 25%, very similar to a gasoline engine.

So the electric bikes might be “carrying” the equivalent of 1.3 gallons of gas, but they’ve actually consumed the equivalent of 5 gallons to get around the Isle of Man.I could go around the Isle five times wide open on a 250cc supermoto on that much gas!  It will take 20 years to develop batteries with enough energy density to make a practical electric motorcycle or a folding electric bike.

If we participate in this farce of the green, use hydrogen to produce electricity, and some bikes have explosive speed!

Electric cars (and bikes) are a joke.Consist only of fear and confusion about the global warming , a non-t there is a problem if.  Fear of carbon?  Get real.A basic understanding of meteorology and climate will show that man has no significant impact on the climate - the time to read it - you’ll love.Our food supply grows with it,carbon is not evil.  Global warming is not evil,it just makes North Dakota more comfortable in the winter.I’m just a person who has researched the carbon hype and found it to be mostly a pack of lies,I don’t work for an oil company.

Diesel or Gas - Loud Smoking Dinosaur or Fuel Gulping Monster

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

In this article I’m comparing the diesel and the gas engine and discuss their differences. Specifically their usage in cars.

From a distance the gas and the diesel engines seem to work in about the same way. A fuel made from refined crude oil is burned inside a cylinder and the hot expanding gasses forces the piston to move. The motion of the piston is transferred to the wheels through the crankshaft, the gearbox and through the transmission.

It’s when we look at the engines a little closer that we start to notice that there are differences. Difference in fuel economy, smell, vibration, expected age and price just to name a few.

With a gas engine there is an ignition system that uses high voltage electricity with wiring and spark plugs. The diesel does not need this, it compresses the fuel/air mixture until it’s so hot it ignites all by itself. In the gas engine it’s the spark plug that ignites the fuel-air mixture through a high voltage spark at the right time.

Also separating the diesel and gas engines is the fact that gas engines mix the fuel vapor with air in the intake manfold before it’s entering the cylinder. The air/fuel mixture is then sucked into the cylinder and is burned the next time the piston passes the compression stage.

On the other hand the diesel engine sucks fresh air into the cylinder and lets the piston compress it to maximum pressure. Fully compressed the air is hot enough to ignite disesel and at that point high pressure nozzles will start to spray fuel into the cylinder. The high temperature of the cylinder instantly ignites the fuel.

The different fuel injection and combustion makes the diesel burn fuel more efficiently than a gas engine. That’s why diesels have better fuel efficiency than it’s gas burning relatives.

I’m not saying that a diesel engine is better. It’s just different, it has it’s drawbacks too. A diesel engine is usually harder to start in cold, and especially in freezing weather. As you may remember it was the hot compressed air that ignited the fuel. If it’s cold enough outside the air will not become hot enough and it will not ignite the fuel, then the engine will not start.

To handle this diesels have something called glow plugs for handling cold start situations. Electrical power from the accumulator is used to preheat the glow plugs inside the cylinders before the engine is started. That way the fuel is ignited by the hot glow plugs while the cylinder and air is still too cold to do it. Then when the engine starts it only takes a few seconds for the cylinders to get hot enough to ignite the fuel without help and the glow plugs are not needed again until the next cold start.

This is one of the nuisances of having a diesel in your car. Glowing can take from a couple of second to half a minute and can be quite a stress if in a hurry. You just have to wait until it’s ready or the car won’t start. On a more expensive engine the glowing does not take long, it might not even be required, and you’ll soon get accustomed to it.

Lets for a second look at the practical differences between the diesel and the gas engine. The diesel is large and loud, it emits black smoke when accelerating and is generally regarded as bad smelling by those not owning one. It also has a sturdier construction due to the higher pressures it must handle and thus can often go twice as many miles as a gas engine during it’s lifetime. The sturdy contruction also makes it expensive when bought new.

