Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Can I Start My Own Business Doing Auto Windshield Repair?
Absolutely! We welcome entrepeneurs looking to get started in the Auto Windshield and Glass Repair business! Many Auto Glass Repair businesses start small, and that's why they are so viable as a business choice. All you really need are the Glass-Star Windshield Repair Kits and whatever materials you need to get the word out : you're using the best Windshield Repair system out there, and you can save your customers hundreds of dollars repairing their windshields so well they'll be glad they didn't opt to replace them.
Not only is Windshield Repair a viable business to pursue, but it's a service people can really get behind. Not only can you be well-paid for the service you're providing, but on top of that you're saving your customers money and sending them off happy - what could be better? Many people suffer the fate of a rock chip in their windshield glass. It can really ruin your day and leave most people feeling like they're out of hundreds of their hard-earned dollars because of a little pebble, or because that dump truck driver neglected to properly cover his load or sweep his vehicle. Now you can save people hundreds of dollars - and make yourself a good living doing it!
Contact Glass-Star America today and find out how you can make good money doing Windshield Repair in your community!
Not only is Windshield Repair a viable business to pursue, but it's a service people can really get behind. Not only can you be well-paid for the service you're providing, but on top of that you're saving your customers money and sending them off happy - what could be better? Many people suffer the fate of a rock chip in their windshield glass. It can really ruin your day and leave most people feeling like they're out of hundreds of their hard-earned dollars because of a little pebble, or because that dump truck driver neglected to properly cover his load or sweep his vehicle. Now you can save people hundreds of dollars - and make yourself a good living doing it!
Contact Glass-Star America today and find out how you can make good money doing Windshield Repair in your community!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Honda leaping into hybrid pool, with hybrid-only model
Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Wtier
TOKYO — Honda will sell a new, improved and affordable gas-electric hybrid in the USA, Japan and Europe starting in early 2009, underlining the Japanese automaker's commitment to "green" technology, the company president said Wednesday.
The new model — to be sold solely as a hybrid, and not as a traditional, gasoline-powered car — is a key part of Honda's (HMC) strategy for the next three years that President Takeo Fukui outlined at Tokyo headquarters.
Honda said the new hybrid's exterior design is based on its wedge-shaped FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Several dozen of the fuel cell-powered five-passenger sedans will be leased in the United States this July and in Japan in the fall.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Electric cars: iPhones of the auto industry?
Depending on who you talk to, electric cars pack the disruptive force of either Dell PCs or the Apple iPhone.
Regardless of your choice of analogy, the auto industry is facing the kind of technology-based competition it hasn't seen in years.
And in this game, start-ups claim to have the upper hand on the incumbents.
"This is probably something that has not been seen since we moved from the horse to the engine," said Henrik Fisker, the CEO of Fisker Automotive, which is designing a luxury hybrid electric car, the Karma.
"We suddenly have an open field where current carmakers don't know about batteries, or software, or designing these vehicles," he said, adding that incumbent companies are still four or five years away from mass-producing plug-in electric cars.
That may sound like bravado coming from a designer of flashy cars. But when you look at the race to deliver a breakthrough battery-driven car, the field is thick with newcomers.
The best known is perhaps Tesla Motors, which just began producing the Roadster sports car with a starting price of about $100,000. But there are several others, offering up different designs and business models to give the internal combustion engine a run for the money.
At a panel of three young car companies--Detroit Electric, Fisker Automotive, and Phoenix Motorcars--at a clean-tech investor conference last week, executives laid out some of the business opportunities and technical hurdles to cleaner cars.
On one point, they agreed: consumers will have more options to kick, or at least cut down on, their gas habit. But beyond that, their views differed on which technology--all-electric, plug-in hybrids, or hybrid electric--would succeed.
"It's a fallacy to say that everyone is going to jump off of oil onto batteries. Then we'll just have a shortage of lithium and the prices will go up," said Daniel Elliot, president and CEO of Phoenix Motorcars. "What's really going on is a fracturing of fuels."
Pick a horse
The diversity of approaches reflects the challenges that current battery technology pose.
Fisker's $80,000 Karma, expected for release at the end of next year, will have a custom-designed lithium ion battery that can go 50 miles. That's a range that covers what most people drive in a day. To ensure a longer range, the car will include a four-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine that charges the battery.
But, having both a battery and gasoline engine in one car raises costs, say advocates of all-electric cars. Fisker and Tesla have gone after the luxury market first, catering to environmentally oriented customers willing to pay for the latest technology.
Phoenix Motorcars, by contrast, is making an all-electric truck and car, as is another supplier, Miles Electric. To get around the range limitation, Phoenix Motorcars is designing its vehicles, based on an Altairnano lithium titanate battery, for use in fleets where the use and range are known.
"It's difficult to move to plug-in hybrids and make economic sense...You have to have a conventional drive train and a battery," said Elliot. "When you're talking about going down-market, you really have to pick a horse."
In the next few years, a variety of battery technologies will be put through the paces to see which chemistry will be safe, have a long life, and can be recycled.
Parallel to technical development in batteries, new companies are trying to innovate with new business models.
Project Better Place, started by ex-SAP executive Shai Agassi, is planning to test a battery-swapping program in Israel, Denmark, and perhaps San Francisco. It now has a prototype of its car, which will be built by Renault.
Premium green
Apart from all the technical and business challenges remains the question of customer demand.
To fleet owners, replacing trucks with rechargeable electric vehicles could simply be a question of saving money in the face of rising fossil fuel prices. They can also potentially benefit from government incentives for cleaner transportation, such as California's zero-emissions vehicle plan.
But for many consumers at this point, it's more of a lifestyle statement, argued Fisker. Buying a luxury hybrid electric car is like buying Apple's iPhone when it first came out. Buyers of some of the first consumer-oriented electric cars will be technology early adopters, eager to be part of the future, he said.
Meanwhile, Think Global is making an all-electric town car, called the Think City, which can top out at 65 mph and go 110 miles on a single charge. Rather than try to compete with a typical sedan, it's aimed at urbanites who want a smaller, fuel-efficient car, perhaps used as a second car. It plans to bring the Think City to the U.S. and is exploring business models where consumers can swap out batteries.
The incumbent automakers are not sitting still, either. Nissan this week said that it will offer an all-electric car in 2010. GM's Chevy Volt is supposed to come out in 2010, while the other incumbents are pursuing different paths to better mileage.
"We're putting the pressure on the bigger boys," said Albert Lam, CEO of Detroit Electric, which plans to make electric cars and buses in 2009. "We are the 'Dells' of the industry--the smaller boys that have a tremendous opportunity to validate the industry and to be the next big thing."
Lam said consumers are also getting more savvy about green claims from automakers. He said a hybrid with a big 6-liter engine, like the one Lexus is making, is "a joke, an oxymoron."
Fisker likens battery-powered cars to iPhones, a product consumers are willing to shell out extra for, even if it means taking on some risk of being an early adopter.
"We're seeing a movement where people are demanding a product which is not there. People want a green car," he said. "I think what we are going to see are people are going to take that risk because there is no other alternative."
(From News.com)
Regardless of your choice of analogy, the auto industry is facing the kind of technology-based competition it hasn't seen in years.
And in this game, start-ups claim to have the upper hand on the incumbents.
"This is probably something that has not been seen since we moved from the horse to the engine," said Henrik Fisker, the CEO of Fisker Automotive, which is designing a luxury hybrid electric car, the Karma.
"We suddenly have an open field where current carmakers don't know about batteries, or software, or designing these vehicles," he said, adding that incumbent companies are still four or five years away from mass-producing plug-in electric cars.
That may sound like bravado coming from a designer of flashy cars. But when you look at the race to deliver a breakthrough battery-driven car, the field is thick with newcomers.
The best known is perhaps Tesla Motors, which just began producing the Roadster sports car with a starting price of about $100,000. But there are several others, offering up different designs and business models to give the internal combustion engine a run for the money.
At a panel of three young car companies--Detroit Electric, Fisker Automotive, and Phoenix Motorcars--at a clean-tech investor conference last week, executives laid out some of the business opportunities and technical hurdles to cleaner cars.
On one point, they agreed: consumers will have more options to kick, or at least cut down on, their gas habit. But beyond that, their views differed on which technology--all-electric, plug-in hybrids, or hybrid electric--would succeed.
"It's a fallacy to say that everyone is going to jump off of oil onto batteries. Then we'll just have a shortage of lithium and the prices will go up," said Daniel Elliot, president and CEO of Phoenix Motorcars. "What's really going on is a fracturing of fuels."
Pick a horse
The diversity of approaches reflects the challenges that current battery technology pose.
Fisker's $80,000 Karma, expected for release at the end of next year, will have a custom-designed lithium ion battery that can go 50 miles. That's a range that covers what most people drive in a day. To ensure a longer range, the car will include a four-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine that charges the battery.
But, having both a battery and gasoline engine in one car raises costs, say advocates of all-electric cars. Fisker and Tesla have gone after the luxury market first, catering to environmentally oriented customers willing to pay for the latest technology.
Phoenix Motorcars, by contrast, is making an all-electric truck and car, as is another supplier, Miles Electric. To get around the range limitation, Phoenix Motorcars is designing its vehicles, based on an Altairnano lithium titanate battery, for use in fleets where the use and range are known.
"It's difficult to move to plug-in hybrids and make economic sense...You have to have a conventional drive train and a battery," said Elliot. "When you're talking about going down-market, you really have to pick a horse."
In the next few years, a variety of battery technologies will be put through the paces to see which chemistry will be safe, have a long life, and can be recycled.
Parallel to technical development in batteries, new companies are trying to innovate with new business models.
Project Better Place, started by ex-SAP executive Shai Agassi, is planning to test a battery-swapping program in Israel, Denmark, and perhaps San Francisco. It now has a prototype of its car, which will be built by Renault.