Features of The Gas Engine

  • More quiet that the diesel
  • Better acceleration and higher top speed
  • Uses an Ignition System with Spark Plugs to Light The Fuel
  • Adds fuel to the air before letting it into the cylinder
  • Not as sturdy as a diesel. Lower price but breaks down faster
  • Gas readily available everywhere
  • Gas Mileage is poor compared to a diesel

The Diesel Engine

  • Loud noise, sounds like a truck or agricultural machine
  • Slow acceleration (get one with turbo charger, that helps)
  • Moderate top speed but can easily reach the legal speed limit in most places
  • Have glow plugs to help the fuel ignite when the engine is cold
  • Pumps clean air into the cylinders and injects fuel later
  • Engine is simple and robust. High price tag but can run many miles
  • Emits black smoke when loading it (like a quick acceleration)
  • Easy to convert to using Eco fuel oils
  • Has a great gas mileage

If I where to give you advice on selecting either a gas or a diesel powered car I would tell you this: Get a diesel if you drive long trips and can live with the small nuisances of more noise and poor acceleration. Get a gas powered car if you drive less than average or if you just want the comfort at any price.

Road Side Assistance And Help With The Hills Mobile Mechanic

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

As we all know, there is nothing more frustrating than the car breaking down, especially at the most inconvenient times, which they often do. This is especially true if you are going to work and you completely rely on your car to get about. This is where road side assistance from a local mobile mechanic can come in extremely useful.

Based in Sydney, your local mechanic can help you with lots of different problems. You also have quite a few extra advantages available to you by hiring the services of local mechanics.

However, dealing with the local company, you will spend less and typically get the problem dealt with quicker as well. While you are having your morning coffee for example, and waiting to go to work while your car is fixed, the company should be able to come and do the job as quickly as possible so you won’t even be late for work.

If the problem cannot be fixed up quickly, it will still be fixed as quickly as possible and if it is going to make your late for work, then you can get a lift with the mobile mechanics anyway and they will go back to fixing your car while you are at work.

It certainly makes life a lot easier, as if you rely on your car which most people do to get to work or other things, you will want to have an emergency number which you can completely rely on. The mobile mechanics does just that and you can call the 24 hours a day, seven days in a week.

Though there are a few cars that they don’t support, you will probably find that your car is definitely on the list of supported models. Almost all popular models and brands are supported so you will unlikely have any problem at all. They will also serve as pickup trucks, buses and even more in most situations. To get more information, your rear of find out on the website.

Another great bonus is that you also have a warranty. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and since the problem needs fixing anyway, you will not be spending any unnecessary amounts of money.

If you want to find out more including what vehicles that the company support, you can find out everything you need to know on the website or just give a call and speak to the friendly customer service people. There are a few vehicles which are not supported, but in general, almost everything on the road today are supported without any problem.

You also don’t have to pay anything to call the company out, and this is because it is a completely local company based in Sydney area. If you live in the Sydney area, then you would definite find this a useful number to have!

Road Side Assistance ! Learn about what services he can provide for you today! Click here to read about the things Hills Mobile Mechanic can do for you!

Replaced with a 1973 vette

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

Those among us fortunate enough to be around in the 70s when this amazing auto came out drool everytime we consider it.  Imagine getting a car from the factory with a 455 cubic inch engine in it!This car kicked butt!  Then if you did some work, like we probably did to ours, as in having the engine blue outlined, balanced and a load more, it probably did even better.  Let’s just say it was doing far better then one hp per cubic inch!

This was the era of Smokey and the Bandit movies.  Good ole boy Burt Reynolds drove a black Trans Am in the film and everyone and his uncle all of a sudden wanted one.  Of course, by that time the ones they were selling were watered down versions with no where close to the power of the original ones. 

Since we are not sure of the statute of constraints, let’s just say that any stories are assumed to start’Once upon A Time’. 

One of our favorite stories is when we were getting onto sunrise highway late one evening and a Camaro rolled up next to us and started revving his engine, well you can imagine the rest.Here was a poor soul who had not a clue of what was in store.  Since we do not believe in street racing, it absolutely was a good thing we were both going onto the entrance ramp.  After we were satisfied that no one was on the parkway at that time of night, we let the Beast Out To Play.  We never did see any more then his fading headlights.

One of the funniest moments was when we lived in upstate NY and my hubby went to the store to choose something up and this fellow in a Mustang 2 pulled up next to him and my husband had some fun ( hey, we are all entitled infrequently ).  As Chuck tells it : You see at that point a local car dealer was running a TV spot featuring a Mustang two just destroying a Trans Am.  So this gentleman pulls up next to me, gunning his engine for all he’s’s worth.  The light changes, he chirps his tires and flashes me a giant grin as he is taking off.  Well, I idle away from the light,give it enough gas in first to drag even with him, then drop the hammer, lighting up both tires, throw 2nd, light them up again and then ease off.  Drive down the road to the store.