Premium green
Apart from all the technical and business challenges remains the question of customer demand.
To fleet owners, replacing trucks with rechargeable electric vehicles could simply be a question of saving money in the face of rising fossil fuel prices. They can also potentially benefit from government incentives for cleaner transportation, such as California's zero-emissions vehicle plan.
But for many consumers at this point, it's more of a lifestyle statement, argued Fisker. Buying a luxury hybrid electric car is like buying Apple's iPhone when it first came out. Buyers of some of the first consumer-oriented electric cars will be technology early adopters, eager to be part of the future, he said.
Meanwhile, Think Global is making an all-electric town car, called the Think City, which can top out at 65 mph and go 110 miles on a single charge. Rather than try to compete with a typical sedan, it's aimed at urbanites who want a smaller, fuel-efficient car, perhaps used as a second car. It plans to bring the Think City to the U.S. and is exploring business models where consumers can swap out batteries.
The incumbent automakers are not sitting still, either. Nissan this week said that it will offer an all-electric car in 2010. GM's Chevy Volt is supposed to come out in 2010, while the other incumbents are pursuing different paths to better mileage.
"We're putting the pressure on the bigger boys," said Albert Lam, CEO of Detroit Electric, which plans to make electric cars and buses in 2009. "We are the 'Dells' of the industry--the smaller boys that have a tremendous opportunity to validate the industry and to be the next big thing."
Lam said consumers are also getting more savvy about green claims from automakers. He said a hybrid with a big 6-liter engine, like the one Lexus is making, is "a joke, an oxymoron."
Fisker likens battery-powered cars to iPhones, a product consumers are willing to shell out extra for, even if it means taking on some risk of being an early adopter.
"We're seeing a movement where people are demanding a product which is not there. People want a green car," he said. "I think what we are going to see are people are going to take that risk because there is no other alternative."
(From News.com)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Eight Gas-Saving Tips
It is no secret that gas prices have been shooting higher and higher with no visible end in sight. Here are a few pointers on how to save the amount of gas you use daily without resorting to taking a bicycle onto the expressway.
1. Engine Warm-Up : 30-45 Seconds, Max
You don’t need incredibly extensive amounts of time to warm up your engine when 45 seconds will do. Any longer, and you are doing nothing more than wasting gas.
2. Buy Gasoline When It Is Coldest Outside
By purchasing gasoline at the coolest point of the day, you are getting the most gas for your buck. Cold air causes fuel to become denser than it is at warmer points of the day. Gas pumps only measure the volume of liquid gasoline you put into your car. They don’t measure the concentration.
3. Drive the Speed Limit
Not only does the speed limit help ensure your safety, but by exceeding it you waste more gas. And, if you are worried about getting somewhere on time, traffic lights are programmed based on the amount of time it would take to reach one if you were driving the speed limit. That means you are more likely to hit all greens if you keep your pace consistent and at the limit.
4. Avoid Rough Roads
Driving on gravel or dirt can slow down your vehicle and therefore require more gas to get over. Keep on paved roads whenever possible.
5. The Shortest Distance
If you have to travel far every day, find the best route to get you there using the least gas. Turns and corners all require more gas, so the straightest route you can find is probably the best one.
6. Drive Steadily
Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Keep your speed consistent.
7. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
Don’t use gas if you can get a little help from Mother Nature. When approaching a hill, accelerate before you reach it, that way you can let the slope glide you down without having to put your foot on the pedal.
8. Keep Your Car Light
Extra weight causes your car to do more work and use up more gasoline. Keep your car empty of any superfluous objects to ensure the best mileage. In the winter, clear out any icicles that form at the bottom of your car, since they can create up to 100 pounds of extra weight.
1. Engine Warm-Up : 30-45 Seconds, Max
You don’t need incredibly extensive amounts of time to warm up your engine when 45 seconds will do. Any longer, and you are doing nothing more than wasting gas.
2. Buy Gasoline When It Is Coldest Outside
By purchasing gasoline at the coolest point of the day, you are getting the most gas for your buck. Cold air causes fuel to become denser than it is at warmer points of the day. Gas pumps only measure the volume of liquid gasoline you put into your car. They don’t measure the concentration.
3. Drive the Speed Limit
Not only does the speed limit help ensure your safety, but by exceeding it you waste more gas. And, if you are worried about getting somewhere on time, traffic lights are programmed based on the amount of time it would take to reach one if you were driving the speed limit. That means you are more likely to hit all greens if you keep your pace consistent and at the limit.
4. Avoid Rough Roads
Driving on gravel or dirt can slow down your vehicle and therefore require more gas to get over. Keep on paved roads whenever possible.
5. The Shortest Distance
If you have to travel far every day, find the best route to get you there using the least gas. Turns and corners all require more gas, so the straightest route you can find is probably the best one.
6. Drive Steadily
Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Keep your speed consistent.
7. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
Don’t use gas if you can get a little help from Mother Nature. When approaching a hill, accelerate before you reach it, that way you can let the slope glide you down without having to put your foot on the pedal.
8. Keep Your Car Light
Extra weight causes your car to do more work and use up more gasoline. Keep your car empty of any superfluous objects to ensure the best mileage. In the winter, clear out any icicles that form at the bottom of your car, since they can create up to 100 pounds of extra weight.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Plug-and-Go Electric Car Generates Buzz
TEL AVIV - Plug 'er in and rev 'er up.
Israeli motorists got a sneak preview of a world without gasoline Sunday when an entrepreneur showed off test models of a new electric car.
Whiz kid Shai Agassi predicted that the new vehicle - with just a plug where the gas tank should be - would take the tiny nation by storm when it hits the market in 2010 or so.
"It's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven in my life," Agassi said of his own plug-and-go car.
"Every time I go by a gas station," he added, " I feel like I cheated."
The new car, produced by Renault, is powered by a 125-pound battery and can run for about 125 miles before recharging.
That's okay for pint-sized Israel, which is just 260 miles long. Agassi's company plans to install a network of charging stations nationwide and swap dud batteries for fresh ones.
Tax breaks could mean the cars will cost less than a regular gas-gulping vehicle. And drivers will take pleasure in knowing they are helping to rid the world of pollution and dependence on oil.
In fact, most of the extra electricity to power the cars in Israel could come from solar panels in the Negev Desert.
For long drives, motorists will be able to replace the battery at about 150 swap stations expected to be built around the country.
The battery swap is expected to take the same amount of time as filling a tank of gas.
For shorter journeys, drivers will be able to recharge the batteries at home or at the office.
Drivers will pay a monthly subscription for the batteries, with different plans like those of cell phone users.
Israeli motorists got a sneak preview of a world without gasoline Sunday when an entrepreneur showed off test models of a new electric car.
Whiz kid Shai Agassi predicted that the new vehicle - with just a plug where the gas tank should be - would take the tiny nation by storm when it hits the market in 2010 or so.
"It's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven in my life," Agassi said of his own plug-and-go car.
"Every time I go by a gas station," he added, " I feel like I cheated."
The new car, produced by Renault, is powered by a 125-pound battery and can run for about 125 miles before recharging.
That's okay for pint-sized Israel, which is just 260 miles long. Agassi's company plans to install a network of charging stations nationwide and swap dud batteries for fresh ones.
Tax breaks could mean the cars will cost less than a regular gas-gulping vehicle. And drivers will take pleasure in knowing they are helping to rid the world of pollution and dependence on oil.
In fact, most of the extra electricity to power the cars in Israel could come from solar panels in the Negev Desert.
For long drives, motorists will be able to replace the battery at about 150 swap stations expected to be built around the country.
The battery swap is expected to take the same amount of time as filling a tank of gas.
For shorter journeys, drivers will be able to recharge the batteries at home or at the office.
Drivers will pay a monthly subscription for the batteries, with different plans like those of cell phone users.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New York Auto Show
Starting back in 1900, the New York auto show showed the would-be motoring public an array of "horseless carriages." Oldsmobile used the 1901 show to debut its little one-cylinder runabout that came to be nicknamed the "Curved Dash Olds," due to its design that made it look more like a small horse-drawn sleigh than a motorcar.
But the Olds would not be on static display, rather it was driven from Detroit to New York to appear in the auto show. Back then it was a way of showing that this new mode of transportation was reliable. Despite a number of mishaps, including a bent axle and some transmission trouble, the Olds made it to the car show and logged the longest automobile trip up to that time.
Through the decades, the New York auto show switched venues and saw a lot of changes to the automobile. For most of the first 50 years, the shows were held at Madison Square Garden and Grand Central Palace, but as the car show moved through the "new" century, the venue would change. For 1956, auto show management made the decision to focus on foreign cars, which were growing increasingly popular with the American motoring public. That year also saw a move to the then-new New York Coliseum and a change in the show's name to the New York International Auto Show. At the 1959 car show, Toyota and Datsun made their U.S. debuts.
Other highlights of the New York auto show include the U.S. debut of the stunning Jaguar XK-E at the 1961 show, the Mercedes-Benz C-111 rotary-engine sports car concept in 1970, Chrysler's minivans in 1984 and a number of SUVs in the '90s, including Mercedes-Benz's ML class and Honda's CR-V. Some of the more forgettable cars include the ill-fated Merkur division from Ford and the Chrysler-Maserati TC convertible. Within that time frame, 1987 to be exact, the New York auto show moved to its present location, the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Nicknamed the "Crystal Palace" for its extensive use of glass, the Javits has the capacity to display over 1,200 vehicles, making the New York auto show that much more enticing for exhibitors and patrons alike.
The Big Apple might not seem like the best place for a car show, but the New York International Auto Show remains one of the most well-attended car shows in the U.S. First held in 1900, it's also the longest-running car show in the States. With its April time slot, the New York auto show is the last major show of the season so it often gets debuts that weren't quite ready earlier in the year. The 2005 New York Auto Show was no different, as 17 all-new concept cars and production models made their world debuts. No one category stood out as we saw everything from classic muscle cars to futuristic import concepts. One of the most notable cars at the show was the 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500. With more than 450 horsepower, this modern version of a Ford classic looked as though it had everything it needed to uphold the Shelby Cobra name.