When I come out of the store this man has finally got there and is waiting for me and says,’but the commercial claims Mustangs will beat the pants off the Trans Am.’ I very blithely responded,’Not this Trans Am!’

They don’t make them like this anymore.  It’s downcast when you concentrate on it!  Those of us who lived and grew up in the age of the muscle autos, street rods, saturday night cruise nights were very,very fortunate.  I feel sorry for the youth of today that they missed out on all of this. 

So what has happened to that great 455 Trans Am, unfortunately the cruel upstate NY winters aren’t kind to autos and rust took the Trans Am from us.  However, we did replace it - with a customized 1973 Vette, which we drove cross country to California, but that is a entire nother story!

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The traits that make the 1966 Pontiac GTO

Written by man on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 in Other.

What’s the preferred muscle car of all time that goes 0 to sixty in 6.5 seconds flat? 

The answer is, the 1966 Pontiac GTO which is a choice muscle automobile.  Actually, when it was released, it quickly became the best selling muscle auto ever.  With the ‘66 GTO, Pontiac truly created a new masterpiece which has remained in high demand among muscle automobile enthusiasts for nearly 4 decades. 

The ‘66 GTO has awesome features.  Most outstanding are the unique headlights and the outstanding contours throughout the body that are the true definition of the term swish.  Naturally, being a muscle vehicle, the ‘66 Pontiac GTO came in a selection of colors and styles when it was produced including the sports coupe model, the hardtop coupe and the convertible. 

If you are buying a ‘66 Pontiac GTO muscle car, it is maybe helpful for you to grasp the hardtop coupes are the most common, followed by the convertibles.  Comparably, there were a lot less sports coupe models made, so they are easily the most rare. 

Pontiac’s GTO line gained popularity with the release of their 1964 model with its racy style, its tough V8 engine, and its dual exhaust system.  Though it had false hood scoops, it was definitely a muscle car with an attitude.  The ‘66 model had plenty of the same features as the ‘64, but being the second body style for Pontiac’s GTO line, it redefined style with pizzazz.

The ‘66 GTO most commonly has a four-barrel 389 engine, but there had been also a tri-power option.  After its release, Pontiac added an XS Ram Air package to the tri-power engine giving it a warmer cam and bigger power - close to 380 hp - really ideal for a muscle car.  The XS Ram Air package upgrade included the cam and stiffer valve springs with an accessory pack that enabled the ornamental hood scoop to be converted into a functional cold-air induction system.  There are very few 1966 Pontiac GTOs that have the XS Ram Air setup, so they are definitely unique muscle automobiles for a muscle automobile collector. 

In regard to muscle autos, there are plenty of that are strongly desired by muscle vehicle enthusiasts.  The 1966 Pontiac GTO just actually is a favorite for many .  Style, performance and originality are among the characteristics that make the 1966 Pontiac GTO one of the most up to date muscle cars around.

What are the most expensive and fastest cars in the world? To find out, visit thesupercars.org and check it out for yourself. Also, have a look at buy used Pontiac GTO.

How To Save Money On Online Car Insurance

Written by man on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 in Other.

Online car insurance is a must for all car owners, which repay you in case of car mishap or theft. You may learn more about online car insurance today and get your online car insurance quotes now. Many people complain about the high rates of car insurance policies.  Here we offer you some money saving tips with the help of which you can get the best car insurance quotes online as well as best auto insurance policy.

When you are a new car owner or your previous car insurance needs a renewal then it is high time you search for a new one. You will be surprised to know that different insurance company offers different premium for the same coverage. Thus, it is in your interest to find a low premium, more coverage best auto insurance policy. The local market search will never suffice, go to websites of car insurance companies and ask for their car insurance quotes.

While requesting for car insurance quote online provide all your details to the auto insurance company such as your name, age, zip code, address, your marital status, car’s annual commuting miles and safety features of your car because as default they will surely offer you high car insurance quote online.

Your credit score matters a lot for most online car insurance companies. Reviews of insurance companies have shown a correlation between credit scores and risk to an insurance company. Thus, manage your credit score to a positive level before requesting for a car insurance quote online.

During the request for car insurance quote online keep an eye on discounts provided by auto insurance companies, mainly on their websites. With offered discounts, you can drop your premium.

If you have a life insurance policy or health insurance policy or any other insurance, it is recommended to ask the same insurance company for auto insurance. They will definitely provide lower car insurance quotes online, as you are already their valued client.