But the Olds would not be on static display, rather it was driven from Detroit to New York to appear in the auto show. Back then it was a way of showing that this new mode of transportation was reliable. Despite a number of mishaps, including a bent axle and some transmission trouble, the Olds made it to the car show and logged the longest automobile trip up to that time.
Through the decades, the New York auto show switched venues and saw a lot of changes to the automobile. For most of the first 50 years, the shows were held at Madison Square Garden and Grand Central Palace, but as the car show moved through the "new" century, the venue would change. For 1956, auto show management made the decision to focus on foreign cars, which were growing increasingly popular with the American motoring public. That year also saw a move to the then-new New York Coliseum and a change in the show's name to the New York International Auto Show. At the 1959 car show, Toyota and Datsun made their U.S. debuts.
Other highlights of the New York auto show include the U.S. debut of the stunning Jaguar XK-E at the 1961 show, the Mercedes-Benz C-111 rotary-engine sports car concept in 1970, Chrysler's minivans in 1984 and a number of SUVs in the '90s, including Mercedes-Benz's ML class and Honda's CR-V. Some of the more forgettable cars include the ill-fated Merkur division from Ford and the Chrysler-Maserati TC convertible. Within that time frame, 1987 to be exact, the New York auto show moved to its present location, the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Nicknamed the "Crystal Palace" for its extensive use of glass, the Javits has the capacity to display over 1,200 vehicles, making the New York auto show that much more enticing for exhibitors and patrons alike.
The Big Apple might not seem like the best place for a car show, but the New York International Auto Show remains one of the most well-attended car shows in the U.S. First held in 1900, it's also the longest-running car show in the States. With its April time slot, the New York auto show is the last major show of the season so it often gets debuts that weren't quite ready earlier in the year. The 2005 New York Auto Show was no different, as 17 all-new concept cars and production models made their world debuts. No one category stood out as we saw everything from classic muscle cars to futuristic import concepts. One of the most notable cars at the show was the 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500. With more than 450 horsepower, this modern version of a Ford classic looked as though it had everything it needed to uphold the Shelby Cobra name.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The New 2009 Toyota Prius
It was a little more than a decade ago when Toyota completely changed the automotive landscape with its small, oddly shaped economy car called the Prius. Equipped with what Toyota calls its Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Prius was the first mass-marketed hybrid in the world.
“Hybrid” refers to the car’s powertrain. It consists of a lean-burning gasoline engine and an electric motor that work together to achieve more than 40 mpg, or even 50 mpg, in city driving. With gasoline prices currently soaring to all-time highs, we at Road & Track have had our attention focused on the all-new third-gen Prius, which will hit dealerships in the spring of 2009.
Toyota is saying very little about the future Prius, but we were able to uncover key bits of information regarding its appearance and technology.
The general shape of the car will remain intact, but the front end will be thoroughly redesigned. Thanks to canted headlights and a steeply raked windshield and hood, the new Prius will look sportier than the current model. The car will grow slightly, to an overall length of 179 in. (up from 175.0 in.), resulting in a more spacious interior.
As for the motor/engine, here’s what we uncovered. The displacement of the inline-4 will grow from 1.5 liters to 1.8, which will result in more power and torque. The gasoline engine will produce about 100 bhp and 105 lb.-ft. of torque, and the electric motor generating about 60 bhp, making the new Prius more powerful than ever. We hear it will run from zero to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds and reach a top speed of about 115 mph.
With this extra oomph, one would expect the car’s fuel economy to suffer. Nope. Amazingly, the Prius will be even more fuel-efficient than it is now. According to our sources, Toyota has improved its hybrid system so the electric motor plays a bigger role when driving. Therefore, don’t be surprised when a slow drive to the corner market is achieved without using a single drop of gasoline.
Now here’s the real kicker. The price of the all-new Prius will probably be the about same, perhaps even lower, than the current one. Toyota is expected to offer three trim levels: base, luxury and eco, with the base model starting around $21,000. Of course, these prices are at the mercy of the dollar/yen exchange rate, so don’t take them to the bank just yet. What is sure is that the next Prius will be as ground-breaking as the model before it, and Toyota will remain the global leader in fuel-efficient modes of transportation.
“Hybrid” refers to the car’s powertrain. It consists of a lean-burning gasoline engine and an electric motor that work together to achieve more than 40 mpg, or even 50 mpg, in city driving. With gasoline prices currently soaring to all-time highs, we at Road & Track have had our attention focused on the all-new third-gen Prius, which will hit dealerships in the spring of 2009.
Toyota is saying very little about the future Prius, but we were able to uncover key bits of information regarding its appearance and technology.
The general shape of the car will remain intact, but the front end will be thoroughly redesigned. Thanks to canted headlights and a steeply raked windshield and hood, the new Prius will look sportier than the current model. The car will grow slightly, to an overall length of 179 in. (up from 175.0 in.), resulting in a more spacious interior.
As for the motor/engine, here’s what we uncovered. The displacement of the inline-4 will grow from 1.5 liters to 1.8, which will result in more power and torque. The gasoline engine will produce about 100 bhp and 105 lb.-ft. of torque, and the electric motor generating about 60 bhp, making the new Prius more powerful than ever. We hear it will run from zero to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds and reach a top speed of about 115 mph.
With this extra oomph, one would expect the car’s fuel economy to suffer. Nope. Amazingly, the Prius will be even more fuel-efficient than it is now. According to our sources, Toyota has improved its hybrid system so the electric motor plays a bigger role when driving. Therefore, don’t be surprised when a slow drive to the corner market is achieved without using a single drop of gasoline.
Now here’s the real kicker. The price of the all-new Prius will probably be the about same, perhaps even lower, than the current one. Toyota is expected to offer three trim levels: base, luxury and eco, with the base model starting around $21,000. Of course, these prices are at the mercy of the dollar/yen exchange rate, so don’t take them to the bank just yet. What is sure is that the next Prius will be as ground-breaking as the model before it, and Toyota will remain the global leader in fuel-efficient modes of transportation.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips
The truth about cars is that they do eventually start to have problems, no matter how much we may try to prevent it. Car problems are a loathed hassle to have to deal with. While there is no way to protect yourself from all car issues, there are steps that you can take to avoid them. Here are ten car maintenance tips that you can follow in order to prevent future troubles :
1. Engine Cooling System : An engine overheating will cause serious damage to your car. This is definitely something that you want to avoid at all costs. Make sure you regularly check your coolant and make sure that it is filled to the line. If you discover that you have a coolant leak, bring your car to be fixed right away.
2. Air Filter : Dirty air filters cause a loss of engine power and reduced gas mileage. Air filters need to be replaced periodically. You can check your owner’s manual for replacement details for your car.
3. Spark Plugs and Timing Belts : Just as with air filters, these parts also need to be changed regularly to maintain engine efficiency.
4. Brakes : Having brake pads changed is an important money-saving maintenance tip. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, but if you let the brakes bind it will be a costly repair.
5. Battery : Check battery terminals to see if they are corroded. Corroded battery terminals can cause lots of problems including low charge, trouble starting, and dim headlights. Also if you see any battery leaks, change the battery right away.
6. Oil : Oil should be checked at least once a month. If oil levels are low, re-fill to the line and check for leaks. Oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Old oil can cause major damage to the engine.
7. Tires : Check your tire pressure at least once a month. The proper pressure should be listed in your owner’s manual. Tires should be rotated at every other oil change to ensure that they wear evenly. There is a safe limit of tread wear and once that limit is passed, the tires are unsafe. Replace them.
8. Windshield Wipers : Old wipers can damage the windshield and replacing them is only a few dollars. Besides damaging your windshield, they can be hazardous to your driving since you can’t see out of your windshield if the wipers don’t work!
9. Clutch : If you have a manual transmission, do not keep your foot on the clutch while driving. If you do this, you can cause serious transmission problems.
10. Regular Service : Taking your car to a professional mechanic will save you lots of money in the long run. Regular checks allow minor problems to found and fixed, preventing them from turning into major, expensive issues.
1. Engine Cooling System : An engine overheating will cause serious damage to your car. This is definitely something that you want to avoid at all costs. Make sure you regularly check your coolant and make sure that it is filled to the line. If you discover that you have a coolant leak, bring your car to be fixed right away.
2. Air Filter : Dirty air filters cause a loss of engine power and reduced gas mileage. Air filters need to be replaced periodically. You can check your owner’s manual for replacement details for your car.
3. Spark Plugs and Timing Belts : Just as with air filters, these parts also need to be changed regularly to maintain engine efficiency.
4. Brakes : Having brake pads changed is an important money-saving maintenance tip. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, but if you let the brakes bind it will be a costly repair.
5. Battery : Check battery terminals to see if they are corroded. Corroded battery terminals can cause lots of problems including low charge, trouble starting, and dim headlights. Also if you see any battery leaks, change the battery right away.
6. Oil : Oil should be checked at least once a month. If oil levels are low, re-fill to the line and check for leaks. Oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Old oil can cause major damage to the engine.
7. Tires : Check your tire pressure at least once a month. The proper pressure should be listed in your owner’s manual. Tires should be rotated at every other oil change to ensure that they wear evenly. There is a safe limit of tread wear and once that limit is passed, the tires are unsafe. Replace them.
8. Windshield Wipers : Old wipers can damage the windshield and replacing them is only a few dollars. Besides damaging your windshield, they can be hazardous to your driving since you can’t see out of your windshield if the wipers don’t work!
9. Clutch : If you have a manual transmission, do not keep your foot on the clutch while driving. If you do this, you can cause serious transmission problems.