By following all these recommendations, we are sure that you will be able to buy the best auto insurance policy to protect your car, truck or any other vehicle against theft or damage.

Online Car Insurance Quote Get It Real Cheap Today

Written by man on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 in Other.

Online car insurance fees vary widely from state to state and even within various states. The same person may find swings of as much as $700 on the cost of an annual policy. Car insurance agents agents are not legally bound to tell a prospective client about discounts which may apply to his or her insurance. There are, however, things the consumer can do which may lower the price paid for auto insurance. You may learn more about online car insurance today and get your online car insurance quotes now.

Higher deductibles

The sole quickest and easiest way to reduce your insurance premium is to raise your premium. Having a $1000 or even a $1500 deductible can lower premiums 15 to 20 percent. If you decide to go this route, consider putting the money saved the first year into an account earmarked to pay the deductible should you have any accident.

Investigate auto records

Your driving record may be unblemished but the record of the car model you own can also have an affect on your premiums. Insurance copies compile extensive reports on the way cars respond in accidents and how popular certain cars are with thieves. Cars with poor crash test ratings and cars that are frequently stolen cost more to insure. Whenever you buy a new car you use an auto buyer’s guide to compare specs, crash rates and theft rankings.

Utilize the same insurance company

If you have more than one vehicle insure all of them with the same company. Almost all insurance companies offer multi-car discounts. Many companies offer further discounts if you use any other products they offer such as homeowners insurance and life insurance.

Getting many quotes and comparing them is the best way to check pricing, coverage and save money.

And, don’t forget, the best way to lower your car insurance premium is to drive safely.

Please see our recommended sources for insurance quotes from multiple providers. We have done several research so you do not need to.

Car Hire Advice

Written by man on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 in Other.

 

Sometimes we always assume that we know everything there is to know about car hire. The truth is quite the opposite and we often realize this when things go wrong or problems arise. This article gives you a few tips to think about when hiring a car.

The size of the car needs to be considered as it affects fuel consumtion and costs. Another thing to think about is the the type of journey that you will be taking and the number of people who will be using the car. If it’s going to be two to four people using the car for simple travel purposes then cars in the small range can be considered. They save on fuel and are available at very low rates.

The likely terrain that you are likely to encounter, If you are going to be traveling long distances on rough terrain then go for a high suspension car. It is also recommended that you try and make your trip in the middle of the week than iver weekends. The rates of hiring a car during the week and over weekends are different.

Reading the lease agreement will not take too much of your time, make sure you pay attention to every detail. They are not standard and each car rental service will have its own set of rules that do not apply to another. Once you are sign you are legally bound to the conditions stated therein and cannot claim ignorance as a defense.

The eligibility of drivers is another thing that you should be aware of. You can register extra drivers on the agreement but it will be at an extra cost. If you are traveling with children there are conditions that are also stated in relation to this.

You could actually pick from any one of the following reputable car hire agencies: budget car rental cape town avis car hire bloemfontein car hire rondebosch

The insurance cover is not a full cover make sure understand how much cover the insurance offers you. Having the correct information is better than not thinking you know.

Car Rental George, South Africa

Written by man on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 in Other.

The best way to be able to see as much of the scenery of this beautiful place would be to hire a car. George airport is not very far from the central business district roughly about 7km and you should be able to get a good car rental from there

A number of car rental agencies operate in this town and It is the length of your tour and the number of places you want to visit that will help you determine which car rental you choose. There are various places to see, some that are easily accessible and some that are not. A 4×4 would be most suitable for rough terrain like wildlife parks and the mountainous areas.

Whatever the reason for your trip you will find a suitable car at one of these: bellville car rent, car hire cape town or western cape car rentals

If you are going to be touring the gardens then a smaller that will save you on costs is recommended. This town has different scenery and just driving through it qualifies as a tour on its own. You can have yourself a wonderful time without even having to go the game parks.

If you do decide to go to the game parks that means there is more to see for you. The parks also have cars that you can hire or you could still get one from a rental agency. It’s all about comparing prices and other pertinent details. One difference that you will notice is that game parks have a cover charge for the tour whilst rental cars charge per km.

If you are going to be using the car for more than two days then it easy to negotiate with the car rental company for a cover charge rate as well. A rented car gives you freedom and flexibility. The car from the parks can only be used for that period only.



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