10. Regular Service : Taking your car to a professional mechanic will save you lots of money in the long run. Regular checks allow minor problems to found and fixed, preventing them from turning into major, expensive issues.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
LI & NYC Olds Club Spring Dustoff
May 04, 2008 9 - 4pm
Open to all makes & model cars & trucks. Judged show.
Rain date is Sunday May 18th 2008.
5 Towns Firemans Field Merrick Road Merrick 11566
Spectators $5pp Cars $18 Vendors $40
Name: Jeff Wilson
Phone Number: 631 226 0289
Contact Event Poster
Email To A Friend
Monday, April 21, 2008
AAA's Great Battery Round Up
AAA Headquarters Garden City, NY
Apr 22, 2008 9 a.m - 2 p.m
Apr 22, 2008 9 a.m - 2 p.m
Celebrate Earth Day with AAA! Members and nonmembers can safely dispose of their old vehicle and marine batteries in an easy, environmentally safe fashion. Motorists who bring in their old batteries for recycling will receive a free gift and a diagnostic check of their current car battery.
Phone Number: 516-746-7141
Phone Number: 516-746-7141
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Don’t Compromise Your Car’s Safety Net : Repair Your Windshield Cracks
If asked what part of your car plays the most important role in keeping you safe, would you know the answer? Most people actually do not know the answer to this question, but it is in fact your windshield. Many people think that windshield cracks are nothing more than an annoyance and that ignoring windshield cracks is not a problem as long as they are not in the driver’s line of vision. However, any cracks in the windshield can cause it to fail at a time when you need it the most.
Why is a windshield so important?
Windshields actually have three vital roles in automotive safety. The first and the most obvious is to prevent passengers from being ejected from the car in the case of an accident. The second function of a windshield is to help absorb the impact that is caused by the airbag release. In an accident, airbags are released at a high speed and a crack in a windshield can keep the windshield from properly absorbing the shock. The third function of a windshield is to provide support for the roof. Studies have concluded that windshields actually provide 70 percent of a car’s structural support. A crack may cause it to crumble during a rollover rather than maintain support.
How can windshields crack?
The main cause of windshield cracks are from small pieces of flying debris. This can occur if you are tailgating another car or if you are driving behind a dump truck or construction truck. You should avoid parking on the side of the road; there are less flying rocks and sand in parking lots. Also, metal ice scrapers can cause windshield chips and cracks; use plastic ones instead.
Why should I fix windshield cracks?
Aside from the fact that a crack in a windshield can comprise the safety of your vehicle, fixing a crack is much easier and cheaper than replacing an entire windshield. A crack can very easily expand and become unfixable, especially in the winter when the continuous drastic temperature changes of the windshield can cause a crack to expand. Once a crack is in the driver’s line of vision, the law requires the entire windshield to be replaced. This costs about $500.
It’s crazy to allow that to happen when you can fix the crack for much cheaper. Cracks are so easy to fix that you can even fix them yourself. About 1 in 100 cars receive a repairable windshield crack each day. If you happen to own one of these cars, be sure to get it fixed. It will help save you money as well as your safety!
----------------------------------------------------
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
(www.glass-staramerica.com)
Glass Star America offers the most practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field of glass repair.
The Windshield Repair Kits are built with a unique "bridgeless" design that avoids unnecessary pressure on the glass surface - which causes many cracks to spread when you use the "other" DIY kits. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
Why is a windshield so important?
Windshields actually have three vital roles in automotive safety. The first and the most obvious is to prevent passengers from being ejected from the car in the case of an accident. The second function of a windshield is to help absorb the impact that is caused by the airbag release. In an accident, airbags are released at a high speed and a crack in a windshield can keep the windshield from properly absorbing the shock. The third function of a windshield is to provide support for the roof. Studies have concluded that windshields actually provide 70 percent of a car’s structural support. A crack may cause it to crumble during a rollover rather than maintain support.
How can windshields crack?
The main cause of windshield cracks are from small pieces of flying debris. This can occur if you are tailgating another car or if you are driving behind a dump truck or construction truck. You should avoid parking on the side of the road; there are less flying rocks and sand in parking lots. Also, metal ice scrapers can cause windshield chips and cracks; use plastic ones instead.
Why should I fix windshield cracks?
Aside from the fact that a crack in a windshield can comprise the safety of your vehicle, fixing a crack is much easier and cheaper than replacing an entire windshield. A crack can very easily expand and become unfixable, especially in the winter when the continuous drastic temperature changes of the windshield can cause a crack to expand. Once a crack is in the driver’s line of vision, the law requires the entire windshield to be replaced. This costs about $500.
It’s crazy to allow that to happen when you can fix the crack for much cheaper. Cracks are so easy to fix that you can even fix them yourself. About 1 in 100 cars receive a repairable windshield crack each day. If you happen to own one of these cars, be sure to get it fixed. It will help save you money as well as your safety!
----------------------------------------------------
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
(www.glass-staramerica.com)
Glass Star America offers the most practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field of glass repair.
The Windshield Repair Kits are built with a unique "bridgeless" design that avoids unnecessary pressure on the glass surface - which causes many cracks to spread when you use the "other" DIY kits. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Windshields: What to Watch Out For On The Road To Prevent Cracks
While windshield chips may seem to be little more than an annoyance, fixing a chip in your windshield should not be put off. It is often easy and inexpensive to fix a chip, but an unrepaired chip can cause your windshield to crack out. If this happens, your windshield cannot simply be repaired. Once a chip causes a windshield to crack out, the windshield needs to be replaced. Replacing an entire windshield is much more costly than repairing a chip.
There are things you can do while driving and caring for your car to help prevent chips:
· Don’t follow big dump trucks or construction trucks. They are often carrying materials that can break apart and send small particles flying off the back of the truck. If you are behind the truck, the particles are likely to hit your car.
· Don’t tailgate. Cars’ back tires kick up little rocks and sand particles from the road and send them flying behind the car. If you are driving too close to the car in front of you, those particles are likely to hit your windshield and cause a chip.
· Avoid parking on the side of the road. Try to park in a parking lot or driveway where other cars won’t be speeding past your parked car.
· Check your windshield wipers regularly. Windshield wipers that are torn, cracked, bent, or broken can cause a chip in the windshield.
· Only use plastic ice scrapers. Metal ice scrapers can scratch your windshield.
· Regularly check your windshield for any small chips and cracks
· Don’t use hot water to remove ice from the windshield. This will cause any chips to instantly crack your windshield. Instead use table salt to loosen the ice. Keep a salt shaker in the glove box during the winter.
If you do happen to get a chip in your windshield there are steps you can take to help prevent the chip from cracking the windshield until you can repair it:
· On the outside of the windshield, cover the chip with clear plastic tape. This will help keep out moisture and dirt.
· Try not to use the defroster. If it needs to be used, use the lowest setting possible.
· If possible, park in the shade. Leave the side windows cracked in order to keep heat from building up in the car.
· Don’t use anything liquid to seal the chip, such as glue or nail polish.
· Don’t wash the car. Pressure from the hose or the temperature difference between the water and windshield can cause the chip to crack out.
· Don’t use sun shades. They cause the windshield to heat up, which can cause a crack.
· Don’t slam the doors, trunk, or hood. Any extra vibration to the car could cause the chip to crack.
Always try to avoid a chip in your windshield, but if you happen to get one, be sure to immediately follow the steps to protect it and then repair it as soon as possible. While repairing a chip may seem tedious, it beats spending hundreds of dollars on a whole new windshield.
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
http://www.glass-staramerica.com
Glass Star America offers the most practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field of glass repair.
The Windshield Repair Kits are built with a unique "bridgeless" design that avoids unnecessary pressure on the glass surface - which causes many cracks to spread when you use the "other" DIY kits. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
There are things you can do while driving and caring for your car to help prevent chips:
· Don’t follow big dump trucks or construction trucks. They are often carrying materials that can break apart and send small particles flying off the back of the truck. If you are behind the truck, the particles are likely to hit your car.
· Don’t tailgate. Cars’ back tires kick up little rocks and sand particles from the road and send them flying behind the car. If you are driving too close to the car in front of you, those particles are likely to hit your windshield and cause a chip.
· Avoid parking on the side of the road. Try to park in a parking lot or driveway where other cars won’t be speeding past your parked car.
· Check your windshield wipers regularly. Windshield wipers that are torn, cracked, bent, or broken can cause a chip in the windshield.
· Only use plastic ice scrapers. Metal ice scrapers can scratch your windshield.
· Regularly check your windshield for any small chips and cracks
· Don’t use hot water to remove ice from the windshield. This will cause any chips to instantly crack your windshield. Instead use table salt to loosen the ice. Keep a salt shaker in the glove box during the winter.
If you do happen to get a chip in your windshield there are steps you can take to help prevent the chip from cracking the windshield until you can repair it:
· On the outside of the windshield, cover the chip with clear plastic tape. This will help keep out moisture and dirt.
· Try not to use the defroster. If it needs to be used, use the lowest setting possible.
· If possible, park in the shade. Leave the side windows cracked in order to keep heat from building up in the car.
· Don’t use anything liquid to seal the chip, such as glue or nail polish.
· Don’t wash the car. Pressure from the hose or the temperature difference between the water and windshield can cause the chip to crack out.
· Don’t use sun shades. They cause the windshield to heat up, which can cause a crack.
· Don’t slam the doors, trunk, or hood. Any extra vibration to the car could cause the chip to crack.
Always try to avoid a chip in your windshield, but if you happen to get one, be sure to immediately follow the steps to protect it and then repair it as soon as possible. While repairing a chip may seem tedious, it beats spending hundreds of dollars on a whole new windshield.
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
http://www.glass-staramerica.com
Glass Star America offers the most practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field of glass repair.
The Windshield Repair Kits are built with a unique "bridgeless" design that avoids unnecessary pressure on the glass surface - which causes many cracks to spread when you use the "other" DIY kits. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
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